The Silent Mistake That Might Be Hurting Your Brand

Ever felt the pressure to just post something on Instagram — anything — so you don’t “disappear”?
If so, you might be falling into a common digital marketing trap: using random holidays without any real strategy behind them.


Not Every Holiday Deserves a Post

From Friendship Day to National Asteroid Day, many small businesses rely on holiday calendars to fill their content schedule. But here’s the issue:
If the date has no real connection to your brand, values, or audience, it can do more harm than good.

You risk confusing your followers, sounding generic, and missing the chance to stand out with intentional content.


Good Intention, Poor Execution

Let’s be honest — staying consistent on social media is tough. And holiday calendars look like an easy way out. But here’s where it goes wrong:
🔸 Jumping from one random date to another.
🔸 Trying to please everyone.
🔸 Using any excuse to post, without a clear message.

What could’ve been engaging ends up as noise.


So What Should You Do Instead?

Instead of trying to leverage every holiday, choose a few that genuinely align with your business.

Before posting, ask yourself:

  • Does this date mean something to my audience?
  • Is it aligned with my brand values?
  • Do I actually have something relevant to say?

If the answer is “not sure” or “probably not,” let that one go.
Your time — and your audience — deserves content with purpose.


Are You Treating Trade Shows Like a School Project?

Let’s be honest.

A lot of people approach trade shows and seasonal campaigns like they’re doing a last-minute school assignment:
→ “Let’s just show up and see what happens.”
→ “I’ll post something quick on Instagram and call it a day.”
→ “We’ll figure it out there.” 😅

And guess what? The results usually reflect that same level of improvisation.

Here’s what I’ve seen:

  • People spending hundreds (sometimes thousands) on booths and materials… with zero strategy.
  • Businesses treating a major holiday as just another day in the feed.
  • Great products and services being completely overlooked — not because they’re bad, but because the planning was.

I get it. Running a business is intense. Marketing takes time.
But what if I told you that trade shows and seasonal dates could actually lighten your load — if done right?

Seriously. These are pre-built opportunities to connect with your audience.
They’re not the time to go “meh, I’ll wing it.”

So if you’ve been coasting through fairs or half-posting on special dates, maybe this is your nudge.

I’ll be talking more about how to shift from “let’s just show up” to “let’s make this count” — over on my Instagram, LinkedIn, and right here on the blog.

Stick around. Let’s make your marketing work smarter — not just harder.

Title: 5 Networking Tips That Actually Work (Especially If You’re Tired of Small Talk)

If you’ve ever Googled “how to network without feeling fake” or searched for “networking events for professionals,” you’re not alone.

Many entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals know they should network—but they often feel overwhelmed, unsure, or just plain awkward doing it.

Whether you’re walking into a room full of strangers or showing up at your first professional networking event, the pressure to make a good impression can feel intense.

So how can you network with confidence, without turning into a sales machine or hiding in the corner with your coffee?

Here are 5 simple and practical networking tips that actually help you build meaningful connections:


1. Be Yourself

It sounds simple, but many people enter networking spaces trying to impress instead of connect. You don’t need to have the perfect pitch or most polished persona. Show up as yourself—authenticity is your best asset.


2. Offer Before You Ask

Before jumping into what you need, consider what you can give. Maybe it’s a helpful tip, a contact, or even just your attention and encouragement. This creates a foundation of trust and mutual respect.


3. Wear Something That Sparks Conversation

This isn’t about style—it’s about approachability. A bold color, statement necklace, or a pin with a story behind it can open the door to easy conversation starters. It lowers the barrier for others to talk to you.


4. Get to the Point

Clarity makes you memorable. Instead of overexplaining your background or services, try: “I help small business owners grow through clear marketing strategies” or “I’m transitioning into tech marketing after 5 years in hospitality.” Keep it short and specific.


5. Focus on Genuine Connection

You don’t need to meet everyone. One or two real, aligned connections are more valuable than a dozen surface-level chats. Listen actively. Ask thoughtful questions. Follow up after the event with a simple message or email.


Why These Networking Tips Work

These aren’t tricks—they’re grounded in human connection. They work because they shift your focus from “How can I sell myself?” to “How can I be present and intentional?”

If you’re searching for how to network effectively, especially in real-world events, remember: it’s not about quantity. It’s about quality.


Ready to Put These Tips Into Practice?

If you’re based in Vancouver and looking for networking events for entrepreneurs and professionals, check out the Speed Networking Café happening on June 19.

It’s a purpose-driven evening designed to help you meet 40+ professionals and small business owners in a warm, welcoming space—with a bonus panel on AI and marketing.

🎟️ Learn more and get your ticket here: Speed Networking Café – Eventbrite


Looking for more networking advice or support with your marketing strategy?
Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn for weekly tips and resources.

#NetworkingTips #HowToNetwork #NetworkingEvents #ProfessionalNetworking #MarketingForSmallBusiness #CareerNetworking #VancouverEvents

The Power of Networking (And an Invitation You Don’t Want to Miss)

If you’re trying to grow your business, find collaborators, or explore new career paths, there’s one strategy that consistently opens doors: networking.

Not the awkward, forced kind—but the genuine, strategic kind. The kind where you walk away with new ideas, aligned partnerships, and that spark of motivation that reminds you why you started.

Networking is where growth really begins. Here’s why:

  • It connects you with people who can challenge, support, or even join your journey.
  • It’s a fast-track to learning—through conversations, not just content.
  • It creates visibility. When the right people know what you do, your next client or opportunity might be just one chat away.

Still, for many of us, traditional networking events feel overwhelming or unproductive. That’s why we created something different.


Introducing: Speed Networking Café
A fresh take on networking in Vancouver—designed for small business owners, marketers, and career-changers who want meaningful connections (without the small talk fatigue).

Here’s what makes it different:

  • Fast-paced, guided conversations inspired by the “business speed dating” format
  • Over 40 potential connections in one evening
  • A cozy, curated atmosphere with artisan coffee and real conversation
  • A special panel on AI and marketing, featuring expert Fernanda Ave

Event Details
Date: June 19
Time: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: 978 Granville St, Vancouver
Organized by: E-Volving Consulting + People’s Resource Hub
Tickets: $30 (Early Bird)

This event is ideal for:

  • Small business owners
  • Marketing professionals
  • Students and career-changers
  • Anyone looking to expand their network with purpose

Let’s make networking more intentional—and more impactful.

Reserve your spot now: Register here

We’d love to welcome you. Come for the connections, stay for the conversations that might just shift everything.