Insights on branding, social media, and accountability in marketing.

In our latest conversation, Monique Johnson opens up about the complexities of marketing and branding, especially in the context of being a solopreneur.

Branding vs. Marketing

Monique emphasizes the difference between branding and marketing. Branding involves the intentional choices made to shape how others perceive you — from colors and logos to the images used in marketing. In contrast, marketing is all about the messaging: the words and copy that communicate your message to the audience.

"The image we present to the universe says different things, right?" — Monique Johnson

Facing Social Media Challenges

When discussing the challenges of social media, Monique admits her reluctance to engage with it initially.

"Social media has been my hardest thing, and it's really hard for me to be consistent on something that feels like I'm grinding my teeth." — Monique Johnson

She sees the recent shift towards more authentic, raw content on platforms like YouTube as a positive change that aligns better with her comfort zone.

Focus and Accountability

Monique shares her journey in managing multiple marketing strategies while balancing motherhood. She points out the importance of focusing on one thing at a time to be more effective.

"You will get way more done if you just do this thing, this thing, this thing..." — Monique Johnson

She also highlights the need for accountability, noting how setting high expectations often leaves her feeling unfulfilled, even as she makes progress.

Building a Community

Monique is currently working on building her free school community, which she hopes will funnel traffic and support her marketing efforts. She has found that even without active posting, her community is still growing.

"The cool thing about school is that it works for me. I like this; I should have done this a long time ago." — Monique Johnson

As she navigates these challenges, Monique's insights serve as a reminder that marketing is a journey filled with learning and growth. If you're in a similar position, remember to take it one step at a time and lean on your community for support.

Join her Community on Skool - https://www.skool.com/dateformarriagesuccess/about?utm_source=skooldotcom&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=discovery_search_group_link

For more insights from Monique, listen to the full episode.

Brought to you by Ariel Faith, Visual Story Strategist

I bring Strategy, Story, and Photography together for One Clear Voice - showing a way to tame the marketing beast and how to make it Sustainable. arieljoyfaith.com

Discover how a growth mindset can transform your life.

In this week’s episode of *You Matter in Business*, we dive deep into the transformative power of mindset with Holly Zachman, a mindset leadership coach. Holly’s journey from feeling stuck in a job she once loved to embracing the role of a coach is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

The Shift to Growth Mindset

Holly shares her experience of feeling unqualified despite her credentials and how this led her to explore what a truly fulfilling career looks like. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in pursuing personal growth.

"If anything was possible for me, what would that look like?"

This question became a turning point for her, leading to a realization that she needed guidance to uncover her potential.

Embracing Life’s Challenges

A key theme in Holly's message is the idea that challenges should be seen as opportunities for growth. She believes that life constantly presents us with situations that can either hinder or help us evolve.

"Life is always seeking expansion. We are part of life, so we are always seeking greater expansion and expression."

This perspective encourages us to look beyond our current circumstances and imagine new possibilities.

The Role of Imagination and Curiosity

Holly also touches on the importance of imagination in shaping our reality. She suggests that many people today are content to consume rather than create, leading to a stagnation in personal development.

"We need to give each other permission to be curious and to explore. It’s about the love of life and the adventure of discovery."

By fostering our imagination, we can discover paths that align more with our true selves.

This conversation with Holly Zachman is a reminder that a growth mindset is not about discontent; it's about being open to possibilities and actively shaping our lives. Life's challenges, when viewed through the lens of growth, can become stepping stones to a more fulfilling existence.

As you reflect on this episode, consider how you can embrace a mindset that fosters curiosity and growth.

Holly Zachman is a business and leadership growth coach and founder of Two Friends Coaching & Consulting. After three decades in corporate, including serving as national president of the American Marketing Association’s Professional Chapter Council, she left in 2024 to pursue her passion: teaching what she’d learned about improving your life through the power of your mind. Through Mindset Intelligence, she teaches business owners and leaders to change the thinking behind their results, so they decide better, grow faster and lead with confidence. Holly has an MBA and is a Certified Proctor Gallagher Coach.
Contact: holly@2friendscoaching.com
Monthly 3-day Masterclass Challenge: https://2friendscoaching.com/challenge
Website: https://2friendscoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyzachman

For a deeper dive into Holly's insights and strategies for unlocking your potential, listen to the full episode.

Brought to you by Ariel Faith, Visual Story Strategist

I bring Strategy, Story, and Photography together for One Clear Voice - showing a way to tame the marketing beast and how to make it Sustainable. arieljoyfaith.com

Your Brand, Your Story, and Your Success | YOU Matter in Business!

Honest conversations for women in business: entrepreneurs, owners, and founders. We tackle mindset and growth, marketing strategy, visual brand alignment, and small business tips, from taming the marketing beast to the inner work that helps you succeed.

Hosted by Ariel Faith, Visual Story Strategist

I bring Strategy, Story, and Photography together in one clear Voice.

Updated 10-2026