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A Color for 2023 The Head of the Table

Nov 19, 2023

Think In Color 2023 has officially been concluded! We're thankful and grateful for the chance to be part in the amazing lineup of females as well as BIPOC creatives and innovative people within the field. We'd like to think you'll come away from the evening you were encouraged by our panelists' journeys and gained knowledge on how to create a successful virtual community. expand your service offerings, diversify your organization and increase the reach of your business, among other things.

While a wide range of subjects were discussed throughout the event, we've done our best to share the most memorable moments with you. Find out the key points that we took away from each speaker.

Skip ahead:

     Creating Cozy & Collaborative Virtual Communities    

Cicely Blain, Anti-racism Consultant & Founder Bakau Consulting. Bakau Consulting

The session's description Although remote work was a reality prior to COVID-19, the epidemic increased the necessity for businesses moving to a virtual location. As a result, those who were looking to keep a tight connection with their clients chose to create groups with similar interests members who could learn from and help to help one another. It can, however, be difficult to create a group that is as tight-knit as a physical one.

In this video, Cicely Blain shares their journey to build their virtual community called Living Room. The group shared their method that they use to create an inviting and warm atmosphere inside a virtual world by creating inclusive and secure communities and utilizing digital tools to satisfy the requirements of their members.

The main takeaways include:

Know who your audience is and what they are looking for.

Before they launched Living Room, Cicely had determine who they wanted to develop an online community for. Since their mission is rooted in the fight against racism and oppression, Cicely was aware that the community was primarily geared toward people such as DEI experts and consultants, as well as HR professionals working on similar projects.

After that, Cicely had to figure out what she really wanted.

"I was thinking about what these people are looking for, particularly at this point of transformation where things are changing, and being referred to by different terms?

     Folks are definitely yearning for a sense of community as well as belonging, unity and bonds in the midst of being isolated. The people are also searching for help and seeking to improve their knowledge."

You should be an accessible website.

One of the most effective methods to get new members to your community is to provide them with something that they will be able to connect with. For Cicely the thing that was relatable was their living room. They tried to recreate the cozy and comfortable ambience that their personal home provided.

     "I was thinking "What are the feelings I'd like people to experience as they enter the space? Then I thought, It's a good idea for that people feel exactly that they experience as they step into an actual space. The space should feel comfortable, warm, and inviting. I wanted everyone to feel comfortable, relaxed, supported, connected, and respected."

Cicely inspires this energy to the entire world through:

  • The meeting begins by setting aside an additional 10 minutes to reflect. Facilitators ask a simple question on the screen for participants to take part in a reflection within themselves.
  • Playing a relaxing music mix based around R&B for listeners to relax and get comfortable with the call.
  • Approaching each call like you're having a conversation with their best friends. While they are filming videos to their online course, Cicely might be doing makeup or making an iced tea on the table.

Provide a variety of choices so that members can get what they require

Although members of a virtual community are ideally individuals with common preferences, they could have different requirements strength, weaknesses, and needs. In the business world you'll have to figure out various ways that you can satisfy the requirements of your members, regardless of their individuality.

With Living Room, Cicely met the requirements of its members by providing:

  • Engaging in various methods (e.g. chat forums, live discussions and online-based classes which provide complete information and so on. );
  • The concept of common values and community guidelines;
  • Lets people show up as their true selves;
  • Removing unnecessary stressors like deadlines and meeting agendas
  • Take note of accessibility issues (e.g. disability and neurodivergence) as well as other.

Fonds in the Funnel Maximizing sales using a funnel that is specifically designed for the client.

Ellie Diop, Content and Coach to Fund the Ellievated Academy

The description of the event: In order to build your business to be successful, there must be people who are willing to buy or benefit from your service. But, a lot of businesses make the mistake of creating content they think they would like their customers to want, instead of the actual needs of their clients. In this talk, Ellie explains how you can increase your revenues and improve profits by creating a funnel to attract the perfect buyer and addresses their desires and requirements.

HTML0 The main lessons learned are:

 Every single item of content is vital.

A funnel that is focused on the customer can be described as establishing an emotional connection with your customers. The best way to do this is to create content that is pertinent to them, useful, and valuable to your customers. A funnel that is designed to cater to the needs of customers has five steps:

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

In regards to the importance in creating content, Ellie declares, "Every item you produce constitutes a part of the sales team. So whatever you posted in the past 3 months is doing the job to move users along the funnel... Being consistent and presenting every day with a consistent manner creates a consistent tone that your clients can understand in order to assist them as they move through your funnel."

Your brand's definition

If you don't know whom your products or services are going to be sold to, no one will purchase from or employ your services. Thus, before creating a funnel, define your mission and purpose for your organization, starting with the ideal clients. You can ask yourself:

  • Who do I serve?
  • How can I assist them to in resolving their problems?
  • What do I need to know?

The responses to these questions are the basis of every business choice. Ellie suggests a template that can be used to help the [YOUR TARGET Audience] in achieving your objectives with the help of your product or service.

In her account of the growth of her company, Ellie shares, "For me, it is "I help women build profitable businesses by providing them with strategies and financing strategies. '... for an extended period of time, I wrote it on a notepad placed in the corner so every time I went to create a video I knew who I was talking about. "

 Make your social media followers

Social media has been deemed to be one of the most efficient online channels to increase brand awareness as well as creating leads for your business. The results are so good that people are likely to look through your company's Instagram profile (or the other social media websites) before going to your website.

So, it's important invest your time (and perhaps cash) on your content on social media in order to increase its visibility. The best way to achieve this is:

  • Producing engaging informational and shareable videos and other media (especially video)
  • Paying for ads
  • Working with influencers that have an identical target audience to you

Utilize lead magnets to build out your list of email addresses

While you're creating content you want to bring most users from social media on your email list. If people sign up to your list of email addresses, it offers an opportunity to interact directly with them. This is better rather than just hope that they will stumble across your content and videos while browsing Instagram or X (formerly Twitter). Lead magnets are where they are able to come in.

In the ideal scenario, when you use lead magnets, you're handing the product's value gratis in exchange for their details of contacts (usually their email and name address). There's also the option of asking for other things too. In the beginning of her business, Ellie offered free 1-on-1 sessions for clients to gather reviews. They used the reviews to get her first batch of clients that were willing to pay.

     "You've to think about, 'What is an area where I could provide an amazing free service that will draw people in? And make it your principal attraction. (In my own business) I recently made a change that instead of directing customers directly into a item rather, we push them into a complimentary offer which offers a masterclass free. We then sell at the back end. Our results have been fantastic."

 Maintaining customers who are already present is much easier than getting new customers

With each new lead that you receive each lead you receive and you have to implement a procedure for getting them into your sales funnel. It's more difficult than convincing an existing customer to return to you. So focus on customer retention equally and if not greater than acquisition.

To ensure that your customers are satisfied, here are some ways to go about it:

  • Offer high-quality customer support
  • Send surveys to customers in order to gather feedback
  • Seek out testimonials from happy customers (offer incentives programs, if it's feasible)
  • Develop a secondary product that can fill in the gaps of the market

When she created a fresh offer Ellie shares, "I made my first credit for business course at a cost of just 15 dollars. In the meantime I received comments from customers about what they would want to see in the next. This led me to create Business Credit, which is Business Credit revamped. In the following years, I came up with the Business Credit masterclass, and after that, the whole collection. It turned out that the majority of those who purchased the initial one bought the second to complete the gap. They then bought the third one because as they advanced in their knowledge, they needed more."

Growing B2C as well as B2B Businesses with Multiple Revenue Sources

Jessica Chen, Global Communication Expert and the CEO of Soulcast Media

Session description: Businesses, generally speaking, are comprised of three primary revenue and sales components: their products as well as the material they create to explain their services and products, as well as the channels through which they disseminate their information. In this session, Jessica discusses the power of LinkedIn for helping businesses connect to clients (B2C) and to other companies (B2B), how to create content that appeals to both audiences, and how to increase the number of products and products and services that you provide to each group.

LinkedIn is a powerful way to share content on LinkedIn and increase your visibility

Although many professional and business users are using LinkedIn however, they aren't looking at LinkedIn an avenue through which you increase your exposure and post material. Instead, they think of it as a platform to improve resumes, search for job opportunities, and connecting with people you know.

In actual fact, LinkedIn is a social media platform just like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), and it should be considered as such. There is only one difference that is the type of content that you publish.

Regarding the popularity of LinkedIn, Jessica says, "The appeal of LinkedIn is that you're reaching a particular set of users who are in a mind space of personal growth and desire to learn. "

Jessica is also available to discuss her experiences from talking about her experience as a journalist in 2018 before becoming a Top Voice and also a LinkedIn instructor within five years. Jessica attributes this to posting consistently on the platform and interacting with a broad range of people who can benefit from her expertise to assist people in improving their communicating techniques.

HTML0 Change your messages to fit both B2C as well as B2B viewers.

Many people believe that businesses will only be able to gain attention by limiting their offerings to customers who are just people. It's not true.

The power of LinkedIn is its ability for users to alter their messages so that they is tailored for B2B and B2C audiences. The content you offer does not need to be altered, however changing the way you define your business can boost your exposure and help you attract business and individual customers.

"I discovered that when I'm trying to communicate to my B2C clients, I like using words such as "you," "your" Have you considered the idea? ...?'" Says Jessica. "My statements are clear, which means that anyone who reads my words is able to feel it's their own.

     "[With a B2B audienceInstead of using 'you' or "your", I'm communicating my message with terms such as 'the team' or 'the organization'. It's more positive and [less personal."

HTML0Make yourself known as an thought leader in order to attract buyers from B2B.

Unlike individual customers who only need a high-quality product B2B customers need to be aware that you're the genuine deal. In order to attract the focus of B2B clients, you must present your self as an expert or thought-leader in your industry regardless of whether your product tends to be targeted at B2C customers.

In the case of being an artist, you can develop and market courses in photography for your B2C customers. But, in order to get B2B leads, you can create thought-provoking content working in the arts or making a living as an artist. You could also offer one-on-1 workshops that teach people how to become more efficient You are able to reach B2B customers by releasing content about improving workplace productivity.

In this way, you could go from offering B2C products like e-courses and 1-on-1 classes, and then offering talks and workshops.

Making a personal brand with video

XayLi Barclay an experienced and skilled Visual Content Coach from Start Shoot Create

Session Description If you're the owner of your business it's easy to feel invisible, especially if you sell in a crowded market or in an industry that is crowded. The best way to overcome this is by establishing a brand for yourself via videos, no matter if it's shorter TikTok videos and Instagram Reels, as well as lengthy YouTube videos. In this presentation, XayLi explains how you can make use of videos in promoting your online course in order to boost the number of sales you sell and establish your name to those who purchase from your.

It's not a lot to start with

In the process of creating your first film or creating your first livestream, there's no need to have everything perfect. Begin with footage that you have. When you first start out, the public are going to be tolerant of your low-quality video and poor editing skills because they know that as time passes, you'll get much better.

XayLi herself began her journey using her laptop, basic white backdrop, and a typical Ring light.

"This is which I began my journey with my first job, and I was even approached to be one of their experts," she states. "I was not waiting until I had the opportunity to establish the newsroom in order to start teaching other people. I started using my sources as I realised that what I was looking to share wasn't only around how awesome your set-up can be.

Today I've got a complete Studio installed in my house However, it's where I started a few years back. "

More resources will be available as you grow

When you notice more attention to your videos and start earning money, it's time to start building up your collection and upgrade your video equipment. You can, for instance, purchase a higher quality camera/webcam and tripod stand (worth around $500-$1,000) as well as a green-screen, E-Camm Live and a Teleprompter software, as well as the Adobe Premiere subscription for editing.

When it comes to the most recent equipment and settings upgrades XayLi declares, "[At this stage] there are a variety of camera angles. The list of possibilities is endless. It's time to invest in these items because you're making cash. We are often told that you have to look appealing before earning money. No. You have to go on the market, and after that you will get the cash."

Once you have earned enough cash, you may outsource the production of the videos, editing, distribution, as well as recording to freelancers or an internal team.

Pay attention to only one thing at a given moment

It's easy to believe that you have to take every step to grow your company: publish across every platform, jump on every trend, and discuss a wide range of topics. This isn't necessarily true. The best approach is to focus on one element at a time as you build your picture. It not only prevents the possibility of burning out, but it lets the viewers understand what they should expect from you each whenever you make videos.

According to XayLi's "Rule of 5 Ones" Five elements to think about when selecting the best digital strategy for you:

  • A single product or service
  • One market that is worth targeting
  • One lead converter tool
  • One of the primary sources of traffic
  • One goal of business

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

Teri Ijeoma creator of Trade & Travel

Summary of session: If done correctly, memberships can be a great way for businesses to build stronger relationships with their customers, as well as generate additional revenues. Teri Ijeoma is the creator of the membership program that is focused on Trade & Travel and she is now able to enroll in excess of 35,000 customers enrolled in her programs and 185,000 email list subscribers. In this talk, Teri shares the benefits of establishing a system for membership and describes the steps businesses can take to create and manage memberships the right way.

HTML0Be aware of when you may change from a no-cost group to one that has cost.

If you're not a well-known business, that you'll have to begin your membership program by offering free value. Teri started her membership plan with a group on Facebook that was free. However, as you grow your group, you'll need be aware of the time when you should transition from a no-cost community to a subscription-based model.

These are indications to take note of prior to turning a corner:

  • Your company is growing by size, but your members are only paying an annual cost to access your services instead of paying to cover any other benefits that your company gives, e.g. year-long customer support, etc.
  • Group members start their independent groups or meetings, which makes difficult the group administration.
  • The group is hiring moderators, or coaches who provide consultation to group members, with no additional revenue generated from your members.

Your member program is a service that is an item in and of itself

Some companies who offer online courses also create membership plans as an add-on to the classes. Although a membership plan is a great way of making your course more attractive however, it should be treated as a product itself -and not just an addition.

In an interview with her concerning their Trade & Travel membership, Teri acknowledges "In my initial days, I believed that the membership was an extension of my training. This isn't the case. the membership functions entirely on its own. It has its own team and marketing, as well as promotion... It's better to view the membership as a product."

Be intentional with your pricing

If you're transferring from a free membership model to one that is paid, take note of what your revenue goal is. Then, set your pricing according to the objective. It's straightforward to reduce your rate in order to attract more members. If you're certain that the program you've chosen is of high quality, then don't hesitate to ask for a premium cost for the program.

For example, if you're aiming to make the equivalent of $10,000 per month, you'd better make 500 individuals willing to pay $200 per month rather than 1,000 customers to pay $100/month. If your rates are higher more expensive, the less people are likely to enroll. Also, you'll be able to reach your income goals more quickly, while also finding it easier to control your program.

Discussion of the Head of Table Panel

Diandra Marizet (Host) who is the executive director & co-founder of Intersectional Environmentalist

The session description is that this panel discussion will include participants Cicely, Ellie, Jessica and XayLi sharing their thoughts about the significance of inclusion and diversity in the business space. They will also address the challenges women, as well as BIPOC entrepreneurs face when they enter the business of creation, as well as how they can price their goods ethically within a capitalist environment.

Here are a selection of most poignant issues and concerns that are raised in this debate:

     Women of color who run businesses are gaining financial security for the first time. What are the challenges as well as the new challenges and the opportunities this presents?

Ellie Diop: Just like the trauma of poverty and wealth trauma as well. If you're one of the few within your family who owns an online store or a seven-figure enterprise, there's plenty of examples that you can learn from. There's a stigma that still persists when talking about finances, especially for someone of different races earning more than the majority of individuals do over the course of their lives.

For instance, when my first million, I was afraid to move out of my mother's house. I was hesitant to put down the money since I was unsure of what to do when it went away. It was also a bit scary to tell my family as I was concerned that they would think differently of me.

What I'd love to be more aware of is collaboration spaces like this that eliminate the stigma associated with being a victim and instead, say "Hey, what's going on? If you're worried about earning money and what to use the money, don't be shy to talk about it". The stigma that is perpetuated is part of why numerous people make lots of money, only to later return to the point at which they first started.

     When we are in business it is common for us to feel the necessity to mix with others, switch off the code, be in the dark, or even set parts of ourselves out. There are times when we don't think that we belong to the idea of professionalism. What did that experience impact the way you interact with the local community? What do you think of applying that to your professional work? DEI professional? DEI professional?

Cicely Blain: Based on the systems that we have learned to accept, the moment we encounter a specific type of person in media, television, and social media, and also when some online creators have gained a lot of attention and others are banned from shadows, it's simple to believe that you must have an individual in your lifestyle as well as how you conduct yourself.

If you are able to find a place in which you're recognized for the person you are by your peers and by the authorities (even in the event that they do not have the same experiences that you) can be an absolute relief. Although the number of opportunities for representation has increased and are more readily offered however, there is a non-written standard for how individuals should show up. We tend to believe that the two rules are true (even even when they may not be true) and these rules hinder us.

For instance, on TikTok, many people don't appear clean and neat often. Although that's great but I think that the possibility is limited to only a few people as there's an elevated expectations for individuals and the manner in which they represent themselves.

If you are faced with the dilemma of deciding that the path you're on doesn't meet your potential to achieve and your ideal career could look like, and you make the decision to shift into full-time business ownership?

Jessica Chen: All of people will come to a point at which we realize that what we were hoping to attain is accomplished, and we're prepared to tackle new opportunities. Myself I was at an amazing job which I enjoyed, however after 10 years, I realized that there was more out there. I've always been the type of person to create my individual path. So, I started to contemplate ways that I could share my knowledge that I've acquired.

My first job was in the world of journalism, which might consider a "proper" career that doesn't allow you to voice your opinion, as you're not allowed to be yourself, and you simply tell other people's stories. It was quite a shock to begin creating my own voice and showing my unique fashion. That was definitely a experience of discovery.

     What's the most effective approach to market your goods or services, to attract customers who share the same interests and eager to get their hands on your knowledge and appreciate the value of your product or service?

XayLi Barclay The majority times when we sell at low prices, it can be a problem for us however we burden the person who's investing -in the process, we do a disservice to them. There's a temptation to think that you'll get a lot of potential buyers when you set prices low, but chances are that you're dealing with people who feel overwhelmed but aren't yet ready to make a choice.

I worked with a business coach to calculate the sum I'd need to earn in addition to determining my price based on the quantity. Many creators develop a course that costs $7, and earn six figures from that product however they don't have enough volume. If you're a smaller-scale creator, you must know the goals you're trying to achieve in business, so that you can price according to your goals.

If I can sell five online courses at 1,000 dollars per course, I'll be making $5,000 -- versus selling 500 courses for $10 per course. Think about it that way. That's the process I had to go through.

View the Think In Color 2023 on demand

We've compiled a list of the key information from the event that lasted three hours developed to aid new and experienced entrepreneurs succeed in the creator economy. We invite you to dig further into those topics that caught your curiosity.

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