Hello!
I can’t believe we’re already heading towards the final quarter of the year. This summer has been a complete whirlwind, filled with both personal and professional growth—and plenty of lessons learned along the way. So, I thought now would be the perfect time to share a little update on what’s been happening in my world. It’s fair to say there’s been a lot of juggling, a fair amount of guilt, and some big realisations.
The Summer Juggle: Parenting Guilt is Real
So, the summer holidays. Ah, the joys and the challenges! On one hand, it’s been amazing to spend more time with my 3 kids, soaking up the sunshine and making memories that we’ll all treasure. But on the other hand, the struggle to balance quality family time with work has been very real this year. After 10 years as a mum and a business leader, I thought I had it nailed. But I now realise that the perfectionist in me means it may always be a work in progress.
I’ll be honest—there were days when I felt like I wasn’t doing enough on either front. If I was in “mum mode,” I felt guilty for not being fully present for my team. And when I was focused on work, the guilt of not spending those precious summer moments with my kids crept in. It’s that classic parent-business-owner dilemma: feeling like you’re constantly falling short somewhere, no matter how hard you try, even when you know that things are covered, and the business doesn’t crumble without you!
A Big Realisation: The Support Network is Everything
This summer also reminded me of something that I always preach to others—something that’s so obvious, but I think we all tend to forget in the hustle and bustle: you absolutely need a strong support network.
Seriously, trying to do it all on your own is a recipe for burnout.
For me, having a solid support network is a game-changer. Leaning on family, friends, and childcare professionals allows me to be more present with my kids when it really mattered, and gives me the freedom to focus on activ Marketing™️ without that constant nagging guilt. None of us can do it all alone—and we shouldn’t have to!
Building the Dream Team at activ Marketing™️
Speaking of support networks, it’s crucial it is to have the right team in place at work. activ Marketing™️ has been growing rapidly this year, and I’ve brought in some fantastic new team members to help maintain that momentum.
We’ve launched our activ Accelerator Program, which is at the core of our growth strategy, and we’ve brought on a Jr Marketing Executive and will soon be announcing a new Head of Marketing to help boost our social media and client engagement. Our new in-house Designer and Franchise Development Manager are already making waves, and with our move to a new dedicated office in September, I’m buzzing about what’s next. Collaboration and creativity are going to be off the charts!
What’s Next: Exciting Times Ahead
I’m super excited about what’s coming up for activ Marketing™️. We’re official partners of Ideas Fest this September, which is a massive milestone for us. It’s going to provide opportunities for networking, learning, and growth. Plus, we’re launching our new campaign at the event— No Rodeo Just Results. Trust me, it’s going to be something fun and a bit out there, so keep an eye on our stand!
And speaking of exciting events, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be speaking at the FSB South Wales Conference on 4th September. I’ll be talking about how to create a marketing plan for a small business—something that’s close to my heart. It’s such an important topic, especially for small business owners who are often juggling so many responsibilities. I can’t wait to dive into practical tips and strategies that can really make a difference.
Final Thoughts
As we step into September, now is the perfect time to put your marketing activity in place to hit those year-end sales targets. If you need support with your marketing strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help. And if you’re keen to scale your marketing business, our award-winning franchise model could be the perfect fit for you. Let’s connect and see how we can make the rest of this year your best yet.
Catch you later,
Katie