In a world bombarded with flashy graphics and rapid-fire captions, rendering us with ever-shorter attention spans, as business owners, we're left constantly questioning how to stand out.

These days, some marketers scoff at anything deemed "old school" — non-digital media and, dare I say, honest old-fashioned storytelling. Yet, as I sat at Oliver Brown waiting for my pistachio latte, it struck me: maybe it’s precisely this kind of storytelling that can set us apart.

Walking around, waiting to use my first laptop for this new venture — M.A.Y — I've (pondered much and) come to realise that the best way to distinguish yourself is simply by being yourself. Someone wisely counselled me this week, saying, 'Businesses these days are buying from personalities, not brands or logos'.  So we need to lead with our unique personalities and our unfiltered truths first.

It's the bravest and most powerful thing we can do.

Small business owners often miss this point. They are so focused on working in their business that they have no time or energy left to share their stories — the unique paths and personalities that add much-needed colour to our world. In a landscape flooded with hollow, attention-grabbing content, authentic stories are more important than ever.

Your story matters — it’s what sets you apart and draws people in. 

Social media has enabled anyone and anything to become "newsworthy" — and then... we can question how worthy some content really is. So then — where does that leave us?

It leaves us with a need for YOUR story, your authentic story. (Warts and all.)

Resist the temptation to filter yourself, your sentence, your tone of voice, and your brand. Be you. Your wrinkles are the lines that illustrate your life's journey so far. Spelling mistakes are okay if you get your message across. And if English is your second language, you live and work outside your native tongue, own it. And remind yourself that you're brave - you're brave to take the bold step to live in a country that doesn't speak your mother tongue. Your accent is a badge of honour. 

This is where our M.A.Y. principles play very well with AUTHENTICITY in brandcrafting.

M is for Meaning:  Consider - what does your business mean to your local community, or in the lives of your customer base? Is it quality time with their loved ones? Is it the guilty pleasure of a lazy café breakfast? Is it a sense of self-pride from progress through a PT program? Your business is the backdrop for treasured memories, excitement, and inspiration for your customer, and it's that intrinsic value that you may overlook as the business owner  

A is for Action:  Action means moving forward with purpose, not getting stuck in endless planning, perfecting, or preparing. Time is money, and while preparation is important, too often we lose momentum by over-deliberating or polishing every detail. Instead, focus on making a start, even if it’s just a small step. Progress happens through consistent, intentional actions, not just well-crafted plans. Each day, take a practical step forward — launch the campaign, make the call, write the first draft. Imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time. 

Y is for You:  Marketers speak of "U.S.P." and your customers ultimately want your services, but they do want to 'touch the cloak' and be a part of the magic that is you, the business owner. Put yourself (back) at the centre of your business. Or observe your 'core' team and ask yourself - do they represent your values? Run your business authentically and unapologetically as you. Whether you're Jim from the pizza shop, or Helena of the dress store, there's a space in the less-noisy world of 2025 for real stories of business owners and why they do what they do.

And if you're ready, The M.A.Y Group can help tell your story to the world.  

Friday 9th May 2025