What Music, Marketing and Small Business Taught Me About Resilience
I never set out to become resilient.
I just wanted to make things that mattered—songs that stick, campaigns that get noticed and businesses that actually help people. But somewhere between hauling gear into freezing venues, launching campaigns for clients and navigating the unique challenges of running a business on the Isle of Man, resilience crept in. Not as a badge of honour, but as a stubborn companion who refuses to leave, even when you’re running on empty.
The Gig That Nearly Broke Me (And What It Taught Me)
Let’s start with music.
There’s nothing quite like turning up to a gig, heart pounding, only to realise the crowd is more interested in their pints than your set. I’ve played to packed rooms and to three blokes and a dog who left halfway through the second chorus. Both are humbling, but for different reasons.
I remember one especially rough night—a tiny pub, rain coming in sideways, PA system on its last legs. I’d practised for hours, wanted it to be perfect. Two songs in, feedback screeches, and I see a couple of faces wince. The landlord gives me a sympathetic shrug. I wanted to walk out, honestly. But I stayed. Finished the set. Even got a couple of people clapping by the end. That’s resilience. Not smashing it every time, but not packing it in when it gets tough.
Marketing’s Lessons for Every Local Business
Fast forward to my work with local SMEs on the Isle of Man.
You put your ideas out there—an ad, a new offer, a rebrand—and hope it connects with your audience. Sometimes you see a spark. Sometimes things are quieter, and you’re left wondering what to try next. Then, sometimes, a client will challenge your thinking in the best possible way.
The business world here is tight-knit. Word gets around quickly. I see resilience every day. Local owners keep showing up, even when things are tough, even when recognition is slow to come. They understand that local marketing isn’t just about paid ads; it’s about becoming a trusted part of the community fabric.
Why SMEs Need Resilience
Running a small business on the Isle of Man isn’t for the faint-hearted.
We don’t have the huge crowds or the big city budgets. Sometimes, you’re working long hours and wondering if anyone notices the effort. But that’s where resilience makes the difference. It’s about showing up, rain or shine. Trying new things, even if they might not work. Learning from every attempt, every campaign, every awkward conversation with a customer who’s not quite convinced.
I’ve seen local businesses adapt in ways that bigger companies wouldn’t dare.
A bakery pivoting to home deliveries overnight. A fitness studio turning to online classes when lockdown hit. A shop owner using Instagram reels to reach a whole new audience. That’s resilience—finding a way, even when the way isn’t obvious. It’s about smart, agile thinking, like focusing on a stellar Google Business Profile to capture local searches or actively encouraging the customer reviews that build essential trust, as recommended by guides like Enterprise Nation.
What Music, Marketing and Manx SMEs Have in Common
Here’s what ties it all together:
- You will get it wrong. In music, marketing, and business, not everything lands. That’s not failure—it’s feedback.
- Feedback is gold. Whether it’s a punter shouting for Wonderwall or a customer with a complaint, there’s usually something in there you can use to improve.
- Persistence beats perfection. The people who show up, again and again, are the ones who get better—not the ones who expect everything to be flawless.
- Celebrate the small wins. One person clapping at the end of a tough gig, a single new customer, a positive review—those are victories. Take them.
- It’s OK to wobble. Self-doubt is part of the process. The key is not letting it stop you. Experts agree that this is a core component of psychological resilience for entrepreneurs.
- Community is part of the journey. Sometimes you find support in unexpected places, and those real connections are what matter most.
- The story isn’t over. Every setback is just a chapter, not the whole book. There’s always another gig, another campaign, another day to try again.
The Real Stuff: Messy, Honest and Ongoing
Resilience isn’t glamorous.
It’s not some motivational quote on a poster. It’s messy. It’s waking up after a tough gig, a slow sales week, or a campaign that didn’t connect and deciding to do it all again. It’s taking criticism on the chin, learning from it and coming back with something better.
I’ve learned to laugh at my own disasters. To tell the stories of gigs that went sideways or campaigns that fizzled, without feeling ashamed. Those stories are where the real growth happens. They’re proof that I’m still in the game, still trying, still caring enough to risk getting it wrong.
Why It’s Worth It
So, why keep going? Why keep writing, singing, creating, running a business, when it’s so easy to retreat?
Because every now and then, something lands.
A song connects. A campaign works. A customer says, “That’s exactly what I needed.”
And that makes the wobbles, the doubts, and the endless rounds of “try again” not just bearable, but meaningful.
If you’re in the thick of it—whether you’re a musician, a marketer, or a small business owner in Douglas, Peel, Ramsey, Port Erin…anywhere—know this: resilience isn’t about being unbreakable. It’s about being real.
It’s about showing up, even when you’re not sure you can.
It’s about letting yourself learn from the misses,and celebrating the hits, no matter how small.
So here’s to the late-night gigs, the campaigns that missed, the quiet days in the shop, and the unexpected wins.
Here’s to the messy, ongoing business of getting back up.
And here’s to whatever comes next—because if music, marketing, and the Isle of Man have taught me anything, it’s that the next note, the next idea, the next customer, might just be the one that changes everything.
Whenever you’re ready to give your business a real push, my Brand Transformation service is built for Isle of Man SMEs who want honest, practical change—no jargon, no fluff. Let’s get your story working for you.
