Beautiful Greeting Cards!

Gone are the days when we need to send generic greeting cards to our loved ones. I don't send greeting cards often, but when I do, I want them to be a reflection of my personal style. I recently met with an amazing artist name Cynthia Mosser. She creates whimsical, feminine, modern art with a vintage flair. It matches my personal style perfectly! I am ecstatic that she offers a pack of greetings cards, which allows me to explore her art, the way it feels in my home, and share it with others before I decide to purchase a large piece.

I love supporting local artists too. Artists are the life-blood of communities, and without our support they cannot continue to enhance the world around us. Is there some small way you can support local art in your community? The size of the investment is up to you. 

These make me so excited for my next thank-you note! Since a picture is worth a thousand words:

Check out more of Cynthia's work by clicking here. 

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Peony Love!

I just love spring. I was born in the spring. I hate being cold. Not to mention, the flowers start blooming. It has been spring in the Pacific Northwest for a while now. But cutting some peonies for my kitchen island truly gave the house that "spring vibe" that I am planning to cherish for a few more weeks. Spring is a state of mind for me. I notice it every year. 

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Sedona, Arizona: Magical Land of Red Rocks

After settling back into work mode, I have been thinking back on my recent travels. It is hard to know what will stick with me when I am on the road, but after settling and sleeping in my own bed I have many trip memories. My travels last month took me to Phoenix, Santa Fe, Northern New Mexico, and Chicago. All these places offered something special. Today, as I look out on the green grass and many blooms in the Portland OR area, I remember the intense sun and red rock formations from my one night in Sedona Arizona.

Sedona is a lot cooler than Phoenix due to elevation which we noticed right away when we found ourselves panting on a short little walk. We saw the sights; downtown, tlaquepaque art village, took a bus tour, ate rattlesnake and cactus at The Cowboy Club. The part that sticks now is the vision of the grand vistas and unforgettable views.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

On the Road

Dear Friends, 

I am getting ready to travel for 3 weeks! Hope to have some exciting travel tales and picture for you upon my return. Don't you love how tidy the suitcase looks in the beginning? It never stays that way. 

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

3 Life Lessons that Translate to Marketing Concepts

1. Start With Yourself

We have all seen Gandhi's “Be the change....” posted as a meme on every inspirational page ever. There is a reason for this fact, it is great advice. It is pithy and practical. No one can argue the point. This concept also works in relationships, in career, and yes, in marketing. Just like you cannot attract the perfect mate or friend until you are happy with where you are in life, you also cannot attract the perfect business client until you develop a voice, brand, and professional image that you love authentically. This may seem obvious, but then why is their so much marketing content out there that falls flat on this point? 80% of the time, generic-feeling marketing content is caused by a company failing to prioritize marketing that reflects the founding mission and values.

2. You Can't Win'em All

When life inevitably teaches you what it feels like to start from a place of self knowledge, two things happen. The first is that certain people in your life fade away or abruptly break it off with you completely. The second is that people who are in a similar place of self-empowerment enter your life and stay. The same is true in marketing, and that is why so many businesses are afraid of true authenticity. These businesses are afraid of step one. They fear that when the people who don't align with the mission fall away, there will be no one left. Even though these customers are usually the kind that cause heartache (or at least neck pain), it is hard to trust that your perfect people will be waiting on the other side of this purge. Trust me, all people who experience this process personally or professionally with tell you, your perfect friends, lover, and clients are out there ready for you to tell them who you are.

3. You Don't Have to Jump Off the Cliff

I can hear my mother's voice now. It's so obvious that just because the other kids are jumping off a cliff, I don't have to. Then why do so many businesses still jump off all these marketing cliffs? I am not saying a businesses shouldn't pay attention to marketing trends, but trend examination should come from a place of reflection on appropriate voice for a brand. The latest example I have seen is Facebook Live. Every marketing trend tracker is talking about Facebook Live, and people are using it. Way. Too. Much. Before you start making videos of yourself talking about your business every single day, ask yourself, is this resonant with your audience. So many of these Facebook Live posts would be so much more appropriate on a platform like a business YouTube channel where the presentation is a little more subtle and respectful of the personal nature and urgency of Facebook. So before you jump off the next marketing trend cliff, ask yourself if it truly reflects your brand. Ignore the fear mongering click-bait that says “If you aren't using this new marketing trend, you are missing sales!”

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Natural Bling

I met an amazing woman at a networking event last week! Her name was Eliza and her company is called The Emerging Pearl (this is not a paid promotional piece, I just like her work). Eliza sells jewelry, and I bought an amazing necklace from her stash. Not only does Eliza make amazing jewelry, but she is also a abuse survivor advocate and teacher. Her jewelry making and classes come together to empower abuse survivors.  My pendant is a natural stone called a druzy, and I just love the contrast of the gray stone and its sparkle.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Flower Tour of Vancouver Washington

It is officially spring in Vancouver Washington. Here are some sights from my after lunch walk.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Collaborative Marketing

“So we are in competition.” This statement dropped so quickly from the man sitting across the table from me as soon as I said I worked in marketing. Immediately I bristled, “I guess...If that's how you want it.” I quickly retorted. I instantly wished I had said something more thoughtful, but blamed my feeling of shock. I had come to the Freelancer's Union event expecting the same camaraderie I felt for everyone in that room.

I have met a lot of marketing professionals throughout my career, and never have felt that any one of us was in competition. In fact, I am always amazed by the fact that every marketer brings something unique. We marketers are real snowflakes.


Furthermore, some of the best marketing campaigns that I have seen lately, have come from collaboration. From Seth Godin being interviewed by fellow marketing professional Debbie Millman, to Jordan Watson and Aureta Thomollari setting the marketing trends in the art world, collaborative marketing is pure gold. Personally, some of the best work I have done has come from bouncing ideas around with friends and family.


Let's challenge ourselves in whatever profession we dwell, if we find ourselves feeling that someone is the competition, let's stop. Let's instead ask ourselves how we can collaborate. Imagine the impact we could make if we creatives all worked together!

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Got My Thinking Shoes On

Today has been a day for me to focus on my creative work. Love these days. I have a shoes-off household. On days like today, a great pair of slippers is a must! I feel creative already.

xoxo,

Mega Hayne

Luxury marketing vs. guerrilla marketing? And what is luxury marketing anyway?

When I decided to start working as a freelance marketing professional, I decided to call my business Megan Hayne, Luxury Marketing and PR (“like” me on facebook, friends). There was a reason for this, and yes, it was because I had a bad experience. I was working a project for a very large company, and although it was a luxury product, my own beliefs around marketing felt out of place. This company was literally always having a sale and always passing out coupons. Getting many people through the door was their number one marketing priority. Did this result in sales? Sure, but it also resulted in people running out the door and embarrassment. Usually it was price shock that sent them running. This process was exhausting for someone like me. I love upfront price transparency from a business, and I absolutely hate wasting people's time. In a guerrilla marketing company culture like this, employees are taught to say anything just to get people through the door. There are many cases when these unsuspecting customers have no idea that they are in for the hard sell.


Luxury marketing can be different. It can come from the realization that not everyone is your perfect customer. Inherent in luxury marketing is the understanding that the more people know about your product before they walk through your door, the better. This doesn't mean that you have to paste your prices up on your door like a menu, feel free to sell the value of the product first and tailor the product to their needs. However, isn't it better for people to know the basic “ball park” pricing? If your product costs upward of $1000, you don't want someone walking in expecting it to be $100. Why waste a person's time when they can't afford $1000? Why waste your own? Luxury marketing is about telling your story and putting out content that is valuable and impactful. If you provide content with substance, it might reach someone on an intellectual, or better an emotional level. People might even want to share the content you are creating. In luxury marketing it is less about having a 50% off sale, and more about collaborating with another person in your space to write an interesting article about your profession. Luxury marketing is about showcasing your creative process and giving people insight into your world. It is about getting the “right” customers coming through your door. When they walk in your store or click your link, they may already know about your legacy, your passion, or even your opinions about life. These customers are the people that already think they might want to give you business.


Guerrilla marketing works best for necessity goods and mass markets, not luxuries. I love clipping coupons for my groceries. I am also willing to pay more for the fresh baked today baguette, and I don't expect that to be as inexpensive. I know there is a difference between a $5 necklace, and a $1500 necklace. When I walk into a fine jewelry store, I know what to expect. There is a time and place for that $5 necklace, but it is no fun for anyone if I walk into a diamond shop expecting that $5 piece. Luxury marketing is for me because I like to call a diamond shop a diamond shop. It saves everyone so much time and energy.

That Was Fast!

The plum branches have bloomed and they are beauties. It sure helps to brighten this dreary day.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Centerpiece

We pruned our plum trees this weekend. It was a little sad to have to cut branches with little buds on them, but it is for the long-term health of the tree. I saved a couple of branches from the pile. They look elegant like this on the kitchen table, but I really hope they bloom! Will keep you posted.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Starting Small

I finally did it!
I have been saying that I am going to grow an avocado tree from seed for ages.
It is a simple act in theory.
I have the instructions.
I don't know what took me so long.
None of that matters now.
A step in the right direction.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Tonight in Fashion

Going for the bold lips, no eye makeup look. Also, loving my new one piece swim suit, so I am going to wear it out tonight with jeans. Going to a play, so taking some artistic liberties with my outfit.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Neon Green Pasta Delight

I have a confession to make. I kind of don't like green salads. I don't hate salads, but they are not usually something I want to eat. My husband eats way more salad than me. I believe in the health benefits of eating greens however, and greens can be pretty tasty when added to non-salad dishes. As an avid Pinterester, I am always looking for recipe ideas that allow me to eat more greens without having to choke down salads all the time. A while ago, I found a recipe for kale pesto which lead me to a giant 'aha' moment. I can just put my salad in the blender and pour it on pasta! Mix those greens with lemon, tons of garlic, and a little Parmesan and it is a win every time. The greens are still raw, so I get those health benefits. It is also quick. The meal takes me about 15 minutes to make. I can make a ton at a time, and it tastes good hot or cold. Win, win, win!!!

You know you are healthy when your food is naturally neon green. Am I right? There is a whole bag of salad in last night's dinner.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Flowery Fun

Can you believe I bought this Azalea at Costco? Me neither. It was my third time ever at the store, and although it wasn't my favorite shopping experience, I do not regret buying this beautiful housewarming party centerpiece. Come on spring! I'm ready!

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Year Round Wreathing

Ever since we bought a beautiful holiday wreath from the local boy scouts, I knew that our door would always need a wreath. Once you have a wreath, the door looks bare without it. Since we are having a housewarming party this weekend and it is basically spring in the PNW, I bought a humane society wreath to replace the old one. This one is made of fresh lavender and rosemary and it smells as good as it looks. Should provide a pleasant welcome to our guests tomorrow!

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Little Green Dress

Couldn't wait to go to Fade to Light fashion show. My husband took these photos of my little green silk dress from Grana that I chose to sport at the show. He isn't a fashion photographer, but at least the green matched the paint in his office.

The show was so moving! Can't wait for part 2 in August.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Bollywood Theater in Portland OR

Oh Portland food scene.....Always exceeding my expectations. When I moved here from NYC I was a little skeptical, but every time I eat out in Portland I am blown away by the originality of the delicious restaurants (and the fact that everywhere I go has some local hard cider available). Bollywood Theater was delicious. They claim Indian street food in a relaxed setting. I would say it is like Indian Tapas in a Bohemian setting, but perhaps that is splitting hairs. It also didn't hurt that my lovely sister joined me for lunch (sisters make everything better).

xoxo,

Megan Hayne

Old Town Battle Grounds - Lovely Little Coffee Date

It was so much fun to try out Old Town Battle Grounds, a local little coffee shop in small community (Battle Ground, Washington). It was worth the drive. There are many local businesses, including my hair salon, that reside in buildings that used to be churches. Maybe some day I will do a "Tour de Church" post. For now, I was content staying in one place and sipping my cappuccino on a sunny afternoon in the PNW.

xoxo,

Megan Hayne