Small Towns: The Heartbeat of America

Small Towns: The Heartbeat of America

While big cities typically steal the spotlight, there’s a quiet magic to small towns, especially those sprinkled across the golden plains of Iowa. These communities are more than just places on a map; they’re vibrant locations where everyone plays a role. Here’s why small towns, like those in Iowa, are the unsung heroes of American life.

The Power of Neighbors Helping Neighbors:

In small towns, volunteers are the foundation. From coaches cheering on little league teams to helping hands at a local church or food pantry, these acts of kindness keep communities running. Residents come together for park clean-up days, ensuring beautiful green spaces for everyone to enjoy. This kind of hands-on involvement fosters a sense of shared responsibility and pride in where you live.

Local Businesses: The Pillars of Community

Small-town businesses are more than just storefronts; they’re community partners. By financially supporting local organizations and initiatives, they ensure there are engaging activities for all ages. This creates a sense of belonging and provides essential services for residents. Think movie nights in the park sponsored by the local bank, or art supplies for the school funded by the hardware store. It’s this kind of local investment that keeps the heart of the community beating.

Looking Out for Each Other: A Tight-Knit Community

Small towns offer a unique sense of community. Neighbors know each other, and when someone is facing adversity, the whole town rallies. A casserole appears on the doorstep for a family going through a health crisis, or a fundraiser is organized to help someone experiencing financial hardship. This genuine concern for one another strengthens the social fabric and creates a safety net for those in need.

Wearing Many Hats: A Diverse Range of Activities

One of the hidden advantages of small towns is the sheer variety of activities available. Students and adults alike can be involved in a multitude of organizations. From sports leagues and theater productions to historical societies and book clubs, there’s something for everyone. This allows individuals to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with others who share their passions.

In a world that often feels impersonal, small towns offer a refreshing alternative. They’re a testament to the power of community, where neighbors become friends, and everyone contributes to a shared sense of well-being. So next time you drive through a charming Iowa town, take a moment to appreciate the small-town spirit that makes these places so special.

Why We Created ‘Evolution of the Heartland’

While the magic of small towns is undeniable to those who experience it firsthand, capturing that essence and conveying it to outsiders can be a challenge. That’s why we created ‘Evolution of the Heartland’. We know there’s a misconception that there’s “nothing to do” in small towns. Evolution of the Heartland aims to disprove that stereotype by showcasing the unique assets that set these communities apart.

Here’s what makes small towns in Iowa, and the Evolution of the Heartland initiative, so special:

  • Experiences You Can’t Find Anywhere Else: Evolution of the Heartland isn’t about cookie-cutter experiences you can find anywhere. It’s about immersing yourself in the unique character of each community. Imagine touring a cutting-edge agricultural operation, and then sampling delicious local cuisine made with farm-to-table ingredients. Or picture yourself volunteering alongside friendly residents at a community park clean-up day, followed by an evening stroll through a community farmer’s market that features many locally-owned businesses. These are the kinds of authentic experiences offered by Evolution of the Heartland.
  • A Celebration of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Small towns in Iowa aren’t stuck in the past. Evolution of the Heartland highlights the dynamism and innovation happening in these communities. From sustainable farming practices to thriving small businesses, there’s a spirit of progress that fuels the local economy and creates a vibrant environment.
  • Strong Agricultural Roots, High Quality of Life: The rich agricultural heritage of Iowa is a cornerstone of its small towns. Evolution of the Heartland connects you to these roots, showcasing the dedication to producing high-quality food, fuel, and fiber, while fostering a strong sense of community. The focus on quality of life and the pursuit of a balanced and healthy lifestyle is often envied by city dwellers.

Evolution of the Heartland goes beyond showcasing attractions; it’s about capturing the essence of small-town life. It’s about the feeling of belonging, the chance to get involved, and the opportunity to experience a unique way of life. If you’re curious to discover the heartland’s hidden potential, head to https://www.evolutionoftheheartland.com/ and see for yourself why small towns in Iowa are anything but ordinary.

Maximizing Sales: Understanding the Customer Journey

When it comes to business, success hinges on more than just having a great product or service. Understanding where your customers and prospects stand in the sales pipeline and tailoring your marketing efforts accordingly is crucial for sustainable growth. Today we dive into why this understanding is essential for business and explore a few effective strategies for each stage of the sales pipeline.

Awareness

At this stage, potential customers may not even realize they have a problem that your product or service can solve. Marketing efforts should focus on raising brand awareness and capturing attention. Examples include:

  • Social media advertising campaigns to reach a broader audience.
  • Content marketing through blogs, videos, or infographics to educate and engage.

Knowledge

Once aware, customers seek information to understand their options better. Provide valuable content to educate them about your offerings. Strategies could include:

  • Hosting webinars or workshops to showcase expertise and product features.
  • Creating detailed product guides or comparison sheets to assist in decision-making.

Consideration

Prospects are weighing their options and comparing different solutions. It’s essential to stand out and showcase the unique value your business provides. Examples of targeted marketing efforts include:

  • Offering free trials or demos to allow prospects to experience the product firsthand.
  • Sending personalized email campaigns with case studies or testimonials highlighting success stories.

Selection

At this critical juncture, prospects are ready to make a decision and purchase. Ensure your marketing efforts reinforce confidence in choosing your product or service. Strategies may involve:

  • Providing limited-time discounts or exclusive offers to incentivize purchase.
  • Offering flexible payment options or guarantees to reduce perceived risk.

Loyalty

After the sale, focus shifts to retaining customers and fostering loyalty. Engage with them to encourage repeat business and advocacy. Effective strategies include:

  • Implementing a customer loyalty program with rewards or discounts for repeat purchases.
  • Sending personalized thank-you emails or follow-up surveys to gather feedback and show appreciation.

Advocacy

Satisfied customers can become your brand ambassadors, driving new business through referrals and positive reviews. Nurture these relationships to harness their advocacy. Tactics could include:

  • Encouraging user-generated content through social media contests or hashtags.
  • Implementing a referral program offering rewards for successful referrals.

Understanding where your customers and prospects are in the sales pipeline empowers you to tailor your marketing efforts effectively. While social media can be an easy way to engage people inexpensively, it might not be hitting your customers in the most effective way. By developing a targeted marketing plan aligned with each stage of the customer journey, you can maximize engagement, conversions, and long-term success for your business.

 

Our Work From Home Favorites

Here are some tangible things we love about working from home! Maybe you’ll find something here that you love too – or something new to try!

This Standing desk  |  My supportive but very lazy co-worker  |  Unlimited access to snacks (Bubblr, almonds, Cheez-Its, or anything chocolate!)  |  Taking lunch break walks around the lake  |  A cute planner like this one | Flexibility!

A cute Planner & sketchbook  |  This Standing desk  |  A good playlist or podcast  |  Working from a local coffee shop or making homemade iced lattes with these Glasses and Straws

These Cozy Slippers  |  Freshly Ground Coffee from The Market Place  |  Teams calls with my Emerge team (especially when we turn on our cameras!!)  |  Breaks with views from the deck and walks to see the animals!  |  My Black Book to keep me organized

Hugs from my kids  |  Cozy blankets while I work  |  Being able to see what is going on out my window  |  This Heated desk pad

 

Interested in building a remote team? Check out this past blog filled with tips for working from home!

February Hidden Gem Round-Up

What is a rural Iowa hidden gem? Someone who keeps us going! Who do you know that is excelling at their craft, going out of their way to be exceptional, and even though they don’t seek it, should be getting some recognition?

Juniper & Olive Co.

“Juniper & Olive Co. – giving small town Iowa a touch of New York City. With all of the gold and whimsical decor you take a step through time when you walk through the door. It’s a one of kind adventure. *clink clink*” Nominated by Jordan R 

We’ve seen Juniper & Olive Co. featured on many Instagram accounts and it looks like the most aesthetic and feminine space! We can’t wait to visit sometime.

Handcrafted FCD

“Handcrafted FCD in Jewell. She’s selling her own handmade creations while offering many other locally made products. Small business helping other small businesses that might not have an outlet for their products!” Nominated by Nicole J

We love supporting local and those who do the same! It sounds like Handcrafted FCD is a must-visit in Jewell, Iowa.

Emerald Benefits

“Paige Witte in Stuart! I love her new space [Emerald Benefits] on Main Street.” Nominated by Shelly G

Paige made a comment regarding Emerald Benefits! “We do employee benefits for small businesses in rural Iowa and our space also is a rental space for small parties of 20-30 people. We’ve been told before that our space is the coolest insurance spot they have seen!” Make sure to check it out the next time you’re in Stuart, Iowa.

Phocas Gardens

“Phocas Gardens in Sac City. Beautiful atmosphere and truly just lovely plants and products.” Nominated by Erin S

Plants, good community, and shopping? Sign us up!!

Know of a hidden gem that needs to be featured?

Comment below or contact us with a short description to nominate a person, business, or organization to be featured as a Hidden Gem! Or follow along on Facebook.

Check back regularly to see who makes the list!

Guide to an Effective Product Photoshoot for Your Small Business

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In the world of small business, showcasing your products in the best possible way is important. Whether you’re a beginning entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, mastering the art of product photography can significantly elevate your brand. Here’s a comprehensive guide to curating an impressive product photoshoot for your small business that brings out the spirit of your offerings:

  1. Gather Your Equipment

  • Camera: Use a DSLR camera for optimal results, but a high-quality smartphone camera also works great.
  • Tripod: Stabilize your camera to avoid blurry images.
  • Lighting: Natural light, diffused artificial light, or a combination of both can be used. Consider a lightbox for small products.
  • Background/Props: Choose a clean, uncluttered background that complements your product.

  1. Set Up Your Shooting Space

  • Lighting – Choose a well-lit area with consistent lighting and avoid light sources that may create harsh shadows throughout the shoot. Shoot near a large window for soft, diffused light. Avoid harsh, overhead fluorescent lights as they can distort colors and affect the overall quality of your images. Light diffusers can be used to soften and redirect light, capturing the best shots of your products.
  • Product Positioning – Position your product at the center of the shooting area. Use a table for smaller products and ensure it’s at a comfortable working height.
  • Background – Use a seamless background for a professional look. Consider using white or neutral colors to make your products stand out. Experiment with textured backgrounds for specific products. Try different fabrics for backdrops. Solid colors and textures add depth and visual interest to your product images. Consider combining contrasting materials such as wood and fabric to add visual interest and sophistication to your product display. While this adds interest, you don’t want the design to detract from the product.

  1. Categorize, Organize, and Clean Your Products

Start by categorizing your products by type so that it’s easier to organize the photos after the shoot. Then gather all products and arrange by category. Organizing them in a specific order helps maintain flow during the shoot. Before the camera comes out, ensure your products are spotless with no dust, fingerprints, or smudges.

  1. Choose a Theme

Decide whether you need a theme or props that will complement and highlight your products. Consistency in theme enhances brand identity. Gather props and backdrops and have them easily accessible to keep your shoot running smoothly. Showing customers a product with props may help bring in more sales as they visualize the product in its environment.

  1. Product Arrangement & Composition

  • Rule of Thirds – Follow the rule of thirds to create visually appealing images. Experiment with different angles and set-ups that best highlight your product’s features and consider capturing close-up shots for details and textures.
  • Varying height and depth – Try various product placement by varying their height and depth. Utilize different-sized boxes both under fabric or on top of your backdrop to add dimension and visual intrigue.
  • Style Large Pieces with Small Props – When photographing larger items such as shelves or furniture pieces, enhance their appeal by accessorizing with smaller props that showcase your products effectively and showcase the product’s size.

  1. Editing Your Photos

Use photo editing software to enhance color, contrast, and sharpness. Remove any distractions or imperfections and crop consistently. Keep edits subtle to maintain a natural look.

  1. Consistency is Key

Maintain a consistent style across all product images. Use the same background and lighting setup for a cohesive product display across all platforms including a print catalog, website, or social media.

  1. Review & Refine

Review your photos and identify areas for improvement. Experiment with different techniques to find your style. It’s great to review other businesses in your industry or gain ideas from social media. Make sure to regularly update your skills to stay current with industry trends.

Taking these steps will help you craft compelling and visually striking images that resonate with your audience. Remember, the quality of your product photos often determines a customer’s first impression. Investing time and effort into perfecting your product photography can yield remarkable results for your small business.

Our Diverse Clientele: Real People, Real Stories

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At Emerge Marketing Solutions, we are more than just your typical marketing agency. We are passionate about a mission that runs deep in our rural Iowa veins. Our mission is clear – to breathe new life into rural communities and empower local businesses and organizations to flourish. Our diverse set of clients represents the heartbeat of rural Iowa, and we’d like to introduce you to the people and stories behind our mission. These stories include the hardworking folks in agriculture, the close-knit rural communities, the devoted educators, the compassionate healthcare providers, the beloved local libraries, the tireless non-profits, the resilient small business owners, and the picturesque tourism organizations we are proud to support.

OUR MISSION: REVITALIZING RURAL IOWA THROUGH PASSION, PLANNING, AND PURPOSE

Rural Iowa’s rolling fields, tight-knit communities, and heartfelt traditions are what define our state’s rural identity. Yet, rural areas face challenges that threaten their prosperity. At Emerge Marketing Solutions, we believe in the power of marketing to help rural Iowa not just survive but thrive. Our goal is to ignite and activate local communities, businesses, and organizations to emerge from the comfort of their shell and, in doing so, contribute to the well-being of the people who call rural Iowa home.

OUR CLIENTS
AGRICULTURE:

Our partnership with the farmers and agricultural businesses of rural Iowa is a source of pride. We work alongside these dedicated entrepreneurs who toil day in and day out to provide for their families and communities. Our marketing efforts help them connect with consumers who appreciate the fruits of their labor, supporting sustainable farming practices and promoting locally sourced products.

RURAL COMMUNITIES:

Behind every rural community are passionate leaders who cherish their unique way of life. We team up with local governments and community organizations, each one driven by a shared goal – to showcase the charm and promise of rural Iowa. Together, we work to attract new residents, businesses, and investments while preserving the rich culture and traditions that make each community special.

EDUCATION:

In the world of education, we’re honored to stand beside the schools, community colleges, and educators who nurture the minds of the next generation. Our marketing services, fundraising leadership, and strategic planning efforts help these institutions draw students and educators, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in rural Iowa.

HEALTHCARE:

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental need for rural areas. Our collaboration with healthcare providers and organizations is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that rural Iowans have access to the care they deserve. Through effective strategic planning, fundraising, and creative marketing efforts, we aim to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility and connect patients with healthcare professionals.

LIBRARIES:

Libraries are not just buildings; they are community treasures, and we’re on a mission to ensure that they remain so. Our fundraising planning has helped libraries reach new donors, pass effective city bond referendums, and has further engaged citizens in their communities, offering essential services and preserving their importance in the digital age.

NON-PROFITS:

Behind every non-profit are individuals driven by a desire to make their community a better place. We are humbled to assist these organizations in raising awareness, garnering support, and making a lasting impact in rural Iowa.

SMALL BUSINESSES:

Small business owners are the heart and soul of rural economies, and we stand with them in their journey. The pursuit of the American dream is something we are so passionate about and we love to help others see their dreams come true and hard work pay off. We help entrepreneurs build their brands, expand their customer base, and adapt to the changing business landscape. Our strategies empower local entrepreneurs to thrive and, in doing so, contribute to the growth of their communities.

TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS:

Rural Iowa’s natural beauty and rich history are treasures to be celebrated. We collaborate with tourism organizations to spread the word about the unique experiences they offer. Our work attracts visitors, providing a boost to the local economy through tourism, creating opportunities for people to discover the wonders of rural Iowa.

At Emerge Marketing Solutions, we’re not just marketers; we’re people driven by a deep love for rural Iowa. Our mission is about the people, the communities, and the stories that make up the heart of rural life. It’s not about the success of Emerge but the clients we serve. By providing top-notch marketing services to our clients in agriculture, rural communities, education, healthcare, libraries, non-profits, small businesses, and tourism organizations, we play a part in the economic and cultural enrichment of rural Iowa. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we look forward to continuing our journey in support of rural communities across the state. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant rural Iowa, because, at the end of the day, it’s about the people and their stories that make Iowa truly special

The Emerge Business Model – Subcontractors vs Employees

Emerge team members

When I first started Emerge Marketing Solutions, I knew I wanted to utilize a different business model than typical marketing agencies. Priorities for my entrepreneurial journey included:

  1. The flexibility to raise my children and support my family.
  2. Empower women to keep their creative juices flowing whether they have worked their way into management and no longer do the hands-on creative work, want to earn extra money, are taking a leave of absence from the workforce to raise their kids, or simply want a creative outlet.
  3. Provide the strategic and creative marketing services rural businesses, organizations, and communities needed to elevate themselves in the marketplace.
  4. Live and work in rural Iowa, having a successful career charting my own destiny.

Emerge team membersI quickly decided that having a network of subcontractors rather than employees would enable me to start faster, adapt to client needs more efficiently, and allow for the greatest success in starting up the business. Additional advantages of utilizing subcontractors versus employees included:

Cost Efficiency

Subcontractors are typically responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits, which reduced the overhead costs for our company. This made it more cost-effective to work with subcontractors, especially for short-term or project-based work.

Flexibility

I could hire subcontractors on a project-by-project basis, allowing me to scale our workforce up or down as needed. This allowed flexibility for the subcontractor so they could work on projects when they had time and availability and take time off when they were busy.

Specialized Expertise

Each one of our subcontractors have specific expertise or skills in a particular area, such as video production, graphic design, creative writing, or website development, which is valuable for the variety of projects we work on. I was able to tap into their expertise without having to hire a full-time employee for each specific area.

Reduced Administrative Burden

As a small, start-up business, this allowed me to spend less time managing employees (such as administrative tasks including payroll, taxes, benefits, and HR responsibilities) and more time working for our clients. Subcontractors handled these aspects themselves, relieving the company of some administrative burdens.

Geographic Flexibility

Since I had a network of talented creatives from across the state and country, this allowed me to work with them despite their geographic locations. I had also recently moved to a new location in which I didn’t know anyone, so I wasn’t limited to the talent pool in our rural, local area.

Scalability

Subcontractors can be easily added or removed from projects as needed, making it easier for me to scale our operations without having the long-term commitment of hiring permanent employees.

So, with that I set out to engage with many of the creative professionals I had met and worked with over the course of my career.  I enjoyed reconnecting with these professionals and being able to keep in touch with them to hear how their lives and careers were going as well as talk about our vision for the future with Emerge.

What started out as two subcontractors working nights and weekends approximately 10-20 hours per month quickly became five subs and eventually 10 subs. I found out very quickly that I needed to implement effective processes that would streamline the need to send emails or have phone conversations every night about projects we needed support on as well as activate the right people at the right time to do the services we needed so that I wasn’t spending most of my time ‘doing’ instead of ‘leading.’

After year one, we implemented the use of the Asana Project Management system which was a life and time saver. It keeps our team connected, allows all communication for projects to flow through succinct project tasks, and allows everyone involved in various projects or serving a variety of clients to be up to date at any time with the status of projects.

A critical element in the effective implementation of the subcontractor model was that I had built trust and rapport with these professionals, was able to communicate effectively on each project’s needs and client’s vision, and had implemented systems to effectively keep everyone on the same page with project status.

While I never thought I would have employees, as our workload increased and client needs increased, so did our administrative needs. I realized that I needed a full-time employee available to work during the daytime hours. Katie, our first Emerge employee, was hired in January 2020. While her expertise was video production, and that added a new element to our service line, what quickly evolved was her ability to be a project manager.

Today, Emerge now employs two full-time employees providing project management, creative writing, video production, media management, and graphic design services (among many other tasks as assigned), as well as two part-time employees who oversee the administrative duties such as accounting/billing/accounts receivable, sales, and event planning. We also consistently have 3-5 subcontractors working on projects monthly, however our subcontractor needs have waned for the short-term while we effectively scale the business. I anticipate that when project managers are fully-trained and client work-loads increase we will reengage our subcontractor network more fully, making the most use of talented creative professionals across the state and country.

Why Emerge?

why Emerge

A common question many people get asked is, “So what do you do?”, but many people don’t go further to ask, “why do you do what you do?” or “why do you like your job?”. Questions that are arguably more important when it comes to a career. We asked ourselves what drew us to Emerge Marketing and why we are passionate about the work we do.

ShellySHELLY – OWNER OF EMERGE, MOM OF THREE, WORKING FROM MANNING, IOWA

Emerge is my dream, my vision, and my passion. This business has allowed me to not only pursue my dreams of owning my own business but also make an impact in my community and the businesses/organizations around me as well as revitalize rural Iowa and our country.  I absolutely LOVE helping other entrepreneurs and community leaders attain the unthinkable – to pair a visual identity with tactical tools and a strategic approach that allows them to achieve their vision. I believe I am using God’s gifts to better the world and nothing could be more satisfying. I believe this truly is the work of our Lord.

My favorite thing is connecting with our Emerge team who holds each other accountable, lifts each other up, and challenges one another to be the best we can be in the name of the Lord.

KATIE – FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE AND NEW MOM, WORKING FROM STORM LAKE, IOWAKatie

The opportunity to work for Emerge just fell into my lap, and to me, that was a sign that it was meant to be. In college, I did everything from broadcast journalism, marketing, event planning, public relations, to sports and rec management and human relations, so I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue after graduation. Working for Emerge has allowed me to combine so many of my interests and skills without having to pick just one.

I feel very fortunate to work for an organization that values family, faith, and friends. Our mission to revitalize rural Iowa has also really made an impact on me and opened my eyes about how much I love living in a small, Iowa community. The flexibility of working from home while still being able to meet in person occasionally is a great balance. I love the collaboration our growing team has as well as the variety of projects we get to work on and the different clients we assist.

ClaireCLAIRE – FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE WORKING FROM SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

I enjoy having a collaborative team to work together with, and we each have our own skill sets that blend beautifully! The flexibility of working from home and getting to catch up and have in-person meetings every once in a while is nice. We aren’t limited by our location, so we have the flexibility to live wherever we want and still work with a great group of people! I like that we have different projects to work on for clients in a variety of industries. I also love our focus on revitalizing rural Iowa as I am passionate about small businesses and business owners too!

COURTNEY – PART-TIME EMPLOYEE, MOM OF FOUR, WORKING FROM RURAL CARROLL COUNTY Courtney

Emerge is not just a job; it’s truly fun, interesting, and meaningful work. I love being able to contribute to Shelly’s faith-filled mission of revitalizing rural Iowa with a wonderful group of women and clients. Emerge has made it possible for me to balance working part-time while still being able to do what’s important to me as a stay-at-home mom and wife.

AnnieANNIE – PART-TIME EMPLOYEE, MOM OF THREE, WORKING FROM RURAL CARROLL COUNTY

I enjoy working for Emerge because I get to combine so many elements of things I am passionate about with fun, new experiences! I love getting to focus on rural revitalization and keeping our slice of Iowa thriving and moving forward while maintaining our small-town way of life. In the short time I have been working with Shelly, I have met so many interesting people and learned how they are making an impact in rural Iowa. Emerge is also rooted in the belief that we are doing God’s work, and I am blessed to work alongside other women who share this belief.

PAIGE – SUBCONTRACTOR, MOM OF A TODDLER, WORKING FROM ROCKWELL CITY, IOWA Paige

I love working for Emerge Marketing Solutions because my job as a subcontractor allows for flexibility. As a stay-at-home mom to a very active toddler and a farm wife to a first-generation farmer, I am always busy. With my role at Emerge, I can still spend quality time with my family while making a little extra cash to help with the seasonal cash flow of farming. An added bonus is that the Emerge team is rooted in Christian beliefs, so I feel right at home with these amazing women who share similar core values. Not only am I able to serve my family because of my work at Emerge, but I am also able to work for the glory of God!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” -Colossians 3:23-24

How Emerge was Named

How Emerge got its name

I get asked all the time how we came up with the name “Emerge” and why there is a 3 in the name. It’s amazing how things work in a mysterious way, and you’re often led to the right answers if you’re patient enough!

Some of you know the crazy story of how this business started, but for those of you who don’t, check out the ‘turtle story‘ that happened in 2016! I had decided a year prior that I wanted to pursue my dream of owning my own business, but it would take nearly 14 months before I would make it official. For any of you who knew me at the time…I was NOT a patient person!

As time passed and the idea started to come to fruition of owning my own business, I knew I needed to get serious if I was going to make this dream a reality. (Like many creatives do, I was already doing a lot of this work as a volunteer in the community and transitioning that into paid work was a little harder. It required confidence, vision, and commitment.)

I set up a meeting with my attorney to get the legal details of the business moving forward, but the one thing that kept holding me back was that I didn’t know what to call it! I knew how much branding meant and that the meaning of all I wanted to impact in this world was so much more than the words I would choose to name this business! But I didn’t want to mess it up or sell us short!

So, I thought about my journey leading up to the business start-up and the impact I wanted to have on other entrepreneurs, our clients, and beyond. My encounter with the turtle was really a pivotal moment for me and my life, but I didn’t like turtles. They’re slow, gross, cold, slimy, and boring (or so I thought!). Although I felt like I had always been on the ‘right’ path, doing all the ‘right’ things, it was the symbolic meaning of the turtle that really impacted and guided me most. But what was it about that turtle that I could carry on to clients in a meaningful way?

What is it about a turtle that would make a difference in this world?

Well…when a turtle is stagnant, sitting in its shell it’s more like a rock (kind of like many of us when we’re feeling stuck in our business or in life). But when the turtle sticks its neck out from the comfort of its shell and starts to emerge, it begins to make progress. EMERGE! That’s it! While comfort and security lie within the shell, it’s when the turtle finally emerges with a plan to move forward that it makes progress…slow, steady, and calculated progress. And that’s what we do here at Emerge. We help people get unstuck, emerge from the comfort of their business, and pursue new heights with passion, planning, and purpose. And don’t be mistaken…we’re rarely slow! However, we want to ensure the ‘right’ approach is taken, not just complete a project just to complete a project.

What about the 3?

The underlying purpose of our business and why we do what we do is to serve God. The number three acts as a constant reminder that at the center of all that we do is to serve the Lord with the gifts that have been entrusted to us. Our responsibility here on earth is to have faith in the Lord and share the good news of salvation, grace, and hope with all people. The three in Christianity represents the Triune God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Without these three, we would be nothing.

The fact that God is Triune – three persons in eternal relationship – reminds us that relationships are what life is about, and that’s what I love most about the work we do. Meeting people, getting to know them personally, and inspiring them is what I cherish most. Life is not about stuff or earthly successes. It’s about a loving relationship. If we truly know the Triune God, we will cherish relationships – with God and with one another.

I have often questioned whether we go too far with our emphasis and integration of faith into our business, but I am constantly reminded at every turn of life, that our calling is not to pursue immediate success or gratification in life here on earth, but to serve our Lord and ignite this same faith in others.

This is also why we have developed the faith-based part of our company, Ignite: Be the Light, to help others recognize the flame from within and feel comfortable in developing a strong faith foundation that not only gives them a stronger base, but allows them to eventually find purpose in their own life, and to ignite others and set the world ablaze.

So, I encourage you to do the same. Emerge from the comfort of your shell; pursue God’s calling; and ignite, be the light for all.

How Emerge was Started

how emerge was started

My whole life I always knew that I wanted to start my own business. I have always had a ‘can do’, ‘figure it out’, ‘jump at the right opportunity’ kind of spirit. While I never really pressured myself to go after it, I knew that when the time was right it would happen. As I look back, each experience I’ve had throughout my life has been a stepping stone designed to build upon one another. At the time some of them seemed misplaced, out of line, or definitely NOT part of MY intended path. But as I look back, I see that every step in the journey was meant for an intentional purpose that would prepare me for success. I’ll skip past the details for now and jump to how Emerge was started.

In June of 2015, my family and I were living in DeWitt, Iowa, and I was working for a successful agriculture company. One day, my husband delivered the news that he had been recruited to western Iowa and that our family would be moving, but not right away.  It would be a year and a half from then that we would actually be moving.

This was devastating to me as I had just started to find my groove. I was part of the community and I had made incredible friends. I served on our home & school board for our school. I was involved in the chamber and economic development organization. And I was part of a fundraising effort to impact the county fairgrounds and had made significant strides in my career.

Have you ever felt like the rug has just pulled out from underneath you? Or that your life is about to come crashing down? That was me. how emerge was started

While I couldn’t talk about this impending change with anyone, my inner-being took over and I wrestled with a fight or flight response for the next year. I couldn’t decide whether I would just follow my own path ­- choose my own destiny, be selfish and take control of my own life – or whether I would fight, as I knew I could adapt and do anything I put my mind to. Within the next month I wrote a business plan for the business I’d always dreamed of starting. And to this day, is STILL the foundation of our business. But that wasn’t enough. I had that glimmer of hope and vision for a future, but self-doubt won over every day.

Trusting in God

So, as I have been taught my whole life, I did the only thing I knew how…I leaned on my faith. I trusted God that it would all work out. I asked Him to show me the way, to protect me when I would fall, and to be with me every step of the way, showing me the light and path to a better future.

Now, as I look back on the past six years of being in business, I can’t help but think that God had better plans for me than I could have ever imagined at that low point in my life.

As the time for us to move neared, I had an enlightenment. Something switched in my mind. Or more realistically, the Holy Spirit finally found a way deep into my heart. I decided that from that day forward I would NEVER look back. I decided with conviction that I would start my own business, pursue my dreams, and seize the opportunity to make a difference in this world.

On August 26, 2016, I formed Emerge Marketing Solutions and had six dedicated clients. At the time I was still working full-time, supporting my family, wrapping up loose ends in DeWitt, preparing to move to Manning, and renovating an old farmhouse that hadn’t been lived in for years.

On December 31, 2016, we made the trek across Iowa and my life as an entrepreneur began. I knew that I would do whatever it took to run a successful business and be an inspiration to others, especially my children. And that I would share with others that no matter what life throws at you, it’s 90% attitude and 100% faith and trust in God that all will work out.