The Social Focus

8 Ways Instagram in the New Business Card

In today’s episode, Nat and Ang share 8 ways that Instagram is the new business card. If you think about it - your IG profile shares all of the information that a paper card would. Except there is so much more you can share. How amazing is it that we can give our audience (ie: potential customers and clients) an inside look at what it looks like to connect, shop our products or book our services?

Times are changing and social media is a fast and efficient way for a new prospects to find you. The downside to business cards; they typically end up in the recycling or the bottom of a purse or in the deep depths of that junk drawer (you know what we’re talking about). 

Here are eight ways Instagram is the new business card (and why you should make sure you’re set up that way!):

1. If you guided those same prospects to your social media profile, you now have the opportunity to show up more often, with tangible education, personality, and opportunity to gain their trust.

2. Your Bio contains everything your business card would consist of anyways. Except so much more. Be sure to include your name, contact details like your website, email and phone number (if you have a business account on Instagram, they make it easy for you to add your contact details!

3. Your feed is like an advertisement  - without being being actually being an ad. Here you can show who you are, what you offer and how you can serve them.

4. Using your highlights like a  Movie Trailer. Here is a way to give your audience an interactive glimpse as to who you are, who you serve and what makes you different.

5. Your Instagram Stories are your reality show. An opportunity to be candid and to show more of your personality and a behind the scenes glimpse at your business and personal life. 

6. Your IGTV and videos are your talk show. Think of a talk show you’ve watched. It can be educational, informative and a great way to host an interview. 

7. Reels. The newest feature on Instagram is a quick 15 second video opportunity to share with your audience. These are great for behind the scenes, show personality and connect quickly and efficiently with your audience. 

8. Most importantly, Instagram now allows you to build a connection, and actually be SOCIAL with that prospect. 

Here it is! A sneak peak Inside the Social Storytellers Community Live Q&A Coaching Session

Every month, Nat and Ang host TWO Live Q&A Coaching sessions where members can submit their burning questions around business, social media, styling imagery and taking better photos. It’s all about valuable takeaways to implement in to their business strategy. 

In today's episode, we are sharing some of the top questions that our members were asking inside our online community. Tune in because you've probably asked yourself one of these questions - especially if you use Instagram for your business!

1. If you have two businesses with two different avatars - should you be running two different Instagram accounts?
2. How do we make stories look better?
3. How often should I use stock images and how can I craft a caption around them?
4. Should I stick with my avatar or use Instagram insights to find out who my avatar is?
5. How do I start showing myself on Instagram even when I am really uncomfortable with it?

Nat and Ang also chat with a member about image ideas and captions that can go along with them. 

Are you looking for accountability, community and business mentorship? You may consider joining our amazing community! The doors are only open for a limited time and we would hate for you to miss out! Here’s what is included inside:

The Social Storytellers Online Course & Membership Community was created to help you:

- style better setups

- take better photos for your business

- identify your target audience

- develop your brand style

and execute a social strategy that helps you build your business on Instagram to:

- attract the right audience

- grow your following

- sell more products and services

• save time so you can get back to working in your business... not on it!

What’s included?

- Our Signature Online course  - Social Media for Business which includes four modules including Brand Strategy, Styling Setups, Shooting & Editing and Execution Strategies

 - 30 styled stock images every month (and you can choose your own aesthetic)
 - 2 x Q&A Coaching Calls with Nat & Ang
 - Opportunity to apply for the 2:1 Social Media Audit
 - Access to the Private Facebook Community
 - Tons of fun, accountability, community and education!

Want to learn more? Click HERE

If this episode was helpful, we would love for you to take a screenshot and share it on Instagram, and tag us @thesocial.focus and tell us what you liked most.  

Did you know that our doors are opening soon to our Social Storytellers Online Course & Community? Well it is, and it’s going to change your social media game.

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

If you listened to this episode, CONGRATULATIONS! Because you are probably a goal seeker! And this is truly one of the best things Nat ever did for her business. 

NETWORK! Yes, that word is not very sexy. But it’s extremely important to grow. 

So in today’s episode Nat dives deep into the many kinds of networking you can do, how to do it, and what to avoid to succeed in networking. Including some tips on being engaging on Social Media. Because Instagram is also another form of networking. 

First she chats about BNI, Business Networking International. This was her first taste of Networking. And though terrified every week to stand up and talk, it also forced her to think about her goals in her business, to think on her feet, and to get comfortable with public speaking. It got her out of her comfort zone, and knowing that public speaking didn’t kill her gave her a whole new confidence.  

Nat lists off a few other types of groups that are similar: 

Professional Women’s groups 

Toastmasters 

Rotary 

Professional associations in your own field 

The next type of networking she loved being a part of is a Mastermind. This is levelling up your business. And joining a group of professionals that are a step ahead of you, and are all individuals you have huge respect for. 

Networking Online is so important these days. You can get out there and engage in many different forms. Facebook groups can be find for every single niche. In fact if you know what your target audience’s interests are, you can head over to Facebook and find a group to join.  

In our Social Storytellers Membership Facebook Group, we have been told by a number of members this is one of the most valuable parts of the membership. Some members have found accountability partners to help meet their goals. Others have found new prospect customers. And have sold their product and/or services in the group. 

Nat explains some tips one HOW TO NETWORK. 

#1 - don’t be a hunter, be a farmer. Support the individuals in the group. Instead of always looking to Get something from the group. Farming is the long game and this is how we connect with other business owners. 

#2 - show up more often. This creates trust because others will see you as committed to them and to the group. This will also help build your reputation. 

#3 - give give give.  The idea is that if you are giving, the more likely it is that you will also receive. 

#4 - educate and give advice by helping someone who is a few steps behind you. Be the problem solver, and be the person that shows up in your posts with solutions. 

#5 - remember that it doesn’t cost any money to network on social media, and truly engage with your followers. Share someones post. Comment with an actual engaged message. DM someone who’s stories has hit home for you. 

This is all networking.  

If this episode was helpful, we would love for you to take a screenshot and share it on Instagram, and tag us @thesocial.focus and tell us what you liked most.  

Did you know that our doors are opening soon to our Social Storytellers Online Course & Community? Well it is, and it’s going to change your social media game. So head on over to our linkin bio on Instagram - and sign up for the waiting list to know the moment the doors open up!

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

Located close to the shores of Georgian Bay, Ontario Canada,: Backwood Design Co. is a female owned and run business that specializes in handcrafting unique, live edge furniture and epoxy art charcuterie boards from salvaged, local wood. Self-taught woodworker, epoxy artist and business owner, Lindsay Russell sits down with Nat and Ang to chat about how she has utilized the power of Instagram to grow her following, create unique collaborations and as the number one tool to sell her handmade products. 

Instagram for Business. Ang asks if Lindsay intentionally started her Instagram account to sell her products or if that organically transpired. Lindsay notes that 3/4 of her sales come directly from Instagram. Her Instagram account was created in response to her audience and fans asking if she were on the platform. 

Instagram Growth. Having just reached 15k on Instagram, Nat asks Lindsay about her tips for growing on Instagram? She candidly mentions that she is still learning on Instagram and through trial and error and testing new techniques has been helpful to find what works best for her business. But her top techniques that have helped her grow can be related to collaborations, giveaways and consistency. 

Collaboration through Instagram. Lindsay shares her collaboration strategy and it’s twofold. One strategy she shares is she sends free or discounted products to certain accounts that they can utilize in their own Instagram photography. Before this was an informal process but she has since implemented a mutually beneficial agreement. Some of her collaborations include work with @chefdevan and @chefsomm  Her other type of collaboration is with other makers which has created opportunities to co-create art together. 

Instagram Success Story. Lindsay shares one of her recent successes on Instagram where one of her charcuterie boards was shared by Canadian businesswoman, investor, author, television personality and self-made millionaire, Arlene Dickinson. And recently had her boards featured on HGTV’s, Scott Mcgillivray’s  Vacation House Rules.

It’s not your audiences job to find you. It’s your job to find your audience. 

Instagram Features. Lindsay shares that of all of the tools and features on Instagram, she really enjoys utilizing Instagram Stories. She previews her upcoming pieces as well as behind the scenes.

Instagram Hashtags. Lindsay uses different groups of hashtags and keeps them relevant to what she is posted. Part of her strategy is segmenting hashtags by the numbers. 75% of the hashtags she uses could have less than 10K posts. And another percentage allocated to hashtags used 25K-50k, etc. Tune in at 28:00 for her detailed breakdown. A lot of her strategy is trial and error. 

Connect with Lindsay at Backwood Design Co.

https://www.backwooddesignco.com 

On Instagram @backwooddesignco

On YouTube

The doors will be opening soon for The Social Storytellers Community! Click here for detail via the link in bio!

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

Does this sound conceded… “Fuck, I’m good… just ask me”? Or is it a confident statement?

In today’s episode, Nat and Ang are revealing why you need a little FIGJAM in your life. Never heard of the term FIGJAM before? Ask any golf lover what it means and you better be certain that they’ll either say “Phil Mickelson” or “fuck, I’m good… just ask me.”

Are you confident when it comes to sharing you success? Or do you ever feel like you’re being conceded when you talk about your success or big wins? If so, this episode is for you friend! Nat and Ang get straight to the point and help you push through those feelings and techniques to stop playing small!

To start, Nat an Ang chat about the difference between conceit and confidence. 

“Conceit is when somebody feels fear in who they are…Confidence comes off more eloquently. 

So the ultimate question? Why do we feel like we’re being conceded or cocky when given a compliment? As they chat, they propose an exercise to better help you receive compliments:

“You don’t always have to be right, nor the smartest person in the room.”

At 14:05 Nat brings up the topic of negative self-talk. You know, those moments when you talk smack about yourself. You beat yourself up about something. Those feelings of unworthiness. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Working and practicing better ways that you talk TO yourself is just as important. What are the negative things you’re saying to yourself? It doesn’t need to be out loud as it could just be those thoughts in your mind. “I look like crap.” “I’m fat.” “I hate how I look in this.” “I will never get that client.” Sound familiar? Here’s where they get into the woo.

If you’re anything like Nat and Ang than you probably relate to the law of attraction and what actions and words you put out into the universe is what you’ll ultimately attract back into your life. The more negative talk and or vibes and energy you put out into the world, you will have more of that show up. This is why it is so important to be mindful how you think and speak about yourself. Invest more confidence into your thoughts, energy and actions. 

Tying confidence into social media; your audience wants to see the real you, in all your authentic greatness. Ask yourself, how many times have you scrolled through your own Instagram account and second guessed your post or picked your posts apart? And now think of how many times you’ve scrolled through someones else’s feed and picked theirs apart?  Part of confidence in showing up on social media is also part vulnerability. 

Looking for more amazing resources on vulnerability? Be sure to check out Brené Brown who is an incredible writer and speaker on all things being vulnerable.  Nat and Ang are both huge fans!

“A tiger doesn’t lose sleep over the opinion of sheeps.”

Nat chats about one of her favourite podcast hosts, Gary Vaynerchuck and his advice  on not listing to the haters and the negativity while also not listening to the praise and confidence. When you eliminate hearing the praises you can also eliminate hearing the booing. 

To wrap up the episode, Nat and Ang chat about how when you shine, you pave the way for others to do the same.

The doors will be opening soon for The Social Storytellers Community! Click here for detail via the link in bio!

www.thesocialfocus.co

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

Today’s episode brings Nat and Ang together again in studio! (Nat even put out a cheese plate for today’s recording). Today is all about lessons and learnings each of them has learned from their first year in business as entrepreneurs. They share their personal journeys and then break it down into their top recommendations that you can consider within your own business.

To give this episode context, Nat (lover of facts and statistics) shares some important stats:

75% of businesses survive the first year. 50% make it to five years

There are 582 Million Entrepreneurs in the world

33% of entrepreneurs have only a high school diploma

26% of entrepreneurs turn to the internet for business-related advice

42% of businesses fail because there’s no market need

23% of businesses fail due to the lack of chemistry and teamwork between employees

What is your WHY? 

Ang shares a quote from Simon Sinek’s, Start with Why. 

“Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause or belief - WHY does your company exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care? People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.”

Nat shares her why for creating her photography business and it’s a heart-warming story. One of the biggest influences in her desire to photograph people was instilled in her by her late father. She’s candid and honest in how that led her to shooting family and wedding photography. Over the years, as her business has shifted, so has her why. She’s driven by the opportunity to spend more time with her family while also serving and supporting her clients to elevate their business with professional photography. 

Ang resonates with Nat’s why, as she too lost a parent and has always wanted to create a life that can provide more freedom to pursue the things she loves and to have more time with family and friends. Second to that, Ang also shares the moment where her decision to become an entrepreneur stemmed from an unfortunate encounter with an old boss of hers. (The details start at the 10:40 mark).

BEFORE YOU GO FURTHER- Have you heard that you can win a free month inside The Social Storytellers Online Course & Community?! Be sure to check out the GIVEAWAY details on Instagram! @thesocial.focus

Top Eight Tips is How to Survive Your First Year in Business.

#1. Create a business plan, and goals - even if you’re not looking into getting a bank loan.

#2. Keep expenses low.

#3. Pay yourself last (only in the first year).

#4. Don’t say yes to every request.

#5. Focus on Helping - your #1 goal should always to be serving and helping your customer.

#6. Network and find like minded people.

#7. Before quitting your job - have a minimum of 3 to 6 months of funds to support you as a cushion.

#8 - NEVER feel shame around working another job to fund this new dream.

www.thesocialfocus.co

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

In today's solo episode, Ang shares three Instagram features (for business accounts) that can help you with engagement, connect with your audience and to save you time on the social platform.

Have you ever been scrolling through Instagram and notice something new? You may have asked yourself, "how did they do that" or said, 'well, this is new." Ang is sharing three features that Instagram offers that you may not have even heard of... and some of them have been available longer that you think.

We're always looking for ways to engage with our audience, especially our audience that is actively engaging with us. That's where the newly released feature Pinned Comments comes into play. This feature allows you to pin (up to three) favourable or most valuable comments to the top of your post. Why is this important? First, it helps control the tone of the comments on your posts (keep it positive people). It is also a great way to engage and "reward" those users who leave valuable and high-quality comments. Think of it as a positive testimonial that more of your audience will see because you can pin it to the top (that's gold real estate space)! Be sure to tune in as Ang explains how this is done or you can always check out @thesocial.focus for a visual breakdown that they're be sharing soon!

If you love IG stories and LIVE's as much as Ang does, then listen up - because it's all about creating a title for your IG LIVE. Imagine being invited to a "themed" party but nobody tells you the theme... hard to imagine what it's all about right? The same goes for going LIVE on Instagram and your audience having no idea what you're talking about. By adding a title to your LIVE, you now give context to your narrative. Why is that important? You'll attract the right audience. Those followers who like, know and trust you are more likely to join you if you you're sharing something they need (not just what you ate for lunch that day.) What value can you offer? Are you sharing tips? Are you offering a solution to a pain-point? Explain what you are offering right in your title!

The last feature Ang shares is a time-saver. Are you constantly being asked the same questions over and over again? It could be, "what are your store hours" or, "where can I see your packages" or "I'd like to setup a consult, how do I proceed?" That's where Quick Replies come in handy. And that's exactly what it is... a quick reply/ response. You can setup messages and responses that are easy to add into the dm's to effectively and efficiently respond to people reaching out. Ang goes through the step by step process to explain how you can set this up. Long gone are the days where you have to constantly write out the same message over and over again!

Did you find this helpful? Which feature are you most excited about implementing into your strategy? Screen shot the episode and share in your stories, tag @thesocial.focus and tell us what feature you are most excited about!

Have you left us a review yet? If you’d like us to potentially read your review on air then head on over HERE and tell us what you loved about the show!

Come hang with Nat and Ang!

@thesocial.focus

@natcaronphoto

@angela.s.doyon

Nat and Ang chat with Lifestyle Entrepreneur Expert, Michelle Risi. Michelle helps Realtors achieve Freedom, Fulfillment and Financial Success in their business.  

She is a contributing writer at Forbes, a lover of social media,  host of the chart-topping podcast "The Lifestyle Entrepreneur Podcast for Realtors" and was recently named one of the Top 50 women in Canadian Real Estate.

As a self proclaimed, “dabbler,” Michelle explains that her journey in many fields of study and careers has allowed her to take away pieces from each of those experiences and implement into her way of living and working today. She notes that it all refers back to leading with joy. 

“Follow the things that lift you up.”

Michelle shares some of her techniques that she teaches her students in real estate. She mentions that many people are attracted to the real estate industry because of the freedom and flexibility. However, many realtors don’t seem to be taking advantage of that opportunity. Her approach is to focus on new ways and techniques to break out of outdated or unconventional tactics within the industry.

“Balance is BS”

Here’s where things get real. Michelle explains that balance doesn’t exist and is in fact, bull-s***. She explains that there are many buckets that you can fill. You just may not be able to fill them all at once. There is a give and take and she explains that she has adopted the phrase of “work, life harmony.” Meaning, you don’t need to say no to one thing to say yes to something else.  

Michelle discusses the allowance to giving yourself grace, being forgiving and that you can’t control every little thing. At the 25:55 mark, Ang gets emotional as Michelle’s words are to the point and resonating. As entrepreneurs (especially #mompreneurs) we are often very hard on ourselves. “Guilt is a horrible thing.

Some recommendations from Michelle in the episode include books by Alyson Schafer and her ideology around adlerian psychology.  She references, “Breaking the Good Mom Myth.”

What makes you feel inspired to serve your audience? Michelle responds that she, “just wants people to feel happy.” Which is an inspiring way to lead and serve your clients and audience. At the 33:00 mark, Michelle shares her personal journey and experiences around entrepreneurship and how she used to feel it had to look and feel a certain way and; how over time, she was able to breakthrough those perceptions and run and lead differently. “I’m going to do it my way.”

This episode is full of giggles, moments of truth and even a few tears. 

To connect with Michelle Risi:

http://www.michellerisi.com 

@michellerisi 

The Lifestyle Entrepreneur Podcast for Realtors

Have you left us a review yet? If you’d like us to potentially read your review on air then head on over HERE and tell us what you loved about the show!

Come hang with Nat and Ang!

@thesocial.focus

@natcaronphoto

@angela.s.doyon

Find your business bestie!

In today’s episode, Nat and Ang are chatting about something near and dear to their hearts. Collaboration and all the benefits it brings. The Social Focus is a collaboration and the ladies chat about how it has benefited them not only professionally but also personally. This episode is all about the benefits of collaborating with others.

Collaborating is very similar to having an accountability partner.  Someone who can keep you on track and who you don’t want to let down!  How do you find the right people to collaborate with? How do you get started? Why eliminating the word competition from your vocabulary can be helpful and what to do when a collaboration goes south. Yup, they are chatting about it all!

What makes a good collaboration? The short answer? Respect and admiration. With a sprinkle of high energy and joy. Leave the insecurities, animosity and doubt at the door people.

Nat makes a great reference when speaking about accountability. Think of someone who needs a personal trainer. They most likely prefer to work with a personal trainer because of the commitment level. It makes it a lot harder to slack off or not meet the expectations. That is very similar to collaborating or building a partnership. There is an actual person to 

Feeling lonely? This is another great reason to team up with someone! The entrepreneurial world can feel lonesome at times and whether it is a full partnership or a one time collaboration - it may be just the thing to add some spark to you business.

At the 16:50 mark, Nat shares a great example as to how two different businesses can find an opportunity to collaborate with.  She mentions a collab between two local businesses, Shiny Soul Creations and Two Sisters Naturals. Two completely different product based businesses and their experience joining forces. It’s a great way to grow your following as your tribe can find their tribe and vice versa!

You can only serve so many clients, right? The ladies chat about how referring others in your industry is also a great form of a collaboration. It is a chance to celebrate others in your niche and can be a great opportunity for it to be reciprocated. It’s basically community over competition but guess what!? Competition is a silly word! Eliminate it from your vocabulary and all that is left is admiration, praise and community.

To round out the episode, Nat shares a great example of a change in a collaboration by mentioning the podcast Being Boss. Last year, one of the hosts of this top ranked marketing podcast decided to step back. The way they handle this change was a great example.

So lovelies… who will you reach out to for a collaboration?!

Want the ladies to read your review on air? Then head on over to Apple Podcast and leave your rating and review!

www.thesocialfocus.co

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

In today’s episode, Nat and Ang chat about their experience working in one of the toughest industries… the wedding industry. 

Weddings are filled with joy and excitement but it is also accompanies by a lot of emotions, unpredictability, stress, tight deadlines and a whole lot of expectations. 

Since moving on from weddings, Nat as a Wedding Photographer and Ang as a Wedding Planner; they have used what they experienced and learned and have been able to apply those learnings to ether current businesses… and you can too! They share it all in this episode. 

To start, Nat reveals the importance of trust. When your clients have trust in you and your abilities, it can complete change the entire working experience and relationship. How do you build trust? By being prepared. Preparation can be as simple as arriving early, having a task list clearly and most importantly, managing expectations.

The ladies dive into the world of social media. In fact, both Nat and Ang received a lot of referrals from social media. Whether that be through past clients but also relationships with vendors in their same industry At the 10:05 mark, Nat shares how this is so important to implement into your business. Who do you know in your industry that has the potential to send you your next client or customer? Who can you refer to a trusted colleague? Think of building your power team. A network of people that you can interchangeably refer client to. 

Ang shares some of her experiences and how it has helped her in her career now, with the first being detailed oriented. Creating timelines and tasks for wedding clients helped her see the value in being specific and detailed. And not just for her own benefit but to also keep her clients well aware of everything and anything.

Those details can be implemented into any business. Ang gives the example of how The Social Focus episodes and social media are crafted. All the planning and details are developed ahead of time so as both Nat and Ang can review and are well aware of the strategy.

Want a good laugh? Tune in to the full episode for some fun stories from Nat & Ang’s wedding past. 

Want the ladies to read your review on air? Then head on over to Apple Podcast and leave your rating and review!

Have you heard? Nat & Ang are hosting their FREE Styling & Shooting Webinar on July 7, 2020! Make sure you register so as you don't miss this hour long webinar that is jam-packed to help you grow on social media! CLICK HERE to register.

"I have observed and sat in on SEVERAL courses and workshops over the last few years.  The value in this one-hour far exceeds, in my experience, the alternatives.  Ladies, amazing!" - May 2020 Webinar Attendee

www.thesocialfocus.co

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