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Small business owner reviewing affordable marketing budget and strategy options for 2026 growth
Business, Business Advice, Business Strategy, Marketing

What Marketing Can You Actually Afford as a Small Business in 2026?

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Marketing was unpredictable in 2025, and every sign points to 2026 being even more challenging for small businesses. Rising marketing costs, constant platform updates, and conflicting advice from so-called “experts” make it difficult for business owners to know where to invest their time and money. As we move into 2026, the real question small businesses are asking is: “Which marketing strategies will deliver results and stay affordable so I can grow without breaking my budget?” Here’s the good news. Effective marketing in 2026 isn’t about spending more, it’s about spending smarter. You don’t need a huge ad budget, a full marketing department, or high-end creative production. You need clarity on the essentials, consistency in how you show up, and a strategy that matches your size, not the size of a Fortune 500 company. Let’s break down what small businesses can actually afford in 2026 (and still get real results). Why Marketing Costs Keep Shifting (And Why Budgeting Feels Harder Than Ever) The small-business marketing landscape has become a moving target. Paid ads are more expensive thanks to increased competition and algorithm shifts. Content demands are higher than ever, more platforms, more formats, more expectations. Agencies are still selling high-priced retainers with unclear deliverables. And AI tools, while helpful, often add yet another monthly subscription instead of simplifying your spend. It’s no wonder small businesses walk into 2026 unsure what’s realistic. The industry keeps inflating the idea of what marketing should cost. But the truth is simple: you don’t need a massive budget to compete. You need smarter allocation, clearer priorities, and a sustainable plan designed for a small-business reality. What Small Businesses Can Afford in 2026 (And Still See Real Results) The most effective 2026 marketing isn’t flashy, it’s foundational, consistent, and practical. Foundational Necessities: These are the must-haves: a clean, functional website, local SEO, regular updates to your Google Business Profile, and a system for collecting reviews. These boost visibility before you even spend on ads. Sustainable Content: Simple, consistent content works: short-form videos, quick social posts, behind-the-scenes photos, and monthly newsletters. You don’t need perfection. You need presence. Strategic Advertising: Small-budget retargeting, local ads, and niche campaigns are still affordable and effective. You don’t need a thousand-dollar ad spend to make an impact. Practical Tools & Automations: Affordable tools, AI-assisted writing, content planners, basic CRMs, and scheduling apps help you stay consistent without hiring extra staff. With the right mix, small businesses can absolutely afford marketing that works in 2026. What Small Businesses Should Stop Overspending On While there’s plenty you can afford in 2026, there’s also a long list of things you can stop pouring money into. The first is oversized retainers with unclear deliverables. Many agencies still charge premium monthly fees without providing the transparency or output small businesses need. If you’re paying thousands and still asking, “What did we actually get this month?”, that’s a red flag. Another common money pit? Untargeted ad campaigns. Running broad ads with no real strategy is one of the fastest ways to burn through a budget. Trend-chasing content falls into the same category, just because big brands are doing something flashy doesn’t mean it’s right for your audience. Then there are the one-off “quick fixes”, a random ad, a single video, a standalone project. They give a short-term bump at best, but they don’t build long-term momentum. And of course, many businesses overspend on complicated software they never use. If a tool sits untouched for weeks, it’s not helping your bottom line. The key to surviving 2026 is simple: avoid unnecessary complexity and focus on the strategies that keep your business visible, consistent, and connected to your community. The Simplest Way to Afford Marketing in 2026 This is where Underdog Digital brings real relief to small businesses. Instead of unpredictable retainers, hourly billing, or surprise invoices, the company offers unlimited marketing for a flat monthly rate. That means one predictable price covers everything, content, design, strategy, email, SEO updates, ads setup, and more. No guessing. No hidden fees. No nickel-and-diming. Marketing in 2026 doesn’t have to break your budget. It just needs to be strategic, sustainable, and built around what small businesses actually need.If you want marketing you can finally afford and depend on connect with Underdog Digital. Let’s build a plan that works for your goals and your budget.

Small business owner using AI marketing tools on laptop to create content and automate tasks
Business, Business Advice, Business Strategy, Marketing

Should Your Small Business Be Using AI for Marketing in 2026?

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Everywhere you turn, someone is telling small businesses the same thing: Use AI or get left behind. But what does that actually mean? Is AI the future of smarter marketing… or just another buzzword destined to disappear like last year’s “must-have” trend? The real answer is simpler than it sounds. AI can absolutely help small businesses in 2026, but only if you understand what it actually does, what it doesn’t do, and where it fits into your marketing strategy. Let’s clear the noise and get to the truth. What AI Can Realistically Do (Without Replacing Humans) AI isn’t a magic button that runs your entire marketing department for you. But it is an incredibly useful tool that can make marketing faster, easier, and more consistent especially when you’re already juggling a dozen responsibilities. Here’s what AI can realistically help with: Content Drafting Assistance: AI can help you brainstorm ideas, draft emails, write captions, or outline blog posts. It cuts down the time it takes to create content, not the quality you bring to it. Customer Service Automations: Think chat assistants, quick replies, or routing common questions. It helps you respond faster without hiring more staff. Scheduling & Posting Support: AI tools can help plan your content calendar, recommend posting times, or even suggest improvements to your messaging. Research & Insights: AI is excellent at pulling data, analyzing trends, and helping you understand what’s actually working. Repurposing Content: Got a great video? AI can help you turn it into short posts, newsletters, or blogs and save hours doing it. AI’s goal isn’t to replace you. It’s to handle the repetitive work so you can focus on the parts of your business that actually require a human. Where AI Helps Small Businesses the Most Small businesses benefit from AI most when it’s used to speed up the things that often fall to the bottom of the to-do list. That includes writing content, posting consistently, staying organized, and keeping marketing moving even on your busiest weeks. AI can help you show up online more often without doubling the workload. It helps you personalize messaging, stay competitive in search results, and simplify your marketing systems all without needing a massive budget or a full team. Used correctly, AI doesn’t replace your marketing. It supports it. It gives you momentum. Where AI Falls Short (And Why You Still Need Strategy & Humans) For all the things AI does well, there are still areas where it simply can’t deliver what a small business needs. AI doesn’t understand your community the way you do. It can’t pick up on the nuances of local customers, seasonal shifts, or the personality that makes your brand unique. Without guidance, AI content can sound generic like something copied from a template instead of coming from a real business with a real story. AI also can’t build relationships. It can’t show up at local events, talk to customers, or create the kind of emotional connection that keeps people coming back. And while AI tools can suggest ideas or schedule posts, they can’t build a long-term strategy on their own. Marketing still needs human direction, human creativity, and human decision-making. AI is powerful, but it’s not a replacement for strategy, it’s a support system. How Small Businesses Should Approach AI in 2025  The right approach to AI in 2025 is simple: use it as a helper, not a substitute. Let AI handle the repetitive tasks, drafting, planning, analyzing, while human expertise guides the voice, direction, and long-term goals of your marketing.If you want to use AI without losing your brand’s voice or wasting time figuring out tools, connect with Underdog Digital. Let’s build a marketing strategy that uses AI the right way.

How to Market a Small Business: A Comprehensive Guide - Underdog Digital
Business, Business Strategy

How to Market a Small Business: A Comprehensive Guide

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Picture this: It\’s another late night at your small business. The clock reads 11:30 PM, and you\’re still hunched over your laptop, trying to figure out how to get more customers through the door. Your product is great, your service is top-notch, but for some reason, it feels like you\’re shouting into the void. Sound familiar? If you\’re nodding your head, you\’re not alone. This scenario plays out in countless small businesses every night. You\’ve poured your heart and soul into your venture, but the harsh reality is that great products don\’t sell themselves. In today\’s crowded marketplace, effective marketing isn\’t just important – it\’s essential for survival. Maybe you\’ve tried boosting a few posts on Facebook, or you\’ve handed out flyers in your local community. Perhaps you\’ve even invested in a website, but it\’s sitting there like a digital business card, not bringing in the leads you hoped for. The world of marketing can feel overwhelming, especially when you\’re already wearing a dozen other hats as a small business owner. But here\’s the good news: you don\’t need a massive budget or a marketing degree to effectively promote your business. What you need is a strategic approach that leverages the right tools and tactics for your unique situation. In this guide, we\’re going to walk you through practical, proven strategies to market your small business. We\’ll cover everything from building a strong brand identity to harnessing the power of social media, SEO, and email marketing. We\’ll also explore how you, as the business owner, can become your brand\’s best ambassador through founder-led branding. So, grab a fresh cup of coffee (you\’ll need it!), and let\’s dive into the world of small business marketing. It\’s time to turn those late nights of worry into productive sessions that will propel your business forward. Small Business Marketing Basics Before diving into specific marketing tactics, it\’s crucial to establish a strong brand identity. This includes: Your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. Ensure it: 3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Improve your visibility in search engine results with these SEO strategies: Leverage social media to build brand awareness and engage with your audience: 5. Email Marketing Build lasting relationships with customers through email: Establish your expertise and attract potential customers with content: Complement your organic efforts with targeted paid advertising: Expand your reach through strategic relationships: To improve your marketing efforts over time: Marketing a small business requires a multi-faceted approach. Start by building a strong brand identity and website, then gradually implement various marketing tactics. Remember that consistency is key, and it\’s often better to excel in a few channels rather than spreading yourself too thin. Marketing a Small Business in Columbia, SC: The #1 Solution In the vibrant city of Columbia, South Carolina, small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. At Underdog Digital, we’re dedicated to supporting and empowering local enterprises with top-tier marketing services. Our unique model offers unlimited marketing tasks starting at just $995 per month, providing exceptional value and allowing you to focus on running your business while we handle your marketing needs. Why Choose Underdog Digital? A Local Marketing Agency Rooted in Columbia As a Columbia-based marketing agency, we have a deep understanding of the local market and the challenges small businesses face. Our commitment to supporting our community drives us to deliver tailored marketing solutions that help local businesses thrive. When you partner with us, you’re choosing a team that’s invested in the success of your business and the Columbia community. Unlimited Marketing Tasks for One Flat Fee Our flat-fee model offers unlimited marketing tasks for just $995 per month. This approach ensures that all your marketing needs are met without the stress of additional costs. Designed for small business owners, our model provides the flexibility and affordability needed to stay competitive. Comprehensive Marketing Services Our unlimited marketing tasks cover a wide range of services to enhance your business’s online presence and drive customer engagement. Here’s a breakdown of what we offer: The Underdog Advantage Tailored Marketing Strategies We recognize that each business is unique. Our marketing strategies are customized to meet your specific needs and goals, whether it’s increasing foot traffic, boosting online sales, or building a loyal customer base. Expert Team, Proven Results Our team of experienced marketing professionals brings a track record of success. We stay updated with the latest marketing trends and technologies, ensuring your business stays ahead of the competition. From SEO and social media to content creation and lead generation, we employ proven tactics to deliver real results. Supporting Columbia’s Small Businesses At Underdog Digital, supporting our local business community is our passion. We believe in building long-term relationships with our clients and contributing to the growth and success of Columbia’s business landscape. By choosing us, you’re not just getting a marketing service—you’re partnering with a team that’s dedicated to seeing your business thrive. Ready to Elevate Your Columbia Business? If you\’re ready to enhance your marketing efforts and achieve your business goals, contact us today. Learn more about how our unlimited marketing tasks can benefit your business. With Underdog Digital, you\’ll get the support you need to grow your brand, attract more customers, and succeed—all for one flat monthly fee. Get Started Today! Contact us now to schedule a consultation and discover how Underdog Digital can help your Columbia business succeed. Click the buttons below to get started! Learn More | Contact Us

25 Business Podcasts You Probably Haven’t Heard Of (But Should) | Underdog Digital
Business

25 Business Podcasts You Probably Haven’t Heard Of (But Should Be Listening To!)

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As a business owner, staying informed, inspired, and entertained can be a challenge. With the vast array of podcasts available, it\’s easy to overlook some hidden gems that can provide immense value. Here’s a curated list of 25 incredible podcasts that cover various business topics. These lesser-known shows are packed with valuable content, presented in fun and engaging ways, and offer fresh perspectives. Let’s dive in! 🌟 1. The Accidental Creative Hosted by Todd Henry Why Listen: Get practical insights on how to stay prolific, brilliant, and healthy in life and work. Ideal for creatives and business owners alike, Todd Henry shares tips on managing creativity, handling stress, and boosting productivity. 2. Marketing Over Coffee Hosted by John J. Wall and Christopher S. Penn Why Listen: This weekly podcast covers both classic and new marketing strategies in a relaxed, conversational format. Perfect for those looking to stay ahead in the marketing game, John and Christopher discuss the latest trends and tools in marketing. 3. The Smart Passive Income Podcast Hosted by Pat Flynn Why Listen: Pat Flynn shares his journey and interviews industry experts about building online businesses and creating passive income streams. A must-listen for entrepreneurial minds, this podcast provides actionable advice and real-life success stories. 4. The Productivity Show Hosted by Thanh Pham Why Listen: Focuses on productivity, time management, and self-improvement. Thanh Pham and guests offer actionable tips to help you work smarter, not harder. This podcast is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their efficiency and achieve their goals. 5. The Pitch Hosted by Josh Muccio Why Listen: Experience the thrill of the pitch room as entrepreneurs pitch their startups to a panel of investors. It\’s like Shark Tank, but in audio form! Learn from the pitches and feedback to refine your own business ideas and strategies. 6. How I Built This Hosted by Guy Raz Why Listen: Guy Raz interviews founders of some of the world\’s best-known companies, diving into their stories and lessons learned. Highly inspiring and motivational, this podcast reveals the ups and downs of building a successful business. 7. The $100 MBA Show Hosted by Omar Zenhom Why Listen: Offers bite-sized business lessons in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy business owners looking to learn something new every day, Omar Zenhom provides practical advice on various aspects of running a business. 8. Business Wars Hosted by David Brown Why Listen: Tells the stories of the epic battles between industry giants. Learn from the successes and failures of the world’s biggest companies in a compelling, narrative format. This podcast is both educational and entertaining, making business history come alive. 9. The Art of Charm Hosted by AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak Why Listen: Focuses on self-improvement, social dynamics, and relationship-building skills. Essential for networking and leadership, AJ and Johnny provide insights into how to improve your personal and professional relationships. 10. The Tim Ferriss Show Hosted by Tim Ferriss Why Listen: Tim Ferriss deconstructs world-class performers from eclectic areas to extract their routines, habits, and more. Get actionable advice from a variety of experts, making it a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to optimize their life and business. 11. Culture & Compliance Hosted by Matt Vaadi Why Listen: Matt Vaadi dives deep into the world of HR, offering insights into hiring and retaining top talent through an awesome company culture. This podcast is perfect for business owners and HR professionals looking to improve employee engagement, retention, and productivity. Matt\’s practical advice and expert interviews make this a must-listen for anyone serious about building a strong company culture. 12. Build Your Network Hosted by Travis Chappell Why Listen: Focuses on the power of networking and relationship-building in business. Travis Chappell interviews top networkers and business leaders to share their strategies for building meaningful connections. 13. The GaryVee Audio Experience Hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk Why Listen: Gary Vaynerchuk shares his insights on entrepreneurship, marketing, and personal branding. Known for his energetic and motivational style, Gary offers practical advice for growing your business and personal brand. 14. Entrepreneurs on Fire Hosted by John Lee Dumas Why Listen: Features interviews with successful entrepreneurs who share their journey, strategies, and insights. This daily podcast is packed with valuable tips and inspiration for anyone looking to start or grow a business. 15. The Influencer Podcast Hosted by Julie Solomon Why Listen: Focuses on the power of influence and how to leverage it for business success. Julie Solomon interviews influencers and experts to share their secrets on building and monetizing a personal brand. 16. Social Media Marketing Podcast Hosted by Michael Stelzner Why Listen: Provides insights and strategies for using social media to grow your business. Michael Stelzner interviews social media experts to discuss the latest trends and best practices. 17. Masters of Scale Hosted by Reid Hoffman Why Listen: Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, interviews iconic founders and leaders to uncover the secrets of scaling a business. This podcast offers valuable lessons on growth and innovation. 18. The Side Hustle School Hosted by Chris Guillebeau Why Listen: Offers daily episodes with practical advice on starting and growing a side hustle. Chris Guillebeau shares inspiring stories of people who have successfully turned their side projects into profitable businesses. 19. Online Marketing Made Easy Hosted by Amy Porterfield Why Listen: Amy Porterfield shares strategies and tips for online marketing, including email marketing, social media, and content creation. This podcast is perfect for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their online presence. 20. The School of Greatness Hosted by Lewis Howes Why Listen: Lewis Howes interviews successful people from various fields to uncover their secrets to greatness. This podcast offers inspiration and practical advice for achieving success in business and life. 21. Smart Agency Masterclass Hosted by Jason Swenk Why Listen: Focuses on helping digital agency owners grow their businesses. Jason Swenk shares insights and strategies for scaling and managing a successful agency. 22. Eventual Millionaire Hosted by Jaime Masters Why Listen: Jaime Masters interviews millionaires to learn how they built

Underdog Digital Announces Partnership with Strayboots to Provide Unlimited Marketing Services
Business

Underdog Digital Announces Partnership with Strayboots to Provide Unlimited Marketing Services

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Columbia, SC — July 9, 2024 — Underdog Digital, a premier local marketing agency renowned for its innovative strategies and community driven approach, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Strayboots, a leading corporate scavenger hunt and team-building company. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as Underdog Digital extends its unlimited marketing services to enhance the company\’s digital presence and engagement. Strayboots has established itself as a frontrunner in the corporate team-building industry, offering unique scavenger hunts and interactive experiences that foster collaboration, creativity, and fun. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, the company has transformed team-building activities for companies worldwide. We are incredibly excited to partner with Strayboots, said Karen Altman, Director of Marketing at Underdog Digital. Their innovative approach to team building aligns perfectly with our creative marketing strategies. By providing unlimited marketing services, we aim to amplify the company\’s reach and impact, helping them connect with even more organizations looking to enhance their team dynamics. Through this partnership, Underdog Digital will deliver a comprehensive suite of marketing services to the company, including: This collaboration is set to revolutionize the company\’s marketing efforts, enabling them to connect with a broader audience and showcase the benefits of their corporate scavenger hunts and team-building activities. For more information about Underdog Digital and their services, visit www.underdogdigital.com. To learn more about the company and their team-building experiences, visit www.strayboots.com. About Underdog Digital Underdog Digital is a leading digital marketing agency based in Columbia, SC. Specializing in community-focused marketing solutions, the agency is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes achieve their marketing goals through innovative strategies and creative execution. Their unlimited marketing tasks model for a low monthly-fee allows businesses to grow without paying an arm and a leg. About Strayboots Strayboots is a premier corporate scavenger hunt and team-building company that creates interactive and engaging experiences for organizations worldwide. With a focus on fostering teamwork, creativity, and fun, the company offers unique solutions to enhance corporate culture and team dynamics. Media Contacts: Underdog DigitalKaren Altman, Director of MarketingEmail: karen@underdogdigital.comPhone: (803) 555-1234

Business

Building a Community Through Personal Branding: Fueling Small Business Growth

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In today’s competitive landscape, small businesses need more than just a great product or service to thrive. They need a loyal community of customers, advocates, and partners. One of the most effective ways to build this community is through personal branding. By establishing a strong personal brand, small business owners can create genuine connections, foster trust, and ultimately drive growth. Here’s how you can leverage personal branding to build a thriving community around your small business. Understanding Personal Branding Personal branding is the practice of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. It’s about showcasing your unique strengths, values, and personality to differentiate yourself from others. For small business owners, a well-crafted personal brand can humanize your business, making it more relatable and trustworthy. Why Personal Branding Matters for Small Business Growth Steps to Build a Strong Personal Brand Measuring the Impact of Your Personal Brand To ensure your personal branding efforts are driving small business growth, track key metrics such as engagement rates, follower growth, website traffic, and conversion rates. Use these insights to refine your strategy and continue delivering value to your community. Case Studies: Success Stories Conclusion Building a community through personal branding is a powerful strategy for small business growth. By being authentic, sharing valuable content, and engaging with your audience, you can create meaningful connections and foster a loyal following. As your personal brand grows, so will your business, paving the way for long-term success. Embrace the power of personal branding and watch your small business flourish.

Impact of Founder-Led Branding on Business | Underdog Digital
Brand Identity, Business

The Impact of Founder-Led Branding: Driving Business Success with Personal Authenticity

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In today\’s social-obsessed world, the lines between personal and professional brands are often blurred. Founders who recognize the power of their personal brand and strategically align it with their company\’s identity can unlock unparalleled growth and influence in their industry. This symbiotic relationship between a founder\’s personal presence and their company\’s brand not only humanizes the business but also establishes the founder as a thought leader, fostering trust and loyalty among consumers. Let\’s delve into how this dynamic works and examine two examples like Sara Blakely from Spanx and Matt Vaadi from guHRoo. These two have completely different businesses, but the same founder-led mindset. The Personal Touch: Building Trust and Authenticity One of the primary benefits of founders using their personal brand to promote their company is the authenticity they bring. Consumers today crave genuine connections and transparency. When founders share their journey, struggles, and successes, they create a relatable narrative that resonates with their audience. For instance, Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, often shares personal stories and motivation on her social media platforms. By doing so, she not only promotes Spanx but also builds a personal connection with her followers. Her authenticity and willingness to share both her achievements and failures have endeared her to millions, making Spanx a beloved brand that represents more than just shapewear—it stands for resilience and innovation. One of the things she is most known for is her ‘mugshots’ Becoming a Thought Leader: Shaping Industry Conversations Founders who actively engage on social media and other platforms can position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. This not only enhances their personal reputation but also elevates their company\’s status. Thought leadership involves sharing valuable insights, industry trends, and forward-thinking ideas that can influence and inspire others. Matt Vaadi, founder of guHRoo, exemplifies this approach. By regularly posting on social media about HR trends, leadership strategies, and company culture, he has established himself as an authority in the HR space. His insights not only benefit his followers but also enhance guHRoo\’s reputation as a forward-thinking, resource-based company. This dual founder branding strategy ensures that both Vaadi and guHRoo are seen as leaders in their field. Building a Network: Leveraging Connections for Growth Active personal branding also involves networking and building connections that can lead to business opportunities. Founders who are visible and active on social media can attract potential partners, investors, and customers who align with their vision and values.Through her vibrant social media presence, Sara Blakely has connected with numerous influential figures across various industries. These connections have not only provided her with valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth but have also expanded Spanx\’s reach and influence. Humanizing the Brand: Creating a Relatable Identity When founders put their face to the brand, they humanize the company, making it more relatable and approachable. This is especially crucial for startups and small businesses that are still building their reputation and customer base. Matt Vaadi\’s personal engagement on social media helps humanize guHRoo, a company dedicated to making HR services accessible and efficient for small businesses. By sharing personal anecdotes, industry tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his entrepreneurial journey, Vaadi makes guHRoo more than just a service provider—it becomes a trusted partner that understands and addresses the real challenges faced by its clients. Strategic Storytelling: Crafting a Compelling Narrative The art of storytelling is central to effective personal branding. Founders who can craft and share compelling stories about their journey, their company’s mission, and the impact of their work can captivate and engage their audience on a deeper level. Sara Blakely’s storytelling prowess is evident in her social media posts, interviews, and public appearances. She consistently shares the story of how she started Spanx with just $5,000 in savings and a relentless drive to solve a common problem faced by women. This narrative not only inspires aspiring entrepreneurs but also reinforces Spanx\’s brand identity as a company rooted in innovation and perseverance. Conclusion: The Symbiotic Power of Personal and Corporate Founder Branding The connection between a founder\’s personal branding and their company\’s success is undeniable. By actively promoting their personal brand in tandem with their company, founders like Sara Blakely and Matt Vaadi create a powerful synergy that drives both personal and business growth. They establish trust, build thought leadership, expand their networks, humanize their brand, and craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience. In an era where authenticity and connection are paramount, founders who embrace this strategy are not only propelling their companies to new heights but are also shaping the future of their industries. As more entrepreneurs recognize the value of this approach, the impact of personal branding will continue to grow, creating a landscape where the face behind the company is just as important as the company itself. Underdog Digital is helping founders dive into founder branding. Learn more here.

Business, Business Advice

Growing a Small Business: The 12 Key Areas of Scalability

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Growing a small business can feel like assembling a complex jigsaw puzzle. You start with a vision of the final picture – your ultimate business goal – but all you have in front of you are hundreds of pieces. How do these pieces fit together? Where do you even begin?Start with this roadmap. There are 12 key areas that you need to execute well to scale. Master these areas, and growth is inevitable. Strong Leadership: Steering the Ship The importance of strong leadership cannot be overstated. Leaders act as the compass for their organizations, setting the course and inspiring their teams to follow. They must possess the vision to see opportunities where others see obstacles and the courage to take calculated risks. Leadership is about embodying the values you want to see in your team, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged, and challenges are met with resilience and determination. Lead by example – be decisive, adaptable, and consistently work to inspire your team. Clear Vision and Strategy: Mapping the Journey A clear vision and a well-defined strategy serve as the roadmap for any small business aspiring to grow. It\’s not enough to know where you want to go; you must also outline how you plan to get there. This involves setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and devising a strategic plan that aligns with your company\’s core values and objectives. A well-crafted strategy takes into account the competitive landscape, customer needs, and market trends, ensuring that your business remains relevant and agile. It doesn’t help to simply create a strategy and never stick to it. Communicate the strategy with your team and hold one another accountable. Consistently check in on your progress. Adaptable Business Model: Navigating Changes The only constant in business is change. An adaptable business model is crucial for survival in an ever-evolving market. This means being open to pivoting your approach, diversifying your offerings, or even completely overhauling your business model in response to new challenges and opportunities. Flexibility allows you to respond to market demands, stay ahead of competitors, and meet your customers\’ needs more effectively. Staying stuck-in-your-ways is a recipe for falling behind. Efficient Processes and Systems: The Gears of Growth Efficiency is the engine that drives business growth. Streamlining your processes and systems not only improves productivity but also enhances the quality of your products or services. Investing in technology, automating routine tasks, and optimizing operations can free up valuable resources, allowing you to focus on innovation and strategic planning. A lean, efficient operation is better equipped to scale and adapt to changing business dynamics. Automate and delegate to external resources where you can. Customer-Centric Approach: The Heart of Your Business At the core of every successful business is a deep understanding of its customers. A customer-centric approach means prioritizing the needs and experiences of your customers in every decision you make. It\’s about building relationships, understanding their pain points, and delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations. Satisfied customers are more likely to become loyal advocates for your brand, driving growth through word-of-mouth and repeat business. Create avenues to give your customers more. Provide resources, training sessions, etc that all of your current customers have access to. Strong Financial Management: Fueling Your Expansion Robust financial management is the foundation upon which sustainable growth is built. This encompasses everything from careful budgeting and cash flow management to strategic investment and revenue optimization. Understanding your financials allows you to make informed decisions, identify opportunities for improvement, and mitigate risks. If you’re looking for investors, this area is critical. Always know how your finances stand now, how they were in the past, and how they are predicted to be in the future. Talent Management: Cultivating Your Garden Your team is your most valuable asset. Talent management is about attracting, developing, and retaining the right people who can contribute to your vision and growth. This involves creating a positive work culture, offering opportunities for professional development, and recognizing and rewarding contributions. A motivated, skilled team is instrumental in driving innovation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and achieving business objectives.A bad hire can kill your business. Hire slow with intentionality. Continuously offer opportunities for your team to grow to keep your people around. Scalable Infrastructure: Building for the Future As your business grows, so should your infrastructure. Scalable infrastructure is about having the systems, technology, and processes in place that can accommodate growth without compromising on performance or customer experience. This might mean investing in cloud-based solutions, expanding your physical space, or upgrading your technology stack to ensure that your business can handle increased demand and complexity. Culture of Innovation and Continuous Improvement: The Path to Excellence A culture of innovation and continuous improvement is what sets leading businesses apart. Encouraging your team to challenge the status quo, experiment with new ideas, and learn from failures creates a dynamic environment where innovation thrives. Continuous improvement is about constantly seeking ways to do things better, more efficiently, and more effectively, ensuring your business remains competitive and relevant. Robust Marketing and Sales: Amplifying Your Message Effective marketing and sales strategies are critical for driving growth. This involves understanding your market, crafting compelling messaging, and leveraging the right channels to reach your audience. A robust marketing and sales approach not only drives revenue but also builds brand awareness and establishes your business as a leader in its field. Be sure to have a well-defined process for lead generation and follow-up. Network and Partnerships: Expanding Your Horizon Building a strong network and forging strategic partnerships can open up new opportunities for growth. Collaborations with other businesses, industry associations, or influencers can provide access to new markets, resources, and knowledge. Networking is also invaluable for learning from peers, staying informed about industry trends, and finding potential collaborators, mentors, or investors. For startups and small businesses, you have to become locally known before you can grow. Legal and Compliance Awareness: Safeguarding Your Journey Finally, navigating the

Business, Business Advice, Business Strategy

The Key To Overcoming Lack Of Resources

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Alright, it’s been a while, but I’m back. No excuses, but we have been wide open. We have added six new people to the guHRoo and Underdog Digital teams in the last 30 days. This is a pretty substantial uptick for our team bringing us over 20 people combined. Anyhow, thanks for bearing with me and I am excited to share some updates. I have thought about sharing our growth from behind the scenes in the newsletter. Would you be interested in that? If so, send me a note at matt@guhroo.co. Otherwise, we will just keep sharing some of the tips we have learned to continue to grow and scale. This week I want to talk about overcoming the lack of resources you have as a small business owner. There is no shortage of challenges that you face on a daily basis. But one of the most significant challenges is often the lack of resources. When you\’re operating with limited funds, it can be difficult to make the investments you need to take your business to the next level. You may find yourself struggling to hire the right talent or invest in marketing and advertising campaigns that could bring in new customers. You may be forced to make tough choices about where to allocate your limited resources, often sacrificing growth opportunities in the process. And when you\’re constantly fighting to keep your head above water, it\’s easy to feel like you\’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of limited growth and diminished returns. But here\’s the thing: you don\’t have to accept this reality. There are three ways I have found we can overcome a lack of resources to build a thriving, sustainable business. This is what we have done at our companies over the last nine years. By leveraging technology, prioritizing spending, and collaborating with others, we have found these ways help us to make the most of our limited resources and achieve our growth goals. Leverage technology: Technology can be a powerful tool for small businesses that are operating with limited resources. You can automate tasks, streamline operations, and reach customers more effectively. How this works for us: we try to automate EVERYTHING. We use over 40 pieces of software (which can be overwhelming to new hires) but allows our staff to stay lean and mean. Our leadership team is spending one hour per week this quarter reviewing things our team does on a daily basis that can be automated or removed from our workflows. Prioritize spending: When resources are limited, you’ve got to be strategic about where you invest your time and money. Prioritizing spending involves identifying the areas of the business that will have the greatest impact on growth and profitability, and focusing resources on those areas. This means getting real with yourself – is what you’re doing and spending money on really moving the needle? How this works for us: To improve our sales and marketing efforts, we review all of our new clients and how we got in contact with them. This helps us to make sure we are investing only in things that move the needle. We don’t want to spend time and money on channels that don’t have an ROI. Collaborate with others: Collaboration can be a powerful way for small businesses to overcome the limitations of limited resources. By working with other businesses, industry associations, or even government agencies, you can pool resources and achieve economies of scale. How this works for us: We collaborate and partner on all sides of the house. We leverage partners for things we don’t want to build into our software and integrate with them. We sell primarily through partners (like CPA’s) and work with others to create win/win/win situations. This one cannot be overstated, the partnership economy is real. You need to look for strategic partners where you can provide value and vice versa. Ultimately, the key to overcoming a lack of resources is to be strategic, resourceful, and flexible. You’ve got to be able to adapt to changing circumstances, make the most of the resources you have, and take advantage of new opportunities that position you for success. Let me know what topics you want to hear more about in Growth Models. Cheers, Matt