Reader,
Five years ago, I was on my way to Tahoe for a ski trip with my closest friends, celebrating my 40th birthday. I was the Sr. Director of Communications at a national nonprofit, a place that had been my home for nearly 15 years. Life was good. Routine. Predictable.
And then, as we all know, a week later, the world shut down.
Within two months, I, like sadly many federal workers this week, was given 15 minutes to clear out my office after being let go.
So, Where Am I Going With This?
We all have our before-and-after stories. And while I’m not trying to make this that kind of anniversary email, maybe I kind of am.
Because right now, things feel hard again. There’s uncertainty, stress and a lot of noise. And when things feel uncertain, we do what we did back then: we reassess.
During COVID, we simplified. We leaned into the things that mattered... family, friendships, fresh air, joy. We learned to bake bread, took long walks, and found creative ways to connect.
And out of that simplicity, things evolved.
The Marketing Lesson in All of This?
Marketing isn’t about doing what everyone else is doing. It’s about doing what works for you.
Just because we once believed work had to be 9-5 with long commutes doesn’t mean it should be that way. And just because people have been marketing a certain way for years doesn’t mean it’s the right way for you.
That’s why I focus on streamlining. Simplifying. Finding joy in marketing again. Making it work for your personality, strengths and goals.
So as we move into March, ask yourself:
🥂 What’s one thing you’re doing in your business just because “that’s how it’s done”?
🥂 And more importantly, what’s a new way that might work better for you?
This Month's Vibe Check✨
It’s my birthday today, so let’s start with two gifts for you! 🎉
✨ Gift #1: Subject Line Mixology GPT
Shake up your email open rates with my Subject Line Mixology GPT! Just paste your email content into this custom ChatGPT, and it’ll serve up 20 irresistible subject lines -10 classic and creative and 10 bold and unconventional. Get instant access here!
✨ Gift #2: Clickable AF CTAs for Just $1
My friend Sam at Nomad Copy is offering her CTA training + swipe file for just $1 because a great CTA makes all the difference. Grab it here with code BRANDBAR (This deal expires at midnight!)
And for a couple of non-birthday things...
🍸 The Choose-Your-Own-Cocktail Adventure is LIVE!
I’ve been working hard on my interactive email experience, and guess what? It’s officially turned on for new subscribers! Anyone joining my list this month will go through it. With upcoming bundles, email swaps, and a wave of new subscribers, it’s the perfect time to test it, tweak it, and make it even better before I open it up to all of you!
🌞 Taking Work Outside
Last Wednesday, the weather was absolutely delightful, so Forest and I worked from an outdoor spot designed for dogs + their humans—think dog park meets beer garden with great WiFi. And this Wednesday? I’m meeting a business friend to work from a spa with a rooftop pool.
Technically, it’s still winter, but my new goal is to get out of my office/bedroom more and take advantage of beautiful days whenever I can. Work feels way better with fresh air (or a pool view). Where do you like to work when you need a change of scenery?
March Happenings at The Bar
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Last month, we refreshed your website and now, it’s time to make sure your email is working for you.
We’re diving into all things email marketing this month. No more sending emails just to check a box—we want strategy, data that proves they’re working, and a list that’s growing and engaged.
🔹 Guest Masterclasses:
- Holly Haynes | The CEO Week Framework: Get more done in less time | 3/14 at 12 PM ET
- Beth Nydick | Podcast Guesting: How to turn your next appearance into new clients | 3/31 at 4 PM ET
If your email list could use a boost (or a strategy revamp), you won’t want to miss this month inside The Marketing Bar.
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Monthly Specials! Here’s How We Can Work Together:
🥂
The Marketing Bar
Want to go deeper? Upgrade to the annual plan and get quarterly 2-hour planning workshops + a 1:1 strategy call with me.
Subscribe for $324/year→
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🍾
Squarespace Sites
I’m kicking off my 15th website build — these aren’t just pretty sites, they’re built to convert.
Book your build or refresh→
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Coaching Sprints
Quick, focused sessions to solve your biggest brand, marketing or tech challenges and get you back on track.
Book a sprint for $300 →
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