Creative news

Think in the color of 2023"Head of the Table"

Nov 19, 2023

The Think In Color 2023 has officially ended! We're thankful and pleased to have had the chance to listen women who are outstanding speakers as well as BIPOC creatives and innovative people in the industry. We hope that, by the end of the evening you were encouraged by the experiences of our panelists and learned how you can create an effective virtual community. broaden your service offerings and increase the size of your company as well as other areas.

Although many topics were addressed at the conference we've tried to present the best of them to the notice of. Find out what we learnt from each speaker.

Skip ahead:

     Creating Cozy & Collaborative Virtual Communities    

Cicely Blain Anti-racism Specialist and Founder of Bakau Consulting

The session's description: While remote work existed prior to COVID-19, the epidemic intensified the need for businesses transitioning to a more virtual place. As a result, those seeking to keep an intimate relationship with their customers set groups on the internet where similar people can learn from and support one another. However, it can be difficult to build an online community that is as intimate as one that is physically.

In this video, Cicely Blain shares their experience building their virtual community, called Living Room. The group discussed the process of creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in the world of digital by creating inclusive and secure communities, and using digital tools to meet people's needs.

HTML1 Principal lessons

Be aware of who your target audience is and what they're searching to find.

Before creating Living Room, Cicely had decide who they wanted to create a digital space to. Because their efforts have origins in fighting discrimination and racism, Cicely was aware that this community was mostly targeted towards people such as DEI consultants, experts and HR professionals who do similar things.

Following, Cicely had to figure out what she really wanted.

"I was contemplating about"What is it that these individuals are seeking specifically in these important moments when so many things change and are guided by various names?

     The people are clearly looking for connection, a feeling of connection, solidarity, and cohesion when they experience a feeling of isolation. They're also seeking out sources and are eager to gain understanding."

HTML0Be an audience-friendly website.

The best way to get new members into your community is to provide them with something they are able to relate to. For Cicely the thing that was relatable was their living area. They sought to replicate the like cozy, comfortable and warm environment that their living room provided them with.

     "I thought, "What is it that I want people to feel as they enter the space? and I thought, "hey I'd like them to feel the exact same way they feel as they enter an atmosphere that's cozy and warm, and inviting. I wanted them to feel at ease, content, secure in their lives, connected and valued."

Cicely infuses this energy into the local community through:

  • The beginning of every virtual conference starts by giving an interval of 10 minutes to reflect. They ask a simple questions on the screen to allow participants to reflect on their own.
  • Playing a soft R&B-inspired playlist that allows listeners to relax and relax during calling.
  • Every phone call should be treated as if they're having fun with their closest buddies. While filming video clips to be used in online classes, Cicely may be working on her makeup or making an iced tea on the table.

Offer a number of options for community users to obtain the data they need

While the participants of the community virtual are generally like each other however, they'll have different requirements as well as strengths and weaknesses. In the business world you'll have to come up with different strategies to meet the demands of your members despite their differences.

Through the Living Room, Cicely met the requirements of the community with:

  • Providing different forms of engagement (e.g. online chat rooms, in-person discussions complete online classes etc. );
  • Attributing values to the community and setting guidelines;
  • Allowing people to show in their authentic selves;
  • Removing unnecessary stress like scheduling meetings and time limitations;
  • Consider accessibility requirements (e.g. disabilities and neurodivergence) such as neurodivergence, disabilities, etc.

Funds in the Funnel How To Maximize Sales With an affixed funnel that is geared towards the needs of customers.

Ellie Diop, Content and Finance Coach at Ellievated Academy

Description of the session: For your business's success, it's essential for customers to make a purchase or engage the services you offer. However, many companies make the mistake of making contents that they believe their perfect customer wants and does not reflect what their customers actually require. In this talk, Ellie explains how you can increase your sales and improve sales through creating an online funnel that appeals to the most desirable customer, and meets the needs and desires of their customers.

 The main takeaways

HTML1 Every item of content is vital.

The process of creating a funnel that is focused on your clients will assist you in create a connection with your customers. One of the most efficient ways to do this is to develop information that is useful, relevant and useful to your customers. A funnel created to be customer-focused comprises five phases:

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

Concerning the significance of creating material, Ellie declares, "Every piece of content you write will be an essential element of your sales team. Therefore, whatever you published just three months ago, is performing the task of helping users navigate through the sales process... The fact that you're there each day with a consistent sound makes something easy for the customer to understand and assist them in navigating the funnel."

The brand you want to define

If you're not familiar with those who your services or products cater to people, no one is likely to buy from them, or even hire them. Before you create a funnel for your website, it is essential to clarify your brand's mission and purpose, starting with your target customers. It is possible to ask yourself:

  • Who do I serve?
  • What can I do? What could I do? them solve?
  • What should I do?

Answers to these questions form the basis of business decisions you make. Ellie offers a straightforward model to help the"YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE" reach their goals by the use of [YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE]

Drawing on her experience building her business Ellie declares, "For me, it could be "I help women create successful businesses by giving them strategies and funding strategies. '... For a long time I kept this info in a notepad in a corner. This way, every time I wanted to record videos, I could identify whom I was speaking to. "

Make your social media profile

Social media has been deemed to be one of the most effective digital methods for establishing the brand's image and driving leads for your business. It's so effective that most users will browse the pages of your company's Instagram profile (or any of your social media platforms) before they visit your site.

So, it's important to dedicate effort (and maybe even some the money) on your posts for social media, in order to increase its visibility. The most effective way to achieve this is:

  • creating engaging, educational and share-friendly multimedia (especially videos)
  • Paying for ads
  • Collaboration with influencers with the same market that you

 Use lead magnets to expand your email database

When you're making videos or content, you want to get the maximum number of people who aren't using social media into your email list. If people sign up to your list of email subscribers, they give you the chance to communicate directly with them and is much more efficient rather than just hoping they bump into your content and videos as they scroll through Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). These lead magnets come in handy.

In the ideal scenario, when you use lead magnets you're providing something in exchange for contact information (usually the name of the person and their email address). However, you may solicit other details as well. At the beginning of her business, Ellie offered free 1-on-1 sessions to clients who were eager to share their experiences. They were used to gain her first group of paying customers.

     "You've to think about the query "What's an area in which I can provide high-quality free solutions that get someone excited?' You should make that your main reason for offering. My company have recently implemented a change in which instead of pushing the customer directly towards a particular product, we direct customers to take advantage of a complimentary offer like the masterclass for free. Then we sell on the backend. We have had great results."

 The process of maintaining existing customers is easier than finding new customers

When you receive a new lead, receive, you begin the procedure of guiding your leads through your sales funnel. This is much more challenging than convincing an existing client to make a purchase once more. Therefore, you should focus on keeping your customers the same or more than acquisition.

In order to keep your customers on your list, here are a few steps to take:

  • Offer high-end customer care
  • Utilize surveys from customers to gather feedback
  • Get testimonials from customers who are satisfied (offer incentive programs, when you are able to)
  • Make a fresh offering which can help fill in any gap on the market

On creating a new offer, Ellie shares, "I created my first credit card for a business courses for only 15 dollars. Then I started hearing the opinions of my customers on what theyrequire in the future. The result was my Business Credit overhauled. After that, I developed my Business Credit masterclass, and then, I created the complete collection. The result was that a majority of those who bought the first purchased the second to complete the missing parts. After that, they bought the third because they were advanced in their knowledge that they needed to know additional."

Expanding B2C and B2B Multi-Revenue Business Streams

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

Description of the presentation: Businesses, generally speaking, have three main revenue and sales factors which are the items or services they offer, the material they write to promote the products or services they offer as well as the channels they use to share that content the channels they share that content. In this talk, Jessica discusses the power of LinkedIn for helping businesses to connect with their customers (B2C) as well as other companies (B2B) What can you do to develop material that is appealing to both groups of customers and how to expand the variety of products and services that you provide to each of them.

LinkedIn is an effective means to publish content on LinkedIn to boost your profile

Although many professionals and business owners are on LinkedIn but they do not consider LinkedIn as a platform where you increase your exposure and post content. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to revise resumes, discover employment opportunities and communicate with their friends and acquaintances.

In real life, LinkedIn is a social media platform similar to Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter), and ought to be treated the same way. There is only one difference that is the kind of content you share.

Regarding the popularity of LinkedIn, Jessica says, "The attraction of LinkedIn is the fact that it has an audience who are at a stage that is focused on the development of their careers and want to improve their skills. "

Jessica will also talk about her experience as a journalist throughout the year of 2018 and to being a certified top Voice and a LinkedIn instructor within five years. Jessica says this is due to her regular posting to LinkedIn and also engaging with various people who can benefit from her services of aiding others to improve their methods of communication.

Modify your message to accommodate both B2C as as B2B audiences

Many business owners think that they'll only be seen when the content they create is targeted to specific consumers. It's not the case.

The strength of LinkedIn is its ability to allow users to alter the way they communicate so that it can be tailored to B2C and B2B customers. Your content does not require any changes, however shifting the way in which you talk about your company will increase its visibility and make it easier to attract individuals and businesses.

"I am aware that in order to talk to my B2C audience, I use language like "you," "your" Did you ever think about this? ...?'""you"?" "You?" asks Jessica. "My communication style is very direct, and anyone who reads my material has the impression that they are receiving a personal message.

     "[With the B2B marketInstead of saying 'you' or 'your", I'm now structuring my presentation by using terms like "the team' and 'the organisation'. This is more optimistic and less personal."

 Create a reputation as an thought-leader for B2B clients.

Unlike individual customers who only need a high-quality product B2B customers want to make sure they're purchasing from high-end brands. To attract the attention of B2B customers, you need to position your self as an authority or the thought-leader in your industry even if your offering is primarily targeted at B2C consumers.

If, for example, you're an artist, then you might develop and offer an online course on photography for the B2C market. To get B2B prospects they can read articles that offer thought-provoking content on being an artist or about establishing a company by being an artist. If you run one-on-one seminars that teach people how to be more productive and productive, you can attract B2B audience members by publishing content about improving productivity in the work place.

So, you are able to begin selling B2C services like 1-on-one courses, e-courses and even offering events and speaking opportunities.

Crafting a Visible personal brand using videos

XayLi Barclay a experienced and skilled Visual Content Coach for Start Shoot Grow

Session Description as a business manager, it can be difficult to feel like you're not noticed particularly if you're operating within a competitive market or in a crowded industry. It is possible to combat this by building your personal reputation through video content whether it's small TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, or lengthy YouTube videos. In this talk, XayLi explains how you can use video content to advertise your course online, increase sales, and build your reputation with people who purchase from you.

It doesn't take much in order to begin.

In the case of your first livestream or doing your debut livestream, you do not have to be perfect. Start with the footage you have. At first, the viewers will accept the quality of your videos and editing skills as they understand that over time, they will improve.

XayLi herself started using her laptop, an easy white backdrop, as well as a ring light that was ripped from the mill.

"This is which I began my journey, even when approached me as an expert" she says. "I was eager to established my newsroom in my first lecture to share with the public. I used my resources since I was aware that what I had to say was not just about how stunning the set can look.

Now I'm using a built-in studio in my home However it's my studio was where I first began a few years earlier. "

Get more resources as you grow

When you see more attention from your videos and generate revenues, it's the time to build the collection of your videos and upgrading the equipment you use for video. It is possible to, for example purchase a higher quality camera or webcam as well as a tripod stand (worth around $500-$1,000) and a green screen as well as the eCamm Live along with Teleprompter software and the Adobe Premiere subscription for editing.

Discussing upgrade options available in equipment and sets XayLi states, "[At this stage] there are a variety of camera angles and so on. It's time to put money into these things since you're earning money. Many of us believe that we must look attractive before earning income. No. You have to go an exchange, and after that you will receive the money."

If you are able to earn enough money, you can outsource your video editing edits, distribution, and even the recording process to freelancers or an internal team.

 Concentrate on a single object at a time

The common perception is that you need to be doing all the things to grow your business to be successful: publish on every platform, jump on any trend, and speak about various issues. However, this isn't always the case. You should focus only on one aspect one at a while as you build your own personal brand. This will not only stop your from becoming exhausted, but it also lets your viewers know what to look forward to each time you upload a video.

In accordance with XayLi Barclay's "Rule of 5 Ones" Here are five elements to consider when you are deciding on your digital strategy.

  • A single item or service
  • One possible market
  • One lead conversion tool
  • One main traffic source
  • One business goal

Memberships - Memberships - The Good, The Bad The Ugly The Ugly, and The Ugly

Teri Ijeoma who is the founder of Trade & Travel

Summary of session: If executed correctly, memberships can be the perfect way for firms to strengthen their relationships with their customers, as well as generating extra revenue. Teri Ijeoma developed an organization for memberships that concentrates on Trade & Travel and she now has over 35,000 people who are enrolled in her programs and 185,000 who are on her mailing list. In this talk, Teri shares the benefits from establishing a system for membership and discusses how organizations can set up and maintain memberships in the correct method.

Be aware of when you should transition from a free group to one that has a fee

If you're not the most famous business, it's likely that you'll be required to launch your membership plan by providing something for free. Teri launched her membership model through a group on Facebook that is free. But, as you build your circle, it's important to know when to transition from a free community into a paid-membership model.

These are indications to look out for before turning a corner:

  • The company you're working with is growing in size, but the members pay only one time to use your services rather than being charged for extra benefits that the group provides, e.g. year-long customer support, etc.
  • Group members start with their own meetings or sub-groups. This makes it difficult to supervise the administration of the group.
  • Moderators are being hired by the group and coaches who provide coaching for group members and no other revenue by your members.

HTML0 Your membership program is a service that is an item on its own

Some companies who offer online courses also offer membership plans as an add-on to their course. While a membership program is an effective method of making your courses more effective however it must be viewed as a complete product- not just an add-on.

In an interview on the advantages of the benefits of her Trade & Travel membership, Teri confesses that "In the beginning I was under the impression that it was an extension of my education. It's not the case -It's an entire product on its own. It needs its own staff, a promotion scheduling, and marketing program... it should be thinking about it as a real product."

Make sure you are aware of this when pricing

In the transition from a no-cost organization to one that is a member-based model think about your desired revenue and then set the price in line with your goal. At this stage, it's simple to set your price less to attract more customers. However, if you're confident the program is full of good quality, don't be afraid to charge a premium for it.

If, for instance, your goal is to make 10,000 per month, it's better for 500 people to agree to pay $200 per month instead of requiring 1000 individuals to make a contribution of $100 a month. The more expensive your cost is, the fewer people will be willing to sign up. Also, you'll be able to meet your income goals quicker, as well as finding it somewhat simpler to run your program.

Head of the Discussion Panel to the Table

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

The session's description: This panel discussion includes four panelists: Jessica Cicely, Ellie, Jessica Cicely, Jessica XayLi giving their thoughts on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of business. They will also talk about what issues women as well as BIPOC entrepreneurs face when they move into the economy of creation as well as the most effective way to price their products ethically in the market of capital.

Here are some of the more poignant and significant concerns and issues that are discussed in this debate:

     Women of color who are entrepreneurs are gaining economic stability for the first time. What new challenges, and opportunities do that bring?

Ellie Diop: Just like you've suffered from poverty and wealth trauma as well. If you're not the only person within your family who owns a 6- or seven-figure company, then there are examples for you to emulate. There's still a stigma around speaking about money, specifically for those from a different race earning much more than what most people can imagine in a lifetime.

As I earned the first million dollars I was afraid to get from the home that my mom lived in. I wasn't ready to commit to a home because I didn't know what I should do if it didn't go out of my reach. Also, I was hesitant to share the news with my family since I was afraid they'd see differently on my personality.

The one thing I'd love have more of is collaboration places like these that can remove the stigma and say "Hey What's happening? If you're stressed about making money, and what you should use your money for do not be afraid to talk about it". This stigma is the reason people make lots of money but then return to the place they started.

     In business environments, often you can be pushed to join, code-switch or be silent or put certain aspects of us aside. It is possible to not believe that we're part of the notion of professionalism. How did that experience affect how you serve your community and how do you incorporate that into your professional work? DEI professional? DEI professional?

Cicely Blain says: The media system we were raised in, we are able to see certain types of people represented in media, TV or social media and when certain online creators have a lot of traction, while others are banned from shadows and it's simple to imagine that you must adhere to a particular style of living as well as the manner in which you speak.

If you can find a place that you're recognized for the person you are with the other people in your vicinity and your people in authority (even even if they don't have the same experiences that you do), that's truly liberating. Even though the number of people represented is growing and opportunities are becoming more accessible, there's still two standards for the way people show in their lives. We tend to accept the two rules (even in the event that they cannot be accurate) which hinder us from meeting our objectives.

On TikTok there are a lot of people who don't appear always neat and dressed to the nines. While that's liberating but I'm of the belief that this is only a possibility to those who have a greater expectations for other people and the way they appear.

 What happens if you realize that the path you're on does not align with where you're willing to take and what you're passionate about, and decide to make the move of moving to full-time business ownership?

Jessica Chen: All of us reach a stage that it is clear that the dream you set out to achieve has been achieved and we're prepared to begin a fresh experience. In my situation I was working in a great career that I enjoyed, however after 10 years I was a bit dissatisfied that I didn't have more available. I've always been a kind of person with the capacity to choose my own path to career. So I thought about how I could share the knowledge I've learned.

My initial career was in the field of journalism. It that it's an "proper" profession where you can't share your thoughts, and you don't have a voice of your own as you're merely sharing the stories of other people. It was a jarring transition to begin creating my own voice and showing my own personal design. This was definitely a growing process.

     How do you set the price for your services or products to attract buyers who share the same interests looking to acquire knowledge about you and appreciate the worth of the product or service you are offering?

XayLi Barclay Says: A lot of the time we offer affordable prices but it can overpower those investing in the wrong way, causing harm to the individual. You might think that you'll draw a large number of clients by setting your prices very low. It's likely that you're attracting a lot of people who don't have the courage to take action.

I hired a coach for my company to determine what I can earn which then determined the prices I charge according to the volume. We see a lot of creators offering an online course for $7 and earn six figures with that course but they lack the volume. If you're a small-scale creator it is important to know what goals you have as a business in order to determine the price of your product in relation to the goals you have set.

If I can offer five online classes for $1,000 each course, I'll make $5,000. That's in contrast to providing 500 classes at the rate of $10 for each class. Consider it this way. It's what I needed to go through.

View the live sessions from Think in Color 2023 on-demand

And there you have it an overview of the most important insights from the three-hour-long event created for budding as well as established entrepreneurs working in the creation economy. We encourage you to dive deeper into the areas that have piqued your interest.

Article was posted on here