A Life By You

Social media is a great tool to help grow your online business. Too many people over-complicate what's needed to show up on social media. It doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Alesha Courtney joins us on the podcast to talk about how she's been able to grow her fitness business by using simple social media practices and making the commitment to continue to serve her community. Tune in to hear her social media tips and how you can apply them to your business today!

Points Worth Listening To:

• "You could do very simple things and get very effective results." (5:31)
• "It's all about creating some sort of community for people to feel like they're part of something." (12:30)
• Tips on how to connect with your ideal client. (13:38)
• How to serve your audience. (14:37)
• "I get a lot of my clients and a lot of my exposure off of social media." (20:53)
• "Failure is always something that is going to happen. You just have to learn to pick yourself back up and move forward." (24:45)
• The power of asking for help. (26:25)
• How she's practicing being more present in the moment (37:29)
• "I just think that we have to simplify, go back to basics and life would be a lot easier for us." (43:46)

Guest Info:

• www.aleshacourtneyfitness.com
• Follow Alesha on Instagram @aleshacourtneyfit

Final Thoughts:

• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
• Follow MJ on Instagram @lifebymj
• Follow the podcast on Instagram @alifebyyou
• Join the Life By You Facebook Community

I love being an influencer and entrepreneur! But I realize that a lot of my experiences differ from others in this space because I'm black. I've learned a lot on this journey and felt it was time to share my thoughts and lessons on being a black influencer. Tune in to hear me unpack my experiences on being black in this space. This is not a full representation of all black influencers, but it is my experience, so I encourage you to lean in and digest this episode.

Points Worth Listening To:

• Being black is not one dimensional. (2:08)
• Statistics on the wealth gap (3:33)
• "It's so difficult...knowing you're doing the work that your peers are doing and you're getting paid less." (4:51)
• Black influencers are not given the same opportunities with campaigns. (7:57)
• "Although I felt uncomfortable, I kept showing up." (12:41)
• What helped me stand out as an influencer. (12:57)
• How I learned from my non-black counterparts to put up boundaries and demand, respect from these brands. (16:54)
• "Sometimes I'm blown away at where I am in terms of being a black influencer and entrepreneur." (21:27)
• "You can put yourself out there, you can create content, and still stand up for what you believe in." (21:58)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Amber Calhoun of @curly_corner
• The Orange Collab Facebook Group

Final Thoughts:

• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
• Follow MJ on Instagram @lifebymj
• Follow the podcast on Instagram @alifebyyou
• Join the A Life By You Facebook Community

If you struggle with creating content you are not alone. Publishing content is important for your online business. Coming up with creative content ideas shouldn't be difficult. Today Samantha from Ahfro Baang, is in the guest chair. Samantha is an author, YouTuber, and natural hair icon. She's been creating content for years and shares her journey with how she learned to create new content that her audience loves as much as she does. Listen in as Samantha shares tips on how to create creative content and how to find enjoyment in your content creation again.

Points Worth Listening To:

• How Samantha got started as a blogger. (3:02)
• How Samantha finds unique ways to present her content. (5:42)
• "It's always good to be open to learning more technology." (6:30)
• What tools Samantha uses for creating content. (8:21)
• "Use what you have, learn with what you have, learn with the camera that you have." (13:26)
• "I think the biggest thing is that you just have to get started." (14:20)
• Samantha's health journey and how she's adding health to her platform. (33:18)
• "It's about being assertive and creating your own lane." (49:56)
• Actionable tips on how to get started as a blogger. (52:56)

Guest Info:

• Follow Samantha on IG @ahfro_baang
• Follow Samantha on YouTube Ahfro Baang

Final Thoughts:

• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
• Follow MJ on Instagram @lifebymj
• Follow the podcast on Instagram @alifebyyou

Join the Life By You Facebook Community

Deciding when to slow down in business can be a difficult decision. But there are seasons that business breaks need to happen. These breaks give us the time and space to assess where the business is, to identify what's working, and what's not. Once we identify those things we can begin to make future business plans for growth. Listen in to hear why I paused a section of my business and how it's helped me get more focused on my future growth.

Points Worth Listening To:

• "It really just allowed me to assess everything that I had going on." (2:26)
• "My content really was not priming them to be the customers that I wanted." (4:13)
• "I really feel it's important to help and serve as many people as possible." (14:56)
• "I've been learning to one trust myself...and let go so I can grow." (20:04)
• Learn what I've been working on (21:55)
• "I pivoted my whole business within a year. I've lost like 10,000 followers, but I've made more money this year than last year." (24:59)
• "Don't be afraid to change your mind. Don't be afraid to take a pause, to build a strategy, and don't be afraid to implement." (25:32)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Join my free facebook group A Life by You Community (formerly known as Killer Content Creator or KCC)

Final Thoughts:

• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
• Follow MJ on Instagram @alifebymj
• Follow the podcast on Instagram @lifebymj

Impostor syndrome is a term that has become widely known and it's certainly not by coincidence. It's something that everyone's dealt with at one point or another but if you don't take control of your impostor syndrome, it can begin to hinder your growth. In today's episode, I break down what impostor syndrome is, share my experiences with it, and give you tips on how to overcome it. Your journey is yours alone, but you don't have to live feeling like an impostor.

Points Worth Listening To:

• Impostor Syndrome definition (1:04)
• "I just felt that I was just unworthy to garner an audience." (3:01)
• Tips if you find yourself playing the comparison game. (5:20)
• Tips for overcoming impostor syndrome (6:59)
• How to do digital self-care (8:36)
• "Don't compare your day one to someone's day 1000." (11:42)
• Using words of affirmation (13:24)

Final Thoughts:

• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
• Follow MJ on Instagram @alifebymj
• Follow the podcast on Instagram @lifebymj

Creating digital content can be your passion and your business. You don't always have to follow the traditional path to obtain your dreams. Today Sierra Redmond joins us to discuss how she turned her passion for media into a profitable blog. As a digital content creator, she's been able to build her business by combining her love of media, travel, and helping her fellow army wives. Listen in to hear her journey and tips on how you can build a business as a digital creator too.

Points Worth Listening To:

• How to become a resource for other people. (5:01)
• How to figure out what content your audience enjoys. (8:51)
• Why you should focus on longevity and leverage in your business. (21:39)
• What keeps Sierra motivated and consistent in her business. (30:05)
• What success means to Sierra. (42:40)
• "There are plenty of seats at whatever table you want to sit at." (43:08)

Guest Info:

• Sierra Redmond
• www.thedailyimpressions.com
• Connect with Sierra on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedailyimpressions
• Connect with Sierra on Instagram & Twitter: @iamsierrared

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Army Wife 101

Final Thoughts:

• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
• Follow MJ on Instagram @alifebymj

• Follow the podcast on Instagram @alifebyyou

If you want to connect with your audience through content then you need to create it consistently. It seems like there's never enough time in the day but being consistent is the key to building a strong relationship with your audience. Today we are talking about how to decide what content to create and how to be more consistent. I'm also sharing the 3 keys that have helped me stay consistent with creating my content. Listen in and make a plan to start being more consistent today.

Quotes Worth Listening To:

• Consistency is key with anything you focus on. (1:20)
• How to cross-promote your business using different pieces of content. (2:38)
• I think that there's power in putting your stake in the ground and saying, this is what I want to do. (4:17)
• How to create a plan of action. (7:38)
• Tips if can't outsource your tasks yet. (11:06)
• What you shouldn't do to grow your online business. (12:01)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode #6: How To Chase and Achieve Your Dreams

Final Thoughts:

• You can submit podcast topic suggestions to MJ by emailing [email protected]
• Follow MJ on Instagram @alifebymj
• Follow the podcast on Instagram @alifebyyou
• Need help getting consistent and getting results from your social media influence? Sign up for a free strategy session and I'll help you identify 2-3 things to execute for your business, blog, or Instagram!

Entrepreneurship takes time and hard work but if anyone could embody the mindset needed to make the ultimate leap from their 9 to 5, Dulce Toscano would be on the top of my list. Dulce is a proud Latina business marketing expert, online business coach, social media strategist, and public speaker who's entrepreneur journey is beyond motivating and inspirational. Tune in as she shares powerful yet real tips on how to build your strength as an entrepreneur, why you should invest in yourself, and how to scale your business.

Quotes Worth Listening To:

• I decided to really hone in on my craft. (4:47)
• There is no plan B, you've got to make it work. (6:38)
• Why Dulce became an entrepreneur. (10:05)
• With everything happening with COVID-19, the way we do business needs to pivot. (13:06)
• Just because you do have a 9-5 and you are building this business, doesn't make you less of an entrepreneur. (23:54)
• Entrepreneurs are experts at riding the emotional roller coaster. (25:25)
• Why it's important to invest in your business. (32:50)
• 3 tips to build your strength and self-awareness in your business. (36:53)

Guest Info:

• Find out more about Dulce by visiting her website, www.dulcetoscano.com
• Follow Dulce on Instagram @lifebydulce
• Connect with Dulce on Facebook

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Pivoting Digital Program

CTA's:

• Follow MJ @lifebymj
• Follow the podcast @alifebyyou

Creating photos for your social media posts doesn't have to be complicated. You just need to find a process that helps you create content and photos that your social media audience will engage with. In this episode, I'm sharing my photo creation process with you. Listen in to learn how to create social media posts that tell a compelling story through photos.

Quotes Worth Listening To:

• How would I want to visually express this caption or story that I'm telling? (2:32)
• You're going to want to tell a story through your photos. (3:16)
• The easiest way to tell your story through photos is to create content that you want to consume. (4:20)
• Play around taking photos of yourself and that easily can become content for later. (10:47)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Quigley Goode (1:22)
• Later (1:43)
• Tezza (1:56)
• Captions The Convert Episode (2:42)
• Caption That Convert Freebie (2:47)
• Adobe Lightroom (5:29)

CTA's:

• Please submit topic suggestions by emailing [email protected]
• Follow MJ @lifebymj
• Follow the podcast @alifebyyou

Tackling financial debt is so important but the process can be overwhelming. But you don't have to continue to have an ugly relationship with your money and finances. Nicole Jones is a fellow podcaster and project manager who recently paid off $80,000 of student loan debt! Listen in as Nicole shares tips on financial literacy, overcoming large amounts of debt, budgeting, and building healthy money habits.

Quotes Worth Listening To:

• "I wanted to break the stigma of living paycheck to paycheck" (6:04)
• 3 tips for tackling debt (6:43)
• What I really realized that the real issue was me (9:12)
• Tips on seeking financial guidance (9:59)
• "I just did not want to go back to having an overdrawn account for only $20 to my name." (17:55)
• "You don't have to live this way, you don't have to be stressed about money". (26:44)

Guest Info:

• Nicole Jones is the host and producer of Mediocre to Masterful, where listeners learn how everyday goalgetters have transformed their passions into a renewed lifestyle. Ultimately, this podcast teaches listeners to operate in their gifts and follow their goals. In addition to podcasting, Nicole also have another superpower - planning! Her 9-5 role is a project manager and will one day soon fully transition into my own consulting firm, The PM Suite. Nicole is also the Programs Director of The Blk Pod Collective, a community created to fill the void of adequate representation for African-Americans within the podcast industry.
• Find out more about Nicole by visiting her website, www.mediocretomasterful.com
• Follow Nicole on Instagram at @mediocretomasterful

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

• Unlearn
• Mediocre To Masterful Podcast

Follow A Life By You on Instagram: @alifebyyou

Follow MJ on Instagram: @lifebymj

If you haven't already, be sure to like, review, and subscribe to the Podcast!