Archives for December 2016

3 Starting Tips for Building a Personal Brand

December 27, 2016 by Maleeka Hollaway Leave a Comment

Listen, just because it looks easy doesn’t mean it is. Branding is more than a logo or pretty colors. It’s more than catchy phrases and nice stock photos. Building a brand takes lots of time, crazy commitment, proper planning and an insane amount of hustle. If you feel you know all there is to know about branding, you can stop reading right now. But if you’re like me and know that a fresh perspective is golden, keep reading.

So, let’s dive right in with starting tips.

1. Discover who you are what you have to offer.

A huge part of branding is connecting with others, after all, your personal brand has little to do with you and much to do with what others perceive of you.

Ask yourself: Who am I when no one else is watching (character)? What do I want people to know about me (reputation)? What do I desire to do as a brand (goals)? What resources do I bring to my audience (value)? What do I bring to the table that sets me apart from the rest (the “it” factor)?

Until you are crystal clear on your identity as a person, and then as a brand, those you desire to get in front of will continue to appear blurry.

The key word here is PERSONAL. People have to like you before they love you and they have to trust you before they invest in you. WHO is it that you are showing them? And WHAT is it that you are offering them?

If you don’t know, now is a good time to find out.

2. Know your target audience, then get niche specific.

I learned a while ago that if you master your target audience, your target customer or client will gravitate to you. Why? Because everyone in your audience isn’t for you, but they know someone who is! Word of mouth is the ultimate advertising and marketing tactic. It’s a real-time referral system! So, get clear on who your ideal customer or client is.

Ask yourself questions like these: What does he/she do as a profession/career? Are the satisfied with what they do? Where do they live? How much money do they make? Do they have children? Are the single or married? What are their spending/shopping habits like? Are they impulsive or analytical decision makers? What issues do they have based on their lifestyle? What solution do you have that will solve their issue?

There is a specific group of women (or men) that need what you have to offer. You don’t have to chase them down because when you have what they need, they will find you.

3. Stop looking at what everyone else is doing.

I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it, never give the public the opportunity to say “everybody is doing that,” when it comes to your brand. One of the best things you can do is to get laser-focused on you and let everyone else take the background.

Perception is no longer the ultimate reality. People are getting smarter! Receipts are what people want nowadays. They need papers, not false promises. They crave results not fluff.

When you realize your own greatness, comparison becomes the least of your worries. Get out the rat race and get in the game.

Seriously, exposure comes when you do what you do and you do it better than the rest. And you’d better be ready when the right type of exposure finds you. Stop wanting to fit in and create a brand that stands out. If you are true to you, the people will know it.

6 Things to Consider When Hiring Your First Freelancer

December 20, 2016 by Lidiya K Leave a Comment

If the time has come for you to delegate some of your work and finally get some help from a freelancer, there are a few important things to consider before you hire somebody.

Here’s what you should think through in advance:

1. What can you outsource?

There are many aspects of your business you can outsource. That’s mainly the administrative and repetitive tasks that are time-wasting for you. They will be better done by someone else, simply because it’s a no brainer, and you can use that same amount of time to engage in more productive and profitable activities.

Track all the things you do related to your business over the course of a few days. Add every tiny task even if it takes as little as 2 minutes.

Then, analyze the data you’ve gathered. Calculate the number of hours you spend time doing things that can be delegated. The weekly number might surprise you.

We often keep doing such tasks and activities unconsciously, or because it’s what we’ve always been doing or can’t leave it in someone else’s hands. But that’s how an employee thinks, not an entrepreneur.

It’s time to hire a freelancer to do these for you.

2. Start small.

Watch out not to start too big – such as with delegating too big of a project to someone you barely know. You’ll regret it.

Begin with a one-time project. Consider it a trial. Even if the freelancer isn’t what you’re looking for, it won’t cost you much.

Plus, that’s a great way to see what kind of a person he is, how he communicates, how he deals with deadlines, whether it takes you too long to supervise him, etc.

All these are what will then let you decide if he’s the right fit.

3. Work with a few people.

You might be lucky and find a hard-working creative from scratch, who doesn’t charge much and works fast. And although that’s rarely the case, you should still try other people.

Remember that this is a new field for you too and you need to explore it. You can’t really know all the good things a quality remote worker can do for you unless you’ve given many people a try.

Some might be so intuitive and enthused about your business and doing a good job for you, that they’ll constantly contribute with ideas on how to optimize your approach even more.

A portfolio can’t give you such sides from a person’s character, so you need to actually start discussing a project with him.

Over time, you’ll learn exactly what you require from virtual staff, and what you can’t put up with regardless of the low price.

4. Clear communication.

Often, you might forget to ask a question or discuss an aspect of the project that might cost you a lot of time and resources down the road.

Make sure you cover anything that might come up eventually. That means whether or not you keep the rights for the work that will be done, exactly how much you’ll pay the freelancer and when, any additional fees or contracts, deadlines, etc.

Also, either write all this down just in case, or state it as clearly as possible so that you don’t need to repeat yourself over and over again. This way you’ll know how carefully the person on the other side of the screen is listening and how well he understands and follows instructions.

5. Choose the most optimal way to keep in touch.

Would you like a Skype interview before you hire him for the first project?

Would you want him to share what he’s working on every day and what’s left on any particular app that you’re using?

Or will you need him to get familiar with an online collaboration software so that he can keep other members of the team updated?

Decide this now.

6. Review previous work.

The easiest way to assess someone’s abilities is to see samples of his work that are closely related to the project you’re going to assign him.

Even if they look good, you can still expect some scam, or lower quality. Don’t get discouraged, keep looking for more freelancers until you find the right one for your business goals.

But still, samples, together with references, are a must to check out before you decide to work with someone.

Now that you know these, hiring your first freelancer will be simpler and much easier.

So, what aspect of the business do you need help with?

57 Business Lessons Learned in 2016 to Apply in 2017

December 13, 2016 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com 35 Comments

On December 6, we reached out to you, our Womeneur tribe on Instagram and asked you what you learned in 2016 in business that you’ll apply to 2017. We are very grateful for all these amazing responses that are definitely actionable and valuable lessons learned for anyone in their personal and business life. Be sure to soak up all 58 of them and apply accordingly!

@dr.awashington Pay me what am worth or seek substandard service
@sarahnaomihcb Don’t get distracted
@girlontopoftheworld Be myself!!!!! And not being afraid to ☺️
@kreneeward Video Marketing is very effective!! I knew it but I now I am all in !! ???
@estacy_p The need for a VA because I can’t do it all.
@mybossisme To trust my gut feeling and not to do things that don’t feel right, regardless of what my mind tries to rationalize. Intuition never lies
@credit_advanced_services – Spend more time with my business. Engage more on social media. Interact with other business owners. Increase more customers. Pay myself first. Plan more revenue for years end and set up more Goals
@shirleyltoliver – Follow through no matter what
@miss_kelley2006 Now, that I have the time…make the time for my business to be successful.
@struttinsexy Don’t be defeated by the word “NO” I now take it as a “not right now” or better yet “Not with you “
@desfaithr Be consistent
@cecilesbathandbody Sometimes you have to move backwards to leap forward.
@sugarontopjax Your prices are not entitled to be affordable to everyone
resumerenewed Finding what resonates with me and investing in myself. ? Rome was not built in a day.
@kibossservices Batching, to do list by project, and being ok on the level I’m on.
@kreatedmoments Seize every moment and the importance of building a community with other business owners
@gorgeouskhaoshair I learned not to take shortcuts and to not be afraid to be successful and outshine others.
@g_sheflyTo stop doing things in real time
@weblyalfred The big Aha! moment for me was to “keep it simple” when you have a lot of information, it’s easy to assume your audience has the same information. In reality they want it short, sweet and simple. They mostly want results from the value you give. Second Aha! moment was that you are the only one who sees that something is not perfect in your business, everyone else’s cares about the value and how it will change their business.
@slay_religion Do IT when you think IT.
@betterlifechoicesofnewyork I learned that comparison breeds discontentment. No need to believe I am not moving because I’m not moving like someone else is. This patience thing ‘they’ speak of is key!
@astepaboveclassy Take my time, study and perfect, don’t rush, don’t have a mixed page via IG or anywhere else, patience, focus and the list goes on.
@kathleenstarmer @slay_religion I started doing this, too! It’s a game-changer!
@kathleenstarmer My biggest lesson involves the importance of interacting in real life. It’s hard to build a biz strictly via social media when no one knows who you are. In-person interactions, however, are like rocket fuel for your network! ?
@thesmartgalsguide Growing.?
@_uniquetouch You don’t have to be perfect. Take a time out. Always show up!
@miystanza Crush fear and keep moving
@veganzingan You get out what you put in.
@_prettyrichgirl_Be more prepare when potential clients want what you’re selling & Keep God in All my Businesses !!!!!!!! ?
@tamecasays Love the lessons shared. I am reminded to stay focused. No one wants this more than me.
@sisi_yemmie That I need to stop short-changing myself
@evcookiee Not everyone who is willing to help you SHOULD. Treat family and friends as you would a stranger – if they’re hindering your growth ✂️
@abbymlocke Don’t make emotional, financial investments
@ladyboss_inc Putting God first and Constant development and knowledge update is very important.
@webmadinah To be more organized and to take more creative risks
@betterlifechoicesofnewyork Your friends x family are not your street teams. Limit your expectations and be clear on your definition of support vs theirs. Your friend is your friend, not your promoter. Support varies in form & your business is not their 2nd job. Tough pill to swallow but understanding this saves relationships.
@leesabeth_jewels To see everything good in my business and trust my gut feelings more
@healthy_everyday_living Step away from the laptop and phone to focus more on networking events
@angel.okoro take full advantage of social media
@doublechocolatedesigns I learned that there is a such thing as a NECESSARY NO. Every opportunity offered to showcase my business is going to be the best opportunity for me. It’s okay to say thanks but no thanks this time! Going to be picking my BEST YES’S in 2017…
@girlsnightoutnyc Make outcome list rather than to do list
@sns_experience Collaboration & Networking are essential to getting exposure. It’s not just about what you know but WHO you know ??
@monicaannettesm KEEP MOVING!
@mmachukwu_omonode Collaboration is the new competition!
@kimhyltonTo be myself and not what I think people want to see. That It’s ok to talk about my accomplishments and to not down-play myself when I am in the presence of others who may not be where I am yet.
@dolldkouture That there’s nothing wrong with collaborating and supporting other people or brands but SET BOUNDARIES AND TAKE NOTE OF WHO SUPPORT DOESN’T INCLUDE ACTIONS. Don’t allow people to dump into you and use you for your intelligence but when you need a hand they’re too busy even to lend an ear or resources. F*CK THAT
@baileycraftplanners More face-to-face interactions and creating more time to be creative
@cindyriverot I have to wake up earlier ??. That’s a thing for me …
@rr_travels Listen more than you speak.
@tvintageglamdc Every morning we start over. We have to be our own cheerleaders and motivators. In 2017, I will not allow people including family and friends to dump their insecurities of what I am doing on me, because when I look closely – they have done nothing – and, don’t want me to do anything. Stepped out on Faith. God is with me always. Moving forward……..
@_mrs_b_Be patient and consistent
@tads_soup_kitchen Goal setting ….and the importance of writing it down
@properexposurebyslc Always, ALWAYS follow my gut and remember that all money is not good money.
@graziellalifestyle @evcookiee I learned this the very hard way this year. Not all doors and opportunities are what you think.
@graziellalifestyle Synergy is good BUT mind who you synergize with. Not all doors should be walked through and not all opportunities should be taken. Pay myself first. Use the professionals-they exist for a reason. Do it afraid. Partner with God. Educate yourself. Business money and personal money must not mix.
@psofnyc Teamwork makes the dream work ?
@sevenfiguremothers Boxing my time and defending it no matter what

What did you learn in 2016 that you’ll apply to 2017?

8 Instagram Tools to Help You Create Beautiful Content

December 6, 2016 by Lidiya K Leave a Comment

As you know, the best way to engage your audience across all your platforms online, is to create great content on a consistent basis. That applies to your social media strategy too, especially when it comes to Instagram. People value beautiful content, great images, smart descriptions, a personal touch, and a meaningful message behind all this.

And even though there will be plenty of people in your niche doing the same, and putting in even more resources, you still have a chance to gain a big following pretty quickly, introduce your brand to those interested in a creative way, and create a community of people who’ll like and comment on every post.

Instagram is about aesthetics before anything else. So you’ll need the right tools to make sure that not only every single post looks truly amazing, but that your whole feed, when people scroll down, is engaging.

Luckily, there’s a big choice of Instagram tools for content creation. Here are some you should definitely give a try:

Whatever your industry is, posting motivational image quotes is always a good idea. We all like seeing a few powerful words of wisdom on our feed, together with a strong picture in the background. Typorama is a simple and easy way to do it on the go.

Its beautiful typography, special filters and advanced crop options make your posts look professional, without any need to be a designer. Many big brands admit using this app too.

You’ve most probably already heard of this one used by people for all types of content, from infographics, posters and eBook covers, to presentations, banners and cards.

But this graphic design software also specializes in social media content creation. It’s pretty helpful by letting you use perfectly resized templates for the particular platform you’re going to post them on.

There’s an option for an Instagram Post, where you can check out all the possibilities Canva offers that allow you to add anything to the blank page, and then turn it into a marvelous post that won’t need any filtering. Additionally, check out our

This app is used mainly for adding text to images, and lets you do it fast wherever you are. As they say, it’s like a graphic designer in your pocket.

This app aims to help you get more creative. If you’re all about individuality, and believe that your content should have some of your personality in each post, this is the tool for you. It’s a good way to personalize your photos and speak to your audience through your content.

It’s similar to Word Swag, but offers plenty of features worth your attention, and is made with creativity in mind.

If you’re more of a person who can always think of a good quote or something smart to say, but need a little help turning it into a beautiful Instagram post, try out this tool. You don’t need to put much thought in it, just checking out what the app offers will help you make it visually appealing and eye-catching.

If you’re a photographer, traveler, have professional photos of your products, or simply enjoy taking pictures of your lifestyle, then you won’t need a lot more other than the right size. Use InstaSize to turn your image into a post that matches Instagram’s limits, without cropping it or losing some of its value.

This app has a single purpose, but does its job well.

Grab for Instagram

If you’re more of a content curator rather than creator (which is still valuable and inspires), it means that you are constantly checking out other great profiles in your niche and want to share their posts on your feed, to turn it into the ultimate collection of beauty and advice for your audience. Grab is an Instagram companion app that lets you do exactly that.

Sometimes, you may run out of ideas too. So why not repost an image quote from someone you’re following and whose brand you admire? Mention him in the description to give him credit, and let this post make your whole feel look even better.

What other Instagram tools do you use to create visually appealing content? Share them in the comments below.

If you’re looking for help managing your IG account, Lalaa Comrie is ready to bring some insights in terms of creating and marketing your content on social media.

Need assistance with your whole brand strategy? Check out what can do for your business.

Womeneur Spotlight: Malene Barnett of Malene B Studio

December 5, 2016 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com Leave a Comment

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Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^5695|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Malene-B-portrait.jpeg|caption^null|alt^null|title^malene-b-portrait|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1480942988565{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1480943021611{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

MALENE BARNETT

Design Director[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/malenebcarpets” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/malenebcarpets” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5695″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Malene Barnett is the founder and design director of , a company specializing in handcrafted custom carpets, inspired wall coverings and artisan tiles. Her luxe creations have enlivened premier hotels, iconic office buildings, and sophisticated private spaces. A cultural enthusiast and passionate entrepreneur, Malene collaborates with international artisans. She also avidly shares her business sense with creative entrepreneurs via her e-guide series, public speaking engagements, her Huffington Post and Design Sponge columns, and her interview spotlights in both national and international press, including print, web, TV and radio. Experience her celebrated collection at .

We had a chance to find out more about this innovative entrepreneur and her inspiring journey.

What steps did you take to start your business?

I’m really big on doing research, especially on the Internet. Before Google was popular, I researched the industry 10 years prior to launching my brand, which I highly recommend to everyone who wants to start a business. In addition, I worked as a contract designer for large manufacturers for more than 10 years, which is how I learned about the rug industry. During my years as a contract designer, I absorbed industry knowledge and developed relationships with industry professionals. In addition to overseeing the logistics of registering my business, I also invested in a branding consultant to help clarify my brand mission. Then, I developed a collection of designs, sourced manufacturers, identified my target market and signed up for my first trade show to launch my collection.

What did you do before this and is this your first business?

Before starting Malene B, I was the lead designer and marketing manager for a textile manufacturer. Then I was hired as a carpet designer for a rug manufacturer. I learned early on that the idea of working full-time for a company didn’t fit with the flexible lifestyle that I wanted. So I quit my full-time job, traveled to Southeast Asia for three months and returned as a contract designer for home textile manufacturers. I designed textiles and rugs for many companies and designer brands, including: Nicole Miller, Martha Stewart, Karastan, Marcus Fabric and Liz Claiborne. The collections I designed were distributed in major retail stores such as Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond and JC Penney. This experience was my first entry into entrepreneurship because I had to manage my own schedule and constantly juggle multiple projects to keep my income flowing.

I’ve had many businesses that involved selling my art, but I consider Malene B my first formal business.

What is one thing that really helped you with starting your business?

A few years before I launched Malene B, [bctt tweet=”I invested in a branding consultant to help identify my brand mission via @malenebcarpets” username=”womeneur”]. Once the mission was clear, it helped me to make informed decisions on how I wanted to grow the business. I have a brand blueprint that I still refer to 10 years later.

What are your biggest business ownership fears?

My biggest business ownership fears are not being able to take care of myself financially. Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs and so does cash flow. However, I understand that this is part of the journey, and I don’t allow it to dictate my well-being. I face the fear head-on, and accept that it’s normal and simply a part of the entrepreneurial process.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?

I think about the bigger picture of what I really want to accomplish. Having a social media following is also helpful because on the days when I feel like giving up, a comment from a social media fan helps me to refocus and reminds me of the purpose of my business. I know that my business is about the people I serve, and with this understanding, I do my best to fulfill those needs.

What do you enjoy the most about business ownership (what’s most rewarding)?

The most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur is being able to provide people with products that make their lives and homes meaningful.

What do you enjoy the least (what’s least rewarding) about business ownership?

I wish I didn’t have to juggle so many roles. But I believe that if I weren’t able to handle everything, then the opportunities wouldn’t be coming my way.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

I would hire a full-time assistant to help manage the business. In the beginning, it’s hard to hire people when finances are tight, but I do see the value in having someone to assist you with the day-to-day operations. But I also believe that every business decision I’ve made has and continues to shape my business, and I needed to experience everything I’ve gone through in order to determine my next move.

What’s one thing in business you cannot go one day without using?

Instagram — I’m addicted! I also use Google Drive to access my files every day. (I know, that’s two things.)

What’s your secret to cultivating a good relationship with your customers/clients?

There’s no secret to it! Just be transparent and real with your customers. That is how I live my life, so I don’t do anything differently with my clients. Remember that you can choose the people you want to work with, and that not everybody is (or has to be) your customer.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

I see my business based somewhere in the Caribbean. I also see multiple product categories that will expand my brand into a lifestyle company with a global reach. In addition to products, I also foresee spaces that embody the Malene B lifestyle.

What are 3 tips you can share with anyone wanting to be a business owner?

Buy property before you start your business.
Invest in an accounting software to track your sales.
Be true to yourself, know your purpose and don’t be easily swayed.

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