What I Learned While on Vacation By: Jackie Robinson

I have always believed that what’s closest to you has the most profound impact on you.  I still believe that to a certain degree when it comes to certain things.  But, while on vacation in Cancun this year, I realized different.
First let me say, that was the best vacation I have experienced so far.  An all-inclusive resort, days on the beach, time in the pool, special activities, and a birthday celebration with 15 other people was time very well spent.
While on that vacation, I experienced something that never ran across my mind.  Being the business woman that I am, I promote, advertise, and market my business whenever possible, as long as it aligns with my brand.  I wear my own products, like t-shirts, hats, and fragrances.  I use my own accessories, coffee mugs, tote bags, mouse pads, portfolios, etc.  Of course, I took some of my gear on vacation with me so one of the days while on vacation, I was wearing one of my SheBoss-branded t-shirts and sun visors. 

As I left our room and went to grab something to snack on at SPOON, one of my favorite spots at the resort, I was walking and a young lady stopped and said “Hey, I’ve seen that on Instagram”, as she pointed at my t-shirt.  That was totally unexpected.  Talk about brand recognition! I was in Cancun, Mexico and another guest of the resort recognized my brand! Although brand recognition does not always equate to a purchase, it lends to brand development, which is just as important. That made me feel really good and I couldn’t wait to get back to my room to share the experience with my husband and post about it on Facebook.

​ I reflected on it for a little while and came to these conclusions, as it relates to entrepreneurship:

1. There are times when you might get more recognition from afar, rather than in close proximity.
2. Support or recognition does not always come from where we expect it to come from.
3. Even though you might not be where you want to be just yet with your business, you must continue to build your brand and include social media in your marketing mix. Figure out the best strategy and don’t stop. People are really watching, even if they never say a word to you.
4. In order to be effective in marketing your business, you have to cast your net in unfamiliar territory. Don’t insulate yourself within groups and networks you are familiar with only.  You will be doing your business/brand a disservice.

I was given a directive not to be “She-Bossin’” while we were on vacation, because we were on vacation, and my peeps wanted me to relax and enjoy. I did my best to oblige and only snuck one or two posts in to my Facebook community (I got busted too).  When you are passionate, excited and ambitious about something, especially your own, it’s hard to step away from it completely, even while on vacation. If I had not done anything else related to SheBoss Unlimited, I’m glad I represented my brand in another country.  If not, I would have never known exactly how effective my social media strategies are and I would not have had that moment of confirmation…….. and feeling myself.  Whenever I’m traveling (flying) I make it a point to wear one of my shirts.  Every single time, someone compliments it, saying they like the logo and/or they inquire about what “SheBoss” is or stands for.  I love my logo, it’s eye-catching and is a conversation starter.  Shout out to my graphic designer Chenelle for capturing my vision!
My final reflection is…….

You are the most effective representation of your brand so wear it, speak it, live it, promote it and be it! Do this as often as possible, even if it appears to annoy those who are not entrepreneurs and have no idea how hard you have to push your brand in order for it to be successful.  Go hard with no regrets! Promote your brand, even while on vacation, you never know who might recognize it! Entrepreneurs are always “ON”!
 

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