Last night, I had the opportunity to attend an inspiring women in business panel on Long Island hosted by Pretty Local LI at the Long Island Nail Skin & Hair Institute, and I walked away with a notebook full of ideas, reminders, and motivation.
As someone who has been building a personal brand and creating content for many years, I’m always interested in hearing how other entrepreneurs navigate the constantly changing digital landscape. The rules of business, marketing, and branding are always evolving, and the brands that succeed are the ones that are willing to adapt.
The panel featured incredible industry leaders, including Alicia Grande, founder of Grande Cosmetics, Lisa Richards, founder of Rpzl, and Julia Kang-Reeves, CMO of Earth Therapeutics. Each woman shared her personal journey of building a company, growing a brand, and overcoming the challenges that come with entrepreneurship.
Here are the biggest business and branding lessons I took away from the conversation.
1. SEO Is Evolving Into AEO: The Future of Search Is Changing
One of the biggest takeaways was that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is evolving into AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).
For years, businesses focused on ranking on Google and optimizing their websites so customers could find them through traditional search. But today, the way people discover information is changing.
People are no longer just typing questions into search engines. They are asking AI tools for recommendations, ideas, and answers. That means businesses need to start thinking about AI search optimization and how they can make their brands more discoverable.
The question brands need to ask is: “Will AI know my business exists?”
Creating valuable content, answering common customer questions, using clear keywords, and consistently sharing your expertise are becoming more important than ever. The future of marketing is not just being found. It’s being recommended.
2. Failure Is Not the Opposite of Success. It’s Part of It
This reminder was something every entrepreneur needs to hear. Failure is uncomfortable, but it is also proof that you are trying.
Every successful business owner has experienced moments where something didn’t work. A launch that flopped. A strategy that needed to change. An idea that didn’t land the way they expected. But those moments are where the learning happens.
The people who succeed aren’t the ones who never fail. They are the ones who are willing to adjust, learn, and keep moving forward. If you’re building a business, creating content, or starting something new, you have to be willing to take chances.
3. Don’t Chase Every Trend. Build a Brand That Actually Means Something
In today’s world, it is easy to feel pressure to jump on every trending audio, platform update, or viral moment. But one of the best reminders from the panel was that not every trend is worth following.
A trend only works when it makes sense for your brand, your audience, and your overall message. The strongest brands are not built by copying everyone else. They are built by knowing who they are and staying consistent. Trends come and go. Brand identity lasts.
4. Be Careful When Choosing a Business Partner
One of the more surprising takeaways from the conversation was the advice around business partnerships. Several panelists shared that, if possible, building a business on your own can sometimes be the cleaner path.
Having full ownership means having complete control over your vision, decisions, and direction. Of course, every situation is different, and the right partnership can be incredibly valuable. But choosing a business partner is a decision that should be made carefully because your values, work styles, and goals need to align.
5. Be a Honey Badger
This was probably the phrase that stuck with me the most. Be a honey badger.
If you’re not familiar, honey badgers are known for being fearless, determined, and incredibly persistent. And honestly? That is exactly what building a brand requires.
Success doesn’t usually happen because of one viral post, one lucky opportunity, or one perfect moment. It happens because you keep showing up.
You continue creating.
You continue learning.
You continue adapting.
You continue even when nobody is paying attention yet.
Building a business in today’s digital world requires resilience.
My Biggest Takeaway
The biggest lesson I walked away with was this:
A successful brand is not built overnight. It is built through consistency, adaptability, and the willingness to keep going.
Whether you are a small business owner, content creator, entrepreneur, or someone dreaming about starting something new, remember that every big brand started somewhere.
Keep learning. Keep evolving. Keep showing up. And most importantly…
Be a honey badger.