a2salesandmarketing

Demystifying Social Media Marketing for Reluctant Business Owners

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 02:15:47 GMT

I polled a room of nearly 20 women this week during Business Boost, a collaborative workshop I was part of leading. All of these women own businesses, and when I asked, "Do you dislike social media?" nearly everyone raised their hands in agreement.

I wasn't surprised by the results; my own clients feel the same. Their responses and discomfort around using Instagram (and other platforms) got me thinking about the social media they believe they need – produced videos, lip sync, and dancing – versus what is perfectly acceptable to promote their business. Simply put, what I believe businesses need are great content ideas that are relevant to their ideal customer.

The questions that come to the top of your mind are likely: HOW? How do I generate ideas and know what is relevant to my ideal customer? And HOW do you bridge the gap between creating both types of content, the engaging content and the rest (which, albeit, should still be engaging in a different way)?

We have to put in the thinking work – we need to have a discussion about your business. Can you do this step on your own? Certainly. However, I often can pick out specific topics that I hear you mentioning consistently and help you see what you do differently. Plus, as someone on the outside looking in, I can see things that are important for your ideal customer that they may not know about yet.

We also have to show up and be consistent about it. James Clear, my favorite productivity teacher and author of Atomic Habits, supports my just-show-up mentality. He writes, "Two is twice as good as one, but one is infinitely better than zero."

・Creating one thing to share on social media as one post is infinitely better than zero.

・Recording one face-to-camera video, as one video, is infinitely better than zero.

・Sending one email to your list per month, as one email, is infinitely better than zero.

Just showing up, just putting in the start of the work you need, begins to build a habit, and with habits, you'll begin to see change. One thing doesn't seem like it's enough, but with zero, you're not even getting started.

So here's my two cents: Maybe it's not that you don't like social media. Maybe it's simply (ha, simple) that because you don't fully understand what you need to do, Instagram seems like this pain in the ass that you would rather not even think about. Believe me, I'm right there with you with certain aspects of my business – like my bookkeeping. To which I've now hired someone to help me manage that part of my business. Fortunately or unfortunately, you can go on not using the platforms, or you can recognize that they are not going anywhere. Well, maybe TikTok, but we will know more about this as the months progress. The reality is Meta is here to stay, and to embrace what it can offer you (increased brand awareness, networking opportunities, SEO, website traffic, etc.) is crucial.

Amplify my personalized coaching sessions can help guide you in the right direction. They can help you create clarity and understanding around aspects of your marketing that you need support with. I was recently speaking with a therapist who does regularly post on social but was struggling to attract the right women for a particular service she offers. When she mentioned the service, I had never heard this word used before. So I asked for more clarification as I just did not understand. I may not fully be the target audience she is looking for, but I am in the demographic of what she wants. After a quick conversation, I pointed out that she is using terminology that is too clinical. When she explained to me what she does and what she offers new moms, I easily connected to this specific topic. I told her to write down what she just said and talk about this particular topic in this way.

Just as we hire coaches or tutors for our children, think of your business as another child. If you need support – you outsource. You don't have to go at building a business all on your own; there are people like me who are here to help guide you through understanding what may not come naturally. I live and breathe sales and marketing; you live and breathe your own expertise. Recognize that, take one small step at a time, and even if we meet just once, one meeting about your content marketing is better than zero.

Amplify your Autumn: Embracing Business Transitions with A2

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 21:46:16 GMT

It's been a while since I've written an official blog post for my website. As I sit on my patio enjoying our second summer and watch the leaves begin to change, I can't help but think about this season of transition. It's the perfect time to reflect on our business journeys and amplify our potential for growth as we close out the fourth quarter of 2024.

I initially gave myself 45 minutes today to work on my social media for the week. As I went through my content brainstorming process, I couldn't help but think, "Let's practice what I teach!" It was time to get back on the blog writing train, rather than simply drafting content for my weekly "Notes from a Midlife Marketer" emails. This reflection led me to consider what my coaching clients are asking for, what I'm offering my marketing clients, and how I'm bridging the gap between done-for-you services and coaching with my workshops. Inevitably, my thoughts turned to the transition from 2024 to 2025. In business, these transitions can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're in retail gearing up for the holiday rush, a service-based business considering new strategies, or in real estate navigating fluctuating markets, one thing remains constant: the need for continuous growth and adaptation.

Amplify Your Network

This season, I challenge you to find inspiration in unexpected places. Perhaps a walk through the changing leaves sparks a new marketing idea, or a cozy coffee shop meeting leads to an innovative collaboration. I've already begun my collaborations, and my advice to you as we enter Q4 and beyond is to amplify your network and collaborations. This is a major way to expand your reach without breaking the bank.

Attend at least one networking event per month. Start at your local Chamber of Commerce if you're unsure where to begin. Chambers are built on connection and love helping business owners find their professional circle. Join a professional mom's or neighborhood group on Facebook. Talk to your friends and family about what you need instead of engaging in idle chit-chat. Remember, every connection is a potential opportunity to amplify your business reach.

Amplify Your Education

Have you been putting off that course or workshop? Now's the time to invest in yourself and your business. Learning new skills or deepening your expertise can give you a competitive edge as we head into the new year. Regardless of how busy your autumn looks, there are amazing opportunities to support your continued learning. Whether you're experiencing a seasonal boom or a temporary lull, it's crucial to carve out time for business growth. Just as we prepare our homes for winter, we must dedicate time to nurture our business aspirations.

Amplify Your Autumn with A2

At A2, we understand the importance of continuous growth and adaptation. That's why we offer programs designed to amplify various aspects of your business: [ view workshop calendar ]

・ Content Brainstorm : (virtual workshop - weekly on Thursdays beginning 10/10) Content Brainstorm is a weekly virtual workshop designed to help you get the most out of the content you create. Starting with one idea, we will turn that idea into content -- and many pieces of content. What is content? This workshop will teach you the answer!

・ Business Boost: A Collaborative Workshop: (in-person workshop on Tuesday, 10/15) Business Boost is an intensive workshop, guided by 4 professionals. Participate in a panel group discussion, small group breakout sessions & get work done. This workshop is designed to help you refine your marketing, enhance your brand, and optimize your productivity.

・Canva for Beginners: (in-person workshops. November 2024) Learn to create stunning designs for your brand quickly and easily that capture the essence of autumn and your brand.

Whether you're looking to refine your strategy, enhance your marketing, or develop new skills, A2's programs are here to help you amplify your autumn and set the stage for a successful transition into the new year.

Your Autumn Amplification Challenge

As we embrace this season of change, I challenge you to identify one area of your business you'd like to amplify. Is it your marketing strategy? Your networking efforts? Your skill set? Whatever it is, take the first step today. Remember, just as a single leaf changing color can signal the start of autumn, a single step towards growth can signal the beginning of your business transformation.

Let's make this autumn a season of amplification, growth, and success. How will you amplify your autumn with A2?

SHE.E.O Wednesday - Workflows Expert Ronna Belinky

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:11:57 GMT

Business Efficiency:

Why Workflow process development is essential for Small Businesses, with Workflow expert, Ronna Belinky

I had the pleasure of being joined by workflow expert, Ronna Belinky for the 3nd installment of SHE.E.O. Wednesday. This episode is the first in the new video format living on YouTube with shorter reels on Instagram. Ronna shared valuable insights on how creating workflow processes can provide immense value for business owners. Ronna, made a strong case for midlife female entrepreneurs to invest in professional processes for their business.

She revealed how workflows help you:

Create efficient processes once that you can reuse, instead of reinventing the wheel each time.
For recurring projects, just change the date and your task list auto-calculates.
Help you work smarter, not harder by planning ahead to save time later. Focus energy on your most important goals instead of constant planning.
Bring structure and pacing so you know what tasks need to be done today vs later. This reduces the stress of feeling everything is urgent.
Streamline communication if you have a team by limiting back-and-forth emails. Everyone can see task status in the shared workflow.

As a small business owner, we often overlook those tasks that are repeatable. SHE.E.O is a perfect example! Ronna and I could create a workflow for the steps needed to produce this segment each month. Starting from securing a guest to writing this blog post and everything in between.

The discussion also captured conversations around:

How workflows can serve as "digital binders" that document processes, tasks, and how to do key jobs in your business. Great for training others or handing off tasks.
The custom workflows are simple to build and user-friendly compared to more complex project management platforms that have a steeper learning curve.
Ronna's collaborative process starts with assessing your needs and pain points. She then co-creates the workflow with you tailored to your business.
Workflows bring structure that takes the stress out of your day. You know exactly what needs to be done and when instead of relying on your memory.

Don't just read the recap, watch the video below. I know you'll find Ronna's workflow expertise incredibly valuable.

Stay tuned for future SHE.E.O. Episodes on Wednesdays where we'll be diving into more small biz tips and strategies from my closest contacts and clients. Have a topic you want covered? Let me know in the comments!

Buffalo Grove, IL | Chicago's North Shore

How Much is Too Much?

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 22:50:42 GMT

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? (Read it or listen below)

Let’s Talk About Self-Promotion, Shall We?

Lately several of my coaching clients have asked the age-old question: “How much sharing about my biz is TOO much?” They want to promote their work, but not annoy everyone they know or come on too strong.

Listen, I totally get it. But here’s the thing...can you name a single successful company that DOESN’T self-promote? Do you think they could’ve grown so huge if they didn’t market themselves? Similarly, how can you expect potential customers and referrals to keep discovering you if you stay silent?

Look — there IS a balance with how often to share updates without going over-the-top. You've hit a nice stride when you almost start annoying YOURSELF a bit! ��

But here’s why consistency still matters even when it seems ineffective: connections made via social media or marketing are NOT linear. Someone not engaging with you now could share tomorrow or buy 6 months down the road since they’ve subconsciously heard of you for ages. You have to persistently plant seeds without expecting perfect timing.

For real, just recently I got promising referrals out of the blue — people not even on my email list or very interactive with biz posts. But they still follow me on social media. Clearly seeds were planted through my updates they saw over time! Even mild brand exposure can bloom into opportunities when nurtured.

Moral is: Don’t let fear of “too much” sharing hold you back online or IRL. Get strategic with self-promotion, but err on the side of consistent visibility rather than sporadic silence. That’s what establishes your positioning and keeps revenue rolling in!

SHE.E.O Wednesday - Branding Photography with Nicola Levine

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:54:55 GMT

Brand Me:

Why Professional Photos Matter for Small Businesses, with Branding Photographer Nicola Levine

Recap of the SH.E.O Wednesday Instagram Live with Nicola Levine

I had the pleasure of being joined by branding photographer, Nicola Levine for the 2nd SHE.E.O. Wednesday on Instagram Live. Nicola shared invaluable insights on how quality images can provide immense value for business owners. Nicola, made a strong case for midlife female entrepreneurs to invest in professional visuals.

She revealed how photographs help you:

Visually encapsulate what makes your business unique for potential customers
Make your business appear polished, trustworthy and professional
Create a recognizable brand that your audience won't forget
Look more successful through elevated aesthetics that set you apart competitively

In today's crowded market, images that align to your brand and resonate with your ideal midlife customers can be the difference between getting noticed or going overlooked.

The discussion also captured conversations around:

Capturing essential photos, even on a restricted budget when starting out
Knowing the optimal time during growth or a rebrand to overhaul your visual identity
Feeling self-assured and relaxed during your photoshoot

If you missed this info-packed session, be sure to click HERE to watch the replay on Instagram!

Don't just read the recap, watch the video. I know you'll find Nicola's branding expertise incredibly valuable.

Stay tuned for future SHE.E.O. Episodes on Wednesdays where we'll be diving into more small biz tips and strategies from my closest contacts and clients. Have a topic you want covered? Let me know in the comments!

Connect with Nicola

Riverwoods, IL | Deerfield, IL | Chicago's North Shore

In an Instant Everything Changed | My coaching journey with Jenny Kane Skin Care

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:41:40 GMT

OH, HAVE I GOT A STORY FOR YOU! (Read it or listen below)

I’m sitting at my computer on a Thursday night, and I am writing a few workflow emails for a special offer that I created specifically for those who have attended my 2nd Friday Webinar .

The first email is deployed right after the purchase of the offer. It’s the thanks for your purchase, now let’s meet and get to work, email. The ESP that I use, FloDesk (try it for Free for 30 days, I’m an affiliate) when you start a workflow, provides additional email templates that a business owner can create – it’s really cool.

Anyway, the reason I am starting to compose this blog was the workflow suggested that I tell a story and the example was, in an instant everything changed…

So get cozy and read my, in an instant everything changed story!

I’m not sure the exact time but I’m sure it was probably over an eyebrow and lip wax that I decided I could start coaching other small business owners. It started, however, with the Holistic Esthetician, Jenny Kane ! Jenny and I talk about almost everything–we have known each other, me more intimately ��, for over 10 years! Like every solid relationship, our trust in each other has grown over the years too.

When it came time for my little caterpillar to become a butterfly, I was honored to be part of her journey. BTW, I have NEVER once used that analogy. Jenny wanted to grow on social, however; her budget was tight for marketing and social media management. So I thought, I could teach her all that I knew and she could start to build up her following with my direction. She was my first coaching student.

Though my career path took an unexpected turn, veering away from my college studies in education toward retail and sales roles, in an instant everything changed when I found my true calling as a marketing consultant and entrepreneur coaching small business owners.

Now I get to help fellow entrepreneurs uncover their superpowers and share their stories through marketing and content creation. My students inspire me every day with their passion and drive.

I never know what business niche I'll be immersed in next or what new things I'll learn. But the thrill of making genuine connections and imparting confidence never gets old.

I feel so grateful to have found my purpose in empowering others on their entrepreneurial journeys. Though the road twists and turns, each coaching relationship guides me right where I'm meant to be.

My time with Jenny taught me I could guide others to grow. And now here I am, living my dream of educating, connecting and nurturing the caterpillars to become their most beautiful butterflies.

SHE.E.O Wednesday - Branding & Logo Design with Jill Lawlor

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:58:22 GMT

How to Develop an Impactful Brand Strategy, with Brand Identity Designer, Jill Lawlor

Recap of the SH.E.O Wednesday Instagram Live with Jill Lawlor

I had the pleasure of being joined by branding graphic designer Jill Lawlor this week for the first ever SH.E.O. Wednesday on Instagram Live. Jill shared invaluable insights on creating strong brand identities for small businesses.

We covered topics including:

Tips for rebranding your business
The impact of branding on business success
How to choose cohesive colors, fonts, and designs

Jill emphasized the importance of branding in communicating what makes your business unique and connecting emotionally with your audience.

A few of my biggest takeaways:

Focus your branding on what makes you stand out, not fit in. Be bold!
Consistent visuals are key - make sure your logo, colors, and fonts align.
Don't be afraid to rebrand as your business evolves.

If you missed this info-packed session, be sure to click HERE to watch the replay on Instagram!

Don't just read the recap, watch the video. I know you'll find Jill's branding expertise incredibly valuable.

Stay tuned for future SH.E.O. Episodes on Wednesdays Live where we'll be diving into more small biz tips and strategies from my closest contacts and clients. Have a topic you want covered? Let me know in the comments!

Connect with Jill Lawlor

Lincolnshire, IL | Chicago's North Shore

3-2-1 Thursday

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:43:37 GMT

3-2-1: On visualizing your future self, raising your vibe, and shifting your thinking

CHANNELING MY INNER JAMES CLEAR

3 IDEAS FROM ME

2 QUOTES FROM OTHERS

1 QUESTION FOR YOU

3 IDEAS FROM ME

VISUALIZE your future self.

Imagine where you want to be one year from now. What does your future self look like in terms of your business or your professional growth? Envisioning this helps to set the stage for setting your Wildly Important Goal.

RAISE your energy vibration for change.

Change your thinking first. Your thoughts and beliefs dictate your energy, mindset and ultimately your success. Make time to adjust negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs before taking goal action.

SHIFT your thinking for success.

Feeling overwhelmed won't serve you. Break down your goal into smaller manageable tasks to encourage progress. Focus on ONE Wildly important goal and think about ways you can make small changes to your habits to make working towards the goal more attainable. Celebrate even the tiniest of successes.

Self-help author Jen Sincero , who penned the empowering book You Are a Badass, explains the power we have over our thinking:

"You are the thinker of your thoughts. You have an amazing ability to think whatever you want to think at any given moment. So why not think thoughts that make you happy?"

Productivity writer James Clear , known for his wisdom on habits and personal growth, offers this advice on managing expectations:

"When you're in the middle of the work, set your expectations high. It's unlikely your performance will exceed the standard you set for yourself. High expectations encourage you to keep reaching and fulfill your potential.

Once the work is done, release yourself from your expectations. The fastest way to ruin a good outcome is to tell yourself it's not good enough. Your expectations dictate your happiness more than your results.

Expectations can be helpful as a motivator and unhelpful as a measuring stick. Now that the work is done you can rest easy knowing you tried your best. You've already won."

1 QUESTION FOR YOU

When I was in 5th grade I wanted to be a teacher. While I pivoted in college from education to sales, in my fourth decade I've come full circle - encompassing my passions for communicating, educating, and supporting small businesses.

I've found my superpower is making connections and helping entrepreneurs share their story through personalized marketing coaching. I don't know everything, but I've learned a lot over the years.

Let's connect so I can help you develop winning content that spotlights your passion and value.

Click below to learn more about working together one-on-one to achieve your goals!

A2 Sales & Marketing's Dilemma

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 22:12:53 GMT

To Change a Name or Not to Change A Name?

I love being in the room when my business name, A2, clicks for someone. "Oh, I get it, Amy Alexander." I nod and smile. "Yep, I have two A's which begin both my first and last name." In 2016, the original launch of A2 Digital Consulting took place. A2, as you now know, stands for the first letters of my first and last name, while Digital Consulting was the broad service I was offering. At that point in time, just getting started I would truly do any thing a business owner needed.

Fast forward to 2021, and after a life change, I resurrected A2. Looking to do business again under that name. I didn't know what services I would be offering. So at that time, A2 Sales & Marketing seemed perfectly fitting. I was coming off 5 years as a Sales & Marketing Director, and I was keen on continuing that journey as a fractional Sales & Marketing Director - so the business name worked for where I was at, at the time.

A few months into the 2.0 of A2, while working with a business coach, she asked me about my business name and what I do best. It was during those sessions that I carved out my niche. I wrote down all of my competencies and recognized a pattern in what I loved to do! I excel at Digital Marketing. Sure, I can build websites, but that's not what I love to do. I enjoy writing, I enjoy social media, and I know how to build sales funnels for emailing to a list of leads. I felt that A2 Sales and Marketing still worked for my resurrection based on my new niche service offerings .

As I sit here writing this post, I want to share that I am in the midst of a brand renovation. I am working with Jill Lawlor , who excels at branding and graphic design. To enhance my current branding, to match the tone that my business values have evolved to be, I wanted a new logo and branding to align with my business values of confidence, boldness, energy, and above all genuineness. Jill has done an amazing job capturing those values in the mood board she created for my brand. We're keeping the pink, black, and white color scheme while adding a pop of another color - which I'm keeping a secret, along with updates to my branding font!

What I am NOT keeping a secret is my contemplation of changing my business name or keeping it as is.

A2 Sales & Marketing is my current business name. The name rolls easily off the tongue; however, I wonder if it's a bit vague for what I offer. Is it about sales? Is it about marketing? Do I need a tagline? The other option is updating my DBA (doing business as) name to Amplify by A2, which adds part of the name of my coaching program to the A2 that I am known for.

Leave me a note comment below and let me know what you think:

Keep it as A2 Sales & Marketing.

Change it to Amplify by A2.

Mastering Email Marketing:

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 22:57:07 GMT

From Quality Lists to Compelling Content, Your Guide to Success

In today's digital world, where social media platforms and algorithms are ever-changing, email marketing is still a reliable and direct channel for communication between businesses and their valued customers. An email list isn't just a list of email addresses; it's a connection that you have complete control over. Unlike social media platforms which can change their algorithms, become banned in certain countries or even shut down, your email list is a valuable owned asset that will always remain under your control.

Starting with email marketing means building a list. Where do you even begin to start? Just like when networking you’ll want to start your list with people in your inner circle. Those that if you sent them an email, wouldn’t mind hearing from you and brand out from there. Include networking groups and other organizations. From there you’ll want to begin finding ways to build your list based on permission. Permission is the process of sharing an offer or information in exchange for an email address. Permission can also be granted after a purchase has been made. This approach involves investing in a strong and resilient channel that endures through changing times. This list becomes a direct link between your business and your most interested and engaged customers. It's a way to nurture relationships, share valuable information, and achieve meaningful results.

When it comes to email marketing, engagement is more important than statistics. It's about being consistently present and forming a genuine connection with your community. Looking beyond just open rates, engagement signifies a real conversation. It's about building a relationship that resonates and creates a space where your business is not just seen, but truly felt. By focusing on creating quality content, you're not just increasing open rates – you're inspiring your recipients to actively participate and engage with your brand.

Enter the world of creating compelling content, where words, value and your offer comes together. Here, stories are told, solutions are offered, and bridges are built. It's not just about boosting open rates; it's about sparking a desire to take action, a feeling of being part of something meaningful. Each subject line is an invitation, every paragraph is a journey, and every call-to-action is an opportunity waiting to be seized.

To navigate the email journey, consider using an Email Service Provider (ESP) like Flodesk , a reliable partner that simplifies your email marketing efforts. It helps you manage your email list, enhances your email design, and serves as the hub for automation and analytics. With an ESP like Flodesk, you can direct your energy where it truly matters.

Automation takes the spotlight as the final act. It's like conducting an orchestra of consistent and timely communication, setting expectations and enhancing reliability. Through automation, you're not just sending emails; you're nurturing connections. You're not just sharing information; you're guiding your audience. Each email becomes a note in a melody that strikes a chord.

In the world of email marketing, it's more than just strategy; it's about building connections. From forming quality lists to creating captivating content, from choosing the right ESP to embracing automation, every step adds to a story that reflects your brand's essence. It's not just marketing; it's a bridge that links dreams to realities, businesses to customers, and aspirations to accomplishments.

To learn more about using email in your business, building an email list, creating a strategy, content to share, and more, set up a 1:1 consultation with Amy from A2 Sales & Marketing. A2 offers one on one coaching as well as done for you marketing services. Meet with us here .

Download the companion guide here .

Affiliate Link: Check out my favorite ESP: https://flodesk.com/c/XDGPI6

"Enhancing Creativity and Productivity: My Thoughts on Using ChatGPT as a Writing Tool"

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Mon, 22 May 2023 21:57:04 GMT

How has A2 has navigated the new AI tools, like ChatGPT? Read on as Amy shares her firsthand experience with ChatGPT as a writing tool, showcasing how it has helped her overcome writer's block and foster creativity for her brand, Midlife at the Mailbox and her clients.

Even the best content writers and social media managers get writer's block. A few months ago, I experienced another bout of writer's block. After Googling "what do I write about" or something similar, I came across ChatGPT.

I won't lie; I was hooked! Don't worry, 95%* of my writing is my own, but sometimes you just need a little "inspiration." (*Please note that 95% is a random and arbitrary percentage. Recognize that when you work on your own, having AI to help simplify your thoughts can be very helpful.)

Here's what I think ChatGPT is useful for:

Making lists:

If you provide the AI with a topic, the platform can provide basic lists of information related to that topic.

Once you have these lists, you can use your natural intelligence and writing ability to craft your own blog posts, emails, captions, etc.

For example, I asked the AI to outline a beginner's Canva course. It provided nine main points with several sub-points for each. This was helpful for me in many ways. Since I use Canva daily, I wanted to explore the course from a fresh perspective. It allowed me to research the current methods used by creators to teach Canva and identify the existing courses available in the market. Now, I can differentiate my course content.

Summarizing your own text:

If you tend to ramble, like I do, the AI is great for paraphrasing or condensing your words.

For instance, the other day, I was working on new cover art for "Midlife at the Mailbox." I wanted to update the words Denyse and I use to describe our podcast story. I started with our current story and, after some revisions and rewrites on my part, I was able to write something that I felt described our show well and captured our voice.

One drawback of ChatGPT is that it doesn't learn my specific "voice." While I can ask the AI to maintain the tone of my writing, it falls short when I need something highly specific or when I'm aiming for a light and humorous tone.

I started with the below question to the AI, and after a few versions, I was able to compose the text in the light pink box.

Titles, captions, or podcast episode titles:

Similar to summarizing your own text, creating compelling headlines can be a struggle at times. I have fed my thoughts and writings into the platform and have had great success in generating engaging titles. I may make some tweaks to the suggested words, but overall, it has been a helpful tool.

For example, when working on a podcast episode, I had initially written a title but felt it needed stronger language to hook our listeners. I asked the ChatGPT AI, and it provided a few options, one of which I used for the final title. ..

Overall, I believe that ChatGPT is a useful tool to have in your toolkit. Like all tools, it cannot replace human work entirely, nor is it meant to be used every day. However, it serves as a valuable backup teammate when you need assistance and don't have someone to collaborate with. I think of it as a tool similar to a calculator, spell check, or thesaurus. ChatGPT is like my backup partner in collaboration. Instead of always turning to Google, I turn to my AI instead.

How did I use AI to enhance this post?

The Blog Title
The Blog Summary
Meta Title

M et

Have you started to embrace the use of AI with your work? If yes, how has it enhanced your work?

If No, tell me more about why you have not tried it yet?

3-2-1 Thursday: Habits, Small Changes, and Inspiration to Just Show Up

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Thu, 04 May 2023 23:06:09 GMT

3-2-1 Thursday:

Habits, Small Changes, and Inspiration to Just Show Up

I’ve become hooked on James Clear’s book Atomic Habits . If you have not had the chance to read it yet, I HIGHLY encourage you to do so. His book has made me think about different aspects of my life and how I can make better habits in order to make real changes in my work and life. I have implemented changes into my daily life habits and I’ve used these theories in how I work with my Marketing Consulting clients and my Amplify Your Influence 1:1 Coaching clients. Specifically, with how I think about “goal setting”. When working with my clients, we discuss ways we can make small changes in the way we go about our work day, when added up over a period of time, actually produce results.

James Clear also sends out a weekly email on Thursday which he provides:

3 Ideas From Me
2 Quotes from Others
1 Question for You

So I thought I’d give it a go, and see if I could mimic his template for myself, as I connect with you. Time to have some fun...

Here are 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider this week.

3 Ideas From Me

“Just because you write it down doesn't mean that you can't change it, but start to put down a tangible plan.”

Listen to more on Midlife at the Mailbox

“When something in your life seems too overwhelming, and hard to get started, how can you break the something down into smaller more functional chunks to make it appear easier to accomplish?”

“ Just Show Up. The battle is within. Networking in 2023 is going to be huge for you if you show up and engage with potential clients or customers. The same can be said for using Instagram or starting an email list. Nothing is going to happen without the work.”

2 Quotes from Others

"A slight change in your daily habits can guide your life to a very different destination. Making a choice that is 1 percent better or 1 percent worse seems insignificant in the moment, but over the span of moments that make up a lifetime, these choices determine the difference between who you are and who you could be."

James Clear, Atomic Habits

“As a parent, as a leader, you have the power to create the atmosphere in your organization, in your team, in your household.”

Gia Kazarian, Midlife at the Mailbox, Episode 20

1 Question for You

Do you have broad interests? I was asked recently, “What are my hobbies or something outside of work and family that brings me vitality?” Do you have a hobby or passion?

Email me, you share yours and I’ll share mine

Until next time, let’s be honest it may be next month…

As my friend says, ” Progress not perfection” -Denyse Rabbat

-Amy Alexander

Podcaster, Content, Social & Email Strategist & Coach

Springing into Success

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:23:19 GMT

Springing into Success:

How Networking in 2023 Has Bloomed Opportunities for My Business

As I reflect on the arrival of spring, I am struck by the parallels between the new cycle of growth in nature and in my business. Just like the buds and flowers that are blooming all around me, my business is also experiencing a period of growth and expansion.

One of the new habits I started in 2023 was to focus on networking more, and I have been sharing my thoughts and experiences about it on my podcast, @midlifeatthemailbox . I am thrilled to see that networking in 2023 is alive and stronger than ever before. It has become a vital tool for me in growing my business

Through networking, I have been able to connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and tap into new opportunities. By sharing my journey with others, I have gained valuable insights, feedback, and support. It has been a powerful way to learn, grow, and expand my horizons.

As I reflect on the growth I am witnessing in my business, I am grateful for the impact of networking. It has opened doors, sparked collaborations, and fueled my entrepreneurial journey. It has reminded me of the power of human connection and the importance of building relationships in business.

Just like the blooming flowers in nature, my business is blossoming, and I attribute much of this growth to the art of networking. It has been a reminder that sometimes, it's not just what you know, but who you know, that can make all the difference. I am excited to continue nurturing my network and witnessing the continued growth and success of my business in this new season of spring.

Join me in harnessing the power of networking, to connect, collaborate, and thrive in 2023. Let's work together!

What if you Fly?

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 01:40:50 GMT

��ℝ stops us in our tracks. It stops us from taking a chance, taking a step, or learning something new. ��ℝ prevents us from putting our true selves out for the world to see. ��ℝ freezes us from thinking, what if we do something wrong?⁠

I have a few people I am in conversations with about my Amplify your Influence 1:1 coaching services and when I asked them what are they looking to get out of our sessions they all shared, “to learn how to use social media and more specifically, Instagram.”

I want to set the stage as these are all Women in their Midlife who own businesses or work in a position that is requiring them to use social platforms more in their day to day business and they are all afraid of the platform. These women are introverts, they are extroverts, they are you, they are me, they speak with people all day and are masters at what they do. They are all afraid of being vulnerable and making a mistake.

Let me assure you, that there is nothing to be fearful of with Instagram. The fear comes from how we feel others will perceive us, the vulnerability. I’ve been there, and I am still there in some respects. Some women feel confident in filming a video of themselves and uploading it into a story or a reel. Others, stop and re-record ten times. Again, I’ve been there!

Here is the secret, the community of people that follow you on Instagram are NOT looking at your pimple, or the dark circles that you think are under your eyes, or the fact that you haven’t washed your hair in 4 days. They are not checking that you’re recording this in your car, the color of the paint on the wall or that you have racks of clothing to be steamed, or boxes of merchandise to stock the floor.

They are following you to hear your story. To engage with your message. To become a superfan.

What if? What if you Fall? What if you fail? How about flipping that thought on its head and asking yourself, �� ?⁠ I love that quote from poet Erin Hanson.

Being fearful of something is totally natural, its just how you rally behind the fear. Do you let it stop you from taking the chance? The uncertainty that you’re going to mess up, if you do, own it and move on. We’re all human. No one is perfect. When you start to utilize Instagram or Facebook, your community is out there to support YOU and YOUR MESSAGE . Some will sit back and consume others will lift you up. That is truly when the magic happens. Your ideal customer wants to know the stories behind the brand. They want to know you as a person. Once they do, they develop a trust that you can provide them with the information that they need to make great strides to develop better systems to reach their goals.

When thinking about using social media all you need to do is show up and start to practice. Just like with anything, practice is going to make you better and more confident in the skill that you are looking to learn.

So many of you ask me about learning more about how to use Instagram and Canva, that I realized, I can't make more of myself, but I CAN make time to teach more than one person at a time, and thus, �� group coaching and course work were created. Let me help you to fly, come join me on March 9th for our next group.

Come to your community as authentically as possible

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 02:23:24 GMT

One of my coaching clients, who recently started using Instagram to boost awareness for her business, sent me text and shared that a story she created for Instagram, where she had wet hair and was makeup free received more engagement and comments than any other post she had shared previously.

My response was, “ I told you! Authentic.”

I had drinks over Thanksgiving with a long time friend who was in from out of town and as we caught up and chatted about her life and mine she said to me, “It looks like you are really busy, Amy.” I said, “social media can often be deceiving.”

So as I sit here on my couch snuggled up in my favorite blanket, my hair still wet from my shower this morning, listening to the instrumental music of the Bridgerton soundtrack, and type out this post, I can’t help but not share that I’m struggling with how much authenticity you would really like to see from me, or any “influencer” for that matter.

The truth of it is, I am struggling. Do you want to know that behind my smile is a constant and nagging comparison to others more successful than me? That right now, I have three great clients plus my business and my podcast , but I am judging myself by the dollars I have in my bank account, thinking that there are others in my space that probably have more zeros in theirs? President Theodore Roosevelt said it best, “comparison is the thief of joy.” Aint that the truth-bomb I don’t want dropped?

Anyone else feeling a similar truth?

I am so lucky. It’s a sad truth to I have to constantly remind myself as such. Even typing it out, I’m getting the chills.

The chills continue as I lift my fingers from the keyboard as I am struck with the music now playing in the background of of my computer. It is a song called Believe . Have our computers begun to recognize our keystrokes, and play music to uplift? The lyrics,

Keep going, you'll find that you're not on your own

So don't give up

And don't give in

You've gotta believe, believe, believe

That anything is possible.

Seriously, listen to the song, linked on Amazon Prime . Okay, universe you’ve sent me enough good energy for one night. Back to my writing….

So, I wake up and I get to perform a service that fuels me. I get to help small business owners grow their business and by doing so, I am also growing and learning to be the best version of me for A2 Sales and Marketing. A coaching and consulting business that nurtures small business owners focusing on content development, social media and email marketing.

The social media scheduler company, Later.com , which has an amazing scheduling platform, blog and social media account, states “Authenticity may be an overused buzzword in the marketing industry, but it's one of the most effective ways to build meaningful relationships with your online community. Whether you have 500 followers or 500,000 followers, staying true to your brand will resonate with your audience and help you grow.”

Mic Drop, Later.com . Mic Drop.

Here is another authentic truth. I am working on my first webinar, Think Like Instagram . As of publication, I have one person registered from outside of my circle. I truly believed that it would be an easier “sell.” Should I have charged money for my information? Would that have engaged more people to want to attend as they woud have money to lose if they didn’t attend? I totally thought this would be topic that would have resonated with more people. The doubt sets in, is it me? Have I not built up enough of a community around my business?

Anytime I meet a business owner, I am asked about using Instagram to help grow a business. I truly do believe that having a social media presence is an important branding tool for any brand (personal or business), and when asked I will always share that. People (me included) have a hard time showing the ugly authentic side of life, which I truly belive is what will draw people to your business and that my friend is what we will explore during my webinar, while sharing some tips and tricks on how to Think like Instagram so your content is viewed.

So here is me. The authentic, over-thinking, uncertain, extroverted Amy, from A2 Sales & Marketing saying, check out my webinar on December 6th at 12PM over Zoom . I know it will be filled with a ton , a handful, yeah a handful of nuggets that you don’t want to miss. Because at the end of the day you have to sell yourself and your story. No one is going to do it for you and you’ll do it as authentically as possible.

Thinking Over My Overthinking

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 23:00:33 GMT

"I overthink about everything and I’m not the only woman who is guilty of this."

Where are my overthinkers? You know who you are? I’ll admit, I am an overthinker, I overthink on the daily. I overthink about everything and I’m not the only woman who is guilty of this. It has been scientifically proven that women’s brains are more active than the male brain, we’re more active in the frontal cortex which controls our focus and impulse control, hence all our Amazon purchases and our inability to get out of Target for a reasonable amount of money as well as the limbic area of the brain which is linked to mood and anxiety.

I’m going to leave the overthinking brain discussion for a future podcast. Hey Denyse, write that topic down…Why do we over think in Midlife? Does someone know Doc Amen? He would make a great guest. If you so desire you can read more about the study here . Nevertheless, it proves my point (phew) that my brain is on overdrive, and with that often comes the decreased ability to fall asleep (or if I do easily fall asleep, I’m not always staying asleep) and I find that *spoiler alert* times of stress, my brain is on overdrive.

Right now, I can point my stress in the direction of, my business. I pride myself on my transparency, if you know me personally, you know that I talk out what’s happening in my life and I teased a bit of my stress during a few Instagram stories, but I’ll leave it here, one of my clients did not renew for year two. PS. You should follow me on Instagram @amylalex28 .This non-renewal of services came as a shock and a bit of a financial blow to my revenue. It’s a risk you take to work for yourself, there is no way to sugar coat that but it got me to overthinking about my “offer” and what it is that A2 Sales and Marketing offers its clients.

As of the publication of this post, I believe at the core A2 Sales & Marketing functions as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer for small business owners with a focus on content development, social media strategy and email marketing. However, over the past 18-months of client work and focusing on building and growing A2, I believe that while social media and email marketing are services that I can provide, I have also found joy in coaching clients and working 1:1 on how to do the work needed to determine their offer plus teach clients how grow their own social media channels. Here I go beginning to question and overthink, the direction of my business. Can I do both?

I am going to do an exercise with you, and I invite you to take the steps to do this exercise yourself. My business coach and other marketing experts share similar self reflecting questions, I’ve adapted for A2 and how I would present to a client.

These are just a sampling of the bigger conversation and the hope is that by reflecting on your offer, and how the market reacted to your current offer you can determine if you have a strong position or if something in your offer needs to shift to be more competitive in your space.

While it is not as simple as it looks, I encourage you not to overthink this exercise and to carve out time on your calendar to sit down and do this assignment. Having trouble? Let’s set up a time to discuss one on one and see if you can be a fit for my current offerings. I’ll leave you with my self reflection to two of the questions.

Something that comes easy to me is talking to my community about their business and working to determine strategies to grow their bottom line. I love the joy in watching my clients find success and welcoming them to come back and share their stories.

My time is limited, where was the majority of your time and energy spent? I’ve spent too much time in my business; (obviously client work is what pays the bills) however, I need to also remember that I have a business that needs to grow as well and time must be spent on my wildly important goals that I have set to grow A2 Sales & Marketing.

Hopefully, soon you’ll be helping me to meet my goals, while I help you to reach yours. Let's connect!

Benefits of a Social Media Management Tool

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 22:16:34 GMT

What's in it for me?

The other day, I upgraded my client off the free version of a social media management tool I was using for his business. For the past ten months, I’ve been using a free version of Buffer, which allowed for me to share content on three of his social media channels. Fortunately, Buffer and Google My Business will now connect. Cue ecstatic social media director here. Since GMB is a huge channel for client acquisition, it was a necessary upgrade as the business updates you can share on the Google Knowledge Panel are actually seen by so many prospects, it’s important to keep it updated. What did this update mean for my Buffer use? I needed to add an additional channel to his account and thus the conversation of free versus paid ensued.

Me: “I had to upgrade our social media management tool off of the free version to have access to more channels. You’ll see a charge for $240 on your Mastercard for the year.”

Client: “What does Buffer do for me? Why do I need it?”

Me: “I’ve been using Buffer for the past ten months to pre-schedule your social media posts to all our channels, so I do not have to do it on the fly. There was a free version for a few channels but when you add more channels it is no longer a free service. So while it doesn't’ benefit you directly, it does impact me.”

Client: “So I don’t need it.”

The conversation went on for a few more comical rounds, to which he finally said, “No Problem.”

The banter though between my client and I got me thinking, why is this tool such a useful addition to our social media marketing program? As well as, if he did not have an understanding on why this is a useful tool, what other business owners might also be in the same position?

What is Buffer anyway? Buffer is a social media management platform for any business large or small to maintain a businesses social media. This and other social media management platforms allow the coordinator to streamline their time by pre scheduling all necessary business content that will be pushed to various social media channels. In one app, you can load your content and preschedule all your posts.

Additionally, many social media management platforms also provide analytics and hashtag monitoring.

There are many platforms on the market, so doing a bit of research can allow for you to select the best one for your business. I personally, am using a few different platforms to test which are my favorite for my clients, and each of my clients “owns” their own. I do not use one login for all my accounts. I want my clients to have access to their own data. Currently, I go between Buffer and Later for my podcast, personal and client use. I enjoy the interface and the ease of them both. In Buffer, you can also easily respond to any comments direct from the platform, so you don’t miss any potential sale opportunity.

Interested in seeing how a social media management tool can help you grow your business on social media? Review the A2 Sales & Marketing recommendations below. Feeling overwhelmed with even where to start with your social media? It’s why I’m here, let me help you get your social game on point and scheduled. Comment below or schedule a time for us to meet. https://calendly.com/a2digitalconsult/intro30

A2’s Social Media Management Platform Recommendations:

◦ Buffer

◦ Later

◦Meta (Facebook) Directly within Facebook there is a scheduler on your business page that you can link to Instagram. Con, if you are using more than two channels, you’ll have to on the fly schedule those posts.

◦ Social Bee

◦ Sprout Social

TAKE THE TRIP

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 17:31:13 GMT

Did you know that time off is actually GOOD for your health? Not just your mental health but other physical health conditions as well? When you’re a small business owner, you wear many hats. Whether you are a solopreneur or a business with a team, preparing to leave town for your trip or vacation can seem overwhelming.

No matter the job, there is something deep in my core that screams summertime is the time to play! Maybe it's because we live in Chicago and just over 30% of our year is 60° or warmer, so when it finally is warm outside, all I want to do is bask in the sunshine. Unfortunately, even though I feel as if I am still a school-aged child, I am in fact a thriving adult; and such, I have clients to consult and a business to grow. I segway into our topic this month which is, How can you take a trip as a business owner? How do you prepare your team for your absence should you decide to take a much needed vacation? How do you set boundaries with your company to respect your out of office email reply?

It is truly essential to your mental and physical health to take the trip! So how can you successfully plan to be Out of Office? What are some tips or tricks that I have learned that you can implement so you can enjoy your time away from your desk?

According to a survey from Bankrate, only about one in three Americans who get paid vacation days plan to use all of their allotted time off in 2022. That’s down considerably from 40 percent from the March 2019 Bankrate survey. And over 35 % plan to use fewer than half of their vacation days. Does this statistic ring true for you?

If you answered yes, what is stopping you from Taking the Trip?

The big takeaway that I'll leave you with is PLANNING! Benjamin Franklin said it best, "By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail." While I couldn't agree more with that quote, it is not always as easy as saying it! As an Aquarius, I tend to not be the best planner, BUT I have found that when I do plan, I ALWAYS succeed.

Case in point, I recently went on a summer vacation with my family. I don't have a "back up" coordinator. It's just me managing A2 Sales and Marketing. I manage a lot of content for my clients, that tends to be the priority of what I do for clients. Content, if you're unfamiliar, is anything that is included in communication. For example, I create and write weekly email blasts that are used to engage with clients and share information with customers and prospects about a product or service.

However, before the physical work goes into the creation of the email, there is planning involved with developing the focus of the message that is needed for weekly email blasts. I also maintain about 15 various social media accounts for my clients and I post five to six days a week for two accounts and about once to twice a week for a few smaller businesses. There are a ton of prep hours while planning the cadence for different content buckets to use on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Content buckets are different areas of focus for the social media messages. For example, on Mondays, for my clients, I'll capture an image that is representative of the brand and add a quote that is meant to motivate or inspire the customer. While this may not drive an immediate sale, we're hoping that the post would pick up some decent engagement and shares across other accounts to start to build better brand awareness. Tuesday, could be "tip or hack" day. Wednesdays, is an image or video of a customer or employee.

My favorite social media and project management tools, ones that I can't work without:

CANVA I am not a graphic designer. I took a class once to learn some design programs, they were so hard! I didn't even finish the course. Canva allows me to make eye catching emails, social media posts, flyers, videos, slideshow presentations and more! I highly encourage you to check out this program.
PicMonkey allows a bit more light editing of photos and quick resize of images.
Some type of social media scheduler. I'm currently using Buffe r , but exploring Social Bee and Later , as they both offer a few other tools for publishing. Additionally, Meta also provides FB and IG users a free scheduling tool on business pages.
Email Outreach, I use both Constant Contact and MailChimp. However, many CRMs (client relationship management programs) offer email blast templates and the ability to segment and email your distribution. A popular CRM for builders is my favorite, Lasso .
My MacBook Pro and My iPhone! They talk to each other and make sending texts, links, posting, editing video etc. a breeze.
The project management tool, that I use is Monday.com . It helps to keep me organized. Like a digital notepad of sorts.

Yes, when owning a business, taking a needed vacation can often be a challenge, we all deserve to take a little OOO time. There are definitely ways to have a pleasant vacation while your business stays running in the background. Some of these tools from a marketing standpoint are super helpful in staying connected. Plus, if you decide to leave your computer at home for your trip...all these tools have easy website or apps to manage your tasks, in the event of an emergency.

How is your planning going for the next time you'll be OOO?

Want to take a deeper dive into this conversation? Check out Midlife at the Mailbox, Episode 5, "Take the Trip" .

WHAT'S MY MESSAGE?

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Thu, 05 May 2022 21:23:11 GMT

"The problem is not typically the product but in how the product is talked about. Websites and ads don’t sell the product. Words and connections to those words sell products. "

Hi! I'm Amy, the president of A2 Sales & Marketing, looking to bring you practical and actionable marketing insight and tips that hopefully you can implement in your business.

In honor of national home remodeling month, it seems fitting to see if any of your marketing needs a bit of remodeling! The marketing space is constantly changing and evolving, however, there is nothing wrong with making sure your message is still in style so that you are not spending dollars to get little or no results.

Ask yourself: “What is my message?” Is it easy? Is it repeatable? Does your team know the message? Do new hires get training on this message? How many sales are we missing because the customer doesn’t understand what we sell?

Let’s talk about how to clarify your company's story so that you will start to see results. The problem is not typically the product but in how the product is talked about. Websites and ads don’t sell the product. Words and connections to those words sell products.

Potential customers won’t remember a flyer you handed out but they will remember a story that you tell them. Storytelling dates back 30,000 plus years ago from cave drawings. Humans want to be entertained and such storytelling has evolved from visual to oral to written and most recently to digital storytelling. At the end of the day, a good story is going to elicit an authentic connection to the message, which in turn will drive the sales you are looking for.

Donald Miller, author of Building a Story Brand states, “All great stories are about survival–either physical, emotional, relational or spiritual. A story about anything else won’t work to capture an audience. Nobody’s interested.” The story also must be simple. Customers are looking for brands that will help them survive and thrive in the most simplistic of messages. That is where storytelling comes into play. Storytelling is a sense-making device.

I am going to leave you with three final questions, adapted from Donald Miller's book. These questions are ones that your potential customer should be able to answer within five seconds of looking at your website or marketing materials.

What does this brand sell/offer?

How will it help me survive and thrive?

How do I make a purchase?

If someone that didn’t know your business looked at your website today, would they be able to determine what you sell? If not, you are probably losing sales.

Would you like to tell me your story? Let's connect!

EVEN ESKIMOS NEED ICE

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Thu, 27 May 2021 18:19:47 GMT

It’s funny the things you remember and what your brain has added to the long-term storage of your hippocampus. Over the past few decades of my work career there are two pieces of advice that have been shared with me, that after all the books I’ve read, discussions I’ve had, and seminars attended remain top of mind... every day.

The first was early in my sales career, and it was when I was selling plush toys that had a similar excitement to them, like Beanie Babies. I had been calling, stopping in, and generally keeping in touch with this woman who owned a children’s boutique. After a few conversations, I finally had made the sale and it was during that sales meeting she told me, “ Amy, you could sell ice to an Eskimo.” I have never forgotten that advice. Anytime, my sales prospects went dry or I was in a transition, this woman’s advice would continue to influence my persistence to push a bit harder to get that next sale.

She even recommended me to one of her friends that was looking for a new salesperson. I stopped selling plush toys soon after that meeting.

The second was while I was working at Groupon. I was a new mom, stuck in a rut. I was looking for my next move within the company as I thought a new role would be the thing that I needed to light a bit of fire and get me out of my funk. I sat down with my manager and we discussed my goals and what I was looking for in my role. It was during this conversation she said, “Amy, I see you tend to bring up the problems you are facing. For you to grow, I want to see you as someone that comes up with the solutions.”

It didn’t mean much to me then, but as I continued my sales career past Groupon, it was always something that stuck with me. It stuck with me during huge transition points in my life, times when a job ended and my next chapter as a consultant began. It’s why I want to help small businesses. I saw a problem, small businesses need help with their sales and marketing but often don’t need someone full-time in the office to complete this role. Sometimes they need guidance, other times these businesses simply need support. That's where I come in. I want to be their solution.

Tell me what problems you have in your business, as even Eskimos need ice.

IT'S TIME TO ACTIVATE

a2digitalconsult@gmail.com (Amy Alexander) — Wed, 19 May 2021 19:19:38 GMT

For months staring me in the face on the corner of my desk was a sticky note with my top 5 strengths which sat on top of a book, Strengthsfinder 2.0 from Gallup and Tom Rath . I kept telling myself to read it, to learn more about my strengths. After all, my colleague who gifted me this book was so excited and passionate about this assessment, I should be too.

To build your own brand, you need to have an understanding of the product that you will be selling. So, who am I as a commodity?

If I would have read the descriptions of my strengths, months back when I received the book, I don’t think It would have meant nearly as much as it does to me today. Today I am in a different place. Today I am at a crossroad.

So today, I’ll activate. I’ll use my communication skills and I will woo (win others over) in my network. I’ll put out positivity about products and in exchange, I’ll learn about you or your brand. According to Strengthsfinder 2.0 from Gallup and Tom Rath , those are my top five strengths.

So I’ll start, and I hope that you’ll join the conversation and tell me about you or your brand or product.

My name is Amy Alexander. I am a real estate enthusiast, who specializes in New Home Sales. I have a positivity for awesome brands and when I find a brand or product I love, I want everyone I know to know about it, even if it does not benefit me directly. I have recently been bit by the speaking bug and hope that in a post-Covid world I can engage a live audience about topics I am passionate about. I love to write and I am a budding at home clean eating chef.

a2salesandmarketing

Demystifying Social Media Marketing for Reluctant Business Owners

I polled a room of nearly 20 women this week during Business Boost, a collaborative workshop I was part of leading. All of these women own businesses, and when I asked, "Do you dislike social media?" nearly everyone raised their hands in agreement.

We also have to show up and be consistent about it. James Clear, my favorite productivity teacher and author of Atomic Habits, supports my just-show-up mentality. He writes, "Two is twice as good as one, but one is infinitely better than zero."

・Creating one thing to share on social media as one post is infinitely better than zero.

・Recording one face-to-camera video, as one video, is infinitely better than zero.

・Sending one email to your list per month, as one email, is infinitely better than zero.

Just showing up, just putting in the start of the work you need, begins to build a habit, and with habits, you'll begin to see change. One thing doesn't seem like it's enough, but with zero, you're not even getting started.

Amplify your Autumn: Embracing Business Transitions with A2

Amplify Your Network

Amplify Your Education

Amplify Your Autumn with A2

At A2, we understand the importance of continuous growth and adaptation. That's why we offer programs designed to amplify various aspects of your business: [ view workshop calendar ]

[ Learn more & Register ]

[ Learn more & Register ]

・Canva for Beginners: (in-person workshops. November 2024) Learn to create stunning designs for your brand quickly and easily that capture the essence of autumn and your brand.

[ Learn more & Register ]

Whether you're looking to refine your strategy, enhance your marketing, or develop new skills, A2's programs are here to help you amplify your autumn and set the stage for a successful transition into the new year.

Your Autumn Amplification Challenge

Let's make this autumn a season of amplification, growth, and success. How will you amplify your autumn with A2?

SHE.E.O Wednesday - Workflows Expert Ronna Belinky

Business Efficiency:

Why Workflow process development is essential for Small Businesses, with Workflow expert, Ronna Belinky

She revealed how workflows help you:

As a small business owner, we often overlook those tasks that are repeatable. SHE.E.O is a perfect example! Ronna and I could create a workflow for the steps needed to produce this segment each month. Starting from securing a guest to writing this blog post and everything in between.

The discussion also captured conversations around:

Don't just read the recap, watch the video below. I know you'll find Ronna's workflow expertise incredibly valuable.

Stay tuned for future SHE.E.O. Episodes on Wednesdays where we'll be diving into more small biz tips and strategies from my closest contacts and clients. Have a topic you want covered? Let me know in the comments!

Connect with Ronna Belinky

@workflowsbyronna

Buffalo Grove, IL | Chicago's North Shore

How Much is Too Much?

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? (Read it or listen below)

Let’s Talk About Self-Promotion, Shall We?

Lately several of my coaching clients have asked the age-old question: “How much sharing about my biz is TOO much?” They want to promote their work, but not annoy everyone they know or come on too strong.

Look — there IS a balance with how often to share updates without going over-the-top. You've hit a nice stride when you almost start annoying YOURSELF a bit! ��

﻿

Moral is: Don’t let fear of “too much” sharing hold you back online or IRL. Get strategic with self-promotion, but err on the side of consistent visibility rather than sporadic silence. That’s what establishes your positioning and keeps revenue rolling in!

SHE.E.O Wednesday - Branding Photography with Nicola Levine

Brand Me:

﻿ Why Professional Photos Matter for Small Businesses, with Branding Photographer Nicola Levine

She revealed how photographs help you:

In today's crowded market, images that align to your brand and resonate with your ideal midlife customers can be the difference between getting noticed or going overlooked.

The discussion also captured conversations around:

If you missed this info-packed session, be sure to click HERE to watch the replay on Instagram!

Don't just read the recap, watch the video. I know you'll find Nicola's branding expertise incredibly valuable.

Stay tuned for future SHE.E.O. Episodes on Wednesdays where we'll be diving into more small biz tips and strategies from my closest contacts and clients. Have a topic you want covered? Let me know in the comments!

Connect with Nicola

@nicolalevinephotography

Riverwoods, IL | Deerfield, IL | Chicago's North Shore

In an Instant Everything Changed | My coaching journey with Jenny Kane Skin Care

OH, HAVE I GOT A STORY FOR YOU! (Read it or listen below)

I’m sitting at my computer on a Thursday night, and I am writing a few workflow emails for a special offer that I created specifically for those who have attended my 2nd Friday Webinar .

Anyway, the reason I am starting to compose this blog was the workflow suggested that I tell a story and the example was, in an instant everything changed…

So get cozy and read my, in an instant everything changed story!

Though my career path took an unexpected turn, veering away from my college studies in education toward retail and sales roles, in an instant everything changed when I found my true calling as a marketing consultant and entrepreneur coaching small business owners.

Now I get to help fellow entrepreneurs uncover their superpowers and share their stories through marketing and content creation. My students inspire me every day with their passion and drive.

I never know what business niche I'll be immersed in next or what new things I'll learn. But the thrill of making genuine connections and imparting confidence never gets old.

I feel so grateful to have found my purpose in empowering others on their entrepreneurial journeys. Though the road twists and turns, each coaching relationship guides me right where I'm meant to be.

My time with Jenny taught me I could guide others to grow. And now here I am, living my dream of educating, connecting and nurturing the caterpillars to become their most beautiful butterflies.

SHE.E.O Wednesday - Branding & Logo Design with Jill Lawlor

How to Develop an Impactful Brand Strategy, with Brand Identity Designer, Jill Lawlor

I had the pleasure of being joined by branding graphic designer Jill Lawlor this week for the first ever SH.E.O. Wednesday on Instagram Live. Jill shared invaluable insights on creating strong brand identities for small businesses.

We covered topics including:

Jill emphasized the importance of branding in communicating what makes your business unique and connecting emotionally with your audience.

A few of my biggest takeaways:

If you missed this info-packed session, be sure to click HERE to watch the replay on Instagram!

Don't just read the recap, watch the video. I know you'll find Jill's branding expertise incredibly valuable.

Stay tuned for future SH.E.O. Episodes on Wednesdays Live where we'll be diving into more small biz tips and strategies from my closest contacts and clients. Have a topic you want covered? Let me know in the comments!

Connect with Jill Lawlor

@jilllawlorcreative

Lincolnshire, IL | Chicago's North Shore

3-2-1 Thursday

3-2-1: On visualizing your future self, raising your vibe, and shifting your thinking

﻿ CHANNELING MY INNER JAMES CLEAR

3 IDEAS FROM ME

2 QUOTES FROM OTHERS

1 QUESTION FOR YOU

﻿

3 IDEAS FROM ME

Why Professional Photos Matter for Small Businesses, with Branding Photographer Nicola Levine

CHANNELING MY INNER JAMES CLEAR