That's wellsaid

06/10/2020

We are a small business that supports small business.

From hiring local amazing entrepreneurs, to sourcing amazing products from fellow dreamers and doers.

When we started preparing baskets for customers, suppliers and encouragers we had one mandate for our “baskets we”:

Support local.

Even when it’s more money.
Even if it’s “less convenient”.
Even if it means driving to five spots over one.

Yes, I know it COVID times that’s a HUGE “no-no”.

But small businesses are the backbone of community. Small businesses feed back into the local economy more than any box store. Small businesses never come with a small dream or lazy work ethic.

Support small.
Shop quality over quantity.
Source locally over globally.

Invest in one another.

We do and we love it.

06/10/2020

Part of representing a brand is understanding that brand inside and out.

From getting to know the owner, learning about their liver, to grasping a hold of their vision and then running with it.

I’ll be honest with you, I have no idea what any other social media company is doing, just like I have no ongoing idea of what any chimney sweep is doing. My focus isn’t ever on what “they” are doing, but what I can do to connect meaningfully with the communities we serve in the businesses we represent.

This is just part of the getting to know you process. A self evaluation of where you are as a business and what your grand vision is for serving your community and creating captivating content for YOUR people.

This morning I get to dive into a small business brand, their blind spots and their ultimate hope. This morning I get to explore how I can bring their vision to life and transform casual observers into lifers.

I’m jazzed!!!

25/09/2020

Small business is more than JUST a business.

It's family.
It's community.
It's reinvesting time and energy back into everything that makes small business amazing.

Supporting small businesses supports real people, it makes tangible differences, it support your community.

Shop local, support small businesses, champion BIG dreams!

23/09/2020

Small business, big dreams.

Congratulations Northshore Tree Experts Inc. for bringing your best to the community!!

22/09/2020

Small businesses support small businesses and together we are all a little less ... small.

One of the things I LOVE < and I mean LOVE > is being able to work together with entrepreneurs to spoil our amazing customers and community.

Bringing back local love gift baskets is one of my favourite ways to say THANK YOU.

It’s an extra special treat when it’s something I can do for a client and their commitment to customer appreciation.

16/09/2020

Did you start your business website on Wordpress because it's pretty user friendly and you knew that you could make SOMETHING that worked for the meantime?

That's cool!

That's the small business gumption that gets big dreamers going!

If you've created a website that was good enough and now you're ready to take it to the next level, I can help.

I will admit (VERY LOUDLY) I am no web developing guru! I have literally NO IDEA what it means to code a website, let's be honest.

But I do know how to use tools, I do know how to ask a lot of questions, and I do know how to get my hands on some pretty remarkable products to help small businesses step it up a notch in their online presence.

I am also really passionate about helping small businesses show up in BIG ways because I know that small business dreams are anything but SMALL, which is why I want to remind you that I'm here for you.

If you've been hiding from your website because it's not as well branded, professional, BIG VISION feeling as you would like it to be, but the thought of spending hours trying to align photos and create transitions, links, or contact pages is well outside your comfort zone, it might be time to reach out.

I'd love to help you take your Wordpress website to the next level! I'm a click, phone call, or email away and most of you know *literally* where to find me.

14/09/2020

Small business families support small business families.

Growing a small business is no easy task. It takes endless hours of building, prayer, diligence and commitment to a vision that - sometimes - only you can see.

But small business families get it.

And when we GET IT, we support it. We stand by it as long as possible.

We've been so honoured to have had the opportunity to be a part of the ground work for an amazing small business Northshore Tree Experts Inc.. to listen to the vision, chat about their marketing strategy, and to physically SHOW UP when the vision was gaining clarity.

We've prayed, planned, and shared in the success as they launched their business and they prayed, planned and celebrated the success in our small business.

Because that's what small business families do.

And what an honour it is to serve those families who work tirelessly on at their big dream! That's why I am so passionate about supporting other small business families in building their dream.

Because small business dreams are never small. And small business families are one of a kind!

12/09/2020

Is your social media serving your customer?

Or have you become stuck in a highlight reel of trying to make your company look "good" mixed with random blog posts that may or may not be of interest to your potential customer?

Remember, social media is meant to be social.

It's meant to engage your audience with inspiration, education, compassion, and the occasional dose of wit.

It's a fine balance between sharing what your company is all about (small business owner, that's YOU) and creating a content plan that gives back relentlessly.

If your social media lacks service you are missing out on the opportunity to meaningfully CONNECT with your community. You are missing the target on building a relationship with your potential customers. In short ... you're doing it wrong.

It's time to rethink social.

It's time to serve.

11/09/2020

today we remember

07/09/2020

Small business is tricky.

There is certainly a balancing act when it comes to getting it all done. A lot of the work is done ... messy ... and that's GREAT!

You're almost guaranteed to stop if you begin your small business with the expectation that everything needs to be perfect the moment you launch.

So do it, launch messy. Start that business, get all the things going and then RUN!

Launch your small business ✅
Tell all your friends and family about it ✅
Slap together a website ✅
Create a FB, IG, Twitter, Google, LinkedIn, Allignable ✅

But, as you find your stride and you are earning consistent income, it's time to refine.

It's time to tweak, to polish, to enhance that already awesome start you've created.

That means updating, strategizing, creating a consistent game plan for how you show up in the "marketing" world while still doing the great things that make your company ... well, profitable.

If you've started, launched, created income and are now ready to take the next step, it may be time to reach out.

Get help on enhancing your website (pssst - if you use Wordpress, I can help)

Create a content and social media strategy that helps you to show up consistently online while solidifying your market and improving your sales (hey, I can do that too)

Look to master only one or two "social media" outlets and ditch the ones (for now) that aren't getting as much attention as they need, or aren't driving traffic to you at this time. It's better to be a master of something than it is to dabble (yup, I can help with that as well)

When you're ready to release the reins of doing it all as small business owner who wears all the hats, and you want to focus on INCOME PRODUCING ACTIVITIES (the stuff in your business that only YOU can do), it might be time to consider hiring someone.

And if that's you, I'm here and I'm ready for your big vision in your small business 😉

04/09/2020

There could not be anything more true about building your brand online than this.

To be authentic you need to be true to the brand you've created.

Your voice online needs to reflect the hard work you've put in to creating something bigger than yourself.

That's why it's imperative to have a media manager who GETS you. Who understands the extreme responsibility of being your voice online.

Your credibility on social media.

(psst not only your social media manager, if you're a DIY small business owner and you're running your social along with all the income producing activities in your small business you NEED to understand that credibility is built through authenticity.)

It's true of you as an individual and it's true of you as a business. The best way to support your brand is to be consistent to who you say you are.

Every time.

04/09/2020

Small business owners - it’s time to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to get connected in your area!

Make sure to share your business information and let Georgian Bay know what you do!

North Simcoe business owners - have you claimed your FREE business listing on iLoveMyLocal.ca?

iLoveMyLocal directory was created to showcase and support local businesses in The Heart of Georgian Bay

Submit your business today to be included in the directory AND be automatically entered into a draw for some valuable marketing prizes donated by Assisting You Social, Willow Graphix & Co. and YouTalkMedia.



Downtown Midland
Town of Midland
Town of Penetanguishene
Township of Tiny
Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce

03/09/2020

What's the scoop on stock photos?

Do they have a place in your business or in your social media advertising?

The quick answer is ... it's complicated.

Stock photos are a wonderful complement to your content. They are crisp, professional, EASY, and you can find them in so many places it seems like the perfect solution.

The problem is ... they are stock.

They are not YOU. Not your brand, not your vibe, they are ... inauthentic.

Stock photos are usually super staged, the good ones are everywhere, and they are obvious (especially the free ones).

They aren't "the best" tool for building an audience.

In my humble opinion.

Do they have their place?

Certainly! When you're putting out content that is generic but still serves your customers (like a post on what wood is the best wood for heating your home) a beautiful and brand consistent stock photo is a great way to serve your audience visually AND with content.

But, when it's every post you put out, or a stock photo is paired with some sort of "personal" information about you as a business owner, it comes off as ICKY. It feels fake.

When you're crafting your social media presence you want to make sure that you find a good balance between artsy and authentic. You want to make sure you are connecting with your audience, building trust with them, while also bringing them great content.

So ... stock photos ... sure, some of the time!

02/09/2020

Oh my goodness, it's been a hot minute as we've been settling into our school routine, busy season with our chimney business and all the things that come with helping small businesses thrive in social media marketing.

We are back at it now as we look to bring you, small business champion, the best in tips, encouragement and DIYs to help you master the realm of social without losing your mind (or your hair!)

I'm pumped at what's coming and I hope you are too!

21/08/2020

Today is World Entrepreneurs Day! Small businesses are a very BIG deal, so please tag some of your favourite local entrepreneurs in the comments below so we can show them some love and support them too! It costs nothing to promote a business by liking their page & posts and sharing online, but to them it means everything! Thank you for supporting SMALL BUSINESSES in your community!

Make sure to check out and support some of the following amazing small businesses:

Snail Mail Hugs
Northshore Tree Experts Inc.
Hilary Knegt Photography
Brett's Fire Wood And Snow Removal

and so many more amazing small businesses.

19/08/2020

As small business owners you likely are the jack of all trades.

You wear all the hats in your small business from content creation to quoting, from performing the actual work to invoices and calls.

You *may* be lucky enough to have a partner in your business (maybe your wife or husband *yay for family business).

Learning a few time saving tricks to really make your content POP while not wanting to lose your mind will help you tremendously!

Like learning to remove a background from your photo in Microsoft Word, PicMonkey or on Canva (there are MANY ways to remove a background and if you have photoshop or any of those fancy tools, by all means GO FOR IT you super savvy tech guru).

When you remove a background you can overlay your photos more seamlessly, allowing you to "layer" content and create something dynamic.

Take some time while you plan your posts to get creative with your content. Removing backgrounds is a great start.

18/08/2020

Small businesses are kind of a BIG DEAL.

And seeing someone bring their vision to life is exhilarating!

Congratulations Charmaine!! You’ve got an abundance of talent and a great eye for these things!!!

Make sure you check out Snail Mail Hugs and send some love 💕 today.

Meet Carmen the Snail ... 🐌💌🤗
I'm in love with my new logo! I drew it by hand, including the lettering, and then my son, used his graphic design skills to tweak it, add some colour, and made it look professional! 🙂

12/08/2020

It's back to school time in our home (and for many homes it will be coming soon) and now, more than ever, we need a solution to protect our time, ensuring that we spend it on the most valuable tasks.

Part of that, in our home, is ensuring that all of our marketing and social media is managed and out of the way before the week begins. This helps me (teacher, mom, business owner) to focus on all the BIG things that are important during my day without the distraction of needing to "check in" or "create something really quick".

Many small business owners will be feeling the educational shift this year as schools renegotiate what it means to be "in class". Some may even decide to jump into the exciting world of homeschooling *WELCOME*. If that's you, now might be the time to look into getting a hand.

Maybe you don't need a media manager (that's cool), you may only need a lesson in how to create and schedule your content. We can chat about how to serve your business in this crazy time.

There's always a solution, sometimes you just need to know the questions to ask.

30/07/2020

Sometimes making your post POP is as simple as removing a background and adding some simple text.

It's not as hard as it looks.

With the right editing tools (most are free online ... maybe I shouldn't share that) and a few minutes you can make an image that makes an IMPACT.

Need help?

Just ask! I can help walk you through training on the basics of Canva and PicMonkey along with how to help polish up your photos so that they stand out with just a few clicks of your mouse.
.. yes, I work at my computer ... some of us still do that 😉

29/07/2020

Small businesses are never a small deal.

They take a tremendous amount of guts, an all in attitude, and a HUGE leap of faith.

Every small business owner knows that having one small business usually leads into more and more small businesses as you realize your community needs support.

You build a business to serve your person, your LIFER. And then you build more into that business to continue to take care of your person, for LIFE.

And that is the gusto it takes to succeed.

It's that never ending desire to offer more, to serve with the best, to show up everyday with a renewed sense of purpose because you have a community of supporters who help to make your small business a little ... less ... small.

28/07/2020

Hey small business owner.

Did you know I’m here to HELP you.

I’ve heard “I can’t afford that yet”, “we’re just getting started”, and the list goes on (all without seeing prices and packages ...)

I’ve also been in your shoes, in fact there was a time I asked a consultant to help with our rebranding and I was told “you probably can’t afford me.”

OUCH 😣

The thing is.

You’re a small business now, with a HUGE potential.

How do I know that?

Because I’ve been there.

Because it takes a serious bad 🍑 to launch a small business. And you’re in it for the long haul.

I’m here to help.

Reach out and we can work something out on your budget, for this season, at THIS time.

Because right now, when you’re so small you’re praying on the paycheque, when you’re hoping to make ends meet, right now is when you need a little help.

^^ I can help.

28/07/2020

Running your social media all W***y Nilly is kind of like this.

Like *finally* getting around to paint that unprimed door you bought to “save a couple bucks”.

You may not realize how dirty, chaotic, well .... bad it is, until you start to put processes and plans into work that are designed specifically for your small business.

When you start to craft posts designed at engaging your target market, when you plan content to promote a sale or event, when you get people to REALLY, truly, support your small business. That’s when things start to come together.

It’s never too late to start polishing up your profile, to start catering your content, or to ask for a little help.

Sometimes you just need a good wipe down and a fresh coat of paint!

27/07/2020

Your small business has loads of options and it may be tempting to try and be everywhere at once.

Don’t do it.

Taking a few seconds to post on each platform simply to have a presence there is not what building a business on social media is about.

Building your reach on social is about being SOCIAL. It’s about connecting, serving, creating content that is specifically designed to reach your customer based on who they are and what they are coming to the interwebs for.

Master one platform at a time.

Build your reputation based on quality and consistency, based on how you show up not THAT you show up. THEN you can branch out, expand into other platforms, mediums etc.

21/07/2020

I kind of feel like small businesses are a little like vinyl records.

They are classic, they make you feel like home, they are warm, timeless and authentic.

There is no sound like that of the clicks and pops of white noise as the record spins and invites you, mind, body, and soul, into an experience.

If you're a small business owner social media is your upfront, first impression opportunity to create that vibe.

That real, raw, amazing small business vibe that only comes with a personal approach.

Now, you might think I'm talking myself out of an opportunity, as a social media manager. And, for those who are looking for a boiler plate, click, post, share and grab some stock images for every business ... I certainly may be.

But for the small business owner who may not be loving the pressure to "show up" on social with never ending content that serves their community (probably because writing, graphics, or general "outgoingness" isn't your thing, this vinyl approach is what you need.

Someone who loves the classic beauty of connecting through social media. The authentic nature of creating content fit precisely for your small business. Someone who is willing to limit their clients to provide one-on-one, personal service to each small business they represent.

It's the vinyl way.

20/07/2020

Now, more than ever, we need to think small.

What small business are you shopping at because you know, at the end of the day, supporting local MATTERS?

18/07/2020

Before you post you should always consider a few key things.

This is especially important if you have a social media manager, they have GOT to GET you. Not just that, they need to GET your community, your PEOPLE.

It's not enough to just post a link, share a "kind of" related popular post.

It's about authentic, carefully crafted content that meets the needs of your consumer.

If they aren't doing that it may be time to switch 🤷‍♀️

16/07/2020

Knowing what drives a person makes a huge difference.

Cody and I have two businesses, a his and hers sort of deal.

He is a Chimney Sweep with WellSwept Chimneys.
I am a Social Media Manager and this is my little space on the inter webs.

Our goal is simple, create a legacy worth inheriting. Build businesses that glorify God, that serve our community, that stand for SOMETHING.

Businesses that connect.
Companies that serve.

We have a LOT of little eyes on us. How we conduct ourselves, how we connect with our neighbours, what we do when things get difficult, it's all being watched.

With both of our businesses we treat our customers like family.

And we KNOW family.

15/07/2020

Whether you're posting on your personal page or on your business page, be kind.

Remember we are all going through things.

So. Many. Things.

Use your social media influence to be kind. To uplift, serve connect and engage.

It's a wonderful opportunity to build community, to enrich your audience, to be more than just a business.

No matter what you do, be kind.

14/07/2020

Wondering if it's REALLY worth it to outsource your social media?

How much time would you say you spend trying to come up with engaging content?

How many times have you taken 15 minutes to put together a "quick" post for it to fall on deaf ears?

What could you do in that time?

If you could book one more consultation, complete one more small assignment, enjoy a relaxing coffee with your wife or a movie with your kids, would it be worth it?

Outsourcing is about understanding the value of YOUR time, and then allowing someone to work for you that is differently skilled than you so that you can focus on things you rock at, or things you would prefer to do.

What would an extra 5 hours mean for your income potential?

For your work life balance?

Maybe it's time to consider freeing yourself up to do what you love.

13/07/2020

There was a time when I was told that I shouldn't share my faith, my passion, my ENERGY online.

There was a time when I was told that being a woman after God's heart would limit my potential in business.

There was a time when that mattered to me.

It doesn't now.

Why?

Because I believe in authenticity. I believe in showing up in a God honouring way.

Everyday.

And I believe that same bold belief applies to businesses.

Show up authentically online. Build a social media presence that is 100% you and your small business.

I hope that you are so passionate about your business, your goal, your dream that nothing will dull your shine. That you will boldly bring that voice to everything you do.

Why?

Because that is what makes your business so absolutely AMAZING.

You.

Your team.

Your commitment to showing up everyday with your very best.

You'd be surprised how showing up authentically, passionately, lovingly, AMAZINGLY each and every day, with the goal to serve, to connect, to provide VALUE changes the game.

Be bold.

12/07/2020

To say that Facebook has been draining these last few days, weeks, months ... is an understatement.

It's hard, as a social media business owner, as a small business owner, as a mother, wife, woman of God, to watch all the things that have been posted, shared, questioned, shut down, shamed, exploited over the last few months (increasingly so these last few weeks).

It's difficult to separate business and personal, to find your footing, to pop on just long enough to grow your business while staying away from the chaos that ensues in the scroll.

And today I feel called to remind us all to be the light.

To be the light in this dark time.

To be the pathway in directing people to God's truth.

To share sparingly, the frantic search for meaning amidst new regulations, new protests, new theories, new rhetoric.

Remember to be the light.

I love social media and right now, more than ever, I want to help your small business stand out, to shine, to help be the light in a dark time.

I want to help small business owners refocus on what they are amazing at, to help them "disconnect" from the pull of scrolling updates and really dive into making their business one that shines. Because you have more important things to do than get pulled in to the scroll while you're trying to come up with posts, content, ways to stay relevant online.

Let's develop a social media strategy that helps brighten, helps serve, helps showcase your amazing company in a purposefully scroll stopping way.

Let's free you up to enjoy life, to breathe easy unencumbered by all the chaos.

Breathe.

Be the light.

Matthew 5:14 "Be the light."

01/07/2020

23/06/2020

Sometimes you want to just play around with logos and mood boards.

Why do up a mood board?

*In my opinion* a mood board helps you to round out the feeling of your business and brand. It provides you with a visual representation of your FEEL.

22/06/2020

Why does shopping local matter?

What difference does it make when you find a company that actively connects with it’s community?

This is the difference.

Locals know local.

They know the best businesses, best restaurants, best place to take 9 children fishing on Father’s Day.

Building a business is one thing, becoming a part of a community is something entirely different.

It takes heart, courage, compassion, and a commitment to always bring the best.

As small business owners you know it’s integral to serve your community because no one knows local, like the locals.

* PS HUGE thank you to our Victoria Harbour and Port McNicoll group who shared a precious little spot for our kids first fishing adventure *

21/06/2020

Small businesses are the best.

This one is no exception.

If you’re looking for a great job with an even greater employer than reach out.

Meet the owners and employees - each one a member of the "family" whether by blood or bond - and get to know why choosing Northshore is more than just choosing a tree service.

12/06/2020

Need infographics?

Want to put something together that helps provide loads of information but is easy to digest?

Let me know!

A la carte options are always available to help serve your business, your community, and your future customers!

PS: Isn't this an awesome initiative hosted by Barrie Families Unite?! If you want to pitch in and lend a hand in cleaning up Barrie the link to more information will be posted in the comments!

12/06/2020

Another exciting initiative underway!

Honoured to be a part of this initiative.

11/06/2020

Be crazy enough to pursue something that that gives you and your family time freedom.

08/06/2020

This small business is coming up on their 4th anniversary. That means 3 year as ago we celebrated their first year in business! What a day that was!

Bouncy castles, cupcakes, and small business BIG DEALS!!!

4 years in business - that’s SO close to 5 (which is a BIG DEAL for small businesses).

Pop on over to their FB page and give them a like, show this small business a little love and let’s make this year amazing!

Get Moore Auto Service Inc. ONE MORE YEAR to 5!!!!

08/06/2020

This is why most people start their own business.

It may not be EXACTLY this, but this is the rationale.

Small business owners start out because they truly believe in creating a better life. They understand that they have skills, that they have discipline, that they have a vision that exceeds the nine to five and they are courageous enough to chase it.

To chase it even when the hours are long and the pay doesn’t flood in right away. To chase it in the face of adversity and doubt. To chase it when it might be easier to go back to a “normal job”.

Small business owners chase big dreams because they dare to dream big. Small business owners dedicate themselves to constantly improving their methods, their products, the way they serve their community.

Because they believe in a better life.

A better way of living.

A more all encompassing way of serving and leading by example.

Small business owners are big dreamers, big doers, and big world changers because they believe in this!

(For us, it was a better lifestyle with our children. More time with them, more freedom with them, more ability to lead by example for theM because they are the future.)