3 Ways Hiring A Coach Will Make Your Business More Successful

It's September and if you are like me you are probably thinking to yourself SHIT! where has there year gone. Not that we haven't accomplished amazing things this year, but the pressure is really on now to end strong. The challenge can be you may feel stuck or stagnant, either lacking direction or feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to happen in your business by the end of the year. Because as creatives, entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, let's be honest -- we wear a lot of hats! So I am writing to encourage you to consider signing up for three months of coaching, to help you get your marketing, strategy and social media in order for 2017. Here are the reasons I see that have helped my clients, and which you can benefit from:

Everyone has creativity in them. It's just a matter of unlocking that creativity. - Christina Canters

1. Provides A Sounding Board: You may have a lot on your mind, and not even know where to begin. A coach is a sounding board for you, helping you to prioritize so as to not lose momentum or miss opportunities in the midst of all that is happening.
2. Creates Room To Explore New Ideas: If what you have been trying this year has not worked, then it's time to experiment and pivot. A coach can help you review what you have done, expose connections and next steps.
3. Removes Barriers: Whether they are mental barriers that are limiting growth, skills gaps or lack of bandwidth. A coach can help you identify collaborators, resources, and strategies to bridge the gaps and pave the way for greater business growth.

Please contact info@uncommoncartography.com to schedule your free 30-minute coaching consultation. I want to help you position for success in 2017!

Consistency Is King In Social Media

Today, I'm excited to introduce Lauren Caron of Union Adorn to give her top social media tip. Lauren and I met via Instagram (the power of social media). Lauren recently moved to Seattle from New York, when we finally got to meet in person, it felt like we definitely were kindred creative spirits. Lauren's background is in Visual Presentation Design, Interior Design and Business Management. She has worked with some pretty amazing clients including: Bergdorf Goodman, Hasbrouck House Hotel, Homepolish Inc and Tiffany & Co. She is absolutely amazing and I am looking forward to collaborating with her more soon.

Social Media Tip #2: BE CONSISTENT

The best way to ensure you’re going to have a strong Instagram feed is to be Consistent. Think about when you scan other accounts, especially the ones that you consider to be good, there is a consistent formula and system that they’re using which makes their feed be consistently good and on brand. You can look at their feed and know immediately if you want to follow a person/brand or not. Most of the time I don’t even go past the initial feed to individual photos make the decision about if I am going to follow that person or not. 

Creating that consistency is the first step and it’s not going to happen overnight. You need to experiment with different filters, or types of images or perhaps kinds of compositions (that are all reflective of your brand), or even a consistent tone of voice, and see how your followers respond to them. After a while trends will start to reveal themselves and you’ll gain an understanding of what your audience wants to see and hear from you. That’s when you start to edit your content to post more within that formula. Sometimes I purposely break the formula and yes, I gain less likes but also, it is a personal account and I want to be authentic so I say “what the heck, I want to post this so I will.” Usually I receive less likes and sometimes I even lose followers. 

For example, in my personal feed (@laurenlcaron) my audience is most drawn to 4 major images: 1. pictures of my own interiors or interiors that I have created. 2. and 3. are a close and nearly a tie, but my audience loves to see images of building facades in the neighborhoods I’m living, or interiors of restaurants and shops that I’m shopping in. And 4. My dogs tend to get a lot of likes, as long as they’re sprinkled into the feed, not over used. Once in a while I’ll add an image with inspirational text that is relative to me, my followers and the spirit of being a creative entrepreneur. Some of those images have received the most likes of all while others don’t get much. So I only truly post them when the words have a significant meaning to me. For my feed though, I tend to post them in the same font on the same white background.

This completely makes sense as to why my audience prefers these kinds of images, because I am an interior designer and my feed is my personal brand. What audiences want to see, ties directly back to the foundation of the brand - me and my work. 

From a visual standpoint, when canvassing my feed, I consistently utilize the same 2 filters from VSCO. I prefer a tone that is clean, clear and crisp, with true blacks, true whites and deep greens. You’ll notice my images are never too warm or toned to pink, hazy, too moody or too overexposed. Also, I tend to shoot directly onto my buildings and rooms, creating straight up and down lines, without any strong perspective lines or angles. 

Apps that I utilize to keep my feed consistent are: 

• VSCO - because I always prefer those filters over the IG ones
• Snug - to preview how a new image will fit within my feed. 
• ColorStory - Once in a while I’ll use this to edit the photos, but I haven’t found a favorite set of filters on this app yet, although they do the same thing that VSCO does. 
• Phonto - to create my text images.

Consistency doesn’t mean that you have to have the same exact images or necessary that every image has to look the same but they should fit into some sort of broad formula that we stick to. Also, this is just relative to IG, for my other platforms I create based on the needs of that space, as well as what my audience wants to see within that platform. In the end, I just try to ask of whatever I put out there, “is this consistent with my brand?”

Lauren Caron

Union Adorn | United in Beauty

www.unionadorn.com

4 Books I Am Reading

Social Media Tip #1: Create content that is relevant but also infused with your DNA.  I recently polled my social media audience and they requested that I share more about "my process" "work/life balance" "how I find clients" and "tools I use". So this is the first post in a series where I will focus on my process with social media, as well as include tips from some of my favorite people on social media. First, can I just say that this is a process of experimentation, pivoting and evolving? So don't feel like you have to be perfect immediately, or even a month later. I personally have found it to be a tricky tension of creating content which resonates with my audience, but also developing those things which I get joy out of creating. Isn't that always the struggle between art and commerce?

This week I am in luck because it's #readabookday and if you know me at all, you know that I am quite obsessed with reading and learning in general. I know that what I find interesting may not always be appealing to you guys, but I do try to lead the way in the fact that I am always looking to different industries, religions, etc. for that which is beneficial to the common good. I believe gold/treasure/truth is hidden in unexpected places, and many people miss out because they don't explore the random alleys and follow their curiosity down rabbit trails. Also, it seems that "open minded" has become a shield for only being open to what is comfortable to us. I like to be challenged and to wrestle with ideas that I don't understand because when I do I have seen it leads to personal growth. It is quite easy to turn away from those things which are uncomfortable but I would encourage us to have courage and turn into the questions.

What I am reading has a profound effect on how I feel. So I try to be careful of taking in the right balance. Feed your curiosity, feed your happiness. Here is what is currently in my bag (well at least 1-2 of them, otherwise it gets heavy):

• Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown: On my trip to San Diego over the weekend I walked into a North Park bookstore in search of The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson (because someone had recommended it to me) but I ended up walking out with this book. As I say to anyone I suggest a book to, don't feel obligated because a book needs to meet you at the right time. This book aligns with my feeling like it's time to make some changes for a new chapter in my own life to begin.
• Make Your Mark: The Creative's Guide To Building A Business: My friend Matt (A Cook Named Matt) gave me this book to read several months ago and I am just getting around to it. Definitely ask your friends and fellow entrepreneurs what they are reading, because I always get great tips!
• Tears To Triumph by Marianne Williamson: I feel that it's incredibly important to process the things/relationships which happen in our lives because our past can have a profound effect on our businesses and our future if not processed properly. Lately, Marianne Williamson has been seriously speaking to my heart. Remember to take care of the whole you.
• Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist: Fall is always a season of contemplation and turning inward. I begin to prepare now for the next year. This book has become a part of my morning ritual (now that I finished BIG MAGIC). I am slowing down and evaluating the components of my life - are they are deep or shallow. I want to be connected but much of life tries to distract us and keep us from making those deeper heart connections.

What are you reading these days? I always love hearing about new/old books, my list seems to be forever growing :)

Resources

• If you are planning out your social media content calendar, then I would encourage you to take a look at Track Maven's post on national holidays. It's a great resource and will save you time trying to compile a list of your own.  It's where I got the prompt for today's post :)

No. 01 - Uncommon Collaboration: Matt Broussard and Danny Owens

“We are not our brother’s keeper.. in countless large and small ways we are our brother’s maker.” - Harry and Bonarvo Overstreet, Originals I first met Seattle cook and Instagram influencer, Matt Broussard (@cooknamedmatt), via a comment on Instagram, followed by us inboxing each other that “we should collaborate” at the same moment. When I met Matt a few days later at Elm Coffee Roasters, I appreciated how down to earth he was. Since the meeting, we have worked together on a series of projects, which many of you have seen on Instagram. Now I want to share the story of how these collaborations started and how they continue to evolve. I firmly believe the collaborative model in one that you can apply in your city for greater traction and exposure as artists and entrepreneurs.

Typically, when I first meet an artist or business, I do a quick assessment (many times this happens before even consciously planning to), I look at their appearance, their social media aesthetic, and engagement, as well as their website, and any products they might be offering/selling. I am drawn to problems that need to be solved and collaborating with individuals and companies who are working outside of the mainstream, who are scrappy, who have a product with potential, and who are working their asses off to make their dreams come true (not just waiting for success to come to them).

Matt I have learned is someone who seriously knows how to hustle. He works long hours at Palace Kitchen before coming home to cook, write recipes and blogs until 2-3am. His work ethic is a great example of dedication and discipline. When I first reviewed his social media and website, I could see that he was consistently producing, which I believe is a crucial key to success. It is somewhat easy to be captured by a spark of inspiration, but to always put out work is a whole different story. Many artists and creatives struggle with the ebb and flow of inspiration, and therefore find it challenging to keep producing and create momentum. When we get producing down to a discipline, the immediate challenge we face is upping our level of excellence (we must produce at an elite level to compete). For many passions are a side hustle, and they have to be careful about the time and financial investments that they make. But the reality is that even though many of us wear multiple hats, there is someone who can either help train us to take what we are producing to the next level or who can partner with us, in a mutually beneficial way, to get to the next plane.

Now you may be wondering where Danny Owens comes onto the scene?! Danny is a client of mine who is a photographer and creative director. I knew that Danny was looking to do more work in the food industry, and from our discussion, I knew that Matt could use some help with the photography he was creating to go alongside his recipes. I made an intro and set a date to collaborate. A week later we woke Matt up a little earlier than he may have liked, but he whipped up a mouthwatering steak with macadamia butter, fennel, beet cream, chorizo oil. Food is perhaps the best way to begin any new partnership. Stay tuned for more stories about collaboration.

“As people innovate and learn faster, they help to generate new waves of performance improvement for everybody while progressing toward their own higher goals.” - The Power of Pull, John Hagel III

If you need content for your website, social media, or an upcoming product launch please feel free to email me at esther@uncommoncartography.com and I can make sure to connect you with cost efficient resources that will capture your products story and showcase it in a compelling way.

Images By: Esther Maria Swaty and Danny Owens

HOW TO INCREASE ENGAGEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

With Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram, we expected there would be changes and the recently announced updates definitely have artists, startups and small businesses concerned. Many articles have covered the changes (here, here and here). All I will say is that I believe that this could have a very negative affect on artists, startups and small businesses who may not have a sizable “corporate marketing budget”. Because these individuals and businesses might not be able to afford advertising or boosted posts - the concern is whether their content will continue to be seen and engaged with. Just like we have seen a diminishing use of Facebook by artists and small businesses, this change highlights a growing need for a new platform. I am watching and waiting as I am sure are many of you. Will the new platform be SnapChat? Or is some grand disruptor incubating in a unicorn startup out there? Btw: Has anyone found a way around the fact that Instagram does not let you search hashtag + location for engagement with your target audience?

“Being original doesn’t require being first. It just means being different and better.” - Adam Grant

Until The New Platform Arrives, What Do We Do? You take advantage of every resource at your fingertips to develop rich engagement with your audience. Also, don’t put all of your effort and engagement into one location. Experiment with other platforms such as twitter, snapchat, and periscope.

Highlight Momentum  People want to know influencers, follow trend setters and be a part of innovation. Invite people into the story of you and your brand. Keep your audience updated on the cool stuff you are working on, by sharing your process (not just the final product).

Share Rich Content  Many small businesses, fashion bloggers, etc. cannot afford photo shoots to keep their social media fresh. If you can’t afford a photo shoot, consider supplementing your feed with stock photography.

Stock Photo Websites - Pay  Twenty20: $225 a month (billed annually), 25 images a month Stocksy: individual images that cost between $10 to $100 Adobe Stock Images: limited time offer - Get 10 free Adobe Stock Images iStockPhoto: 25 images a month, between $65-$149

Stock Photo Websites - Public Domain & Creative Commons Zero - Free  Public Domain Archive: free for personal or commercial use. Pixabay: large database of public domain images New Old Stock: vintage photos Unsplash: 10 high quality photos released every 10 days. Flickr Creative Commons: make sure to select “public domain

Experiment With Hashtags Before posting take the opportunity to review trending hashtags and see if your content fits into any of the trending categories. Experiment and test which hashtags increase engagement with your content. Some hashtags that are currently trending: #thatsdarling, #darlingmovement, #darlingweekend.

I hope you find these tips to be helpful. Wishing you a wonderful a week filled with growth + momentum!

By: Esther Maria Swaty