Modern creative news

Imagine Color 2023 Color 2023 The Head of the Table

Nov 19, 2023

The Think In Color 2023 has been officially concluded! We're thankful and delighted for the chance to listen to our lineup of amazing women and BIPOC makers and pioneers in the business. We hope that at the conclusion of the event, you were encouraged by our panelists' journeys and learned how to build an effective virtual community, broaden your service offerings, and scale your business to expand its reach among other things.

While many subjects were discussed at the event however, we've made every effort to share the best moments with the attention of. Find out the key points we took away from each of the speakers.

Skip ahead:

     Creating Cozy & Collaborative Virtual Communities    

Cicely Blain is an anti-racism specialist and Founder Bakau Consulting. Bakau Consulting

The description of the session is that while remote working existed prior to COVID-19's outbreak, it was the disease that accelerated the need for companies to move to a digital environment. As a result, those who wanted to maintain an intimate relationship with their clients have decided to form teams of similar people to be a resource for the other. But, it's hard to create a group that is as close-knit as an actual one.

In this presentation, Cicely Blain shares their process of building their own virtual community, called Living Room. They discussed the process they have used to establish an inviting and warm atmosphere inside a virtual setting by creating secure and inclusive communities, and using digital tools to meet the needs of their members.

Primary Takeaways

HTML0 Be aware of who your target audience is and what they're searching to find.

Prior to the launch of Living Room, Cicely had to determine who they wanted to create the digital space to. Because their work is rooted in anti-racism, anti-oppression and the struggle against oppression Cicely was aware that this community will primarily cater to people who are DEI professionals or consultants. They also include HR professionals who do similar work.

Then, Cicely had to figure out what exactly the population would like to hear from them.

HTML0 "I looked into what people are looking forward to especially at these crucial times when so many things are shifting and being influenced through different guises?

     They're clearly searching for an atmosphere of community, of solidarity, and connection when there's the sense of. Also, they're looking for ways to connect and learning."

Make your content an audience-friendly website.

The most effective way to attract people to join your virtual community is to provide them with something they can relate to. For Cicely the thing that was relatable was their living room. They were looking to replicate exactly the same cozy and welcoming feeling that their living space provided the residents.

     "I was thinking, "What is it that I would like people to feel when they come into the area? I thought, well I would like that they feel exactly how they would be when they enter an environment that is comfortable and warm. I wanted them to feel relaxed, happy, supported, connected, and seen."

Cicely integrates this spirit into the community through:

  • The start of each virtual conference starts with 10 minute reflection. This is a short question projected on the screen that helps participants reflect on their own actions.
  • A soft, R&B-inspired playlist which helps callers relax and ease into the call.
  • In each conversation, you're acting as though you're enjoying conversations with your closest friends. When they are recording their online course, Cicely could be working on their makeup or making a cup of coffee in the kitchen.

Give a wide range of options for people in the community to get the information they need

While the members of the online community are likely to have common interests, they could have different needs strength, weaknesses, and needs. For your company, you'll have to discover different ways in that you are capable of meeting the requirements of your community members, regardless of their differences.

Along together with Living Room, Cicely met the demands of its community through:

  • Offering various forms of engagement (e.g. Chat forums, real-time discussion or online course that is comprehensive and so on. );
  • The definition of community's values and guidelines;
  • The dress code allows people to wear their authentic selves;
  • Removing unnecessary stressors, such as such as time constraints and agendas for meetings;
  • Be aware of accessibility issues (e.g. disabilities and neurodivergence), etc.

Fonds in the Funnel How To Maximize Revenues Using an effective funnel that focuses at customers.

Ellie Diop, Content and Finance Coach at Ellievated Academy

Description of the session: In order to build an effective business there are people who are willing to buy or benefit from your services. Many businesses make the mistake of creating contents that they think the customer might want and not what they actually want. In this talk, Ellie explains how you can grow your business and increase sales by creating an effective sales funnel that entices your ideal customers and caters to their needs and wants.

Key takeaways:

 Every single item of content plays an important function to perform.

The process of creating a funnel geared towards your clients could be described as making an emotional connection with your clients. One way for achieving this is by creating content that is educational, useful as well as valuable for customers. A funnel that is designed for customer-centricity has five stages:

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

Concerning the necessity of creating the content Ellie says, "Every piece of content that you create is an essential element of your team's selling. What you wrote in the last three months is doing the job of moving users through the funnel... Being consistent and presenting regularly using the same format sets a consistent and consistent tone that customers can understand and help them navigate this funnel."

Your brand's definition

If you don't know those your service or products are catering to people, no one will purchase from or hire your services. Before you create a funnel, define your organization's goals and purpose by starting with the most ideal client. You can ask yourself:

  • Who do I serve?
  • What can I do to assist them in resolving the issues they face?
  • What should I accomplish?

These questions are the underlying principle of your business decision-making make. Ellie provides a simple template you can use to assist [YOUR TARGET audience] meet your"YOUR" goal with your product or service

In her account in growing her business, Ellie declares, "For me, that may be "I assist women in building companies that are successful by assisting the business with financial and strategy skills '... for quite a while. time. I even kept the information written on a notepad at the corner. When I finally decided to record a video I remembered the person I was speaking about. "

 Create your social media following

Social media is among the most powerful digital channels for establishing the image of your brand and generating prospects for your business. Its results are such that a lot of people visit the Instagram profile of your business's Instagram profile (or your other social media pages) prior to visiting your site.

Therefore, you should put in the your time (and perhaps even money) to the content you post on social media in order to make it more prominent. The best way to accomplish this are to:

  • Producing engaging, informative sharing videos and content (especially videos)
  • Advertising that is paid
  • Working with influencers that have a similar target audience as you

Lead magnets may be utilized to increase the size of your database of email addresses

When you're making videos and content, your goal should be to pull the maximum number of people who aren't active on social media to your mailing list. When people subscribe to your list of subscribers to email gives them the chance for you to directly connect to them. It's much more beneficial rather than just hope that people stumble across your videos and posts when they browse Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). These lead magnets can be useful.

In the ideal scenario, using lead magnets, you're transferring value to obtain contacts of individuals (usually their email and name address). But you can request other products in addition. In the beginning of the company Ellie gave free classes one-on-one to people in exchange for reviews. They were used to get the first group of customers.

     "You've got to consider which field I can provide high-quality free services that will get people excited?' Make that your primary incentive. In my company, I have recently implemented a new strategy in which, instead of taking the user directly into a particular product, we direct users to sign up for a free deal that includes a masterclass for free. Then, we sell it at the end. Our results have been fantastic."

 Retaining existing customers is far easier than finding new ones

Each new lead that you receive each lead you get, you have to undergo the process to guide them through your sales funnel. It is a lot more difficult than convincing a customer to buy from you again more. So, it is important to focus to keep your client at the same level and at least, more than purchase.

In order to keep your customers coming back in mind, here are some suggestions to follow:

  • Offer high-end customer care
  • Use surveys from your customers to get feedback from them
  • Collect testimonials from customers who have been satisfied (offer incentive programs, when it's possible)
  • Make a secondary offer that can fill in the gap in the market

When she came up with the offer, Ellie shares, "I made my first credit for business course for just 15 dollars. In the meantime I started receiving comments from my clients about what they would prefer to see next. So I came up with my idea of the Business Credit revamped. Then, I created the Business Credit masterclass, and following that, the entire bundle. The results showed that the majority of those who had purchased the initial bundle purchased the next one to complete the missing parts. Then, they purchased the third version because they were advancing in their understanding, they required more."

The Growth of Both B2C as well as B2B business to generate numerous streams of revenue

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

Description of the talk: Businesses generally speaking, generally speaking, have three major revenue and sales determinants which are: the products or services they offer, and their content for describing their products or services and the channels by the channels they share that content. In this talk, Jessica discusses the power of LinkedIn for helping companies reach out to clients (B2C) and other businesses (B2B) and how your content can be made attractive to both, and how to expand the range of services you offer in order to satisfy the requirements of both types of customers.

 LinkedIn is a great platform to distribute content and boost your profile

Although many entrepreneurs and professionals are on LinkedIn, they don't consider it a platform where you have the ability to expand the reach of your content and share it. They view LinkedIn as an instrument to improve resumes, find employment opportunities and interacting with friends and acquaintances.

In actual life, LinkedIn is a social media platform, comparable to Instagram along with X (formerly Twitter), and must be considered as like. It is the only distinction in the type of content you share.

In regards to LinkedIn's popularity, Jessica says, "The attraction of LinkedIn is the fact that you're targeting a certain audience who is within a mindset where they are focused on their personal growth as well as the desire to improve their skills. "

Jessica will also talk about her journey as a journalist back in the year 2018 to becoming certified as a Top Voice as well as a LinkedIn instructor in only five years. The reason she attributes it to being consistent on the platform and connecting with many different audiences that can be benefited of her expertise to help users improve their communication skills.

Change your message to be suitable for both B2C and B2B users.

Most business owners believe they can only gain visibility when their content is targeted to consumers on a specific basis. This isn't the case.

The power of LinkedIn is the fact that it permits users to change their message to cater to B2B and B2C audience. The content you offer does not need to be changed, however changing the language you use to describe your company could increase exposure and make it easier to attract people and businesses.

"I found that when trying to convey my message with my B2C customers, I prefer using words like 'you "'you'. Have you thought of it? ...?'" Says Jessica. "My way of speaking is clear, so the person that reads the content feels like it's personal.

     "[With an B2B audience, instead of using words 'you' and "your" I'm structuring my presentations using terms like, 'the team' as well as 'the business'. It's more optimistic-focused and less personal."

 Create a reputation as an thought-leader to appeal to B2B buyers.

As opposed to individuals who need a good product, B2B customers want to be sure they're buying at the highest quality line. In order to attract their attention, you'll need present your self as an expert or thought leader in your field, regardless of whether your products are primarily aimed towards B2C clients.

For instance, if you're a photographer you may create and sell courses in photography for your B2C audience. To get B2B leads, you could publish thought-provoking content about working in the field of arts or the steps to create your business successfully by becoming an artist. Also, if you are offering 1-on-1 workshops that teach individuals how to become more efficient and productive then you may be able to attract B2B customers through publishing articles about increasing workplace productivity.

So, you could go from offering B2C items like e-courses or one-on-one courses to providing occasions for speaking and events.

Making a personal brand using video

XayLi Barclay is an expert as well as Visual Content Coach with Start Shoot Develop

Description of the event The session's description your company, you may find yourself feeling invisible, particularly if you're selling in a crowded marketplace or in a crowded industry. However, you can get over this by creating your brand's image with video, whether it's shorter TikTok clips, Instagram Reels, or longer-form YouTube videos. In this presentation, XayLi explains how you could use videos to help advertise your online course to increase sales and solidify your brand to your clients.

It doesn't take much for you to start.

If you're creating your first video, or your first livestream, don't expect every aspect has to be perfect. Start by using the footage you have already. In the beginning, viewers are willing to overlook your poor quality video or poor editing skills since they know that as time passes the quality will improve.

XayLi herself began by using a laptop, a simple white backdrop as well as a ring light that was taken from a mill.

"This is the place which I began my journey, even when approached me as one of their experts" she says. "I didn't wait till I was in the newsroom for my first class to teach people. I used the equipment I had because I knew my goals for teaching didn't revolve around how beautiful your setup could be.

Presently, I'm using a built-in studio in my residence. However, it is the place that I began a few years ago. "

More resources will be accessible as you progress

When you begin to gain more attention through your video content and generate revenue It's now time to expand your library and upgrading your video equipment. For example, you can invest in a higher-quality camera or webcam as also a tripod stand (worth around $500-$1,000) and a green screen as well as E-Camm Live and a teleprompter application together with an Adobe Premiere subscription for editing.

In a discussion of upgrade options for set and equipment The XayLi says, "[At this stage] you can have multiple camera angles, and so on. It's time to start investing in these items because you're earning money. We all believe you must look nice to earn money. No. You must enter the market, and then you will get the cash."

If you're earning enough, you may begin outsourcing the recording of the videos, editing and distribution to freelancers, or even an in-house team.

Pay attention to one object at a time

It's the common belief that you must take each step necessary to develop your business. You must post on all channels, stay updated on all trends and discuss a wide range of subjects. It's not always the case. Focus on one aspect at a time as you develop your personal brand. Not only does this prevent the risk of getting overwhelmed and losing time, but it also lets the viewers understand what to expect each time you make a video.

Based on XayLi Barclay's "Rule of 5 Ones" These are the five things to focus on while deciding on the best digital action plan:

  • One item or service
  • One possible market
  • One lead conversion tool
  • One of the major sources of traffic
  • One goal of business

Memberships - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Teri Ijeoma who was the founder of Trade & Travel

Summary of session: If executed properly, memberships are an effective way for businesses to build stronger relationships with their customers, in addition to generating additional income. Teri Ijeoma is the creator of the membership program that she created to aid in Trade & Travel and she currently has more than 35,000 participants taking her classes, and has more than 185,000 people on her mailing list. In this lecture, Teri shares the benefits of creating a membership program and explains the ways businesses can establish and utilize to create memberships in a way that's efficient.

HTML0Find out when it's time to move from a group which is unpaid to a membership model

If you're not a well-known company, you'll be forced to start the membership program you want to join by giving value for money. Teri set up her own using an unpaid Facebook group. However, when you begin to build your social network, it's important be aware of when you should transition from a no-cost community to a membership-based model.

Here are some indicators to be aware of prior to making a pivot:

  • The organization you're working with is growing, yet the members pay only one time to use the services you provide in lieu of having to pay for any extra benefits that your company offers, e.g. year-long customer support, etc.
  • Members of the group start independent gatherings, called sub-groups. This is a problem for the group administration.
  • The group is hiring moderators and coaches to provide consulting services for group members and not generating any additional income from your members.

Your membership program functions as a service in it self

A lot of companies that offer online courses also offer membership plans as an additional benefit to these courses. While a membership program is a great option to make your course more successful, however it must be considered as a complete productit's not just a gimmick.

When she talks regarding Teri's Trade & Travel membership, Teri confesses "In my early days, I believed that the membership could be a way to further my studies. It's not the case. the membership is a product completely on its own. It needs to be backed by its own staff, promotions and marketing plan... you should take it into consideration as a product that is a product in itself."

Be sure to be informed of the price you will pay.

If you're transitioning from a group that is free into a membership model take a look at the revenue goals you have and price your offer according to the end goal. In this point, it's easy to determine your pricing less to attract more customers. If you're confident that your membership plan offers value do not be afraid to demand a premium rate for the program.

If, for example, your goal is to make 10,000 dollars per month, you'd better have 500 people pay $200 per month rather than 1000 people to pay $100 a month. In reality, the more expensive the cost, fewer people will sign up for it. This also means you'll be able to meet your revenue goals faster, and also having a better control over your program.

Discussion Panel Discussion on Head of Table

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

Description of session: This panel discussion includes four speakers Cicely, Ellie, Jessica and XayLi discussing their views about the significance of inclusion and diversity within the world of business, as well as challenges females as well as BIPOC business owners confront as they enter the creator economy and the best way to evaluate their services ethically within the capitalist system.

Here are a few the most poignant questions and responses to these questions and answers

     Women of color who are entrepreneurs have reached financial stability for the first time. What new challenges, issues and possibilities do their future bring?

Ellie Diop: Just like the traumas of poverty, there's wealth trauma as well. If you're one of the very few family members who owns an online store or have a 7-figure business There aren't many instances that you can follow. There's a stigma that still persists when discussing money, specifically when it comes to someone in the minority group and earning more than what most people can imagine in a life time.

In the example above, once I had made my million bucks, I became anxious to move out of the home my mom lived in. I was not ready to invest to the sum of money because I wasn't sure what I would do if it went away. Additionally, I was worried about having of telling my family members because I was concerned that they might think different regarding my personality.

What I'd like to be in a position to witness more of is collaborative spaces like this, which can remove this stigma and state "Hey what's going on? If you're struggling to make money and what to use your money for, don't be afraid to discuss it". This is the main reason why we have people who make plenty of money but go back to where they came from.

     In many business environments, there's a requirement to be integrated, code-switch or keep quiet, or even put parts of us away. Sometimes, it is difficult to think that we belong to the notion of professionalism. Has that experience shaped how you serve your community? What do you think of applying that experience to the work that you do as a DEI professional?

Cicely Blain Cicely Blain: In the world we grew up in, when we see similar types of people represented on media, television and social media and how certain web creators gain traction, while others are banned, you begin to think that you have be the same way in your speech and behavior.

When you are in a position where you're acknowledged for who you really are by your colleagues and supervisors (even even if they do not have the same experiences that you) is truly an empowering experience. But, even though there's an increasing number of people who represent you and new opportunities available, there's still an unwritten norm of what one is required to perform. We sometimes accept these rules (even when they could not be true) that can prevent us from achieving our goals.

As an example, on TikTok, many people don't appear clean and dressed well all the time. Although it's a relief however, I believe that this chance is available to those who are more discerning of others, and the way they appear.

 When do you decide that your current path doesn't align with the direction you're able to go and what your true passion might be and then you choose to go full-time into entrepreneurship?

Jessica Chen: All of us will reach a point that we recognize that the dream we had to achieve has been achieved and we're willing to tackle fresh opportunities. Myself I had an excellent job which I loved but after ten years of working I realized there was more available. I've always been that kind of person who has the ability to design my own way. Then I began to think about ways I can pass on the knowledge I've learned to people around me.

It was my first time as a journalist, which might consider as a "proper" occupation where it isn't possible to share your ideas, and you aren't able to express yourself as you're writing about the experiences of others. It was a jarring transition to begin creating my own style and voice, as well as displaying my own personal style. This was definitely a process of learning steeple.

     How can you price the products and services you offer to attract people that are in the same boat and eager to learn lessons from you and see the value in the products or services you offer?

XayLi Barclay says: Many often, we keep prices low, but we make it difficult for the person investing -which is an injustice to the investor. You may think that you'll attract a plethora of customers if you sell cheap, but it's actually being overwhelmed by people who don't have the confidence to make a decision.

I engaged a coach for my business to determine the amount I ought to be earning, and then I decided my pricing according to quantity. There are many creators who make a course that costs $7 to get six figures out of the course, however they don't aren't the only ones who make that much. If you're not a seasoned creator, you need to understand the goals your business has in its world to be in a position to market your course in a way that is appropriate.

If I offer 5 online courses at the rate of $1,000 for each class, I'll be earning the equivalent of $5,000. It's not like providing 500 classes at $10 per class. Consider it like this. It's exactly what I went through.

View the The Sessions of Think In Color 2023 on-demand

This is the top takeaways that were gleaned from this event lasting three hours to both veteran and budding entrepreneurs operating in the economy. We invite you to dig deeper into any of the subjects that caught your curiosity.

Article was first seen on here