So I had a discovery call the other day… The client was a perfect fit for our entry-level Strategy Session. I explained what we do and they said, “Oh no, I don’t need a shopping list.” And honestly? They were right. Because a Strategic Marketing Plan is NOT a shopping list. It’s not: • “Let’s redo the website.” • “We should post more on Instagram.” • “Maybe try ads?” That’s noise. What they actually needed and what most businesses need is a roadmap. A clear snapshot of where they are today. A plan for what to prioritize. Timing that makes sense. Goals that match real capacity. And a filter to help them decide what to say yes to and what to decline. Strategy answers: What matters right now? What can wait? What unlocks growth? What’s quietly draining energy? At Swank Creative Inc., our Strategic Planning Sessions are designed to create clarity, alignment, and momentum. Not overwhelm. Not more to-do’s. And definitely not asking you to spend more. Just thoughtful direction you can actually execute. If you’ve ever felt busy but not effective, this one’s for you. I break it all down in our latest blog post: “A Strategic Marketing Plan Isn’t a Shopping List. It’s a Roadmap.” Read more through the link in bio. Stop guessing. Start moving forward intentionally. Book your complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call and let’s build your roadmap.

CDM Summit 2026 takeaways ✨ Connecting can be fun! I couldn’t turn around without a hug, a “hey you,” or a how-do-we-know-each-other moment. Huge shoutout to Amaan and the CDM Summit team for bringing so many aligned people together. Moderating was a highlight. Deeper conversations, real connection, and way more value than a photo and a swag bag. Big reminder that AI is creating space. Space to strategize, focus on retention, and run a smarter business no matter its size. Agencies are building custom AI systems and streamlined workflows and small businesses can do this too. Nothing replaces 1:1 feedback. Real conversations matter. How are your systems supporting meaningful and direct client connection? One favourite quote from Matt Borck: “Slow is steady and steady is fast.” Ads amplify inefficiencies. If ads are not converting, something else likely needs attention first. Another reason to start with Strategic Planning rather than diving into a big shiney ad campaign. Retention is everything. Existing clients are your biggest opportunity. Post-purchase touchepoints like referral requests, reviews, add-ons, and early launch access turn transactions into relationships. If you were there, what was your biggest takeaway? 👇 @cdmsummit

Headed to the Canadian Digital Marketing Summit tomorrow to moderate a panel and clearly… the outfit needs to pop. There is a Wood panel backdrop and I pulled my favourites from RW&Co, Talbots (yes, I’m embracing it as 40 approaches 😄), and Winners. Which look gets your vote? Drop your fave in the comments 👇 @talbotsofficial @rw_co @winners @cdmsummit

✨ 6 things I’m genuinely excited about in 2026 ✨ (aka: big ideas, meaningful work, and very good people) 1️⃣ Moderating a panel at the Canadian Digital Marketing Summit Content to Conversions: What’s Actually Working Now Real talk. Real results. No fluff. @CDMSummit 2️⃣ The Victoria Cool Aid Society Gala this fall A night where community, care, and impact come together in the most powerful way. I’ll share ticket details as soon as they’re live. @viccoolaid 3️⃣ South Island Prosperity Partnership’s Economy Rising Conference Big ideas, bold leadership, and building a thriving regional future. (Pro tip: get on the waitlist 👀) @southislandprosperity 4️⃣ Supporting Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society Annual marketing planning + kicking off a capital campaign to build a performing arts centre in the West Shore 🎭 This one feels especially meaningful. @building4thearts 5️⃣ Design Victoria Festival I’ve contributed a couple of ideas and… I can’t wait to share more soon 👀 @designyyj 6️⃣ Indigenous Perspectives Society – Cultural Perspectives Training Deepening understanding and developing meaningful, actionable responses to the TRC Calls to Action and UNDRIP. @indigenousperspectivesociety ➕ Bonus: Continuing to work with aligned clients Real estate developers, arts & culture organizations, nonprofits, and innovative teams ready to level up their marketing with clarity, confidence, and ease. I’ve also officially joined Think Local Victoria, Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and the Vancouver Island Construction Association — so you’ll be seeing me at more networking events in 2026. Come say hi ✨ @thinklocalfirstyyj @victoriachamber @viconstruction I felt so ready for 2026 that I created my annual strategy back in October 2025. Momentum is already building — and it’s not too late to plan your year, too. 👇 What must-attend events did I miss? Drop them in the comments. ☕ Let’s book your free coffee connection call for 2026. Big conversations start with small moments. Link in bio.

I can’t count how many incredible relationships have blossomed out of 2025! Thank goodness I remembered to capture a selection of these wonderful moments! We’re so looking forward to what the new year brings. Happy New Year everyone!🎉 @thinklocalfirstyyj @lamppostvictoria @otherguisetheatre @viccoolaid @building4thearts @tedxvictoria.ca @heatherfergusonmusic @rachelsimrose @victoriadigitalmarketing @kaleidoscope_ca @oasis_landscape_design