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What does community mean to you?

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

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.

What does community mean to you? Old Bill's Fun Run philanthropic event.

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 logo with dog
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

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.

JH Nordic NoSoPatches
JH Nordic NoSoPatches
Aquatic Invasive Species Guide pocketbook
Aquatic Invasive Species Guide

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
PSL Starter Kit complete

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

Stacey Barker in his studio
Stacey Barker in his studio

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.

Stacey Barker drawing in his studio

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.

Barking Goat Studios

Focus to Truly Connect

Posted on July 11, 2022 - 3:16 pm by

Do you have more than 10 tabs open on your browser right now?

Try this, close them and JUST focus on this blog post. Go ahead, I know you can do it. Our minds can not be completely quieted. It feels virtually impossible but we can help focus our minds on one thing at a time. We are meant to have thoughts pop-up constantly throughout our day. In fact, there are thousands of thoughts a day. The truth is that we can begin new routines in the noticing. Maybe you are reading this right now and have looked at your phone a few times. Have you put your ear buds in listening to a podcast?

I just listened to a podcast myself which allowed me to get curious on why I make the decisions I do. I decided to sit down and focus my attention on writing this out. The wonderful Brené Brown seems to always capture my attention and focus with her captivating guests she has on her Dare to Lead podcast. This topic became even more attention grabbing because, well the text states Focus and Attention.

Dr. Amishi Jha explores how the brain works around focus and attention. Her pivotal moment hit while raising her 2 year old and realized she couldn’t possibly give attention to her work, her child and her husband without really working on focusing her attention. Rather than this myth of multi-tasking. I too grew upset that that’s not really a thing. Dr. Jha uses the analogy of a flashlight to indicate attention on a specific person, place or thing. When we shine our light we can take in that information and connect.

Bold Takeaways to Focus to Truly Connect:

  1. Close tabs on your browser.
  2. Notice when you pick up your phone – Ask yourself: “why did I did I pick up the phone in the first place?” If you have already picked the phone up, now put the phone back down.
  3. Meditate – I know a daunting practice but with enough dedication, refocusing can become achievable.
  4. Acknowledge when you are task switching – Instead of the multi-tasking (formally called) which turns into fact task-switching, where we perform one task then switch and do another task then another and so on. That’s exhausting! Phew.
  5. Attention and focus means you can have true connection.

Focus to Truly Connect

Do you have advice to a business that wants to connect with their community and customers these days? "It's simple, ask the people what they want." - Meredith Runkle Olson, copywriter

Why I find this fascinating in this world of people and why I am writing this on our branding and marketing business blog? Well, I am floored by human beings and how with research we can unearth truths we haven’t thought much about but perhaps have struggled through quite a bit. As a marketing and branding company I strive to better understand the people I want to reach. We are all bombarded by the intake of news, social media feeds, and advertisements. Although much of what I just listed on getting your attention helps amplify my client’s messages I also know that we all don’t need the added noise and overload but we need to truly connect.

Focus to truly connect transcends mere mindfulness. When we connect and align with one another we can better build lasting relationships. That’s the best way to stick in our consumers’ minds, connecting often couples with being seen and heard. Our content writer, Meredith made an excellent point in her answer to a question: “Do you have advice to a business that wants to connect with their community and customers these days?”

Her excellent answer: “It’s simple, ask the people what they want.”

Focus. Notice. Ask. Connect.

Amplify Women: Akala Lemus with Positive Packages

Posted on May 31, 2022 - 9:36 am by

This is a new series “Amplify Women,” an interview series to celebrate women and their unique story. This month we are highlighting Akala Lemus with Positive Packages and AK Apothakary.

We will be asking questions to get to know Akala and her WHY. When we begin anything in our lives us women have a story.

Akala Lemus

Akala Le’Ahi (uh-CALL-uh Lay-Awe-He) is her given birthname which means Pink Fire From Heaven.

Favorite Traits: Persistent, Self Driven, A Good Cook, and Creative

Positive Packages was created from her desire to transmute negativity into positivity one package at a time. She had to leave a relationship, a company, and a life she had created for herself in Austin, TX to be of service to her mother who had to have an emergency hip replacement in CO.

“..every time someone has supported, encouraged me, gifted me with anything, or just held space for me to be open and vulnerable, has helped me get to where I am today.”

– Akala Lemus

If you’d like to be a part of this series, contact Heather DeVine on Clubhouse and let’s begin.

When Tragedy Strikes How to Respond as a Business

Posted on May 26, 2022 - 1:15 am by

When tragedy strikes, we collectively feel it. So many of us feel sadness when something dreadful comes to the surface. A mass shooting, a natural disaster, a pandemic, a war, hate crimes, or any kind of suffering of any form collectively wounds all of us. It’s natural for an individual and a business to have the urge to respond, make a statement, or say something because behind every business are people. Our goal is to help you navigate what to do when tragedy strikes, how to respond as a business.

Uvalde, Texas Mass shooting

Yesterday I cried as I saw what unfolded in Uvalde, Texas where an 18-year-old walked into Robb Elementary School and murdered 18 children and 2 teachers. I am a mother of a 4.5-year-old and immediately my heart shattered scrolling through social media. I felt despair with the news that children were gunned down in their classrooms. Shaking and weeping overwhelmed me as I heard what happened. There are still many feelings around the events of the day. Reaching out to other mothers to find comfort in this shared grief provided the only reprieve amid the news and social media.

I spoke with a friend today and we both agreed there are so many sad feelings even if you aren’t a parent. When we say statements like “I can’t imagine..” well I truly believe you can imagine and we ought to sit in that empathy and compassion together even if the tragedy is not happening in your town or country. When tragedy strikes we all feel it and for years we have experienced so much — too much. I mentioned to my friend that I was frankly tired of seeing statements being released from politicians. It often feels like the bare minimum of what we can do to stand up and take action.

As a mother first I am angered and I feel helpless that change will not take place in response to yet again another mass shooting where innocent children are murdered in their classroom. As a business, I am angered and I feel helpless because I can’t and shouldn’t detach my humanity away from tragedy. This issue in America is a moral one and not a political one.

when tragedy strikes, how to respond as a business

When things feel THIS heavy, I like to take a breath and give the moment breathing space. Holding space. Honoring the loss. Process. Feel the feelings.

What you DON’T want to motivate you to put out a statement:

  • To make you or your business look a certain way
  • To just “check it off your list” of things to acknowledge
  • To profit from tragedy

What you DO want to motivate you to put out a statement:

  • To be authentic to you and your brand
  • To share your humanity
  • To build awareness around an issue you and your business care about
  • To help support your community

When tragedy strikes, here’s how to respond as a business — be authentic. Be exactly as you are, give yourself grace, don’t rush to make a statement, and allow for your humanness to shine through even and especially in the dark.

In response to the Uvalde, Texas Mass Shooting..

As a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife, a community member and human being what occurred at Robb Elementary School was a nightmare. My heart is with all the parents/caregivers that are aching in their grief especially the families of all the little children that were taken away by senseless gun violence. We urge our lawmakers to do the right thing and pass legislation to tighten up gun laws so irresponsible and violent people can not obtain firearms that replicates horrible events such as this.

Take care of yourself. Hold your loved ones tightly. Demand more, demand better for our children that deserve a safe place to learn and to grow.

Let’s Start a Business – Finance Your Business (Clubhouse)

Posted on May 24, 2022 - 12:18 pm by

👋 Clubhouse: Let’s Start a Business

This is the third of a series of Clubhouse rooms (monthly) that will take a deep dive into starting a business. Our moderators will introduce their why and share tips and guidance on how to start a business. If you miss the room, we will have Replays on so you can listen at your convenience.

Topic: Finance Your Business

A big question that comes along with a great business idea is: where do I get the money to get this off the ground? These questions can be very daunting.

Some questions to ask yourself:

  1. How much do I need to begin my business?
    • Start-up cost is dependent on the business model (insurance, equipment, office space, software)
      • Am I selling products or services?
    • How much do I have in my personal savings that I can invest in my own business?
  2. Where can I go find the funding for my business?
    • Look at your personal finances
    • Funding sources: Personal savings, Crowd Funding, Grants, Bank and Credit Unions, Angel Investors, Home Equity Loans
  3. What to keep in mind when you go to banks for funding sources?
    • Banks review the 5 C’s:
      1. Character (credit history)
      2. Capacity (debt to income ratio)
      3. Collateral (offers of assurance)
      4. Capital (your level of seriousness)
      5. Conditions (interest rate & principal)
  4. Are there benefits of a loan?
    1. Tax benefits
    2. Low interest rates
    3. Favorable repayment terms
  5. How do I increase my business credit score?
  6. Also, what billing system fits my financial needs?
  7. And when should I hire an accountant to make sense of my financials?

Takeaways:

  1. “Get scrappy!” – You can get started by starting small and dreaming big.
    • ie. Restaurant: Maybe start in someone else’s kitchen so you can begin building up a hype/niche on your product.
  2. Trust in your intuition
  3. Look at your personal finances FIRST
  4. Ask your connections already established: friends, family, colleagues, community members, other business owners in the same industry.
  5. Corporate Grant Opportunities: Look to corporations and their giving season, they want to give your small business money! You don’t have to payback grant money.

Resources:

Our Co-Moderators:

Heather DeVine w/Transcend Ideas – Marketing and branding agency serving nonprofits and small businesses. (Jackson, WY)
Trudie Ives w/Tru Logistics – As freight brokers, we facilitate the transport of vehicles and freight across the United States. (Palm Beach, FL)
Zee Zee Williams w/KW Inc. Insurance Marketing Group – Specializing in final expense, we train, mentor, and grow our agents to be successful in their business. We are dedicated to giving our clients the integrity and service they deserve. (Columbia, SC)
Laura Sexton w/Accelerate Your Legacy – Specializes in debt elimination. Laura is all about the money mindset, adjusting money habits and offers up tools you need to succeed with money.

Let’s Start a Business – Business Plan (Clubhouse)

Posted on April 14, 2022 - 9:54 am by

👋 Clubhouse: Let’s Start a Business

This is the second of a series of Clubhouse rooms (monthly) that will take a deep dive into starting a business. Our moderators will introduce their why and share tips and guidance on how to start a business. If you miss the room, we will have Replays on so you can listen at your convenience.

Topic: Business Plan

One-Page Business Plan Template

You have a good business idea and now it’s time to put a plan behind it.

Some questions to ask yourself:

  1. What is a business plan?
  2. Why is a business plan needed?
  3. Where to find business plan templates?
  4. What’s included?
    • Summary of your business plan
    • Company Description
    • Market Analysis
      • Create your buyer personas (who is your audience?)
      • SWOT Analysis
    • Layout goals and metrics for success
    • Financials

Resources:

Our Co-Moderators:

Heather DeVine w/Transcend Ideas – Marketing and branding agency serving nonprofits and small businesses. (Jackson, WY)
Trudie Ives w/Tru Logistics – As freight brokers, we facilitate the transport of vehicles and freight across the United States. (Palm Beach, FL)
Zee Zee Williams w/KW Inc. Insurance Marketing Group – Specializing in final expense, we train, mentor, and grow our agents to be successful in their business. We are dedicated to giving our clients the integrity and service they deserve. (Columbia, SC)

Let’s Start a Business – Business Idea (Clubhouse)

Posted on March 8, 2022 - 7:25 am by

👋 Clubhouse: Let’s Start a Business

This is the first of a series of Clubhouse rooms (monthly) that will take a deep dive into starting a business. Our moderators will introduce their why and share tips and guidance on how to start a business. If you miss the room, we will have Replays on so you can listen at your convenience.

Topic: Business Idea

You’ll need a (great) idea and of course. You’ll also have to do your research.

Some questions to ask yourself:

  1. Is my idea orginal? If not, how many other companies in my community have businesses based on their idea? If there are a substantial amount, you will have to figure out ways to differentiate yourself/business from the others.
    • Mentor – Will help talk it out with you. Help guide you through that idea. Fly through that terbulance and “let it fly.”
      • A mentor with a style that works for you and aligns with your goals
  2. Is there a market for my idea? What’s the market outlook on this industry? Has there been growth? Is there projected growth? Know your data. (Resources: your counties website, state, federal level).

Resources:

Our Co-Moderators:

Heather DeVine w/Transcend Ideas – Marketing and branding agency serving nonprofits and small businesses. (Jackson, WY)
Trudie Ives w/Tru Logistics – As freight brokers, we facilitate the transport of vehicles and freight across the United States. (Palm Beach, FL)
Zee Zee Williams w/KW Inc. Insurance Marketing Group – Specializing in final expense, we train, mentor, and grow our agents to be successful in their business. We are dedicated to giving our clients the integrity and service they deserve. (Columbia, SC)

The Power of the Word-of-Mouth

Posted on February 23, 2022 - 2:59 pm by

The Power of the Word-of-Mouth

The definition of word-of-mouth is the passing of information from person to person using oral communication.

This is arguably the most powerful organic and the oldest marketing tool. We make decisions based on others’ thoughts and experiences. As consumers, we love to discover new things and experience them for ourselves. But beforehand we take in recommendations. Whether it be a place, a cup of coffee, a vibe, a trail to hike, a dish, a view, a life hack, we generally hear about those special insights from the ones we know and trust.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Build a Good Reputation as a Business

The famous Huckleberry Milkshakes are only found at Victor Emporium. 

We also take into account the word of strangers. That’s why I urge my clients to claim a business listing. If your business has been “on the map” so to speak Google or Bing may already have you pinned. If so, you can claim a business like yours with ample proof that is your business.

There is a big benefit of claiming your business listing. Once you’ve done it it can help receive more attention through customer reviews. Ideally, you have good reviews and not too many poor ones. Believe it or not the negative ones may not always deter people. You can never guarantee satisfaction from everyone. But you can encourage your patrons that are pleased with your service or product to leave you a review. It’s all about building that good reputation in town.

Superlatives

Another fabulous and organic way to build a good reputation is to be on the “Best of” list in your town/city. The public can cast a vote for their favorite nominees. The results can be such a great way to rope in more business.

I have personally been through so many hairdressers over the past 11 years in Jackson, Wyoming. My hairstylist has ranked Gold and Silver for the Best Hairstylist in Best of Jackson Hole for many years in a row and for good reason – she’s fabulous with hair!

Influencers
Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash

Social media has changed the way we share our experiences. Capturing photos and videos instantly, geotags, and hashtags help tell the story. Word-of-mouth takes on a whole new meaning when it’s shared on social media. You can pay influencers to share your product or place of business with their followers. This direct influence can help capture even more potential clients.

Influencer marketing is a kind of social media marketing that uses plenty of help through endorsements and products mentioned by influencer individuals. These individuals have a dedicated social following and are considered experts in their particular area or niche. 

Henny Yeshanew, Entrepreneur.com

Through influencers, word-of-mouth is proven to still work but just on hyperdrive. This more dynamic way to story tell is faster and proven to take flight with metrics to back it up. The metrics are measuring engagement, clicks, views, and ROI. You may think that the more followers the more influencer has the better but that’s not necessarily the trend of the Influencer appeal is heading. In 2022, the trend of micro-influencers can be considered experts in their particular area or niche can generate a more reliable return.

Some actionables, the next time you get a haircut:

  1. Find the salon on social and give them that “social currency” with a follow. Mention them in an Instagram story with your new hairdo.
  2. Leave a review on their Google listing. Share a photo if you are able.
  3. Share the “word-of-mouth” by telling a friend your experience.

Coincidentally, I just got a haircut from a new hairdresser in Victor, ID near our new house and I am so pleased. I will do ALL 3 because Mandii Caldwell with Joy Daniels Salon did a fabulous job, she’s professional and friendly. And from one fellow mama and female entrepreneur, I am all about amplifying her and her business.

Interested in learning more about the power of word-of-mouth, let’s get coffee to chat about other ideas.