You didn’t start a project or business to become a professional email subject line optimizer or to host events where people check their phones more than they check in with your content. You started because you had something valuable to offer—expertise to share, problems to solve, or a community to serve.
We asked what’s challenging you right now! Whether you're focused on growth, engagement, conversions, or establishing authority, each goal requires a different strategic approach. (And yes, trying to do all four at once is like trying to host a flawless virtual event while your cat walks across your keyboard—technically possible, but not recommended.)
So, which one did you answer? Here’s what the full poll looked like:
What’s Your Goal Right Now?
After producing hundreds of events and working with creative professionals at every stage of their journey, I’ve learned that most business challenges follow predictable patterns. The good news? Predictable challenges have proven solutions.
Here’s your strategic roadmap based on what you told us matters most right now.
For Those Focused on Lead Generation and Awareness
“I need more people to know I exist.”
You’ve got solid expertise and valuable content, but your audience feels smaller than you’d like, and… this is me most days. It’s a common stage that most successful businesses navigate—I remember my early Typography Dojo days when I was essentially building community one conversation at a time with 67 brave souls who showed up to watch me figure it all out in real-time.
The strategic reality: Visibility isn’t about being everywhere; it’s about being consistently valuable in the right places. (Spoiler alert: everywhere is not a strategy.)
Your action plan:
Create genuinely helpful resources. Develop simple tools, templates, or guides that solve specific problems your audience faces. Think “immediate value” rather than “complete life transformation in 47 steps.”
Build strategic partnerships. Guest teaching, collaborative content, and cross-promotion can exponentially expand your reach. The design community taught me that when you give first, meaningful connections follow! Plus, you get to meet cool people who also geek out about your niche (especially for me, if it’s typography).
Audit your messaging for clarity. Your content should sound like you’re explaining something valuable to a colleague over matcha lattes, not delivering a keynote to corporate stakeholders using only marketing acronyms.
This week’s focus: Share one piece of content that demonstrates why your work matters, not just what you do. People connect with purpose before they connect with process.
For Those Focused on Community Engagement
“I have an audience, but I want deeper connection.”
Congratulations on building an audience; that’s genuinely challenging work. Now you’re navigating the next level: transforming passive followers into an engaged community. Think of it as the difference between hosting a dinner party where everyone stares at their phones versus one where people forget to check Instagram because the conversation is too good.
The strategic reality: Engagement isn’t about entertainment—it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. (Revolutionary concept, I know.)
Your action plan:
Ask questions that spark meaningful responses. Move beyond “How’s everyone doing?” to “What's the weirdest business advice you've ever gotten?” People love sharing stories more than status updates.
Share behind-the-scenes content authentically. Your process, challenges, and real moments help people connect with you as a human, not just a brand. When Christine Sheller’s French bulldog started snoring during our podcast interview, that unplanned moment sparked more genuine connection than any scripted content could have.
Establish consistent touchpoints. Regular Q&As, community discussions, or themed content create anticipation and belonging. It’s like having a standing coffee date with your favorite people.
This week’s focus: Send one communication that’s purely about connection—no pitch, no agenda, just genuine engagement with your community. Watch your reply rate surprise you.
For Those Focused on Sales and Conversions
“I’m ready to turn expertise into revenue.”
You’re at an exciting stage where you’re ready to monetize your knowledge and skills. The key is making your value proposition crystal clear while building trust through authentic relationship-building. (And no, “life-changing transformation” is not a clear value proposition, it’s a fortune cookie, ha!)
The strategic reality: People want to invest in solutions they understand from people they trust. Clarity and credibility drive conversions more than clever marketing tactics or fancy funnels.
Your action plan:
Simplify your offers. “Join this workshop and walk away with X” beats “Transform your entire business paradigm” every single time. If you can’t explain it while someone’s distracted by their phone, it’s too complicated.
Develop a systematic follow-up. Most sales happen after multiple touchpoints, not because you’re pushy, but because people need time to make decisions. Create a sequence that adds value while moving people toward a decision.
Showcase real results. Testimonials, case studies, and specific outcomes build the credibility that converts browsers into buyers. Screenshots are your friend here.
This week’s focus: Add one clear, direct call-to-action to your next piece of content. “Want to go deeper? Here’s how.” Done. No MBA required.
For Those Focused on Thought Leadership
“I want to be recognized as a go-to expert.”
You’ve got valuable expertise, but are ready to step into a more visible leadership role within your industry. This requires strategic positioning and consistent demonstration of your unique perspective. (You belong in that room, you don’t need to wait until you feel “ready.”)
The strategic reality: Authority is built through consistent value delivery and unique viewpoint-sharing, not just credentials or years of experience.
Your action plan:
Develop signature frameworks. Give your ideas memorable names and structures that people can reference and share. “The Smith Method” sounds way better than “that thing Heather mentioned.”
Increase your visibility strategically. Seek speaking opportunities, guest appearances, and collaborative platforms where your ideal audience gathers. Start small if you need to, even a LinkedIn post with your hot take can spark bigger conversations.
Share both insights and opinions. Thought leaders offer both deep expertise and clear perspectives on industry trends. You’re allowed to have opinions AND nuance… what a concept.
This week’s focus: Pitch yourself for one speaking opportunity, podcast appearance, or collaborative project. Your expertise deserves a platform, and the world needs your particular flavor of wisdom.
The Strategic Approach: Focus for Results
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of community building and business development: trying to pursue all goals simultaneously is like trying to host a virtual event while simultaneously answering emails, moderating chat, and making lunch. Technically possible, but you’ll probably end up with burnt toast and confused attendees.
Choose your current priority. Build systems around it. Measure your progress. Then expand when you’ve established momentum.
Your business doesn’t need to be perfect; it needs to be authentically yours and genuinely valuable to the people you serve. The fact that you’re thinking strategically about these challenges puts you ahead of most people who are still waiting for the best time to start. (Spoiler: that moment doesn’t exist, but this one works just fine.)
What resonates most with your current business goals? I'd love to hear about your specific challenges and wins in the comments—and yes, I read and respond to them.
Okay, here’s the next poll: Where could you use a glow-up? Choose one that feels right.👇