Short Story, Big Picture: Social Media… still…

Welcome to the start of 2024, ready to hear that you need to be using social media to build your business again? Well…to be able to work ON your business and not always IN your business, that does require a strategic and consistent social media approach. Today’s part of the monthly PromoEQP newsletter is a short piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the big picture.

No, you do not need to hire expensive influencers. No, your grandchild does not know how to create business content. I am talking about adult social media…so here are three things you can do in 2024 to organically grow your business on social media.

1. Content Strategy

   • Post content that provides value to your target audience. This could be in the form of industry blogs, product videos, or lifestyle images. Tailor your content according to the seasons or special days of the year.

   • Consistency. Establish a consistent posting schedule. Does not need to be every day, but regular and reliable content delivery helps build trust with your audience. As stated above, a mix of content types keeps your feed diverse and interesting.

2. Engagement equals Community

   • Actively respond to comments and messages from your audience. This not only shows that you value your followers but also boosts the visibility of your posts in algorithms.

   • Encourage discussions to create a sense of community around your brand. Ask questions and run polls to involve the audience in the decision-making process. People buy from people they know, like, trust, and you can build brand loyalty within this community.

3. Using Hashtags and Trends

   • Research and use relevant hashtags. Please read that again. Identify and use industry specific hashtags to increase your discoverability. This can expose your brand to a broader audience interested in picking up what you are putting down.

   • Social media platforms continually evolve, introducing new features. Stay informed about these changes and adjust your strategy accordingly. Understand how algorithms prioritize content so you can optimize your posts for better reach.

We are looking for organic growth and that takes time & effort. Be patient and stay committed. Providing value and building genuine connections with your audience with have a massive impact your business as a brand. When you start to see results and business picks up, keep going! Don’t get focused IN your business, keep working ON your business and it’s developing social media community.

Short Story, Big Picture: Check your “Want to”

Thank you for the big response on Social Media to the first instalment of “Short Story, Big Picture”. From the response, I gathered that y’all actually WANT to work ON your business, not always IN your business. Today’s part of the monthly PromoEQP newsletter is a short piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the big picture.

Maintaining passion and motivation as a business owner is crucial for long-term success. At the Story conference in Nashville, Kevin Carroll’s workgroup was asked to “check their Want to.” What he was asking us to do was make sure that what we were doing was actually something that we wanted to do. When your business becomes a burden, you might lose sight of why you started down this path to chase your dream. Here are some strategies to ensure that you stay engaged and enthusiastic about working ON your business:

• Connect with Your Purpose: Revisit the reasons why you started your business. Reflect on the impact you want to make in your industry or community. Align your business activities with your personal values and mission.

• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate both small and significant milestones. Recognize the hard work of yourself and your team. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and motivation.

• Adapt and Innovate: Embrace change and be open to new ideas. Foster a culture of innovation within your organization. Regularly assess and update your business strategies to stay relevant.

• Take Breaks and Manage Stress: Avoid burnout by scheduling regular breaks and vacations. Implement stress management techniques, such as meditation or exercise. Foster a healthy work-life balance.

• Invest in Personal Development: Continuously develop your skills and knowledge. Attend workshops, courses, or hire a business coach. Personal growth can lead to renewed passion for your business.

• Regularly Evaluate Your Business Model: Assess the sustainability and scalability of your business model. Identify areas for improvement and potential diversification. Stay adaptable to changes in the market.

By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can help ensure that your passion for your business remains strong, and you stay motivated to continue working towards its success.

INTRODUCTION: SHORT STORY, BIG PICTURE

I know you are busy and don’t think that you have time to read this. Everyone you cold call or meet for the first time while networking is thinking the same thing about hearing your introduction. Now, with this in mind, this part of the monthly PromoEQP newsletter is going to be a short piece to help you achieve your long-term goals, aka the big picture.

Coming up with your introduction “elevator pitch” for when you meet people for the first time is one of the most important tools to develop for your business. This is the one time that you get to tell someone who you are or what you do completely judgment-free. There are no previous interactions to steer attention away…you have their full attention. Here are three key points I try to remember when creating these intros:

1. Concise Clarity: Craft a clear message that conveys what you do, your unique value proposition, and who your target audience is, all within 30 seconds or less.

2. Engaging Storytelling: Make your pitch memorable by weaving in a compelling story or example that illustrates the problem your business solves or the benefits it offers, connecting with your audience on a personal or emotional level.

3. Adaptability and Relevance: Tailor your elevator pitch to the specific audience or situation, highlighting the aspects of your business that are most relevant to the listener's needs or interests, ensuring it resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

So, how did I do? Instead of starting this blog with a bland intro, I made you aware that I knew what you were thinking before you read this, what your potential clients are thinking before meeting you, and informed you on why it will benefit you to read this monthly blog.

If you made it this far in the blog and want to hear more about working ON your business, instead of IN your business, go to the PromoEQP Group on Facebook and type, “Howdy Y’all!”