Your Message Does Matter
While spending a few days on the car-free island of Hydra in Greece, I learned an important lesson that really resonates with my approach to business and marketing. 
Many of the houses on this island – and throughout Greece for that matter – are white with blue doors and blue window shutters. This trend dates back to when the Turks began taking over Greece. At that time, the Turks forbade the Greek flag to be flown or displayed anywhere. In defiance of their foreign invaders, the Greek people started painting their houses in the colours of the national flag. It was important to Greeks to express their love of their country in the face of adversity.
This fearless act of nationalism comes from a place of joy, pride, and the heart. I would like to see more businesses and organizations take that all-important risk to communicate that powerful message: “This is who we are, and this is what we stand for.” Isn’t that what branding is all about?
I have worked with numerous small businesses and non-profit organizations over the years that run into obstacles regularly as part of their day-to-day operations, yet their fear of clearly communicating their most important message often trumps their courage and vulnerability.
Let’s face it: The receivers of these pulpy – and even apologetic – messages can see right through them because they lack a strong stance and honest gumption. Your message does matter – in fact, it’s one of the most important aspects of your business – so make it matter to those your business is targeting. If you remain true to your brand, your potential customers will sense the sincerity in your message and respond accordingly.
In what way have your started to take a stand in your business?