Category: Entrepreneurship

Branding/

How to Create Content with Confidence

You’ve probably heard the marketing gurus talk on social media about the power of content creation – which is the behind the scenes work every entrepreneur or blogger does to help define who they are to what they do.

It’s all the rage these days, and for a good reason! But let’s be real, it can also feel super overwhelming with all the information out there.

I’m sure you even took a deep breath before clicking on this article. For one, deep down inside you know that you want to muster up the confidence to create compelling content for potential clients or customers.

Afterall, it’s part of the foundation that gives your brand a unique identity and voice. For instance, think about your favorite Instagram pages. What’s your immediate thought? How do the color schemes speak to you? Carousels? Reels? All of these were produced with intention though the creative process of content creation.

Now, although the process of creating is different for all of us, the methods are quite similar. I often think about ways to engage a potential customer/client, but I know that’s not all it is to it when creating content. Creating content with confidence goes beyond the end goal. There are the in between processes you have to take into consideration. I love being intentional about what I produce. Staying true to my faith is important so I’m mindful of trends as well.

And personally, I’m most authentic when I share details in content that’s encouraging or inspiring, entertaining and informational that will benefit one of my customers or followers. As for confidence? Well, my confidence to create content grew over time. Initially, I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing. I know in my heart that I wanted to make sure whatever I shared on a social media platform wasn’t stuffy but relatable.

So, as a Virtuous Creative in business, how do you come to the place of creating content with confidence? Well for one, you should always be lead with prayer before action. And by the way, you don’t have to wait as long as I did to create content in your business.

Confidence comes from within. Know that God has equipped you with everything you need to succeed. So, trust in His plan, believe in yourself, and let that your confidence shine through in every piece of content you create.

Start with prayer. Once you take that first step, the Lord will guide you. In addition to prayer, consider the following tips that I’ve learn overtime from my own personal journey:

Know your brand identity – Your brand identity is the visible element of your business. This includes name, logo, colors and design. When you know your identity, the vision for your brand will come quite easy.

Make a plan – Schedule time to brainstorm and jot down ideas. Sometimes we find inspiration from other platforms like Pinterest and Tumblr. Make a plan to create content that will help convey your brand’s voice and vision.

Try it out – Use wisdom when trying out different methods. Every trend is not meant for you. If there is something that you have researched that sparks your interest and aligns with your vision, try it out. We sometimes receive good feedback but do not feel discouraged if you do not receive the outcome you hoped for. Do it scared and do it brave. Don’t be afraid to create your own trend.

Be consistent – Consistency goes hand and hand with making a plan. Scheduling time helps with being consistent also. The goal of consistency will show your community that you are trustworthy and you that you are serious about your brand and business.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take risks, try new things, and push those boundaries. Remember, growth happens when you dare to be bold. You never know what incredible opportunities might come your way!

Content creation is your labor, your work of heart that should not be in vain. Yes, it can feel overwhelming at times, but remember, each step you take is a seed planted in the fertile soil of your brand’s growth. Every piece of content you create is a testament to your journey, your faith, and your brand.

Look, the journey of content creation is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a process of discovery, of finding your voice in this noisy digital world and staying true to your faith. Like the Apostle Paul wrote in Corinthians, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

So, start now. Don’t wait another day to let your voice be heard. Your audience is waiting to connect with your brand’s amazing products or services. And guess what? The world needs the unique light that only you can shine.

Entrepreneurship/

Grace Over Guilt: 12 Questions to Help You Keep Boundaries in Business

When I started my copywriting and brand storytelling business, I wasn’t great at setting or maintaining boundaries. I’d let people book meetings with me at any time during the week and I’d find myself working on tasks that weren’t initially part of our agreement. But over time, I learned the importance of guarding my calendar, making sure that everyone stuck to the outlined scope of work – and that my communication methods were clearly understood.

These days, any meetings on my calendar can only be on Tuesday-Thursday between the hours of 11-5. Why? Because I need my mornings to focus on my best writing and strategy work. And let’s be real, who likes Monday meetings anyway? As for Fridays, I like to reserve those for working on my marketing content and admin tasks for my business, online magazine, and personal brand.

Entrepreneurship can be challenging, but it’s even more difficult without healthy boundaries. Trust in God’s plan for your business and prioritize your well-being along the way.

Now, setting boundaries isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to guilt. And if you’re a people-pleaser, it’s natural to feel guilty when saying no or setting boundaries. However, it’s important to let go of those feelings and remember that you’re not being selfish, you’re prioritizing your own needs. This is exactly why I want to help you get through this with these questions. I’d highly recommend grabbing a notebook to journal out the answers.

Inviting the Holy Spirit your boundary-setting process

  • What does it mean for you to invite the Holy Spirit into your work as an entrepreneur?
  • How do you currently incorporate prayer and discernment into your business decisions?
  • In what ways do you feel the Holy Spirit has already guided you in your business, and how can you lean on that guidance in your boundary-setting process?
  • What specific boundaries do you need to set right now, and how can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern what those boundaries should be?

Letting go of guilt 

  • Have you ever received pushback from clients or team members when setting boundaries in your business?
  • What specific boundaries did you set that made you feel guilty, and why?
  • How did those guilty feelings impact your sense of self-worth, and what truths from the Bible can you draw on to counteract those feelings?
  • What steps can you take to let go of guilt when setting boundaries in the future?

Prioritizing rest in your business 

  • What does rest look like for you, and how can you include more rest into your daily and weekly routines?
  • What specific boundaries do you need to set to prioritize rest, such as scheduling regular days off or setting boundaries around work hours?
  • What tasks or responsibilities can you delegate or outsource to make more time for rest?
  • How can you communicate your boundaries around rest to your clients or team members, and how can you reinforce those boundaries when they’re challenged?

Don’t let the fear of disappointing others keep you from setting boundaries in your business. Your time and energy are precious, and you deserve to use them in ways that bring you joy and fulfillment!

Hopefully, these questions are helpful for you to reflect on. And listen, please note that you’re having boundaries isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and self-care. Also, remember that it’s not a one-time event.

Setting and maintaining boundaries takes practice, patience, and self-awareness to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in your business. And get this? When you prioritize your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to serve others and make an impact with the gifts God has given you.

Entrepreneurship/

Rising Above: Conquering Comparison and Envy as a Christian Creative

We all know that the entrepreneurial journey can be tough, but it can be especially challenging when we compare ourselves to others and fall into the trap of envy.

But as a Christian woman, you have the power to rise above these negative thoughts and emotions and embrace your unique path. Here are some practical tips to help you deal with comparison and envy in your entrepreneurial journey:

1. Lean on your faith. Remember that you are a child of God and that He has a special plan and purpose for your life.

  • Start each day by reading a short devotional or scripture that focuses on your identity in Christ and the love that God has for you.
  • Turn to prayer when you feel overwhelmed by comparison and envy. Ask God to give you peace and to help you trust in His plan for your life.
  • Surround yourself with supportive Christian friends and family members who will encourage you and lift you up.

2. Celebrate your unique qualities and gifts. You have been blessed with unique qualities and gifts that make you who you are.

  • Make a list of your strengths and the qualities that make you unique. Reflect on these regularly and embrace your individuality.
  • Celebrate your successes and accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Allow yourself to feel proud of your hard work and dedication.
  • Focus on your own journey and what you’re doing, rather than comparing yourself to others.

3. Practice gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, it helps us shift our perspective away from negative thoughts and situations.

  • Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for and express gratitude. Start a gratitude journal where you can write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
  • Practice mindfulness and being present in the moment. Pay attention to the little things in life that bring you joy and contentment.
  • Make an effort to express gratitude to those in your life who bring you joy and happiness. This could be sending a thank you note, a text message, or simply telling them in person.

4. Seek support. Building resilience is easier when you have a supportive community.

  • Consider seeking out a mentor or accountability partner who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement.
  • Look for someone who has experience in your industry or has faced similar challenges in their entrepreneurial journey.
  • Join a support group or community of like-minded Christian women entrepreneurs. Connect with others who are on the same journey and can offer encouragement and support.

5. Embrace your uniqueness. Embrace your unique qualities and gifts, and trust in the path that God has for you.

  • Embrace your passions and the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Allow your creativity to flourish and make time for the things that bring you happiness.
  • Take time to reflect on your values and what’s important to you. Embrace your beliefs and make choices that align with your values.
  • Trust in God’s plan for your life. Remember that He has a special purpose and plan for you, and that everything happens for a reason. Embrace the journey and trust that it will lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

So, my dear sisters in faith, embrace your journey and celebrate your uniqueness. You are a masterpiece created by God, and there is no one like you. Embrace your gifts and trust in His plan for your life and watch as He blesses you beyond your wildest dreams.

Entrepreneurship/

5 Ways to Overcome Challenges in Your Entrepreneurial Journey

As women of faith, we know the power of relying on our Lord and Savior to guide us in our journey. But even with the support of our faith, it’s easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed when faced with challenges and setbacks in our entrepreneurial journey. That’s why it’s important to build resilience – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and bounce back stronger.

Here are some practical tips to help you build resilience and overcome challenges in your entrepreneurial journey:

Lean on your faith. The foundation of resilience is having a strong faith and trust in God. Make time every day to connect with your faith through reading scripture, prayer, and surround yourself with supportive people who will lift you up and encourage you.

Celebrate your wins. No matter how small, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments. This will help boost your confidence and motivation and give you the strength to keep pushing forward.

Focus on gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, it helps us shift our perspective away from negative thoughts and situations. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for and express gratitude.

Seek support. Building resilience is easier when you have a supportive community. Consider seeking out a mentor or accountability partner who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up and cheer you on.

Take care of yourself. Resilience requires a strong mind and body, so it’s important to prioritize self-care. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health by eating well, exercising, taking breaks, and getting enough sleep.

By incorporating these tips into your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll be building resilience and bouncing back from challenges with grace and determination. Remember, with faith, self-care, and a growth mindset, you can overcome anything that comes your way.

Now, keep shining and never give up on your dreams.

Entrepreneurship/

Use These Tips to Create Popping Social Media Captions for Your Brand

As a copywriter and story strategist for my clients – and for my own business, digital magazine, and personal brand, I know one thing to be true. And that’s the fact that compelling captions are a crucial part of your brand’s social media content. The caption is the most important part of the post, because it can make or break what you’re trying to say. Here are some guidelines:

A good idea…

A good idea is one that stands out. As the saying goes, this phrase is more than just a cliché: it’s a rule of thumb. If your caption is a great idea that can’t be found anywhere else online, you’re on track to building trust with your audience and establishing yourself as an authority on whatever topic you’re discussing.

A good idea should also be relevant to the post. If your caption doesn’t fit what’s going on in the picture or video, people may think that it doesn’t fit at all—and they’ll wonder why you’re wasting their time by posting it anyway!

It’s also important to keep captions short but sweet—especially if they include hashtags. You don’t want someone scrolling through their feed only to have their eyes glaze over when they see your caption!

…and a relevant piece of content.

A good caption should be relevant to the image or video you’re posting. Your caption should also help the reader understand what is happening in the image or video.

…written in one of your brand’s voice.

One of the best ways to get your ideal client or customer to engage with your content is by using captions that are written in one of your brand’s voices. Your brand’s voice is a collection of words and phrases that convey the tone, style, and attitude you’d like to portray on social media. It can be as simple as changing up some words here and there, or it could be more strategic by focusing on a specific type of language (e.g., conversational) or even tone (e.g., funny vs serious).

…that’s complete and concise.

A good caption should be complete and concise. If you’re sharing a photo of your family, then just share the photo! Don’t try to force in information about how much you love them or how cute they are. It’s fine to mention that they’re your family, but adding more information is unnecessary and will detract from the message you’re trying to convey.

Also, avoid over-explaining or rambling on with an explanation of what’s happening in the photo—you can say it once back at home base and let people click through if they want more details. Similarly, don’t use too many hashtags or emojis. Their purpose is not so much for conveying meaning as for categorizing content for search engines (and other users)

…that’s consistent with your other posts.

Consistency is key. If your social media posts are all over the place, you’ll confuse your audience and look unprofessional. When writing a caption, it’s important to think about how this particular post fits in with your other posts as well as what kind of tone and style they have.

If you’re posting on a regular basis and want to be consistent with your content, I recommend using a social media calendar or planner so that you don’t accidentally forget an important post or event!

…that is designed to engage your audience.

While it’s important to use your best judgment, there are a few general tips and tricks that will help you write social media captions that are designed to engage your audience:

  • Use a question.
  • Give them something to look forward to.
  • Make them feel something.

…with a hook that provides an incentive or some kind of reward for the reader.

A good social media caption can be the difference between a post that connects with your audience and one that languishes in obscurity. And what makes it so effective? A hook, of course! The right kind of hook—one that grabs your audience’s attention and holds it long enough to read the whole thing—can turn an otherwise unremarkable post into something worth sharing.

What exactly is a hook? It’s basically any reason or incentive for someone to read your blog post: a question, statement, promise or other element of surprise. They don’t have to be complicated; they just need to make you stand out from the crowd by providing something unique about your content.

Good social media captions are original, complete, concise, consistent, engaging, and rewarding.

To be considered a good social media caption, the following must be true:

  • Originality. There are no generic quotes to be found here! Make sure you come up with something original for your caption.

  • Completeness. You want your caption to convey everything necessary in order for it to make sense and be understood by your followers. It should have a beginning, middle and end that flow together seamlessly. If you’re having trouble finding the right words for your post, try writing down what you think would make this particular post perfect before coming up with some captions—this can help guide your thoughts in the right direction!

  • Conciseness and consistency across all platforms (if applicable). The more concise titles/captions are often more engaging because they don’t require scrolling down past several paragraphs before getting back into reading mode again; this means people will spend less time on each individual page but still feel rewarded by what they read there because there was enough detail provided without being overwhelming or boring at all!

There you have it! A few tips for creating captions that will give your content the boost it needs to stand out in social media. Hopefully, this post has given you some ideas and inspiration for your next post or project.

Curious about what I’m learning every week on my creative journey as it relates to faith, self-care, and entrepreneurship?

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Entrepreneurship/

Your Guide to Creating Eye-Catching Flat-Lay Photos for Your Brand

It’s no secret that smartphones have become incredibly powerful photography tools. But did you know that you can use your phone to create beautiful flat lays?

Flat lay photography is a way of taking photos of items that are laid out on a flat surface. You can use notebooks, pens, pencils, food, flowers, beauty products- simply any type of everyday item that makes sense for the theme of your photo.

I love a good aesthetic! I actually used a lot of my experience from shooting my own TV news stories into this creative pastime of creating beautiful images to use for my personal Instagram page or here on my blog.

Additionally, I also find tons of inspiration from a stock photo site that I’m a member of. It’s called Pixistock. The images in this blog post are photos that I took with my iPhone and shared on Instagram.

Flat lay example from my personal Instagram page.

Here are my tips for using a smartphone as a flat-lay camera:

Choose a backdrop.

Choose a backdrop that is simple and clean. You want to avoid busy patterns, as well as light or dark backgrounds.

If you’re using an object with a pattern, make sure it matches the color scheme of your objects (i.e., blue-and-white china with red flowers).

To see what kind of background will work best for your flat lay, try taking some photos without anything behind your items first—this way you can see how they look on their own before deciding which background would work best.

Style the background.

Once you’ve chosen a background, it’s time to style it. A great way to do this is by adding some props that complement your subject. The type of prop you choose will depend on what kind of mood you’re going for and what the overall aesthetic of your photo is. For example, if you’re trying to create a clean, modern look with bright colors and simple lines, then use geometric shapes as props. But if you want something more fun and playful with lots of color, try using toys or stuffed animals instead!

Hopefully by now I’ve convinced you how easy it can be to take flat lay photos on your phone! If this tutorial was helpful at all or gave any inspiration for some new ideas (or just made me look like an expert), comment below so we can chat about photography together.

Create an interesting composition.

Creating an interesting composition is the most important part of flat lay photography. It’s all about using negative space to create contrast and balance in your photos.

Flat lay example from my personal Instagram page.

Don’t put too many objects in the frame. If there are too many items on a flat lay or if they’re placed too close together, it will be difficult for someone viewing your image to understand where their eyes should focus on first (and second, third and so on). You want each piece of fruit or vegetable to have its own visual weight; even if it’s just a small bite-sized piece, try not cramming them together like nobody’s business!

Don’t use two similar colors next to each other (like blueberries next to raspberries). This creates confusion when looking at the picture because both colors look similar but aren’t actually identical shades—so it becomes hard for people who don’t already know what type of berry they’re looking at tell whether they’re different types of berries or not!

Take a lot of photos from different angles.

The key to getting a good flat lay is to take lots of photos from different angles. When I worked as a TV news reporter and shot my own stories, I found it super helpful to shoot video from tons of different angles, so I could have plenty of options when I sat down to edit.

Flat lay example from my personal Instagram page.

Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether that means using different lenses or lighting your photos in an unusual way. Try setting up your phone on a tripod and taking pictures from above or below the subject using different lenses. You can also use natural light as well as artificial light sources like lamps and candles.

Editing

When it comes to editing photos, I usually use my iPhone’s editing features to edit or the Lightroom app. And if I need to, I’ll use Canva as well.

Hopefully, this post is helpful for you to create photos for your social media pages, website, or other marketing assets.

Curious about what I’m learning every week on my creative journey as it relates to faith, self-care, and entrepreneurship?

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Entrepreneurship/

How to Create a Solid Social Media Strategy

I started marketing using social media back in 2014 for my digital magazine, Virtue & Memoirs. These days, in addition to the magazine, I market my copywriting and brand storytelling business Chayil Media Publishing using social media – and I also create social media strategies for clients that I write social media content for. And lastly, I market my personal brand using social media as well.

So where do you start? Well, let’s dig into everything in this blog post.

Pick your platform.

You need to pick your platform, and this step is pretty simple.

Is this a place that aligns with your brand? You want to be where your followers are—and not somewhere else that may or may not be useful for the same purpose.

Follow people and brands that align with your mission

This is a fairly obvious one, but still worth mentioning: follow people who are relevant to your brand. If you have a service-based business, connect with people who are your ideal clients and people who compliment your brand.

For instance, if you’re a website designer, connect with graphic designers. Since, I’m a copywriter and story strategist, I love connecting with website designers who I can possibly collaborate with or refer people to in the future. Additionally, I love connecting to people who are ideal clients.

Understand your audience.

You should know who you are talking to and understand the needs of your audience. Simply put, the content you produce on social media should speak directly to your ideal client or customer. Now, you’re probably wondering, “Danielle, how do I figure this out?”

Well, you simply need to ask questions. A great way to do this is by jumping into Facebook groups to ask questions about what your ideal client or customer is struggling with – or even finding out what they like best when it comes to a problem you solve.

You can also jump into these groups and use the search bar to find out everything you need to know. Type in a keyword associated with what you do and another word like frustrated or struggle. You’ll see quite a few conversations pulled up from your search.

Conduct surveys with customers or prospects. Ask them for feedback about why they follow or engage with certain accounts on social media, what types of posts inspire them to interact with your brand online, etc.

These surveys can be done on sites like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms.

Create an editorial calendar.

The next step is to create an editorial calendar that includes the days and times you will post, as well as the topics you will cover, and images you will use.

Make sure your editorial calendar is in sync with your marketing goals. This will help ensure that your social media strategy aligns with the rest of your brand’s mission.

Now, while it’s important to need to post regularly and consistently, you also need to make sure that what you’re posting is worth sharing. The key is finding the right balance between quantity and quality.

It’s important to have a good mix of different types of content: video, images, carousel posts, etc. This will help you reach an audience across all platforms while remaining relevant at all times.

Track and analyze your results.

Once you’ve put your social media strategy into action, it’s time to evaluate the results. You’ll need to know if your plans are working.

There are several ways to track and analyze performance:

Use analytics tools such as Facebook Insights, Google Analytics, and Twitter Analytics. These tools help you understand how many people are seeing posts on each platform as well as what content is reaching them (and what isn’t).

I personally, use a scheduling tool called Loomly to track and analyze my results.

When you have a solid social media strategy in place, you’ll be able to build authentic relationships with potential clients or customers – and generate sales.

Curious about what I’m learning every week on my creative journey as it relates to faith, self-care, and entrepreneurship?

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Entrepreneurship/

6 Marketing Tips for New Entrepreneurs

Understanding marketing is essential to your success as a new entrepreneur. Marketing is how your target audience finds you. The first thing I ever marketed was my self-published poetry book in 2011. I learned a lot about marketing on social media and through the book’s website – and Amazon. I used that experience – along with my journalism skills to also market my Christian women’s digital magazine “Virtue and Memoirs.”

And these days, I’m still a content creator at heart – marketing Chayil Media Publishing – my copywriting and brand storytelling business, my digital magazine, and my personal brand. Why? Well simply put, without marketing, you won’t gain the exposure to grow a sustainable brand or business.

Marketing is how you gain the trust of your target audience by showing, telling, and proving that your products, services, or business are there to support them.

Danielle Delaney

The following are six marketing tips every new entrepreneur needs to get started right.

Focus On Building Relationships with Your Target Audience First

Before you sell to your audience right away, learn to build a strong relationship first. In other words, the freer value you provide in the long run, the stronger the relationship becomes — making it easier to market your products at a later time. By the way, if you want to learn more about what your audience needs from you, don’t be afraid to survey them on social media by asking questions or doing polls.

Share Engaging and Valuable Content

No business today, online or off, can survive without content marketing. Without content, your audience will not understand the type of value you provide. This can be done through blog posts, videos, photos or even sharing user-generated content. And if you’re not familiar with user-generated content – It’s content that’s shared on social media by one of your customers or clients promoting your brand. You can easily reshare this content with your followers.

Don’t Skip Email Marketing

Emails offer the highest return on investment compared to all other online marketing strategies. There is a myth that email marketing is dead, but this is far from the truth, with nearly three hundred billion emails being sent around the world today. Email marketing is powerful because you don’t have to battle with the algorithms of the world.

Set Up a Business Blog

A blog on your website is a great way to have sole ownership of what you share and sell to your community. If a specific social media platform disappears, you won’t reach them. However, you know this won’t happen since you control your blog. Making it easy to share information with your customers or target audience whenever you can.

Use Social Media

You can’t avoid social media. Even just one social media account can skyrocket your reach and exposure as a brand. Did you know that nearly four billion people worldwide use some form of social media? This means your potential to reach your target audience is almost limitless. Find out which platforms your audience hangs out on and jump in with a strategy. However, be careful not to overwhelm yourself. I recommend sticking to 2-3 platforms.

Get Help

Marketing helps you reach certain revenue goals and reach your target audience effectively. Without marketing, it is unlikely your customers will find you very easily. If you need help, try to hire someone who can help you. A few roles that come to mind are social media managers, copywriters, website designers, and brand photographers

Marketing doesn’t need to be complicated. As long as you create content that your target audience needs or wants, you will likely be successful. And of course, don’t forget nailing down a strategy first.

Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs make mistakes that can hinder their success by ignoring customers’ needs or not taking the time to share your value.

Curious about what I’m learning every week on my creative journey as it relates to faith, self-care, and entrepreneurship?

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Entrepreneurship/

4 Powerful Ways to Pray Over Your Business

Prayer is the best way to stay connected with God Almighty in all areas of your life, including your business.

I personally, don’t know how you can operate a business without God Almighty. Proverbs 3:6 tells us, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.”

Now, as for praying for your business, here are 4 ways that will guide you through the process.

Pray for God’s Will in starting and operating your business

When it comes to starting and operating your business, you should pray for God’s will. Ask Him to show you the right way to start and operate your business.

Pray that He would help you make the right decisions in starting and operating your business. Pray that He would help you see His hand at work in your business.

Ask the Lord to bring the right people into your business

Asking God to bring the right people into your business is a great way to pray for your business.

The right people are those who will help you succeed, whether they’re clients, customers, employees, mentors, mentees, or business friends. They have a similar vision, mindset, and values as you do – and they bring something unique (or at least different) to the table that makes them uniquely suited for what you’re trying to accomplish.

Ask God to protect you and your team

As you pray over your business, ask God to protect you and your team.

Also, pray for your clients, customers, and the community that is served by your business. Ask God to bless every aspect of it: sales, production, management, and your team’s creativity.

Finally, pray that He will help you make wise decisions regarding finances and growth so that the company remains financially stable (and profitable).

Thank God for what He has provided you with

  • Thank God for the resources He has provided you with.
  • Thank God for the people He has placed in your life.
  • Thank God for the opportunity to serve others.
  • Thank God for the ability to do what you love.

Entrepreneurship is in many ways a matter of faith. Having a sense of purpose and direction, acknowledging your dependence on God, and committing to making the most of every opportunity that comes your way are all essential elements to success. These steps will help you grow your business, but ultimately it all starts with your relationship with Jesus Christ, the one true entrepreneur.

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Entrepreneurship/

Video! Does It Matter in Business? Yes!

Have you been ignoring video, hoping it will just go away? Or worse, thinking you can accomplish the same goals without it? 

I’m here to tell you, video is going nowhere.

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, and thousands of hours of video are uploaded each and every day. Video clips on social platforms on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn enjoy far more engagement than do plain text or even image-based updates.

 When it comes to training programs, most people prefer video to text—or at least a combination of the two. 

And now with streaming video, this rapidly growing marketing channel has become even more crucial to your marketing strategy. 

  • Live video lets viewers get to know you better and trust you. 
  • Your personality and brand shine through in ways written words or pre-recorded video simply cannot manage
  • A built-in sense of urgency makes it easy to connect with your action takers
  • Repurposing video for other channels is easy and super productive
  • Instagram and other social networks appear to give more weight to video, showing it in more newsfeeds than other post formats

In addition to all of that, video is easy to produce—contrary to what some people may think.

Simply prop up your smartphone, log into your preferred app, and viola! You’re live. And because it’s a live, streaming video, your viewers likely have less expectation of perfection. 

For example, with a scripted webinar, they expect a certain polish. But with streaming video, you can get away with a much more lighthearted, go-with-the-flow style. It’s perfect for Q&A sessions, special announcements, group coaching, or anything else where you simply want to connect with your audience, and there’s no agenda. 

If you’re recording videos for Instagram Reels, Stories, Facebook, or LinkedIn you can simply grab your phone to prop it up on something as well – and also invest in a microphone.  There are a variety of microphones on Amazon. And lastly, when it comes to presentation, make sure your lighting is on point. You can film near a window or invest in a ring light. I also have a couple of these that I got from Amazon.

Don’t Abandon Your Other Marketing Methods. 

We see this happen a lot—a popular trend or strategy comes along, and all of a sudden everyone is on board. 

However, you must not forget to incorporate other methods like photos, carousel posts, or email marketing into your marketing strategy. Recorded video and live video can complement these methods. 

So while Instagram Reels and Live video in general definitely matters when it comes to your overall marketing efforts, it’s not the end-all, be-all tool that will outshine everything else in your marketing strategy. 

Want more insights from Danielle about how to show up boldly in business and everyday life as a Christian woman creative? Subscribe to her official email list where you’ll receive weekly letters in your inbox. 

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