Category: Entrepreneurship

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. 

Click here to subscribe to Danielle’s official email list. 

Entrepreneurship/

Why Do We Overcomplicate Our Goals?

Overthinking is the worst!

So often in life, we get too caught up in the “what ifs.”

OR…

We make stuff too complicated.

I’m sure you can relate.

And while I’ve always been a person who is never afraid to take action, I was stuck overthinking whether or not I should actually publish a podcast in my copywriting and brand storytelling business.

I knew I needed to…

But some sort of weird doubt started creeping in.

Whew!

Fortunately, I got real with myself and gained tons of clarity through prayer and reflection on one of my walks. 

And now, it’s here – after sitting on my laptop for over a year.

The Storytelling Meets Branding Podcast is the hub for powerhouse coaches who want to boldly amplify their brand using the power of storytelling.

These weekly chats bring me so much joy.

And by the way, you’re welcome to tune in.

Click here to start listening to The Storytelling Meets Branding Podcast. 

 

Entrepreneurship/

How to Ask for a Mentor

So, you’re looking for a mentor?

Well, there are a few things to consider…

The first step is to ALWAYS lead with value.

Having a mentor is not an opportunity to “take” what you want.

Your mentor wants to know what you bring to the table.

What can they learn from you as well? How can you help them?

Do your research. 

Don’t send a vague email to a potential mentor that seems like you just want to “pick their brain.”

Take the time to do your research about them from their website.

Watch their videos. Sign up to their email list + find out valuable info from their socials.

Be clear on why you would like them to mentor you. Again, don’t be vague.

Share your goals with your mentor.

Value their time. 

Time is precious and chances are your mentor is busy. Don’t waste their time with questions that add no value.

Respect their time. 

Again, your mentor is busy.

Don’t stand them up for a scheduled meeting or show up late.

Lastly, don’t get mad or excessively contact them if you don’t hear a response right away from them.

I hope this is helpful for anyone out there who may be stuck on reaching out to someone for mentorship.

Entrepreneurship/

These Are My Tried-and-True Productivity Tips

TIME…

Some people may argue, that there isn’t enough time in the day or our weekends should be much longer.

But here’s the reality: We must prepare our minds to use our time differently.

It’s certainly easy for us to fall in the traps of distraction these days – from our phones to the neverending feeds of information online. If we’re not careful, we could find ourselves in a swamp of idleness.

I’ve personally deleted Instagram during the day from my phone – and blocked other social media platforms from my laptop to stay focused.

Now, hopefully, these 5 tips will help you boost your productivity, once and for all.

1. Start the day in prayer. Allow prayer to be the first thing you turn to when waking up. Not your phone. Talk to the Lord and find hope in him before you start another day. I promise you will feel less frazzled and better equipped for the day.

2. Read a daily devotional. Right now, I’m reading Paul David Tripp’s “New Morning Mercies” daily devotional. It’s amazing! For myself, reading a devotional in the morning gives me more peace. I also highlight some sections that I read to come back to for further study later that night.

3. Journal your thoughts away. Journaling provides clarity – clearing out all those thoughts that are piled in your head. Grab a journal and just write. It doesn’t have to be perfect and no one has to see it. Write your goals for the day, scriptures, etc.

4. Speak positivity in the air. Going back to your journal – look at the scriptures you’ve written and say them aloud. Just like everything mentioned above, it will boldly prepare you to tackle your day.

5. Listen to a Christ-centered podcast. I have a long list of these podcasts but my absolute favorite right now is “Revive Our Hearts” with Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth. I can count on a daily message that encourages, empowers, and equips me for the day. Do a search for Christian podcasts and see what pops up for you. Make sure it’s biblically sound. Listen as you’re getting ready or while driving.

I hope these tips help if you’re not already in the habit of doing them. If they are, feel free to let me know!

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