The Thousand Solutions Blog

2023's Color The Head of the Table

Nov 19, 2023

Think In Color 2023 has officially come to an end! We're thankful and pleased for you taking the time to attend our program of brilliant females and BIPOC makers and pioneers within the field. We'd like to think that by the end of the evening you're impressed by our speaker's experience and gain insight on the ways to build an online community that is strong, increase your services offerings, and grow your business in addition to other aspects.

Though many issues were addressed in the forum We've tried our best to present all the best highlights for you. Read on to learn the key points we learned from each of the speakers.

Skip ahead:

     Creating Cozy & Collaborative Virtual Communities    

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

Session description: Although remote working was commonplace before COVID-19, the virus has accelerated the need for businesses to shift to a digital location. As a result, those seeking to have contact with their clients decided to set groups on the internet where similar individuals can share their knowledge and help one another. It's not easy to build a virtual community more intimate than the physical one.

In this presentation, Cicely Blain shares their experience in building their own online community called Living Room. They talked about the strategy used to create an inviting and cozy ambience within the virtual space creating safe and inclusive communities, and using the web to address individuals' needs.

The main learnings can be summarized as follows:

HTML0Find out the identity of your client and what they're looking to find.

Before establishing Living Room, Cicely had decide on the people they were attempting to design an online environment for. As their efforts are rooted in fighting against racism and oppression, Cicely was aware that the community will mostly be an ideal target for those that have the status of DEI specialists, consultants or HR professionals that do similar jobs.

After, Cicely had to figure out what exactly the population wanted.

"I considered what these people are seeking, especially during this time of transition, when many things are changing and being directed differently?

     People are certainly looking for the sense of community, solidarity, and connection when there's a feeling of being alone. They're looking for opportunities to make connections and learn."

 Be relevant to the people you are targeting.

The most effective way for people to persuade them to join your virtual community is by providing them with something they can connect with. For Cicely the thing that was relatable was their living room. They tried to replicate the similar cozy and comfortable atmosphere that their own living space provided them with.

     "I wondered, "What is it that I want people to experience within the space? I thought, hey I'd like them feeling exactly the way they feel whenever they enter the physical space. It should be warm and warm and welcoming. I wanted them to feel relaxed and content, as well as supported, connected and seen."

Cicely conveys this energy in the world through:

  • The virtual meetings begin with a 10-minute reflection. They ask a simple question on the screen for participants to engage in self-reflection.
  • Playing a soft R&B-inspired playlist that allows listeners to relax and become comfortable with the conversations.
  • Engaging in every conversation with the same enthusiasm as if they were having an informal conversation with the closest people. Even while making videos for their online classes, Cicely might be doing makeup or making a cup coffee in their kitchen.

Give a wide range of options for people in the community to access the information they require

While the members of an online community tend to be like-minded folks, they likely have their own requirements, in addition to strengths and weak points. For your company it is necessary to find different ways in that you are able to meet the demands of your members regardless of their uniqueness.

Alongside Living Room, Cicely met the demands of its community through:

  • Offering various forms of engagement (e.g. chat forums, live discussions and online classes that are comprehensive as well as comprehensive. );
  • The definition of community's values and guidelines;
  • allowing people to dress up as their true selves;
  • Removal of unnecessary stressors like time limitations as well as Agendas for meetings
  • Considering accessibility needs (e.g. impairments and neurodivergence) and other.

Fonds in the Funnel Maximizing sales through an effective funnel specifically designed for the client.

Ellie Diop, Content & Finance Manager at Ellievated Academy

Description of the program For your business into a successful one, there will be customers who take a purchase or use your services. Many enterprises make the mistake of creating content for what the most ideal client would rather than what their clients really need. In this presentation, Ellie explains how you can increase your sales as well as increase your the number of sales you make by designing a funnel that is able to draw in the ideal customer and responds to their needs and wants.

 Principal Takeaways

HTML0Every single piece of content is important.

The creation of a funnel that is focused on your customers can help you establish relationships with your clients. One of the most efficient ways to do this is creating material that is educational, relevant, helpful, and valuable to your customers. A funnel designed to be customer-focused consists of five steps:

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

In terms of the value of writing content, Ellie declares, "Every piece of content you produce is an integral part of the sales team. Therefore, whatever you published three months ago is still working to move customers through this funnel... Be consistent in your presentation and consistently using the same tone makes something that clients will be able to comprehend and help get through this selling funnel."

Your brand will be clear

If you're unsure of which customers your services or products will be marketed to, then there's no chance people will buy from or work with them. Thus, before establishing a funnel, define the mission and goal of your company and begin with the ideal customers. Consider asking you:

  • Who do I serve?
  • What could I do to assist the person with their issue?
  • What should I do?

The answers to these questions form the basis of your business decision-making. Ellie suggests a method that could be utilized to aid [YOUR TARGET Audienceto achieve [YOUR OBJECTIVEby using [YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE]

Based on her experiences with the growth of her business Ellie states, "For myself, this might refer to "I help women create profitable businesses through providing the business with financial and strategy abilities '... for a long time I wrote this down on a sticky note up in the corner of my room, and when I made the decision to record a video I remembered whom I was speaking to. "

Build your social media followers

Social media is considered to be among the most effective digital channels for establishing the brand's reputation as well as generating leads for your company. This is because the vast majority of people will browse your brand's Instagram profile (or your other profiles on social media) prior to visiting your website.

Therefore, it is important to invest funds (and perhaps money) to the contents that is shared on social media in order to boost the visibility of your content. The best way to achieve this is to:

  • Producing engaging, informative and easily shareable information (especially video)
  • Running paid ads
  • Working with influencers that have similar target markets to you

Lead magnets can be used to grow your email database

While you're creating content you want to bring all the users who don't use social media onto your email list. When someone joins your email list, it offers you a way to communicate directly with them -- that's much more effective than hope that people stumble across your videos and posts as they scroll across Instagram or X (formerly Twitter). Lead magnets can come in.

In the ideal scenario, when you use lead magnets, you're handing the value of your product for free to get people's details of contact (usually their email and name). address). Additionally, you can solicit other data. At the beginning of her business, Ellie offered free 1-on-1 sessions to clients to gather feedback. Ellie utilized the reviews she had received to sign up her first customers who made payments.

     "You've to consider what is the area that I can deliver great free value that'll make someone happy? and make that your main attraction. [In my business], I've recently implemented a new method of direct customers directly to a particular item and directing them to avail the offer of a free masterclass. Then, we sell it at the end. We have had great results."

 Maintaining customers that are already there is simpler than acquiring new ones

With each new lead you acquire, you must to follow a process to guide them through the sales funnel. This can be a bit more challenging than persuading an existing customer to make a purchase once more. So, concentrate on keeping the loyalty of customers at the same level as, if not higher, just as you focus on the acquisition of customers.

For you to retain your customers on your list, here are a few actions to follow:

  • Offer high-quality service to customers
  • Surveys of the customer can be used to gather feedback
  • Get testimonials from happy customers (offer incentive programs, when you are able to)
  • Create a new offering that can fill in the gap on the market

The second one was created by Ellie, Ellie shares, "I made my very first credit-based business course at only $15. At the same time I started receiving feedback on what [my customersrequire in the coming years. This led me into creating Business Credit, which is Business Credit revamped. This led me to create the Business Credit masterclass, and following that, the entire collection. It turned out that the majority of people who bought the first version purchased the third version to fill in those missing pieces. They then purchased the third version because they advanced in their abilities, and were interested in learning more."

Expanding both B2C and B2B business to generate numerous revenue streams

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

Description of the talk The general rule is that businesses are guided by three main sales and revenue determinants: their products/services and the content they produce to describe those products/services along with the platforms through which they share their information. In this presentation, Jessica discusses the power of LinkedIn for helping companies connect with their customers (B2C) in addition to other companies (B2B) What is the best way to develop contents that are appealing to both groups of people and how to grow the range of products and services that you provide to both audiences.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool to share information and increase your visibility

Although many professional and business people are already on LinkedIn but they're not thinking of it as a place to increase your reach and share content. Instead, they view LinkedIn as a tool for updating resumes, locating opportunities, and making connections with those who you already know.

In fact, LinkedIn is a social media platform, just like Instagram or X (formerly Twitter), and is treated the same manner. The only difference is the type of content you share.

LinkedIn has a lot to offer. LinkedIn, Jessica says, "The attractiveness of the site is that it reaches an people who are currently in the process of personal development and eagerness to learn. "

Jessica describes how she grew from talking about her experience as a journalist in the year 2018 before becoming an recognized Top Voice and a LinkedIn instructor in five years. She chalks this up to regularly posting on LinkedIn in addition to engaging with various people who can profit by her expertise to help individuals improve their communication skills.

Modify your message in order to accommodate both B2C as as B2B audiences

The majority of business owners believe that they'll only get noticed through limiting their content's reach to a select group of consumers. But this isn't true.

The power of LinkedIn is its capacity for users to alter their message so that it can be customized to B2B and B2C groups. Your offer doesn't need to be changed, however changing the language you use to describe your company can increase your visibility and assist to attract consumers as well as companies.

"I have found that, to communicate with my B2C customers I am more comfortable using terms like "you," "your" and have you ever thought of ...?'""you"?" Jessica asks. Jessica. "My manner of talking is clear, so those who are reading the data feels like it's their own.

     "[With an audience that is B2B]Instead of using the words "you" or "your", I'm structuring my talk by using terms such as, "the team" as well as 'the group'. This is more positive and less personal]."

 Position yourself as an thought-leader to appeal to B2B customers.

In contrast to individual buyers who desire a top-quality product, B2B buyers want for authentic. To get their attention, you'll have present yourself as a professional or thought leader within the field you work in, even though your product is primarily targeted toward a B2C audience.

For instance, if you're an artist, then you can create and promote an online photography course in order to reach your B2C customers. However, to gain B2B leads, you could share thought-provoking material on having a career within the arts or making a living as an artist. If you offer one-on-one training classes teaching individuals how to become more efficient and efficient and productive, you can appeal to B2B audiences by posting articles about improving productivity in workplace.

This way, you can go beyond selling B2C items like e-courses or one-on-one classes to offering events and opportunities for speaking.

Building a Personal Brand that is Visible by using video

AyLi Barclay expert as well as Visual Content Coach Start Shoot Develop

Session description If you're an proprietor of a company It can be difficult to be seen, especially if you're selling into a competitive sector or market. It is possible to combat this by creating your own personal image through videos, whether it's small TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, or longer YouTube videos. In this talk, XayLi explains how you could make use of video content to advertise your online courses to improve the number of sales you sell and build your brand in the minds of your clients.

You don't need too much information to start.

In the process of creating your first video or creating your first livestream everything needs to be flawless. You can start by using your existing content. When you first start out, the public will accept your poor quality video and inexperience with editing because they know that with time you'll be more proficient.

XayLi herself began using her laptop, with a basic white background, as well as an earring light taken from the mill.

"This was when I got my start and even got approached to be one of their experts" she elaborates. "I was eager to wait until I had the room set for teaching other students. I made use of my sources because I realized what I wanted to teach did not revolve around just how beautiful your setup might be.

Now I've got a complete integrated studio at home However, this is my first time attempting HTML0 just a few years in the past. "

HTML0 Get more resources as you get more

When you notice an increase in the visibility of your video content and earn income, you should consider expanding your equipment and improve your video equipment. For example, you can get a better camera/webcam and tripod stand (worth about $500 to $1,000) and also a green screen, as well as the E-Camm Live application and Teleprompter software, as well as an Adobe Premiere subscription for editing.

In terms of the latest equipment and setting improvements XayLi clarifies, "[At this stage] there are a variety of camera angles as well as other. It is possible to invest in these items as you earn money. We [often] think that it is necessary to appear attractive prior to earning money. No. It's necessary to be in the marketplace, and then the cash will flow."

Once you have earned enough cash, you may outsource your video recording edits production, distribution, as well as recording to freelancers, or even an in-house team.

Concentrate on just one thing at the same period of time

There is a common belief that you must take each step in order to build your business. You should publish on every channel, hop into the latest trends and speak about several topics. But, that's not always true. You should focus on a single thing one at a moment as you establish your brand. This will not only stop the possibility of burning out or burning out, but it also lets the viewers understand what to look forward to each when they upload your videos.

In accordance with XayLi Barclay's "Rule of 5 Ones" These are the five key elements you should be focusing on when defining your digital strategy.

  • One item or service
  • One target market
  • One Lead Conversion Tool
  • One main traffic source
  • One business goal

Memberships - Memberships The Good, The Bad as well as The Ugly

Teri Ijeoma the founder of Trade & Travel

Description of the session: If done properly, memberships are an effective way for companies to develop deeper connections with their clients in addition to generating additional revenues. Teri Ijeoma has created the program for memberships that she designed which focuses on Trade & Travel and she is currently hosting more than 35,000 participants in her courses as well as 185,000 members on her email list. In this presentation, Teri shares the benefits in establishing a program for membership and offers a step-by-step instruction on how companies can set up and implement the membership program in a manner that is effective.

Be aware of when you can transition from a free group to a membership model that is paid

If you're not a popular company, you'll likely be required to launch your membership program that offers value in exchange for free. Teri began her membership program with the creation of the Facebook group for free. As you expand your community it is important to be aware of the time to move from a free community into a paid-membership model.

There are a few indicators you should know before changing your course:

  • The organization you work with is growing however, the members have to pay an annual cost to avail the services you provide instead of having for other benefits the group offers, e.g. year-long customer support, etc.
  • The group members begin the group meetings or groups on their own making it challenging for managing the group.
  • Moderators of group are hired as coaches, providing consulting services to group members, and not generating any additional income through your group members.

Your member program a service in and of it's own

Certain companies that offer online courses also offer subscription programs to those classes. Although a membership program can be an excellent way to improve the quality of your class however, it should be treated as a complete product, not just a marketing gimmick.

In discussing Teri's Trade & Travel membership, Teri acknowledges "In early on, I was convinced that it was a continuation of my education. It's not the case -- the membership is an entirely separate service on its own. It needs its own team, promotion and marketing plan... it's best to view the membership as a product."

Be aware when you're pricing

If you're transitioning from a free membership model to one that is paid take note of the income goals you have and price your offering on the basis of this. You can make the price lower in order to attract more members. If you're certain that your program's full of value, don't be afraid to ask for a higher price for your program.

For example, if your goal is to earn 10,000 monthly It's better for 500 individuals to agree to make a commitment of $200 a month rather than 1,000 to make a payment of $100 per month. In reality, the more expensive your prices are, the fewer people will join. Also, you'll achieve your financial goals faster, and also having a much easier time managing your program.

Director of the Discussion Panel for the Table

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

The program of this panel discussion includes speakers Cicely, Ellie, Jessica and XayLi talking about their opinions on the significance of inclusion and diversity within the business world, as well as challenges women, as well as BIPOC entrepreneurs face when they try to establish themselves as part of the new economy and what is the appropriate price for their goods ethically in the capitalist system.

Here are some of the most moving questions and the answers that are offered in this debate:

     Many women of color entrepreneurs are able to achieve financial stability for the first time. What are the challenges, new issues and future opportunities bring for these women?

Ellie Diop: Just like you've been through poverty, there's also wealth trauma also. If you're the only one in your family to own the 6to 7-figure firm, there aren't any examples for you to model yourself after. There's a stigma that still exists when speaking about money, specifically for those of color who earn greater amounts of money than the vast majority of the people throughout their lives.

For example, when I was first a millionaire and was ecstatic to move out of my mother's home. I was not ready to invest the cash since I was not sure of what I'd do in the event that I had to forfeit it. It was also a fear to tell my relatives since I was worried that they would think differently regarding my character.

What I'd like to for more collaboration spaces like this. It can eliminate this stigma, and state "Hey do you think there's a problem? If you're stressed about making income, or how you should use your earnings do not be shy to discuss it". This is why it is common to see people earn quite a bit of money only to then go back to where they were.

     In corporate environments, sometimes it is easy to be pushed to mix with the crowd, to code-switch, be quiet or put some parts of ourselves away. Sometimes, you don't feel like we are part of the idea of professionalism. Did that experience influence the way you interact with your local community? What can you do to apply this in the job you love as a DEI professional? DEI professional?

Cicely Blain: In the culture we've been taught, we are conditioned to believe that when we spot a specific type of person in TV, media and social media, in addition to when certain creators on the internet have a lot of traction and others are shadow-banned, you start believing that you have to be certain manner of speaking and being.

If you are able to locate a space where you are seen for the person you are from your colleagues and the ones responsible (even in the absence of similar experiences) that's an amazing feeling. Although the number of opportunities for representation has increased and are more readily available but there's a double norm regarding how individuals show up. Sometimes, we internalize these dual norms (even when they could not exist) which can hinder our progress.

For example, on TikTok there are a lot of users who do not show up well-dressed and polished all the time. Though it's great but I'm of the opinion that the possibility of this is restricted to only a few people as the expectation is higher of the other users, and also how they present themselves.

If you're faced with the dilemma of deciding that the direction you're taking isn't in line with where you're able to pursue and you are passionate about, then take the step of becoming a full-time business owner?

Jessica Chen: All of us reach a stage in our lives when we realise the goal that we had set for ourselves has been accomplished and we're now ready to try some new opportunities. Personally, I worked in a wonderful job I loved however after 10 years working in the field, I realized that I had something else to give. My experience has always been that of one who creates their individual career plan. Therefore, I began to contemplate ways that I can pass along my knowledge and skills to others.

My initial career was in journalism, which you may think of as the sole "proper" job where you can't share opinions. There's no personal voice when you're sharing other people's stories. It was an upsetting transition to begin creating my own voice and showing my individual fashion. It was certainly a steepening climb.

     How do you best to price your services or products in order to draw people who have the same values as you, are eager to learn from you and recognize the value of your offering?

XayLi Barclay says: Many often, we keep prices low however we can make investors feel overwhelmed, which is not good for investors. There is a temptation to think that you'll attract a large number of people when you set prices at a reasonable price However, the truth is, you're getting overwhelmed by people who don't have the confidence to make a decision.

I hired a business coach to help me figure out how much I ought to be earning, which then determined my pricing according to the quantity. The norm is for creators to offer their courses for sale at $7 and make six figures out of the course, but they do not necessarily have the quantity. If you're a creator with a limited budget, you need to know the goals you have set for yourself as a company so that you can price your product in line with your goals.

If I make five courses available online at $1000 per course, then I'll earn $5,000. This is in contrast to selling 500 courses at 10 dollars per course. Consider it this way. This is the procedure I had to go through.

View the live sessions in Think in Color 2023 available to stream on demand

There you go -- the most important lessons learned from this 3 hour long event for budding as well experienced entrepreneurs in the area of creating. We invite you to dig deeply into the subjects which piqued your curiosity.

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