What my 15-day challenge taught me about showing up so clients remember and choose you
Four months ago, I made a promise to myself to walk every day.
Not every perfect day. Every day, rain or shine.
I’ve kept that promise with only a couple of exceptions when it was truly impossible to get outside.
Most days, I’m out for about an hour, roughly 7,000 steps. I have a rain jacket if needed, and with the colder weather, gloves and a toque are a must.
The results have been an eye-opener. I’ve dropped a bit of weight. My stamina is up. I’m no longer exhausted by dinnertime. And getting up out of a chair doesn’t make my body protest with aches and pains.
On Monday, I signed up for a “5K a day” walking challenge for 15 days. Day one was fine, but on day two I tried to break that promise I made to myself.
I had two major client marketing plans due, and I needed to edit and finalize my “Position Strong in the Age of AI” workshop for my ‘No More Wasted Marketing’ Workbook Position Strong students.
I also had to prep for next week’s talk for the Irrigation Association of BC on “The 3-Step Visibility Blueprint for Trades & Irrigation Services”.
With all that stress looming, skipping the walk felt reasonable.
But I went anyway.
And making that choice mattered. I could have easily said, “Not today, I just can’t,” but instead, I kept my promise, met my deadlines, and woke up feeling proud.
Today is day three of the challenge, and the only window I have to get out and walk is at the crack of dawn (I’m writing this pre-dawn). So that’s when I’ll be out there. I’ll be feeling the cold, but I’m walking nonetheless.
This is how trust is built in business.
People choose businesses they trust. And trust doesn’t just show up overnight. It grows when what we say and what we actually do match, again and again.
When you keep showing up with the same promise, the same look and feel, the same voice, and the same level of care, people can finally relax and stop guessing. They become familiar with what it’s like to work with you, and that sense of ease removes the little bits of doubt that keep them from taking the next step.
In my Brand Brilliance Framework™, visibility is one of the pillars for a reason.
It’s not a launch or a one-off post. It’s the steady rhythm of being present where your ideal clients are, repeating a clear promise in a way they can recognize and remember.
And that’s where clarity comes in. Consistency earns attention but clarity turns that attention into action.
Who are you here to serve, exactly?
What problem do you solve?
Why you? And why now?
When those answers are clear and repeatable, your content, offers, and messaging stop competing and start getting results.
My walks taught me a few simple rules that apply to marketing too: start with a promise you’re willing to keep.
But plan for resistance and hesitation, because they are guaranteed to show up.
Perhaps track something simple so you can see the progress you’re making. And celebrate the “I went anyway” days, because they change how you see yourself and how your audience sees you.
If you want a place to start, choose one “consistency” practice you’ll commit to this week. Maybe it’s a monthly finance review, a daily social media engagement block, a weekly content cadence (an article, video or newsletter), or a professional development hour to learn one thing that improves your skill set.
And be sure to include a non-negotiable health habit like walking, exercising, stretching, drinking plenty of water, or getting lots of sleep because a strong body sustains a strong business.
What is one promise you can make today that your future self can count on? Put it on your calendar as a continual reminder of the promise you made to yourself.
If you’re not sure where your brand is falling short, start by checking your consistency and clarity. Are you showing up in the right places? Does your message land the same way every time with the right people?
If you want some help seeing it clearly, take the Brand Clarity & Gap Audit to spot where you’re strong, where it can use some refining, and where a bit of consistency will rebuild trust.
What promise will you keep today to help with the longevity of your business, rain or shine?
Until next time, I’m Susan Friesen, your small business brand positioning strategist, inviting you to stay clear, stay focused, and stand out.
Ready to Attract Better Clients Without Working Harder?
You don’t need another crash course in funnels or hacks. You need clarity.
And that’s exactly what you’ll get in The ‘No More Wasted Marketing’ Workbook, a step-by-step guide to help you refine your brand positioning and uncover what makes your business stand out.
This isn’t just a workbook. It’s your roadmap to:
- Marketing that finally feels like it's working
- Offers that feel like a perfect fit (because they are)
- Magnetic messaging that speaks to your ideal client
- A brand that builds trust and authority at first glance
So, if you’re tired of attracting the wrong clients, or none at all, it’s time to change that.
Download The ‘No More Wasted Marketing’ Workbook Now and start building the kind of brand that your best clients just can’t ignore.
About the Author, Susan Friesen
Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity.
Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the branding and marketing industry.
Visit www.BrandIdentitySteps.com and download your FREE guide: "Unlocking Customer Trust and Business Growth: Your 7-Step Guide to Defining a Compelling Brand Identity that Appeals to Your Perfect Clients".
