Small Business Archives - Page 3 of 4

Google Analytics 4: Understanding the Customer Journey

Posted on March 17, 2023 - 11:52 pm by Heather DeVine

Have you heard of the next big wave in consumer analytics tracking?

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) takes us into an exciting time for marketing and sales professionals. GA4 allows us to dive deeper into our understanding of consumer behavior. GA4 allows us to analyze key items in the life cycle of an event measuring value by, what content engages a user to come to the site initially, what leads to abandoned shopping carts, and more. Being able to understand the customer journey more intimately will allow marketers to discover what trends consumers are looking for in their digital experience and better serve them.

We live in the digital age and with that comes ever-changing regulations and security protocols. End users are making more demands for control of their privacy. Users demand privacy on how their data becomes used, tracked, and stored on websites. The amount of data generated and available across websites and apps is staggering and constantly increasing.

There needed to be a new solution to account for this. GA4 creates instant web and app property data. App and website data will now measure using event-based (any specific occurrence on a website) rather than session-based data. This allows us to isolate many events across a user’s experience on a website or app, rather than one session. This provides a more complete and accurate understanding of the customer’s journey on various devices, from a brand-new site visitor to a repeat customer. The data and insights we now can pull with GA4 properties allow your business to scale and work with cookie/cookieless sessions

GA4, designed to replace dated technology on Universal Analytics (UA) and Google Analytics 360 (GA360), will stop collecting data on July 1, 2023. Additionally, GA360 will stop collecting data on July 1, 2024.

A Few Key Insights on Google Analytics 4

Better Tracking: With Google Analytics 4, you can track more types of user interactions on your website. Whether it be scrolling or engagement with videos. This gives you a more complete picture of how people are using your site, which can help you make improvements.
Easier-to-Use Interface: The GA4 interface is designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly than previous versions. This makes it easier to find the information you need and understand what it means.
Enhanced Insights: Google Analytics 4 uses machine learning to provide insights into user behavior and trends. This means you can get a better understanding of what’s working on your site and what’s not, and make changes accordingly.
Cross-Device Tracking: GA4 allows you to track users across multiple devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This is becoming increasingly important as more people use multiple devices to access the internet.
Future-Proofing: Google Analytics 4 is designed to be more flexible and adaptable to changes in technology and user behavior. This means you’ll be better equipped to keep up with changes in the digital landscape. By doing this, you can stay ahead of the competition.

Overall, Google Analytics 4 is a powerful tool that can help you make data-driven decisions to improve your website and grow your business.

Getting Started

Getting started with GA4 is easy for any small business owner. It requires only getting an account set up and adding the tracking code to your website. After this, it’s all about setting up conversions and determining what items are most important to you for measuring. What is a conversion? They are any measurable event or action the user takes on your website, including page views, filling out forms, buying products, and more. There are more reports than ever available with the launch of GA4 from general overview reports to more in-depth items on customer engagement, monetization, and acquisition. Read more from MonsterInsights on how to get started with GA4 on your WordPress site, conversions, and the reports available to you.

We can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store for analytics. All the insights are immediately at the fingertips of marketing and sales departments all over the globe. What are you going to track first? What strategic decisions are you hoping to make for your business? Email us at hello@transcendideas.com today to learn how we can help you make the transition to the latest technology available in analytics tracking with Google Analytics 4!

Coming up Dry with Content Writing?

Posted on January 27, 2023 - 3:27 pm by Heather DeVine

Are you having a dry spell?

It happens. Where trying to come up with new content can take time and effort. Are you coming up dry with content writing? Here are some excellent ways to help ignite inspiration in writing content for your business:

Tell a story out of the personal experience
Refocus on your goals – ask yourself what’s important to share to stay in alignment with your messaging
Utilize a subject you came across in your news feed and put your unique twist on it
Create Google Alerts – you’ll receive an email any time that particular keyword or keyphrase comes across the headlines (blog, articles, videos)
Revisit old content – rinse and recycle it like it’s new again!
Stay inspired – read a book, have a conversation, listen to a podcast, and let it sink in and inspire you!

List for content ideas from Transcend ideas. "Coming up dry with content writing? Tell a story, refocus on your goals, put your special twist on something, Google Alerts - use keyphrases on subjects of interest, revisit old content - rinse and recycle it."

Even this blog post helped me reignite some ideas for blog posts and social media posts in 2023! Jot down your content ideas and spread them out over time. Set a goal to share content with your audience, in order to keep engagement alive. They want to hear from you and what you have to share. Here are some ways to keep your content marketing flowing smoothly:

Formula to Follow for Content Marketing

Outline the subject matter with lists; everyone loves a good digestible list!
Reference videos or audio to help your reader tie it all together (short form video “reel” or TikTok to touch on your key points)
Short form writing (5-7 mins read), people are busy..
Supportive graphics adapted for social media with Canva
Use Grammarly to proofread your writing (God knows I need it)
Reinforce your images with Alternative text to ensure your content is more accessible and strong captions for your posts but not too long, keep it short and sweet with CTA to read more and sign-up
A clear CTA (call-to-action) at the end of the writing with what to do with this information they just read
Automate your social media posts and reference to the content
Use relevant hashtags but don’t overload on them
Don’t shy away from 🔥emojis, if I’m writing on my desktop I utilize emojipedia.org

Get inspired: Inspiring podcast episode from NPR Life Kit that might help ignite some curiosity in your personal branding.

We all have times when we feel we are coming up dry with content writing. Get back into creating with some curiosity, have some fun, and speak authentically.

Stay tuned for more content that may help with your messaging.

Topics we cover: Marketing | Branding | Case Studies | People

Canva is a Business Lifesaver

Posted on December 2, 2022 - 5:29 pm by Heather DeVine

If you are unfamiliar with Canva, let me help enlighten you. And if you already know about Canva, then you’ll be nodding your head in agreement with how much this platform is an ultimate business lifesaver.

I have worked on this platform for many years. I must say now I might as well be a spokeswoman for them. They have been THE tool I use for my supporting graphics for my clients and for my business and non-profit purposes. The free version I coasted on for years, and ever since I began my business, I knew I wanted to pay for Canva Pro that unlocked more features that make my creative flow that much easier.

My Top 10 Reasons you should be utilizing Canva:

Branding your Canva experience – Hone your colors and fonts so you can utilize them with ease between design projects. Read this article and watch the video by Canva on brand building
Draw inspiration from Canva templates – Templates are there to inspire your creation but be sure to change it enough, so it looks different from the template you began with. A regular Canva users can spot a template a mile away.
Pull in Elements that would help compliment your graphic – Shapes, illustrations, photo frames, animated gifs, photo collages, etc.
Keep colors consistent – Use the eyedropper; also, notice anything you uploaded in the canvas will pick up on the colors in your design; trust me a great feature you should take advantage of! Read the article and watch the video by Canva on your brand colors
Share with your team – You can share your design templates with your team so they can review/modify as necessary.
Animate!!!! – You can animate your whole design, change the duration of the animation, the animation effect, and you can even animate from one page to another to create a compelling story for your auidence.
Alignment/centering – This might sound small, but if you don’t have your main elements centered, it can throw off the composition of the design. It takes more than dragging and clicking, it takes an eye too.
Fonts! – There are so many to choose from, AND you can even upload your own fonts installed on your computer if you are still looking for a close resemblance in their font library. I will share what fonts to avoid in my opinion, so look out for that soon!
Export & resize in so many different formats – pdf, jpg, png, gif, mp4, that support your use of the graphic or video. Resize your graphics for different purposes – social media, business cards, flyers, postcards/greeting cards, stickers, etc.
Desktop AND App – Access to this design platform on your desktop and your app is an absolute gamechanger! This allows you to toggle between each device and post with ease.

Samples Designed by Transcend Ideas

People Spread Love Old Bill’s Fun Run (Insta Square)

Client graphics in use: Jackson Hole Fire and EMS, GAP!, pARTners, People Spread Love, Jackson Hole Nordic & Womxn Life Freedom.

Canva Custom Templates and Links to Purchase

I am excited to offer this new supporting graphics bundle to clients. Canva is a powerful tool that I use almost (not entirely) exclusively. To set yourself up for success for your business or non-profit, having custom-made templates ready to go is so crucial. You will have full access to these designs so you can “plug and play.” You will also obtain a training session with me. Links to this content can be purchased below.

Product on sale

Non-Profit – Custom Canva Templates to Match Your Brand

Original price was: $837.00.Current price is: $669.60.

Add to cart
Product on sale

Custom Canva Templates to Match Your Brand

Original price was: $930.00.Current price is: $837.00.

Add to cart

If you need some convincing, let’s get some coffee to talk it out.
I’d be happy to send you an affiliated link to Canva so you too can be a part a solution that can generate connection through visuals for your small business or non-profit organization.

Did you know that non-profits Canva plans are FREE when registered? Apply now.

Interested in other platforms I love?

Adobe Creative Suite (I use this suite for larger design projects)
Google Workspace (Email, Sheets, Docs, Slides, Google Drive)
Grammarly (great grammar tool that can catch errors in your writing)
Asana (task manager)
Unsplash, Adobe Stock (stock photos)
WordPress (website build & management)
Jotform (3rd party form management)
Stripe (credit card processor)
GetEmoji.com (grab an emoji quickly and paste it into your content)
Wave Apps (bookkeeping application)

When You Shop Small You Support People

Posted on November 25, 2022 - 4:30 am by Heather DeVine

Let’s Celebrate Small Business Saturday

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 26th, and you’re encouraged to support the small businesses you know and admire. It could be your favorite Thai place, a gift shop, a magical massage therapist, a web designer, a dog groomer, a hairstylist, a favorite sandwich shop, or a coffeehouse. Wherever and whatever they sell or offer, they can not stand without your support. Shop small, support people.

The global pandemic was an indicator of how important the support of all of us has on the small business model, especially those that thrive as a brick-and-mortar establishments. So many small businesses had to pivot into a different model to survive the moment and the circumstance at our feet. Find more information about Small Business Saturday at the Small Business Administration site here.

Shop small business giveaway

Transcend Ideas is proud to offer a “Shop Small Business Giveaway” this Saturday.

Enter the giveaway by using Instagram or Facebook:

Take a photo/video of the item/service you purchased
Tag @transcendideas and the business you are supporting
Like our social media post and give @transcendideas a follow too

I will mail you stickers, post-it notes as a thank you by snail mail. You will be contacted by DM notifying you that you won.

When you do business with small businesses and shop small and support people.

Do you have a Purpose-Driven Brand?

Posted on November 8, 2022 - 11:12 pm by Heather DeVine

I love this question because every business you see has a purpose that drives it forward. If that “WHY” isn’t asked regularly, the why may get lost in the hustle. Ask yourself:

“Do you have a Purpose-Driven Brand?”

If the answer doesn’t come right away, that’s okay. But keep in mind that when you can answer it immediately, you have a direct purpose in how you show up for your community. If you can’t answer that fundamental question, it may be best to take a beat and dig deeper.

You ought to audit your own business, so you don’t mission creep or grind without that purposeful “why” at the core of your offering. When we begin taking on aspects of our business that don’t align with our purpose we lose sight of that “why.” Maybe your why will shift and mature, and that’s also okay.

Here are some branching off purpose-driven questions to consider thinking about:

Who do you serve?
Why do you serve them?
What drives you to serve them?
What motivates you to continue serving them and others like them?
Are you asking your audience what they want and need so you can improve your work?
Do you feel fulfilled in helping your audience achieve in their business?
If not, why? And how can you shift that attitude?
Are you excited about the work you do and the serve you provide others?
Are you continually learning about your industry? Are you keeping that door open? Or have you closed that door to continual personal/professional growth?

Transcend Ideas – People Centered

Our brand, Transcend Ideas, in my mind, is purpose-driven because we serve small businesses and non-profits to amplify their meaningful message through branding and marketing strategy. What amplifying means to me is to tell their story. People’s stories are interesting. I began this company because I care about people and the communities they serve. I will continue to ask myself that significant “WHY” so I don’t lose sight as we learn and grow as a company.

The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.
Albert Schweitzer

Patagonia – Planet Earth Centered

Patagonia is a company that I had respected for a long time, even before their CEO, Yvon Chouinard recently announced a shift with Patagonia and their efforts to combat the climate crisis in a huge way. More explanation here. Patagonia has stood for sustainability since the company’s inception 50 years ago. They hooked me in when I realized they’d repair your gear if you mail them in, and if they can’t improve them, they will replace it with brand-new Patagonia gear all together.

Earth is now our only shareholder.

If we have any hope of a thriving planet—much less a business—it is going to take all of us doing what we can with the resources we have. This is what we can do.
-Yvon Chouinard

Clubhouse Conversation:

Come join the conversation on Clubhouse, if you don’t have the App downloaded you can still listen to the conversation in your browser. You can listen back to this conversation if you missed it all together. I love to engage in conversation with people all over the country and the world as that’s when the richest conversations happen.

“Do you have a Purpose-Driven Brand?”

Monday, November 14th

at 11 am MST / 9 am EST

Listen to the Conversation

Traditional Marketing Ideas (Clubhouse/Spaces)

Posted on October 3, 2022 - 9:45 am by Heather DeVine

I was in a Clubhouse room called: “Old School Marketing” and it blew me away how important going back to basics in your marketing truly is. Check out the next set of audio rooms I will be hosting on this very topic in the coming weeks. In the meantime here are some ideas to stew on..

Traditional Marketing Ideas:

In no particular order of course, but consider these ideas to implement:

Word-of-mouth
Schedule a cup of coffee or lunch with a work colleague, even your competition to discuss business
Mailers
Handouts (flyers, rack cards, business cards)
- Pin up in bulletin boards! – Make a list of these locales that accept those physical marketing tools
Stickers (clever approach – catchphrase, coolness)
Showing support for a charity/nonprofit organization
- A certain % of sales goes to charity in a certain time frame
- Sponsor an event or a sport in your town/city
Join the Chamber of Commerce – make connections, take advantage of ALL they offer you!
Contests for all ages (art, name mascot, etc.)
Handwritten thank you notes
Thank you gifts for your bigger clients
Exclusive sales to your most loyal customers
Holiday cards
Networking
In-person events – Hold in-person workshops (educate, inform, engage – build trust)
Community calendars for events you are hosting
Print ads in local newspapers
In-store signs (sandwich boards)
Takeaways: Bumper stickers, stickers, branded water bottles
Name tags – custom name tags, wear your logo and name (perhaps pronouns too) to remind people what you are about!
Movie theatre ads – Slides or videos of local businesses
Post-it notes – custom couple with your business card (good leave behinds)

Photo by Marissa Grootes on Unsplash

“Create social proof through that localize medium!”
Heather Cox

“Tried and True” Marketing Ideas

Going back to the “tried and true” methods of marketing can be just what you needed to revitalize your connection with your audience. I am all for digital marketing, it’s predominately what I do but there is something to be said for that personal touch to make a connection. When we build relationships we are developing trust and communicating and we can’t always lean into digital technology to do that.

These marketing ideas are meant to be approached “in tandem” with digital marketing! Don’t discount the basics and ask yourself what you can you use in Q4 and what could you utilize in your marketing strategy for 2023.

Join the Traditional Marketing Ideas Conversation

Join Heather for a Clubhouse Room AND Twitter Spaces on “Old School Marketing Ideas.” All conversations will be recorded so you can listen in at a later time to learn a bit here and there. We will not be focusing on digitally marketing.

Clubhouse
“Old Skool Marketing for Biz and Nonprofits”
Wed, Oct 19th at 11:15 am MDT

Listen to the Replay

Twitter Spaces
“Old Skool Marketing”
Wed, Nov 2 at 11:30 am MDT

Join Twitter Spaces

Seasonality is Everything

Posted on September 27, 2022 - 10:28 am by Heather DeVine

As the seasonality around us changes, we also change! Humans are not separate from what you see happening in nature, in fact, we are in sync. It’s important to acknowledge change and work with it both for your personal growth and your business growth.

ch-ch-changes

Change is inevitable

The seasons change and so do our businesses and the services and products we offer our audience. There is a shift in preparation as we polish off Q3 and enter Q4.

Whether your business is based on the seasons or you offer services all year round we want to get you thinking about your messaging to your audience.

Here are some seasonal topics to consider when you enter into Q4 and items to consider for seasonality:

Autumn/Fall – the parallels of the shift outside and inside ourselves, preparation for the winter months
Winter – hunkering down in those cold temperatures, what do you need to do that and live comfortably?
Black Friday – What kind of offerings can you provide for your followers considering doing business with you.
Holidays – Celebration of family, friends and community, unifying messages
Thankfulness – Reflecting on what you are thankful for in your life
Gift Giving – Gift ideas and pairing/bundling products to make a “spa gift bundle” for example and price accordingly
Giving Tuesdays – Tuesday, November 29 and give to a non-profit organization that you vibe with
New Year 2023 – Newness and renewal to look forward for your personal growth and goals
- New Year Resolutions
- New Business Ventures
- Turning a New Leaf

Autumn leaves hung on a string with the color spectrum

seasonal topics

"All ideas grow out of other ideas." - Anish Kapoor quote written on a staircase

Shifting in priority and life-changes reflected in how we behave

Your customers shift and change naturally as their priorities and lives change, similar to seasonality changes. Here are some other topics to consider addressing in your messaging to reflect back to them based on some 2022 projected trends.

Healthy relationships
Time management
Managing money
Home improvement projects
Start your own business/side hustle
Travel Wishlist
Life balance
Body positivity
Celebrate differently
Bucket list
Self-love/self-care

Consider using Pinterest.

It’s a search engine and NOT a social media platform. When the platform began, I used to collect ideas for planning my wedding, finding new recipes, scoping mom hacks, things for the baby, decorating my house, etc. It’s STILL that, but it’s also a place for folks to discover new products and services and find ways to show up better in their lives. See what Pinterest image/video sizes to use when you share your pins so they stand out among the other pins. Certainly the pins that standout the most are the animated/video ones. Follow our Pinterest, you’ll see more from us soon!

Check out Jana O. Media; she is a Pinterest pro, and I greatly respect her hard work and know-how! I have learned a lot from her expertise in her Masterclass and her Clubhouse rooms she moderates.

The Pinterest icon floating in a red background

consider using pinterest

In conclusion, embrace the change and get started on that content marketing. Your audience wants to follow along with you on what your season looks like and how they can engage with you.

Featured image/ Autumn in the Tetons – Photo by Bryn Gibson on Unsplash
Autumn leaves – Photo by Alex Motoc on Unsplash
Autumn leaves on a string – Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash
Anish Kapoor quote – Photo by CJ Dayrit on Unsplash
Floating Pinterest icon – Photo by Dima Solomin on Unsplash

Websites for your Business to Meet Your Unique Needs (Clubhouse)

Posted on September 14, 2022 - 12:28 pm by Heather DeVine

Websites for your Business to Meet Your Unique Needs

I am a 90’s kid, so you can imagine how much technology has changed since the dial-up age. I have witnessed so much technology over the years, and one thing that has evolved is websites! We still need them, but the function has changed, the language has changed, how we utilize them has changed, and frankly behaviors have changed.

We hope with this conversation it will help you consider how to take an informed approach to websites for your business and keeping your consumers in mind. Much of what frightens business owners is that they don’t know where to start and they want to make the right choice. We hope to reassure you CAN make choices on your own and decide what’s best for YOU and your business. You don’t have it have it all figured out up front but you can phase in new versions of the site as your business grows. Think of it as Apple software updates coming, that number incrementally grows with each upgrade. Begin with 1.0 and move forward from there. We hope you will absorb some helpful tips and resources that you’ll takeaway from this conversation.

Heather DeVine and Heather Cox have 32 years combined of website experience! Eekkk..

Websites for your business

Ask yourself: what do I want my website to do for me?

informative (list services, products, blog)
e-commerce (sales – product or services)
booking appointments (calendar dependent)
donations (take ’em)
build email marketing audience (sign-up forms)
combo of needs

Shop for websites that may work for you/your business

WordPress
Squarespace
Shopify
Wix

Hey, Non-profits, did you know..

With your non-profit status you can get most platform access for FREE or heavily discounted!

Google Workspace (FREE)
Canva (FREE)
Jotform (50% off)
Grammarly (FREE)

Other things to consider in tandem with the website:

SEO (Search engine optimization) – Keep in mind that search engines need to find you so you can gain traction with your #1 asset online, your website!
Google listing (listing for your business)
Social media (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok)
Lead generating forms
Email Marketing (e-newletters are a huge way to communicate with our audience)
Google Analytics (metrics to track activity on your website)
Accessibility- Web content more accessible to individuals with disabilities (WAVE – audit for accessibility)
Mobile friendly (a MUST – that’s how most visitors are utilizing to find you)

Platforms I LOVE:

Google Workspace (Email, Sheets, Docs, Slides, Google Drive)
Canva (graphic needs)
Grammarly (great grammar tool that can catch errors in your writing)
Asana (task manager)
Unsplash, Adobe Stock (stock photos)
Jotform (3rd party form management)
Stripe (credit card processor)
Wave Apps (bookkeeping application)

**“Websites for your business”** conversation on the Clubhouse App

Some website takeaways:

Your website is living and breathing, not just a one and done!
Ease of use is everything! Clear CTA (call-to-action)
Shop by demoing sites to make sure the needs you have are met (help centers with reps to walk you through questions)
Word-of-mouth is powerful, ask your friends what they use
Consider hiring creative agency’s help or a freelancer, we can’t do everything at a business owner
One platform isn’t supposed to meet ALL your needs
Look at reviews of platforms out there, I use Capterra.com
Remember, your needs will shift and flex based on your business or organization

listen to the replay of our conversation

Co-moderators:

Heather DeVine w/ Transcend Ideas – Marketing and branding agency serving nonprofits and small businesses. (Jackson, WY)

Heather Cox w/ Heather Cox Codes – Website designer, SEO, and social media marketing. (Wilmington, DE) Watch her TEDx Talk (#RIPBossBabe)

What does community mean to you?

Posted on August 19, 2022 - 12:40 pm by Heather DeVine

What does community mean to you? That’s an excellent question to consider at any stage of our lives. The word has a different meaning based on our priorities and when the question is asked. You would have received two different answers if you asked the 28-year-old me versus the 38-year-old me.

What does community mean to you? Toys of all nationalities by a globe.

Community can be explored in different lenses, here are a few to observe:

Geography (city, state, region)
Identity (how you identify yourself)
- Gender
- Race
- Sexuality
- Marital status
- Parents/caregiver
- Age/time in life
- Health
- Ability
- Culture
- Occupation
- Business owner
- Religion/spirituality
- Politics
Affinity (shared interest)
- Support groups
- Sports/Recreation
- Hobbies
- Animal lover

My definition of a community is just that, ALL of them. Wherever I find that human connection, I feel like THAT is community. If you look at the word community, the latin root is the word “common” and then “unity.” So community is people coming together because they have something in common.

What makes me curious about the term community is the power of that unity. There was a video the other day of a group of strangers coming together to help flip a car that was upside down after a car accident. Fifteen people cooperated to flip the car and get the person out of the vehicle. That’s just one example of when there is a shared intent and action taken together.

The community can bring many unexpected people together for something like a movement or a belief. When we deeply identify and root ourselves in a society, we can make beautiful things happen that bring people together in a real positive way.

What does community mean to you? Come as you are Transcend ideas inclusive image.

How can business/nonprofits stand by community?

Businesses are uniquely positioned to lean into the community. Money is an excellent way for a company to say, “hey, I care about this thing” however businesses can also:

Host a fundraiser event to house a cause they care about.
A special campaign with a certain percentage of their earnings go towards an organization.
Sponsor an events, causes, and/or organizations to show their support.
Sell swag and/or share info to build awareness of a shared interest or cause.

Nonprofit organizations already serve community and many of them team together with others to further deepen their work and their reach. It’s a natural thing to want nonprofits to link arms and make an impact together.

Old Bill’s Fun Run – 25th Year of this Philanthropic Event

This rather anticipated event every September in Jackson Hole, Wyoming has now raised $208 million philanthropic dollars for nonprofit organizations. Each donation is then matched, deepening the impact of those serving the Jackson Hole community. This right here is a philanthropic event I care about with 200+ participating nonprofits that are all well deserving of gifts of support for the work they provide the community.

Figgie’s Deli & Market

When community is top of mind..

One client, Figgie’s named their Deli & Market after their beloved dog. The main logo is not the dog however. They decided to use it as their secondary logo, a portrait of Figgie (the dog) has been logged away to be used when they decide to show their outward support of animal adoption and rescue efforts. They are already looking ahead into how they want to show their support for community even prior to officially opening their doors.

However you decide to define community in your own life as a business owner or nonprofit, keep an open-mind to possibilities of that community expanding and changing as your priorities and likes change.

Barking Goat Studios

Posted on August 3, 2022 - 12:18 pm by Heather DeVine

Barking Goat Studios offers custom illustrations hand drawn by Stacey Barker of Pocatello, Idaho. He is a nature loving trail runner, skier, artist, veteran, illustrator, printmaker, graphic designer, and owner of Barking Goat Studios. Stacey draws much of his inspiration from adventures in the mountains, deserts, and coastlines of his travels while honoring the personal taste and design needs of his clients.

Here are a few projects Transcend Ideas already completed together in 2022:

JH Nordic NoSoPatches

Jackson Hole Nordic is one of those collaborative projects we’ve worked on. Much of what Stacey is interested in focusing on with his illustrations are conservation and recreating responsibly outdoors.

JH Nordic wanted to try something new and fun for Winter 2023. This new NoSoPatch is used to patch up outdoor gear or just slap it on gear just because it’s cool.

We took a poll among JH Nordic’s audience and this variation was popular among the Nordic community in Jackson.

Aquatic Invasive Species Guide

Teton County Weed and Pest had another pocket guide they wanted to print for the 2022 Summer season. The cover art needed a little omph and we had a feeling Stacey could help with that little something. He illustrated some different aquatic invasive species (AIS) for the front cover and a boat for the back cover.

This guide offers information on the AIS you might find in the Greater Yellowstone and best practices on how we can minimize the spread of invasive species.

“One of the most exciting things to me is being able to be creative. Having total freedom to be to expressive with my art is a great feeling.”
Stacey Barker

"Smile" Eagle coloring page — “Smile” Eagle Coloring page

PSL Starter Kit program is complete — “Smile” Eagle Coloring page

People Spread Love Starter Kit Program

The People Spread Love Starter Kit just didn’t seem complete until Barking Goat Studios added a little something to the mix. This “Smile” Eagle coloring page was included among the rest of the kit that appeals to all ages that volunteer to write notes of love.

Meet Stacey Barker with Barking Goat Studios

1. Tell me something about you that’s not in your bio or resume.

My family and I bike, camp, hike and ski together as much as we can!

Trail running is one of my big loves! Several ultras have been fun to train for in the last few years. Training for a 50K in Oklahoma this fall has taken up a good amount of my time.

Live music is so important to me. I use to play in a metal band, but I’ve grown to love folk and bluegrass music!

2. What are your strengths and how do you apply them to your life?

I think one of my strength is being able to endure through a problem, whether that be an art project or something in life.

3. Tell me about your entrepreneurial journey. How did you know this path was the right move for you?

Being an entrepreneur, the one thing I’ve learned is that you never know until you ask. The worst case scenario when you approach someone or a business to work with is them saying no.

If you are okay with that, you learn to realize that a lot of people also say yes to working with you.

4. Tell me about you and your business more. What about your industry that most excites you?

One of the most exciting things to me is being able to be creative. Having total freedom to be to expressive with my art is a great feeling.

5. What are your weaknesses and how do you overcome them?

Being a creative does have some difficult moments. Sometimes it takes some time to find to proper mindset before diving into a project.

Finding balance with family, work, social media is always something that I strive to improve upon.

6. What would you say to another person considering this field?

I would say that it is the most rewarding feeling that someone wants to pay you for your art. I would also say that this is hardest job I’ve ever had and worked many long hours into the night.

7. How can people be in touch with you about your services?

Folks can contact me on my website at barkinggoatstudios.com

Or through instagram @barkinggoatstudios

8. Fun questions:

– what are you grateful for this week?

My family!

– chocolate or sour candy?

Dark Chocolate!

– mountains or beach?

Mountains!

– white or red wine?

Red

– pen or pencil?

Pen

– ice cream or puff pastry?

That’s a tough one! I might have to say a doughnut!

– top favorite 3 songs?

This a very tough one! I love listening to punk, ska, metal and bluegrass.

Here’s 4 songs that I’ve been digging recently.

Tyler Grant- Believe
Todd Snider – Play a train song
Greensky Bluegrass – Windshield
Twiddle- Lost in the cold

– a good cry or a belly laugh?

A belly laugh!

– favorite movie right now or all-time movie? I use to love zombie movies and Star Wars. Now I love to watch ultra running and climbing documentaries!

9. Do you have any specific updates for your business that you want to highlight here?

I am getting ready to for a few art events coming up.

I’ll be set up at:

Pop up Shop at Fireweed in Driggs, Idaho on August 20th
East Idaho Art Market in Rexburg, Idaho on August 27th
Hyde Park Street Fair in Boise, Idaho on Sept 16th-18th

Stacey is currently accepting new clients for any graphic design / illustration / painting commissioned projects.
Email him at stacey@barkinggoatstudios.com to inquire on his work.

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