Sometimes I like giving ideas away. For free.
Although coming up with ideas is how I earn my living as a brand strategist, sometimes sharing an inspiration, unrequested, to someone I know might use it just feels good. It’s like blowing on a puffy dandelion and trusting the tiny seeds will land where they should.
I never know when juicy ideas are going to hit. Sometimes I’m under contract and I get compensated. Other times I’ll be talking with a friend starting a new business, or at a networking group, or thinking about an old client, and POW, a lightbulb moment strikes. Often they come hours or days after my brain has processed something I read or talked about. (I keep a little journal in my car for these occasions!)
Regardless of what the ideas are about, I believe they come through me and are meant to be shared. When I give them, I release attachment to how, or if, they’ll be used. Like that dandelion, some seeds find fertile soil and others don’t. I just know that when I’m doing what makes my brain and heart light up at the same time, I’m in the right place.
When I started Roche Brand Advisors a few years back, I initially thought working exclusively with purpose-led nonprofits and businesses would be "the thing" delineating my focus. And while that has been a big part of what works for me, I now know I really do what I do as much for myself as for my clients. Which reminds me of some good advice I recently passed along in another post:
“Pay Yourself First”
Those three words have stuck with me since the Accounting Manager, Elaine, at Barnhart Advertising shared them 30 years ago. At that time, I had to choose regularly between buying groceries or gas as I paid off student loans. That sage advice served then and does still. And it’s a great example in and of itself of how we might never fully realize the impact we have on one another.
I’ll admit I do sometimes hear a naggy voice saying, “Why would you give that idea away dummy?” Or worse, “(Recipient’s name) is going to think that’s weird and pushy to just interject advice when no one asked for it.” Well, I don’t like that voice. What a kill joy! It’s not like I’m worried about running out of ideas. And I’m pretty good about setting boundaries and knowing my worth, so when what could be helpful strikes, and I have a sense it might be appreciated, I trust I’m supposed to share it. Maybe the receiver will use it. Maybe not.
Doing What Feels Good
What feels good is the act of simply doing what comes naturally. Of not keeping score. Of trusting that what I uniquely have to offer will land. I usually receive heartfelt feedback about the offerings, and in the end, I know that I too will be well provided for, sometimes receiving gifts I never saw coming.
Whether you're an individual or represent a large organization, showing up and showing off what we do best is the best form of advertising.
Try giving away a little of whatever you’re good at and see how it goes!
If your organization needs help clearly identifying what its ready to show off to set you apart Roche Brand Advisors can help. Please send me an email or use the button below to schedule a call.