Creative tips and tricks

The Color 2023: Head of the Table

Nov 19, 2023

"Think" In Color 2023 has officially been concluded! We're thrilled and grateful that you took the time to take in the amazing women who spoke at our event and BIPOC creators and innovators in the business. We'd like to think that at the end of the evening you were inspired by our guest speakers and learned how you can create a successful online community, increase your offerings and grow your company and extend the reach of your business, among other things.

Although a variety of topics were addressed in the forum The organizers have done their best to showcase the top of them to our readers. Find out our key takeaways from each of the speakers.

Skip ahead:

     Creating Cozy & Collaborative Virtual Communities    

Cicely Blain is Cicely Blain, Anti-Racism Expert and Co-Founder of Bakau Consulting. Bakau Consulting

Description of the event The session focuses on remote working. While it was common prior to when COVID-19 being discovered which sparked the need for businesses to shift into a digital environment. As a result, organizations seeking to stay in constant connection with their customers set up online communities in which similar-minded individuals are able to share knowledge and help each other. However, it can be challenging to create an online community that is as close as a physical one.

In this presentation, Cicely Blain shares their journey to build their virtual community called Living Room. They shared the method used to build a cozy and welcoming vibe in a virtual environment, that creates safe and inclusive communities. The group also talked about ways to use digital tools to meet the needs of people.

HTML0 The most important takeaways include:

Learn about who your customers are and what they are looking for.

Before creating Living Room, Cicely had determine the target audience for whom they wanted to build an online environment to. Because their work is rooted in fighting racism and oppression, Cicely was aware that Living Room was mostly geared to people who were DEI expert, consultant and HR professionals that do similar work.

After, Cicely had to figure out what exactly the population were looking for.

"I thought about what people are eagerly anticipating particularly at this crucial period when everything is shifting and being called to by different names?

     They are searching for community, a feeling of solidarity, connection and cohesion even if they feel isolated. The people are also searching for help and are eager to acquire knowledge."

 You should be an audience-friendly website.

The most efficient way to convince members to join your virtual community is to present members with something they are able to relate to. For Cicely the thing that was relatable was their home. They wanted for a way to recreate the exact comfort and warmth that the living space they had provided.

     "I thought, "What is it that I would like people to feel upon entering the space?' I thought to myself, I would like people to experience the exact way they might when they walk into this physical area. The space should feel comfortable, welcoming, warm and cozy. I want them to feel at ease, content, supported, connected, and understood."

Cicely infuses this energy into the local community through:

  • The meeting starts with a 10-minute review. They ask a simple inquiry through a screen in order to motivate attendees to reflect on their own.
  • A soft music playlist that is based on R&B for users to let their minds relax and settle into the call.
  • Each phone call should be treated with the same enthusiasm as you're having an informal conversation with your closest acquaintances. When they are making videos for their online course Cicely might be doing makeup or making an espresso at home in their kitchen.

Provide a variety of options for community members to get the information they require

Although people who belong to an online community are generally people with similar interests, they may possess different requirements as well as strengths and strengths and weaknesses. If you own a business it's important to think of different ways through which you meet the requirements of your customers, regardless of the differences.

Together together with Living Room, Cicely met the requirements of its customers with:

  • Engaging in different methods (e.g. forum chat, real-time discussions and online-based classes which provide complete information and much more. );
  • Defines collective values and community principles;
  • Lets people show up as their true selves;
  • Removal of unnecessary stressors such as time constraints and meeting agendas;
  • Consider accessibility requirements (e.g. disability and neurodivergence) and other accessibility requirements.

Funds In The Funnel: How to Maximize Sales With an affluent funnel that is focused on the customer

Ellie Diop, Content and Coaching Coach to fund Ellievated Academy

Summary of session: To create an effective company, it's vital that clients make an action to purchase your offerings. However, many enterprises create products that they think they'd like their ideal customers to buy instead of what customers actually want. In this presentation, Ellie explains how you will grow your business and increase sales by designing a funnel that entices your ideal customers and caters to their wants and needs.

HTML1 The most important takeaways are:

HTML1 Every single element of content is important.

Making a funnel that is focused on your customers will help you build a rapport with your clients. One way to achieve this is creating material that is educational, useful, relevant and beneficial to clients. A funnel that is designed to be a customer-centric funnel comprises five steps:

  • Awareness
  • Discovery
  • Consideration
  • Conversion
  • Retention + Relationship REPEAT

On the importance of creating the right content Ellie states, "Every piece of content you create is a member within your sales team. Therefore, whatever you published in the last three months is doing the work of guiding users through the procedure... Be consistent in your presentation and present every day in a similar style makes it easier for customers to comprehend and assist them in navigating the funnel."

The brand you want to define

If you don't know whom your products or services are catering to then there's no chance that anyone is likely to buy your products or services, nor work with them. Thus, before you create the funnel, establish your business's purpose and mission starting with your ideal client. Consider:

  • Who do I serve?
  • What can I do? How can I assist to assist them in resolving their difficulties?
  • How do I do that?

These answers are the basis of business decisions that you make. Ellie provides a simple template that can be used in order to aid [YOUR Audience] in meeting your goal with respect to [YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE]

Based on her experience in growing her business Ellie says, "For me, it might be that I help women build successful businesses through the right strategies and financial skills '... The past time I kept this info on Post-it notes in a corner, so whenever I wanted to film a video, I could remember who I was speaking with. "

 Create your social media following

Social media has been deemed to be among the most successful methods of establishing brand recognition and generating leads for your business. It's so effective that most people will check out the page of your company's Instagram profile (or the other social media accounts) before they visit your site.

So, you must spend money (and maybe even cash) on your content on social media in order to increase its visibility. One way to do it is to:

  • Making engaging, informative and easily shareable content (especially videos)
  • Ads that run paid
  • Collaboration with influencers who have the same market segment in the same way

Make use of lead magnets in order to grow your email database

If you're creating videos, it's important to bring most people from social media on your list of email subscribers. If you add people to your list of email subscribers can allow you to directly communicate with them - that's more beneficial rather than hoping that they will stumble across your posts or videos while scrolling on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter). That's where lead magnets are helpful.

Through lead magnets, you're giving the value of your product for free in exchange for people's details of contact (usually their email address and address). Additionally, you can request other items as well. In the beginning of the company, Ellie offered free 1-on-1 sessions to clients to review their experience. Ellie made use of the feedback she received to secure her first set of paid customers.

     "You've got to look into what is the field where I could provide top-quality, free services that will create a positive impression on someone? Set that as the primary reason for your business. [In my business], I've recently implemented a new approach where instead of directing the client straight to a certain product, we encourage users to sign up for a free deal that offers a free masterclass. Then we sell at the end. Our results have been fantastic."

Keeping customers already present is much easier than getting new customers

Every new lead you acquire you go through the procedure of pushing them down the sales funnel. This is more challenging than convincing a previous customer to make a purchase once more. Therefore, you should focus on the retention of your customers on the same or even less, as compared to acquiring new customers.

To ensure that your customers are satisfied, follow these the steps you can take:

  • Provide high-quality customer support
  • Make use of surveys from clients to gather their feedback
  • Find testimonials from satisfied customers (offer incentives, if are able to)
  • Develop a new product that fills in market gaps

The second offer was created by Ellie, Ellie shares, "I made my first credit for business class for 15 dollars. In the following months, I was hearing feedback of my customers about their needs for the near future. Then I created Business Credit, which is Business Credit revamped. Then I created my Business Credit masterclass, and later the complete collection. What happened is, a majority of those who purchased the first purchased the second to fill in the gap. Then they bought the third because they grew in capabilities, and they desired to learn more."

Expanding both B2C as well as B2B Companies to produce multiple revenue streams

Jessica Chen, Global Communications Expert and CEO of Soulcast Media

Session description: Businesses, generally speaking, have three main revenue and sales factors: their services or products and the content they write to promote those items and services, as well as their platforms they use to use to share their information. In this session, Jessica discusses the power of LinkedIn to assist businesses in reaching out to customers (B2C) and other businesses (B2B), how to craft your content to speak to both kinds of people and the most effective way to grow your offerings and services to satisfy the requirements of both audiences.

 LinkedIn is an effective platform for distributing content and grow your visibility

Numerous entrepreneurs and professionals are on LinkedIn however, they aren't thinking of it as a place where you are able to increase the reach of your profile and share information. They view it as an opportunity for improving resumes, finding new opportunities and communicating with acquaintances and friends.

In real life, LinkedIn is a social media platform, much like Instagram, as well as X (formerly Twitter), and is treated as like that. Its only distinction is the kind of content you share.

LinkedIn's appeal LinkedIn, Jessica says, "The benefit of LinkedIn is that it has the ability to reach an audience who are engaged with personal development and are eager to gain knowledge. "

Jessica is also sharing her story in a talk about her experience as a journalist during the year of 2018 and then becoming certified Top Voice and a LinkedIn instructor in just five years. Her reason for this is being consistent on the site and connecting to a broad range of people that can benefit by her expertise in helping others improve their communicating abilities.

Change your messages to satisfy the requirements of B2B and B2C audience members.

Many business owners think they'll only be noticed if their material is targeted at consumers who are merely people. This isn't the case.

The strength of LinkedIn is the fact that it enables you to reframe your messaging to cater to both B2B and B2C audiences. Your content does not need to change, but altering the language you use to describe your company can increase the visibility of your business and draw business and individual customers.

"I know that if I want to speak with my target audience B2C I employ language such as "you," "your" and I have thought about this? ...?'""you"?" "What are you?" asks Jessica. "My manner of communicating is concise, and anybody who reads my content is able to feel as though it's a personal note.

     "[With the B2B marketinstead of using the terms 'you' and "your", I'm presenting my message by using terms such as, 'the team' and 'the business'. It's more positive and less personal."

Make yourself known as a thought-leader in order to get the attention of B2B buyers.

In contrast to individual buyers who want a great product, B2B audiences require assurance that they're receiving the very best. To attract the attention of B2B customers, you must make yourself appear as an expert or thought-leader in your industry, regardless of whether your offer is generally targeted at B2C audiences.

If, for instance, you're a photographer, you might want to create an online photography class to your B2C clients. To gain B2B customers, you might develop thought-leadership material in the area of arts or about establishing a career as a professional artist. If you're offering 1-on-1 workshops that teach individuals how to increase their productivity and efficient, you could appeal B2B audiences by publishing information about how you can improve productivity in the workplace.

In this way, you could change to selling B2C services such as e-courses, individual classes, to offering workshops as well as speaking opportunities.

Personal branding using video

XayLi Barclay professional and Visual Content coach Start Shoot Expand

Session Description as an owner of a business, isn't an easy task to avoid being noticed, especially when you're in a highly competitive marketplace or in an industry that is crowded. You can however overcome this issue by establishing a brand image that you are proud of using videos. It doesn't matter if they're short TikTok videos, Instagram reels, or longer-form YouTube videos. In this talk, XayLi explains how you can use video to promote your online courses to boost revenue and make your name among the people who purchase your products.

It doesn't take much to get started.

While starting your first livestream or setting up your initial livestream, you do not have to be perfect. Begin with the footage you have. In the beginning, viewers are willing to overlook your video's quality as well as your poor editing abilities since they are aware that as time passes, you'll get stronger.

XayLi herself started out with her laptop and a basic white backdrop as well as a ring light that was taken from a mill.

"This was where I began, even when approached me as one of their experts" she states. "I wanted to be patient until I could set up my newsroom to begin teaching others. I made use of my resources because I knew the subject I was trying to impart did not revolve around how stunning the set will look.

The Studio is now installed in my house it's the place where I began in the past few years. "

Get more resources as you advance

In the event that you attract more attention via your videos and make money it is time to build up your collection and enhance the equipment you use for video. For instance one option is to invest in a more expensive camera or webcam and tripod stand (worth between $500 and $1,000) as well as green screen, eCamm Live, a teleprompter app and an Adobe Premiere subscription for editing.

When discussing upgrades for cameras or sets, XayLi says, "[At this stage], you can have multiple camera angles and the range of possibilities is endless. The time is now to invest in these products since you're earning money. A lot of us think that it is necessary to look attractive before the money comes. No. You have to be in the marketplace and cash will flow."

When you've made enough, you may outsource your video recording production, editing, and distribution to contractors or an internal team.

 Pay attention to one thing at a moment

The common misconception is that you need to do everything in your power to grow your company. There must be posts on all channels, keep up on every trend, and be able to talk about a wide range of topics. This isn't necessarily true. The best approach is to focus on one thing at a time as you create your own personal brand. It not only stops the risk of burning out however, it also lets the viewers know what they can expect from you every when you upload the video.

As per XayLi's "Rule of 5 Ones" Here are five essential elements to consider to establish your digital strategy of course of

  • A single item or service
  • One target market
  • One Lead Conversion Tool
  • Most important source of traffic
  • One objective for business

Memberships - Memberships The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Teri Ijeoma creator of Trade & Travel

Summary of the session: When properly executed, memberships are great for businesses looking to establish deeper connections with their clients and generate more revenue. Teri Ijeoma has created a membership system she created that focuses on Trade & Travel and she can now enroll more than 35,000 clients who are engaged in her services as well as 185,000 people on her mailing list. In this session, Teri shares the benefits of establishing a membership system as well as explains how organizations can set up and implement members in the best method.

 Find out when it's the right time to transition from a group that is free to a membership-based model

If you're not well-known as a business, that you'll have create your own membership program, offering value for free. Teri started hers with an unpaid Facebook group. But, as you build your network, you have to be aware of the time to move from a group that's completely free to one that relies on membership.

Here are some indicators you should be looking at prior to taking a right turn:

  • The company you're working with is expanding in size, but they pay a yearly fee for the privilege of receiving your invitation -- in contrast to having to pay for the other benefits offered by your organization, e.g. year-long customer support, etc.
  • Members of the group start separate groups or meet-ups that make it difficult for management of the group.
  • Group moderators are hired as coaches and provide coaching to group members, but without creating extra revenue from your group members.

Your membership program is an item that is an item in and its own

Many companies who provide online courses also offer subscription plans to their classes. Although a membership program can provide a powerful method for improving the quality of your courses however, it should be considered as an entire product not a mere add-on.

In discussing Teri's Trade & Travel membership, Teri admits "In my early days I thought that this membership could be a continuation of my training. However, this isn't true. the membership is a service completely on its own. It needs its own marketing team and marketing, promotional, calendar... It is best to view the product as such."

Make sure you are aware of your pricing

As you move from a no-cost group into a membership-based model, take note of the income goals you have and price your proposal in line with this. It's possible to set your price less expensive to attract larger numbers of people. However, if you're confident that your program's packed with worth, then don't hesitate to set a higher price for it.

In the example above, if you're hoping to earn $10,000 each month, you'll need 500 clients pay $200 per month rather than 1,000 customers to pay $100/month. In reality, the more expensive your costs are, the fewer people will join the program. This also means you'll reach your income goals quicker, while finding it relatively easy to control your program.

Chair of Discussion Panel the Table

Diandra Marizet, (Host) the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Intersectional Environmentalist

Description of the event This panel discussion will feature the panelists Cicely, Ellie, Jessica Cicely, Jessica XayLi giving their views on the significance of inclusivity and diversity in the field of business. They will also discuss the challenges women, as well as BIPOC entrepreneurs face when they take up space in the creator economy and how to evaluate their services ethically in an economic system that is capitalist.

Here are a few the most important questions and answers to this debate:

     Women of color who are entrepreneurs are entering the world of the world of financial security for the very first time. What new challenges and future opportunities bring for these women?

Ellie Diop: Just like you've been through poverty, there's wealth trauma, as well. When you're the first one in your family that owns an a six- or seven-figure business, there aren't any examples for you to model yourself after. There's still a stigma around speaking about money, specifically when it comes to someone of color earning more money than what most people could imagine over the course of a lifetime.

After I had my first million dollars, I was scared to get out of my mom's home. I didn't want to spend on the amount because I wasn't sure what to do when it went away. It was also nerve-wracking to tell my parents and siblings because I was afraid they'd perceive me differently.

I'd love to witness more is collaboration areas such as this, which can eliminate that negative stigma and tell people "Hey, what's going on? If you're struggling to make more money, and you're not sure what to use your money for do not be scared to discuss the issue". This stigma is the reason that many people earn lots of money, but then go back to their previous position.

     Most of the time, in corporate settings it is easy to feel the pressure to join, code-switch or be silent or put aspects of ourselves off. Sometimes, it is difficult to imagine that we conform to the notion of professionalism. What did that experience teach you about how you serve the community you live in? How can you incorporate this experience into your work as DEI professional? DEI professional?

Cicely Blain: In the system we were raised within, when we see a particular kind of person in the media, on television as well as social media, and when some online creators gain traction while others get banned and you start to believe that you need to be certain about your appearance and speaking.

If you're in a situation that you're recognized for what you are by those around you and the those responsible (even even if they're not having the same experiences that you are) can be a great feeling. Although the amount of opportunities and representations are available but there is still a shaky standard of what individuals are expected to do. It's common for us to internalize the two norms (even even if they're not true) and can be detrimental to us.

On TikTok there's an abundance of people who aren't well-dressed and polished constantly. While it's great, I feel like that possibility is limited to a few people because there's an unspoken expectation for others as well as in how they present themselves.

What happens when you realize that your current path does not align with the direction you're able to travel and the direction your passion is you decide to go full-time into entrepreneurship?

Jessica Chen: All of us have a point we arrive at where we recognize that the dream we had to achieve is completed and we're now looking forward to a new adventure. Personally, I worked in an amazing job I was happy with, but after 10 years I realized that there was more out there. I've always been the kind of person who is able to use the capability of creating my own path. So, I started to imagine ways that I could impart the knowledge I've acquired to others.

My initial career was in journalism, which you might consider to be a "proper" career that doesn't permit you to express your views, as you're not able to express yourself and are merely reporting on different people's stories. It was a jarring transition for me to develop my own voice and to show my personality. The process was definitely on the hill.

     How can you price your products or services in order to draw people who are in your same mindset, are eager to take a lesson from you and recognize the worth of the product or service you offer?

XayLi Barclay Typically, when we set our prices low, instances, we set prices low but the people who are investing can become overwhelmed- and that is an injustice to the person. You might think there'll be a significant amount of buyers if you set your price low, but chances are, you're getting overwhelmed people who aren't ready to take action.

I hired a business coach for my business in order to find out the amount I would earn that then determined the price in relation to the quantity. There are many creators who launch an online course for $7 to earn six figures off that course however they're not able to set a price. If you're a less experienced creator, you must know what your goals are in your company so that you can price according to your objectives.

If I provide 5 online courses for $1,000 each course, I'll earn $5,000 -- versus selling 500 classes for $10 each course. Imagine it in this manner. The procedure that I had to go through.

Watch The In Color 2023 episodes available for on-demand

There you go, an outline of the key information from the event that lasted for three hours created to help budding and experienced entrepreneurs with their business ideas in the creation economy. We invite you to dig further into those topics you were interested in.

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