I met the beautiful Ntsiki Mkhize while performing at a Women’s Event in Johannesburg 2015 when she was in the running for Miss South Africa. Fast forward to 2020 and we were connecting on a totally different platform — Instagram. This time, to speak about to Female-run Startups and the importance of Branding.
We sat down on the 12th of June for an IG TV LIVE hosted on the MentHer Network page. The MentHer Network, an international mentorship network that Mkhize has founded for female social entrepreneurs and change-makers.
Watch the IG TV Video below…
A CONVERSATION RECAP
Here are some takeaways from our lunch-hour conversation. If you watched it, let me know what you thought?
ONE — YOUR AUDIENCE
Some people call them avatars, and some people call them personas — it doesn’t matter. What does matter, is that you research them and distill who your audience personas are, where they are situated (offline and online), what content resonates with them, their age (demographics), spending capacity and make sure all of your future messaging speaks to them;
TWO — YOUR CONSISTENCY
One of the most important elements of brand building online is consistency. You’ll be amazed at the wonders that consistent content, with consistent messaging, day-in and day-out, can perform. If about 70% of companies say that they have a content strategy, then you want to be a part of the 30%. What I’ve found is that there are a lot of small businesses that do well on Instagram because they are run by conscientious owners who live and breathe the page. Not only giving it personality but also a constant stream of content.
THREE — YOUR FEEDBACK
There are few things more valuable than garnering feedback from your growing community. Not only do you get insight into the performance of your product or service. But, you also build trust in your community and give them the feeling that they belong and are contributing.
FOUR — YOUR COMMUNITY
Community building and feedback are so important. So important, we’d even suggest growing your community before you launch your product or service. Why? So that they’re ready for you when you eventually do it. There’ve been many successful business cases using this model.
FIVE — YOUR WORK
Don’t be afraid to share the good work that you do. Get testimonials, references, etc. and make sure to publicize it. No one will know you do good work unless you tell them. It seems basic, but I read somewhere that businesses don’t fail for lack of talent, they fail because someone doesn’t know how to sell their talent.
SIX — YOUR RESOURCE
When you’re a small business, everything seems overwhelming. The costs rack up and sometimes even needing the smalled things can bring on unwanted financial pressure. That is why we recommend always using what is ‘in your hand,’ i.e. the things you already have, to make it work. Watch Youtube Tutorials, read blogs, do whatever you can to use your resources to the best of your ability;
SEVEN — YOUR MESSAGE
Building your product or services’ community and capturing your good work done takes communication. Make sure that you think very carefully about the messaging that goes into your brand/business. Remember, that your audience includes: suppliers, partners, investors, etc. — think about how you to speak to them (all of the aforementioned are personas)
EIGHT — YOUR CHANNEL
You don’t have to be on all of the social networks at once. Understand the social media platforms, what they are for, and where your audience is before making a calculated decision about where to communicate from. In the beginning, find that one platform and then, just starts!
I hope you get something from it!
All of my love,
Eden
#TheGoodSis
#TravelLight
