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Simple Ways to Invest in your Business with Professional Photos

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Business Photography

by Courtney Henry

Your brand, your genius in the world deserves polished and professional photos that represent it to the fullest.  Hiring a photographer can be a simple investment with an infinite return!

Because how many times have you found yourself scrolling through your favorite online platform seeing the same girl with her motivational coffee mug tucked neatly into an all pastel background, wistfully “working” away.

Maybe the journal is placed to the left of the succulent instead of the right this time–either way, how intrigued were you really to sift past all that vanilla and find what the content was about?

I’m willing to bet the answer is…not so much.

What does pause that scrolling fingertip to actually click and learn more?

As sophisticated and evolved as we all think we are, our inner puppy will forever salivate at the sight of the bone. And in this case the big juicy T-Bone is your online photos.

Thanks to COVID-19 folks are now working, studying, connecting,and BUYING online like never before.The first weeks of March alone saw an 18 percent increase in in-home data usage compared to the same period in 2019, with average daily data usage rates exceeding 16.6 GB.

In this hyper saturated atmosphere you have no choice but to elevate yourself above the fray. Which is why hiring a professional photographer to provide you with your own personal “stock” of photos is a simple, instant way to polish your website and social media presence.

Investing in your business by using professional photos is A MUST for your Brand. Here’s why…

Original Photgraphy for your online business

BRANDING 101: Be An Original

Consumers are craving authenticity in Brands more and more. They hate feeling ‘duped’ and  are looking to relate to the story of the product so that they too feel a sense of ownership and trust in where they recycle their dollars.

Being the Boss Lady that you are, you harness this powerful knowledge and meet your ideal client right where they are. Who needs fluff and gimmicks these days when you have the truth on your side?

And the truth is YOU. You in all your personality, quirks, and varying hats you wear even outside of your business.

Hiring a professional photographer gives you the  freedom to really let your individuality shine through.

Whether that be in your Wardrobe: By infusing your online photos with personal style you not only feel confident (and comfortable.) You also really *pop* against all that BASIC filling the rest of your feed.

*Note: You still want images that will grow with you so while I’m all about taking fashion risks, it helps to think timeless instead of ‘trending.’*

The Unique Location You Choose : Coffee shops, desks in front of windows. We get it, you’re productive.

Let your work ethic speak for itself in how you show up for your clients, and let your visual representation show off  some local flavor. Perhaps highlight some artwork, inspiring architecture, or energetic intersections.

Incorporate Authentic Scenes & Props: This is where you can really let loose by choosing things to compliment your wardrobe and your location with material that is unique to your Brand/life.

Maybe being transparent about being a working mom is something you take pride in, show off you juggling those gorgeous kids! Or if diversity is a pillar of your brand, set up a client meeting scene and be intentional in using POC…and of course actively seek out those clients after the shoot!

Marketing Schedule & Social Media Calendar

Once you have your own awesome database of photographs for your business you can then seamlessly plan your future content months in advance. Leaving you more time to grow your business.

Make your life–and your copywriters life easier by planning your content around an already creative, irresistible image. This is a brilliant hack that thousands of successful content masters swear by.

You simply go through your arsenal, choose the order of pics you’d like to share  for the month, focusing on design and aesthetic only, and then schedule the accompanying Copy out and around that framework, at the most optimal time for that particular platform.

This batched approach works wonders and the beauty is you never have to worry about continuity or formatting because that work is done upfront. AND you just saved yourself hours of deciding which royalty free image you haven’t already seen, or used before.

Playing the Long Game In Your Business

Screen time notifications these days are telling you your activity has gone up 400%! This may read as bad news for one’s productivity, but is oh so good news for your business that now lives online.

Now when I say live online I don’t mean camping out at Grandma’s.

I mean Brands that show up as your dream home with a guest house. Spilling over with personality, warmth, authentic engagement, and of course your excellent service/product.

In other words, LIVINGGG.

Your business must be sustainable in order to achieve this and believe it or not having clear branding imagery helps keep the mission unmuddied and growing.

More Pro-Tips to make your investment stretch are:

  1. Spacing out the image leaks. This builds suspense and keeps your content feeling fresh and inventive.
  2. If the photographer is open to it, request that “background” photos be taken. These photos may be used to help fill in the gaps and provide buffers that are still “on Brand” for your website and other profiles.

Individuality in Your Business

Your brand, your genius in the world deserves polished and professional photos that represent it to the fullest.

Snagging your ideal customer is really only a FLASH away.

 

 

Courtney Henry is a Renaissance Woman who resists through thriving. In just three decades she has shone her light all over the world as a professional ballet dancer, poet, and educator.

Courtney is now a Business Owner and Copywriter in the natural hair and organic beauty niche. And is passionate about empowering women and people of color to find the perfect words to upscale their business and connect them with their ideal clients, authentically.

A wanderlust at heart, she splits her base with her husband and first born between Dakar, Senegal and the U.S.

 

 

 

How to Connect at a Networking Event (Without Saying A Word)

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by Latrice Cole

We all know it’s necessary for growth professionally or personally, but let’s be honest, it can be dreadful, intimidating, and downright awkward. What do you wear? Do you suck it up and wear the four-inch heels? How do you sell yourself? Do you humble-brag about your degree, or do you grit your teeth and smile until the very end? The most awkward part of networking is striking up the initial conversation with a complete stranger. But what if you didn’t have to? With just a dash of fashion-savvy, you can skip the stress-inducing walk-up and the whole boring introduction speech with this simple trick I teach all my clients: Wear an ice-breaking accessory that’s a stellar conversation starter. Below is a list of accessories that will get people approaching you now – and long after the event.

1. Scarves –Try wearing a unique vintage scarf or a scarf that you bought while on vacation with a great story behind it. This will allow you to share the story while taking the pressure off you. There are several ways to wear your scarf. Close to your face is best (around your neck), but if you’re not comfortable with that tie it on your handbag, but remember the key is for people to notice it. So, if you are going to tie it to your bag, make sure you can showcase it.

 

2. Pop of color with your shoe or handbag – Wearing a classic or neutral outfit to a networking event is a great way to look polished and professional (think Little Black Dresses, pantsuit/pants, and blouse combo).  However, show a little personality by adding a great pair of shoes or bag in a print or color that pops (like burnt orange or red). You will surely gain compliments that can ease into a conversation.

 

3. Jewelry – One of my favorite ways to top off an outfit. Try wearing a stand out heirloom, like a ring or brooch or handmade earrings that boosts your confidence. Last October, I attended a fashion networking event, and I wore handmade earrings. They were a hit! People started conversations with me based on my earrings. It broke the ice, allowed me to engage with others, and exchange contact information.

 

 

4. Eyeglasses – Those who wear them use it out of necessity, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Use your necessity as an advantage by stepping up your eyewear game with an interesting shape, color, bedazzle, or print, according to your personality. I wear glasses and depending on the type of event, I may switch my frames to make a statement. Glasses draw attention to your face making it easy for people to make eye contact with you.

If you don’t wear glasses you can always flip the script and admire someone else’s to get the conversation going.

Potential Power Lies in Your Personality by @SBSLEducSoltns

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( A walk in the personality ‘park’ under temperament ‘trees’ & social style ‘leaves’  )

Personalities.

 

We all have one.

And we know others do, too.

Far from an earth shattering observation, mind you.  Yet, why do so many entrepreneurially minded pros, whether in a sales role, running a micro or small business, or self-employed ( CPA, consultant ), not lean into their personality type, or gloss over them entirely?

One root reason?  Conventional classroom based schooling, whether primary/secondary (‘K-12’), collegiate/undergrad, even graduate program studies, oft times don’t include it in curricula, required or elective.

I’ve discussed becoming a self educated, lifelong learner, with no expectation of credentials before; now this becomes ever more valuable, since there are so many ‘trees’, with multi colored ‘leaves’ in this ‘park’. Said another way, there’s much to share about how much potential power there is in knowing about your own personality & temperament, let alone those of your client/customer, your staff, & your prospects.

 

 

Going Beyond Generic Labels

 

“You’re too much of an introvert, Emma. Join us at happy hour to network! ”

 

“I think I’m an extrovert, Lianne; do you agree?”

 

Introvert. Extrovert.

Two commonly mouthed words in many professional workplaces in all industries, in your home office, & at the coffee shop.

 

We should be more specific; we mustn’t over complicate matters, however, the more we can unpack ( depth ) & expand our horizons ( width ), it’ll benefit our businesses in a number of different ways.

 

 

Everything DISC

 

The DISC model has a long & storied history

( to trace it: Timeline )

 

DISC ** is unencumbered by complexity; most anyone can clearly interpret the results from the assessment.

I stress that it’s an assessment & spotlights preferences & tendencies, and is not a test, nor an exam.

 

If you’re having challenges with closing sales, or tend to be someone who wants to please everyone, you just might be an ‘S’.

Are you often inadvertently forgetting appointments, or talking your way out of a deal?  Say ‘hi, ‘I’ !’

Maybe you’ve had issues with turnover, or staff satisfaction in your workplace?  Look into swapping your ‘leader’ , who is a ‘D’ style , for someone else.

Or, perhaps you need someone to do your financials for you that won’t miss a single number?  Put a ‘C’ in this position.

 

 

Personality Plus

 

This model was the first that I learned about, not long after my professional development journey began nine years ago this month.

 

While the roots of it are birthed in faith, please don’t assume or close your mind off to how it can apply to any type of workplace, for a sales manager/team, or in your home based business.

 

The four types which Mrs. Littauer discusses have history stretching back millennia, to ancient times. One small drawback is a need to learn, or brush up ( if you’ve been classically, or liberal arts centric educated ) on what ‘choleric’, ‘sanguine’, ‘phlegmatic’, & ‘melancholy’ mean, before you read the books *** & take the assessment.

 

I’ve found much value in combining DISC & Personality + together when I talk with others; it’s a double dose of learning how to better walk in the ‘personality park’.

*** please see below for all 3 #mustreads

 

 

MBTI   

 

Myers-Briggs [Type Indicator/s] usually is the 1st to be recognized: some would say it exemplifies what marketers refer to as the ‘First-Mover Advantage’

 

This isn’t to downplay its value due to age, or perhaps apparent complexity. There’s much value in being aware of it, & perhaps deploying in your assessment ‘toolbox’ for talent, or people development; sales training; & as a high value input into hiring, firing, & promotability decision making.

MBTI Online is a great place to start to build understanding of this model’s philosophical underpinnings and practical applicability to your business/workplace, and you’ll also find certain consultants, trainers, & coaches who leverage it, such as Jeff ( someone I know fairly well. )

 

Tying it Together

 

Silo’ed results, in any business let alone an academic setting, isn’t ideal. So, let’s do our best to intermingle all 3 measures of personality, temperament, & social style together.

 

MBTI’s ‘E’ & ‘J’ =  ‘D’ (ISC) = ‘Choleric’  while ‘N’ & ‘P’ = ( D ‘I’ (SC)) = ‘Sanguine’ , as ‘I’ & ‘F’ = (DI ‘S’ ( C)) = ‘Phlegmatic’ , & … lastly, MBTI’s ‘S’ & ‘T’ = ((DIS) ‘C’ ) = ‘Melancholy’

 

Lots of letters …

Some lingo/language that might be unfamiliar, let alone the acronym.

 

Please embrace your walk, and study the leaves under the trees. 🙂

 

 

Suggested Social Profiles

 

Everything DISC

 

MBTI

 

Personality + ‘s  Marita (daughter of Florence)

 

Interested in More?

 

There are gold & silver veins below the surface of this ‘park’.

Please invest time to buy your entrepreneurial pickaxe, plan a trip, and begin your dig!

 

Best Personality Assessment

Top 10 Most Popular

*** All suggested books in the series ( PP 4 Parents ; PP – Original Bk ; & PP 4 Couples )

MBTI to DISC

 

 

In short …

 

  • The ‘gap’ : why personalities, temperaments, & social styles oft aren’t utilized.
  • Generic labels
  • Model 1 > DISC
  • Pers + >> Model 2
  • Model 3 >>> MBTI
  • Intermingling all three models
  • To continue your journey

 

Thank YOU for reading!

________________

Disclaimer: I’m an authorized partner & recommend DISC ahead of others, however, I’m very open minded & often will intermingle other models/assessments in my 1:1 mentoring, consulting projects, & family advising.

Does Every Business Need A Brand? by @brandisnotalogo

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Does Every Business Need a Brand?

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

Yes.

End of post.

Just kidding. But seriously, yes, every business needs a brand (and actually, already has a brand whether they focus on deliberately it or not).

A strong brand is essential for standing out from the crowd (i.e. your competitors) as well as connecting and engaging with your audience. It’s what will turn a casual observer into a buyer of your brand. Everyone from a solopreneur to a dog dentist (it’s a thing!) should consider what their branding says about them and how they can make it work harder.

Here are a few things to think about:

A brand isn’t just a logo.

It’s not a fancy die-cut business card, a perfectly curated Instagram feed or a sweet looking website. It’s so much more than that. Think about creating some super solid brand foundations, and don’t be afraid to test them out with your existing customers by just asking them whether they stand true for them when they think about your brand. You’ll get some useful feedback on how motivating and appealing they are and can then optimise before going out all out on a rebrand or new campaign.

🔥 Hot Tip: Perform an audit on your own brand and ask someone who isn’t close to your brand to do the same, so you get an objective view. Look for the following across your brand assets (e.g. website, social media, advertising, signage, packaging, etc.):

  • what personality and tone of voice is coming through?
  • is everything looking and feeling consistent (design, copy, messaging, etc.)?
  • does everything marry up to your current business objectives?

Finding the discrepancies can help you identify where to focus your efforts first.

Branding is what positions you against your competitors in your customers’ minds.

Always remember that it’s what the customer perceives to be true about you that is true. Their perception is reality. And they’ve created a perception about your competitors too. They instinctively categorise you all based on some key attributes, which helps them evaluate which of you to do business with. It’s up to you to help guide them to formulate their perception based on attributes you want them to see.

🔥 Hot Tip: You can help shape what they perceive you to be by determining for every stage of doing business with you:

  • what message they should take away (being concise and clear, ensuring it addresses what your audience need from a functional perspective)
  • how you want them to feel (informed, excited, content, safe, uplifted – be sure to link the feeling back to your audience’s core emotional need)

Consistent branding elevates your value.

When you create a consistent brand experience across every interaction and touch point with a customer, you’re creating a unique and well-thought out experience that elevates your value. This is the difference between a premium brand and a budget brand. It takes you from a commodity (generic and more likely to be judged on price alone) to ‘priceless’ and something to be treasured. This is how brand equity is built over time (that is, value in your brand beyond just the tangible).

🔥 Hot Tip: There are loads of ways to help increase your brand value in the minds of your audience. You can start by identifying:

  • what do they value? E.g. certification or formal credentials, years’ experience, personal story, lots of information, industry recognition?
  • what do you have that delivers to this value?
  • how can you demonstrate this credibly through everything you do?

So, no matter if you’re working with clients in a service-based business, or selling products in a store, branding is super important and worth lending a bit of thinking time to.

Personal Branding on Instagram by @marketingbride

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by Jeannette Bridoux

While growth is crucial for building your online presence, the foundation is your branding.

Here are my top tips for building your personal brand on Instagram

1. Get inspired by other influencers

Make a list of people in your niche who you aspire to be like who also have a similar audience.

Use 2017bestnine.com to find their best performing content so you can gather new content ideas to get tons of likes and comments.

2. Create your icon

Whether it’s simply using a specific color in your posts or using the same set of emojis, you need to establish what your iconic thing will be so when people see it they think of you.

Sometimes, it’s your unique look. Most people know me for my blue hair.

3. Establish a Theme

You need some sort of consistency with your Instagram grid, so it creates a holistic image of your personal brand. For me, I post a lot of videos of my vlogs as well as pics of my various manifesting journals and planners because that’s a big part of my life.

What interesting things can you share with people online so they can get to know the real you?

✨Preview & Planoly are great tools for planning out what your Instagram grid will look like before you post.

4. Use your Instagram Story & Highlights

Since Instagram added stories, people are now more likely to look at your story before your latest posts.

Instagram stories are great for posting short content with a call to action.

– Swipe up to watch (10K+ Business accounts have this feature)
– Check my link in bio for my latest blog
– See my featured story now to get the latest details

✨ Plus with Instagram story highlights you can feature your important Instagram stories which promote your newsletter or latest freebie.

5. Show your face

Unless your personal brand icon is you specifically not showing your face, like @thenakedprofessor, then your face should be prominent in photos you take.

People connect with people. By showing that beautiful face of your followers will feel like they know the real awesome you.

 

References:

Planoly: https://www.planoly.com/
Preview: https://thepreviewapp.com/

2017bestnine.com

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Jeannette Bridoux is an Instagram Growth Expert & Personal Branding Mentor.

She is the founder of Gold&GlitterCo, an Instagram Growth & Marketing company and co-creator and mentor of the Dream Team Secrets Inner Circle, an online Instagram Mastermind group.

She’s a digital nomad who enjoys speaking, traveling and advocating for mental health awareness.

Your Personal Brand ‘Look’: A Do-able Roadmap to Getting the Look You Want by @speedk

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by Kim Speed

Do looks matter? Does the way you dress have any impact on the way you are perceived when you enter a room? After all, haven’t we heard that we should not judge a book by its cover? On a philosophical front that may not appear to matter that much, but in the real world it matters a great deal.

Why? Because the way we dress and look impacts the way we feel – and when we are feeling good everything else falls into place – That inner confidence is the trick. So, what are some simple tips and strategies to get our look right without spending a fortune.

Pay Attention. What is attracting you?

How about some online window shopping? Pinterest is a good start. What calls out to you? What types of clothes, colours, styles? What type of make up? Also, what does not attract you? Take some notes – save some images that you find appealing, in a folder so that you can prepare for your next step.

Identifying who you are

What are some key characteristics that describe you? Warm? Funny? Adventurous? Serious? How do you want to show up in the world? What is the perception you want people to have? You could even ask your friends to share 3 or 4 adjectives that they think describe you best.

Compare and Contrast

Now take stock of your existing wardrobe. Do the colours and styles reflect the adjectives you described? This is meant to be intuitive. So, have a little fun with this. How does this compare with your Pinterest exercise? How much of your wardrobe is what you liked on Pinterest? Is there any gap?

Once you have done this Sherlock Holmes on your wardrobe, it is time for action.

Retain and Remove

You may feel the wrench when you start on the remove part –a good rule of thumb is to see what you have not worn for over a year and put it in your remove basket. These MUST go – So you can make room for new things. It is better to work with a list and do some planning. What are your retain items – take some pictures on your phone so that you can have some targeted shopping.

Get some expert advice

Set aside a budget. (And it does not have to be ‘break the bank’ in all one go. After some initial investment, this can easily be an ongoing project) – Do some Mall window shopping first – Which brands call out to you and which ones have stylists ready to help as a free service. Show them the pictures of what you like, and items from your retain list as well so you can complement what you already have. One gets a good feel about good stylists as well – those who will be good for you. They can work within a budget and help you come up with an ensemble combining sale and new items.

Remember accessories…and let’s not forget shoes

That is the icing on the cake – the shoes, the bracelet, the scarf, that dash of color, that signature piece of jewelry. Putting these against the clothes really helps to decide what goes well and for what occasion.
Your work and planning will pay you dividends – Your personal brand is reflected in the way you look, and you are ready to walk out a new you.

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Kim Speed is the author of the book, “Branding on a Shoestring”. After a successful career in the advertising world as Creative Director at a top advertising agency, Kim struggled with a series of ups and downs with her own business startup. Her ‘Aha’ moment emerged when she realized her passion was to help small business owners build and grow their companies with simple, effective marketing. This created the opportunity she needed to live the life she wanted – a business where she lives her values and puts her family first. Visit her website: http://purplemooncreative.com/.

The Trap of Authenticity by @AngeKYoumatter

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by Angela Kambouris | Featured Contributor

Authenticity has been reduced to a meaningless cliché. You hear it in discussions in various circles, see it as a popular meme on social media and thrown around as a mantra in metaphysical sanctuaries. It is overused and misunderstood. Of course, we all make a commitment to be truthful, sincere and genuine but somehow people define authenticity with originality and uniqueness.

Authenticity is in the eye of the beholder. What l share as authentic, you may experience as BS. The only unique aspect of human beings, is there fingerprints and perhaps the way they make love.

When we look at history, study philosophers and mystics, there is no originality. We are inspired by influencers and celebrate the beautiful artforms that have been borrowed, amalgamated from people before them and represented as a collective consciousness. The most authentic thing we can do is to acknowledge the influencers.

Authenticity is a paradox. If you are trying to be authentic, then you’re not. Being authentic is not something we have, it is something we are. How do you attain something we already have?

On so many levels, we crave realness. Authenticity is the ability to be real with you and me. Women especially have authenticity laser focus. There BS detectors go off and they zero in. They know when they are talking to the real thing.

Let’s explore 9 ways of how authenticity has been blurred in today’s world:

The magic formula does not exist

What if we adopted seeing authenticity as the degree to which you are honest about yourself? Identifying strengths with pride, experiencing mistakes without shame, being curious with genuine interest and an openness to learn. Authenticity doesn’t judge, analyse or assume. It takes you back to your unconditional born emotional state. It’s not the magic formula that makes you stand out from the crowd or rise above the noise. It’s your ability to be real with you and me.

Connection is like air to our soul

In business, people confuse the “A” word with purpose. People do not buy from you because you are an authentic person. They become loyal to your brand because they connect and empathise with why you do what you do. Rather than investing in searching for the holy grail, ask curious questions and spend more time infusing meaning into you and your brand.

Cult of authenticity

Authenticity dominates our way of viewing ourselves, our relationships and the world around us. Within individuals, the cult of authenticity can breed doubt and between people it perpetuates distrust. It has bridged into the leadership space as leaders elected have been based on who feels their pain or on the other hand deemed fake, therefore not a suitable candidate to sit at the table.

The concept of being you

“Be yourself” can be terrible advice when you have limiting beliefs, values that move you away from what you want and when you engage in the 7 deadly sins, do you really want to give out “be yourself” advice. When you want to expand your unfamiliar zone, get healthy and fit or start a business, then get used to doing things you really don’t want to do. Do the hard work and act like a grown adult.

Being a better human

Maybe we need to reframe from being yourself to being a better human. We all make mistakes, at times, l can upset people, give an opinion when unnecessary or have foot and mouth disease but l don’t proclaim “if you can’t handle me today, you don’t deserve me tomorrow when l have my life together”. Take responsibility, apologise for messing up, say sorry if you hurt someone’s feelings or tell them to “suck it up sunshine” if they are being ridiculous and milking it for all they can. We all have vulnerabilities, flaws and imperfections. Sometimes it’s rising above and keep moving forward to being the professional human being you always were.

Imposter Persona

Herminia Ibarra’s book, Act Like Leader, Think Like a Leader, shares how people trying to be authentic can often prevent themselves from growing. In her article in Harvard Business Review, The Authenticity Paradox, she talks about how authenticity is misunderstood, specifically when leaders transition into unfamiliar roles. People adopt an imposter syndrome persona, telling themselves that they can’t do something or putting pressure on themselves as they haven’t mastered the new skill within the first week. When things don’t come natural to us, authenticity can become an excuse for people to stay in their familiar zone. When you stretch your thinking and act outside the boundaries of who you are today, that is real.

It is the journey, not the destination

When we view ourselves as works in progress, as part of an evolutionary process rather than a state, we develop our styles that feel right for us and in alignment with our business mission. We adapt to changing needs as our professional identities shift and grow through trial and error, mistakes and feedback. Remember, success always leaves clues.

Be more playful about who you are, be okay with doing things in a different way when leading. As Einstein’s definition of insanity says, you are not going to get a different result by doing the same old thing over and over again.

Forget about your clients, prioritise your needs

People often confuse “being you” and authentic online by over-emphasising all aspects of themselves above all else. Red alerts and fire alarms should be going off. Imagine you were hosting a dinner and all your guests were vegetarians. You decide as you want to be “authentic” that you are going to serve medium rare steaks to your guests as you love to eat meat. Being true to yourself is one thing, elevating your own authenticity above others, that’s on another level. Make a choice, dine with others, or eat alone.

Forget about being authentic, just show up

We become so consumed in defining whether we are being authentic that we start looking for authenticity in others. We swipe, filter and photo shop images into our reality of how we “should” be. Words of advice. Just be. You will make mistakes, fall, cry, you will be called names, yelled at and that little inner voice inside will be your main critic. Set your intention, keep serving and despite your inner critic keep choosing to show up. That’s the most authentic thing you can do.

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What’s Trending in Social Media during the Second Half of 2017 by @DrRKayGreen

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by Dr. R. Kay Green | Featured Contributor

The first half of 2017 has come and gone, and the social media landscape has remained ever changing. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram and more have continued to update their platforms, changing the way that people interact with each other — and changing the way that brands interact with their audiences.

Brands are focusing more and more on social media marketing, and there’s a good reason for that. Consumers don’t trust digital advertising (http://www.adweek.com/digital/consumers-dont-like-and-dont-trust-digital-advertising-infographic/), so if a brand wants to make an impression on the digital crowd, they have to do it in a way that’s more subtle. Social media is a way to connect with consumers without acting like you’re trying to sell them something.

Since social media is such a powerful (and cost-effective) tool, it’s no surprise that so many brands are using it. But for brands that are less established, it can be incredibly difficult to be heard over more well-known brands.

That’s why, in the second half of the year, you should be looking to the trends that have the most potential to grow. Staying on top of these will help you to connect with your current audience, while reaching out to new ones.

Here are three social media marketing trends for you to look out for in the second half of 2017.

1. Augmented Reality (AR)

AR technology in social media is nothing new. Snapchat filters, which superimpose things like glasses and dog ears on people’s faces, have been around since 2015. And they’ve been a huge success, so it seems like more social media platforms are taking notice of AR technology and using it to their advantage.

In May, for example, Instagram launched selfie filters, very similar to the ones that Snapchat uses. They have become just as popular, which means that AR is not just for Snapchat.

Brands have already begin to take notice of how popular this feature is. Several have worked with Snapchat to create filters to promote new events or products when they come out. Because of the popularity of these filters, it’s no wonder that brands are using them to their advantage.

While this particular approach is more suited to larger brands, smaller brands can still use augmented reality in their own snapshots to connect with audiences.

2. Live Video

Live video offers consumers a glimpse into a brand’s culture in real time. Apps like Periscope even allow followers to ask questions of people who are in live videos.

Live video has become very popular this year, and that growth shows no signs of slowing down. Consumers like this because it allows them to form a personal connection with a brand. It stops becoming a faceless entity and becomes a face that they can interact with.

Whether it’s hosting a live interview through Periscope or simply taking people on a virtual tour of your office, live video gives people a chance to see how you work, not just what you sell.

The beautiful thing about this feature is that any brand can take part in it, because it’s easy and often free. Some social media sites, like Facebook, even have live video feature built into the platform.

3. “Shop Now”

It’s already been mentioned that the digital crowd doesn’t trust traditional ads. So it’s no surprise that brands are finding ways around that.

Several social media platforms are giving brands the option to sell right from social media posts. Although these features are rarely free, they offer a powerful tool for brands looking to turn passive followers into active consumers.

Instagram is the leader in this, with their “Shop Now” feature. This turns regular Instagram pictures into links to the brand’s store. This makes it easier than ever for consumers to buy something that they see in social media.

This feature is mutually beneficial for both the brand and the social media platform, so it’s easy to assume that other platforms will be following suit. Keep your eye out for more ways for brands to reach out directly to their consumers.

Social media is a powerful tool for brands. By keeping on top of trends, you can make it work for you more effectively.

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Dr. R. Kay Green – Marketing Expert from RKG Marketing Solutions Inc. from Atlanta, GA.

Dr. KayDr. R. Kay Green is the CEO/President of RKG Marketing Solutions Inc. With over 190,000+ Twitter followers, 35,000+ Facebook Likes, and the Top 1% LinkedIn profile designation, Dr. Kay, a self-motivated trailblazer, is the Quintessential “New-Age” Professional Woman, and PhD Marketing Pro. She earned a Doctorate of Business Administration in Marketing, and has completed PhD coursework in Leadership and Organization Change. She also holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Management, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, and an Associate of Arts in Marketing Management.

She is affiliated with several prestigious universities and has instructed over 350 courses online. A popular speaker on Marketing and Business topics, Dr. Green is currently featured on Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, Black News, The Network Journal, Business Review USA, Digital Journal, College View, Business New Hampshire Magazine, Bay State Banner, Reader’s Circle, North Dallas Gazette, Harlem News, Top News Today, One News Page, NE Informer, Women in Business PR News, Consumer News Today, Women PR News, San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, Chicago Daily Herald, The Miami Herald, and Book News Articles.

Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn

Personal Branding: How Much is Too Much? by @DrRKayGreen

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by Dr. R. Kay Green | Featured Contributor

Now more than ever, your personal brand is important. Sales reps that use social media outsell 78% of their peers. Employees at companies with personal branding initiatives are 20% more likely to stay with a company. And most importantly, 92% of people trust individuals over brands.

If you or your employees don’t have personal brands, you aren’t reaching your target audience as effectively as you could be.

However, it is a fine line, and the wrong personal brand can hurt as much as help. 53% of decision makers have eliminated a vendor based on what they could or could not find online, and 70% of recruiters have rejected candidates based on what they found online.

When you’re building your personal brand, you always run the risk of making things too personal. The key is to offer a window into your life, making you accessible and relatable, while still remaining professional. Just like you wouldn’t act in your office the same way that you act with your friends; social accounts made with your brand in mind should not be run the same as your casual, personal accounts.

The Golden Question

There are plenty of things to consider when developing a personal brand. But when it comes down to the actual posting process, there is one question that you need to ask yourself: “What does this say about me as a professional?”

This question should be considered for any post you make, whether it’s directly about your work or not. Even personal posts should be able to say something about you as a professional.

If you post a picture of your family, for example, it shows that you have a good work/life balance. If you show travel pictures, it shows that you value experience. Posts about work events or accomplishments can show how dedicated you are to what you do.

Likewise, if you make a post complaining about how hard your job is, you come across as someone who doesn’t want to work hard. If you post a picture of yourself partying or drinking, you’re going to be perceived as unprofessional.

No matter who you are — whether you’re a CEO or an entry-level employee — you should carefully consider every post you make through this lens.

Other Factors

There are many things that go into deciding what to post and what not to post. A general rule of thumb is this: if you have any doubts about posting something, you’re probably right. Erring on the side of caution will always be better for you in the long run.

Here are some extra tips to help you figure out when and what to post:

• Never post under the influence. Avoid posting to social media when you’re under the influence. This will make sure that you’ll be able to think through everything you post carefully.

• Avoid most divisive topics. Things like politics and religious should be avoided — unless they’re a key part of your brand. Otherwise, taking a stance on things will inevitably alienate half of your followers.

• Balance work and life posts. Too much of one or the other is a bad thing. If you post about work or nothing but, you seem like a robot. But if you post nothing but personal things, you come across as unprofessional.

• Have a mission statement. What are you passionate about? What makes you different from every other professional? What is the thing that sets you apart? Maybe you’re a family-oriented person who treats every client like a personal connection. Maybe you’re an ambitious spirit who is always looking to improve. Maybe you’re a witty, intelligent individual who likes sharing your knowledge with the world. No matter who you are, that should be the foundation of every post you make.

• Don’t overshare. No matter how transparent you want to be with your followers, no one wants to know every detail about your life. Avoid sharing unnecessary details, like the sandwich you ate for lunch. Also avoid sharing incredibly personal details, like a divorce or health problems, unless they directly affect how you do business.

Creating a personal brand isn’t easy. But if you’re careful and thoughtful about what you post, you can harness the benefits while avoiding the dangers.

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Dr. R. Kay Green – Marketing Expert from RKG Marketing Solutions Inc. from Atlanta, GA.

Dr. KayDr. R. Kay Green is the CEO/President of RKG Marketing Solutions Inc. With over 190,000+ Twitter followers, 35,000+ Facebook Likes, and the Top 1% LinkedIn profile designation, Dr. Kay, a self-motivated trailblazer, is the Quintessential “New-Age” Professional Woman, and PhD Marketing Pro. She earned a Doctorate of Business Administration in Marketing, and has completed PhD coursework in Leadership and Organization Change. She also holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Management, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, and an Associate of Arts in Marketing Management.

She is affiliated with several prestigious universities and has instructed over 350 courses online. A popular speaker on Marketing and Business topics, Dr. Green is currently featured on Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, Black News, The Network Journal, Business Review USA, Digital Journal, College View, Business New Hampshire Magazine, Bay State Banner, Reader’s Circle, North Dallas Gazette, Harlem News, Top News Today, One News Page, NE Informer, Women in Business PR News, Consumer News Today, Women PR News, San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, Chicago Daily Herald, The Miami Herald, and Book News Articles.

Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn

The ROI of Finding The Right Digital Platform to Market Your Business Online by @DinaArsenaultPR

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by Dina Arsenault | Featured Contributor

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The ROI of social media is your business will still exist in 5 years.” – Erik Qualman

A statement that rings truer today in 2017 than it ever has before.  But, the answer is not simply to have a presence online, it is to have the right presence on the right social media platforms that best suits you and your brand values. Understanding and discovering  every facet possible surrounding who your target audience is, is paramount for you and your business to succeed online.  What are their likes, dislikes, demographics, age, gender, socio-economic status, do they prefer cream or milk in their morning coffee – You name it!  In having this understanding you can then determine which social media platform they tend to use and more importantly HOW do they use them.

Yes you read that right, how they use them – Either for personal social sharing, for discovering businesses to engage and possibly do business with or both.

A prime example of this, is the general assumption that Millennials have abandoned platforms like Facebook, and only use ones like Snapchat or Instagram.  Well, this is only partially correct.  It is true that Millennials have flocked to Snapchat, the very creative, in the now social media platform that allows for real time communication mixed with fun and interactive filters for both picture and video.  Talking with their friends and colleagues on a personal level has never been more creative and enjoyable.  So yes, it is true that Millennials have abandoned Facebook for personal social sharing but, when it comes to checking out businesses or products they are interested in purchasing or doing business with, they definitely still use Facebook.  In fact, it has been reported that over 41% of Millennials still use Facebook daily.

A demographic who has grown up in a technological age, they have become quite accustomed to using social media to determine if a business they are interested in, is worth their time and or money.  How long does it take for a business to answer an inquiry left on their page?  Do they respond to comments?  When was the last time they posted? Does what they post provide value or does it constantly sell or broadcast; what we at a Cue Creative Consulting like to call it.  All of these elements play a part in determining if a prospective individual will want to do business with you.

In essence, your social media platform is generally the very first customer service experience prospective clients will have with you.  What If we were to flip the script and concentrate on ROR – Return on Relationship rather than ROI – Return on Investment?  Can you just imagine how much better of a first, second or one hundredth impression you will be making with your target audience?  It really is a no brainer – Build those relationships online and the sales will come, guaranteed.  It might not happen instantly but it will happen I promise.

But, how do I choose which social media platform to build those relationships on?

To help you make this decision I will break down the basics of each platform.

Here we go.

Facebook

Facebook really is a must have for any and all businesses online.  It still is the powerhouse when it comes to online social media marketing.  Now with the advent of Facebook LIVE video streaming, the doors have been swung wide open for businesses to uniquely market and connect with their audiences online and build those all so important relationships.  Let customers get to know the people behind the logo, and in turn, they will become your biggest cheerleaders online.

Twitter

Is a platform centered around the art of the conversation.  Unlike Facebook, Twitter really is centered around the landscape of being ‘in the moment’.  It really is perfect for those businesses who have things to say frequently and want to engage directly.  Ideal for breaking news or current events.

Instagram

Is a perfect platform to reach the younger generation online through the art of visuals.  It shows no sign of slowing down while it continues to gain traction with the 30 to 45 yr old demographic.  The recent addition of Instagram Stories helps take the customer/user experience behind the scenes of you and your business allowing them to get to know, like, and trust you and your brand in a much deeper way than ever before.

YouTube

YouTube is the second largest search engine and the third most visited website world wide just behind Google and Facebook.  This makes it a perfect tool for marketing through google search engines.  Simple how to videos, behind the scenes clips, product demos etc are all perfect examples of how to utilize this platform.  It really is suitable for most businesses, especially those that are in creative or visual fields.

Pinterest

Typically it has been reported that the majority of its users are under the age of 40 and are typically female. They generally have an income over $100 k per year.  It really is an important tool to keep you in the know of what the current or upcoming trends are.  Pinterest tends to influence customer purchases, especially with the addition of buyable pins directly within the platform.

I hope this breakdown gives you some basic insight of what each platform has to offer and how you can utilize them for you business.  Ideally, no business can or should be on all platforms.  I suggest that you pick the top 3 that would best suit your needs and devote the time, energy and commitment needed to really make social media work for you and your business.

Bonus Tip:  If you find even if after reading this blog you are still not sure how to figure out which platform is best suited for you and your business – Check out what your competitors are doing online.

What platforms are they using?  What kind or reaction or engagement are they getting, ie. likes, shares and or comments they are getting on their posts?  And more importantly, what are they doing right to build those relationships online and what are they doing wrong?  Identify where they are falling short and you have found a niche that you can fill.

If you have any questions about social media or how to determine which platform would best suit you and your business.  I invite you to give me a shout, and I would be more than happy to support you in your digital marketing needs!

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Dina ArsenaultDina Arsenault Digital Media Strategist and the undisputed reigning Madame of creativity, community and connection for the Ontario Chapter of http://acueconsulting.com/.

A celebrated and sought after speaker and writer, Dina is a caffeine fueled and food delighted ( locally sourced of course) Community Builder, Relationship Nurturer and all around Small Business Supporter. Dina’s online expertise is driven by her desire to promote your business online while connecting and elevating others in the process to foster community and the all around ‘good feels’.  If you want to be visible, connected and engaged with your community (and exposed to great food and fun) Dina is your gal!

Connect with Dina: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Snapchat: dinaarsenault7

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