But you ended up as a working sailor on the world’s oldest operating tall ship. Sound familiar to your marketing journey?

It’s 2014, and I’m standing in Norway for what I assumed would be a comfortable cruise vessel/ yacht sort of thing, only to discover I’d signed up for something entirely different.

The Sørlandet – the oldest full-rigged ship still in operation in the world, built in 1927 – would become my home for an unforgettable voyage through the Norwegian fjords.

Photo: Actual pic of the vessel | Victoria Wynn

Complete with 12 AM-4 AM cleaning shifts, sleeping in hammocks in the noisy cafeteria area, and learning to tie ropes and manage massive sails.

Despite throwing up from seasickness, despite not having the right clothes for the harsh Norwegian weather, despite the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements and dangerous moments climbing the masts without safety harnesses, it was exactly the experience it was designed to be.

The tour operators (aka real Norwegian sailors) knew what they were doing, they were delivering a real Norwegian sailing experience, not a sanitized vacation version.

Does this sound familiar? You dive into marketing thinking it’ll be smooth sailing, only to find yourself navigating choppy waters without the right gear, unsure if you’re even heading in the right direction.

Maybe you’re working late into the night (hello, 12 AM-4 AM shifts), sleeping restlessly because you’re worried about your next campaign, and feeling like everyone else seems to know the ropes while you’re still figuring out which end is up.

Getting new leads and customers continues to be a concern for SMBs, with 45% saying it will be challenging in 2025, and honestly, it often feels like you’re climbing that mast without a safety harness. Basically waiting and hoping one of your reels goes viral.

Photo: Actual pic of the sails pre-nausea | Victoria Wynn

What made my Norwegian sailing adventure unforgettable wasn't the comfort, it was the authenticity of the experience.

The operators of the Sørlandet understood something crucial: they weren't selling a vacation, they were selling a transformation.

Every uncomfortable moment, every challenge, every skill learned was intentionally designed to create an authentic sailing experience. Nothing fake about freezing hands and fearing for your life!

As digital noise continues to grow, consumers are drawn to simplicity and clarity. Minimalist branding, with clean design and no bologna messaging.

Customers want the real thing, the authentic story of why you started your business, the passion behind your products and the honest challenges you've overcome. (Hence, why I shared I was a pregnant teen when I was hired by Disney. (Not my finest moment)

Photo: Actual pic of the vessel | Victoria Wynn

Here's what I learned watching those Norwegian sailors: they made difficult tasks look effortless not because they had better equipment, but because they had systems, experience, and the right strategic approach.

They knew when to adjust the sails before the wind changed, how to read the weather patterns, and which routes would get us safely to our destination.

You need to make smart, strategic decisions about where to invest your limited resources.

This is where the magic happens: at WYNN Experience Design, we've seen firsthand how small to mid-sized businesses can compete when they have the right strategy, design, and approach under our guidance.

It's not about having the biggest budget, it's about having the smartest navigation.

Photo: One of my ropes I tied- took 8 of us to pull and tie ropes on rope duty | Victoria Wynn

Just like those Norwegian fjords had unpredictable weather patterns, the marketing landscape this year is shifting in ways that require constant adjustment:

The AI Revolution: AI is transforming how we create content and connect with audiences. Nearly 60% of SMBs are using AI for some part of their marketing! Most are using it to save time on activities like content creation, social media management, and more. We help you know what tools to use and how to NOT loose the human connection by "over AI-ing your content".

Social Commerce Growth: Social media is no longer just a tool for brand awareness, it's becoming a direct sales channel. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok now offer integrated shopping features that allow customers to purchase products without leaving the app.

Remember that moment on the Sørlandet when I realized this wasn't going to be the comfortable vacation I'd planned? That's often the turning point for small businesses, when you realize that effective marketing isn't about playing it safe or copying what everyone else is doing. It's about embracing your authentic story and designing experiences that truly resonate with your audience.

Ask yourself:

• What's the authentic story behind your business that you're not telling?
• Are you trying to sound like a big corporation when your customers actually want to connect with the real you?
• What "rough seas" have you navigated that could inspire your audience?
• How can you design customer experiences that feel authentic rather than transactional?

Photo: Actual pic of the vessel | Victoria Wynn

We believe it's not about the size of your ship; it's about knowing how to navigate (and who to have on your crew)

We find fulfillment in giving small to mid-sized businesses the same high-end strategic thinking, experience design, and branding that typically only large corporations can afford.

We're passionate about leveling the playing field because we believe every business deserves to tell their story authentically and connect meaningfully with their audience.

Here's the truth: Your customers aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for authenticity. They want to support businesses that stand for something, that have overcome challenges, that understand their struggles.