25 Feb Level Up

Posted at 22:46h in Advokate, Marketing by

You know what they say, “The cobbler’s kids have no shoes.” It’s the truth, man. It’s the honest truth.

It’s been a long time since I did anything about my own website — I’m talking years and years — and so I used a bit of my maternity leave to work on the biz. I’ve got spiffed up marketing materials, a price list for the first time EVER, a new support@advokate.net system for service requests, some workflows I’m working on, and this shiny brand-spanking-new website.

As a mom of three who is finding grey hairs every now and then, I’m realizing that I’m not the new kid on the block any more.

I have experience. I actually know what I’m doing, I mean, as much as anyone does. It’s a great feeling.

I’m leveling up. I directed the World Awareness Children’s Museum on an interim basis, and I didn’t even apply for the job — they asked me! My artwork is going to be blown up huge on the side of a building in the coming months. I launched a great website for Farmstead Flatbread the day before I had my baby. I’m back to work from maternity leave and my calendar’s jam packed with meetings and fun projects to do. Readers often come up to me and comment on my column Family Time in the Glens Falls Chronicle. I recently went on a testimonials spree asking my clients to give me reviews on Facebook and, dang, I’m feeling pretty good.

Actually, I’m feeling really great about this “early middle-aged” thing, overall. If I look at my life objectively, I’m in a pretty good spot. Awesome kids. Awesome husband. Awesome clients. Awesome community full of love and support. Dang, I’m lucky. I’m so, SO lucky. Guys, it’s sweet being older.

And if I look at Advokate from a newcomer’s perspective, wow! What a business! What a great service for small businesses! There are other graphic designers out there, other web designers, and so on, sure — but there’s nobody exactly like Advokate. We’re on the same side of the table as you. We’re on your team. I mean, read the testimonials page. Wow, right!?

And that’s what I call tooting my own horn. I feel okay doing it. I’m 35, now. With age comes confidence.

I’ll toot your horn too, if you want.

Need some help? Let’s have a date.

Family photo by KFanciullo Photography

Kate Austin-Avon
kate@advokate.net

Kate E. Austin is known for her creative advocacy. She is a regular speaker on branding and social media with educational institutions and Chambers of Commerce. She owns and operates Advokate, LLC. Currently she serves on the boards of the Glens Falls Business Improvement District, is on the World Awareness Children’s Museum’s Advisory Council, and is involved in the Jackson Heights PTA. Originally from Killington, Vermont, she studied art at Hartwick College and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Art from Empire State College. She is a mother of three.