different ideas to growing your business & creating real impact

In today’s episode of The Bloom and Grow Show, I invite you to think differently about growth–less about chasing algorithms and more about building deeper connections with your audience.

With the online space feeling more crowded and noisy than ever, I want to offer you an alternative approach to growing your business and creating real impact.

We’ve all been on the content treadmill—the pressure to create more, be louder, and keep up with the latest trends and algorithms on every platform. We’re told to post more reels, build more funnels, and send more emails. It gets overwhelming fast.

But here’s the truth: while these strategies still work, the competition for attention is so intense now that they’re not as effective as they once were.

Instead of shouting louder, what if you slowed down and got intentional?

What if you created a transformative experience that people couldn’t stop talking about?

Connection is the strategy. That’s why I’ve found such power in creating immersive experiences. One of the best examples? My recent Coterie Mastermind Beach Retreat.

This retreat has been a part of my business since 2019, and every year it’s a chance to connect with amazing women who are doing incredible things. From long-time clients to new ones, I get to witness firsthand the growth and transformation that happens when we come together in person. The magic of a retreat is in the space it creates for real connections, honest feedback, and a deeper sense of loyalty and trust.

This is where the power of connection truly shines.

One of the highlights of the retreat was seeing women share their experiences and transformation. Shannon, in particular, captured the essence of the retreat in her Instagram stories, but with a twist—she didn’t share them in the moment. Instead, she waited a full 24 hours to post. That pause gave her space to process and reflect, and what she shared was more thoughtful and meaningful.

This simple yet brilliant approach showed me something powerful: when people truly feel connected to an experience, they don't just post about it. They reflect, share, and advocate.

That kind of word-of-mouth can't be replicated by AI or an algorithm.

While AI is an amazing tool for efficiency, it can’t replicate the feeling of a sunset on the beach or the warmth of a meaningful conversation. This is why retreats, whether virtual or in-person, are so powerful—they engage all the senses and create lasting memories that people will cherish and talk about for a long time.

At the core of it all, I want to encourage you to think about your brand as either transactional or transformational.

Transactional brands are all about the sale—more products, more services, more content. But transformational brands create experiences that change lives.

These experiences don’t have to be huge or complex—they can be as simple as a two-hour virtual workshop or a cozy in-person gathering. What matters is the intention behind it and the impact it has on those who attend.

The content treadmill can feel exhausting, but creating connection is what truly makes a difference. I hope today’s episode inspires you to slow down, connect more deeply with your audience, and create experiences that leave a lasting impact.

If you’re curious about how to design and host your own transformative retreats, I’d love to have you join me for The Retreat Effect Masterclass on April 16th. Whether you’re just starting to dream about retreats or you’re already planning your next one, this class is for you. You can RSVP at amberhousley.com/retreatclass.

Listen to this episode of the Bloom & Grow Show: