Dose of Social: Actionable Social Media Tips for Small Businesses and Brands

In part two of our conversation with Amber Gilormo, founder of The Boutique Lawyer, we dive deeper into the legal side of running and scaling an online business. From trademarks and contracts to influencer partnerships and copyright issues on social media, Amber breaks down the legal realities that creators, agencies, and entrepreneurs need to understand as they grow.

We talk through what legal maturity actually looks like behind the scenes of successful businesses, why proactive legal systems matter, and the biggest misconceptions online business owners have when it comes to protecting their brands. Amber also shares practical advice on handling scope creep, contract breaches, and staying compliant while still creating engaging social content.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your contracts are strong enough, your content is legally protected, or your business is actually covered as it scales, this episode is packed with actionable insight.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Why trademarks should be a priority once your business starts generating consistent revenue
• The biggest misconception business owners have about owning their brand name
• How to create a simple legal audit system for your business
• Best practices for handling contract breaches professionally
• Scope creep strategies and how to build protections into your contracts

Connect with Amber Gilormo:

Website: The Boutique Lawyer

Instagram: @theboutiquelawyer

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In this episode of Dose of Social, we sit down with Anthony Domenici, founder of Base Camp Consulting Group, to talk about what it really looks like to step into visibility as a founder—especially when it doesn’t come naturally. Anthony shares how his background in finance and accounting led him to build a consulting firm for CPG brands, and how a recent shift into full ownership of his business pushed him to start showing up online in a bigger way.

We get real about the mental blocks around content creation, the power of consistency, and how social media can become a growth engine when paired with expertise. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to hit “post,” this episode will give you the push you need.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Anthony’s journey from finance professional to founder of a niche consulting firm
• The story behind his “Cash Flow CFO” personal brand
• Why “done is better than perfect” when it comes to social media
• Why sharing value (without gatekeeping) builds trust and authority

Connect with Anthony Domenici:
Website: (Base Camp Consulting Group)
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecashflowcfo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-domenici

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In this episode of Dose of Social, we sit down with Katie Radel, CEO and founder of Ripple Consulting Group, to talk about what it really takes to build visibility as a leader in today’s crowded digital space. Katie shares her journey from a decades-long corporate career in PR and communications to launching her own firm—and how a pivotal “midlife awakening” led her to niche down and focus on executive visibility.

We dive into how founders and leaders can clarify their messaging, step into thought leadership, and use PR strategically (without feeling overwhelmed or inauthentic). From understanding your “zone of genius” to leveraging both owned and earned media, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to grow their brand and influence.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Katie’s transition from corporate PR to entrepreneurship

• Why clear messaging (who you help, problem, result) is everything

• What PR actually looks like for small businesses and founders

• Simple ways to start building visibility this week

• The difference between owned, earned, and paid media

• Easy LinkedIn strategies for thought leadership (without long-form overwhelm)

• How PR and social media work together to amplify your brand

• Why overcoming imposter syndrome is key to showing up and being seen

Connect with Katie Radel:
Website: https://rippleconsultinggroup.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-radel

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💬 Want to be a guest or ask us a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Dose of Social, I’m joined by Amber Gilormo, founder of The Boutique Lawyer, to talk about the legal side of building an online business without making it feel overwhelming. As an online business and trademark attorney, Amber breaks down where entrepreneurs should actually start when it comes to legal protection—and why the goal isn’t to do everything at once, but to protect yourself and your revenue in the right order.

We talk through the contracts, clauses, and policies small business owners need to think about early on, plus the biggest misconceptions Amber sees in the online space. She also shares smart perspective on AI, client disputes, and why your legal setup should evolve as your business grows. If you’ve been putting off the legal side of your business, this conversation is a practical and empowering place to begin.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Why proving your business idea can make money should come before overinvesting in legal setup
• When it makes sense to form an LLC
• The first contracts and website policies service providers should have in place
• Key contract clauses to review around payments, cancellations, and intellectual property
• When to move from templates to hiring a lawyer
• The risks of relying on AI to draft legal documents

Connect with Amber Gilormo:

Website: https://theboutiquelawyer.com

Instagram: @theboutiquelawyer

Facebook: The Boutique Lawyer

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In this episode of Dose of Social, we sit down with Bilal Kaiser, founder and principal of Agency Guacamole, as he shares what it really takes to execute influencer marketing and event strategy that actually drives results. With his agency celebrating 10 years in business, Bilal walks us through how influencer mailers, strategic sampling, and experiential events fit into a modern marketing mix—especially in the beauty and lifestyle space.

We unpack what separates thoughtful seeding from “spray and pray,” how to set realistic ROI expectations, and why storytelling—not just packaging—makes a mailer stand out. Bilal also dives into how events have evolved post-COVID, how brands can create truly shareable moments, and why community management is critical after the event ends.

If you’re a brand navigating influencer marketing or an entrepreneur building in a fast-changing space, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• The four core types of influencer programs (ambassador, paid, seeding, UGC scale)
• Strategic sampling vs random product gifting
• How to find and vet creators (and when to work with “overnight influencers”)
• What makes a PR mailer stand out in a crowded market
• Extending the life of an event through digital strategy
• Entrepreneur lessons: knowing your value, building your network, and staying nimble

Connect with Bilal Kaiser:

Agency Guacamole: https://www.agencyguacamole.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/agencyguacamole

Bilal’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/bilalkaiser

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilalkaiser

B.L.N.D. (Beauty, Lifestyle & Nurturing Diversity):

https://www.agencyguacamole.com/blnd-beauty-lifestyle-nurturing-diversity-inclusion

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💬 Want to be a guest or ask us a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Dose of Social, we’re joined by the incredible Natalie Mitchell, the force behind Nat Runs Far. Natalie is a running coach, podcast host, race announcer, and mom of three who’s built a thriving presence across social media—all while keeping it refreshingly real.

We dive deep into her unexpected (and completely organic) growth on Threads, where she’s amassed over 69,000 followers. Natalie shares how she went from casually joining the platform to sparking meaningful conversations and building an active community without gimmicks, trends, or high-production content.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Natalie’s journey from marathoner and blogger to podcaster and social media coach
• How she grew her Threads account to 69K+ followers—without trying to go viral
• The importance of listening and asking questions to drive engagement
• Tips for new users on Threads: how to start, what to post, and how to get seen
• The surprising way community and conversation still matter in 2026
• Mistakes to avoid on Threads (hint: don’t lead with negativity)
• How to use niche groups like "Running Threads" to get discovered

Connect with Natalie Mitchell:

Website: http://www.natrunsfar.com/

Instagram: @natrunsfar

Threads: @natrunsfar

Podcast: Suite Run Podcast

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🎤 Know someone who should be on the show? Or want to hear about a specific topic? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Dose of Social, we’re unpacking one of our favorite topics: how social media has completely changed—and what brands need to let go of if they want to grow today.

We’re breaking down the mindset shift from vanity metrics to real engagement, why follower count means almost nothing in 2026, and what’s actually working when it comes to strategy. From one bot-gone-wrong story to the importance of pairing paid with organic, we’re getting real about what it takes to show up, stand out, and build community in the era of new social.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• The difference between old social and new social—and why it matters
• Why fake followers hurt your paid strategy (not just your ego)
• Our favorite story about a follower-buying disaster 😬
• Why organic growth is harder than ever—and what to focus on instead
• What we tell clients every time they ask about posting frequency
• How we help brands embrace video (even when they don’t want to)
• The real role of stories, engagement, and community today
• What to unlearn if you’re still stuck in 2018 tactics

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💬 Questions? Feedback? Want to work together? Hit us up—we’d love to chat.

In this episode of Dose of Social, we take a nostalgic-meets-strategic look at the evolution of social media—from the carefree MySpace and early Instagram days to today’s video-first, pay-to-play landscape.

We unpack how the shift from photo-based posting to dynamic, video-driven content has transformed the expectations for creators, business owners, and marketers alike. You’ll hear how organic social used to be enough, why that’s no longer the case, and what modern brands must do to stay visible and competitive in 2026 and beyond.

This episode is packed with insights around how to blend organic content with paid strategy, the rising importance of founder-led content, and why testing, data, and adaptability matter more than ever.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• The difference between “old” and “new” social—and why real-time reels rule today
• Why brands can’t rely on organic alone (and what actually works now)
• The meaning of "pay to play" and how platforms like Meta limit organic reach
• The shift from curated feeds to raw, personality-driven content
• What Instagram rewards right now (think reels, storytelling carousels, and in-app tools)

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💬 Have a question or want to be a guest? Slide into our DMs—we'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Dose of Social, we dive into all things production and filming: covering what brands and business owners need to know to create high-quality, engaging reels without a big budget or crew.

From lighting and audio to framing and editing, we break down what actually makes a difference when you're shooting content for Instagram, TikTok, and beyond. Whether you're DIY-ing your reels or managing a shoot with a team, this episode is packed with practical advice—and gear recs!—that you can start using right away.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Why lighting and audio are more important than fancy cameras
• The importance of framing plus common shooting mistakes to avoid
• How to shoot with editing in mind (especially if adding captions or graphics)
• Lindsay and Kayla’s must-have tools for creators: including mics, gimbals, ring lights, and more
• The difference between wired and wireless mics and why they recently switched
• Tips for shooting in noisy environments or low-light spaces
• How to get the most out of short, intentional shoots (even in under 2 hours)

Tools mentioned in this episode:

• DJI Mic Mini Wireless Microphones
• DJI OM 5 Gimbal Stabilizer
• Rectangular Handheld LED Light
• Magnetic Phone Ring Light

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💬 Want to be a guest or ask a question? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Dose of Social, co-hosts we dive deep into the power of Instagram Reels and why short-form video content is non-negotiable in today’s digital landscape. With over 2 billion Reels played daily across Meta platforms, it's clear: Reels aren’t just a trend—they’re a must for growth and visibility.

We will go over how business owners, marketers, and creators can embrace Reels without feeling overwhelmed. From planning content with intention to using shot lists and batching strategies, they share real examples and tactical advice to help you simplify video production and stay ahead of the algorithm.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Why Reels outperform static posts and carousels on Instagram

• The psychology behind short-form video engagement (hint: it’s addictive!)

• Easy Reels ideas for service providers and product-based brands

• How to batch create Reels content efficiently for events and shoots

• Why captions matter—and how to make Reels scroll-stopping

• Tips for leveraging trending audio strategically, not just for the sake of it

• The importance of hooks, shot lists, and quick turnaround for relevance

Whether you're a restaurant owner, content creator, or personal brand, this episode will leave you with the tools and confidence to start showing up on Reels—no dancing required.

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💬 Have a reel you're proud of? Tag us or DM us—we want to see it!