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Imagine in Color 2023"Head of Table"

Nov 19, 2023

The Think In Color 2023 event has been officially closed! We're thrilled and thankful for the opportunity to be in our line-up of amazing women as and BIPOC makers and pioneers of this field. We're hoping that, at the time you've finished the conference you were encouraged by our speakers' stories and gained insight into how you can build an online community that is strong and powerful, expand your offerings of services and increase the size of your business addition to other aspects.

Though many different topics were discussed at the conference We've tried our best to bring the highlights to the attention of. Find out more about the most important points we learned from each of the speakers.

Skip ahead:

     Creating Cozy & Collaborative Virtual Communities    

Cicely Blain the Anti-Racism Specialist, Founder and CEO Bakau Consulting. Bakau Consulting

The session's description is that, even though remote working was a reality before COVID-19, the pandemic intensified the necessity for businesses to transition to remote locations. Then, businesses who wanted to keep a close relationship with their clients set up groups where the same-minded customers can benefit by and help each other. However, it can be hard to make an online community as intimate as one that is physically.

In this talk, Cicely Blain shares their story of how they built their online community called Living Room. They discussed how they created an inviting and cozy atmosphere on the internet by creating inclusive and secure communities that use technology to meet the requirements of people.

 Key takeaways:

 Learn the name of your client and what they're seeking.

Before establishing Living Room, Cicely had identify the audience they wanted to develop a digital experience for. Because their work is rooted in anti-racism and anti-oppression Cicely was aware that the community would mostly focus on individuals such as DEI experts, consultants and HR professionals performing similar work.

Then, Cicely had to figure out what they really wanted.

"I considered"What is this group of people want, especially in this moment of change, when many things change and are being identified by various terms?

     People are certainly looking for the sense of community, belonging, and connections in moments of loneliness. The people are also searching for sources and are eager to learn."

Your website should be user-friendly site.

The most effective way to get people to sign up to your community online is to offer them something that they are able to connect with. For Cicely the thing that was relatable was their living area. They wanted to replicate the exact comfortable and warm feeling that the actual space they lived in offered them.

     "I wondered, "What is it that I'd like people to feel when they come into this area? Then I thought, "Well I'd love people to feel exactly how they feel as they step into an atmosphere that is comfortable and warm and welcoming. I wanted people to feel at ease, calm as well as assured, at ease and respected."

Cicely imbibes this vibe all over the globe through:

  • Each meeting begins with a 10-minute reflection. Facilitators ask simple question on screen in order to encourage the participants to conduct some internal reflection.
  • Soft, soft R&B-inspired playlists to help listeners relax and get comfortable with the call.
  • Each phone call should be treated like you're having a casual conversation with the most intimate individuals. While recording videos for their online courses, Cicely might be doing her makeup, or brewing a cup of tea at the table.

offer a range of options users of the community to get the information they need

Even though people who belong to an online community tend to be people with similar interests, they may differ in their needs, in terms of strengths and weak points. In your business, you'll have to discover different ways in that you are in a position to satisfy the demands of your community members, regardless of the different needs.

With Living Room, Cicely met the needs of their members by providing:

  • Engaging in different manners (e.g. Chat forums, online conversations or online course that is comprehensive and so on. );
  • Define common values and guidelines for the community;
  • allowing people to dress in their own authentic clothes;
  • Removing unnecessary stressors, like the time limit and agendas for meetings;
  • Consider accessibility requirements (e.g. disability, neurodivergence) and many other.

Funds in the Funnel: how to maximize revenue using the Funnel which is focused at customers.

Ellie Diop, Content & Finance Coach for Ellievated Academy

Description of the session: In order to build your business to be successful, there must be people who are willing to either purchase your product or utilize the benefits of your products. Many companies make the error of creating content that their ideal customers would want instead of what their customers want. In this talk, Ellie explains how you will grow your business and maximize sales by creating an effective funnel to attract the ideal clients and responds to their needs and desires.

The most important takeaways are:

HTML1 Every piece of content has the potential to be used.

A funnel that is focused on the client could be defined as making the connection between your customers. The most effective way to achieve this is to provide content that is helpful, appropriate and beneficial for them. A funnel that is focused on the customer has five phases:

  • Awareness
  • Discovery
  • Consideration
  • Conversion
  • Retention, relationship and REPEAT

In regards to the value of producing material, Ellie states, "Every piece of content you create is a member in your team selling. Therefore, whatever you published three months ago is still working to move people down this process... Be sure that you are on time and using the same style makes it easier for your customers to understand in order to assist them along the funnel."

The brand you want to define

If you aren't familiar with those your services and products will be aimed at, there's not a way anyone will purchase from or hire you. When you are creating an online funnel, it is essential establish the primary purpose and mission of your company by beginning with your ideal customers. Consider:

  • Who do I serve?
  • What can I do to help them with their problem?
  • What do I need to accomplish?

These questions are the base of every business decision. Ellie suggests a basic template you can use to help [YOUR AUDIENCE] achieve meet goals with respect to [YOUR Product/Service]

Through her own experiences in growing her business Ellie states, "For me, it might be that I help women to build profitable businesses through providing them with strategy as well as financial methods '... At one time I kept this information in an old post-it placed in the corner. Therefore, when I was deciding to make a video I remembered whom I had been talking to. "

Create your own social media following

Social media is among the most effective ways to create the brand's reputation and driving leads for your company. The results are so good that the majority of clients will go to your brand's Instagram profile (or your other social media profiles) prior to visiting your site.

So, it's important to put in the time (and maybe even cash) to the content you post on social media to boost its reach. The best way to accomplish it is:

  • Making engaging, educational and sharing-friendly video content (especially video)
  • Payment for advertisements
  • Collaboration with influencers who have an audience similar to you

 Use lead magnets to grow your email list

When you're making content, it's your aim to bring most people who aren't on social media to your mailing list. When you sign-up people to your mailing list will have the chance to engage directly with them, this is superior to if they stumble across your videos and content as they browse through Instagram or X (formerly Twitter). That's where lead magnets can be useful.

With lead magnets you're giving out value for free in order to obtain contact details of the people you're contacting (usually their email and name). address). Additionally, you can solicit additional details as well. When she first started her business, Ellie provided free one-on-one training clients for testimonials. Ellie used these testimonials to create her first batch of customers who had paid.

     "You've got to consider, 'What is an aspect that I could provide great free value that'll inspire people? Create that the primary reason to attract customers. (In my business) I've just introduced a brand new method of marketing where instead of directing you directly towards a product, we instead push clients to avail a complimentary offer such as the free masterclass. We then sell the offer in the backend. The results have been great."

Keeping customers already present is less difficult than acquiring new ones

Each new lead you receive every lead you get You must follow the process of guiding them through the sales funnel. It is much more difficult than convincing an existing customer to keep coming back. So, concentrate on keeping of your customers on the same or even not more, than acquiring clients.

In order to keep your customers in mind, here are some suggestions to remember:

  • Support your customers with high-quality service
  • Survey customers and conduct surveys for information and feedback
  • Find testimonials from satisfied customers (offer incentives, should it be it is possible)
  • Make a secondary offer to fill market gaps

In creating the new offer, Ellie shares, "I have my first credit from a business courses for only $15. After that, I began hearing feedback from my customers about the things they'll need in the future. That led me to develop Business Credit, which is Business Credit revamped. Then I developed an entire Business Credit masterclass, and later the complete bundle. It turned out that a majority of the people who bought the first bundle purchased the second in order to complete all the pieces that were missing. After that, they bought the third because they were getting better at their job and needed more."

The Growth of Both B2C as well as B2B Businesses to create multiple revenue streams

Jessica Chen, Global Chief Executive Officer and Communication Expert of Soulcast Media

Description of the event: Businesses, typically are based on three main elements that affect their revenue and sales: their products/services and the information they use to describe their offerings and services as well as the platforms they use to distribute the content. In this talk, Jessica discusses the power of LinkedIn for helping companies communicate with both their clients (B2C) and to companies of other kinds (B2B) and the ways you can create content that is relevant to both types of audiences and how you can improve the range of services you offer to suit both groups.

LinkedIn is an efficient way to share content on LinkedIn and increase your profile.

Although many professionals and entrepreneurs are on LinkedIn however, they don't think of it as a tool that can help increase your visibility and sharing of content. Instead, they see it as a platform to update resumes, find jobs, and making connections with people who you already know.

In actual fact, LinkedIn is a social media platform like Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter), and ought to be treated the same manner. The only difference is in the type of content you share.

On LinkedIn's appeal, Jessica says, "The benefit of the platform is this: You're reaching an people who are at a point of personal development and an desire to improve. "

Jessica will also share her story from speaking about her experience being a journalist throughout the year of 2018 to becoming a accredited Top Voice and a LinkedIn instructor within five years. Jessica says this is due to her regular publishing on LinkedIn as well as connecting to a variety of users who could profit by her expertise to help people improve their communication skills.

Change your messages to meet the needs of both B2C and B2B audiences

A lot of business owners think that they'll only be able to get noticed when their contents are targeted towards individual consumers. But this isn't the case.

The power of LinkedIn is the fact that it allows users to modify the message in a way that is customized to B2B and B2C groups. Your offer doesn't need to change, but changing your language used to describe your business can increase the exposure of your enterprise and help you attract individual consumers and businesses.

"I realize that if I'm trying to communicate with my B2C audience I will use words like "you," "your," Have you ever thought of it? ...?'" says Jessica. "My communication style is clear, so those who read the content feels as if they're reading an intimate message," says Jessica.

     "[With the audience being B2B], instead referring to 'you' or "your", I'm structuring my presentation by using phrases like "the team" and 'the organization'. It's more positive and [less personal]."

Be known as a thought leader in order to reach B2B customers.

As opposed to an individual client who is just looking for an excellent product, B2B audiences require proof that you're the real deal. To attract the attention of B2B customers, you'll have to position your self as an authority or thought-leader within your area regardless of whether or not your product is primarily targeted at B2C customers.

In the case of photography, you are able to make and promote a photography course for your B2C customers. But, to get B2B leads, you may create thought-leadership content working within the realm of art or about building a business as an artist. Additionally, if you're offering 1-on-1 workshops that teach individuals how to increase their productivity and efficient, you could appeal to B2B customers by writing posts on how to increase productivity in workplaces.

This means you'll have the ability to shift into selling B2C products like e-courses or 1-on-1 classes to offering talks and workshops.

Building a Personal Brand that is Visible by using video

XayLi Barclay professional and Visual Content Coach for Start Shoot Expand

Session Description: If you're the manager of your own business, it can be difficult to feel unnoticed particularly if you operate in a saturated marketplace or a highly competitive industry. The best way to overcome this is by creating a brand image for yourself through videos that are shorter, be it TikTok clips and Instagram Reels, or longer-form YouTube videos. In this presentation, XayLi explains how you could use videos to advertise your online course, generate sales, and solidify your image in the minds of your clients.

It's not that difficult in order to begin.

If you are creating the first video, or are launching the first live stream, there's no need for your video to be flawless. You can start by using the footage you've got. At first, the viewers forgive your video quality and poor editing skills as they understand that as time passes, you'll become more proficient.

XayLi herself began with her laptop, simple white backdrop along with an LED light bulb which is run-off-the-mill.

"This was when I got my first lesson getting approached to become an expert in the field," she declares. "I didn't wait till I could create the newsroom in my first class to instruct the public. I took my resources since I was aware of the message I wanted to convey did not revolve around just how beautiful your setup might be.

Nowadays, I have a fully house studio that is fully integrated. However I'm still in the same place which I first started years back. "

Get more resources as you advance

As you get more visibility with your videos and begin to earn money you can begin building up your collection and improve your equipment for video. You can, for instance invest in a higher-quality webcam or camera as well as a tripod stand (worth between $500 and $1,000) as well as a green-screen as well as the eCamm Live and a teleprompter software, as well as an Adobe Premiere subscription for editing.

In a discussion about upgrade of equipment and sets, XayLi explains, "[At this point] there are several camera angles to choose from and the list goes on. You should start investing into these things because you're making money. We [often] think that it's important to appear attractive before earning money. No. You must get your hands on the market and after that you will get the cash."

If you are able to earn enough money, it is possible to outsource your editing, recording and distribution to freelancers or an internal group.

Focus on one thing at a moment

The common perception is that you should do everything in order to expand the reach of your enterprise: publish on all platforms, take advantage of every trend, and discuss many subjects. It's not necessarily the case. The best approach is to focus on one aspect at a time as you build your own unique image. This not only reduces from burning out and taking up too much time, it also let your viewers know what to anticipate from you each time you create the video.

According to XayLi Barclay's "Rule of 5 Ones", here are the five factors to take into consideration in determining your digital plan of action:

  • One product or service
  • One market that is worth targeting
  • One lead converter tool
  • One of the main source of traffic
  • One goal of business

Memberships -- The Good, The Bad The Ugly And The Ugly

Teri Ijeoma, the founder of Trade & Travel

Summary of session: If implemented correctly, memberships are an excellent way for companies to establish deeper relationships to their customers in addition to generating additional income. Teri Ijeoma developed the membership system she developed to support Trade & Travel and she now has over 35,000 people in her courses and 185,000 members on her email list. In this presentation, Teri shares the benefits of establishing a membership system and offers a step-by -step tutorial of how businesses can to establish and manage memberships in the most efficient way.

Know when it's the right time to transition from a free group to a membership fee model

If you're not the most well-known business, then you'll need to begin your membership program by providing value for free. Teri launched her membership program by creating a Facebook group Facebook that was free. However, when you begin to build your own group, you'll need to know the right time to change from a community that is free into a membership program that's paid.

Below are indicators you should be looking for prior to beginning your turn:

  • Your organization is growing in size, yet the members pay just one time for the service that you provide, in contrast the cost of any other advantages your organization offers, e.g. year-long customer support, etc.
  • Members of the group start their own groups or meetings, which makes it harder to control the group's administrative tasks.
  • Moderators of groups are employed as coaches to offer consulting to members of the group and do not generate any additional earnings from group members.

Your membership program is a product by its own

A lot of companies that offer online courses also provide membership programs as an add-on for their classes. A membership program can be an efficient method to make your class more appealing, however it must be considered as a full product, not as an added-on.

In an interview with Teri concerning the benefits of her Trade & Travel membership, Teri says "In early on I was of the opinion that it was an extension of my education. That's not true -- it's a service that is a service on its own. It needs its own staff, promotions and marketing plan... It's better to view it as an real service."

Be sure to be conscious of your price

When you are transitioning between a group that is free to a paid-membership model, think about your goal to earn money and then set the price to meet your goal. At this point, it's easy to set the price low to attract more people. But if you're sure that your program's packed with top quality, you shouldn't be reluctant to set a higher price for the program.

If, for instance, your goal is to make $10,000 each month, it's more beneficial to have 500 people pay $200 a month rather than getting 1000 customers who pay $100 per month. Actually, the more costly your expenses are, the less potential customers will sign up. This means that you'll hit your income goals sooner, and you'll are able to manage the system.

The Head of the Discussion Panel the Table

Diandra Marizet, (Host) The Director of Executive and Co-founder of Intersectional Environmentalist

Session description: This panel discussion will include speakers Cicely, Ellie, Jessica and XayLi sharing their perspectives on the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the world of business, and the difficulties women as well as BIPOC business owners confront as they participate in the economy of creators, and how they can determine the right price for their product ethically in the capitalist market.

Here are a few of the poignant questions as well as the responses to this debate:

     Women who are entrepreneurs of color have an income for the first time. What challenges, emerging issues and opportunities do they have?

Ellie Diop: Just like you've suffered from poverty trauma, there's the same trauma that comes with wealth. If you're among the few in your family to own an e-commerce or a 7-figure business, there aren't any examples for you to emulate. It's difficult to get people used to discussing money, particularly for those of a different race earning more than the vast majority of people do throughout their lives.

As an example, after I made my first million, I was anxious to move out of my mother's home. I didn't want to spend the money since I wasn't sure what I would do in the event that I had to forfeit it. It was also a bit scary of telling my family members because I was concerned that they might think different of my character.

One thing I'd like to see more of are places for collaboration like these that take away the stigmas and declare "Hey What's happening? If you're anxious about earning cash, or how you'll do with the money Don't be shy to express your opinions". The stigma of this is a reason many people earn lots of money, and then return to where they began.

     In the business world, frequently it is necessary to blend, code-switch, remain silent, or put some aspects of our lives off. Sometimes, people don't believe that we are part of the concept of professionalism. What has that experience taught you about how you serve the community? And how can you incorporate that into your job as a DEI professional? DEI professional?

Cicely Blain: In the model we've been taught, we observe the same kind of person in television, media as well as social media, and also when certain internet creators gain traction, and other creators are pushed out from the spotlight, it's simple to think that you have be a particular way of being and speaking.

If you are able to locate a space where you are seen for what you really are by the people around you and your leaders (even in the event that they don't share the same experiences that they do) it's a great feeling. But, even though there's increasing representation and opportunities that are readily accessible, there's a double norm regarding how individuals show up. It's not uncommon for us to believe that there are two different standards (even even though they may not be the case) and this can cause us to be disadvantaged.

For example, on TikTok, many people don't look well-dressed and polished all the time. It's not a bad thing, but, I believe that this chance is available to a select few as they have a higher expectation from others and the manner they appear.

What happens when you realize that your current direction is not in line with where you're willing to travel and the direction your passion can be you make the choice for a transition into full-time business ownership?

Jessica Chen: All of us reach a stage in time reach where you realize that the aim you set out to achieve is accomplished, and we're prepared to embark on a new adventure. In my case, I was in a great career that I enjoyed But after ten years of work in the same field, I realized there was something else to give. I've always been one which has my own path. So I thought about how I could teach the skills I've learned.

I started out in the world of journalism, which could say is an "proper" career that doesn't allow you to share your opinions, you aren't able to express your own thoughts, you're sharing stories of other people. It was quite a traumatic change for me to find my own voice, and show my individual fashion. It was certainly a learning steeple.

     How do you best to market your goods or services in order so you are able to attract clients that share your ideals, are eager to gain information from you, and appreciate the value of the products or services you provide?

XayLi The Barclay Group: Lots often, we make prices at a low level and overburden those who are investingwhich is not good for investors. It's tempting to believe that you'll draw a large number of buyers if you set prices that are low. But, the likelihood is that there are people in your area who aren't ready to act.

I hired a business coach to figure out the amount I could make as well as to determine my prices according to volume. Many creators launch an online course for $7 and then make 6-figures out of their product, but they don't have enough customers. If you're a new creator, you must be aware of the things you'd like to accomplish in an enterprise so that you are able to set your price based on what you want to achieve.

If I can offer five online courses for $1,000 each course, I'll earn $5,000 -- versus giving 500 courses for the price of $10 per course. Imagine it in this manner. That's the process I had to go through.

Watch Imagine In Color 2023 session online for immediate access

This is the inside scoop and a summary of the key details from the three-hour long event created for both budding and veteran entrepreneurs within the creator economy. We urge you to go more deeply into the subjects that caught your interest.

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