The Social Focus

You’ve heard us talk about the importance of storytelling and we were thrilled that our guest on today’s episode includes the work storytelling right in her bio! Today we are chatting with Maria Hyde, Owner of @essentialcopy - which helps modern lifestyle brands tell their story through meaningful copy. She shares some amazing techniques to attract the right audience and speak directly to them and to their needs. 

After having children (two little sweethearts) Maria felt that the corporate lifestyle wasn’t quite working for her and decided to pursue her passion for writing and enter the entrepreneurial world. She started as a freelancer and soon realized that the larger corporation already had in-house writers so she saw an opportunity to assist smaller businesses and brands with their copy needs. 

So how much time should you invest in crafting your captions for social media? Maria is completely candid and admits that she is guilty of overthinking it and taking too much time. She does however mention that it is important to create thoughtful content with intention and to write when you feel inspired.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when writing your captions? Know. Your. Audience. You want to know your audience and you want to be relevant and relatable. 

Where do people struggle the most for writing? Maria shares that she finds that people struggle the most with their caption writing for Instagram which is really attributed back to knowing your audience. She also notices that entrepreneurs tend to have difficulty talking about themselves. 

What are three things you feel people should be mindful of when sitting down to write their captions? Know your audience and do your research! Maria even revealed that you should be stalking your ideal audience. What are they saying? Where do thy shop? What are they sharing? It’s a strategy that big marketing agencies use and you can too. 

What’s an example of good storytelling? Maria was sweet enough to share that we are good storytellers and uses an example of a post that Nat shared. It was a very personal post that created a feeling that people could resonate with. When you can create an experience for your audience they will feel more connected to you. 

And to round up the interview, we ask, what is the biggest failure you’ve ever had? Maria’s answer will amaze you! She responds by saying that she hasn’t had that many failures and within that, not having that many failures has kept her stuck. 

Connect with Maria Hyde!

Online 

On Instagram @essentialcopy 

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/

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!

Inside our private membership community, The Social Storytellers; we host two live Q&A Coaching Calls every month. They are amazing conversations that get our members the answers they are looking for and more times than not; they are related to Instagram and social media for business. 

In this episode, we are sharing our answers with YOU to our most frequently asked questions…. Otherwise know as what the FAQ?

What are the burning questions we will be answering?

1. Why is it good to post every day? Can it be just as beneficial to post 3 times per week and do stories as more of an every day thing?

2. How do I get comfortable posting about myself?

3. Is it worth posting outside your follower’s regular usage hours (from analytics) to try and attract a different audience?

4. How long is too long for a post?

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:
Rainbows by Kevin MacLeod

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

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

When we say the words, Social Boundaries; what comes to mind? For us, it is maintaining a separation between sharing too much of our personal lives with our business presence on social media. For example, when we are with our families, we are very mindful to be present in those moments. 

It is a big reason why we plan out a lot of our social media content. We try to be intentional in order to craft really good content in an organized manner rather than trying to come up with something on the spot. A great technique for sharing in stories is to capture video in stories and save it for a time when you can properly add text, tags and hashtags (and not feel rushed to simply hit ‘share’ with no real context). 

How much sharing of your personal life, is too much on social media? When it comes to utilizing social media for your business, we recommend that you be mindful of how much of your personal life you share. It’s wonderful to show your personality but ultimately, if you are using the account for your business, it should account for the majority of your content. If you enjoy sharing a lot fo your personal life, it may be time to create a private or personal account. 

Can you be too personal on social? Nat’s take is that she would only share as much on Instagram as she would sitting next to someone on an airplane. When you put it in that perspective, you’re not going to share your address, and personal details that are irrelevant and also not needed or related. However, if that is the audience you serve and you’ve created a business that focuses on personal topics, your personal experience and vulnerability and that is what your audience can expect from you then you will be serving that audience appropriately. 

Quality over Quantity… we get it, you want more followers. But if you are bringing your business to social media, you need to be in control of who gets access to your content. As a business account, anyone can see and follow you. But if they are not going to share, like, save and engage, then they are not qualified followers. And the reality is, there are still fake accounts and bots out there. And the more you have following you, the more your engagement will decrease. Our advice? Be mindful and aware when you see you have a new follower. 

Your time is valuable. And so is building connections. We suggest that you limit “the scroll” and actively participate and engage. Treat Instagram the way you want to be treated. But we get it - it takes time! Our advice? Set a timer to actively engage on Instagram. And engaging doesn’t just include liking a photo. Comment what you like about it. Ask a question. Get into the dm’s. 

To round up the episode, we chat about safety. Have you ever shared an image with your home in the background? Is the house number visible? Have you ever shared a video of you walking your kids to school and the school’s locate and name could easily be figured out? This isn’t to scare you but there are so many ways your personal safety can be compromised on social so we’re sharing some helpful tips to keep you mindful and safe. 

Enjoy the show!

Come say hello on Instagram @thesocial.focus and share a screenshot of you tuning in!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto
@thesocial.focus

On Pinterest we are:
@thesocialfocus2020

In today’s episode, your co-host and Brand Photographer, Nat, is running the show solo. She dives into a really vulnerable story about her business. 

Her worst profitable year in business. 

Being in business for 18 years, she was surprised that this occurred. And shares the mistakes she made. 

From paying employees above what she normally pays. To almost never checking her books - which means she let invoices go unpaid, she didn’t look at her expenses and if they were required to run the business, and she didn’t oversee if her current rates for her services were high enough. 

And lastly, being scared of charging more for her services. 

Did you know that only 40% of businesses make a profit? 

That’s a pretty interesting stat. And actually kind of scary. So how do you ensure you’re not in the 60%? Well, Nat shares some tips as well. 

So the most eye opening day came. It was the end of March, and she looked at her bank account after paying employees, and there was $3.25 left in her account. 

Her stomach sank, and she wondered how this happened.  

It got worse. She had a conversation with her bookkeeper the following week, and she shared some more upsetting news. 

She had profited 1/4 of what her business normally profited.  

You could call this her rock bottom moment. Rock bottom moments are actually a gift. They can be the wake up call you need to make big changes. 

Especially as Nat thought back about that year in complete confusion. Because that year prior she had worked harder then she ever worked. She worked 65 hour weeks, and ended up with full burn out. 

Here are 3 Changes she made right away 

1. She made a decision to surround herself with successful business owners. People that inspired her and she wanted to be more like. 

2. She broke down her profit and loss. And really deep dived into expenses. And ultimately in the end removed many of those expenses for good. 

3. She became comfortable in charging more for her services. There was a lot of fear around this part of her business. But she knew that this was one of the most important parts of the puzzle. 

There was a huge realization at the end of this episode that might surprise the listeners. Also, a big time happy ending. 

Let’s put this episode into focus: 

1. Burnout is real. Be sure to listen to your body 

2. Look at your books (bookkeeping) more often. At least quarterly 

3. Surround yourself with people who are successful in their business 

4. Know your worth 

Come say hello on Instagram @thesocial.focus and share a screenshot of you tuning in!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto
@thesocial.focus

On Pinterest we are:
@thesocialfocus2020

When Meghan Muise and her Business Partner Lindsay Haley created Ripe Juicery; they had a vision to create a space that made plant-based foods and juicing accessible to everyone. With a passion for health they opened their doors to Ripe Juicery in Barrie, Ontario Canada. With three locations serving all plant based, organic and gluten free menu items, their dream became a reality. 

What wasn’t part of that vision was a global pandemic that had many brick and mortar businesses ordered to close their doors. In today’s episode, we chat with Meghan about her initial reaction to the news as well as her first order of business in response to the pandemic and her day to day business operations. She speaks openly about her fear and anger in response to what was happening and how she allowed herself some time to sit in those feelings before making any decisions to move forward. 

Meghan discusses the power of social media and her gratitude for having built up a large and loyal following in order to keep her audience and customers up to date with their weekly changes. She also reflects on operating her business with her best friend and business partner and how they navigated this new direction together. And from there, they began to hash out a plan to continue to make their products accessible to their customers.

Meghan shares that the business model they had come to know and love was completely flipped upside down. And even with the closures, fear, no child careened a  lot fo overhead; they were able to pivot and move forward in their business. This is one episode you do not want to miss. Meghan’s inspiring story will leave you feeling lifted…. And craving a fresh plant-based juice!

Enjoy the show!

RIPE was created by Meghan Muise and Lindsay Haley, two friends that have followed very different paths in life that both led them to the same place, health. They fell in love with plant based diets and juicing as a way of life, not a trend. The idea evolved from a collective longing for accessible, fresh raw juice and the need for a place to come to rehydrate and revitalize. They believe that friendship and green juice go hand in hand. Juicing has changed their lives for the better and they want to spread the love with juice.

Connect with Ripe Juicery!

www.ripejuicery.ca

On Instagram @ripejuicery

Connect with Meghan @a_nurishedlife 

In today’s episode, we are sharing our favourite books that have educated and inspired us both personally and professionally. We share our top two picks & other gems that we loved including Goldie Hawn’s, “A Lotus Grows in the Mud”, Amy Poehler’s, “Yes Please”.

Nat starts with a book by Seth Godin, “This is Marketing.” It is all about creating value and making connections with your current and future customers. 

Nat’s second selection is, the E-Myth Revisited and it explains why 80% of small businesses fail.

Ang’s first pic is Jen Sincero’s, “You are a Bad Ass at Making Money.” She loved some of the practicality of it and how Sincero mixed in some “woo” and mindset.

Ang’s second pick is, “Wishes Fulfilled -Mastering the Art of Manifestation” By Dr. Wayne W Dyer. In summary, it’s tapping into endless energy source which changes your concept of self.

A few notable books worth checking out:

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachael Hollis

Start with Why - Simon Sinek

Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert

Come say hello on Instagram @thesocial.focus 
www.thesocialfocus.co

Whether online or offline, the same fears exist.  How do you learn to hone your skills and truly find and celebrate that inner confidence?

In today’s episode, WE are in the hot seat! We were interviewed by Michelle Risi of The Lifestyle Entrepreneur Podcast for Realtors show earlier this year and we felt that it was too good not to share with our listeners!

We chat about how we got started creating Instagram for Business with The Social Focus podcast, our business partnership, balancing a collaboration as well as our family life. 

We even get into the different types of personalities including being an introvert and extrovert. This discussion gets deep and even we get vulnerable chatting about fears and confidence both personally and in business. 

It’s a great conversation and we were thrilled to be guests on Michelle’s podcast. 

To connect with Michelle Risi, click on of the links below:

The Lifestyle Entrepreneur Podcast for Realtors

Website

Instagram 

Have you left us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts yet!? No? What are you waiting for? We may even read yours on an upcoming episode!

Come say hello on Instagram @thesocial.focus and share a screenshot of you tuning in!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto
@thesocial.focus

In today’s episode, Nat and Ang chat about your Instagram Bio and why keeping it up to date is one of the best strategies you can do for your business on Instagram. Why is a clear, concise and updated bio so important?  When someone lands on your feed - this is their first introduction to you. They may have seen one of your images or your account tagged in a post. But once they land on your feed, aside from taking a glimpse at your images, they will most likely read your bio. And it is here where they will decide if you are going to be worth pressing that FOLLOW button.

Here are five ways to update your Instagram Bio to attract the right (and more ) customers or clients.

1. Be sure to state who you are serving. If you read your bio and feel it is not clear as to who you serve - you need an update! Need some help with this?? Ask one of your favourite clients or customers to describe you!
2. Show some personality. You want to ensure that they feel connected to you. What is something unique to your personality or business style that you can share?
3. Give them value! Have something tangible that they can access. It could be a link in bio with a free download. Offer them something right away. 
4.  Keep it clean and easy to read. You only have so many seconds to connect and grab someones attention. Don’t use off fonts that are hard to read or too many emojis.
5. Make the best use out of your Name and Username. It should be clear, easy to read and should include key words that are searchable in the name section. 

Other tips: include tags if you have access to other accounts, use emojis for aesthetics and or to replace certain words because space is limited or to stand out (ie: using a mic to refer to a podcast) and ensure that you have the proper category for your business.

Come say hello on Instagram @thesocial.focus and share a screenshot of you tuning in!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto
@thesocial.focus

Welcome back to Instagram for Business with The Social Focus!

In today's episode, your co-host and Social Stylist, Ang; is on the mic solo and sharing  what social styling is and how you can incorporate your style in to your social strategy.

So what is social styling? 

Ang's role as a stylist is to create and curate setups and scenes that best reflects the clients products or services so as to appeal to their audience and customer on social media. 

For example - if you are a product based business - when you’re about to take photos either of your products or for your business in general, ask yourself:

• Will this image show my clients how they can use my product?
• Does this show them what it is made of?
• Does this show them who it is for?
• Does this image show them how they can purchase or where to buy it?

Another example for a service based business; consider asking yourself:

• does this show my personality?
• Does this image give an idea of what it is like to work with me?
• Will this show them how to connect with me?

Are you following? Tune in to hear a great example as to how this is beneficial. But basically, the point of this is to create images that answer your clients or potential clients and buyers questions.

3 Ways to Incorporate Your Style into Your Social Strategy

1 - be consistent with your brand colours and tones. 

2. Another easy way to implement your style into your images is with your wardrobe and accessories.

3. When you are styling and setting up to take your photos, be sure to take multiple shots. 

Come say hello on Instagram @thesocial.focus and share a screenshot of you tuning in!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto
@thesocial.focus

The doors are closed for The Social Storytellers Online Course & Community but you can always join the waitlist and be the first to know when you can join!

Be sure to visit The Social Focus on Instagram for freebies via the link in download!

www.thesocialfocus.co
On Instagram we are:
@angela.s.doyon
@natcaronphoto

In today's episode, Nat & Ang are chatting with Betty Binon. At the helm of the popular blog Stems & Forks, Betty Binon takes a refined approach to share her three passions in life: flowers, cooking, and photography. Based in Toronto, Canada, she has built a successful multi-faceted brand after nearly twenty years in the floral design business. She sold the thriving business in 2013 to embrace a balanced lifestyle with more family time and immersion in all things creative. Since the shift in career, Binon’s photography is highly sought-after by brands for her distinct chiaroscuro style and storytelling. Her workshops sell out to prominent artists and content creators around the world. Just a few brands Binon freelances for include CBC, Kate Hudson’s King Street Vodka, Peroni Beer, and Paderno. 

Pivoting Passion into A Business. 

What was one of the biggest challenges taking a passion and a hobby into a monetized business? Simple answer from Betty? Fear. She admits that in the beginning she found the industry of bloggers and blogging to be oversaturated and had to navigate our that to make her mark and stand out. 

“I don’t think balance exists.”

Is there balance in your life and business? Betty’s take on balance is extremely interesting as she believes that if you are good at your craft; then something has got to give. She admits that she doesn’t have balance. But as long as you’re OK with what you’re doing; and not killing yourself with guilt - than there is nothing wrong with an imbalanced life. 

Working with other brands as en Entrepreneur

Betty has worked with some of the most recognized brands as she styles and photographs their products; including brands like Paderno, Lindt and Peroni. She shares that she has been reached out to by these brands and has not had to pitch her work. She relates this back to having creating good content and sharing material that resonates to those specific brands. She also notes that the numbers help. Betty has grown an amazing following through her Instagram account @stemsandforks over the past four years. 

The reality behind growing a large following on Instagram.

Betty relates her growth success on Instagram were these two things: create good content and practice meaningful engagement. What is good content for Instagram? Good content is imagery that can move you. From there, your audience is most likely to continue to read the caption.  

Striving for perfection or simply understanding your potential?

Betty shares that once you know what your potential is and your are infusing passion into your work, how can you settle (and produce) anything that is less than your full potential. It’s not striving for perfection but more striving to create your absolute best work.

To round out the episode, Betty shares two tips - one on styling and the other for photography. You don’t want to miss that!

Connect with Betty on Instagram or online HERE