DTLD | Issue 02

TH E D T L D P OV

DTLD Magazine is a digital publication, created by INICIO Creative Agency, bridging the gap between business and creativity This publication is designed to bring entrepreneurs business advice and news in a new, fresh, and exciting way

DTLD Magazine is here to provide the latest information that will take you to the next level in your professional life We hope this magazine opens your mind and allows you to think about things in new ways that bring forth innovative action toward your goals

Here at DTLD, we are committed to forging a path of our own, and we hope we can inspire you to do the same

WELCOME TO DTLD.

"Detailed" Magazine issue two! Wow Thank you to everyone who has supported read shared or expressed appreciation and interest in this publication Your kind words and support mean the world to us

This issue we wanted to bring out the essence of Q2 as we head into spring and life around us starts to re-bloom and re-flourish after a cold and very wet winter in Los Angeles.

Like the seasons, your business is no different and this issue is here to help you reflect and lean into this season of new growth and new opportunities

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as the last and we look forward to connecting further with you all!

YOURS TRULY, SASHA MONIQUE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DTLD MAGAZINE OWNER OF INICIO CREATIVE AGENCY

f r o m t h e e d i t o r

t a b l e o f c o n t e n t s

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIBBS STUDIOS

Business

How to Start a Business: The Foolproof Method

Best Business Tools for Efficiency

Leaning into Failures in Business

How to Turn Your Side Hustle into a Full-Time Career

branding 31

Brand Trends for Q2

Is It Time for a Rebrand?

Building Brand Recognition for Brand Growth

The Power of a Brand Story

Leaning Too Heavily on AI Could Hurt Your Brand

marketing 53

Marketing Trends for Q2

Q2 Marketing Strategy Guide

Which Social Platforms are Best for Your Business?

Understanding Buyer Personas

How to Build a Thriving Community Online

creator focus

John Kornegay

Christina "Poofy" Moffitino

Mwanel Pierre-Louis

Jordan Road Jewlery

Ricky Cole

Fernanda Kelly

Johnnie Fresco

Mickey Pierre-Louis

Art + Culture 127

Art + Culture Trends for Q2

Is Video Content Hindering Our Ability to Create + Experience?

How to Make Social Media your Ally as a Creative

The Q2 Starter Pack for Creatives

for all inquiries:

hello@dtldmag.com

advertising@dtldmag.com

dtldmag.com

@dtldmag

T H E D T L D S T AF F

B U S I N E S S

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIBBS STUDIOS

Starting a business has become less of the overwhelming and expensive undertaking it once was in the past before digital entrepreneurship became what it is today

Now, starting a business is typically just creating a new Instagram profile and posting, or so one would think, but this way of starting is one of the quickest ways to crumble.

What many new entrepreneurs don't consider is how setting down the foundations of a business is how that business builds its success We're not talking about analytics or algorithms; we're talking about organization and structure.

Building a foolproof business means building from the ground up and starting on the right foot; regardless of algorithms, virality, or luck, you have a business that grows steadily without selling your soul to social media

You Need a Business Plan

The first step is the most overlooked step for every new entrepreneur in the digital space, but it truly is the most important.

Creating a business plan is the brain dump you need to organize your thoughts, intentions, goals, and the action steps you need at each phase of your business. This business plan bleeds into your brand, marketing, visibility, PR, etc. Without it, you are living by the hope that your business will grow.

Your business plan is more than just writing down your goals and future vision; it's a comprehensive analysis of your market, competitors, the viability of your idea, and the logistics and operations needed to bring in revenue.

It's the easiest way to reduce risk, iron out the kinks, and prepare your future business for optimal growth

Protect the Name + Register the Business

Another overlooked step in digital entrepreneurship is registering your business and ensuring your business name is available

Creating a social media handle is not enough You must set your business up properly, which requires a few things.

First, you must make sure the name you want to use is available. Depending on your state or country, you want to find a reliable business name checker to see who has registered your business name and if it is still viable Then, depending on how you plan to use it, you will want to register and trademark it.

Regardless, you must set up your business by registering the name locally and within the state.

Dive Into Brand Strategy

Now, you can't market something you don't know, which is where deep diving into brand strategy will catapult you ten steps ahead of the competition.

At this point, you want to outline your brand in every detail, from personality, messaging, target audience, product suite, pricing, competitors, brand identity, and more All of these facets of your brand allow you to leverage your marketing faster and with much more credibility

As you build your brand strategy or invest in an expert to do it for you, you want to make sure you are honing in on the why. Why does someone need what you offer, but more importantly, why do they need it from your brand? We are all one of many; you have to find a competitive edge that allows you to instantly take up space in your industry, even as a new business.

Set Up Your Systems and Operations

Before getting clients or customers in the door, make sure you have a proper system in place to allow your customer experience to start on the right foot.

You don't have to have it all dialed in, but the more effort and attention you put into it now will allow you to confidently show up and sell your business without juggling the backend processes of how to take care of that consumer

Like with anything in life, you will learn what works and what doesn't, and things will constantly shift and change as your consumers' needs become more apparent with time

In the meantime, have a way to send invoices, take payments, send receipts, accumulate client information, keep track of necessary data, have a project management tool, have clearly outlined contracts, etc.

Define the Sales Funnel + Customer Journey

Something that we often see gets thrown to the wayside is how brands make sales and how to garner a higher conversion rate.

Whether you're making sales in the DMs, off social channels, directly on a website, or closing on sales calls, they all need a structure to produce the best results

Creating content and posting is great to encourage interest, but how do you close the deal? More importantly, what about that journey does a customer go through to secure trust and excitement in doing business with you?

Some areas to solidify are:

How you explain your offer

What the benefits are

What is the guarantee/promise of that offer

What results or outcomes can they expect

The process of that offer

What needs to happen to secure brand loyalty

How else can you create a stellar brand experience

Risk or crisis management

Having all of these areas dialed in allows you to show up more confident and avoid running into problems later on as you realize you weren't prepared to make sales efficiently. The more you plan and prepare before launching, the better the results early on

Marketing Strategy

Marketing, like everything else, is an area that needs to be strategic. From the choice of platform to the type of content your audience will most resonate with.

When marketing your new business, the brand needs to be the driver in attracting intrigued leads

Developing a marketing strategy for a new business is a trial-and-error process, but there are key indicators to help you get started on the right foot.

Demographically, where does your audience spend most of their time?

If they are older, you're looking at Facebook If they're business leaders or entrepreneurs, you're tapping into LinkedIn If they're heavy on social media and connection, you're setting up on Instagram and TikTok.

The more you know whom you are targeting (which should be heavily outlined in your business plan and brand strategy), the more accurate your results will be in your marketing plan Outside of finding your internet platforms, you must approach content like a Girl Scout Run with me for a second.

Girl Scouts are relentless in their marketing approach to selling cookies. They are eager to let you know they exist They are excited about their products The end goal drives them They will speak to you more than once, ensuring they are getting noticed multiple times.

Your approach should be the same. We know it takes 7-12 times for someone to have to see you to even consider comprehending what you're saying From there, considering doing business with you takes even more time Be like a Girl Scout

Stick With a Strategy for 60 Days

Consistency is vital in understanding what needs to change to leverage better results. Switching up your strategy every other week or every four weeks does your brand a massive disservice because you aren't creating change out of data; you're creating change from an emotional place Stick with something for 60 days.

It may take 59 days for something and then by day 60, it clicks, but d 59 days, you can get a significant a data and information to make adj on day 61. Everything you do shou behind it. Without data, you are on assuming; business is not a place f assumptions

Outsource Before You're Ready

Outsource quicker than what's co

As your business grows, your capa operate everything will quickly dim Often new businesses wait until th desperately need to outsource, lea chaos and a lack of organization

There is so much power in outsou you're ready from seeing growth fa allowing you to remain in a calm a mindset.

Depending on your business, you'l what's best to outsource first How rule of thumb, we always suggest whatever takes you the most time or week that brings the least joy

Hate creating content? Hire a soci manager.

Struggle with client management OBM (online business manager)

Not sure how to bring in more visi leads? Hire a sales strategist

Find the pain in your business and cure.

Entrepreneurship can be a fulfilling but demanding journey that requires various skills and resources to succeed. As an entrepreneur, you must stay organized and efficient and maximize your time and resources. Fortunately, there are a plethora of sophisticated tools that help you streamline your operations while optimizing your business performance

In this article, we'll explore the top tools that every entrepreneur should have in their business toolkit. From project management software to finance trackers, these tools offer innovative solutions to help you stay on top of your business goals and objectives You can simplify workflows, reduce costs, and drive revenue growth by leveraging the latest technologies So, let's dive into the top tools that every entrepreneur needs in their business.

Operations + Management

Dubsado - Dubsado is a comprehensive business management software for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners With features like client management, project management, scheduling, invoicing, and contract management, Dubsado streamlines your business processes and saves you time.

in addition, its simplistic interface and customizable workflows make it userfriendly, so you can focus on what you do best - running your business.

Honeybook - Honeybook is an all-in-one business management software built for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners With tools for managing clients, projects, finances, and workflows, Honeybook simplifies the day-to-day operations of your business.

Monday - Monday is a highly customizable team management and collaboration platform that enables teams to plan, organize, and track their work in one central location With features like project management, task tracking, time tracking, and team communication tools, Monday provides a visual and intuitive way to manage complex workflows and projects.

Asana - Asana is a popular project management software that allows teams to collaborate and manage their work more efficiently With features like task management, team collaboration, project tracking, and reporting, Asana provides a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes. In addition, its easy-to-use interface and integrations with other popular tools make it a go-to choice for many companies seeking to streamline their workflows and increase productivity

Notion - Notion is a productivity tool that combines the functionality of multiple apps into one platform. With features like notetaking, project management, database creation, and team collaboration, Notion provides a customizable workspace for individuals and teams to organize their work and ideas

Click-Up - ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity and project management tool streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration. With features like task management, time tracking, project timelines, goals, and reporting, ClickUp provides a comprehensive solution for teams of all sizes Its customizable interface, integrations with other popular apps, and flexible project views make it a highly versatile and efficient tool for managing complex projects and workflows.

Airtable - Airtable is a cloud-based productivity and project management tool that combines the functionality of a spreadsheet with the power of a database With features like data organization, project management, team collaboration, and automation, Airtable provides a flexible and customizable platform for teams to manage their workflows and projects. Its easy interface and integrations with other popular tools make it a powerful solution for businesses of all sizes seeking to streamline their processes and enhance productivity

Content Creation

Later - Later is a social media marketing platform that enables businesses to plan, schedule, and publish content on multiple social media channels

With features like content planning, visual scheduling, analytics, and user-generated content management, Later provides a comprehensive solution for businesses to manage their social media presence. Its userfriendly interface and integrations with other popular tools make it a go-to choice for businesses seeking to streamline their social media marketing efforts and grow their online presence

TailwindApp - Tailwind is a social media scheduling and analytics platform designed specifically for Pinterest and Instagram. With features like content planning, visual scheduling, hashtag recommendations, and in-depth analytics, Tailwind provides a comprehensive solution for businesses and influencers to grow their presence on these platforms Its SmartSchedule feature optimizes posting times based on the audience's engagement, and the Tailwind Communities feature enables users to connect with other creators in their niche for collaboration and growth

Canva - Canva is a graphic design platform that enables users to create various visual content, including social media graphics, presentations, flyers, and more. With its dragand-drop interface, customizable templates, and extensive library of images, fonts, and design elements, Canva makes graphic design accessible to users of all skill levels Its collaboration and sharing features make it easy for teams to work on projects, and its integrations with other popular tools enhance productivity and workflow. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or creative professional, Canva is a powerful and versatile tool for creating visual content.

CapCut - CapCut is a mobile video editing app that helps users create and edit videos with professional-level features. With its easy-to-use interface, a wide range of filters, effects, transitions, and tools like text and music integration, CapCut empowers users to create engaging and dynamic videos for social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Its collaboration and sharing features make it easy to collaborate on projects, and its integrations with other popular social media apps enhance the workflow.

SemRush - SEMrush is a comprehensive SEO and digital marketing tool that provides users with insights and analytics on their website's performance and online presence With features like keyword research, competitive analysis, site audit, backlink tracking, and social media management, SEMrush provides a complete solution for businesses and marketers seeking to optimize their digital marketing efforts

Answer the Public- AnswerThePublic is a keyword research tool that helps content creators, and marketers discover the questions and phrases people use when searching for a particular topic. With its user-friendly interface and visualization tools, AnswerThePublic provides a comprehensive view of search queries related to a specific keyword or topic Its data-driven approach to keyword research enables users to create content that resonates with their audience and drives traffic to their website.

Mockup Photos - Mockup Photos provides users with various high-quality, customizable mockup templates for different design projects With its extensive library of templates for products like phone cases, apparel, stationery, and more, Mockup Photos enables users to create realistic, professional-looking product mockups quickly and easily Its customizable options and drag-and-drop functionality make it easy for users of all skill levels to create stunning product mockups for use in marketing materials, online stores, and more.

InShot - InShot is a mobile video editing app that enables users to create and edit videos for social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube With its intuitive and user-friendly interface, a wide range of filters, effects, transitions, and tools like text and music integration, InShot empowers users to create engaging and dynamic videos on the go. Its collaboration and sharing features make it easy to collaborate on projects, and its integrations with other popular social media apps enhance the workflow

Unsplash- Unsplash is an online platform that provides users access to a vast library of high-quality, royalty-free images for various design projects. With its extensive collection of photos, illustrations, and vector graphics, Unsplash enables users to find the perfect visual elements to enhance their creative projects Its user-friendly interface, search functionality, and curated collections make it easy for users to find and download the images they need quickly and easily.

business platform that provides users with the tools to create and sell digital products, courses, and memberships. Kajabi enables users to create engaging and dynamic online courses and membership sites without the need for coding or design skills Its powerful marketing tools, like email marketing, landing pages, and sales funnels, enable users to maximize their revenue potential and grow their audience.

and manage meetings and appointments easily. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Calendly simplifies the scheduling process by automating finding available time slots and sending invites to participants Its integration with popular calendar apps like Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCloud ensures that users never miss an appointment or doublebook.

Its customization options, like branding, reminder messages, and follow-up emails, enable users to create a personalized scheduling experience

Slack - Slack is a collaboration and communication platform that provides teams with a central hub for messaging, file sharing, and project management. Its powerful messaging features, like channels, direct messaging, and mentions, enable teams to communicate in real time and stay on top of important updates and information. Its integration with popular project management and file-sharing tools like Trello, Asana, and Google Drive, enhances the user experience and streamlines workflow Whether you're a small team or a large organization, Slack is a reliable and comprehensive platform for collaboration and communication

MailerLite - MailerLite is an email marketing software that gives businesses and individuals the tools to create and send professional email campaigns, newsletters, and autoresponders Its builtin features, like subscriber management, A/B testing, and detailed analytics, enable users to optimize their email campaigns and increase engagement with their audience. Its integration with popular ecommerce, CRM, and social media platforms like Shopify, Salesforce, and Facebook, enhances the user experience and streamlines workflow

Its built-in features, like email marketing, marketing automation, CRM, and customer support, enable users to manage their customer journey from start to finish In addition, its integration with popular ecommerce, social media, and CRM platforms like Shopify, Facebook, and Salesforce, enhances the user experience and streamlines workflow.

Flodesk - Flodesk is an email marketing software that enables businesses and individuals to create beautiful and engaging emails that stand out in their subscribers' inboxes Its built-in features, like automation workflows, subscriber management, and detailed analytics, enable users to optimize their email campaigns and increase engagement with their audience Its integration with popular e-commerce and social media platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Instagram enhances the user experience and streamlines workflow

ActiveCampaign- ActiveCampaign is a customer experience automation platform that provides businesses with the tools to automate and personalize their marketing, sales, and customer service processes.

Typeform- Typeform is an online form builder that enables businesses and individuals to create interactive and engaging forms, surveys, quizzes, and landing pages With its design-focused features, Typeform makes it easy to create visually appealing and conversational forms that are more engaging for respondents Its built-in features, such as logic jumps, conditional questions, and integrations with popular marketing and automation tools, allow users to create custom workflows and automate their data collection process Its customization options, like branding, personalization, and templates, enable users to create a unique and memorable user experience that captures valuable information and insights.

Failure is a word that can strike fear in many entrepreneurs. It's understandable to feel disappointment and frustration when things don't go as planned, but it's important to remember that failure is simply part of the journey

Many of the world's most successful entrepreneurs have failed numerous times before achieving their goals.

These failures are not a sign of weakness or incompetence, but instead, they are learning opportunities that can ultimately lead to tremendous success and a greater chance at building trust from an online audience through your transparency.

Businesses face mistakes or failures every day. These factors include poor financial management, lack of market demand, and inadequate planning

While these can be discouraging, they are valuable lessons that improve future business endeavors.

The key is to embrace failure as a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey and use it to improve your business The key is to take on the role of an investigator and do your due diligence to find where things may have veered off course

One of the most significant benefits of failure is that it provides an opportunity to reflect and learn from mistakes. When things don't go as planned, taking a step back and evaluating what went wrong is where growth happens

This may involve analyzing financial data, conducting customer surveys, or seeking feedback.

By identifying the root causes of failure, entrepreneurs can make more informed decisions in the future and avoid making the same mistakes twice

Often, these moments we call failures are the most pivotal moments in business that genuinely help you skyrocket your growth, your grit, and your business savvy.

Failure also provides an opportunity for innovation and creativity. When faced with a setback, entrepreneurs may need to think outside the box and contemplate new solutions to overcome challenges

Sometimes it's pivoting the business model, exploring new marketing strategies, or developing new products or services.

By embracing failure as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurs can push their businesses to new heights and achieve success in new ways they didn't think possible

Another important aspect of failure is that it builds resilience and determination. When things don't go as planned, it's easy to feel defeated and give up on your dreams.

However, successful entrepreneurs know that failure is not the end of the road Instead, they use it as motivation to work harder, learn more, and persevere.

By utilizing failures or mistakes as a tool for growth, entrepreneurs can develop the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the long run

Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of tying their self-worth to the success or failure of their businesses.

However, this dangerous mindset can lead to a lack of confidence while losing yourself in the process Instead, it's important to separate personal worth from business success and to lean into failures as temporary setbacks that can become your greatest teachers.

Thomas Edison is a famous example of failure turning into accomplishment However, many people aren't aware that he failed over 10,000 times before successfully inventing the lightbulb

When asked about his many failures, he said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Edison's persistence and patience ultimately led to one of the most important inventions ever to exist

Another example is the founder of Airbnb, Brian Chesky. When he and his co-founders first launched the company, it failed to gain traction. As a result, they were forced to pivot their business model and focus on a new target market.

Today, Airbnb is valued at over $70 billion and has revolutionized the hospitality industry Chesky's willingness to embrace failure and pivot his business ultimately led to a company that is spoken of and utilized daily.

It's also important to remember that failure does not reflect personal worth or competence.

Ultimately, the key to success as an entrepreneur is to embrace veering off course as a natural part of the journey Instead of viewing failures as the end of the road, use them as opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation.

these moments as redirections:

Learn from feedback: Don't be afraid to seek feedback from others. This can help you identify the areas in your business that need attention or adjustment. The best tip is never to take feedback or criticism personally Remember, separate personal emotion from business

Stay positive: It's easy to become discouraged when things don't go as planned, but maintaining a growth mindset is essential. Focus on the lessons and how to build better for growth and improvement

Don't be afraid to pivot: Sometimes, the best way to overcome a failure is to shift your business model or strategy. Explore new target markets, develop new products or services, or change your branding or marketing approach.

Surround yourself with a solid network: Having a network of likeminded individuals who support you and believe in your vision is like having a hammer in your toolbox It's always needed They can offer guidance and encouragement when you need it most

Keep learning: Successful entrepreneurs always continue learning. Whether reading books, attending seminars, or continuing education, continuous learning is essential for growth and success in the business world

Remember, every successful entrepreneur has experienced failures along the way –how you respond to those failures will ultimately determine your success.

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIBBS STUDIOS

As the corporate world continues to become less and less inspiring for employees, more people are finding that their side hustles have the potential to become full-time jobs.

While it can be daunting to take that leap, with the right strategy and mindset, it's possible to turn your side gig into a successful and sustainable career.

In this article, we'll explore the steps you can take to make that transition and build a thriving business

First, it's essential to understand the current state of the gig economy According to a recent study by Upwork, the freelance workforce is expected to reach 90.1 million by 2028, representing 50.9% of the total U.S. workforce.

With this indicating a growing demand for independent workers, here's how we best advise taking shifting from side-gig to fulltime

Establish a Clear Vision

Before you transition to full-time entrepreneurship, you must have a clear vision to establish what you want your business to be

This includes defining your mission, target audience, and long-term goals. Without a clear vision, getting sidetracked and losing focus is easy, which can harm your business in the long run.

We see this repeatedly as the need for reassurance and validation is sought out through social media apps

While you scroll looking for ideas, inspiration, and market validation, your lack of clarity continues to waiver, and you succumb to the repetitious narrative promoted in your industry online.

To keep your vision strong and your stance unique, start by asking yourself some key questions:

What problem are you solving, and what is its root cause?

Who is your ideal customer?

What unique value do you bring to the market?

What are your long-term goals for your business?

By answering these questions, you'll be able to create a solid foundation for your business and stay focused on your vision as you grow.

It's important to note that these questions are the root of any business The problems and audience need to be uniquely defined Companies are solving a myriad of issues each day. Go a step further and get insanely detailed with the source of their problems.

Build Your Brand

Your brand is how you communicate your vision and value to the world It sets you apart from competitors and helps you attract and retain customers Building a strong brand is crucial to the success of your business, and it starts with defining your brand.

Your brand is the entity you market, so nailing it down is critical for success This includes your mission, purpose, value proposition, competitive landscape, personality, archetype, point-of-view, messaging, and overall essence in which people will want to be a part of your brand's culture.

Once you nail down the humanistic side of your brand, you can then develop your brand identity

Your brand identity includes your logo, color palette, typography, and overall visual style. It should be consistent across all marketing materials, from your website to social media profiles

After you've defined your brand identity, it's time to start building your online presence Create a website, set up social media profiles, and build an email list.

Your website should be engaging, interactive, and easy to navigate, with inspired calls to action and compelling copy

Your website is the only place online you truly own Make it your brand's virtual storefront, treat it like a flagship store, and elevate the experience. The more curated, the better.

Establish a Pricing Strategy

One of the biggest challenges of transitioning from a side gig to a full-time business is pricing your products or services Of course, you want to be competitive in the market, but you must also consider the value you offer.

Start by researching your competitors and the market rates for your industry so you can have a baseline for what to charge

From there, you can adjust your pricing based on your experience, the deliverables of your offer, and your overhead costs.

It's also important to consider your pricing strategy in the long term. For example, will you offer discounts or promotions throughout the year? Will you raise your prices as your business scales? A clear pricing strategy will help you make informed decisions and stay profitable as you grow

Now is also an excellent time to consider any objections and how you plan on handling them.

Create a Marketing Plan

Marketing is crucial for any business's success, but it can be overwhelming to understand what needs to happen first.

First, start by identifying where your target audience spends most of their time online. Then, determining which platforms to focus on the most will help you choose the best strategy to convert sales, whether social media, email marketing, content marketing, or a combination of all three

After identifying the platforms that will give you the most significant reach to your ideal audience, create a content l d th t tli k ti ti iti f th i

brands.

business can be exciting and challenging But with the right strategy and mindset, building a successful and sustainable business that supports your passions and goals is possible.

By establishing a clear vision, building a solid brand, creating a pricing strategy, developing a marketing plan, building a support network, and planning for growth, you can take your side gig to the next level and build a thriving business that brings you joy and fulfillment while having the foundation in place to eliminate unnecessary risks.

As you make this shift, remember to stay focused on your goals and be willing to adapt and adjust as needed

Entrepreneurship is a constantly evolving process, and the most successful entrepreneurs are willing to learn, pivot, and grow.

Here are some additional tips as you transition your side gig to a full-time business:

Be patient: Building a successful business takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results.

Stay organized: As your business grows, it's important to remain organized and on-top of finances, sales, and other vital data Consider using a project management or accounting software to help you stay on track.

Focus on customer service: Your customers are the lifeblood of your business So prioritize excellent customer service and always strive to exceed their expectations

Keep learning: The business world constantly evolves, so staying up-todate on the latest trends and best practices is important.

ELEVATED EXPERIENCES IN ALL INDUSTRIES

PERSONAL BRANDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE A STRONG

FOCUS THIS QUARTER

MAXIMALIST DESIGNS AND A NOD TO RETRO VINTAGE ILLUSTRATIONS

LESS CURATION AND MORE STORYTELLING

INCREASING CUSTOMER RETENTION VS. NEW LEADS

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIBBS STUDIOS

Every quarter brings an influx in rebrands and “ new era ’ s loading”, but are these rebrands necessary? Or are they an impulse decision to keep up with the aesthetic pressures of online businesses?

It’s hard to remember that rebranding isn’t just a change of logos, fonts and colors, it’s an actual change of a company's brand identity that starts from within

Aesthetically rebranding your business has become a fun and exciting way to drive instant hype around one's business, but where many business owners get it wrong, is by "rebranding" for the sake of their own confidence and not rebranding for the sake of their audience or internal changes that the company is developing.

What we mean by this is, the rebrand is a personal decision to make them feel good, instead of an outlined strategic process that will produce results based on their potential buyers

The hype comes and goes and then you ’ re back where you started. Resenting your brand, wanting a change and doing the easiest change of all… Fonts, colors, and imagery

A rebrand is actually a process that requires a lot of data on the audience you ’ re trying to tap into in order to drive growth.

So, how do you know if it’s the right time? But, more importantly, how do you do it correctly? Let’s break it down.

The Purpose of Rebranding

A rebrand is a complete change of a company ’ s identity, not just visually. The goal is to change the perception of your brand through its image and through its communication

This shift is a strategic decision to drive growth, reposition within your market, and tap into new arenas.

Rebranding is not always the right decision and shouldn’t be a triggerhappy decision either It's a decision that requires a lot of categories to be examined and evaluated to pinpoint the problems Hence your brand strategy

If sales are low are you ’ re not growing, the solution can be found in multiple ways like adjusting your marketing strategy, understanding your audience better, or fine-tuning your offers

A rebrand can actually be a costly mistake because if the issues at hand are not based on your image, those issues will still present themselves after a visual rebrand.

In addition, if your brand has become known for its image and identity, you risk confusing your audience and losing that visibility because they won’t have the previously established brand recognition.

Oftentimes, a brand wants to change their positioning to attract a highercaliber client or to increase their prices. Reality is, both can happen without a rebrand A simple shift in messaging, vocabulary, or simply just raising your prices can achieve those same results

This is why having a brand strategist come in and work with your brand makes a huge difference because not knowing what needs to change and just impulsively making a decision based on what’s the most exciting does more harm than good

Determining Factors for a Rebrand

There are quite a few reasons a rebrand would be something you and your company explores and the reasons vary beyond that, but to break it down as simply as possible, you want to look back to your brand goals and determine if you ’ ve been able to hit them in a desirable amount of time

Now, the phrase desirable amount of time is loose because we all want instant gratification. If you haven’t seen any progress towards hitting your goals by three months, it’s time to problem-solve Anything before that is something to pay attention to, but typically you want to work with at minimum 60 days of data

Some common factors that could result in a rebrand look like:

Your external brand perception (the perception others have of your brand) is not in alignment with your internal perception (how you see your brand or wish to be seen)

You want to target a different ideal consumer or audience

You’ve tested different solutions (marketing strategies, messaging tweaks and, sales strategies) and with no solution your brand needs to be revitalized

Your brand identity is outdated (not based on trends)

Your services and offers have changed

Your brands mission has changed

Your positioning isn’t giving you momentum to become the favored option in your industry

All of these are examples that could be a driver in the decision to rebrand, but again, it is so wildly important to work with an expert in this field to help better understand the problems and come up with a solution backed by solid data to give you the greatest return on investment

Where to Start

As a CEO, entrepreneur, or creative, there is no such thing as too much information (when utilized correctly). Research will be your best ally and you have to search long and wide to find your market positioning.

Stop looking at your brand as an Instagram feed or a social media project

Your brand has a brain, a heart, a system and an experience that your consumers will require consistency on. This involves digging deep into your brand purpose and making sure it is felt by those you wish to work with or serve.

It requires looking at your internal operations to ensure that your brand can handle an influx of sales with extreme attention to detail on how your brand leaves anyone feeling who comes into contact with it.

To get more insight into where your brand is currently at in comparison to where you want to take it, dive into your brand from an aerial point-of-view Get outside feedback from previous or current consumers or through market research, and work with a strategist.

A proper rebrand could be what takes your brand from small business to full empire.

If and when you decide to rebrand, phase it out over a few months Do not change everything all at once or else you won’t have any insights or data into what is working and what is not

In addition, these shifts can be overwhelming all at once for an audience who has to now relearn your brand.

Ease yourself and your audience into it

Phase One: Locate the Problem

First step, you have to isolate the problem(s). If you're not making sales, isolate when that plateau started.

If you're calling in the wrong audience or leads to your business, isolate where in your marketing your messaging is drawing them in

If you're struggling to get engagement and visibility, isolate the competitors who aren't struggling and do a SWOT analysis.

This information is where a lot of clues begin to form and show you what's really happening under the surface

Once you've found the problems, we don't want to immediately problem-solve because quick action doesn't always warrant the right results.

Create a spreadsheet or a document that highlights the problem, the source of the problem, how you found the problem and your assumed solution

This will act as a working document to track your efforts over 60 days time. It's also just a great brain dump.

Phase Two: Get Answers

The best source for answers is your audience Yes, market research

Market research is so crucial for your business but it can also hurt you if you do it incorrectly.

What we mean by this is, you have to consider the questions you want answered and if your audience is equipped to answer them

A lot of times your audience is a mixed bunch and not all of them are going to relate to the questions you ask or be in a position to answer properly.

With that it's important to pre-qualify your audience so you get the most accurate answers possible Be sure to ask questions that help you understand where your brand currently lives in its market, versus where you want it to go.

In addition, you want to know what issues are coming up for your audience. What gaps are in your industry based on their answers? Once you have a solid amount of questions and answers, it's time to move forward

Phase Three: Outline the Strategy

Impulse action is not good action. There is so much importance in making sure you are strategizing your rebrand It's not just a means to an end It's a means to longevity when done correctly

Remember, the less rebrands the better.

You want to consider what about your brand needs to shift. Is it operational? Is it audience perception? Is it your offers or products? Is it messaging?

These are all areas you need to consider, but after market research the answers should help you pinpoint what most needs adjusting

Then you have to strategize the best way to create this rebrand. If you already have a good following and engagement online or a steady stream of consumers, you don't want to risk confusing them if they can no longer recognize you

With this, you also want to set some brand goals and KPI's that you will track to be able to see if the rebrand is producing the results you are hoping to achieve

After strategizing the rebrand it's time to bring it to life and then decide on what type of roll out is best for your brand and audience.

Will you launch the rebrand all at once, or ease into it in segments?

These are all areas to consider to warrant the best results

What if it's Not Time for a Rebrand?

If after doing your due diligence you find that a rebrand may actually do more harm than good, it's most likely that you are potentially bored with your brand, or your audience is

This does not warrant a rebrand, but it does warrant the same focus on how to locate a problem and fix it in the best way possible.

Finding an angle to leverage with a new marketing campaign or approaching your business from a new angle can do a lot to reinvigorate your brand and get some new eyes on it

Don't underestimate the power of a simple mindset shift.

Building a brand takes patience and dedication to the long-term goals and vision

Switching it up every few months or every year is not the means for creating a brand of legacy and sustainability.

That itch to switch things up will continue to manifest in multiple areas of your business, distracting you from the real matters at hand

Next time you feel the urge to rebrand, sit back and take a breath

Go through the process of finding the problems and then ask if new brand photos or a minor refresh in imagery or content might just take that urge away before completing rebranded

If all else fails, consult a professional and expert who can best direct your brand strategy to ensure that every decision and action you take is one worthwhile that will help you reap the benefits of those decisions to the best of their ability.

BBrand recognition is a common brand goal most brands have as they develop their brand strategy

It's the ability to stand out in one's mind to where doing business with your brand or investing is a no-brainer. They don't consider anyone else in your market or industry.

Brand recognition and brand awareness get confused as the same, but they are two different objectives

Brand recognition is more of an impulse response to if someone can recognize your brand and branding while also knowing what market you operate in.

Brand awareness is more so how deeply they know your brand

Do they know your offers or products? Do they know your brand story? Do they know your mission and purpose? And overall, how visible is the brand for an audience to know that information?

To help you better understand, we need recognition before awareness, so this involves you committing to your brand standing out in a multitude of ways, not just through its visual branding

Brand Purpose + Mission

Your brand can not be remembered if it doesn't stand for something that feels impactful This doesn't mean that as a copywriter or virtual assistant, your mission is about providing services for the World Health Organization or for some mission to save humanity. Simply put, your purpose needs passion.

You want to move away from "I help" statements and more towards results-driven statements to achieve this So what do you do and how?

"I help" statements are passive We want activation.

This is a great moment to get clarity on why you do what you do and how you do it differently than anyone else.

What is the secret sauce your brand brings to your industry?

That is how brand recognition starts to form

Extreme Brand Consistency

Do you want to be recognized? Lock in the branding… Everywhere.

Brand consistency is not simply throwing your colors, logos, and fonts at the wall and walking away

There is a method to brand consistency to where it's enjoyable to view and not overtly aggressive. This includes your way of visual storytelling and having a killer brand experience.

would experience with your brand.

Emails, social media, filling out forms, client portals, invoice reminders, and more They all deserve the same attention to detail

The more you hone in on your touchpoints, the better others will recognize your brand in a sea of competitors.

Brand Story

Another way we improve brand recognition is through brand stories that are heartfelt and moving. A brand story outlining how the brand came to be is not enough. Your brand story needs to be focused on your target audience. Whether you are a personal or business brand, the story needs to bring us in

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In the world of branding, there is no denying the power of storytelling.

A well-crafted brand story has the potential to connect with customers on a deeper level, create brand loyalty, and ultimately drive business growth

As an entrepreneur, understanding the importance of storytelling in branding can help you to create a powerful brand strategy and story that resonates with your audience and sets you apart from your competitors through emotional resonance

What is a Brand Story?

A brand story is a narrative that encapsulates a company's values, vision, and mission It is the story that a brand tells about its journey, its purpose, and its impact on the world

A brand story should be authentic, emotional, and compelling. It should engage the audience and make them feel a connection with the brand

Most entrepreneurs struggle to create a brand story that balances the need to outline the brand itself yet still focus on the ideal customer and how your brand will solve their problem(s).

Why is Storytelling Important in Branding?

Storytelling is native to humans; we've been telling stories for our entire existence. Stories can capture our attention, evoke emotions, and inspire action. In branding, storytelling is important because it helps create a connection between the brand and its audience

It allows the brand to communicate its values, mission, and purpose in a way that resonates with the audience while still allowing its audience to see themselves in the brand.

A well-crafted brand story can also differentiate a brand from its competitors

In addition, it can create a unique identity for the brand and make it more memorable. Being memorable is where you see the most positive shift in business.

How can Entrepreneurs Create a Powerful Brand Story?

Creating a powerful brand story takes time, effort, and a deep understanding of the brand and its mission with its audience Here are some steps that you can follow to create a compelling brand story:

1. Define the brand's purpose

The first step in creating a powerful brand story is to define the brand's purpose This includes understanding the problem the brand is solving, its impact on the world, and the values that drive the brand.

2. Identify the audience

The next step is to identify the target audience Focus on understanding their needs, wants, and desires, as well as their pain points and challenges

3 Craft a narrative

Once the brand's purpose and audience are identified, it's time to craft a narrative This includes creating a story that communicates the brand's goal in a way that resonates with the audience The story should be emotional, authentic, and compelling.

Consumers are bombarded with messaging from multiple brands whenever they open any platform on their phones; your storytelling can break through that noise.

Consider yourself an author writing a story of triumph. There will always be the main character (your audience) and their journey through trials (problems), tribulations (what's currently causing this problem), and victory (how your brand saved the day).

4. Use visuals and other sensory cues

In addition to the narrative, it's important to use visuals and other sensory cues to reinforce the brand story Utilize images, colors, and sounds that support the brand's values and purpose.

Sensory branding is a slept-on tactic that more brands should be harnessing. The ability to lean on as many senses as possible in branding and marketing separates toplevel brands from the rest

5 Tell the story consistently

Finally, telling the brand story consistently across all touchpoints is essential. You will want this focused on your brand's website, social media channels, marketing materials, and customer interactions Consistency is necessary to build a strong brand identity that allows you to create a loyal customer base

Examples of Powerful Brand Stories

The most successful brands we know of have powerful brand stories that have helped differentiate them from their competitors and connect with their audiences on a deeper level, producing growth results. Here are a few examples:

1. Nike

Nike's brand story is centered around the idea of "bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world " The brand's iconic "Just Do It" slogan embodies this idea and has become synonymous with its mission and values.

2. Apple

Apple's brand story is focused on innovation, simplicity, and design The brand's products are designed to be intuitive and easy to use while still being customizable toward the identity of its user. In addition, the company's advertising campaigns highlight people's emotional connection with their Apple devices and how they use them in their own creative ways

3 Patagonia

Patagonia's brand story is centered around sustainability and environmentalism. The company's mission is to "build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis " Patagonia's commitment to sustainability is reflected in everything from the materials used in its clothing to how they run its business, which they communicate often

The power of storytelling in branding cannot be overstated A well-crafted brand story has the potential to connect with customers on an emotional level, differentiate a brand from its competitors, and ultimately drive scalability and growth.

As an entrepreneur, defining your brand's purpose, identifying your target audience, and crafting a compelling narrative can help you create a powerful brand story that your audience can't wait to stand behind This is what sets you apart in today's crowded marketplaces

Artificial Intelligence has come out with a bang, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say the intrigue was real.

From copywriting captions and creating content strategies in ChatGPT to creating insanely beautiful fictional store designs or apparel in Midjourney, the ability to mass create is endless.

But when does this turn in the other direction and hurt our brands? Faster than one would assume

We have been operating in a world before AI, where authenticity was hard to find but was something communities in every industry deeply craves.

The real, raw, and genuine views of what brands are genuinely like behind the familiar facade of a brand identity

We’ve seen this with many brands that showcase as one thing, but the individuals behind the pretty visuals and brand name are corrupt or completely go against everything that the brand stands for.

I know what you ’ re saying, “How does this relate to AI”? Easily We are presenting yet another way of taking credit where credit isn’t wholly due

In the online space, we ’ ve seen an influx in buyer hesitation and objections surrounding the fear of scams or not seeing a return on investment

We’ve also seen an influx of portfolios containing AI work, whether copywriting, branding, design, or more.

Sure, you can take credit for the idea and generation of a prompt, but the execution is no longer yours

So, how will leaning into the AI trend hurt your brand? Let’s explore that further

Copywriting

AI is only as strong as its prompt and directive, and something many do not realize is that if your marketing is weak, your directions into an AI processor will be weaker

You can have a system like ChatGPT write articles, essays, or captions in the style of famous writers or even exactly like yourself, but at some point, that will burn out and become fogged over

Why? Lack of human touch

We are a species that crave emotional intimacy and authentic connection.

AI can’t reproduce copywriting that makes someone feel something.

Isn’t that the point of our brands? To connect and make others feel something within them to change them for the better?

To keep your brand thriving, utilize AI at your leisure, but also make sure to edit it while ensuring you are constantly interjecting the sauce that makes your brand, your brand

Portfolio Building

The amount of fictional brand collaborations, store designs, architecture, and branding I’ve seen that’s from AI is astronomical, but what’s worse is that these are created with the intention of being portfolio builders or examples of work

Under no circumstance, unless you coded the entire project yourself, should you use an AIgenerated work and claim it as a representation of your skillset.

You may as well dig your brand a grave Why? Because you can’t show someone an AIgenerated clothing line and claim you are the mastermind behind the looks

AI works off of its library database and directions. These phrases could include “athleisure sports apparel brand that looks like Nike and Bathing Ape mixed with inspiration from France,” and there appears your creation

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The second quarter of any given year is an important time for businesses This period, which spans from April to June, can set the tone for Q3 and Q4 For many companies, the second quarter represents a time to evaluate performance, adjust strategies, and make necessary changes to ensure continued growth and success.

One of the areas that require particular attention during this time is marketing. This time also presents the best time to test new strategies and ultimately play The weather is warming up, energy is ramping up, and this season's tone is definitely fun

When looking toward your marketing strategies, this time is a great time to review and adjust existing marketing strategies. For one, it is a time when many companies begin to see a shift in consumer behavior

Spring often brings new trends and preferences, and businesses must adapt to these changes to stay relevant and capture consumer attention

Businesses should consider making several critical adjustments to their marketing strategies during Q2. One of the most important is to examine current marketing efforts and evaluate their effectiveness closely

This can include analyzing data on website traffic, social media engagement, and other metrics to identify areas for improvement.

In addition, businesses should consider adjusting their messaging and branding to ensure they resonate with their target audience This could involve revising marketing materials such as advertisements, email campaigns, and social media posts to better align with consumer preferences and needs.

Another essential adjustment to consider is using new marketing channels or tactics. Q2 is an excellent time for businesses to experiment with new approaches to reach their target audience This might include trying new social media platforms, incorporating video content into marketing efforts, or exploring influencer marketing.

To take all of this and implement it into a solid marketing strategy for this new quarter, here are our best tips to leverage the season and amplify your efforts

Analyze Existing Efforts

To start things off, you must get into your analytics on every marketing effort you made in Q1 For example, you want to track your data for your website, social media posts, sales calls, conversions, etc

Anything that gives you insight into how your content, messaging, efforts, and funnels operate. Without this info, you will find that you have a hard time making any adjustments that lead to the ROI of efforts

As you analyze, look towards what's being saved the most, shared the most, visited the most, or gaining the most reach.

The same goes for email, SMS, or other traditional methods. Are you seeing a drop in open rates, unsubscribes, or click-through rates? Consider everything so you can compare and contrast and find some solutions

Set Your Goals

Now that you have the data, you'll clearly know how your brand performed in Q1 and how you want Q2 to look.

It's important to keep in mind the typical buyer trends of Q3 and Q4, so Q2 is a great time to bring new energy to your efforts that can help sustain the second half of the year.

Do you want more visibility?

Do you want to engage more with your audience and build more of a community base?

Do you want to amplify referrals and affiliate marketing?

Focus on your top three goals and outline how you ideally want them to play out

After setting your goals and reviewing your analytics, it's time to create your action plan

You also want to look at which pages on your website people are exiting the most and what pages have the most time spent on As you compare the two, look for differences in design, copy, messaging, or ease of use.

As we know, the social media landscape is ever-changing and evolving, so now more than ever, it's essential to be omnipresent while driving your audience to your email list and website

Pick Your Lane and Set the Lens

Brands are in an extraordinary time where AI is evolving at an alarming rate, ultimately creating competition with humans.

Which jobs need outsourcing versus which can be utilized through AI?

Due to the excitement of all the new technology and the different ways one can utilize AI, now more than ever, you must focus on your lens and lane.

Your lens is your stance in your industry

Without having a perspective or opinion on industry norms, standards, myths, etc you will lose ground Your mind or your brand's core values is where you ultimately gain your legs and create movement.

In addition, we want to focus on your lane. You have to be known for something. If you are multi-passionate or multi-disciplinary, you must have an overarching umbrella niche That niche can simply be your mission Regardless, you need to be known for something and known for what you stand for

Your unique perspective and experience within your industry are what people are genuinely looking towards, hence the uptick in personal brands leveraging business brands.

This is also the time to decide whether to eliminate or add social channels to your marketing strategy Ultimately, wherever your audience hangs out online, you need to be

Create Smarter

With platforms' futures being up in the air, having a presence on multiple platforms with a strong funnel into an email list or community shouldn't be a question

To have a process of content production that keeps you from burning you out, you need to build a strategy that can allow you to take one piece of content and turn it into multiple pieces for each platform.

There are so many ways of doing this, so find the one that works best for you and focus on creating value-based content that is high quality

In addition, you need to be tracking the success of your efforts on a weekly or monthly basis

The faster you adjust and refine, the quicker your content marketing does its job by bringing in new clients and nurturing leads. As you create your content, focus on what your audience isn't seeing on repeat.

This means less "how-to" content or "tips" content and more focus on where your audience is wasting time or money and not getting the results they want (problem-aware content) and what they need to be doing instead (solution content).

As entrepreneurs, regardless of offer or industry, you are problem solvers. So stop producing content like an educator (if that isn't your field) and start creating content as an adviser

Back to Basics

If you find that digital marketing is not producing the results you want, don't be afraid to add some old-school tactics or "slept-on" strategies.

Email marketing is having a resurgence, as is blogging. Both of these are entirely owned and operated by you, the brand. These are the two most powerful places to build an audience

In addition, if you've hit a plateau, don't be afraid of cold-calling or cold-emailing.

Also, fine-tune your referral program, upsell to existing clients, and utilize affiliate marketing or strategic brand partnerships. These are all ways to inject effort into your marketing strategies that do not rely on content production.

Q2 brings new energy to buying behaviors and excitement for getting outside and having experiences. By staying up-to-date on economic trends and adapting marketing strategies accordingly, businesses can ensure that their marketing efforts are well-suited to the current economic climate while driving growth and success in the coming months and beyond.

As a business owner, you know that forming an effective social media presence can be tricky and take many strategies With the four leading platforms Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok offering different ways to reach your target demographic, it's hard to decide which platform suits your niche.

Of course, all can drive conversions correctly, but besides posting engaging content, there are other strategies to consider, like hashtag use and account optimization

Depending on your industry and goals, each platform has a unique approach to getting the best results. So even if you're new to social media marketing, you can easily create a successful and engaging plan that will help drive your business forward

In this article, we'll break down the four most popular social media platforms and discuss which industries they're best suited for and how to approach each.

Facebook

Facebook is the juggernaut of social media and an invaluable tool for businesses - regardless of size or industry. You can share content, promote discounts, answer questions, and engage with your customers in various ways.

From creating posts that share information about your business to running targeted ads that fit the interests and demographics of your intended audience, there are many opportunities to reach potential customers on this platform

A good strategy involves experimenting with different types of content, such as videos, images, polls, stories, and more. You can also use targeting settings to ensure your ads reach the right people

You can use tools like Meta for Business and Facebook Business Manager to get insights into your campaigns' performance and adjust accordingly

With the right approach and strategy in place, businesses of categories can leverage Facebook to increase brand awareness and drive conversions.

Instagram

Instagram is an excellent way for businesses to stay connected with their customers With more than 1 billion people using it monthly, it's a powerful social media platform that can amplify your content and boost conversions.

Businesses across industries like fashion, beauty, travel, food, lifestyle, and entertainment are flocking to Instagram for conversions

You can use Instagram to share content about your product or service; behind-thescenes peeks of what's happening in your business; engaging videos or images that disappear after 24 hours via Stories; and targeted ads.

As with any platform you use, developing an effective Instagram strategy is key - think carefully about the stories you want to tell through your content and tailor it to fit different audiences.

TikTok

TikTok has quickly become the most engaging and popular social media platform, with 800 million+ monthly active users worldwide

It's a favorite among Gen Zers, who utilize the platform to be creative and make fun and quirky content. However, TikTok is not just for entertainment - businesses can use the platform as a powerful tool to reach their target audiences organically and naturally

It's essential to think strategically when creating content for TikTok, as what works on this platform will differ from other social media platforms.

Your posts should be entertaining and engaging, but you should always keep your audience and their buying type in mind You can easily create content that resonates with your audience and promote your products or services simultaneously - making it easier to drive conversions.

For example, you could film tutorials or educational videos showing how your product works or host contests or giveaways encouraging people to follow your page and engage with your brand

With its paid promoted posts and Stories advertisements, Instagram also provides opportunities to reach new customers and introduce existing customers to new products or services

Regardless of the type of content you create, it's important to remember that TikTok is all about having fun and being creative. So experiment with different types of videos and determine what works best for your brand and business

Leveraging TikTok can be a fantastic way to grow your business while having fun simultaneously!

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Strategic content posted on Twitter can help convert potential customers into loyal fans, making it a valuable tool for building relationships and turning prospects into profitable purchases Overall, carefully crafted social media strategies involving Twitter can be a game changer when boosting your business online.

If you want to expand even further, you can also look into LinkedIn and Pinterest

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is designed specifically for professionals and businesses, making it an excellent platform for business owners to generate sales. Some of the key attributes that make LinkedIn an ideal platform for sales generation are that LinkedIn is a professional networking site at its core

This means that businesses have access to a highly targeted audience of professionals who are there to sell and promote their products or services.

LinkedIn allows businesses to generate leads through its advanced search filters, making it easy to connect with potential clients You can search for people based on their job title, industry, location, and other criteria, making it easy to find the right people to reach out to, ultimately increasing your lead generation efforts.

LinkedIn's professional network, lead generation capabilities, content marketing tools, groups and communities, advertising options, and analytics make it an excellent platform for business owners to generate sales and grow their businesses.

Be sure to appear on the platform ready to step into thought-leadership content showcasing your expertise.

Pinterest is a highly visual platform, making it an excellent platform for companies with visually appealing products or services By creating visually stunning pins, businesses can capture the attention of leads and drive sales or interest back to their links, be it website or opt-in.

Pinterest has over 400 million monthly active users, most female and with a wide variety of interests Pinterest functions as a search engine, making it easy for users to discover new products and services based on their interests. By optimizing their pins and boards for search, businesses can increase their visibility on the platform and drive more traffic to their website.

Overall, Pinterest's visual content, targeted audience, search engine, eCommerce features, analytics, and influencer marketing make it an excellent platform for businesses to generate sales and drive growth.

Social media marketing can be an incredible asset for any business if you're willing to put in the effort necessary to get the most out of each platform But, of course, there is no onesize-fits-all approach to social media; each platform offers different features that should be considered and worked into your overall strategy.

With enough research and dedication, even a novice to the world of social media can create a successful, engaging plan that will help take their business to the next level So don't be afraid: dive into social media, focus on what makes sense for your business, and get creative! The sky's the limit.

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIBBS STUDIOS

Each day you wake up and market your business As an entrepreneur, this is non-negotiable, but are you properly marketing to your audience? Do you have enough insight into how your audience buys to produce content and marketing campaigns directly relating to how they purchase anything?

Understanding the four buyer types that you will come across, a few more than others, allow your marketing efforts to be full-bodied in how it is delivered and received.

A common hurdle we see with entrepreneurs is that they base many of their decision-making processes on how they prefer things

They create content they enjoy, they sell how they like to be sold to, and they speak how they prefer to be spoken to.

The problem is, you're not selling to yourself. Instead, you're selling to various individuals who may have commonalities but are ultimately unique

Remember that people are usually more than one type of buyer, and your audience will be a mix of these. You may have predominant buyer types, but it's essential to take notes in a client relationship management system (CRM) or lead tracker as to your common objections and hesitations or what someone responds best to in your marketing strategy to identify better which types you need to focus on the most.

The Assertive Buyer/The Driver

Assertive buyers know what they want, and they want it in the most efficient way possible

Results drive this buyer type, and they don't need to build a relationship or rapport if the proof is clear that you know what you're doing Instead, their main focus is generating the best outcome possible in hiring you

These buyers do not need to be nurtured for long. Instead, they are quick to take action as long as it makes sense toward their goals.

Assertive buyers are goal-driven, confident, and want cold, hard facts They love to be in control and will challenge you on that They are not impressed by how your product or service will make them feel; instead, they want to know that they will see a return on investment.

This buyer type likes the short version of a sales pitch. Think of less presenting features and more ti l ti Thi

They are buyers who like to see themselves in others' shoes; therefore, relating what they're dealing with to previous clients or customers goes a long way In addition, they want to feel assured in their buying decision

On the positive, once you close an amiable buyer, they will be loyal customers as they prefer not to let others down and avoid conflict.

If your audience is primarily amiable buyers, lead with lead generation and top-notch engagement strategies Prioritize getting to know them and understanding them Focus on testimonials (preferably video), storytelling, and sprinkling personal content into your strategy The more they know you, the more they'll stick around and eventually buy.

The Expressive Buyer

Expressive buyers are your impulse shoppers that favor experiences and impact over datadriven results They are driven by their emotions and are creative and expressive in how they feel.

They will enjoy building a relationship with you and feel comforted if it is ongoing. Expressive buyers are long-term clients/consumers until they feel left out and find something that supports their experience more

Expressive buyers also have very short attention spans. They want the information quickly and precisely so they can jump in.

They prefer quicker response rates and ultimately buy based on ideas and concepts

They are motivated by human-leveled sales talk

If you have expressive buyers in your audience, you will benefit from showcasing your brand personality and behind-thescenes content

While these buyers are impulsive, they love case studies to understand better that the experience they will have with your offers or services will be positive.

The Analytical Buyer

Analytical buyers need all the data to decide confidently, but that decision-making process is slow These buyers need detailed information and will only buy once they feel they've analyzed, researched, and compared what is being offered or sold to them.

Numbers and statistics go a long way for analytical buyers, so presenting these in any format during the buying process helps them better make a decision

Analytical buyers will also be the buyers that ask the most questions and be the most hesitant. They will likely need a few conversations to prime them as well.

Something to always keep in mind is that rushing an analytical buyer will immediately have them denying you and your offer

Allow them to decide in their own time. They are highly skeptical shoppers, so making big claims and promises will also have them backing away.

Keep to the facts, be helpful, and don't pressure conversations

Less formal, more authentic.

Knowing these buyer types allows you to approach your marketing from a different narrative and lens.

In addition, it will enable you to start paying attention to even more data surrounding your audience, allowing you to adjust your strategies

As you pay attention to buyer types in your marketing, you begin to see the buyers you attract most.

Because your audience is varied, paying attention to your brands' specific buying trends is essential

This means looking at the analytics of content, looking at conversations, reviewing sales calls and notes, and seeing where people are activated or where they drop off in the buyer's journey.

Some key areas to look at are:

Which posts or campaigns are performing best

Is it producing visibility and reach or comments and conversations

Which marketing efforts are drawing in the most interest

Is it leading to inquiries or followers

Which platforms have the best results based on your goals

Is your brand becoming more known or more profitable

These all vary in goals; depending on what you're trying to accomplish, you want to create more of what is working best

As you start to study your efforts, you build your own custom marketing strategy that produces results based on understanding how your audience needs to be nurtured and sold to

If you have an audience of primarily analytical buyers, you'll remove the emotionally drawn-out narratives and create content surrounding reports, analytics, statistics, and results.

If you have an audience that is primarily expressive buyers, you'll start to create content that paints pictures and presents ideas in an exciting or polarizing way

But, like most brands, your audience is varied. So you have to put in the work to find the right blend and ratio of content that piques the interest of all buyer types.

Of course, this goes outside of content marketing too For example, this relates to sales calls and discovery calls

To be successful, you want to ensure you are going into your calls with an understanding of buyer types and, if possible, some lead information that helps you understand them before the call

This is where inquiry forms and applications come in handy Having strategic questions in those two formats can help you dial in who you will be speaking to.

If that isn't applicable, then the process is the same; you want to ask some questions initially to help you better understand their desires and how they like to be sold to Then, you want to understand their problems, desires, and objections

How they respond to these questions will give you the information you need. This is all part of mastering not only your sales strategies but marketing strategies as well.

As you start to pay attention to brands and their efforts, you'll see which brands take what approach in their campaigns Of course, the time of year plays a significant role in their marketing efforts

Most brands bring the expressive buyer approach to their marketing and messaging during the holiday season. However, once the New Year comes, it shifts to the Driver approach, "New Year, New Me "

Studying how brands, especially brands in your industry, navigate the time of year and their approach gives you insight into what works for your specific industry, but more importantly, how to make it different and unique.

To take this info and implement it immediately, here is your plan of action for the next 30 days:

Go through your content from the past 90 days and make a spreadsheet of your topperforming content categorized by metric (likes, saves, shares, followers, website clicks, etc.). Do this for each of your platforms.

From there, identify the hook and messaging type and categorize it as one of the buyer types above

Note which type of buyer is most activated and taking the most action, and focus on how that translates into every other area of your sales strategy

Create content similar to what is currently activating the most buyers while sprinkling in content more directed towards your least dominant buyer types. This way, you are capitalizing on what works while still nurturing the other types in your audience.

As a rule of thumb, any strategy needs about 60 days of consistent action to get adequate data to decide from So be patient and keep promoting

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIBBS STUDIOS

Growing and maintaining an online community is challenging for even the most experienced digital marketers You can create engaging content, drive conversions, and strategize on social media all you want, but without a responsive audience, it's hard to build a thriving community.

It's all about sparking interest, connecting with your target market, and creating conversations through thoughtful interactions

Having a community-base that is thoroughly enveloped in your brands eco-system allows for you to not only create a space online people want to be in, but it allows for your network to grow which is a huge part of business success

If you're trying to get your audience more engaged but have yet to see the response you hoped for, do some soulsearching.

What kind of activities or experiences could you include in your content strategy?

Are there aspects of your website or social presence that need upgrading?

Try putting yourself into the shoes of your potential audience – what would make them stay and interact?

With the right strategy, attention to detail, and creativity, even the coldest audiences can become warm and responsive communities.

This article will discuss building a thriving online community when you have a cold, unresponsive audience.

Content Strategy: What Content Format Should You Post?

The type of content you post online will depend on your business goals For example, are you looking to drive conversions or simply provide value?

Once you've determined the purpose of your online presence, it's time to start creating content that aligns with those goals.

If your goal is to drive conversions, focus on creating content encouraging your audience to act This includes blog posts about new products or services, video tutorials on effectively using your product or service, and case studies highlighting successful customer stories.

On the other hand, if your goal is simply to provide value, then focus on creating helpful content, such as blog posts about industry trends or filming short-form videos where you share tips for getting started with something new. You could also create long-form videos or podcasts discussing relevant topics in more detail.

No matter what type of content posted, make sure it's engaging and interesting enough for people to want to read or watch it If your content isn't compelling enough, people won't be motivated to interact with it

Conversions: How Can You Convert Cold Audiences into Engaged Fans?

Crafting the right content, interacting with your audiences on social media, and understanding what motivates your targeted audience are all essential components of the conversion process

You can implement practical strategies to help create meaningful relationships with your cold audiences online. Start by creating content that resonates with them Then, consider their needs and interests and tailor your posts accordingly- it's worth the effort!

Once you do, leverage social media platforms to gain visibility and engagement from viewers who may have initially been strangers.

Doing this will help optimize conversions and grow your fan base over time All these things work together to create your most effective strategy to engage with those who still need to learn how amazing you or your product is!

Strategy: What Are Some Tips for Building Your Online Community?

Building an online community can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be

Creating a strategic plan is critical to ensuring your audience is engaging and converting. To achieve that goal, you must first identify the people likely to interact with your content.

Get clear on your target audience and their interests, so you'll have an easier time crafting relevant messages to engage them in conversations surrounding your content on social media.

Once you understand what audience you're trying to reach, strategizing ideas for content creation, discussions, and engagement will become much more intuitive

Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms allow customers to comment and ask questions on posts which is excellent for businesses that want to build relationships and convert potential prospects into leads. However, it is essential to remain vigilant when moderating conversations around your business so that any issues do not turn into unnecessary lousy publicity.

Encourage Engagement

Content is just one strategy component if you want to keep your online community engaged and interacting. You'll need to be active in engaging with your audience. Whether it's jumping into their DMs, commenting on their posts, or replying to comments they leave on your website or blog Don't make them chase you; meet them halfway by saying hi and ensuring that as many followers as possible feel seen and heard. It's all about creating lasting relationships that don't just end after one post or interaction

Promote User Generated Content (UGC)

There's nothing better than hearing real-life accounts and stories directly from people who have experienced or used a product or service. Usergenerated content can be a potent tool for businesses looking to better reach their ideal target audience with meaningful and inspiring conversations

You create more engaging content by encouraging your audience and community to share their experience, tips, advice, etc , and build relationships with potential and current customers

A strong user-generated content strategy brings credibility to your brand, drives engagement across all social media channels, and encourages participation from the community.

It's also a great way to solicit valuable feedback about improvements that may need to be made – so don't forget to ask your audience what they think often

Track Metrics

Metrics are important in any content strategy because they can tell us so much about what resonates with our audience and what could use some improvement

So whether you're looking at engagement rates (likes/comments/shares) on your social media posts, conversion rates (how many people sign up after viewing a piece of content), or retention rates (how many people stick around after signing up), tracking metrics gives you insight into what works for your audience

It allows you to make better-informed decisions about your content strategy. By monitoring your metrics, you can finetune even further and get the most out of every post - helping keep your audiences engaged and coming back for more

Building an engaged and dynamic online community may not be easy at first, especially if you have a cold audience. But the potential rewards of having an active and passionate group of followers are worth the effort With careful planning, creative engagement strategies, and efforts to maintain a consistent customer experience, you can effectively warm up your audience and create an engaged community that will take your online presence to the next level

Take some time now to think about how to best use these strategies in your online spaceit's never too late to begin! Moreover, it's likely to bring more than just positive results; imagine what could happen if you could make even the quietest into loyal fans of your business

john kornegay

CREATOR FOCUS

WITH photographer + digital marketer

john kornegay

DM: Thank you so much for joining us! To start things off, do you mind telling us about yourself?

JK: Sure! My name is John, and I'm not your typical photographer or digital marketer I like to think of myself as a learning creative, authentically capturing the world or subjects as I see them and strategically promoting it to the world

I've always had a passion for photography, well being in photos until I started a Tumblr account in 2010 But it wasn't until I discovered “Brainwashed” by Tom Burrell that I realized I could combine my love for beautiful imagery with my savvy online skills.

Over the years, I've worked with a diverse array of clients, from trendy startups to established corporations and universities, helping them to shine in the crowded digital landscape.

IG: @JOHNKORNEGAY JOHNKORNEGAY.COM

DM: How did you first get into photography? What’s been a catalyst moment in your career that you feel like made it clear you found your calling?

JK: I always loved to be in photos, but one day I realized that I could be the one taking the pictures instead And that's when I stumbled upon Gordon Parks' work on Tumblr - this guy is the GOAT! His ability to capture raw emotion and tell a story with just one image was mind-blowing I was so blown away that I finally understood the whole "a picture is worth a thousand words" thing

Anyway, after that, I was hooked. I started taking pictures of everything and anything, experimenting with different styles and techniques.

DM: Being a multi-disciplinary, how do you balance the structure of working in marketing with the liberation of photography? Do you find it hard to turn your analytical brain off when creating?

JK: Between the structure of marketing and the freedom of photography, it can be challenging It's like trying to balance a spoon on your nose while riding a unicycle. But hey, I love a good challenge!

I've found that marketing and photography are like two peas in a pod - they work best when they're together Marketing helps me understand what a project needs to achieve, while photography allows me to unleash my inner creative weirdo and make some magic happen.

Finding a balance between structure and freedom is about being intentional and figuring out what works best for you So, if you see me walking around with a spoon on my nose and riding a bike, know I'm trying to find my balance - in more ways than one!

DM: If there was one thing you could change about your industry, what would it be?

JK: It would be to make it less stuffy and exclusive I mean, who says you need a fancy degree or a million Instagram followers to make it in this biz? Not me, that's for sure!

And you know what else needs to change? The whole "fake it till you make it" mentality Let's be real here - no one wants to be sold a bill of goods that doesn't live up to the hype That's why I'm committed to being transparent and authentic in all my work, whether taking photos or crafting marketing campaigns

But hey, change doesn't happen overnight. It takes a village - or in this case, a community of badass creatives- to make a difference And I'm honored to be a part of that community, one spinning plate at a time

DM: What imprint do you want to leave within your industry?

JK: I want to be remembered as someone who pushed the boundaries and positively impacted me I want to be the person who takes on the challenge of diversifying the industry, mentoring emerging creatives, and championing authenticity and transparency And if that means creating stunning visuals that break the mold and challenge stereotypes, then so be it

That's why I'm all about breaking down barriers and helping emerging creatives find their place in the industry I'm like a superhero, swooping in to save the day (or at least to provide some encouragement and tips)

But more than anything, I want to be the kind of person who inspires others to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about taking dope pictures or crafting clever marketing campaigns - it's about using our skills and talents to make a positive impact and leave the world a little better than we found it.

DM: What’s been one of the hardest parts about building up your business and managing the demands of that growth?

JK: One of my most complex parts has been finding that balance between creativity and strategy As a digital marketer and photographer, I'm constantly juggling different projects and deadlines, and it can be easy to get bogged down in the nittygritty details of it all

But at the same time, I always want to maintain sight of the big picture - the reason why I started this business in the first place. I want to create stunning visuals that make people stop and take notice while also driving results for my clients.

DM: What advice would you give to anyone looking to build a visual identity primarily through brand photos?

JK: You need to know your brand inside and out. What makes your brand unique? What values does it embody?

Once you've understood your brand, it's time to think about the kind of images that will bring that brand to life Do you want something sleek and modern or warm and inviting? Do you like to feature people, products, or both?

Look for someone who has the technical skills to capture stunning images, understands your brand, and can bring your vision to life. And finally, don't be afraid to take risks and get creative The best brand photos are the ones that stand out and make people stop and take notice

DM: Lastly, what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

JK: Make a decision and make the decision right!

Next up, it's all about finding the right photographer

john kornegay photographer + digital marketer

christina "poofy" moffitino

CREATOR FOCUS

with professional entertainer + educator

christina "poofy" moffitino

DM: Thank you so much for joining us! To start things off, do you mind telling us about yourself?

P: My name is Christina aka Poofy! I’m a professional entertainer and educator My entertainment background began in live stage, music videos and commercial branding

I’ve lived my dream on a worldwide tour as a dancer and background vocalist for Marina (formerly Marina & the Diamonds). My performance appearances include BBC Radio London, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London. Other artists' credits include DVSN & Ty Dolla $ign, Wyclef Jean, Davido, Rae Sremmurd, Ray J, Frankie J, Baby Bash, Jenn Morel & Jonn Hart.

I’m a dance and fitness host for major brands and companies working with companies such as FitBit, Free People Movement and Popsugar Fitness.

IG: @ITSPOOFY

ITSPOOFY COM

PHOTOS BY:

NIKKI BOUTTE

@CREATIVENLB5

MAKEUP & HAIR: PRINCESS J @PRINCESSJSTYLES

DM: How did you first get into the dance and fitness?

P: My earliest memory of dance was when I was like 3 or 4 years old dancing on my kitchen table and letting my soul free. My parents said I was just born with it because every time I was around music I was jamming

My fitness journey began in college and I was broke, intimidated by the gym and didn’t know where to start. I found PopSugar in college and fell in love with their platform and did all their workout videos Eventually I joined a local gym and took the cardio dance class and was hooked! At first it was a side hustle for me I continued to train, learn and get certified in other formats such as barre, HIIT, strength and cycle.

DM: You’ve worked with quite the variety of house-hold names, how have you been able to get in the door and create a name for yourself?

P: I was teaching as a side hustle and was working a 9 to 5 job that drained my soul Being so unhappy eventually led me to take the leap of faith and go for my dreams. There’s some powerful energy when you go for your dreams full force and you sacrifice everything to get there.

In my early teaching career, I had been teaching two different fitness formats that had booked me as an extra. They both ended up shooting the same day at Pop Sugar I expressed my interest in being a background fitness model and the rest is history. That connection led me years later to Fitbit

DM: With an industry being so prone to discouragement and hearing “no” so often, how do you remain grounded and rooted in your self-confidence and selfworth?

P: I love flipping the script in any situation Anytime I get a “ no ” I see it as the Next Opportunity! I’m a firm believer in what’s for you, and will never miss you! Persistence is also key. If it’s something you really want, write it down and strategize how you can get to that Keep going for it, even if it takes months or years to get it.

Self worth and confidence is a journey, and for me that's been 10+ years in the making. I’m grateful I’ve finally come to a place where my imposter syndrome no longer gets the best of me. I attribute my strength, confidence and worth to mindset and who I have around me

DM: What do you feel like you're bringing to the dance/fitness niche that is missing?

P: The fitness industry has been lacking in diversity In the last year, I felt companies are finally making moves and hiring instructors and talent of all sizes and colors to represent what the world actually looks like In a world full of filters and fillers, I choose to be authentically me. I know that resonates with my audience and anyone who comes across my energy field I’m bringing personality, energy and representation of what real looks and feels like.

I’m an outlaw and a bit unconventional in my teaching where I take up space, talk face to camera, make sound effects and bust out in random dance breaks. I have heartfelt intention in everything I do and I do it for my community and to genuinely help people feel good in their bodies doing it.

I believe health and strength isn’t defined by chiseled muscles but rather your gathered work over time and how well you can move. I love being the model of sexy strength and how you can love your body through all stages

DM: What’s been the greatest lesson you’ve learned from being in the entertainment industry?

P: Know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for it Continue to learn, grow, and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Know your value and then add tax!

DM: What’s been your greatest accomplishment to date? And what do you hope to accomplish in the future?

P: My biggest accomplishment has been working with FitBit I moved up from background to lead instructor I’ve been featured on their social media page as one of their leads on the premium app Being a featured trainer for a global movement app has made my younger self so proud.

I dream of doing my own dance fitness movement tour! Whether I partner up with a brand or I make moves on my own, but Poofy’s Party Fitness tour is coming to a venue near you in the future!

DM: What is something you’re hoping to achieve this year? And what more can we expect from you?

P: This year I’m launching my own education courses. I’m working on Media Kit Manifestation, a course to help you pitch for partnerships. Also, a course for anyone looking to jump into the group fitness niche or take their fitness career to the next level

I’ll have these up for purchase hopefully by mid year, along with a website revamp You can expect to see me on a few other big name platforms by the end of this year. I’m super excited about them, but have to keep it on the low until official releases happen!

I’ll be updating my Instagram with all the news

DM: What imprint do you want to leave within your industry?

P: I want the world to know your wildest dreams can come true You can do things your way and find freedom in whatever framework you are given. Don’t be afraid to break rules and show up as who you are

DM: Lastly, what’s your go-to phrase or motto you live by to keep yourself focused on the end goal?

P: You’re not new to this, you ’ re true to this!

poofy professional entertainer + educator

mwanel pierre-louis

CREATOR FOCUS

WITH PROFESSIONAL muralist + artist

mwanel pierre-louis

DM: Thank you so much for joining us! To start things off, do you mind telling us about yourself?

MPL: Hi, I’m Mwanel Pierre-Louis, a Contemporary Artist, but I really dabble in the gallery and mural scene, soon in the home goods scene as well I was born in New York, NY (B 1987), and now reside in Miami, FL to be exact.

I've been doing this profession for over 13 years now, but, I’m an Art Studio rat that stays productive with his craft as well as well as figuring out how to stay me... A creative who enjoys the nature and sunlight of Miami

DM: What has your journey into art been? How did you get started and how has your career been as becoming a full-time artist?

IG: @MWANEL1 L

MWANEL COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: GIANO CURRIE MICKEY PIERRE-LOUIS

MPL: My journey into art started by watching Bob Ross on PBS after Sesame Street as a 3-year-old My mom started to notice my infatuation of drawing landscapes on the living room walls, but, my father would bring me Marvel comics from the headquarters in New York by the loads which encouraged me to mimic my favorite comic artists, soon enough find myself at 6 in Comic Book Art classes

It was once I moved to Miami at 8, my parents put me into art programs where I would shine up like a light bulb and start the real journey. For college I had the chance to take my talents out to Pasadena, CA, where I would study Illustration Design at Art Center College of Design. There, it was a life changing experience Found out how to take my talents and utilize them in the working world we live today.

Found myself working in the music industry while still taking classes in college. Worked with Omarion, Chris Brown, and Jhene Aiko to name a few While I was in that, I tested the water with Fashion too, where I became an in house illustrator for a couple of streetwear brands

After hitting a rough patch moving back to Miami, my brother of art, Juan Travieso asked me to assist him on a life changing job in Paris with Perrier. That drive and consistency molded and showed me that I could live as a full time artist. The flood gates opened and the galleries started to DM me via Instagram and Twitter Found myself doing a few group art shows in different cities to working with Companies like Adidas and Starbucks. The journey as a full time artist has been an abundance of learning and growth.

DM: Your style is incredibly unique and intricate. How did you hone into your style and has anyone influenced it?

MPL: Overtime, I’d find myself exploring many influences, such as my favorite artist, adapting to the times of social media but also through my friends There can be influence within the artist’s style, color palette, concepts, or context In time, I’ve learned to adapt to the vocabulary that I’ve started, but I’m excited for change Shout out to James Jean, Kahinde Wiley, Andrew Hem, Juan Travieso, Reinier Gamboa, Nicole Salgar, Jose Mertz, Laura Owens, Tatiana Suarez and to many other artists that are dear to me.

DM: You’ve been known to show your work and collaborate with Art Basel in Miami. How have you managed to build such strong connections and continue to see successful opportunities come in?

MPL: To be honest, I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunities that have crossed my path so far On the mist of it all, I managed to stay on top of my connections by staying present internally, but also stay present with my people that make up this network I have You just may never know what can come out one conversation at a meet up from a fair or a dinner That’s where the best connections come from. Art Basel is just a melting pot of Artists, Creatives, Collectors, Investors, Gallerists, and etc, just walking in as yourself can be enough to make a great connection.

DM:If there was one thing you could change about your industry, what would it be?

MPL: One thing I think that could change in my industry is allowing the Black Artists in general really have a voice within the art museum circuit. It’s a shame to hear that there’s only five percent of black art from African American decent in the Museum institutions. Yes, we are seeing a new wave of great artists of color hitting the scene, but it’s the same cliques and not many are in these cliques.

DM: What’s been your greatest accomplishment to date? And what do you hope to accomplish in the future?

MPL: To be honest, the greatest accomplishment hasn’t been done yet.

I guess it’s just me being too humbled in this journey. I’ve accomplished a whole lot so far and continue to attract bigger and better opportunities. But, if you ask my biggest accomplishment was, that has to be when I painted live for Shawn Carter Foundation Gala (Jay-Z) in 2019. To have some heavy hitters within the music industry and sports industry come up to me while I was painting live in a suit was something to be apart of To me, I hope to see myself as the artist I am with a personal apparel and sneaker line with Nike or Adidas.

One other thing is to start up my ow agency for Black and Brown artists don’t have the access to these corp jobs, nor opportunities.

Also, allowing myself to still be a child at heart For example, going to the movies or playing video games The simple things in life is just staying present, that allows me to be inspired

DM: Lastly, what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

MPL: “Be you, there’s only one you. Make the best things into existence and what makes you happy” Here’s one advice I’ve been giving out, “Focus on YOU, so they can focus on YOU.”

DM: How do you stay inspired? W industries or things influence you creativity and art?

MPL: don’t stress this enough, TAK BREAKS! Get out of your head at tim and embrace your environment. Embrace your people, and your cul I’ll try my best to check out my pee work too, head to art museums, be with nature too.

mwanel pierre-louis professional muralist + artist

jordan road

CREATOR FOCUS

jordan road jewelry

DM: Thank you so much for joining us! To start things off, do you mind telling us about yourself?

JR: We are Jordanna & Emma mother-daughter team behind Jordan Road Jewelry!

DM: Being a Mother-Daughter owned business, how did this idea and brand come to be?

JR: Jordan Road Jewelry was born after a chance trip to India to volunteer with children. We had always wanted to go into business together and I (Jordanna) had recently moved back to LA from NY. We went on this trip where, in addition to the volunteer work, we happened to meet these amazing jewelers We decided to take some pieces home for our friends and family, one thing led to another and Jordan Road was born!

lifestyle jewelry brand

DM: Did you both have a clear vision of the brand from the jump? Or has it evolved and adapted in its growth process?

JR: OMG it has evolved and evolved, and continues to evolve every day We were originally working with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires! Following that first trip to India we both received degrees from the Geological Institute of America which made us really excited about working with precious stones, but soon came to find that everyday jewelry was a much better fit for our brand. We were also doing custom engagement rings for a bit, which was fun but that's a whole industry in itself and we really wanted to focus on JR. We are both extremely creative so we constantly have new ideas and are always open to the vision changing and evolving.

DM: From the outside-looking in, it feels like your business is incredibly dialed in which allows you to launch new collections often. Was this an easy business structure to build?

JR: We typically know were going to launch four collections a year and from there dive into the details, plans, executions, etc But there are definitely launches, ideas, and days that are completely fly by the seat of our pants.

We love the balance of both planning and a bit of spontaneity- there's a lot of beauty in being a small business to be able to do the "on a whim" stuff

DM: What do you feel like you bring to your industry that’s lacking? What do you hope to bring in the future that’s needed?

JR: Ok, we aren't reinventing the wheel, but I think both coming from creative backgrounds (mine in fashion & Emma’s in interior design), we ’ ve been able to create a really strong brand that focuses on approachable luxury- offering effortless everyday jewelry.

In the future I would like to incorporate more fashion styling with the jewelry- there’s definitely an opportunity to create a stronger connection between fashion and jewelry

DM: What’s been your greatest accomplishment to date? And what do you hope to accomplish in the future?

JR: Launching and growing a successful business! There are a lot of small accomplishments that have been exciting and rewarding like hiring a team, being approached by large retailers, seeing celebrities in our pieces (hello, Beyonce), but all in all, having the success and growth we ’ ve had feels like our greatest accomplishment and we have no plans of slowing down!

We definitely want to grow our brand to a household name

DM: What would you say has been key to your brand growth and in achieving your brand being featured in publications and seen on celebrities and influencers around the world?

JR: I think we ’ ve created a brand that is on trend and current in the fashion/jewelry world that draws influencers/celebrities and publications to our collections.

Emma would love to travel and expand our brand globally!

A lot of our pieces actually have a vintage/classic influence to them but we are able to mix that with the current trends to create pieces that are in between the overdone trends and the overly trendy. Also hiring the right people!

DM: What do you feel like is the most important aspect of building a lovable brand and a community of brand loyalists?

JR: Being relatable and approachable- I handle our social media and I think people like seeing people versus just brand images has really helped us- it puts a face to the brand that people can connect with.

Also offering pieces that range from minimal and timeless, to bold and fun- there's really something for everyone

DM: What’s been one of the hardest parts about building up your business and managing the demands of that growth?

JR: Working with large retailers has been a huge learning experience for us! It's been challenging at times, but has also taught us so much about growing in this industry and being able to meet those demands

DM: What imprint do you want to leave within your industry?

JR: Being a mother-daughter owned company is definitely something special to us (and our customers) - we would like to carry on that legacy.

JR: Fashion and travel are huge for us! That’s really where we turn to for inspiration If it's not those two it's definitely then interiors and cooking. We both still love to pick up magazines when we travel too Of course also Instagram and Pinterest.

DM: Lastly, what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

JR: We’re all just figuring it out! You’re not above any job, and at some point do them all so you know how. Fake it till you make it Be kind!

No matter how big or small- Just start (and then keep going)

Work hard and celebrate even your smallest wins.

DM: How do you stay inspired? What industries or things outside of fashion and traveling influence your creativity?

jordan road jewelry

Effortless, everyday pieces - meant to make a statement

ricky cole

CREATOR FOCUS

professional dancer

+ choreographer

ricky cole

DM: Thank you so much for joining us! To start things off, do you mind telling us about yourself?

RC: Hi, I am a professional dancer and choreographer and currently CEO of Soul Fresh Clothing & physical extension of Soul Fresh Fam, a clothing company and Professional Dance/Mentorship

I have traveled the world hosting, judging, teaching workshops and master classes, sharing my passion and love for dance.

Some of my credits include Coca-Cola, T-Mobile, World Of Dance Tour Host, America's Best Dance Crew season 7 (Mos Wanted Crew), Dancing With the Stars, Americas Got Talent, LA Clippers (Fast Break Crew), Mary J Blige, NAS, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, and choreography in various music videos and movies

IG: @THE RICKYCOLE @SOULFRESHFAM

DM: How did you get into dance and how has it been building your name up?

RC: The way I got into dance was seeing a cypher/battle at a middle school dance, which led to me getting into breakdancing/popping It has definitely been a journey but a blessing in building my name up in the dance world/community

DM: How has it been building up your reputation in one of the hardest creative industries there is?

RC: Building my reputation in this industry has definitely been a great journey full of blessings The transition to the social business aspect has been interesting and challenging, but with a lot of new opportunities

DM: Between being a host for World of Dance, CEO of SoulFreshFam, and traveling the world teaching, what has been one of the more challenging aspects of being a creative with hands in a few pots?

RC: Being a creative with hands in a few pots, one of the more challenging aspects has been balance and scheduling

DM: What do you feel like is a misconception people have when it comes to turning a passion or art-form into a business? How do you separate the two?

RC: A misconception people have when it comes to turning a passion or art form into a business is that your talent would speak for itself

DM: If there was one thing you could change about your industry, what would it be?

RC: If there was one thing I could change about my industry it would be to bring more of a safe and positive community-energy to classes, events, etc

DM: What’s been your greatest accomplishment to date? And what do you hope to accomplish in the future?

A lot of times it’s out of sight out of mind so even if you ’ re talented, if you ’ re not seen it’s hard to transition your art form into a business.

I feel like an art form would be for the passion and giving back, and a business would be going about it in a way that would be financially profitable

DM: What do you feel like you bring to the dance industry that’s lacking? What do you hope to bring in the future that’s needed?

RC: something I bring to the dance industry that is lacking, is a positive uplifting energy and support, as well as knowledge/experience It’s a vibe

RC: Creating Soul Fresh, And co-creating the Welcome to the 805 showcase along with Byron Bucao have been a few of my greatest accomplishments In the future I hope to continue to create spaces and opportunities for positivity, support, growth, and culture around our community and the world

DM: What imprint do you want to leave within your industry?

RC: The imprint I would like to leave within the industry would be to continue to create spaces and opportunities for positivity, support, growth, and culture.

DM: What’s been one of the hardest parts about building up your business and managing the demands of that growth?

RC: One of the hardest parts about building up your business and managing the demands of that growth is staying consistent/keeping momentum. It can be easy to get there but harder to maintain

DM: How do you stay inspired? What industries or things influence your creativity and art?

RC: Working with genuine, hungry dancers helps me stay inspired

DM: Lastly, what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

RC: Some of the best advice I’ve been given is to keep a bread and butter line of income so that it does not cause you to question your worth or value when creating.

ricky cole

professional dancer

+ choreographer

fernanda kelly

CREATOR FOCUS

on-air personality, actress + entrepreneur

DM: Thank you so much for joining us! To start things off, do you mind telling us about yourself?

FK: My name is Fernanda Kelly, I am a proud border child, first generation, born in San Diego, CA and raised in Tijuana by both of my parents who were born and raised in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. I am an actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist and an On-Air Personality.

DM: How did you first get into the world of radio hosting?

FK: If I think about it, my career in radio began many years ago, on “Deportes y Más” on 830 AM, however the show only lasted for about one year Then, about 15 years later and after being the host of a very successful national TV show on Univision network called LAnzate, I was approached by my Univision family with an offer I couldn't refuse. To co-host the morning radio show on KLVE 107 5 FM called Levantate I took the offer and almost two years later, and being #1 on the market regardless of language, here I am!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ALVARO WONG

ALEJANDRO NUNEZ MOLDILOX

DM: What’s been the most enjoyable part of radio broadcasting and what’s been a struggle?

FK: The most enjoyable part is definitely the fun we have while on the air I always say it’s like Univision Radio pays me to have a laughing therapy session every day Levantate is very young at heart, we speak on many trending topics and have a beautiful connection with our radio listeners

The struggle is definitely getting up at 4 AM every morning Also, as the only woman on the show, I feel a huge sense of responsibility with the women who follow our show, so I am constantly thinking of how I can represent us with dignity and purpose, while working in a field dominated by men.

DM: Being a multi-disciplinary businesswoman, you also are the owner of NYTAQ. Tell us more about your clothing brand and how it came to be?

FK: NYTAQ (Not Your Typical Average Queen) is a revolutionary Latina-founded brand for women with a story to tell. We’re a women ’ s movement that celebrates the way you choose to live your life by encouraging self-creation, authenticity and transformation. We live en voz alta!

I started NYTAQ after being laid off from my seven-year travel show LAnzate on Univision, while on unemployment and food stamps I needed to stay in touch with my followers, especially the women who had grown to love and support my journey in entertainment, so I decided to create this brand and continue the conversation about the topics I am most passionate about: All things women

DM: What do you feel like your bringing to the fashion industry that is missing?

FK: I don’t think anything is missing in the fashion industry. I actually think it's always full of wonderful and not so wonderful creations I believe there is always room for more, because we all bring something unique, authentic, and individual, so fashion will never be dull or in lack of anything

DM: How do you incorporate your heritage into your brand? Why is it important to you?

FK: I carry my heritage in my soul, my entire being, in my blood, so it’s only natural for it to transition into all the pieces we create at NYTAQ

The staple element in our clothing is proud Latina vibes! It’s important for us to continue spreading the message that Latina's are a powerful breed and we are here to continue contributing to the economy

DM: What’s been your greatest accomplishment to date? And what do you hope to accomplish in the future?

FK: I could easily say that my greatest accomplishment has been to win Emmy's and Telly's for my hosting career, however, it truly is deeper than that. The fact that I continue growing and thriving in the hispanic market, no matter the obstacles is a great accomplishment for me personally. I have been in the entertainment industry for 21 years and it definitely has not been an easy road, however, I'm still here, making a name for myself and my brand

DM: You recently portrayed Frida Khalo. Can you tell us what that meant for you and what you learned from her?

FK: Having the opportunity to play Frida in I AM FRIDA KAHLO was a dream come true to me as an actress. I have been yearning for a role like this my entire career and the fact that I had the opportunity to give life to such an iconic Mexican idol, I felt extremely humbled. I had a huge sense of responsibility to do justice to a woman who has inspired so many Latina's like me, to live life unapologetically and with purpose

DM: What advice would you give to anyone looking to build a culturally-driven brand in 2023?

FK: There are two things that I have learned that are essential to creating a culturallydriven brand or any kind of brand: One; make sure your WHY is very clear in your heart and mind and Two: be willing to make mistakes and learn along the way. The journey of an entrepreneur is full of challenges, curveballs, redirecting, etc, however, if your why is powerful, then you've got yourself an amazing head start.

DM: What’s been one of the hardest parts about marketing your apparel brand? How is it different from marketing your work with Levantate?

FK: Regarding my clothing line NYTAQ, I have so much appreciation and respect for the geniuses behind digital marketing, product placement, PR, sales, etc, because it truly takes skills to understand a brand and take it to the next level.

The difference between marketing my brand and my radio show, Levantate, is that my fans really want to connect with the person behind the mic, with who I am as a human being. With my brand, it's a bit broader: I represent all women and my brand speaks to all things women, so it's important to cater to their needs and not only my own.

DM: Lastly, what’s your go-to phrase or motto you live by to keep yourself focused on the end goal?

FK: Whenever Im feeling down, comparing or doubting myself, I remember the words of my Buddhist mentor Daisaku Ikeda:

“I will create an even more wonderful life for myself ”

Because we are always one decision away from creating the life we want to live!

fernanda kelly

on-air personality, actress + entrepreneur

johnnie fresco

CREATOR FOCUS

CO-FOUNDER OF DEAD FRESH CREW

JOHNNIE FRESCO

DM: Thank you so much for joining us! Do you mind telling us about yourself?

JF: My name is Johnnie Fresco, 36 years old, father, husband, and co-founder of Dead Fresh Crew. That really means I can be labeled as a Fashion Designer, Screen-printer, Entrepreneur to name a few while also acting mainly in commercials as a SAGAFTRA scale talent Born and raised in Los Angeles, mainly Gardena, CA

I always wanted to be an artist who could survive off his work and the medium I chose was clothing It was always something I was interested in since elementary school Curating my outfits and really taking an interest in style. In high-school is where I really started to make clothes with my friend Heading to Melrose and SportyLA to grab some vintage tee’s to customize shirts in our style. It wasn’t until later that the brand came to be

DM: How did Dead Fresh Crew get its start?

JF: We started creating clothes in college, but Dead Fresh Crew wasn't a thing. It was called Brain Storm, I was obsessed with Billionaire Boys Club and Diamond Supply, basically all of these skate companies, so I created a logo that I wanted to really stand the test of time against these brands I loved. and created two versions. It was called Brain Storm, but what led to Dead Fresh Crew is that we were selling t-shirts, but only the crew had “Dead Fresh Crew” on the back. Everyone else got the general Brainstorm tshirt, but ours was different.

We were selling these shirts at block parties that were huge back in 2007 They were either seeking us out or selling out at block parties The power of word of mouth and seeing us in our shirts Everyone kept asking for ours with the crew name on the back but we kept it for us exclusively

Fast forward, we tried to trademark Brain Storm but it was live trademarked and this brand we built had to pivot to a new name After a long time trying to find the right name, it was an obvious choice to go with Dead Fresh Crew

DM: When it came to building this brand, what was the end goal and what did you want to bring to the streetwear industry you felt was missing?

JF: The end goal was to get people to wear my artworks. We want to build a positive brand that brought our homies together I always felt I had style and an eye for what’s to come or just for pieces and combinations others don’t go for

I don't know if I bring what streetwear is missing, but my design language is very much inspired by Japan street fashion mixed with being raised on Hip Hop/Rap and Basketball.

Influence is really the world as vague as that sounds For example, I took a trip to Portugal to start the brand: business plan, build website, study, etc. This inspired everything you see, plus I saw designs/stores/pieces I’d never seen in the US which gave me ideas coming back home and is part of the reason I say trust in ideas that no one else may see

Another influence is Japanese-style magazines like Popeye Magazine and 2nd, music style trends mainly people like Pharell, Lupe Fiasco, Andre 3000, and Kanye. Brands like Comme des Garçons, BBC Ice Cream, BAPE, Diamond Supply, GOLF Those are my people.

DM: How were you able to grow such a strong online presence and how did you make sure your brand was visible?

JF: We boosted visibility by constantly giving away t-shirts for free to friends, family, and strangers! We linked up early with NBA players, musicians, influencers, etc

Our strong online presence comes with years of work at least since 2011, so nothing new at all As of late we experienced a large spike in activity online due to running ads on good content, normally $100/per day, which drastically increased our traffic

DM: What influences the style and vibe of Dead Fresh Crew and how do you see the brand evolving over time?

DM: What’s been the most shocking or surprising part of building an apparel company?

JF: Most shocking and surprising part of building an apparel company is how far mastering a skill can take you The doors start to open once the word gets out and it could take 10+ years for that to happen, but how many people quit before then?!

So surprised that I still haven't quit! This shit is hard and expensive lessons come with it

DM: What imprint do you want to leave within your industry?

JF: A legacy of being magnanimous, loving, and blazing a trail to success on my terms while leaving clues to success behind.

DM: How do you stay inspired? What industries or things influence your creativity and art?

JF: Working out, watching documentaries and interviews of successful people, going out and l wearing, collabs w real-time hear feed from cust they got,

I also get another p basketba Cars, snea

DM: Wha Fresh Cr

JF: More quality an pop-up to

A vertically integrated production house producing in-house for ourselves and others. A bigger, stronger, efficient team. More collabs and relationships. We’d love an investor to come in we have the spark and it’s lit we just want some extra fuel!

200K+ users, nearly 1 million page views ,10+ years in the game and independent, and still no quitting in sight

Silently working with brands like: Nike, Slam Magazine, Made Hoops, Clot, Juice LA, Gatorade, Sierra Canyon Basketball, Under

johnnie fresco

co-founder dead fresh crew

mickey pierre-louis

CREATOR FOCUS

photographer

mickey pierre-louis

DM: Thank you so much for joining us! Do you mind telling us about yourself?

MPL: My name is Mickey aka @itchyeyephotos, I am a live music and portrait photographer. I worked with several companies and festivals such as Coachella, Rolling Loud, Gov Ball, Dreamvillefest, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and more

DM: How did you first get into photography and how did it lead into so many incredible opportunities to be photographing music events?

MPL: A good by accident story LOL, in high school the only 2 elective options were PE or photography Most of my class clown friends told me “pick photography, it's an easy A”. Needless to say, I fell in love with it

I started going to any small local artist events in Miami that I could get into

IG: @ITCHYEYEPHOTOS

ITCHYEYEPHOTOS COM

Before it was “Rolling Loud”…it was “Dope Ent” In 2014, Tariq, Matt and Kelvin gave my first shot at photographing music artists in small venues….the rest is history!

DM: What has your journey been like in finding your own style of photography while making sure each artist's unique style is captured?

MPL: Trial and error from photographing animals, products, landscape, etc but I always loved vibrant contrast colors.

My family has an art background (dancing, musicians, etc) which has a huge influence on my work. My approach is being a fly on the wall and capturing candid moments

DM: How has social media contributed to your growth as a photographer? Has it made it harder?

MPL: When I first started, the only social media outlet I knew of was Facebook As I grew more in my field, I expanded to making my website, Instagram, and others.

In general, social media is such a beautiful tool for creatives when used correctly for promoting your work and connecting with others

DM: What’s been your favorite job to date? Why was it so impactful?

MPL: I always say my favorite job/gig is my next one, but this year it’s been working on the media team for Dreamville Festival.

This was the moment I photographed my #1 favorite artist, Drake. Impactful, not only being able to photograph Drake but also having him post my photos

DM: Something that truly stands out in your photography is the essence and vibe of each gig. What do you look for in capturing moments?

MPL: People As a photographer, naturally I'm a people watcher, but not in a creepy way (lol) this helps me stay alert while waiting for the big drops in the songs when the artists gives you iconic moments

DM: What’s been your greatest accomplishment to date? And what do you hope to accomplish in the future?

MPL: Learning more about myself and pushing past my limits/comfort zone It elevated me in ways I can’t put into words.

I hope to accomplish going on tour with a huge artist and incorporating not only photography but videos as well

DM: What advice would you give to anyone looking to get into event photography specifically in the music industry?

MPL: Start small It’s so easy to go on social media and witness everyone involved in the lifestyle you want to have but it takes time.

Do your research and reach out to local venues and pitch them on exchanging your photos for a photo pass at their events

Continue to build a portfolio, this way you’ll have a great selection to show individuals in the industry.

DM: What imprint do you want to leave within your community?

MPL: That you can do anything you put your mind to! Even when times get rough too, never give up on yourself.

DM: How do you stay inspired and creative outside of photography?

MPL: Traveling and the gym inspires me. As does my obsessive tv/movie binge watching

DM: What’s been the best piece of advice you’ve received?

MPL: “Make the images only you can make”Photographer Todd Owyoung “You’re meant to be here” - My mom

DM: What’s on your bucket list to be able to photograph in the future?

MPL: Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande & Eminem

DM: What mantra or saying do you live by?

MPL: “What’s meant for you, won't pass you ”

mickey pierre-louis photographer

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIBBS STUDIOS

AI WILL CONTINUE TO GROW RAPIDLY WITH NEW WAYS OF USE

EVENTS WILL NEED MORE ELEVATED EXPERIENCES TO BOOST ATTENDANCE

EASIER WAYS TO CREATE AND SHARE WORK

MORE NETWORKING EVENTS AND IN-PERSON COLLABORATIVE EVENTS

BRANDS WILL START TO SPEAK OUT MORE TO VALUES

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIBBS STUDIOS

It's 2023, and everywhere we look, we are immersed in endless video content passing by within seconds

Entertainment, advertisement, alerts, and more, have all taken form in video content. So the question becomes, are we losing sight of art forms outside of video content?

Are we becoming dependent on the dopamine rush of consistent engagement that short-form videos provide?

There was a time in history, not too long ago, when video content existed only on television, and to be informed of anything required reading or exploring

Museums, exhibits, workshops, masterclasses, talks, and more provided the same benefits and information as video content but in a communal, in-depth way.

These "events" required us to form our own opinions on topics and opened up the dialogue for healthy debate in a social setting

But as we have grown accustomed to the addiction short-form video content has provided, we are jamming our brands with tiny bits of information that we forget as quickly as we heard them, eliminating the opportunity to digest information and form a personal opinion

The question then leads to how this video content phenomenon affects our ability to appreciate the arts and creativity as a whole when video is removed.

User-Generated Content

A big driver in video content as of late is usergenerated content. This type of content had mass appeal on YouTube but has since phased out as TikTok and Instagram have leaned into video content.

Before short-form videos, UGC was typically content produced by brand loyalists. Wearing your favorite pair of Lululemons? Take a pic, tag them, and post.

Now, UGC has gone toward vlogging, which has diminished the human experience to short clips of how others are showcasing their lives and their affiliated brands.

This type of content drives society to reduce their lives to impressive moments over interacting, appreciating, and immersing themselves into a life of substance and experiences of self

While we obsess and become dependent on someone else's lifestyle, we innately reduce our ability to make personal judgments and decisions on what we do and don't like

This is amazing for brands and marketing experts because the power of influence only amplifies in video content. Still, from a human-experience standpoint, we continuously minimize our abilities to form opinions and perceptions

No longer are we going to museums and creating our interpretations of what we see. Instead, we now watch a video telling us what to see, think, and feel, and we have all but stopped questioning that because of habit

Video content is now creating an expectancy of experiences With streaming and a plethora of short clips from events being blasted on stories and lives, the desire to go to art-driven events has required a new level of delivery.

With most things being available at our fingertips, people now want a fully-digital experience with high-level attention to detail in person

In addition, our attention spans have all but been completely corrupted, so the desire for younger generations to commit to attending shows that start at specific times with limits to their electronic devices has become a turnoff.

We can also attribute these expectations to the pandemic era During that time, we were introduced to a new way of experiencing art and events that conditioned us to become very comfortable with digital experiences.

The desire to be in-person in public settings has become less of an interest for many, and reverting to pre-pandemic days is nearly impossible now

Loss of Uniqueness + Innovation

Brands, whether personal or business, that leverage trends have a greater chance of going viral…we all know this. That carrot of virality is swung in front of our faces daily, encouraging and influencing the desire to no longer push creative bounds within our minds but to seek the familiar and follow the hype

Unfortunately, this influence is stunting our ability to think outside the box and produce efficiently

We have become a herd of sheep following trends, with very few creating them

From trending audios, dances, and challenges, to trending video editing styles or photos, we are losing sight of how we are unique and the different perspectives we bring to our respected spaces

With this framework being grounded in reward with algorithms, how do we balance the addiction of video content to the space needed to remain creative?

How do we balance the influence of trends with the excitement of interesting and new ideas in the arts?

There is only so much time on this Earth; when it becomes a habit to follow the pack, we all have lost our ability to create for ourselves without relying heavily on what others are doing or thinking.

This reliance will show in your business, in your hobbies, in your ability to tune into yourself for decision-making, and so forth

So, what's the solution? Boundaries

Video content isn't going anywhere, but how you engage can change. Instead of utilizing video content as a way to "flex" or a way to escape, use it as a means for relaying ideas Pay attention to whom you follow, what you consume, and how you digest it

Our brains are meant to be expressing, not conforming.

As opportunistic as it can be, social media is like a black hole for artists and creatives alike.

What once was a place to share points-ofview and passion quickly turned into a place for competition, debate, trends, and a lack of appreciation for art of varying degrees.

We hear from so many artists, photographers, musicians, videographers, and more that love what they do but hate the fact that they now feel obligated to get more active on social media to "grow and scale" their creative businesses

In a way, it has severely stunted their artistic expression because in the subconscious mind is a thread of thoughts pertaining to "will this get likes?", "will my audience understand my art?", "do others even find me talented? "

A stream of negativity perpetrated by the habit social media has created in all artists, a more profound need for external validation.

Outside of that, there's a need to document everything Everything is content, so the creative flow is interrupted frequently to get the right angle, show the process, get behind-the-scenes content, and remain face forward in a business they created to do the exact opposite.

So, how does the artist tackle the marketing in a way that feels less overwhelming and soul-sucking? Let's talk about it

Stop Consuming Content

We can't stress this enough. As an artist, your work is a direct reflection of your headspace. The more you consume, the less authentic perspective you're able to pull from, thus resulting in a loss of identity

Keep your social media feed free of anything or anyone you feel is a threat to your creative process

In addition, stop consuming all the "how-to" content The less strategic your approach to social media, the more you will find your groove in navigating an artistically-driven career built off expression instead of conformity.

You, as the artist, are your most valuable asset There are easy ways to navigate social media without selling your soul

Plan Your Workflow

One of the best ways to make social media work for you is to set a structure for how and when you will use it

If your audience likes behind-the-scenes content, plan out the best approach For example, can you purchase tools or supplies to make the process easier?

Is there a particular stage in your process where documenting is less stressful?

Is there a day or time when you can schedule your content to auto-post? In addition, is there a day or time when you can engage with comments or messages without spending hours on the apps?

Find your best system and hack it. How can you simplify and then simplify again? Get the tripod, get some lights, and get a timer Structure it to your best ability and use social media as a tool, not a lifeline

Disengage When You Feel Triggered

You will not be liked by everyone Your artistic expression will not be understood by everyone. Seeing less talented accounts have huge followings will always be annoying, but you must block it out.

Take a hiatus whenever you start to lose sight of your skills and your perspective as an artist

Take a hiatus if you feel imposter syndrome creeping in or start slowing down in your creative process.

It's important to remember why you are utilizing social media. Are you trying to be famous, or are you trying to land quality opportunities?

When you focus on the goal, the mud you walk through to get there becomes less of a bother. The motivator is worth it.

If you see comments that hurt, delete them.

If you see content that triggers your confidence, mute or block it

If you get frustrated with the algorithm, try a new app

Regardless of the strife, keep creating.

Rely on Outside Events to Build the Following

Instead of relying on social media to get you opportunities, utilize events to get you into rooms with like-minded individuals who, in turn, become like-minded followers.

Sometimes reverse engineering the process is the best course of action Social media can be an incredibly useful tool when you find your system for it

Instead of generating cold leads into die-hard fans, use it as a way to nurture new connections you make while you are out.

Regardless of your intent, social media can leverage any career or skillset, but the mindset is the key to optimizing its performance

Stay focused, put the blinders on, and keep creating

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