What the World Cup in Seattle can teach small businesses about building a brand that is ready for the moment. As the FIFA World Cup in Seattle begins to wrap up, it is hard not to notice what a major moment it has been for the city. The crowds, the cameras, the excitement, the signage, the full restaurants, the packed streets, the fans from around the world — all of it has been a powerful reminder that moments like this do not simply happen overnight. They are planned, organized, promoted,...

Small business owners are really good at doing the work. They serve clients, answer emails, solve problems, update the website when they can, post on social media when they remember, and pull together flyers, emails, or ads when something comes up. But over time, all those little marketing pieces can start to drift. Your website says one thing. Your social media says another. Your flyer has an older logo. Your messaging does not quite match the business you have become. Nothing may be...

A Personal Experience from Jerome at Blue Guardrail Marketing As many of you know, Daddy Cruises ® is a long-time Blue Guardrail client — and a brand I’ve truly enjoyed partnering with. Their trips have a simple mission at heart: Voyages & Vacations for Gay Men, and those who (love to) travel with them. They’re welcoming, easy to join, and designed for regular guys who want to explore the world without pressure or pretense. And honestly, the spirit of their trips can be summed up in one of...