More Than Social Podcast

As business owners, we constantly face opportunities to evolve, pivot, and even step back to move forward. It's about listening to your gut, making strategic changes, and sometimes taking financial steps back to leap forward eventually. What makes this week's conversation stand out is Jessica Sorentino's blend of entrepreneurial wisdom and personal branding insights.  Whether you're an author, a small business owner, or just passionate about personal branding, there's plenty to learn from Jess's experiences. Jess offers practical advice for anyone looking to build a personal brand on social media:

1. Focus on Storytelling: Developing a storyline beyond your expertise is crucial. Show your audience that you’re a real person, not just a professional. This emotional connection can foster relationships and drive your brand.
2. Authenticity in Social Media: Aim to make your social media interactions one-to-one rather than one-to-many. Picture speaking directly to your dream follower and post content that fosters genuine connections.
3. Content Pillars: Define content pillars or categories. Jess recommends balancing value-added posts and occasional sales posts. Four of every five posts should be community-building, and one can be sales-oriented.
4. Journaling Exercise: To uncover your unique brand story, Jess suggests journaling your daily activities for a week, highlighting recurring themes. This practice can reveal aspects of your life and business that resonate with your audience.

Are you ready to take your personal brand to the next level? Reflect on Jess’s advice, connect with your true story, and watch your business expand. We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:55 The Aha Moment and Taking the Leap into Business
• 06:42 Blogging and Digital Marketing Evolution
• 10:27 Navigating the Publishing Industry
• 14:32 Building a Personal Brand and Business Processes
• 22:40 Challenges and Financial Strain
• 26:39 Tips for Building a Personal Brand on Social Media

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca

Connect with Jessica

• Website - https://www.jessicasorentino.com
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasorentino/
• Substack - https://jessicasorentino.substack.com 
• Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/openbook

Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

Have you ever felt like you're just spinning your wheels with your marketing efforts, unsure if you're reaching the people who truly need your service or product?  Maybe you have a fantastic course or service but struggle to convert initial interest into paying clients. If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Building a digital marketing funnel involves creating a step-by-step guide that turns potential clients from strangers to loyal customers. Think of it as a roadmap guiding potential clients from the first moment they hear about you to becoming devoted advocates for your brand.  In today’s crowded online world, relying on chance encounters with your website or profile won't cut it. You need to nurture potential clients through every stage of their decision-making process, typically needing 10 to 12 touch points before they trust you enough to make a purchase. Knowing your target audience inside and out is crucial. Research their demographics, behaviours, and needs to create a buyer persona. Get insights by surveying your existing clients, monitoring social media, and using analytics tools like Google Analytics. Email marketing automation lets you send personalized content to nurture leads through your funnel. Segment your audience, create automated email sequences, and personalize your messages. Dive into this episode and learn how to grow your client base.   We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:03 The Five Stages of the Marketing Funnel
• 11:04 Building Your Ideal Customer Profile
• 14:48 Optimizing Your Marketing Funnel
• 17:57 Nurturing Leads with Email Marketing
• 19:18 Tracking and Analyzing Your Funnel

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca

Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

Have you ever wondered how high-performing entrepreneurs manage anxiety and depression, especially in the age of social media? If so, you're in the right place. In this episode of the More Than Social podcast, we dive deep with therapist Valerie Martin, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with high-performance entrepreneurs. We cover everything from burnout to structured workdays and how social media impacts mental health. There are some key insights you will want to take advantage of. We also got into how biological cycles impact performance. Valerie shared her perspective on how entrepreneurs, particularly women, must be aware of their cycles and adjust accordingly.  One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of being present.  Both Valerie and I talked about the need to live in the moment, understanding that life is not just about climbing the career ladder but also about enjoying the journey.  She highlights the need to balance work with personal life, ensuring that entrepreneurs don't just survive but thrive. Valerie provides valuable advice on maintaining mental wellness as a high-performing entrepreneur.  She suggests setting clear boundaries, recognizing signs of burnout, and ensuring that personal well-being is not compromised for professional gains.  Remember, even high performers need to pause, rest, and recharge.   We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 05:50 The Importance of Structured Workdays
• 09:30 Embracing a Lifestyle-Centric Career
• 11:38 High-Performance Coaching Explained
• 15:22 The Impact of Cycles on Performance
• 17:50 Burnout in High Performers
• 19:45 Burnout vs. Mental Health Issues
• 21:26 Wellness Tips for Entrepreneurs
• 22:57 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• 29:58 Being Present in Life and Business
• 33:49 Final Thoughts and Advice

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca
• You Are Motherf*ing Enough": https://www.honoryourspark.com/enough

Connect with Val

• Website - https://honoryourspark.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/honoryourspark
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/honoryourspark
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriekmartin/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@honoryourspark

Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

If you were to ask me right now, what is that one piece of advice I would give an entrepreneur who is looking to grow their client base through social media?  That piece of advice is to focus on your lead generation first.  As someone who has been navigating the challenges and opportunities of social media for years, let me tell you, it's all about generating high-quality leads online. Why focus on lead generation?  It's simple.  This strategy is what will actually help you grow your business, boost your sales, and expand your client base. Though aspects like posting content, engaging in trends, and being active are important, you're essentially wasting your time if they don't convert into leads or sales. Welcome to another episode of the More Than Social podcast! Today, I'll dive deep into the world of lead generation, focusing on attracting high-quality leads who are eager to work with you. I'm not just talking about posting random content on social media. If you're not seeing leads as a result, then it's time to change your strategy. Focus on posting content that brings in leads, not just engagement or followers. Many people try to generate leads online through typical advertisements like "Buy now," "Get this free," "Sign up for a discount," and so on. The issue with these approaches is that they generally attract price shoppers, not high-quality leads. A well-crafted lead magnet will attract people who genuinely want to work with you because of your expertise. Once you’ve identified your ideal lead magnet, integrate it into your social media strategy. Get on social media, talk about your freebie, and get people into your bubble. Convert social media followers into email list subscribers, and you'll be well on your way to generating quality leads. Focusing on lead generation and employing one or more of these lead magnets can significantly enhance your business's growth on social media. Go ahead, implement these strategies, and watch your business flourish. We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:36 The Power of Lead Magnets
• 03:29 Common Mistakes and Best Practices
• 03:49 10 Effective Lead Magnet Examples
• 14:36 Implementing Your Lead Generation Strategy
• 16:00 Conclusion and Next Step

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca

Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

Have you ever wondered how you can attract new clients, even if you're an introvert? Socializing and interacting with people can be daunting for many, but it doesn't have to be an impossible hurdle for your business.  As an introverted entrepreneur, in this episode, I share seven strategies to help introverts thrive in attracting new clients without the stress of constant socializing. As you'll hear in this episode, being an introvert doesn't mean you have to constantly present yourself in person.  One of the best ways to attract clients is by using online platforms. Introverts often thrive behind a screen, where they can thoughtfully compose their messages and engage with others at their own pace. Leveraging social media, websites, and email marketing can significantly expand your reach without stepping out of your comfort zone. Create valuable content that showcases your expertise. This can be in blog posts, videos, podcasts, or any other medium you're comfortable with. By demonstrating your knowledge and skills, potential clients will be naturally drawn to you for your expertise, and this can happen without the need for constant direct interaction. Introverts can indeed thrive in attracting new clients by leveraging these strategies. It's all about finding ways to align with your strengths and comfort. Embrace the digital age, focus on quality relationships, and let your expertise shine through various content channels. Remember, you don't have to shout from the rooftops to be heard — sometimes, the quiet and thoughtful approach is the most effective. Hear all of my best tips in this episode! We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:43 The Power of Online Presence for Introverts
• 05:49 Creating Engaging Content
• 06:51 Email Marketing Tips
• 08:12 Hosting Online Workshops and Masterclasses
• 09:42 Leveraging Client Referrals
• 10:49 Optimizing Your Onboarding Process
• 11:55 Enhancing Your Website with SEO
• 13:55 Networking Strategies for Introverts
• 14:58 Nurturing Existing Relationships

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca
• https://lisaanne.ca/referral-marketing-how-to-turn-clients-into-your-best-advocates/

Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

Are you a solopreneur looking to scale your business without bringing on an entire team?  In this week's episode, I am thrilled to introduce you to Jessica Freeman, owner of Jess Creatives.  As a seasoned website designer and SEO strategist, Jess shares her insights on building a successful solopreneur business and optimizing SEO efforts. Jess Freeman is the creative force behind Jess Creatives. With a background in website and graphic design, Jess started her journey in college and took her business full-time in 2014 when she was just 24 years old.  She provides comprehensive web design and SEO services, including hands-on SEO for clients ranging from brick-and-mortar shops to solo business owners. Her story is of hard work, efficiency, and continuous adaptation to the evolving digital landscape. Jess shares that automation tools and software are crucial to managing her business without a larger team. Tools like HoneyBook streamline her client onboarding process, and automated social media management tools like Social Bee help maintain a consistent online presence. Jess emphasizes the importance of having a structured, efficient workflow and not getting bogged down by perfectionism. One of the main focuses of this insightful interview is SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Jess explains that SEO optimizes website content to rank higher in search engine results. This involves using relevant keywords in a natural and non-spammy way, ensuring web pages provide valuable and comprehensive information to users. Jess emphasizes the importance of not relying too heavily on one marketing channel. Whether it’s social media, SEO, or email marketing, diversifying helps ensure business stability. With recent changes on platforms like Instagram and the unpredictable nature of algorithm shifts, having multiple avenues to reach your audience is crucial. We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 2:35 Jess's Journey: From Photography to Web Design
• 6:49 Managing a Solo Business: Tools and Strategies
• 10:54 Streamlined Client Onboarding Process
• 16:02 Customizing Websites for Clients
• 19:21 Understanding SEO Basics
• 19:46 Common SEO Mistakes
• 20:18 Optimizing Content for SEO
• 21:51 SEO Myths and Misconceptions
• 23:22 Effective Keyword Strategies
• 23:56 SEO Tips and Best Practices
• 29:06 Optimizing Images for SEO
• 32:09 One Piece of Advice Diversifying Your Marketing
• 34:57 Final Thoughts and Resources

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca/
• Backlink Boss Guide: https://www.jesscreatives.com/backlink-boss/

Connect with Jess

• Website - https://www.jesscreatives.com/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jesscreativesdesign
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessfreeman/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCis0sjz5ma8PQoztJm4Wmg
• Threads - https://www.threads.net/@jesscreatives

Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

Are your palms sweaty? Knees weak. Arms are heavy. There's vomit on your sweater already—mom's spaghetti. Okay, I’m not a rapper, but if you got that, I totally get you! If you’re not following along with my Eminem reference, let’s get down to the real question: Do you have social media anxiety when showing up for your business? Most people do. What do I actually post online? I don’t want to show my face; that’s awkward. What if people make fun of me? What if no one actually pays attention to what I have to say? If you’ve ever had these thoughts, let’s dive into overcoming this anxiety together. Social media feels easy for personal use—no pressure, no stress. But for business, it’s a whole different ball game. The stress, fear, and worry revolve around these tiny apps we frequently use. Why do we put ourselves through this? This episode of the More Than Social podcast covers some main tips that helped me overcome that anxiety, which might also help you. Here’s to showing up, impacting, and growing your business without letting social media anxiety hold you back. We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:02 The Pressure of Social Media for Business
• 02:40 Personal Experiences with Social Media Anxiety
• 03:12 Common Concerns and Overcoming Anxiety
• 05:34 Sharing Your Story to Connect
• 07:50 Engaging with Your Audience
• 10:19 Quality Over Quantity in Posting

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca/

Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

Have you ever wondered how a simple book can catapult your online business to new heights?  In this episode of the More Than Social podcast, I'm joined by Chris Benetti, an expert in leveraging online book sales for lead generation and business growth.  We discuss Chris's journey from the mining industry to digital entrepreneurship, sharing his experiences with sales funnels, conversion rate optimization, and book funnels. Chris gives us insights into different book funnel strategies, including free and paid funnels, order bumps, upsells, and downsells.  We also discuss effective Facebook advertising strategies for book funnels, targeting both cold and broad audiences, and continuous ad creative testing. Chris Benetti owns Smart Author® Media and is an expert in book marketing. To date, Chris has helped his clients collectively generate over $20,000,000 in sales from their books and digital offers, and in 2023, Chris sold over 19,000 books for his clients. Chris’ mission is to make marketing and selling books easy for business owners by educating them on fundamental marketing strategies with a no-BS approach. We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:35 Chris's Journey into Digital Marketing
• 05:04 The Power of Book Funnels in Business
• 05:21 The Transition from Trades to Digital Entrepreneurship
• 06:56 The Evolution of Digital Marketing Strategies
• 08:24 Maximizing Facebook for Business Growth
• 10:21 Deep Dive into Book Funnels: Strategies and Insights
• 13:09 The Mechanics of Paid Book Funnels
• 16:02 Advanced Funnel Strategies: Upsells and Downsells
• 16:48 Exploring Pricing Strategies for Maximum Conversion
• 22:01 Mastering Facebook and Instagram Ads for Book Funnels
• 30:43 Balancing Business and Family Life

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca/
• Chat with Chris: https://smartauthormedia.com/chat (free 30 min consulting session worth $1,000)

  Connect with Chris

• Website - https://smartauthormedia.com
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itsbenetti
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/itsbenetti
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartauthor/
• Podcast - https://smartauthormedia.com/podcast

Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

In the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, the word "no" often gets overshadowed by the constant pressure to say yes to every opportunity that comes our way.  However, what if I told you that saying "no" could be the key to unlocking your full business potential? In this episode, we explore the transformative power of setting boundaries and embracing the word "no." Through my journey, I've learned that saying "no" was not about shutting doors but wisely choosing which ones to open. By setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, I reclaimed my time and sanity and made better leadership decisions. My transformation shows how saying "no" can lead to saying "yes" to opportunities that align with your goals and values. One of the most important lessons I share is the importance of setting boundaries for self-care and business growth. By learning to say "no" to projects and clients that do not respect my time or expertise, I attracted a loyal client base and saw her business thrive.  I encourage you to embrace the strength of saying "no" and watch your business soar. By setting boundaries, saving time and energy, and staying true to their visions, entrepreneurs can empower themselves to open new doors and reach new heights of success. Saying "no" is not a weakness but a strength that can lead to transformative growth and fulfillment in business.   We talk about: 

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:06 Saying 'No' to Say 'Yes' to Growth
• 02:32 The Wake-Up Call: Hitting Rock Bottom
• 03:26 Embracing No: The Path to a Thriving Business 
• 03:50 The Five Big Benefits of Saying No
• 04:06 Prioritizing What Truly Matters
• 05:55 Setting Boundaries for Self-Care and Business Growth
• 12:37 Concluding Thoughts: The Strength in Saying No

  Resources

• Spotlight Theory: https://spotlighttheory.lisaanne.ca/

  Connect with me

• Lisa's Website - https://www.lisaanne.ca  
• Agency Website - https://www.stockmedia.ca
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LisaAnneCoaching
• YouTube - http://www.YouTube.com/LisaAnneCoaching 
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/LisaAnneCoaching

A brief summary of this episode