Archives for January 2018

4 Ways to Network More Effectively on Social Media

January 30, 2018 by Nadege Fleurimond 1,452 Comments

I can honestly say that the backbone of my business has been Networking. The old fashion type. Breakfast meetings, lots of lunches, receptions and community events. Attending these events shaped my social understanding within the framework of business. It really groomed me from an introverted and awkward entrepreneur into a confident and social business person.

The act of meeting complete strangers from totally different backgrounds has a way of jolting you quickly to prep mode. Thus, I value networking and the role it plays in both personal development and business growth.

Why is Networking Important?

Networking is an important aspect of business development because “no man is an island.” No matter how knowledgeable you are in your field as you navigate in the world of business others will be needed. Whether it’s to bounce ideas, offer recommendations or mentor.

Many jobs and opportunities aren’t posted. In today’s ever-expanding market, we at times don’t know we need a service, a consultant, or a product until we see it or meet the person offering it. Thus, networking provides a great opportunity to get in front of people and get noticed. Networking helps in the following areas:

Meet new people that can provide you client/customer referrals
Vendor and other business recommendations
Build Relationships with people you can support and who can offer you support in return
Provides opportunities and new markets
Create Collaborations & Partnerships
Navigating red tape and other logistical roadblocks

But in an age where people are spending more time behind their computers than they are spending at after work events or networking events, how does one craft these meaningful relationships in the days of social media? A time when many think liking someone’s post fits under the umbrella of connecting. Or the sharing of a business flyer is sufficient to stay top of mind in someone’s memory? How do you network effectively in these modern times of social media and technology? How does someone like me who’s more familiar with the traditional forms of in-person interactions, make the best of social media in the networking sphere? Below are four tips to help you make the best of your online networking utilizing various social media platforms.

LinkedIn is Your Friend

LinkedIn is not the most popular social media networking platform, but if you are a business, professional, entrepreneur or industry expert of any kind (technology, art, writing, marketing, etc) You need to be on the site.

Linked in offers you the ability to promote yourself as a professional, get hired, and is a great way to get noticed. It offers you the ability to position yourself as an industry expert in your area.

The fact that LinkedIn is a professional network, it makes it easier to connect with other professionals, as everyone has a business mindset. Sending someone a message regarding connecting, won’t seem creepy.

LinkedIn also provides the affinity groups, which really allows you to connect with like-minded industry leaders and stay on top of your industry.

Facebook Groups and Fan Pages

Facebook is still the most popular social media networking platform. Use it. Facebook started off as the platform to keep in touch with family and friends. As you develop your business and entrepreneurial endeavors, it’s important to step out of that. Beyond your personal profile consider creating a business and/or fan page. This will provide you access to people that either already use your services or potential clients/customers.

If they are on your page that means there is something that you provide that interest them. Take advantage of this opportunity to not simply promote your products, but to position yourself as the leader and expert in your field. Both on your page and other group pages, answer questions. Offer tips and advice. The best way to sell these days is to offer information. It allows people see your knowledge and puts them at ease for when they are ready to spend money with you, they can be confident in your ability.

Go Ahead Retweet

Retweeting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get noticed on Twitter. However, you don’t want to simply retweet. A tweet with your comment attached to what you appreciated or a special shout out, will always get noticed. “Loved XYZ’s nouveau age perspective on global warming” followed by the retweet, shows you were paying attention and you are a fan. The person is more likely to notice and respond.

Interact on Instagram

With all social media platforms, the key is interaction. Simply posting your own content won’t cut it if you want to develop a valuable network. Instagram can prove to be a very self-centered platform if you are not careful. But there are tons of opportunities for interaction. Answer people’s comments under your pictures. Visit other pages, especially for people who offer similar products or services. See what comments people are making under their posts. Do their fans have questions? If you can provide answers in a non-“I’m here to get the following sort of way”, you will get some new fans and meet some new people. People pay attention to people who have answers. Offer your answers.

Instagram stories also provide another great way to network. Do you want to collaborate with someone on a shoot, project, event? answer one of their IG stories. It goes right into their inbox!

Conclusion

Understand that the same rules apply to social media as they do in the non-cyber space. In order to build deep meaningful professional relationships, you have to engage and offer support. Once you can command the respect as an authority in your field on social media, while offering valuable information and insight to both your fans and potential business partners, you will be the sought after person to collaborate and connect with.

Why There is SO Much Contradictory Instagram Advice

January 29, 2018 by Mackayla Paul 1,325 Comments

One complaint that I often hear from members of my free Facebook group, Instagram Unfiltered, is how confused they feel about the contradictory Instagram Marketing advice freely available online.

At every twist and turn, there will be another marketing guru telling you that the advice of the other marketing guru is wrong.

And in between? There are business owners that *think* they know why X is happening on Instagram, and they are more than happy to share their predictions in all the Facebook groups.

It is no surprise that many small business owners find Instagram confusing.

And difficult, and annoying.

So, what can you do about it?

One Word Is All You Need to Prosper

January 18, 2018 by Shennice Cleckley 6,548 Comments

One word. That’s all it takes to change your life. One word can open doors that had been closed. Just one word can tear down years of trust. One word can also turn someone’s dreams into reality. One word, just one simple word, is all you need to turn your 2018 into the year in which you achieve all the goals you desire to crush. How can one word be so powerful? Words are far more than what we use to speak and to write. Words are not just the way we communicate with each other, words are how our souls communicate with our destiny.

A new year is an automatic reset. The energy of a new year gives us the motivation to get it right, reset wrongs and set new goals that are intended to make our lives more abundant. Hopefully, you have already prayed and decided what goals you want to achieve for the year. If not, I encourage you to take some time and set them. It took me a while to devise my list. My original list is about 25 items long. Yes, I am a bit of an overachiever. After final review, I finally narrowed the list down into 5 major categories.

Let me share my list with you.

Be a brand ambassador for Colgate in conjunction with my book tour for my new children’s book Have You Seen My Little Tooth
Practice intentional diversity by building stronger personal relationships
Be more respectful of my body and mind
Sell 10,000
Seek and execute more opportunities to connect with community

My list above is my overarching goals list. I have several items underneath each one that you might want to call a strategy. For instance, number 5 has a bullet point underneath for me to join the greeter’s ministry at church. I want to use my gift of encouragement to greet people as they walk in the door. Now that I’ve gotten my goals in place, I need to bring them to life by choosing one word that will help me stay laser-focused on those goals. This word will serve as the theme my year.

My word is MANIFESTATION.

Before I chose manifestation, I toyed with a few others. Prosperity, blessing, open and intentional all topped the list. Yet nothing seemed to fit quite as much as manifestation. I have been working so hard for the last couple of years to prepare and get ready for the times in which I must walk into an opportunity. This year, I will see that hard work manifest into an overflow of prosperity

What is your word? Maybe this is your year of discovery. Or maybe it will be epic. Regardless of what word you choose, make sure it is a word that when it is spoken you will automatically be reminded of your goals list and stay focused. Remember the power of life and death lies within your tongue. Speak life into your word. Watch it live!

The Pros & Cons of Business Partnerships

January 17, 2018 by Nadege Fleurimond 1,324 Comments

As an entrepreneur with various interests, I often find that partnerships are a great way of bringing ideas and businesses to life in an efficient way. Very few of us possess it all: Financial acumen, marketing prowess, business development skills, sales background, operation experience, etc. With everything one needs to start a business, often time partnerships provide the perfect solution by bringing different talents and skill sets together to create a perfect union. While there are many pros to partnerships, a bad partnership that lacks trust, understanding and shared values, can also result in a business failure and emotional distress.

Here are some pros and cons of partnership business you should consider when deciding on whether to form your business as a partnership or bring on a partner if you are already in business. There are times we also consider a partner for a particular project or event.

Pros

Varied Skill Sets

Having a business partner that has a different skill set that you possess is a great asset to any business. This means less outsourcing and less chance of burn out by one person as you don’t have to manage everything. One person can focus on sales and marketing, while another thrives in the realm of operations.

For one specific project I was doing, I needed to do a lot of video, editing, and photography. I realized for this particular undertaking a partnership would make sense because the sheer amount of video and editing that needed to be done would cost a fortune if outsourced. I was able to find a creative that shared my entrepreneurial spirit to invest both financially and creatively to the vision. Also, diversity in talents allows for greater growth faster because each individual can focus their energy on one or two things as opposed to spreading one person thin. I did not have to go learn videography (which I considered), which would have delayed me tremendously. A jack of all trade definitely moves at a slower pace than a master of one.

Broader Perspective

As brilliant as we may be, in business it is always great to have someone to brainstorm ideas with. Even in ventures where I don’t have partners, I am constantly asking and reaching out to colleagues to get another perspective. Especially as entrepreneurs and business owners that cater to others, we need to ensure we do not focus strictly on whats inside our own heads. A partner allows you the viewpoint of another and can allow you to create and plan from a broader perspective

Accountability

As beautiful as entrepreneurship is, one can easily lose sight of what needs to be done. With no one to tell you when to wake up, when something is due, or when to put a deadline on a project, you can fall really behind in your business. If you do not have the sheer self-discipline and will to put those timelines and barometers on yourself, you can easily lose track.

A partner makes it that much easier to stay on track as they serve as an accountability partner. As driven as my circle knows I am, I too get into a lazy mode. But when I know I have someone else waiting for me to deliver, there’s no way I will not come through. So, for those of us with strong work ethics, a partner keeps us from falling too far behind when those lazy moments strike.

Shared Loss

A loss is never a real pro. But losing $10,000 of your own money is way harder than losing $5000. It is in those times that a partner can also make the entrepreneurship journey a little bit easier. A bad launch, a product fail, a costly decision split between two people is way easier than enduring it alone.

Cons

As much as I suggest getting a partner when the situation is right, there are some cons that can come from partnerships. I have experienced a few bad partnerships, but luckily, I have learned and grown. But many of these cons are avoidable if thorough research is done or time is given to get to know your potential partner.

Differing Work Ethics

One of the biggest issues that often arise out of partnerships is the lack of commitment by one of the partners. If you are a “no sleep until its great” type and your partner is a “I’m out by 5” type, this can cause a lot of issues. One partner may be putting in way more hours than another and that can create tension. Especially when it’s time to split profits. This can lead to resentment. As a person who is naturally motivated, it frustrates me to have to constantly run after a partner to get work done.

Whether it’s your idea or theirs, once an idea is accepted, all parties need to work towards bringing that vision to fruition, with all their might. If you wanted to run after someone, you would get yourself an employee. I have seen this type of issue with many friends turned business partner. This is not to say not go into business with friends, but make sure the work ethic is the same.

Friends accept each other with all their flaws. Partners are less tolerant. Flaws that your friendship may be able to overlook, a partnership cannot as they may impact your bottom line.

Not There through Thick and Thin

While it’s great to have someone who is there to build and grow, as you get into the business, there are other individuals that may offer partnerships based on your potential, not their. They are only there because what you have is already working, at least they think. So when they come on board, they are not necessarily there to get their hands dirty, but rather come to collect. These are the people you should consider perhaps as an investor. Maybe if you need money capital, but not as partners.

I once had an individual back out on me for an event that we partnered on. I had several events that year that were all sold out and amazing. When they suggested a partnership on my next one, I said why not. Figured shared risk, and more networks to tap into. As the event got closer and I saw a lack of ticket sales and mentioned it to my partner, all of a sudden they were out. I was devastated. The place was booked, and other expenses were made. But I quickly came to the realization, they didn’t come into it to partner, they came in to invest in what they saw as a sure thing. Soon as it wasn’t, it was no longer worth it.

A partner will never leave you high and dry. A partner has a long-term vision. They don’t come to lose, but when the going gets tough, they start planning and helping you come up with solutions. Not check out.

Same Moral Compass

While you don’t need a partner that is exactly like you, you do need someone that has similar morals and ethics as you do. Remember this person will be representing you and your company. So be sure that they are not out there doing bad business under the umbrella of the business. From basics of how much you pay your employees, vendors, etc. to legal and illegal matters, be sure that you and your partner share the same ways of doing business, or at least have adopted a standard for how the business will be done.

In closing, the main role of a partner is to serve as a complement to the areas you may lack. A good partner makes your business better or more complete by providing skills or resources that you do not possess without the partner.

Let me know in the comments section if you have had any great or not so great partnerships. Do you know more pros and cons of partnership business? Any lessons?

4 Four Ways to Avoid Competing on Price

January 3, 2018 by Nadege Fleurimond 7,264 Comments

“I love your services and your products but the price is way too much.”

I’m sure as small businesses, service providers and entrepreneurs, we’ve heard this line a thousand times. And, it usually makes my blood boil. However, when the client adds “for me” to the end of that statement, I have no problem with it. I actually understand. I am in no ones pockets, so I can understand someone stating a price is out of their budget, but to tell someone their price is too much is rude and unacceptable.

Especially when you are the one reaching out to the service provider. My advice stands and remains, never compete for business based on price. My mantra remains, I never claimed to be the cheapest. But I am worth it.

Pricing is something that creates a lot of anxiety for business owners. It’s because we are trying to be fair to our customers, ourselves and our industry. Various factors are considered in how we charge our services and products (we will have a separate discussion about this). Once you have set your price and are comfortable with it my advice to you is not to use your price as a way to get customers to come to you or return. If you are being hired because you are the cheapest, you are doing yourself and your clients a disservice.

It is extremely difficult to be the cheapest in any market and provide the level of customer service and quality service or product that you want your brand to be known for. Lower profit margins means you are able to invest less into your business and your business grows at a slower pace, if at all.

Tips To Avoid Price Competition In Business

This important busines lesson shares my tips on how to eliminate price as the barometer by which clients hire you or buy your products. Try these tips to avoid price competition in business:

1. Build Your Reputation

Build your reputation by consistently and efficiently providing quality level work! At the end of the day, we all want shoes that look good and lasts long. We want graphic designers that responds to our calls and provides quick turn around. And we want caterers that show up on time and wows our guests with great food. Do the right things over and over and it will get around.

Last year I catered an event for a young lady who received my number from a colleague. She received my quote and called me back. “this is too much” she exclaimed. I explained I could not lower the price because I know what it takes for me to do what I do. I don’t cut corners. My staff will arrive 2-3 hours prior to your event to set up, they will be courteous to your guests, there will be enough food.

She said she couldnt afford me. Two days later she called me back. She said wow, everyone I ask about you had nothing but amazing things to say. She said, “this is such an important day for me I can’t risk things not going right.” Even though I have a cheaper alternative, your reputation precedes you. I will go with you”. Price alone is not the reason consumers choose you. It’s who you stand for and what you are known to have done, continuously.

2. Differentiate Yourself & Add Value

I know I can go on craigslist and get a website for just $100. But will I? Most likely not. The difference between the graphic designer that I’m hooked and the craigslister are numerous. She pays attention to me and has an understanding beyond Just coding and html. She understands branding, and helps me create not just the images, but also understands Marketing and human psychology and helps me in crafting my brand.

How can you differentiate yourself in your business? What skill sets do you have beyond your actual product or service that will be a plus? Yes I can get a cup of coffee at the corner Coffee shop, but there’s no jazz music playing in the background like they have at Starbucks. They don’t even write my name on the cup!

3. Be DOPE

The foundation to charging what you want and not be worried about what others in your industry is charging boils down to creating amazing work. Your products and service has to be good. No one can deny great work. Even if they can’t afford it, they will try to because it’s that GOOD. Many people buy things they can’t afford. Because the product is that good. Be that good! Be dope!

4. Create a Community

What does your brand represent? Create a movement around what you do. People like to belong. Mercedes, Louis Vuitton, and Apple. They all are what they are because of the community they have built around their brand. Their Brand stands for something and people want to be part of that. How can you create a community around your work? What do you stand for? Quality, Refinement, Women empowerment, Class? Find it and share it! I can buy a gym tshirt for $5. But I consistently buy from suppliers that sell shirts for $25-$45.

Because I want to be part of a community of “strong women bosses in the boardroom and the gym” or #FitAfroGirls. What words describe your brand and how can you rally your supporters around that ideology? Create a movement. Whole Foods aka Whole paycheck, has built a community around people who want to eat well and take care of their well being. It may cost you $120 for 7 items, but there’s a sense of self care that’s associated with shopping at Whole Foods. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that community?

Great products/Service, value and community building are all great ways to ensure you get people through the door. Be known as the person who consistently comes through. The listener. The fixer. Build your reputation around the Key factors that matter to your ideal customer and price will be the least of the reasons to come to you.