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edwingrantham · 3 years
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How To Build A Business From The Ground Up
Can I make a confession?
When I started my photography business over 15 years ago, I knew nothing *yes, literally nothing.* about how to run a business. Starting seemed daunting, overwhelming, and nearly impossible.
Now, with experience under my belt, I feel confident in saying I know how to build a business from the ground up.
Want to know 3 of the best things I did to become one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world? They may be a little different than you think… Here are the top 3 things I did to build my photography business from the ground up with:
no money, 
no resources, 
no talent, 
and no connections.
1. Networked with other photographers who inspire me.
Meeting others in my industry was one of the best things I did for my photography business. Not only did they inspire my work and keep me on my toes, but we also sent each other referrals if we were unavailable for a shoot. 
If you want to build your referral network, get out and get to know people. *Like, really know them.* 
Make friends, become invested in others, and find ways to help. 
>>The more you put yourself out there, the more chances you have to showcase who you are in a professional capacity.<< 
This means going to mixers/networking events, getting involved with an online forum as an active participant, and/or offering your assistance before expecting anything in return.
2. I created a schedule.
I have strict office hours and this allows me to live the life I want. 
>>I crave freedom and living life without boundaries, so by adhering to a schedule outlining my work, I know where I can skimp and splurge on life’s special moments.<< 
Yes, I take long lunches on occasion and watch midday matinees with my husband, but it’s only because I’ve planned my schedule and know what needs to be done and by when. 
3. I spent time with people smarter than me.
They say you are only as successful as the 5 people closest to you, and man do I have to agree! 
I’ve met brilliant people as I’ve built my business and they’ve given me the most amazing gift: friendship. 
>>Being able to see success unfold for people around me offers a blueprint I can emulate in my life and business.<< 
They paint vibrant pictures with the same brushes I have, so I’m challenged to color the horizon the way I imagine.
To help make your dreams a reality, too, I’d love to show you a peek at what an average workday looks like for me and how you can schedule your time to be the most efficient as well. Check out my Productivity Planner, complete with a sample from my daily to-do list! This is the exact system I use to manage my time from day to day. It’s a system I swear by and now it can be yours, too. Download it >>HERE!<<
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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The Importance of Video On Social Media
Okay, let’s have some real talk – just between me and you.
What I’m about to say may sting. It may be the opposite of what you want to hear. But a true friend will call it like it is….
>>It’s time to use video.<<
*I know, I knowwwwww. Believe me, I cringed at first when others told me the same thing.*
I know what comes up for you is no, not today.
I’m not in the mood.
I haven’t had my coffee yet.
Are you talking to me on a Monday?
Does that sound about right?
Listen, I know everybody is going to find a reason why they should wait to start producing video. 
>>But there has never been a better time to grab your phone and create something.<<
And the beauty of it is, with so many options across all different platforms, you can create any form, type, or style of video you’d like.
Create a Reel.
Post on Stories. 
Post a YouTube Short.
Create a TikTok.
Go Live.
…the options are endless.
The only thing standing between you and a prospective customer is your ability to create something they want to see.
It’s never been easier… And yet it’s harder.
We get in the way of our own selves because
We don’t like the way that we look,
We hate the way we sound,
Our hair needs to be dyed.
We gained some weight.
We’re too young.
We’re too old.
Listen, I’ve heard it all – and I’ve said it all before myself.
Today, I’m asking you to get uncomfortable, because there will never be a better time for us to make mistakes, learn, and iterate.
>>Now is the time for the lion’s share to be swiped by those who are willing and humble enough to create something knowing it won’t be perfect… and to create it anyway.<<
It might be awkward.
It might be wrong.
It might not be pretty.
Know all of those things, and choose to say: “That’s okay.”
As video continues to increase in popularity this year, next year, and every year to come, you will never regret getting in the game early. Use this opportunity to learn what you need to know two years from now.
This is the time to practice.
This is the time to get scrappy.
And this is the time to take action.
Let’s do it!
Currently, one of the best forms of video to create is Instagram Reels. If you’re ready to jump in, take a look at this Instagram Reels Checklist that will help you cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s. It makes showing up on video easy, straight-forward, and stress-free. Download it >>HERE<< and start creating today!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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Working Powerfully With a Business Partner
JD and I are often asked what it’s like to work together. We then turn and smile at each other, each knowing that an honest response would take more time than the person asking would have anticipated.
The truth of the matter is that having a business partner is…
The best
The hardest
The most complicated
The most strategic
The most of ALL THE THINGS!
And we were told that working whilst married wasn’t recommended.
*But we did it anyway.*
>>I wouldn’t have it any other way, because we compliment each other in opposite ways. We also challenge each other in opposite ways, too.<<
This video focuses on some of the biggest lessons we learned and how you can avoid the same mistakes:
Whether you’re working with your spouse, diving into business with a friend, or expanding to include a new partner, there will be tough moments along the way. But despite those challenges, you will be able to serve in bigger and better ways because two truly is better than one.
If you don’t have a partner but want to expand your offerings and ideas, maybe now is the perfect time to expand your team! Learn How To Hire Your First Team Member and experience the benefits of a different kind of partnership! You can find the workbook >>HERE.<<
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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Work Smarter With Instagram Guides
It’s no secret that I love to work smarter, not harder. *And no, that’s not because I’m lazy!* In fact it’s the opposite. 
>>I recognize that there is so much to do to run a business that if I didn’t maximize my time, there wouldn’t be any left for living life.<<
One of the ways I do this is through repurposing content. 
You’ve probably heard me talk about this in a variety of ways, but one of the ways I still see so few people capitalizing on is through the use of Instagram Guides.
So let me ask you this: 
Are there questions you receive *allllllllll* the time?
Is there advice you feel like you’re constantly repeating?
Are there aspects of your life or business you wish everyone knew?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then Instagram Guides will be a lifesaver for you.
If you haven’t made your first one yet, basically Instagram Guides are curated groups of posts, products, or places that you can offer your audience.
>>With this feature, you have the ability to consolidate content around specific topics to act as a resource, making it easier for your account (and your content) to get discovered.<<
Instagram Guides are exactly that: a guide of a specific flow of content chosen by the creator. 
Guides are essentially a creative long-form blog post or e-commerce promo, but most of the work is already done for you! 
Anyone *yes, friend, even you!* can use Guides as a way to grow their business. The biggest hurdle to overcome is taking the first step, and I’m here to help!
Here are 3 different guides you can create for your business and provide value to your audience.
Place Guides
Place guides are a great option for physical-location businesses, because they showcase the area around yours. Thanks to the geo-tag capability, you can choose posts that are tagged to a certain location.
Product Guides
An obvious choice for product-based businesses, Product Guides allow the option to pull posts related to certain products available for sale. But, this is also a great option for service-based businesses who want to showcase their favorite tools or products related to their services.
Post Guides
Giving access to consolidated, curated content, Post Guides are a great way for any type of business to collect posts that you’ve either created yourself or saved from other accounts.
See how easy it is to repurpose content you’ve already created with Instagram Guides? Not only is it a way to work smarter, not harder, but I also love them because they’re shareable and searchable, so it’s really easy to get discovered by your ideal client!
If you’re ready to create your first Guide, I’d love to, well… “Guide” you on your journey to serving your audience in a whole new way. Download my free resource, How to Grow Your Business with Instagram Guides. Download it >>HERE<< for FREE to learn more about the 3 different types of Guides, which one I recommend for ANY business owner to start with, and a worksheet to help you create your first one. It’s time to get your content in front of your dream customer’s eyes!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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2 Reel Ideas For Any Business
If you’re not creating Instagram Reels to get more eyes on YOUR business, you’re missing out!
The truth is, right now there are thousands of business owners doing EXACTLY what you do… and the way to stand out from the crowd is by grabbing your ideal customer’s attention. 
A great way to do that is with *yep, you guessed it* Instagram Reels! These short videos offer business owners the opportunity to create micro-commercials for their products or services while speaking directly to their ideal clients.
*And you should be joining them!*
If I’ve thoroughly convinced you to jump on the Reel train, here are 2 Instagram Reel ideas you can create right now to entertain your audience and establish yourself as an authority in your industry.
Reel Idea #1: “4 Simple Steps” 
In this Reel, you’ll share a few Simple Steps to do something your ideal client or customer would like to achieve, like: Clean Out Your Closet, Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee, Build a Budget… you get the idea. 
It doesn’t have to be exactly 4 steps. It can be 3, 5, 7,… but if you’re working with just 15 seconds, I’d recommend not going over 5 steps max.
To make this Reel nice and simple, use a trending song in the background and create a 15-second clip of you pointing in the air of the steps to a process that you teach OR the ways you can use a product you sell. Yes, it’s that easy!
Now, don’t forget: at the end of every Reel you create, you should include a Call-to-Action. Asking a question, encouraging your audience to tag a friend, or letting them know how to purchase your product or service gets people talking back to you and, of course, increases your post’s visibility in the algorithm.
Reel Idea #2: “Do This to Get ____”
Ooooooh, that headline is juicy! Now it’s your turn to fill in the blank with something your ideal customer wants. Something like: Do This to Get Noticed on Social Media…. To Get Your Artwork in a Gallery… To Get Clear, Beautiful Skin… and so on.
To create this Reel, you could follow the same process as the previous one and point to text that pops up on the screen. Or, to make it even easier, you could use props to demonstrate your points and add more visual interest. 
However you decide to do it, it should be simple. Don’t overthink it, just think about what your ideal client wants to achieve, write out 3-5 steps to help them accomplish it, and hit record! 
Honestly, the first few Reels you create may not go viral. They may not even be “good!” But with each additional Reel you create, you’ll learn something for the next one, and the more you learn, the better you’ll get at creating them.
Want more easy Reel ideas, download my free guide, 10 Easy Reels You Can Make for Your Business (with step-by-step instructions included!) to learn how to educate, entertain, and empower your audience through video and create lasting relationships that turn followers into customers. You can get the guide right >>HERE.<<
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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Creating Content For Multiple Platforms
Do you ever wonder if there’s a better way to make the most of your time when it comes to creating content and showing up consistently on social media? You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder,” and if I had to guess, you probably do it all the time!
Like running multiple errands on the same day instead of throughout the week, or creating blocks in your calendar for specific tasks.
But here’s my question for you: have you applied this sentiment to social media?
The truth is, there are so many business owners who spend a lot of time creating content, but they don’t do it efficiently.
They’re constantly brainstorming ways to bring value to their audience and by creating multiple pieces of content per week across a variety of platforms, but this is not necessarily the best way to approach social media.
>>I don’t think you should do MORE work, I want you to take what you already have and capitalize on it!<<
That’s why I recommend creating just ONE main piece of content per week that is repurposed in multiple ways across all of your social media platforms. 
*And that’s exactly what I’m going to share with you today!*
But before we get to that point, let me point out two things that will make this concept a little easier:
Only 3-4% of your audience sees any given post on any platform.
Studies show that people platform hop and check one platform before going to the next.
This means that it’s extremely unlikely that your ideal client is going to see the same piece of content multiple times as long as you repurpose strategically. Let’s dive in to how!
Select Your Platforms
First, select your pillar platform and repurposing platforms. 
Your pillar platform is where you’ll fully invest above all else. This will be where all of your content is posted FIRST. It’s usually where you can post longer-form content, where your dream customer hangs out the most, and where you feel most comfortable. 
Your repurposing platforms are the secondary platforms, where your content will be posted to second, third, or fourth.
Plan and Post Your Content
Then, plan your pillar content for the week. Every single week, I want you to choose one pillar content topic that will be posted first on your pillar platform, and will then be repurposed onto the others.
Repurpose to Other Platforms
Finally, repurpose your content the following week. 
I recommend posting on different days, at different times, so that when people platform hop (ie. jump from Instagram to Facebook, etc.) they aren’t seeing the same content posted on multiple platforms at the same time. For me, that is one week and four hours after the original post.
Do you see how this is going to help you work smarter, not harder with just ONE piece of content to create every week? 
If you want to go even deeper with this topic, I got you. You need my free guide, How to Turn One Piece of Content Into Ten, where you’ll learn exactly how to create your own repurposing strategy, and it even contains a content repurpose checklist to keep you on track. You can download it >>HERE<< for free. I can’t wait to see how you make the most out of the incredible content you create. Happy repurposing!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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Your 30 Second Elevator Pitch
If explaining what your business is to family and friends (or even a stranger on an elevator), causes your tongue to get tied in knots and you want to bang your head against a wall, then this post is for you!
It may be a tough pill to swallow, but being able to explain your business to anyone and everyone that asks is part of the job. *And let me tell you, friend: people WILL ask… a lot.*
>>If you can’t explain what you do in less than 30 seconds in a way that anyone could understand, you’ll have a hard time getting people to invest in you.<<
We call this an elevator pitch because it’s something quick, memorable, and should only last the length of an elevator ride. 
Before I start sounding all high-and-mighty like an elevator pitch is something that comes easily for me, I have to confess that I used to stumble over my words whenever someone asked about Social Curator. 
My eyes would start blinking 100 miles per hour.
My hands would get all clammy.
And I struggled to explain the business that I worked tirelessly to create.
Sounds crazy, right?! Not being able to describe something I worked towards day in and day out?! That just goes to show you that everyone struggles with an elevator pitch right out of the gate. 
Your 30 second elevator pitch is something that takes practice, and LOTS of it.
In fact, I used to sit in front of a mirror for hours trying to get to a point where my explanation of Social Curator would roll off my tongue. It took me a very long time to get there, but here is what I now say whenever someone asks:
“Social Curator is a monthly social media subscription empowering business owners to build their brand and market it on social media with new tools and resources we provide each month to save time and remove overwhelm.”
Now, let’s break down the three pieces that every elevator pitch must contain.
The “Who”
Lead with WHO your business model is for. This helps people identify whether or not they relate to your target audience. Anyone who doesn’t fall into that group won’t necessarily get much out of your pitch because they don’t identify with them, and that’s OK!
The Benefits
The second part of your elevator pitch should also include the benefits of what it is you do.  This is the meat of your pitch, where you explain (in a simple way) what people would get out of using your product or service.
The Intrinsic Value
Lastly, the final piece of an elevator pitch is: The Intrinsic Value.  I want you to dig deeper into what people will really get out of your business, more than just the surface-level benefits. Again, make sure this is easy for anyone to understand.
In case you haven’t gotten the memo yet, everyone should have an elevator pitch.
*I know, I know… Add that to the long list of unexpected responsibilities of running a business.* But I swear, it’s crucial as you grow your business!
You need to develop a fool-proof, easy-to-understand elevator pitch. I only ever ask you to do things that I’ve also done myself. Because I’ve done this, I know it works. 
Before I could manage to get through my pitch without stuttering, and before I could confidently describe to anyone what it is that I do, I had to sit in the “suck” of practicing over and over and over.
After years of sitting in front of a mirror and repeating this to myself over and over again, my elevator pitch has become a vital resource for my business. 
I believe that you have what it takes to develop an elevator pitch, even if it means spending time in front of a mirror rather than behind a TV or phone screen. Practice makes progress, and before you know it, you’ll have the perfect formula for filling that awkward elevator silence!
To help get clarity on the “Who” it is you serve, use this Ideal Client Workbook to create that clarity and dial in all the details about your ideal client. Download it >>HERE<< and then go out and use that knowledge to deepen your connection through your 30 second elevator pitch!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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3 Tips To Get What You Want
Are you asking for what you want in business, or are you simply letting your business happen to you? 
No matter what you’re doing in business, you’ll need to learn to master the art of asking for what you want. Let me explain more in a second, but I have to start with the truth:  
>> I was NEVER the type of person who asked for things.  Mostly I just HOPED people would see what I needed, and then offer it.<<  
Or sometimes I’d work or volunteer or help others in hopes that they’d want to help me out in return.  
And guess what?  
It never worked out the way I hoped.  
It wasn’t because other people were mean or selfish. In fact, looking back, I don’t think they even knew what I needed.  
Why?  Because I didn’t ask for it.
Two years ago, I invited my friend Lewis Howes on my podcast, the Jasmine Star Show, to discuss what greatness means in business, how to take control of your business, and getting what you want. 
In the episode, Lewis defined greatness as discovering your unique talents and gifts and then pursuing your dreams by using those gifts. 
And you know what? 
>>Sometimes using those gifts requires you to get uncomfortable.<<
Whether it’s having a difficult conversation with a client who doesn’t want to pay you what you’re worth, asking for the sale on social media, or pitching a collaboration to a fellow business owner, it’s important to know the value to bring others and be able to convey it effectively!
So, let’s dive into 3 tactical tips for asking for what you want.  
Lead with value
How does asking for what you want benefit them? 
It’s important to create win-win opportunities whenever possible like in a collaboration with another business owner, when pitching yourself for a podcast, or selling your product or service. 
Always be sure to show that you’ve considered how this can benefit them and it will bring value to their life because it can’t be one-sided or seem like you’re out to get a bigger piece of the pie!  
If you’re asking for something and can show that it’s a win for them, you’re much more likely to get what you want.
Be Direct
You know I love to tell it like it is, but this is not just a part of my personality, it’s also a crucial reason for my business success. 
Don’t beat around the bush when presenting an opportunity to someone and use the least amount of words possible. 
Be clear about what you’re asking for and when you want it. If you’re not specific about the details, how can anyone give you what you need?
No Means Not Now
It took me a long time to realize this, but when a potential client, business owner, or anyone else you’re asking to work with says “No,” that doesn’t usually mean “no forever.” 
I always choose to think it means “No, not right now.” 
When you look at your propositions, or what you’re asking for, from this lens, it makes sense to follow up with these people in a few months to see if they’ve changed their mind, and ask for what you want again. Except this time, lead with even more value.  
Whenever I invite business owners to join Social Curator, my subscription for social media marketing resources, and they don’t join, I remind myself that “if not now, then soon….” Soon you’ll join and when I ask again, I’ll add an extra juicy bonus to get you to reconsider!
At the end of the day, the most important part of asking for what you want is to lead with value, be direct, and to do the work consistently. 
Because when you do this, you become someone people want and need to say yes to!
So go take action and ask for what you want. 
Don’t worry about doing it “right” because mistakes are a part of the process.
You will hear a lot of “no’s” from those you reach out to. 
You will participate in collaborations that are not a win-win, despite your best efforts.
>>But if you don’t start, you won’t make mistakes. And if you don’t make mistakes, you won’t learn how to do better next time.<<
I can’t wait to see how you take action on what you learned to elevate your brand, increase your sales, build relationships and create win-win opportunities for you and another business owner. If you’re ready to ask for what you want, be sure to dive into this free guide on How to Collaborate With Another Business Owner, made with just that purpose in mind. Click >>HERE<< to download it and start getting what you want in business… and life!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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How To Collaborate
At the risk of sounding like I’m tooting my own horn, I have to tell you about a talent I have… Can you guess what it is?
No, it isn’t consuming an exceptionally large amount of coffee each day *although I do that, too!* it’s finding great people who share similar values and aspirations.
I love connecting with like-minded people who have a similar drive and passion for serving others. 
This ability to connect with others has been such an asset to my business and allowed me to serve in even bigger and better ways!
Does that sound like something you want to do?
I hope so!
If you’re ready to level up your business and the service it provides to your ideal client, it’s time to collaborate with others and bring something new to the table.
Share An Ideal Client
Because you want this collaboration to provide value to your audience, it’s important that you find other people and businesses who serve the same target demographic.
Take a few minutes to create a list of potential collaborations who fit the bill!
Reach Out and Invite
The second step may feel uncomfortable: you need to reach out and present an invitation.
Being vulnerable is never easy, but stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to bring new growth to fruition.
Find A Mutually Beneficial Collaboration
Once a person or company agrees to a collaboration, it’s important to focus on mutual benefit. What can the two of you do together that will grow both of your businesses and serve both audiences well.
Are you the type that likes to have a worksheet and checklist to guide you through it all? Look no further. I created this How to Collaborate With Another Business Owner guide with just that purpose in mind. Click >>HERE<< to download it and start brainstorming now!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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3 Elements Of Successful Speaking
I didn’t learn to read until I was 11. Sometimes I find that hard to believe considering my love for it now.
Once I learned how to read, the world opened up to me, and I began devouring it with every turn of the page. But reading isn’t my only love…
When I learned to read, I developed a love of the written word. A love for the emotion it can evoke. And a love for writing myself.
It was this love of communication that set me apart in the photography world as I began blogging.
It was this love of communication that led me to social media and marketing.
It was this love of communication that enabled me to serve business owners like you, Hustler.
But what I didn’t anticipate was how this love for the written word would also translate into another skill set I would need in business: public speaking.
Would you believe me if I told you that speaking, whether on stage or in front of a camera, is no different than writing a high school paper?
*I know, I know. Don’t let that deter you, stick with me!*
Whether in the books we love to read, the podcasts we love to listen to, or the shows we love to watch, the elements that keep you hooked are the same.
*And here’s where it gets exciting!*
>>You can leverage these basic elements in the videos you create to capture your audience’s attention and serve them up something of value.<<
You can use these in any type of speaking format, be that on a stage, pre-recorded video, or a live broadcast.
Ready to dive in?
Thesis
Anytime you prepare to speak, you’ll want to have one central idea or point of the message. It can be tempting to wing it in the name of being casual or relatable, but the truth is you won’t be either of those things if your message doesn’t have a logical flow.
Having a thesis, or a main point, to your message allows you to plan to direct the conversation from one point to the next.
Supporting Elements
Once you know what your thesis statement is, you need to prepare to bridge the gap between where your audience is and where you’d like them to be by the end. You help them along this transformation by providing two or three supporting elements that proves the original point.
Conclusion
You’ll want to finish in a way similar to where you began: by reiterating the main point and the value of it. Loop it around and bring the conversation full circle so your audience can now connect the dots with their newfound knowledge.
These basics will serve you well regardless of the type of speaking you do. I hope you get out there and take that messy, scrappy action, friend. 
If you want to learn more about what this process looks like and how to implement these strategies, I’ve got you! Check out this Business Owner’s Guide to Going Live that will walk you through creating a plan and executing it well. Download it >>HERE<< and I’ll see you Live soon!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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Is Building A Business For You?
Can I deal it to you straight?
People have opinions. Or maybe I should say people have O. PIN. IONS. *with a little extra flavor because we all know how vocal everyone is on the internet!*
No matter what you do, someone will have something to say about it:
If you decide to start a business or not.
If you decide to sit on the couch or go for a run.
If you decide to have pancakes or a smoothie for breakfast.
Their opinions will always exist, so friend, do the dang thing anyway.
Light your soul on fire.
Change the world with your passion.
Do what you were put on this earth to do.
>>Do it knowing that you won’t be all things to all people. Do it knowing that there will be more people who doubt you than applaud you.<<
The question then becomes, are you willing to do the work towards your dreams despite all the obstacles you may face in your path?
You will have sleepless nights.
You will have to give up your favorite Netflix shows.
You will have to turn down happy hours and drinks with friends.
You will have to wait up early and go to bed late.
You will have to use your lunch break at your day job to expand your knowledge.
You will have to show up consistently, even when you don’t want to.
The harsh reality is that entrepreneurship is not always sexy or glamorous and it’s certainly never easy.
If you happen to be reading and you feel uncomfortable, then maybe building a business isn’t for you. *And that’s okay!*
Because if you don’t do the things that make you uncomfortable, the business you desire will never come. Not because you aren’t talented or good enough… you most certainly are… But because it takes something extra to be an entrepreneur in the 21st century.
It’s a lot of work.
But, Buttercup, you are capable of all of that and more.
We are the crazy ones. We are entrepreneurs. We get punched in the gut and we show up time and time again. We do it because we love what we do and we love the game. 
The game is dirty and unglamorous and funky but we are doing the thing we are called to do and standing in our purpose. 
>>Those small glimmers and flickers of euphoria continue to push us forward. It is in those moments that we continue to rise.<<
If you are ready to show up and stand out, this is your time to shine. Social media has consistently been the best way to build a brand for free, and I want to see you succeed. Here’s a link to my Social Media Marketing Guide to get you creating all the right content that will serve your audience with value and showcase your product or service in the best light. You can download it >>HERE<< and start showing up on social media in a BIG way today.
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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How To Stand Out In A Saturated Market
“I have a lot of competition.”
“My market is so saturated.”
“There are a lot of people who do what I do.”
Have you ever uttered any of those phrases, friend?
If we are being honest with ourselves, we know that there is not a single person in the world who doesn’t do what other people do.
There may be thousands or millions of people who do the same thing you do.
How do you stand out among the crowd? The answer is surprisingly simple…
You make connections. Show off the one thing you have that no one else has: You.
You are your brand. You are the reason that someone is going to buy what you sell. 
>>Your customer’s choice to purchase your product or service has as much to do with their affinity to the creator as it does the creation.<<
That means that the secret to having a business that’s successful is finding a way to add a personal element to something professional.
Share what you feel comfortable with, but share something that evokes an emotional response from your audience. Here are some ideas to get you started:
How you spend your weekends
What you like to eat and drink
What shows you prefer
How you get inspired
Where you do your work
Why you do what you do
The benefits you provide to other people
Testimonials from people you’ve served in the past
Stories about experiences that have transformed you
Points in your life where you pivoted
The list goes on and on….
The key objective is to share so much about yourself that you either attract or repel everyone who sees it.
>>The more you share, the more opportunities you give others to connect with you.<<
Where you put your effort and plant your seeds is where you’ll sow your harvest which is why I think the number one thing you can do for your business is to show up consistently on social media.
If you need help staying consistent on social media, you need my 7 Day Content Planner. My 7 Day Content Planner will teach you the 7 caption categories I recommend posting every week, along with 7 customizable caption templates so you know EXACTLY what to say.
You’ll also learn how to choose visual topics, the type of social media content that best works for your business, as well as receive an interactive workbook to plan your next 7 days worth of content so you can finally get the likes, comments, and SALES your business deserves!
Click >>HERE<< to download the planner and start turning followers into customers.
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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3 Things to Do on Social Media TODAY
Want 3 no nonsense, no fluff, super specific things to do on social media TODAY to get more engagement? I gotchu!
Seriously… If you have just 5 minutes to market your business on social media today, do one of THESE three things and watch your audience begin engaging right before your eyes!
But before we dive into all of the details, I need you to do one thing for me: I need you to commit to showing up consistently.
I promise you, this is the most crucial component of the process. Showing up consistently with valuable content is what will push your social media success over the top. Are you in?
(Good, I knew I liked you!)
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, below are 3 actions to take on social media TODAY.
Action 1: Choose a hashtag that your ideal client would search for/engage in and leave thoughtful comments on the 5 most recent posts. (Bonus points if your comment includes a question to prompt a conversation!) Set a reminder for tomorrow to check back to see if anyone “liked” your comment – if they did, send them a DM and start a conversation!
Action 2: Record a 15-60 second video for your Stories, sharing one thing you do behind the scenes for your business. Invite your followers to “Ask You Anything” about it using the Question Sticker and be sure to follow up with a response.
Action 3: Send a DM to 5 of your most engaged followers and ask them what they want to see more of on your account (Behind the scenes of your business? Videos of your dog? How to style your cloth napkins?). Be sure to respond and then tag them in any content you create based on their ideas!
Boom!
Shout out to Your Daily Action within Social Curator for providing these detailed steps.
Now, choose ONE action to do today (search through a hashtag, record a story, or DM your followers), another to do tomorrow, and finish off the challenge 2 days from now with the 3rd action.
Then, here’s the kicker: do these actions–wait for it–CONSISTENTLY!
Remember what I told you in the beginning of this post?
>>Consistency is KEY to your social media success.<<
So get out there and start taking ACTION today! 
If you need help staying consistent on social media, you need my 7 Day Content Planner. My 7 Day Content Planner will teach you the 7 caption categories I recommend posting every week, along with 7 customizable caption templates so you know EXACTLY what to say.
You’ll also learn how to choose visual topics, the type of social media content that best works for your business, as well as receive an interactive workbook to plan your next 7 days worth of content so you can finally get the likes, comments, and SALES your business deserves!
Click >>HERE<< to download the planner and start turning followers into customers.
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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My Best Tips for Charging Luxury Prices
Do you ever wish you could charge luxury prices in your business but don’t know where to start?
*I get it, Buttercup… we all want to make the big bucks!*
>>Contrary to popular belief, charging luxury prices isn’t only reserved for those who’ve been in business twice as long as you and who are winning a bunch of awards.<<
In fact, you can start charging luxury prices TODAY… *Yes, YOU!*
Keep reading because I’m about to walk you through the 3 things you absolutely HAVE to do if you want to charge luxury prices in your business.
Tip #1: Be You
Hunnay, before I get into the tactical tips and specifics of charging luxury prices, I need us to be on the same page…
>>You do not need to be someone else, you do not have to be as “experienced” as your mentor, you do not need to be “more professional” or whatever story you’re telling yourself right now around why you can’t charge luxury prices.<<
You need to BE YOU. All of you – gloriously goofy, awkward, or whatever words you use to describe yourself. 
Tip #2: Build a Brand
If you’ve been hanging out here for awhile, you’ve probably heard me say this but I’ll say it again and again: building a brand is the best way to grow your business.
When I started my business, I set out to become a photographer, but in the process I built a brand. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it’s what happened, and I truly believe it was a huge contributing factor to our success.
>>A brand is what someone says about you when you walk out of the room.<<
If you’d like some resources on how to build a brand no matter what business you are in, download my free Branding Bundle >>HERE!<<
Tip #3: Create an Experience
The more I paid attention to the experiences I created for clients, the more people spoke about my services.
*And people talking? That’s the holy grail of an entrepreneur’s life!*
When people are empowered to talk about the experiences you create (in person or online), they become evangelists for your product or service.
Here are a few ways you can create an experience:
Send client gifts (I used to send a matchbox with my hand-written note!)
Anticipate questions (answering before they ask)
Create resources to help them (such as guides and checklists)
>>Let’s recap: in order to charge luxury prices, you need to be you, build a brand, and create an experience… That’s IT.<<
You don’t need to be perfect, you don’t need to be in business for a certain amount of time, you don’t need to have a 100 5-star testimonials or anything else to ‘justify it.’
You can start charging luxury prices right NOW. If you need help overcoming this and other mental roadblocks you might face and take control over more aspects of your business, I’d love to send you my free Mindset Makeover Workbook. Download it >>HERE<< and start reframing those negative thoughts into something positive. I can’t wait for you to feel that freedom, friend!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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Did You Get Ghosted?
Can I make a confession?
I can’t handle awkward silence. *maybe that’s why I speak so loud and so fast, okayyyyyy?*
Whether it’s in person or on social media, silence doesn’t jive with me, and I’m guessing you can relate, Buttercup.
Recently I was asked how I respond to getting ghosted, and considering what I just mentioned, my response might surprise you…
Ghosting is natural. *Yes, I said what I said.* 
At least, ghosting as defined by the world’s broad definition is natural.
>>Particularly in business, it’s common for people to determine that it’s not a fit after having a conversation.<<
But there’s a caveat. 
I believe that if people are ghosting you in the beginning, maybe after they ask you a question or have a short conversation, that isn’t a “ghost” as much as it is simply shopping around.
People like to make informed decisions before they purchase a product or service and this can often take place in the form of direct messages and email inquiries. If they walk away after this initial conversation, that’s completely normal.
>>It’s very similar to you walking into a store at the mall, and then realizing that the store didn’t have what you wanted or was out of your price range.<< 
However, if you are noticing that you get into negotiations or contracts before the conversation dies, or you have clients who only remain with you for a short period of time, this is an actual “ghost.”
In these instances, I think it’s appropriate to do a follow-up sequence of some sort to find out where the problem could lie.
An easy way to accomplish this is by sending a survey or questionnaire as part of the offboarding process. These questions should be simple and help your approach become more effective in the future.
Now, let’s reiterate one thing: their interest in you is not a reflection of your worth. 
>>You are not your business and your business is not you. You need to disassociate yourself from its success and its failures in order to work on it objectively.<<
If they are not a client or a customer, their opinions of you do not pay your bills.
While you cannot control anyone’s opinion of you, there are things you can control in your business:
Control how much you show up.
Control how vulnerable you are.
Control your persistence as you continue to search for your people.
Hustler, this dream was put on your heart for a reason. Continue to push past the adversity and build the business and life you deserve.
To help you overcome other mental roadblocks you might face and take control over more aspects of your business, I’d love to send you my free Mindset Makeover Workbook. Download it >>HERE<< and start reframing those negative thoughts into something positive. I can’t wait for you to feel that freedom, friend.
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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How To Spot Trending Reels
Were you the cool kid that everyone liked? The one with the best outfits, perfectly styled hair, and a sense of humor that was widely appreciated?
Yeah, I wasn’t either. *Actually, I was homeschooled, and my siblings could be brutal!*
Despite our progression to adulthood, that desire to fit in and be liked often lingers.
If you are a business owner and a content creator, you likely look for trends you can capitalize on to leverage in your own unique way for social media.
Everyone likes to be in the know. When it comes to spotting trends on Instagram Reels that you can implement in your own business, Instagram makes it incredibly simple!
>>As you scroll through Reels, look in the lower left-hand corner and look for the diagonal arrow next to the audio file.<<
This arrow is Instagram’s way of indicating that this audio is on the rise and is considered a trend.
Once you’ve identified the trending audio, save it for later by tapping on the audio file name and clicking “Save” at the top. Or, if you simply can’t wait to create content a second longer, you can select “Use Audio” at the bottom to begin crafting your Reel right away!
Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll be creating Reels that are timely, relatable, and sure to perform well! Don’t worry, I’m not about to leave you hanging on HOW to use that trending audio! Here are 10 Easy Reel Ideas that any business can leverage on Instagram. Download this for FREE by clicking >>HERE<< then go create those trends, Buttercup!
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edwingrantham · 3 years
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3 Ways To Use Stories For Customer Research
Are you up for a challenge that will boost your social media engagement and get engagement with potential customers… oh, and it’s FREE?!  
>>Here’s your challenge: show your face on Instagram Stories every single day for 5 days in a row to conduct market research for your audience.<<
A lot of business owners use Instagram Stories to show the behind-the-scenes of their day and relate to their audience by sharing their meals, pets, children, workout routines, and more. This is a wonderful way to utilize them because these 15-second photo or video clips are truly one of the BEST ways to connect with your followers. 
Stories offer a real-time and personal approach to engage with your audience, and they now allow multiple ways for that audience to engage with you (such as commenting via direct message, and responding to questions, polls, and sliders).
When a viewer takes an action (watches your Stories, sends you a direct message, shares your Story, etc.), this engaging behavior shows the algorithm that they want to see more of your content. 
>>This means your posts and Stories will be bumped up on the priority list in their feed which increases the likelihood of more engagement… which is exactly what we want!<< 
In case you still aren’t convinced, let me sweeten the deal with this statistic: Over 500 million Instagram users watch Stories every single day!  
That number alone is enough to prove just how many people you can connect with by posting photos or videos to your Stories.
Using this feature to reach your audience can massively uplevel your business. And since they’re only viewable for 24 hours, they are a great tool to conduct market research about what your followers want to see more of on your feed and in Reels. 
To get your wheels turning, here are 3 ways you can use Instagram Stories to conduct market research!
Learn About Your Audience
Learn about their demographics, what they like, and what they don’t like by asking them questions, sharing quizzes and encouraging them to answer questions via polls. 
For example, if you are a wedding planner you could ask your audience:
How long they’ve been engaged
What kind of vendors they’re looking for
Or what questions they have about the wedding planning process (to use for future content ideas).
If you own a coffee shop, you could poll your audience on:
Their favorite beverages
What they like to pair with their morning coffee to inspire new menu items
Or what’s more important to them in a coffee shop: quiet and wifi, or decor and the freedom to chat. 
Gathering this information in a fun way on your Instagram Stories can make a huge difference in your business!
Test A New Idea
If you haven’t started a business yet or you’re looking to add a new product or service to your lineup, you can use Instagram Stories to “test” your idea before investing too much time, energy, and money into it. 
Here are some examples:
If you want to start a blog, you could ask your existing audience for:
Suggestions on topics they’d like to hear about from you
Days of the week they’re most likely to read your posts
Or who their favorite bloggers are so you can get inspiration from them.
If you are a graphic designer, and want to add website design onto your logo design services, you could poll your audience on: 
Whether or not they have a need for this service
If they’d prefer it to be standalone or part of a package
Or what platforms they’d like their website on. 
What I love about this way to conduct market research is that not only is it benefiting YOU, but when you finally release the business, product, or service, your audience will feel like they had a hand in developing it – which is a great way to build relationships with them!
Discover What Content To Create
My favorite way to conduct market research using Instagram Stories is to gain insight on what your ideal customer wants to see and consume. 
>>Whether you have an audience of 50, 500, or 5,000, it’s always a great idea to regularly poll your audience on what they want to see more of.<< 
In the past, I’ve asked my audience if they want to see more lifestyle or business content, nail art or social media marketing, family or work, and their answers have helped me shape my content into exactly what my ideal customer would like to see: a lot of business, with a little lifestyle mixed in. 
So there you have it: three ways to conduct market research using Instagram Stories. If you’re just getting started with Instagram Stories, download my Instagram Stories Checklist. It will walk you through everything you need to know to start making your Stories like a pro! Click >>HERE,<< then start creating!
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