Calm Marketing: The 3rd Way
The Third Way: A Case for Calm Entrepreneurship
If you spend any time in the online business world, you've probably noticed two dominant personalities flooding your feeds. First, there are the Bro Marketers with their fast-talking YouTube channels, promising to reveal the secrets to instant riches while posed in front of their luxury sports cars. Their energy is intense, their promises big, and their tactics aggressive.
Then there are the Girl Bosses, masters of the perfectly curated Instagram feed. You know the type - shiny hair, perfectly coordinated outfits, and an endless stream of photos from tropical locations where they host their exclusive " mastermind retreats. These events, by the way, often cost as much as a down payment on a house, all promising to unlock the secrets to their glamorous success.
But there's a third way, one that's quietly growing and gaining momentum in the shadows of these louder voices. These are what I call the Calm Solopreneurs; freelancers, and industry professionals who have chosen to master one or two things to an exceptional level of expertise rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
These quieter business experts take a different approach. They engage in real, honest conversations and charge fair rates for their services.
You won't find them shouting from the rooftops or dominating your social feeds. Instead, they're building genuine connections through:
Threads discussions
Pinterest boards
Private communities
Insightful podcasts
Meaningful blog posts
What sets them apart? They deliver on their promises. No flashy marketing, no unrealistic claims - just steady, sustainable business growth on a realistic timeline.
What makes them special is refreshingly simple: they deliver what they promise. No smoke and mirrors, no inflated claims or artificial urgency.
The result? Real value, real results, real growth - without the hype.
Just real value that helps grow your business on a normal, sustainable timeline. It's not flashy, it's not overnight success, but it's real, honest, and it works.
This third way might be quieter, but it's proving that you don't need to be the loudest voice in the room to be successful.
Sometimes, being the most authentic one is more than enough.
Community Feedback on this message:
I originally posted this concept of the 3rd Way on Threads and it blew up! The messaging truly resonated with many solopreneurs and small business owners. I’ve summarized the feedback here because I think it is important to expand the conversation and include more voices.
A Community Speaks
Values Over Volume
A strong theme emerges of entrepreneurs deliberately choosing their values over conventional metrics of success. Many express relief at finding validation for prioritizing impact over scale. The phrase "making an impact while making an income" captures this balanced approach perfectly.
Rejection of High-Pressure Tactics
There's clear pushback against what one respondent called "scammy" approaches - specifically the "manifest $555,555 in their first month" type promises. The community shows particular distaste for aggressive marketing and unrealistic promises.
Work-Life Integration
Several responses highlight how this approach enables a more balanced lifestyle. One web designer specifically mentioned being able to "kiss my kids goodbye before school everyday and be there when they get home," describing it as "priceless."
Beyond the Introvert/Extrovert Binary
Interestingly, several respondents noted they weren't introverts but still resonated with this approach. As one put it, "We're aligned, there's a difference✨." This suggests the "third way" is more about values alignment than personality types of introvert/extrovert.
Permission to Be Different
Many expressed relief at finding permission to operate differently. Terms like "cozy marketing" and "hustler nanna" show people creating their own authentic categories outside the typical "boss babe" or "bro marketer" archetypes.
The Joy of Slow Growth
Multiple respondents celebrated the freedom to grow slowly and naturally. The phrase "very slowly working on being one of these people and I'm really enjoying the process" captures this sentiment perfectly.
Validation and Recognition
The emotional responses ("I feel seen ❤️," "Thank you 🙏") suggest this approach addresses a deep need for validation among professionals who've felt pressured to conform to more aggressive business models.
Professional Pride
There's pride in mastery and expertise, with several mentioning their specific fields (triathlon coaching, web development, wellness, eCommerce) and the satisfaction of developing deep expertise over time.
This expanded feedback reveals a movement that's not just about being quiet or introverted - it's about creating a more sustainable, authentic, and humane way of doing business. It's a rejection of artificial urgency and pressure in favor of genuine expertise, meaningful relationships, and balanced living.