What 99 Years of Wisdom Taught Me About Digital Marketing (And Life)

Last month, we celebrated my Grandma Bernice's 99th birthday. Yes, 99 years old!

And she’s healthier than most people half her age.

She's a hearty Norwegian in Minnesota, who walked every day (and ate cookies every day), still gets around on her own, refuses to use a wheelchair, and has all her mental faculties.

I pray I get her amazing longevity genes!

Her mindset and energy have me thinking about life, business, and how we show up every day.

If you’ve been hustling in your business, feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by social media, or wondering how to make it all work, this will help.

1. Be In the Moment – Stop Worrying About the Future

Grandma doesn’t worry about tomorrow.

(I mean... she is 99 and could go any day, but there are still takeaways here if you're under 70).

She enjoys the present moment, every conversation, every person, every meal.

What if you approached your businesses like that – not stressing about the next post, the next sale, or what you might be doing wrong?

What if instead you enjoyed the journey and focused on your small wins every day?

With a digital products business, this means focusing on what’s working right now instead of chasing after some future success.

Yes, we need to plan for the future, but then set it aside and focus on today.

(Because have you noticed… worrying about the future doesn’t help anyway?)

Taking action today, no matter how small, is better than being paralyzed by what's coming next.

2. Gratitude is the Secret to Happiness (and Success)

One thing I noticed about my grandma is her constant gratitude. She's thankful for everything – the friends around her - even the crabby ones, the nurses and staff, the pepperoni pizza at her party (especially the pepperoni pizza).

When I was there, it was impossible not to notice how content she is. Multiple people commented on her good attitude and joy.

That kind of mindset makes everything feel easier and more fulfilling - even posting on social media when no one is commenting.

People wanted to be around her. Everyone, even the staff, stopped by to say hi and have a quick chat.

In business, gratitude isn’t just about feeling good – it will transform your results.

When you’re thankful for the small wins, your energy shifts, and people can feel it!

That positive energy attracts the right clients, keeps you motivated every day, and helps you overcome challenges when they come.

3. It's About Connection – Not Perfection

My Grandma’s hearing isn't what it used to be.

But she still spends her days out in the living room chatting with friends and anyone who passes by.

She doesn’t need the perfect setting, perfect conversations, perfect hair or clothes – just saying hi brings her joy.

In our digital businesses, this is a KEY lesson: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need the perfect Instagram account, perfect sales page, or the best funnels.

What you do need is connection. Build relationships with your audience.

Talk to them. Show up for them.

(If you want help learning how to do this, DM me - and start a conversation!)

That's what will keep them coming back.

4. Movement is Key

I remember visiting my Grandma when I was 11 or 12 - those fun tween years.

Every day, usually after dinner, she asked me to go for a walk with her. I said yes about half the time, but that's not the point. 😅

She walked around the lake about a mile, or to the park.

• She didn't run.

• She didn't have fancy shoes.

• She didn't have workout clothes (were those even a thing back then??)

But she went - rain, sun, snow, cold (in Minnesota... brrrrr). 🥶 EVERY. DAY.

She walked every day for most of her life (probably why she’s still walking at 99).

The lesson? Consistency.

You don’t need a 6-hour workday, an aesthetic office, or a fancy strategy.

Just small, simple actions repeated every day.

In online marketing, consistency is HUGE.

Posting every day, replying to comments, being visible, selling, tweaking a sales page or an ad – that’s how you build trust and grow your business, just like daily walking helped my Grandma.

🎉 So here’s to Grandma Bernice – and her 99 years of wisdom.

I left Minnesota feeling more inspired than ever to slow down, focus on what’s important, and remember that the small things matter the most.

If you're feeling stuck, confused, or overwhelmed in your business…

Or even ambitious and inspired, but wanting to go faster…

Learn from my Grandma: be present today, be grateful, make real connections with people, and take small, consistent actions.

It’s worked for her for 99 years, and it will work for you too.

Cheering for you!

Kari 🩷