Sparrow Creative Studio

06/05/2024

Today is National Hot Air Balloon Day, so we're celebrating our friends at the BALLOON MUSEUM FOUNDATION for all they do for the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. This foundation helps provide support and funding for exhibits and programming at the museum we all love.
You can help support the museum as well. Tickets are on sale for their super-special 4th views event. https://bit.ly/3VtsQM1

05/22/2024

We are fortunate to work with some amazing nonprofits. This work is so rewarding because it fills us with hope. The Rio Grande Community Development Corporation helps people start businesses, create food startups, and support the local food economy. The Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network empowers people with Down Syndrome and their families. Friends of Red Rock Canyon volunteers keep the canyon free of graffiti, maintain trails, and guide tours. The Balloon Museum Foundation supports the Balloon Museum programming and exhibits. Explora! provides hands-on science education for children. Each one has their niche and focus. Together, they make the world a better place!

Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Balloon Museum Foundation Friends of Red Rock Canyon

05/16/2024

In our business we ask a lot of questions. Why? Because we are a strategic design company. We want to really know your business or nonprofit. We want to know your goals. We want to know who you serve. We want to know what makes you special. Once we understand all of that THEN we begin design. When design is in alignment with mission - that is where the magic happens.

05/09/2024

This talented lady captures the world around her with watercolor. Her 'socialscapes' are glimpses of life in her neighborhood and places she travels. She also creates custom home portraits that are amazing gifts! Maddy started selling her art on Etsy, but was frustrated with the limitations of the platform. We were thrilled to create an e-commerce website for Maddy so she can showcase her work without the cluttered competition in a way that is authentic to her style. Check her out at https://bit.ly/3UyolOL

05/02/2024

It's May, and that means it is time for the Wrentham Artisan Market to open for the season! My east coast peeps need to check out this seasonal weekend popup featuring makers and artisans in the Massachusetts area. We loved creating branding and social marketing assets for this creative business. I hope I can get to one of the markets this summer.

https://bit.ly/3JG1OdX

04/24/2024

Is your personality coming through in your brand? Do your potential customers 'get you' at a glance? Your logo, colors, design elements, image choices, and messaging all help tell customers who you are and what you do. For each brand we design we start with your customer and work backward to create a visual identity that connects! Ready for yours?

04/23/2024

As a business, your social goal is NOT likes and follows. Social media for personal use is different from using social to market your business. Shift your mindset to shift your results.

Your social content should:

➡️ Introduce your business

Your social content should represent your business, your services, and the problems that you solve. This is a place to introduce people to your business, show how you meet your client's needs, and solve their problems. When your words and images come together to convey a story about what you do, and how you help people solve their problems, or achieve their dreams – then you can build connections that turn into customers.

➡️ Educate and inform

Through social marketing, you have the opportunity to share information that is interesting and helpful for your audience. For example, as an accountant, you are aware of upcoming tax deadlines. Your post about important dates could help a customer get more prepared. Social marketing can also help future customers understand WHY they should work with you. How does your business differ from your competitors? What makes you unique?

➡️ Build relationship
Your content should also develop the know, like, and trust factor. People do business with people they know. Your social media is an opportunity for people to get to know you as a person as well as understand the services you provide. If you want to share more about who you are away from your business, your hobbies, your family – great. If you don't, that is also fine. Don't let your audience hear crickets. When you respond to comments and direct messages you build trust and familiarity. You can use your social media to draw future customers closer into your circle. Remember, you do not own the social platforms and there can be changes at any time. A great goal is to offer something of value via your social account that your customer will exchange their email address for. Then, you can move the conversation to email – a place you DO control.

04/19/2024

An evening garden wedding save the date. I love to add personal details. This couple has chickens and one sweet kitty that will be part of the festivities!

04/18/2024

This week we are doing updates for Kwek Society and feeling so amazed and excited for their success. Their mission to end period poverty for native peoples. When we first started working with Kwek they were delivering thousands of period supplies, then 1 million, and now over 3 million!! 👏 They are now meeting the need in the U.S. and in Canada. We are doing a happy dance to see this non-profit grow and make a difference. Congratulations Kwek Society!

12/19/2023

Rather than balance scales, I like to think of my work and home life more like music. It isn't either/or but a composition of different notes and instruments. In harmony, these different elements come together in a beautiful way. The distinct notes, much like the various aspects of our lives, add interest and depth. There are times when the tempo is fast and others when it is unhurried. Sometimes one instrument dominates the piece and the others complement. Other times they blend in concert.

Sure, there will be some discordant notes. But they won't last. Merging work and life creates a melody that is rich with meaning, purpose, pleasure, and life. The key is to relax and enjoy the music.

12/14/2023

If you've ghosted your followers or supporters, this is not the time to reach out. Skip the holiday cards, end-of-year messages, and calls for support. I realize that someone is clutching their pearls right now exclaiming 'We have to send holiday cards!" Nope, you don't. Without a relationship it is meaningless. No one will be sitting there saying '"You know, we never got a Christmas card from our insurance company this year."
If your audience hasn't heard from you all year, hearing from you this time of year is inauthentic. Instead, make a plan for how you will create a genuine connection in the future.

12/12/2023

The day after Thanksgiving the number of unread messages in my inbox gave me anxiety! Everyone is sending messages, emails, cards, catalogs, etc. Your holiday message is just one voice in the chaos. Is this really the best time for you to connect with your audience? Perhaps you can choose another time to reach out. How about a Valentine? Thanksgiving note (we are Thankful for you)? Could you create a day specific to your organization to inspire your donors where you are not competing with other voices? It is OK to do your own thing!

12/11/2023

Are you team holiday cards or not? The holiday season presents a wonderful opportunity to deepen the bond with your customers and your supporters. But, there is a right way and a very wrong way to go about it. Here are four key points that will help you decide how to approach season's greetings.

Are you team Christmas cards or not? Digital or printed? Here's what you need to know about holiday greetings and year-end messages.

12/01/2023

Winter comes slowly to New Mexico. In December we are still experiencing 50 degree days. But the leaves have fallen and there is a chill in the evening. A new season is upon us. There is a season for everything. At the end of the year, it feels like the right to follow the lead of nature and slow down, let go of our season of growth and move into the season of rest.

When I worked in corporate America, I was never afforded this time. End-of-year meant budgets and accounting and projections, last-minute sales push, long days, and lots of stress. I struggled to maintain any semblance of balance and always felt that I couldn't keep up. Every year I entered the holidays stressed and fatigued.

What a difference working for my own business! Our small-company culture is people and family-friendly. Because, as a business owner, I am responsible for setting the culture. I am so grateful for my business and for the flexibility that I have over my time and energy.

I'm hoping that you are taking time to recharge and rest in this season. 🎁🎄✨

11/29/2023

Work-life balance. Every week I read an article that contains the magic recipe for achieving this mythical state. Every expert has a tip or trick. Time blocking, delegating, prioritizing. But, they keep writing articles, with new tactics – because none of these things work. When you put work and life on the scales, one is always out of balance. Sometimes work needs more attention. Big sale, year-end, project deadlines. They pull hard. And sometimes, it is family that pulls more attention. Cold and flu season, family vacation, new baby, elderly parent. These things are normal. Trying for balance assumes that we have control over all of the factors. Spoiler alert: we don't.

Imbalance is natural and it is time to accept it. Life is organic, and our lives intersect with people and circumstances we cannot fully control. When we accept that, we can let go of the stress of trying to be perfect.

11/28/2023

is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. Today, across the globe, people are finding ways to give and be generous in their neighborhoods and in the global neighborhood that is our planet. We hope that sparks a spirit of everyday generosity for you. Here are a few of our favorite organizations that are helping make the world a better place. Would you check them out and follow them, and if you are moved by their mission - would you give?

11/27/2023

Is life-work balance achievable? Especially as an entrepreneur? Perhaps this is the wrong goal. Rather than balance, aim for harmony.

Is life-work balance achievable? Especially as an entrepreneur? Perhaps this is the wrong goal. Rather than balance, aim for harmony.

11/23/2023

This Thanksgiving we want to say how very thankful we are for all of you. We are able to do work we enjoy, with people we enjoy. We are truly blessed by each and every one of you. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

11/22/2023

Set BIG GOALS. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Do not be satisfied to sit on the sidelines. You get ONE life only. Dream your dreams and chase them HARD. If your goal makes you a little scared, you are chasing something that is important to you. If other people don't understand it, that's ok, it is your goal - not theirs. When you set your goal, make a plan, and achieve your goal, CELEBRATE HARD.

11/21/2023

I love this time of year when the brillant colors of fall begin to deepen. There is a cozy vibe as we move inside and light the fire, snuggle under warm blankets, and spend time with those we love.

🦃

11/13/2023

What do you do when you retire to the south? Well, you unretire and encourage others to step off the treadmill and enjoy life in the slow lane with you! Terry and Charlie traded their high-stress Northeastern lives for life on the Carolina Coast. Today, they help others find their dream home in North Carolina. Laid-back, fun-loving, and genuine describe Terry and Charlie.

Sparrow Creative Studio created a website for Terry and Charlie's real estate business that is warm, and welcoming, and showcases what they love about this place they call home. The site is also a place for them to share information, connect with businesses in the area, and serve those who are thinking about relocating.

Check it out at https://bit.ly/3SEhJij

11/10/2023

'Tis the season. A lot happens at the end of the year. But, you do not have to do it all. Many people practice NOvember. Say NO to things that don't serve you. Say NO to things that don't bring you joy. Say NO to other people's agendas and tasks. Say NO, so you can say YES to the things that make you happy and fulfilled.

11/09/2023

This time of year, I am already looking forward to spring. I till and fertilize my soil, and I plant bulbs and perennials that will lay dormant through the winter. I also use this time to visualize my garden in its next season. I have flowers that only bloom in the spring. The first is my beautiful spirea. It drapes with clouds of tiny white blossoms. This is followed closely by golden daffodils and vibrant red tulips. I look forward to seeing these blooms every year. If I neglected my work in the fall, however, these blooms wouldn't be vibrant, or perhaps would not appear at all. The preparation of the fall helps these beautiful flowers grow their best in the Spring.

I also use this time to look ahead in my business. Where did I see the most return on investment? What opportunities are available to me? What do I need to do now to be ready for these opportunities?

It is tempting this time of year to see the end of the year in sight and pull back from work activities. It is so tempting to just coast into November and December and set renewed goals for 2024 in January. But, just like my garden, this is the perfect time to prepare for the new year.

11/08/2023

In the autumn, I rake up fallen leaves, cut back overgrowth, and deadhead flowers. I review all of my trees and bushes in the fall and trim back dead branches and anything that isn't healthy. It is also the time of year that I prepare my business for the new year.
In business, we tend to look quarter-to-quarter. But in the fall quarter, I look forward to the new year and to spring. Fall is a time of reflection for me.

What worked this year?
Where did I see the most return on investment?
What didn't work?
What needs attention?
What needs to be trimmed?

Fall is when I decide what things I will fertilize (invest in) and which things/projects I will trim to make space for other things.

Pruning is a healthy activity that allows for healthy new growth. What tasks or projects do you need to remove to give you space to try something new, or expand something that is working?

11/05/2023

Audrey Hepburn said, "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." I think the same is true of writing a business plan, setting goals, or simply looking and planning ahead for the next season.

I encourage you to use this fall season to reflect on your year and look forward to the vision you have for the new year. What changes can you make now that will set you up to realize that vision?

11/02/2023

Happy Dia De Los Mu***os!

. 💀🕯

11/01/2023

The season has flipped from summer and fall is in full swing. It is the time for long hikes among the glory of the trees, pumpkin patches, and hayrides. This is a season that I spend a lot of time in my garden. I rake up fall leaves, cut back overgrowth, and deadhead flowers. I review all of my trees and bushes in the fall and trim back dead branches and anything that isn't healthy. In the fall, I also look forward to spring. I till and fertilize my soil, and I plant bulbs and perennials that will lay dormant through the winter.

I also use this time to visualize my garden in its next season. I have flowers that only bloom in the spring. The first is my beautiful spirea. It drapes with clouds of tiny white blossoms. This is followed closely by golden daffodils and vibrant red tulips. I look forward to seeing these blooms every year.

If I neglected my work in the fall, however, these blooms wouldn't be vibrant, or perhaps would not appear at all. The preparation of the fall helps these beautiful flowers grow their best in the Spring.

It is tempting this time of year to see the end of the year in sight and pull back from work activities. It is so tempting to just coast into November and December and set renewed goals for 2024 in January. But, just like my garden, the fourth quarter of the year is the perfect time to prepare for the new year.

How do end your year? Do you have a ritual or process for reflection and looking ahead?

10/25/2023

What's the MOST IMPORTANT THING in business and marketing? CLIENT CLARITY. The first step to success is being CRYSTAL CLEAR about who you want to serve with your business.

All of our brand packages include an ideal client profile. This avatar is the personification of the research and targeting we do for your market.

Why do we create this?

✅ To help your focus your business and marketing.
✅ To help you decide where and how to show up.
✅ To help you find your voice.
✅ To help you connect with customers.

A visual picture of your client makes it so much easier for you to market in a way that connects. By understanding your customer you are able to speak directly to his wants/needs/desires. You can target your marketing messages by answering these two questions.

What problem does your client have that you can solve?
What is her greatest desire that you can help her achieve?

Can you answer these questions about your customer?

10/20/2023

They say that 80% of revenue comes from 20% of effort. What are you focusing your attention on? Is it bringing the return on your investment that you expect? If not, it's time for an audit of what your most high-return activities are. Focus on those tasks and delete the others.