The Truth About Big Business Wins (And How Branded Merch Can Actually Help You Grow)

You know those BIG business wins you see all over social media? Here’s the dirty secret about them:

They’re (often) a big fat lie. And they’re doing a HUGE disservice to entrepreneurs everywhere by setting a “standard” of success based on smoke and mirrors.

Sure, maybe they did:

  • Earn $80K in a month
  • Gain 3K new followers a day
  • Sell tens of high-ticket offers in a day
  • Get 30 new clients from one post

(Probably, they didn’t—but that’s another story.)

What They’re Not Telling You

Let’s say the success stories are true. Here’s what they’re not telling you:

  • How much money they’re spending on ads
  • How many staff members they have helping them
  • How many failures came before their success
  • The business connections they leveraged to fuel their growth

There’s a crapton happening behind the scenes. But when you’re a new business owner, you might think you’re failing if you’re not seeing these same massive wins.

That’s a ridiculous standard. Slow and steady is the way to grow at the beginning of your business journey.

Build a Sustainable Brand—Not Just a Viral Moment

Instead of chasing social media illusions, focus on real, lasting brand recognition—and this is where branded merch and swag come in. A strong business isn’t built on vanity metrics; it’s built on community, credibility, and consistency.

Here’s how branded merchandise can help you grow your business the right way:

  • Brand Visibility: High-quality branded swag (like apparel, drinkware, and accessories) keeps your business top-of-mind for customers.
  • Customer Loyalty: People love repping brands they believe in. Thoughtful, useful merch turns casual customers into loyal fans.
  • Organic Marketing: Unlike paid ads that disappear, branded merch is a walking advertisement that keeps your brand in circulation.
  • Business Credibility: A well-designed merch collection adds professionalism and authority to your brand, making you look more established.

Don’t Buy Into the Hype—Build a Business That Lasts

Forget the overnight success stories. The real winners are the entrepreneurs who focus on long-term brand growth rather than momentary hype.

That’s why I was thrilled to discuss this (and more) with Women On Topp for their latest piece, “What I Wish I Had Known My First Year in Business: Leading Women Entrepreneurs Share.”

Thanks to Dreamers & Doers® for the opportunity!

And if you’re ready to grow your business authentically, let’s talk about how branded merch can help you make a lasting impact.