The Thousand Solutions Blog

Imagine your life in Color 2023"Head of Table"

Nov 19, 2023

The Think in Color 2023 was officially concluded! We're thankful and pleased to have you stayed to meet our presenters of amazing women and BIPOC leaders and creators in the field. We're hoping that, at the time you've finished the conference, you're impressed by our speaker's experiences and gained insight into the ways you can create an online community that is strong or diversify the services you offer as well as grow your business and expand your reach, among other things.

Although many topics were covered in the forum however, we've made every effort to provide the top of them for our readers. Discover the main takeaways from each speaker.

Skip ahead:

     Creating Cozy & Collaborative Virtual Communities    

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

Description of the event The session explains that although remote working was a reality prior to COVID-19, the scourge has prompted businesses in the digital age to relocate to a new site. Businesses seeking to preserve a close relationship with their clients set up online communities that allow like-minded customers are able to learn from and support one another. However, it can be difficult to build it as tight-knit as one that is physically.

In this lecture, Cicely Blain shares their stories of creating their web-based community, Living Room. They discuss their method of making a warm and inviting vibe in a digital space creating safe and inclusive communities. They also discussed how they use the internet to cater to people's needs.

Principal Takeaways

Find out who your customers are and what they want

Before creating Living Room, Cicely had choose who they wanted to build the digital space to. Since their mission is grounded in fighting discrimination and racism, Cicely realized that this is a major victim for people like DEI practitioners, consultants, and HR professionals that do similar things.

And, Cicely had to figure out the things they truly wanted.

HTML1"I was contemplating about"What do these people looking forward to, especially at these critical moments when so many events are transforming and being called by different terms?

     They are searching for community, a sense of belonging, solidarity, and connection in these times of disconnection. They are also looking for ways to learn and connect."

HTML0Make sure you are relevant to the people you are looking for.

One of the best ways to attract members to join your virtual community is by providing members with something that they can be able to connect with. For Cicely, that relatable thing was their living space. They were looking to recreate exactly the identical comfortable and warm feeling that their actual living space gave them.

     "I wondered, "What is it that I'd like people to experience within the space? It occurred to me that I'd like them feel the same how they would experience if entering this physical place. The space should feel comfortable, warm, and inviting. I wanted the people to be comfortable, relaxed and happy and supported. They should feel in touch and felt valued."

Cicely brings this same spirit into all of us by:

  • Each virtual conference is to allow the participants 10 minutes to reflect. Participants ask set of questions that are displayed on the screen, to aid people reflect on themselves.
  • streaming a soothing playlist that is based on R&B to ease listeners and get comfortable with making a phone call.
  • Engaging in each conversation like you're having an informal conversation with your most intimate persons. When you're recording videos to be used in their online class Cicely might be doing their makeup or brewing a cup of tea at the table.

Give a wide range of ways for members of the community to get what they require

While the members of an online community are likely to share a similarity with one the other, they'll each have different needs in addition to strengths and weaknesses. For your business it is essential to discover various ways that you can satisfy the requirements of the members in your community, regardless of the different needs.

With Living Room, Cicely met their community members' needs by:

  • Engaging in various manners (e.g. live chat, forums to discuss and online courses that provide comprehensive information as well as other information. );
  • The community's definition of values and guidelines;
  • We encourage people to show the authentic versions of themselves;
  • Elimination of stressors that are not needed, for example, time restrictions and agendas for meetings;
  • Take into consideration accessibility requirements (e.g. disability and neurodivergence) and other accessibility requirements.

Funds in The Funnel Strategies to Increase Revenues by Using an effective funnel that is designed to serve customers.

Ellie Diop, Content and Finance Coach at Ellievated Academy

The session's description To build your business to be successful, you need customers to make a purchase or engage products you provide. But, many businesses fall into the trap of putting together content that they believe the perfect customer wants and not what customers really want. In this presentation, Ellie explains how you increase your revenue and boost sales by establishing the right funnel to draw your ideal customers and caters to their desires and requirements.

HTML1 The main Takeaways

Every single piece of content has importance.

A funnel that is focused on your customer can be described as forging a relationship with your customers. The best way to do it is by creating material which is useful, educational pertinent and useful for your customers. A funnel that focuses on the customer includes five steps:

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

In regards to the importance in writing material, Ellie says, "Every piece of content you write makes up a significant component of the sales team. So, what you wrote in the last three months is performing the task of getting customers through the sales funnel... Showing up regularly with the same tone makes it familiar to customers to help them move along this sale funnel."

Your brand's definition

If you're not aware of the people your services or products target, no one's going be inclined to purchase your products or work with your services. Therefore, before you build an online sales funnel, you have establish your company's goal and objectives by beginning by talking to your potential customers. It is possible to ask yourself:

  • Who do I serve?
  • What can I do to help my friend with his problem?
  • What should I accomplish?

They are the foundation of any business choice. Ellie provides a simple template in order to aid [YOUR TARGET Audience] in achieving [YOUR PURPOSES] through the utilization of [YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE]

Based on her experience in growing her business Ellie states, "For me, it may be "I support women to create successful businesses by providing their with financial and strategy strategies. '... At one point, I had written this down in a post-it note on a table, and when I made an online video, I could identify whom I was speaking with. "

Create your social media followers

Social media is considered to be one of the most efficient ways to increase brand awareness in addition to generating leads for your company. It's so efficient that the majority of people will browse through your business's Instagram profile (or any of the social media sites) before accessing your website.

Therefore, it is important to spend your time (and perhaps even cash) in your posts for social media to increase its visibility. The best way to accomplish it is:

  • making engaging, informative videos that are easily shared (especially video)
  • Pay-per-click ads are running
  • Engaging with influencers who have the same target market as you

Lead magnets can be used to increase your number of email subscribers

When you're making content, it is important to add everyone who isn't using social media to your mailing list. When they sign up for your list of subscribers it gives you a way to communicate directly with them -- which is more valuable rather than merely hoping they will stumble across your posts or videos while scrolling across Instagram or X (formerly Twitter). Lead magnets are useful.

The ideal situation is when you make use of lead magnets you're handing out value for no cost in exchange for contacts information (usually their email address and address). You can also request other things in addition. For instance when she first started her business, Ellie offered free 1-on-1 training clients for feedback. Ellie utilized the feedback she got to get her first group of paying customers.

     "You've got to consider, 'What is an aspect that I could provide excellent free value to inspire someone? Consider that as your main attraction. In my company, I've recently adopted a brand new approach where instead of pushing customers directly to purchase a item, we instead push the user to take advantage of a complimentary offer like the masterclass for free. Then, we sell it at the end. Our experience has been excellent."

 A method of staying in contact with existing customers more easily than finding new customers

Each new lead you acquire you go through the procedure of guiding them through the sales funnel. It is a lot harder than convincing an existing customer to purchase from you once more. So focus on customer retention to the same degree or even higher than acquiring customers.

In order to keep your customers loyal Here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

  • High-end customer service
  • Conduct surveys with customers to gather feedback
  • Get testimonials from happy customers (offer incentives programs, if you have the opportunity)
  • Make a new offering that can fill in the gaps in the market

In creating the second deal, Ellie shares, "I did my first credit transaction for business class for $15. In the meantime I received feedback on what [my customers] need the next. The feedback led me to design Business Credit, which is Business Credit revamped. Following that, I came up with my Business Credit masterclass, and after that, the whole set of products. What happened is, a majority of people who had bought the first one, then bought the next one in order to fill in the missing pieces. Then, they purchased the third one because they had grown in their knowledge, they needed more."

Growth of B2C as well as B2B Companies with Multiple Revenue Sources

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

Session description: Businesses, in general, have three major sales and revenue determinants that determine their offerings and services and the material they produce to explain the products and services they offer, and the media through the distribution of their information. In this talk, Jessica discusses the power of LinkedIn to help businesses with communicating with their clients (B2C) and with other businesses (B2B) How to make content that appeals to both groups, as well as ways to improve the quality of offerings you can offer so that you can meet the demands of both audiences.

LinkedIn is a powerful platform for distributing content and boost your profile

Although many professional and business owners are using profiles on LinkedIn However, they're not considering it as a platform that allows them to expand your reach or disseminate information. They view it as a way for updating resumes, finding jobs, and connect with people you know.

In real life, LinkedIn is a social media platform, just like Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter), and is treated as such. Only difference is the type of content you post.

On LinkedIn's appeal, Jessica says, "The beauty of the platform is the fact that it has a certain set of audience who is engaged by a method that is focused on professional growth and an eagerness to grow. "

Jessica also shares her journey from speaking about her experiences as a journalist in the year 2018 to becoming a accredited Top Voice and a LinkedIn instructor in only five years. What she is describing is that she regularly posts on LinkedIn in addition to engaging with various groups that could profit from her service of helping others improve their communicating capabilities.

Change your messages to meet the needs of both the B2C and B2B viewers.

Many business owners believe that they can only gain visibility in the event that their material is targeted to consumers on a specific basis. But that's not true.

The advantage of LinkedIn is that it enables users to modify their messaging in a way that is customized to B2B and B2C clients. The offer you are offering doesn't have to be modified, however changing your language used in describing your business will enhance your exposure and draw individuals as well as businesses.

"I realized that when I'm trying to reach my B2C audience I will use terms such as "you," "your" Have you thought about it? ...?'" asks Jessica. "My style of speaking is very clear. Therefore, anyone who reads my material is able to feel as though they are receiving a personal message.

     "[With the B2B audience] instead of using the words 'you you' or "your", I'm structuring my talk using terms like "the team" and 'the organization'. This is more optimistic and less personal]."

HTML1 Make yourself known as an authority on the subject to attract to B2B buyers.

As opposed to consumers looking for a quality product, B2B customers want to be sure they're receiving the top. In order to attract the interest of B2B customers, you'll have establish yourself as a professional or thought leader within your field, regardless of whether your product is designed towards B2C audiences.

If, for instance, you're an artist, then you might develop and market an online photography course for your B2C audience. But to get B2B customers, you could develop thought-provoking content within the realm of art or on establishing your career in the field of art. Also, if you are offering 1-on-1 workshops that teach people how to be more efficient, you could draw in B2B buyers by releasing articles about improving efficiency in the workplace.

So, you could move from providing B2C products like e-courses and 1-on-1 classes, and instead offer talks and seminars.

How to build a brand for yourself by using videos

XayLi Barclay Expert and Visual Content Coach, with Start Shoot Develop

Session Description: If you're the proprietor of your company, it can appear unimportant, particularly if you're in a highly in a market or sector that is highly competitive. You can combat this perception by creating your own individual brand through videos, whether it's small TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, or longer-form YouTube videos. In this talk, XayLi explains how you could use videos to promote your online courses as well as to generate sales. Make your brand more prominent in the minds of the people who purchase from your.

It's easy to start

While making your first livestream or creating your livestream for the first time, not everything has to be perfect. You can start with what you've got. At the start, people are willing to accept the poor quality video editing skills because they know that with time progress, you'll become more skilled.

XayLi herself got started using her laptop, a simple background of white, and a run-off-the-mill ring light.

"This was the first time I started and was even approached to be one of their experts," she states. "I didn't wait long until I had the opportunity to create the newsroom in my first class to instruct people. I utilized the equipment that I had because I realized that the content I wanted to share was not centered around how beautiful your setup could look.

At present, I'm working with a Studio built inside my house. this is the place where I made my first foray into HTML0 just a few years in the past. "

You will receive more resources as you get more

If you start to see more attention to your video content and earn money, it's possible to begin expanding your equipment and upgrade your equipment for video. You can, for instance purchase a higher quality camera or webcam and tripod stand (worth about $500 to $1,000) as well as a green-screen as well as eCamm Live and a teleprompter application along with an Adobe Premiere subscription for editing.

Speaking out the latest equipment and setting upgrades XayLi says, "[At this stage] there is the possibility of having multiple camera angles, and the list goes on. You can start investing in those things because the cash is coming in. We often think that you need to be a good person prior to the cash comes in. No. It is necessary to be on the market, and after that, you'll receive the money."

When you start making enough cash, you can outsource the video recording, editing or distribution work to freelancers or an internal team.

Focus on just one thing for a while

The common perception is that you must take every step to grow your enterprise. There's a need to blog on every channel, hop into each trend, and talk about a variety of subjects. But this doesn't have to be the case. You should focus on one thing one at a time while building your image. This will not only keep you from burning out however, but also let the viewers know what they should expect from you when you upload the video.

As per XayLi's "Rule of 5 Ones" Here are five things to focus on in defining your digital strategy:

  • One item or service
  • One market you can target
  • A lead conversion tool
  • The most important traffic source
  • A key goal for businesses

Memberships -- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Teri Ijeoma the founder of Trade & Travel

Description of the session: If done properly, memberships are great for companies to establish stronger connections with their clients in addition to generating additional income. Teri Ijeoma is the creator of the membership system she designed that is focused on Trade & Travel and she currently has over 35,000 students in her programs and 185,000 email list subscribers. In this presentation, Teri shares the benefits that a membership plan offers and offers a step-by-step instruction to help companies to set up and manage their members effectively.

 Learn when it is time to move from a group that is free to a paid membership model

If you're not a famous business, the chances are that you'll have to begin your own membership plan, that offers value for no cost. Teri launched her membership model using a group on Facebook which was completely no cost. But, as you build your community, it's crucial to be aware of the time how to move from a no-cost community into a membership program that is paid.

There are a few signs to be looking for prior to taking a corner

  • Your company is expanding its size, however the members have to pay annually for the services you provide instead of having for the benefits your organization provides, e.g. year-long customer support, etc.
  • Members of the group start with their own group meetings or sub-groups, making it harder to oversee the administration of the group.
  • Group moderators are hired as coaches who provide coaching for group members and do not generate additional income from your members of the group.

HTML0Your membership program is an item of its own

A lot of companies that offer online courses also have membership plans as an add-on to the course. Membership plans are an efficient way to make your course more efficient, however, it should be treated as a complete product and not only an addition.

Speaking about the benefits of her Trade & Travel membership, Teri confesses that "In my initial stages, I believed that the membership was a continuation of my educational experience. However, this is not the case.- the membership is an item that is completely by itself. It has its own marketing staff as well as a marketing, promotional and sales schedule... The best thing to do is be thinking of it as an individual product."

Be intentional with your pricing

If you're transitioning from a no-cost group to a paid membership model, think about the income objectives you're aiming for and then set the price on top of this. There is a way to lower the price lower to draw more people. If you're confident that your program's membership is of high-quality, then don't be afraid to put a higher amount for the program.

If, for instance, your goal is to make 10,000 dollars per month, you'd prefer to have 500 customers pay $200/month than to get 1,000 people to pay $100/month. It's true that the higher your fees are, the lower your chances of getting clients will sign to sign up. It also means that you'll reach your goals for earnings faster, and find it easier to manage your business.

Head of Table Panel Discussion

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

The description of this panel discussion will include participants Cicely, Ellie, Jessica Cicely, Jessica XayLi giving their thoughts on the importance of inclusivity and representation in the commercial space. The panelists will also address the challenges women, as well as BIPOC business owners confront as they enter the creator economy and ways to determine the right price for their products ethically on the market of capital.

Here are a few of the poignant questions and their answers from this discussion:

     Women of color that are entrepreneurs gain an income for the first time. What obstacles as well as the new challenges and opportunities do the future hold for them?

Ellie Diop: Just like the pain of being poor is the trauma of wealth, as well. If you're one of the few within your family to have an e-commerce or a seven-figure company There aren't many instances that you can follow. It's a myth to keep discussing money, especially those of an ethnicity that earns more than the average person could imagine in a life time.

For instance, when I earned my first million bucks, I became scared about leaving my mother's house. I was wary of investing money since I was unsure of what I'd be doing if I lost it. It was also uncomfortable to share the news with my relatives because I was afraid they'd be influenced by my character.

What I'd love to have more are cooperative areas of this kind to eliminate this stigma, and state "Hey is something going on? If you're worried about earning the money, or how you'll do with the money and how you can use it, don't be shy to discuss it". The stigma that is perpetuated is a reason why we see people make quite a lot of money only to later return to where they began.

     In business environments, often, we feel the need to blend, code-switch or remain silent, or put some of us out. It is not often the case that we belong to professional standards. Did that experience influence the way you interact with your community and how do you integrate that experience into your job as a DEI professional?

Cicely Blain: In the system we grew up in and where we are experiencing a specific sort of person being represented in media, TV, and on social media. when some online creators get recognition, while other creators are ostracized from the spotlight and it's common to believe that you must adhere to a specific way of living as well as the manner in which you conduct yourself.

If you discover a situation that you're viewed as what you really are by those who surround you, and by those in authority (even even if they don't share the same experience as you) it's an amazing sensation. Although the quantity of people represented is growing and opportunities are more readily accessible, there's an unwritten norm of what everyone is supposed to be doing. We tend to internalize the two rules (even when they could not be accurate) which can hold us back.

As an example for an example, on TikTok there are a lot of people who don't dress looking neat and dressed all the time. While it's nice, I'm of the opinion that that possibility is limited to the very few. Also, it's more of a expectation for other people and the way they portray themselves.

When do you decide that the path you're following isn't in line with the direction you're able to explore and the direction your love could be? Then, do you make the choice to move to full-time entrepreneurial?

Jessica Chen: All of us come to a place when it becomes clear that the thing we had hoped to achieve is done and we're now ready to try an entirely different encounter. For me, I worked in a great job that I enjoyed but after 10 years, I was somewhat disappointed to discover that there wasn't any more. I've always been the type that creates my personal career path. This is why I began to contemplate ways that I could impart my knowledge to other folks.

I began my career in the field of journalism, which might say is a "proper" profession where you can't share opinions. It's not a voice of your own, and you're just reporting on other people's experiences. It was quite a shock in the beginning to create my own voice and show my individual way of speaking. That was definitely a process of learning.

     How do you best to market your products or services to draw people in the same boat looking to learn lessons from you and see the value in your product or service?

XayLi Barclay Most of the time, we set prices low however we hurt the investors which is a big blunder for the investor. There's a temptation to think that there will be a large number of buyers if you're selling at a bargain, but the reality is, you're receiving a lot of people overwhelmed and not ready to take action.

I hired a coach for my company to determine the amount I was earning, which was then used to determine my rates based on quantity. There are many creators that launch the course at $7 and make 6-figures from it however they do not have any quantity. If you're not a seasoned creator, you must to be aware of the goals you have as a company so that you're able to determine the appropriate price.

If I offer 5 online courses for $1,000 each course, I'll make $5,000 -- versus selling 500 courses for just $10 per class. Think about it this way. It's what I was able to go through.

You can watch the events of Think in Color 2023 on-demand

This is the story -- what you need to know of the three-hour event designed for both budding and established entrepreneurs working in the economy of creation. We'd like to invite you to dive more deeply into those topics that caught your interest.

This post was first seen on here