Are you aware of the hype?

Let's talk about advertisements.  Ads, promos, anything to draw you in!  We've all seen them, we've all responded to them in some way.  But let's break it down.  Isn't it all hype?  Here's what's on my mind today.

Life is not a one-size-fits-all.  We don't all benefit from the same makeup, diet, clothing, housewares, courses, and business tools.  Understanding what the needs are for you and your business will help you cut through the hype and more easily find what you need, what will serve you, and your business, the most.

I grew up with very combination skin.  I found skincare and makeup that worked well for me and stuck with it, adjusting when I needed to.  I learned early on that the "everyone is wearing this" products tended not to work well for me, so I didn't pay too much attention to ads for skincare and makeup. 

Now I have mostly drier skin.  I adjust my products and routines and try new things to find my next "new normal" as needed. 

I recently tried a new line of products by Bobbi Brown, whose products I have used and loved in the past, now with her new company.  As I was placing my order I also watched a few videos with product reviews.  The most interesting video was a woman who has a strong following and does makeup tutorials and reviews, and she was trying/reviewing/critiquing several products from the new Jones Road line.  What struck me is that she was so critical of most of the products but raved about the mascara, saying it was one of the best she had ever tried.

Here's where I take issue.  From what I heard she was stating her opinion as if we all have the same skin and wear the same products.  She is definitely entitled to her opinion.  But I never heard her say "for my skin type" or something similar.  She did say "I guess if you like that look," but I'm not sure that was really helpful.

When I received my products and tried them on my mostly dry flaky skin, I knew within a few days that some of these products were exactly what I needed.  My skin loved them!  I also tried the mascara, and for my lashes, like most, it didn't do much for me.  

I see this as a reminder that we need to cut past all the hype.  People will try to sell you anything and say it works for everyone.  But does it?  Is it what you want?  Is it what you need?  Yes, this is my skincare story but it's also very applicable to our businesses.  We should focus on our systems, routines, and needs.  Then find the solutions that will fit.  I have learned to get to the bottom of things and see if they will really serve my needs.  I don't claim to be hype-proof, I've certainly made purchases with rose-colored glasses, but most importantly I continue to become more aware of what my needs and wants are and what will work best for me.  That's really all that matters.  In business and in life.

Bookkeeping is an essential part of each business.  It guides so many of our business decisions.  What are your systems and routines?  Are they serving you well?  What are your needs?  If you are still finding your way, let's have a conversation.  Let's see what your needs look like, and we may be able to provide some direction or assistance to help get over the hassles and create beautiful new habits that are exactly what you need.  Request a quote simply gives us some good info to have a conversation with you, and hopefully give you some good insight into your business processes.