They’re Not Just Buying the Product—They’re Buying You

A Geezy TED Talk About Vibes, Value, and Learning to Not Be the Problem

Let’s cut to the chase.

When you run a small business, people aren’t just buying a cute shirt, a killer digital file, or a custom tumbler wrap.

They’re buying you.

Your vibe. Your voice. Your values.
And trust me—they’re paying attention long before they ever click “Add to Cart.”

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Your Vibe Is Your Brand

Every post you make? It matters.
That “just keeping it real” caption that hit like a snarky slap? That stuck.
That defensive reply to a customer question you thought was obvious? That lingered too.
That group drama you dipped your toe into for the third time this week? Yep—people saw it.

You don’t have to be fake. You don’t have to be over-polished.
But you do have to be intentional.

Because your energy either invites people in—or sends them running.

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People Feel Your Energy Before They Ever Buy From You

You ever walk into a store and feel like you’re bothering the owner just by being there? That weird tension in the air? That “why are you here” vibe?

That happens online, too.

If your feed reads like one long rant, warning, or cry for help, people will quietly step away. Even if your product is perfect. Even if your price is right. Even if they wanted to support you.

Because no one wants to feel like they’re walking into an emotional minefield just to snag a shirt or a file.

Let’s break down a few energy killers that make customers nope right out:

• Bragging like “look what I bought with your money.” That’s not celebrating your wins—that’s alienating your audience.

• Begging for sales in every post. It doesn’t come across as relatable—it feels desperate.

• Guilt-tripping people with “y’all support strangers but not your friends.” Hard pass.

• Oversharing every personal crisis. Your audience isn’t your therapy group.

• Dragging others or throwing passive-aggressive shade. Customers will connect the dots—and disconnect from you.

You attract what you project.

If your content is built on gratitude, confidence, and authenticity—you’ll pull in people who vibe with that.
If it’s built on bitterness, burnout, and blame? Well… expect crickets.

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Be the Person People Want to Support

People love rooting for small business owners. They want to see you win. They want to feel like they’re part of something good.

But support has to feel good to give.

So let your content come from a place of passion, not pressure. Let your captions reflect the love behind your craft—not the frustration of a refund request. Let your page feel like a community—not a constant emotional clean-up zone.

And here’s the truth bomb:

If things aren’t selling, it’s not always the algorithm.
Sometimes?
It’s the energy.

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Personal ≠ Oversharing

Yes, people want to see the real you. But being real doesn’t mean unloading every meltdown or venting session onto your timeline.

Being personable is powerful.
Oversharing is overwhelming.

Your audience doesn’t need:

• Play-by-plays of customer drama

• Screenshots of receipts and arguments

• A daily rundown of your mood swings

• Cryptic jabs at “certain people”

Boundaries are healthy. Professionalism isn’t fake—it’s sustainable.
And your energy doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be consistent.

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PSA: Bragging Isn’t Branding

Let’s be clear—your success should be celebrated!
First sellout? Hit a new milestone? Proud moment? Post it!

But when that celebration turns into flexing—“Look what I got with y’all’s money!”—you flip the vibe real fast. Customers go from feeling appreciated to feeling used.

Instead of rooting for you, they start wondering, “Why am I even buying from her again?”

Celebrate the journey, not the shopping spree.
Let people feel like they’re part of your growth—not just bankrolling it.

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Stop Begging. Start Building.

Begging for support isn’t strategy.
Ending every post with “support small or I’ll cry into my Cricut” isn’t marketing—it’s manipulation.

Support is earned by providing value, showing up consistently, and creating a brand people want to be a part of.

Not by emotionally ambushing your audience every week.

Build trust. Build community. Build a brand that people feel good about clicking on.

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The Pity Party is Over—Grab a Broom

Listen, life is hard. Mental health is real. Business is brutal. Burnout happens. I’ve been there—I’ve posted from rock bottom. I get it.

But here’s the unfiltered truth:

Your customers aren’t your therapists.
They’re not your emotional support team.
They’re just trying to buy a file. Or a tee. Or a blanket.

Oversharing every meltdown or business setback doesn’t make people want to help—it makes them emotionally exhausted.

There’s a huge difference between being vulnerable and being draining.

Leadership means showing up even when it’s hard—not offloading the weight onto people just passing through your page.

Put on your big girl pants, dust off your grit, and remember:
This is your business. Own it.

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So… Would You Buy From You?

Ask yourself:

• Would I follow this page if I didn’t know me?

• Would I feel safe messaging myself with a question?

• Would I enjoy being in my own audience space?

If you hesitate to say yes—don’t panic. Just pivot.

Because the best part of being the face of your brand?
You’re in control of how it feels, looks, and leads.

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Final Thought: Your Product Might Be Fire, But You Are the Magic

Your designs? They slap.
Your creativity? Off the charts.
But the reason people stick around?
It’s you.

So make it easy to support you.
Make it joyful. Make it consistent. Make it feel like a breath of fresh air in a world full of weird vibes and salesy nonsense.

You’re not just selling a product.
You’re building trust. You’re building community. You’re building something worth being part of.

So show up like it.

Because the right people? They’re watching.
And if you lead with the right energy—
They’ll follow.