Recently, I had the honor of being quoted in HBS Dealer, one of the most trusted sources in the building supply industry. The article was packed with real-world insights about how independent lumberyards can gain a marketing edge—and I was thrilled to share some of mine.
My contribution focused on what I believe is one of the biggest opportunities small businesses overlook: community-based brand visibility through generosity and creativity.
“Support your neighbors, and they’ll support you.”
Why This Matters (and Not Just for Lumberyards)
Whether you run a hardware store, a boutique agency, or a wine shop, your reputation lives and breathes locally first. That’s where trust starts. And no big-box chain can replicate that level of intimacy.
In the article, I suggested strategies like:
- Hosting homeowner or community workshops
- Sponsoring school projects or HOA events
- Launching small grants for local nonprofits
- Building a branded app for local engagement
These aren’t gimmicks—they’re investments in trust, loyalty, and long-term relevance. And these ideas didn’t come out of thin air. They were born from the exact same Ideation sessions we offer to our Clients.
Why Ideation Works
You already have ideas. What you don’t always have is time, clarity, or a strategy to act on them.
That’s where Ideation comes in. We sit down together—virtually or in person—and unpack all those “I’ve been meaning to…” moments. Then we translate them into actionable ideas tailored to your business, your audience, and your goals.
You don’t need a million-dollar marketing budget to compete.
You need ideas that feel like you—and serve the people who already want to support you.
Want to Chat?
We’re not here to hard-sell anything. But if you’ve been stuck in “what’s next?” mode or wondering if your marketing is doing anything for your bottom line, let’s have a conversation.
Sometimes, all it takes is an hour of brainstorming to completely shift how you show up.
Contact us to get started.