Sunday, September 29, 2019

A Love Letter To The Over 40 Mompreneurs Out There

I see you out there, trying to hold it together while you’re making dinner and the kids are running through the house pulling each other’s hair.

You’re amazing.

I see you searching Pinterest for the next Instant Pot recipe and instead, you end up clicking on that ad for the fat-blasting squat challenge you want to start but probably won’t finish doing.

You’re amazing.

I see you getting excited about finally finding that other Elsa and Anna sock that your precious little princess has been looking for, and lovingly placing it on her pillow because you know how happy she’ll be.

You’re amazing.

I see you looking at yourself in the mirror, being your own worst critic about the extra wrinkles around your eyes, sagging boobs, and those extra pounds that never seem to come off.

You’re amazing.

I see you trying to find the time in the morning to meditate or do some yoga, but also put your makeup on in the car, because multi-tasking makes you feel like you’re Wonder Woman.

You’re amazing.

I see you sitting alone in the bathroom, having a good hard cry because your hormones just won’t let up and you don’t even care that your 3-year-old is knocking on the door to tell on his big sister for taking his toy.

You’re amazing.

I see you pouring yourself a glass of wine after a really long day, having a much-needed chat with your BFF, laughing about all the craziness that motherhood and marriage brings.

You’re amazing.

I see you writing that blog on a Sunday morning because your brain goes a million miles a minute and you just feel inspired to share your thoughts with your followers.

You’re amazing.

I see you traveling from one city to another for networking events, taking the opportunities to speak at events and offer your support to your new connections, even though you feel completely worn out and exhausted.

You’re amazing.

I see you sipping on that cup of coffee, grateful for the pick-me-up in the morning, because “girrrrrrl-friend”, the struggle is real.

You’re amazing.

I see you being hard on yourself because as much as you’re working, you don’t feel like it’s ever good enough and that vacation seems farther and farther away.

You’re amazing.

I see you getting into the chiropractor because your back is hurting you and you really want to start a couch to 5k program because those morning walks make all the difference in your day.

You’re amazing.

I see you hosting webinars and having sales calls to take on new clients. I see you getting burned by people who don’t “see the value in what you’re doing”, and I see you changing peoples lives because they’re so inspired by you.

You’re amazing.

I see you wanting a day to yourself, but as you try to plan it out you feel guilty because your husband needs you, the kids need you, or your clients need you.

You’re amazing.

I see you doing homework with your elementary school kid while the little one wants to climb all over you because your attention is always needed by everyone…all the time.

You’re amazing.

I see you making time for everyone else but forgetting about the most important person.

You.

You’re amazing.

To myself….and to every other over 40 mommy entrepreneur out there who’s working her tail off to be everything to everyone…

I see you.

You’re amazing.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

5 Mistakes To Avoid On Facebook

Facebook is the #1 social media platform globally, and while the algorithm seems to be “incredibly touchy” these days, let’s just remember that it’s artificial intelligence and the only person that owns it is Mark Zuckerberg.

That said, we are playing in someone else’s sandbox, so let’s be sure we are playing by rules, not only to avoid being kicked off the platform but also to allow ourselves to be seen more.

Organic reach still exists, I promise. So here are 5 things you should absolutely avoid in order to get your content more visible and not just look like a “Spammy McSmammerson”.

  1. Don’t just share posts into groups. When you want to share a Facebook Live post or article into a group, don’t just share it. Create a post talking about the post or article and why you find it valuable, then put the link for it in the 1st comment. This is true for those of you who run your own groups or are a member of a group. Group owners, this is no good for your organic reach. Set ground rules for your community and let your moderators help you remove the people who don’t abide by them. My good friend Arne Giske is the authority on running a profitable Facebook Group, by the way. He and his business partner Matt Staton created an awesome system that automates adding your group members to your email list. I highly recommend this to work smarter, not harder.
  2. No more bad words. Avoid using the words, “Like, comment, share, and tag” in your videos or posts. Facebook is pulling the audio as well as the text and clickbait or engagement bait or a big no-no. Instead, use language like “let me know below”, “please feel free to provide your feedback”, “smash that heart button”, “invite your friends to join us live”, or “if you’re enjoying this video, please feel free to push me out to your network”. We are still saying the same thing, just a little differently and allowing our audience to make their own minds about it.
  3. Avoid the negative. There’s a bunch of negativity out there. If possible, avoid interacting on posts or Lives that prompt negativity. Participating in negative posts prompts aggression and anger, and unnecessary anxiety. Don’t let others trigger you. If you do a Facebook Live video that suggests negativity or aggression, you may possibly get banned from the platform. Again, not my rules but if you want this to be a place where the AI is in your favor, play nice and enjoy the benefits of free marketing.
  4. Lay Off The “Look At Me” stuff. “Look at me” posts and videos are getting seriously overplayed and over scrolled. You can bring attention to what you’re doing by sharing valuable information. Instead of just talking about yourself, share a lesson you’ve learned or go Facebook Live and teach your audience. When you educate, entertain, or enlighten people with things that matter to them, they’ll pay much more attention than when you just talk about yourself all the time.
  5. Don’t Steal Other People’s Content. If you see a Facebook Live that you love and that’s gotten a bunch of engagement on it…don’t just copy the content and use it for yourself. That’s a quick way to get people raising a brow at you as a “troll”. It’s very easy to get confused on this one, but integrity goes a long way. Share the video as a post on your page and give your own feedback on it or do a Facebook Live with your own twist to the content, giving credit where credit it due. I’m constantly inspired by other people from their Facebook lives, podcasts, or blogs…and if I cover the content on it, I give credit. Not only will the podcast hosts appreciate that, but you’ll look like a champ to your audience, earning their trust and respect.

Seems pretty simple, right? Remember this blog when you see people doing things that make you cringe. Oh, and be sure to check out my full Survival Guide for Facebook Lives.

Don’t forget to Press Live With Purpose™.

~Leto, Out.

Friday, August 9, 2019

How To Convert The Written Word Into Cash – An Interview With Copyslayer Tori Reid

This is a real treat, ladies and gentlemen. Getting a chance to connect with Tori Reid a few years ago was such an honor and privilege. She’s lovely, brilliant, funny, and an absolute master at her craft.

Tori Reid is a Copywriter & Content Marketing Expert who does things a little differently. With 8 years under her belt and experience with Huffington Post, Startup Nation, Lifehacker, and more, she understands that getting to the core of what makes great creators has little to do with tactics and more to do with mindset, psychology, and purpose.

I interviewed her via a Facebook Live a couple of years ago and felt it was about time I got the “still very relevant information” episode onto The Expert Connection podcast. Enjoy.