What I Learned This Year (Spoiler: It’s Not Marketing Trends)

If your LinkedIn feed is anything like mine right now, you are inundated with “Top 5 Things to Know About Marketing in 2026” and “Upcoming Communications Trends Not to Miss". If you’re looking for marketing insight, I recommend checking out Laurie and Carly for thoughtful, smart ideas I stand behind.

Looking back on 2025 and ahead to 2026, my biggest takeaway wasn’t about marketing. The standout lessons focused on strengthening yourself as a consultant and business owner, and they apply across any market.

Build a Supportive Network (that you also support) 

This list isn’t ranked, but building a supportive network is always my number one. It’s the first thing I tell anyone looking to venture out on their own. I would not have made it through my first full year of consulting without my network of amazing people. These are friends (old and new), former colleagues (shoutout to rising together in 2025), and new folks introduced to me by people in my network who said, “You just HAVE to meet this person, I think you’ll get along great.”

One piece of advice: don’t go in looking for a referral source or a piece of business. Ask yourself instead whether your philosophy of work and life syncs with theirs. Plus, true supportive networks go both ways - how can you support them as they support you?

Don’t Be Afraid to Partner Up 

Having a supportive network leads to strong partnerships. You do not need to go in alone! Find a few solid partners who like your approach/work and do something complementary. Collaborate on projects, speaking engagements, and networking events (wingman, anyone?). You can each focus on what you enjoy and do best, making the experience more meaningful for everyone. Collaboration can also open doors you may not have gotten into solo. And honestly, it’s just more fun. Sometimes you really are stronger together and your clients will thank you for it.

Say “Yes” (but not in the way you think)

This is not “say yes to everything because something good will come from it.” In fact, do not do that. It’s a horrible idea and it leads to sleepless nights. Remember, this is about making YOU stronger!

Say “yes” when people offer you help. Admin help, networking introductions, reviewing help, feedback, all of it. With one big caveat: if it turns into other consultants doing work for your clients, please pay them and pay them what they’re worth. 

Gut Still Matters

If something feels wrong, off, or weird, it probably is. Trusting your gut isn’t fluffy advice. It’s practical.

Not sure if it's your gut or self-doubt? Reach out - Our guts will talk it out.

Be Genuinely Yourself

Anyone who knows me knows that when I started Marigold Consulting, I promised myself I would be me, always. You are your own brand, whether you work for yourself or for a company. Build real connections that last.

My clients know that I have two kids, one dog (sometimes four), and work out of my house. They also know I am a huge advocate for their success. I get excited when things go well and I get super bummed when they don’t. I take their losses and wins as my own. This level of personal investment and partnership is the cornerstone of my brand, and my client base from this year speaks to how successful that can be.

Use Technology as a Support System, but Not the Whole System

This year, I chased systems and platforms trying to find the right tools for my work. I finally realized I had to take the advice I give clients: “What will serve me best for what I need today and need to grow.”

My takeaway: prioritize platforms that save time, keep me organized, make communication clearer, and do not make me feel overwhelmed.

Note: New isn’t always better! Sometimes, pen and paper win. A sticky note with a list can run my whole day, and that is okay. 

Always be Learning (strategically)

This year, I taught myself three new website platforms, created client onboarding systems, and expanded my knowledge of the best way to tackle strategic planning for my specific client base. Additionally, partnering with  Wendie who let me jump into her world to collaborate on speaking engagements and client projects, while sharing her method and letting me grow along the way. (check out her upcoming Idea Accelerator - it's so helpful!) I actually enjoy learning new technologies and strategic marketing tools, which expanded both my business and knowledge. I had fun doing them, even when I had to learn quickly.

What I did not learn: TikTok, media relations, and digital ad buys. Those are things I don’t enjoy, wouldn’t be good at, and would ultimately do a disservice to my clients. So if a client wanted those things, I found someone who was good at them and partnered up.

Step Back and Be Proud

Yeah… this. Just do it.

Or if you can’t, call me. I’ll do it for you.

It’s OK to be Messy 

I’m putting this last the way I put number one first (bookending is intentional).

I say this almost every time I start with a new client: the beginning is going to be messy, and that is fine. In fact, it is supposed to be messy at the start. It is part of how we figure each other out and get to the good work.

One more thing I have learned: do not run from the mess too fast. Sit in it, if just for a little while. Most of the time, the answers show up after it feels uncomfortable, and a lot of people quit right before that part. You grow by working through the unknown.

So that is it. No predictions. No “top five.” Just what I actually lived this year. Want to chat about your year? Reach out! You might end up with a dog (or 4) joining the call.