The Social Focus

The time is NOW if you'd like to access the Instagram for Business Online Course! We're getting set to open the doors for new members who will receive our full IG for Business Online Course AND free access to The Social Storytellers Community! Join the waitlist to be the first to know AND to receive a special offer when the doors open! I WANT TO JOIN THE WAITLIST! 

Well this is a first. And an exciting first. 

We interviewed two of our members in the Social Storytellers community,  @mod.aesthetics.ca  @pompousfoxwoodco 

We really wanted to dive into what it’s like to be a new business, and how they went about continuing to thrive and hit big goals in 2020, which for many businesses was a make it or break it kind of year.  

Katrine Pearson owns Mod Aesthetics, opened her doors officially in September in medical aesthetics, but prior had been a nurse for almost 20 years. 

Her plans completely shifted in 2020, for obvious reasons, but really took the extra time as a gift. And decided to begin developing her services, learning how to be a business owner, and eventually saw the membership as yet again another opportunity to learn Instagram. 

Adam Bezzina owns Pompous Foxwood Co., officially started his venture in fall 2018 in the woodworking, and furniture building industry. He began by creating his Instagram account, because he saw so many of his peers killing it on social media. 

They both shared their initial goals! 

We asked each of them to give new business owners a tip on one or two things they would need in order to succeed. 

Adam dives deeper into what he learned in the Social storytellers membership with regards to hashtags. And how this has been the biggest shift in his Instagram strategy. 

Adam shared how surprised he was of how much content was available when he first joined. He couldn’t believe how much was there for him, and he’s looking forward to going back and rewatching the course modules. But also, being able to learn how to make his phone photos look like professional images! And in such a short period of time. 

Katrine shared how quickly she realized how much of an opportunity she has to be able to sell products, even when her doors cannot be open. And by using the tools we taught in the course allowed her to pivot her business even quicker! 

But she loves the coaching calls. She feels she takes more away from this every month. And also the community, and how many of the members are cheering each other on!  

To connect with Katrine or Adam: 

Katrine Pearson - @mod.aesthetics.ca 

Adam Bezzina - @pompousfoxwoodco

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus @angela.s.doyon & @natcaronphoto 

www.thesocialfocus.co 

Promo music License: 

Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4261-rainbows 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

Dr. Laura Foster is a coach to women, retreat leader, yogi, mom of two and blended family of six and retired chiropractor. To clients, patients or colleagues, she is known for helping women create clarity, grounding and deep honouring for themselves and the gifts they bring to the world. Dr. Laura works 100% with women in one-on-one coaching, group programs and within her 10-week online program called ROOTS. 

Can you tell us about your journey from Chiropractor to mindset coach?

Laura shares that this shift was really inspired by taking her practice and time with er patients to the next level. A more thought-provoking and connected relationship that focused on the conversations that women should be having in the personal and health areas of their lives. She describes that she was able to honour her gifts and it is truly inspiring. 

You recently made a massive change in your life (moving across the country). One that many of us would call courageous. Would you say you felt complete fear, complete confidence, or a mix of both making this move? She shares that while your brain is hardwired for safety and security and she was initially fearful. When she “dropped down into {her} heart” she was focused on the relation to soul and intuition. When she focused on what her soul and intuition was telling her, she knew that it was the right decision. 

What are the ongoing boundary issues you see in many of your clients? How about boundaries around social media? Laura speaks about boundaries often and refer to the queen of boundaries, Brene Brown and explains there boundaries are not just one thing. When it comes to social media, she feels that it is its own unique boundary that we need.

In relation to social media… she says, “when you have good boundaries you have a good sense of who you are.” She describes a personal story of managing and balancing her social media time with her personal life, and let us tell you - it is relatable. Dr. Foster now utilizes her social media to be aligned with her vision and goals and not as a distraction or an escape. 

What can everyone change right now to shift their mindset and move towards a more wholehearted life? Her first suggestion is to, ”invest in the relationship with yourself.” We need to treat ourselves better.For example, eliminating the self-talk that is not constructive. “The language that we have with ourselves is pretty tough.” 

In pivoting from health practitioner to retreat leader and mindset coach, would you say social media had a hand in allowing you to shift faster? Very much so. Social media, including Instagram is a great opportunity to share your message and speak to your ideal audience. And she mentions that she was guilty of speaking to everyone… which of course means you are speaking to no one. 

Join the Waitlist for her new program, ROOTS

Download her free guide: 

Building Resiliency: 10 Affirmations to Help Ground You & Connect Inwards

Connect with Dr. Laura Foster on Instagram @soulinspiredgurl

The time is NOW if you'd like to access the Instagram for Business Online Course! We're getting set to open the doors for new members who will receive our full IG for Business Online Course AND free access to The Social Storytellers Community! Join the waitlist to be the first to know AND to receive a special offer when the doors open! I WANT TO JOIN THE WAITLIST!

Promo Music License: 

Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4261-rainbows 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

The time is NOW if you'd like to access the Instagram for Business Online Course! We're getting set to open the doors for new members who will receive our full IG for Business Online Course AND free access to The Social Storytellers Community! Join the waitlist to be the first to know AND to receive a special offer when the doors open! I WANT TO JOIN THE WAITLIST!

Happy New Year and welcome to the year 2021! We’re just going to go out and say it…. “2021 Vision People!”

With the start of every year, we typically look at New Years Resolutions but in today’s episode, we are sharing with you our top five goals for using Instagram for Business. 

At the start of 2020, we both set some big gaols and are thrilled with the progress and things we were able to create. We started this podcast and learned so many new things along the way but looking back we are so glad of the things we accomplished and learned. Even through a pandemic we saw many businesses and business owners pivot in 2020 (many of whom are part of our online membership community, The Social Storytellers which we also launched in 2020)!

To start off the episode, we are sharing some of the goals we had set before the start of 2020 including using our vision boards, taking risks and recording our first episode (insert our cringing faces here!) But the point is, we had set the goal to release an episode every week and here we are now with 51 episodes and many more to come! It was scary. It was work. But it has been one of the best things we could have created for our business.

To get started with goal setting, some of the tools we utilize to set goals are vision boards, journaling, telling someone close to you (amen to accountability partners)! Even adding some goals to your notes or scheduling goal reminders or affirmations can be a great tool.

So what are our top five goals for using Instagram for business?

1. Reevaluate your ideal avatar or dream client - think about it. When was the last time you really narrowed down who you are directing your message to?
2. Deep dive into your insights. When was the last time you really looked at what has worked or hasn’t work with your posts. It’s so important to review what content is actually moving the needle for your business. 
3. Get familiar with one of Instagram’s features. If you haven’t yet dabbled into Instagram Stories, IGTV or Reels, we highly recommend getting on board with one of these.
4. Create a hashtag strategy. By taking the time to develop and evaluate which hashtags are making a bug impact is really important for engagement ang growth.
5. Clean up your Instagram bio. Your bio is the first thing people will read when they land on your account. It is important to ensure that this is up to date. 

BONUS: Be sure to tune in to the bonus - trust us. It’s a goodie!

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus @angela.s.doyon and @natcaronphoto and send us a DM! 

On Pinterest we are: 

@thesocialfocus2020 

www.thesocialfocus.co 

Promo Music License: 

For Rainbows: 

Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4261-rainbows 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

We are live! (Well, we WERE live)

In today’s episode, we’re sharing the recording of our live broadcast at the 2020 Xcelerate Summit, Central Ontario’s Premier Business Event. This summit was hosted virtually this year and they kindly reached out to ask if we would host a live recording of Instagram for Business with the Social Focus for their 200+ attendees. 

So what topic do we decide for the attendees who are business owners and entrepreneur? We chat about excuses… specifically five excuses that are are holding you back from growing on Instagram. 

What’s excuse #1? We hear it all the time…. Yup, ‘TIME’! We get it, we all have busy schedules, a business to run and families to manage. But carving out time is so incredibly important for growth. And we go into detail on how to mange your time better for Instagram. 

Excuse #2 - ‘nobody wants to hear about me’. Say what? How can anyone like, trust and get to know you if you don’t share who you are and why you do what you do!?

Excuse # 3 - ‘organic growth on social media is dead’. No way! And we spill the beans on why organic growth is still possible and ways you can organically reach your ideal audience to grow your business on Instagram. 

Excuse #4 - ‘I don’t have any professional photos’. Well thank goodness we’re here. Photos is our speciality and we share exactly how to eliminate that excuse and start your Instagram photo library to help you sell more of your products and services while building solid connections!

And lastly, excuse #5  - ‘I’ve never had a sale on social media so I guess it doesn’t work.’ Well that is true if you simply post a photo with a caption and sit back and wait. We’re gonna tell you right now - if that is your strategy; you’ll never get a sale on social media. No way no how. BUT! If you’re willing to put these strategies and techniques into place, we know you can start to build a solid following and sales through Instagram. 

Thank you for tuning in to episode 50!! And the last episode of 2020! If you haven’t already, we would love for you to leave a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts! It helps us grow and reach more savvy business owners like you!

More about the Xcelerate Summit:

https://xceleratesummit.co

@xceleratesummit

Xcelerate Summit is 96 hours of practical, actionable business advice, real world knowledge, inspiration and one-degree networking.

It's the holiday season and we wanted to share a gift to all of our incredible listeners. Today's episode, we welcome back Natalie Scott, The Heart Inspired Entrepreneur. And she shared her wisdom and inspiration to lead a more heart inspired life and just before the 15 minute mark - she has a treat for all of us. Her Inspired Door Visualization.

Natalie is an inspirational Business & Life Coach, Speaker and Entrepreneur who is empowering women to find balance between abundant success and fulfillment. Through her latest subscription, The Heart Inspired Lifestyle, a uniquely illuminating digital bundle of luxuriously inspired things that she loves; she delivers inspiration, empowerment and a few of her 'favourite things' to members monthly.

Of the many inclusions in her monthly subscription, there is often a visualization. Natalie gifted us with a sample of the guided visualization and we hope that you tune in (especially overt holidays) when you feel you need a little refresh and a spark.

Before we are treated with the visualization, we ask Natalie to explain to us what Heart Inspired Living is all about and how can we implement more of it into our lives?

As an active user on Instagram, Natalie shares which features are her favourite not only to inspire and empower women but also as a business tool to authentically reach and connect to her ideal audience. And spoiler alert - it is one of the easiest Instagram features to use and you can start implementing these strategies right away!

Lastly, if her guided visualization wasn't enough of a gift, she also shares her best practices for self-care. In her three steps, she explains that implementing three levels of self-care practice into your life can have massive benefits and reward. And it's not just hot bubble baths (although Ang will tend to differ).

For more information on living and leading a Heart Inspired Life, follow Natalie Scott, The Heart Inspired Entrepreneur on Instagram @theheartinspiredentrepreneur or to Jon her monthly subscription to The Heart Inspired Lifestyle, click HERE.

Want to join our The Social Storytellers Community? You can do so right now! We have the doors open all year long on our Mini Membership. So if you were at all curious, this is a smaller version of our larger membership (that we will be launching early 2021).  

This includes instant access to: 

* 30 styled stock images 

* The Private Facebook Group  

AND 

* 2 Coaching Q&A calls each month 

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus @angela.s.doyon and @natcaronphoto and send us a DM! 

On Pinterest we are: 

@thesocialfocus2020 

www.thesocialfocus.co 

Instagram is a visual Medium to connect to your followers. So, can you guess what’s a really innovative way to attract more followers? It’s actually quite simple. The answer is through beautiful and engaging photos. 

Nat is solo today, and sharing her 4 simplest tips to improve your photos. And since this episode is coming out around the holidays, which was on purpose, this was a perfect time to learn these new tricks. Because photos are taken the most this time of year. But keep in mind, this could be used all year long, and ultimately, better your Instagram feed from mediocre to stellar.  

If you haven’t listened back to one of the first episodes, you may not know that Nat is a photographer. 

She began in the photography industry 22 years ago, and has run a photography studio for 18 years. 

If you haven’t already figured it out, with some fast math, she started in this industry shooting with film and old school cameras, and spending many days and nights in a dark room watching 1 photo at a time appear before her eyes in a pool of chemicals.  

Many adults can’t recall a time that digital cameras did not exist. Let alone taking photos on phones. Quite often many business owners forget, or take for granted, that back in the day, a photographer HAD TO BE HIRED! And Now, there’s a camera in their pocket, with the ability to create, no lie, professional looking photos.  

So here are the absolute Simplest tips to implement. 

#1. Keep it simple. Declutter your space, and use negative space. 

 #2. Clean Your lens. Make sure to use an actual lens cleaner, like one you would have received when you purchased reading glasses or sunglasses 

#3. Take Many Angles. Get your shot, and then move around, and take a few more. Just another way you can batch out your content. 

#4. Edit Your Photos. Using great apps like Snapseed to edit and beautify your images. This is what makes it look professional. 

In the episode Nat reviews these tips and tricks in depth, and also does a run down of how long it would take to create 5 to 10 photos from start to finish.  

Best Case Scenario = 5 minutes 

Worse Case = 20 minutes 

 Hopefully this helped remove some of the intimidation with smartphone photography. Tag @thesocial.focus when you share that beautiful edited image on Instagram. 

Want to join our Community? You can do so right now! We have the doors open all year long on our Mini Membership. So if you were at all curious, this is a smaller version of our larger membership (that we will be launching early 2021).  

This includes instant access to: 

* 30 styled stock images 

* The Private Facebook Group  

AND 

* 2 Coaching Q&A calls each month 

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus @angela.s.doyon and @natcaronphoto 

and send us a DM! 

On Pinterest we are: 

@thesocialfocus2020 

www.thesocialfocus.co 

Promo Music License: 

For Rainbows: 

Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4261-rainbows 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod 

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3976-life-of-riley 

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

In today’s episode of Instagram for Business with The Social Focus, we are chatting with, Jane Monteith. Jane is an international selling artist, online educator and author of the book The Ultimate Pouring & Painting Project book. Her style of smaller collage works called MOD Minis are what gained her recognition as an artist. She has taught thousands of artists online and continues to evolve with new ideas and modern techniques.

After running a mural design business for over a decade and constantly travelling, Jane took to the idea of working from home and earning an income by creating art. Jane transitioned her art business online and began sharing and selling her bold collage style resin work through her social media platforms.

We ask her the following questions and she does not disappoint!

Have you always been an artist? And is this how you first showed up on Instagram?

What makes you feel inspired to create?

At what point of this career did you begin getting sponsorship? What does This look like? 

Do you feel your videos or photos create more engagement on Instagram? Why do you feel that’s the outcome? 

Do you use any other platforms to monetize with? Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn etc.

What are your 3 favourite tools on Instagram?

Connect with Jane Monteith!

Online https://www.janelovesdesign.com 

Instagram @janelovesdesign

Pinterest Janelovesdesign

YouTube: Jane Monteith

Want to get in to our community? You can RIGHT NOW! The Social Storytellers Membership Community is currently offering a Mini Membership!! Click HERE to join right now and get instant access to 30 styled stock images, the Private Facebook Group AND two Coaching Q&A calls each month!

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:

@angela.s.doyon

@natcaronphoto

On Pinterest we are:

@thesocialfocus2020

Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4261-rainbows

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Promo Music License Details:

Oh, Christmas Tree by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4156-oh-christmas-tree

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4261-rainbows

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

We hear it often around this time of year... "what do you want for the holidays?"

Have you given much thought to your wish list? As entrepreneurs and business owners, we are always looking for ways and products that  make life and business more efficient, right? And if your friends and family want to treat you to something special this time of year, we suggest adding those items to your list!

In today's episode, we are sharing some of our favourite tools and equipment that we love uses for our business. And spoiler alert - some of our favourite items may not seem sexy, but oh boy do they make our hearts flutter! 😂

From levelling up subscriptions, to investing in lighting equipment, photography tools and even a ladder, yes... you heard us, a ladder is on the list. These are some thoughtful gifts that we feel every entrepreneur should consider!

Connect and share with us on Instagram what is on your list this holiday season!

If you're stuck, why not add to your wish list a membership to The Social Storytellers Community? Access to monthly styled stock images, two group Q&A Coaching Calls with us, Nat and Ang AND access to our amazing private Facebook Community! Check out the details here or simply share this link with a loved one!

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:

@angela.s.doyon

@natcaronphoto

@thesocial.focus

On Pinterest we are:

@thesocialfocus2020

Promo Music:

For Rainbows:

Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4261-rainbows

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3976-life-of-riley

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Oh, Christmas Tree by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4156-oh-christmas-tree

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What do the Wright Brothers, Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs all have in common? Their understanding of WHY in their business, their ideas and their dreams. Author Simon Sinek refers to these references and, “that people won’t truly buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the WHY behind it.” And in today’s episode, Nat and Ang; who were both inspired by Sinek’s book, “Start with Why,” are chatting in depth about the importance in this concept and how it can have an incredible impact on how you serve your audience, clients and customers. 

By having a clear understanding of why you do what you do, you can better serve your clients and customers. Knowing what motivates you to show up in your business can alleviate having to convince people to buy from you. 

We get it - selling can be hard and uncomfortable. But when you can find your purpose in your life and in your business, but can really provide a lot of clarity. And when you are clear on why you do what you do and what you offer, it can alleviate a lot of the angst that goes into selling your product or services. 

When it comes to leadership, by clearly identifying what your why is; you can be a better leader for your team. It eliminates a lot of uncertainty and can better join your team on a united front. 

So how can you find your why? 

To start, identify what you love to do know and what you loved doing as a child. Next, think about what makes peoples lives better? What makes you forget about time? Start observing how often someone asks you for help and what are they seeking you out for? And lastly, when it comes to work; which task would you do for free?

Want to get in to our community? You can RIGHT NOW! The Social Storytellers Membership Community is currently offering a Mini Membership!! Click HERE to join right now and get instant access to 30 styled stock images, the Private Facebook Group AND two Coaching Q&A calls each month!

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:

@angela.s.doyon

@natcaronphoto

@thesocial.focus

On Pinterest we are:

@thesocialfocus2020

Promo Music License:

Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3976-life-of-riley

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Oh, Christmas Tree by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4156-oh-christmas-tree

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

You know what they say, ‘what doesn’t kill you make you stronger…” ‘Your limitation—it's only your imagination…’ On today’s episode of Instagram for Business with The Social Focus, Ang is solo and sharing why you should ‘Feel the Fear and do it Anyways…’

You know that pit in your stomach you sometimes get? You now when you’re having trouble making a decision that it physically makes you ill. The heart palpitations, the sweaty palms? These are all GOOD signs! Yes, good signs! It’s in these moments when we feel scared and unsure that we can see the most progress.

Back in 2019, Ang had multiple entrepreneurial projects on the go. She was running her Styling business, she was running her wedding planning business and she was even running an online shop. In addition to those ventures she was holding down a part-time job… while being a mom (whose son was only in daycare part-time) and wife. She was basically trying to do “all the things.”

In this episode Ang talks about fear and the risk she took when she decided to close the doors to not just her wedding business, but also to her online shop AND quitting her part-time job. You may be thinking, ‘is she nuts?”

You may be trying to do “all the things” for your business right now and this episode may provide clarity. You see, when we can being to let some things go, it allows us to truly focus and gain momentum and progress. When it comes to our business, it is so important to be clear on our niche, who our audience is and what we can provide. 

What is something that you can remove from your pile right now? Share with us on Instagram @thesocial.focus

Want to get in to our community? You can RIGHT NOW! The Social Storytellers Membership Community is currently offering a Mini Membership!! Click HERE to join right now and get instant access to 30 styled stock images, the Private Facebook Group AND two Coaching Q&A calls each month!

Have a question for us? Check us out on Instagram @thesocial.focus and send us a dm!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:

@angela.s.doyon

@natcaronphoto

@thesocial.focus

On Pinterest we are:

@thesocialfocus2020

Promo Music:

For Rainbows:

Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4261-rainbows

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3976-life-of-riley

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/