You get on your phone to quickly check what’s going on on Facebook before you move on to more important things; then what was supposed to be just a 10-15 minute activity turns out to be 30 minutes, then an hour, then 2 hours…We’ve probably all been there and done that…and I am preaching to myself here!
Social media is a MUST today for any entrepreneur, wannabe entrepreneur, professional just looking for resources, or for anyone who wants to meet new people, keep in touch with friends and reconnect with long lost ones!
However, as much as it is important, it can also turn out (and often does) to be detrimental to us, as it reduces our focus on important things and affects our productivity. When is the last time you read a post and decided to go trough all the comments to read people’s opinions on the matter being discussed? How often have you found yourself spending more time scrolling through your Facebook wall on your phone at work than you’re supposed to (And you’re probably not even allowed to use social media at work 😊)? The same goes on for other social media platforms (i.e., Instagram, Twitter…even LinkedIn); when is the last time you decided to read a book before bedtime and ended up spending more time on your phone than on the book?
It is obvious that as much as we need social media, it can end up using up so much of your time, and preventing us from reaching our goals. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid being trapped by all the social media madness and still make a good use out of it.
Here are 5 ways to take advantage of social media without letting social media take advantage of you:
Determine how much time you spend on social media each day
Spend a day tracking how much you use social media for non-work related activities; use a notebook to write down every single time you log in to a social media platform and when you log off. Do that from the time you wake up in the morning to the time you go to bed at night. I am pretty sure you’ll be surprised by the result you get; but that’s okay. Before you can solve a problem, you must admit there is one!
Determine how much time you need to spend on social media each day
Based on your result from 1), see by how much you can realistically reduce the amount of time you spend on social media. Of course, this will depend on the type of work you do; but for someone who does not use social media for any work-related activities, this time should be limited. It should feel like a challenge but an achievable goal at the same time! Listen, you don’t have to comment on that post right away, participate in all the ongoing discussions, go through all your friends’ walls to see what’s going on in their lives; the same things will still be there if you take a break and come back later! Or if you come back tomorrow!
Set an alarm
This may sound a little crazy, but if you are really determined and disciplined, it works. If you decided that you’d only spend a total of 2 hours on social media a day, stick to it! You’ll be proud of yourself. Some people may choose to do the whole 2 hours at night when they get home from work, others may choose to spread their time throughout the day; but whatever you do, set the alarm to remind yourself when your time is up. And when the alarm goes off, just stop!
Use your time on social media efficiently
This will help you stick to your allotted time for the day, but it is also good for your sanity because you don’t need to read/watch everything that is on social media! When you log in, spend a little bit of time on your profile to see if there is anything important you should be aware of, then focus on those pages/groups you follow on a regular basis. Finally, use the rest of your time as you wish.
Limit your accessibility to social media platforms
You may need to delete all social media apps from your smartphone and only access the platforms from your computer. This will most likely limit your usage as it will require more work on your part (Yes, logging in and off each time you want to get on Facebook/Instagram is really hard these days 😊!).
Hopefully, these small tips help! Please feel free to share any other tips you have!
With Love,
Huguette
Huguette Essoh Latte
Bio: Huguette is a God-fearing woman, a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister and a friend. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) by trade and an entrepreneur in the making. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and walking by one of the beautiful lakes of Minnesota where she resides, when the weather permits.
If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own business, or have already started, whether through a side hustle or full-fledged business, there are ways to do it at a low cost or even for free. One of the biggest obstacles for many to start a business consists in the initial investment that is sometimes required.
When I first started out hustling on the side through my blog, I didn’t have much money to devote to it. At the time, I had little babies, a full-time job and bills piling up every month. I wasn’t yet making any money through blogging, so the thought of investing money into it would often frustrate me. However, I was fortunate to have access to mentors and resources who pointed me to free tools you can use to start and grow your business virtually for free.
Here are 7 areas in which you can start and increase your business impact for literally no (or very little) money:
To make a business plan
There are many sources of free business plans out there. Here are a few:
There are a number of free website builders available online. However, many of these options may include the company’s branding on the site, which may take away from your own branding. Consider investing in your own domain name and some form of inexpensive hosting.
Managing your day-to-day activities also means to be as productive as possible. Here are a few tools to help you as you manage your business on a daily basis:
The holidays rhyme with parties and social gatherings, which also require the wardrobe to go with. For many of us, this means having to think of what to wear to this party, that event and that other social gathering. Which may or may not end up in yet another trip to the mall, spending non-budgeted money on non-planned expenses for fashion we may only use once, or twice, at best.
I know the feeling…As a career woman, and one who has a slight addiction to fashion (don’t judge me), I’ve found myself in this predicament one too many times. Here I was, roaming the get-together and oh, that New Year’s Eve bash too. Result: Christmas gifts budget expanded before said Christmas gifts bought. Which also translates in serious financial discussion with the hubby, and elaborate accounting schemes to cover the dire facts.
A few years ago though, on a fateful holiday season during which the family funds were being monitored more closely than usual (husbands do get smarter with time), I resigned myself to re-purposing my workwear into affordable, yet stylish holiday wear. Not only did I save some serious bucks (which I later re-purposed in after-holiday vintage shoe sales), but I also found some of the most elegant picks for holiday fashion.
Here are a few ways you can shop your own closet and re-purpose your workwear for the holidays:
That LBD that feels like a second skin and looks like a fitting, elegant yet appropriate glove on you? It’s the perfect alternative when you have nothing to wear for the holiday party. All you have to do is merchandise with some serious bling, upgrade your make-up to fabulous levels, and add a show-stopping pair of heels, and voila! You now have a classy and chic party dress for any holiday occasion.
For instance, I like this Maggy London lace detail crepe sheath from Nordstrom, perfect for the office to the party.
Don’t despise those work blazers aimlessly hanging in your closet! They’re the perfect companion to a fabulous party dress or skirt, and will add a classy touch to any party pants. Add a sparkly brooch and dazzling chandelier earrings for a perfect holiday look!
This rose-print jacquard blazer from White House Black Market is a powerful addition to any holiday outfit.
Add some sexy to your black suit
That black suit you’ve worn to your best interviews? Dust it off and take it out on the town for the holidays. Pair it with a sexy yet chic silk camisole, some show-stopping jewelry, and a sleek pair of pointy heels, and you’ll be in holiday business in no time!
I love this simple yet chic tropical wool suit from Ann Taylor, that can be re-purposed over and over from work to party.
Pull out that black pencil skirt
ASOS high-waisted pencil skirt – Photo credit: asos.com
Your classic black pencil skirt is begging to be recycled and paraded around town, so please oblige! Pair it with a silky blouse or delicate cashmere top for instant sophistication. Don’t forget to throw in some original tights, an original purse, and can we say fabulous!
I like this ASOS high-waisted thigh list pencil for its elegance mixed with a hint of sassiness.
Put your black slacks to work
Nothing to wear? Think again…Those black slacks that are so comfortable can be comfortable and holiday-ready too. How about adding in a delicate lace top, some striking pumps and make it the supporting act of a fantastic holiday style?
These Alfani tummy-control slim leg pants from Macy’s are a great fashion choice for the holidays!
Black pumps are the little secret of perfect holiday outfits. You can pair them with just about anything, from your favorite party dress to that holiday jumpsuit. No need to go shopping for expensive shoes you’ll only wear once (and will most likely murder your toes), when you can pull out those classic, chic work black pumps.
For instance, these Kristin Cavallari Gisele suede pumps from Zappos are both work and holiday-appropriate!
Re-use your understated work jewelry
If you plan on increasing the bling factor in your holiday wardrobe, consider recycling your work jewelry. Nothing like elegant pearls or understated studs to offset a sparkly dress or top.
How else can you repurpose your workwear for the holidays?
As soon as Thanksgiving starts looming near, the first thought on many people’s minds can be summarized in two words: Black Friday! Also known as the ultimate shopping day for many a deal-addict out there!
However, while there are many opportunities to save “beaucoup” money on Black Friday, there are even more opportunities to make it even more strategic by preparing adequately. I remember the days of waking up extra early on Black Friday to hit the stores, sacrificing precious sleep and turkey leftovers to score a few good deals. Fast-forward a few years later, I’m learning to indulge my beauty sleep and enjoy those mac-and-cheese-and-stuffing leftovers by doing some advance prep work!
Here are 7 steps to actually be ready for Black Friday, minus the stress, sleepless night before and missing out on the best leftovers because your cousins are too broke to go shopping but hungry enough to terminate any food in sight:
Make a list
Black Friday mistake numero uno: jump into the abysmal sales pit without a list! This simply opens you up to buying any and everything that has a discounted price tag in sight. Instead, smarten up and make a list the day before!
List all the gifts you need to buy for Christmas first, and any extras you’d like to indulge in! This way, you will focus on getting what you need first and save precious money, time and energy in the process!
Create a budget!
A woman (or man) without a set budget on Black Friday is setting herself/himself up for financial doom! Also read: you will come home broke (and hungry, but that’s another issue for another day!).
Again, do not jump into the Black Friday sea of sales without a budget, aka your holiday life jacket! Do some homework the week before and figure out how much each of the items on your list is going to cost you. Use sales circulars and ads to plan ahead of time how much money you will need. And do NOT, I repeat DO NOT, go over it!
Stay home!
Did I mention my sleepless nights from a few years ago, when I used to forego Holy Sleep for Tempting Sales. After a couple of kids and some pretty heavy Thanskgiving dinners over the year, I’ve become wiser (and more cognizant of my own physical limitations).
Did you know that according to dealnews.com, you can find the same, if not almost the same, deals in stores than in the comfort of your cozy home in front on your laptop, nibbling on some leftover fried turkey. Chile!
Before you sign up to venture out in the cold at the wee hours of morning, at the risk of getting stepped over for a deal on the new ipHoneX, consider doing the same at home! And saving just as much, plus beauty sleep, extra food and your life and sanity too…
Protect your credit
Keep in mind that your credit cards to shop online or offline can increase your chances for credit theft! As you score amazing deals and get all your African aunts the latest Fenty makeup products, remember to monitor your credit score too!
Use sites like Credit Sesame or Credit Karma to monitor changes in your credit score during this period.
Save some items for Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday is also a great shopping day! Think of it as the cute auntie to Black Friday who likes to chill comfortably at home! Instead of running from store to store with your barely digested Thanskgiving turkey still navigating your sleep-deprived body, you can just shop online on Monday (instead of doing your work)!
Reserve some items for Cyber Monday by placing them in your cart and saving them there! You’ll find them there on Cyber Monday, plus the discount you can now happily take advantage of!
Ship items directly to people
Take advantage of the many free shipping offers on Black Friday by shipping gifts and items directly to people! Instead of shipping them to your house, and then having to re-ship them out, you can kill two birds with one stone and score some serious shipping savings!
Plus that also means less to think about as Christmas approaches and you start losing whatever you have left of edges…
Google coupon codes for websites
Do some prep work and research the coupon codes for the websites you’re interested in! This will save you even more money, time and energy instead of scrambling at the last minute. Make a list of all the coupon codes you will need and save them in a safe, accessible place. Now that’s what you call organized shopping!
What other tips do you have to prepare for Black Friday?
A business plan is what a foundation is to a home. This means that without an appropriate business plan, chances are your business won’t make it. However, when we think of a business plan, many of us think of a daunting, lengthy process that may force us to figure everything about our business beforehand. Yet, it doesn’t’t have to be.
Creating a business plan for your business can be daunting. For many business owners, especially new business owners, creating a comprehensive business plan can seem like a challenge. Which is exactly why so many entrepreneurs tend to skip this step.
However, what many of us don’t realize is that creating a business plan for your business is the best way to ensure that your vision, purpose and business process are clearly thought through. Neither does it have to be an overwhelming task. While there are many intimidating business plan templates out there, remember that the point is to gain clarity over your business and devise a feasible plan.
Here are 5 easy steps to start with a simple business plan:
1. Your Mission
What is your business’ mission? In other words, what is the “why” behind your business? How do you plan on helping people?
Asking yourself these questions will help you determine the mission behind your business. The reason why this is so important is because your mission serves as the foundation to your business. Without a mission that resonates with you and with your ideal audience/clients, you lack the necessary clarity to push your idea forward.
My mission is to help women do work they love. It stemmed from my own need to change my career and life so I could do work I love and build a fulfilling career. What is yours?
To Do: Determine the “why” behind your business, and spell it out with as much specificity and detail as possible.
2. Your Strategy
What specific problems will you solve? How are you going to help your ideal audience and clients? This will be translated in the products and/or services that you will create.
The clearer you are about the problems you will be solving for people, the more successful your business will be. People are attracted to solutions that benefit them. By identifying issues they already deal with and bringing about the appropriate solutions, you are creating a market for yourself.
To Do:
· Identify your ideal client, i.e. the person that you will be helping. Draw a mental picture of who he/she is. You can even give her a name, personality, address, etc.
· Brainstorm all the problems that your ideal client may have.
· Pick the problems that your business will help in solving.
3. Your Marketing:
How will you promote your products and/or services? How will you manage to get new clients?
It’s one thing to have a solid foundational mission and create amazing products and services. However, without the proper marketing, the right people will never know about it and be able to buy from you. One of the biggest mistakes I made when I started in business was to under-estimate the power of great marketing. For many businesses, it’s the make-or-break element of your entire strategy.
To Do:
· Brainstorm all the ways that you can promote your business (word of mouth, social media, etc)
· Pick at least three (3) ways that you will focus on to begin.
4. Your Tribe
Who are the people who will support you as you build your business? These people may be your family and friends, as well as close associates and business partners. It’s important to remember that it takes a village to build a successful business. As such, you must surround yourself with the right support system.
Resist the temptation to isolate yourself! You need people, the right people, that is.
To Do:
· Make a list of all the people in your personal and professional/business network who can help you in carrying out your mission (these are also people you can trust and who can identify with your purpose)
· Make a plan to start reaching out to at least 3 of these people and involving them in your business
· Don’t forget to keep networking and expand your circle as well
5. Your Finances
What are your business financial goals? What are your monthly profit objectives? In turn, how many sales/clients do you need in order to achieve this level of profit?
A business eventually has to make money. While the beginnings of your business may not be as profitable as full-blown businesses, you must focus on creating growing profitability.
To Do:
· Determine how much profit you want to make after subtracting all your business expenses
· Translate this in terms of sales and clients
· Make a plan to get all these clients and realize the necessary sales for the next month
Starting a business is a dream for many working women and men. The prospect of being your own boss and creating a legacy that outlasts us is indeed very attractive. It also means having more control over your hours, more flexibility and the possibility to create the life of your dreams. Most importantly, you are in control of your income, instead of letting someone else decide what you are worth.
However, one of the reasons why so many of us don’t realize this dream is because we may not know how to even get started. If you’re wondering how to put all the pieces together to start and launch your own business, here are 7 things to get you going:
An Idea Targeting a Need in the Market
Great businesses start with great business ideas. But what makes a business idea great? Target a need in the market of your choice. What do your target or ideal clients need that they can’t find in the market? You can start by identifying a need that you may have and know others have as well. If you can fill a need in the market, you’ve identified a potential business.
A Business Plan
After identifying your business idea, having a business plan is the next step. While a business plan may sound like a complicated concept, it’s really about understanding the purpose of your business, as well as your product(s) and how you will promote and market them. You will also need to determine who will be part of your team. Last but not least, clearly understanding how you will make money and achieve a profit is crucial. One of my favorite resources to create a business plan is provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
A Legal Setup
It’s important to ensure that you have the appropriate legal resources and paperwork in place. When setting up your business, you want to Having your business properly and legally registered, and ensuring that your legal filings are completed accurately and timely. A great resource to use to set up your business structure and complete your required filings is LegalZoom.
Some Money
Starting a business can be costly. While you may be able to save on a few expenses by working from home and opting for the DIY way, you’ll still have to invest some money into your business.
You may need money to build a website, print out business cards, or even to get some basic materials and tools. However, I always recommend starting as inexpensively as possible. Don’t spend money on an expensive website or fancy working space. Instead, start building your network and business presence first.
Some Space
As mentioned earlier, you can save by working from home. However, you may want to dedicate a specific and separate area of your home for your business. This is so you can actually focus on your work and not be victim to distractions around you.
If you must invest in a working space, make sure that it is within your budget in the medium to long-term. You can also opt for co-working spaces if it’s too challenging or impossible to work from home.
Online Presence
In the age of social media, having a business online presence is important. However, do not spread yourself too thin by spending too much time online. Pick two to three social media networks you are most comfortable with and that provide you with the most exposure and influence.
However, you should also focus on building a strong offline presence. One of the best ways to do this is to build an email list to reach out to your followers directly via email. Remember that when social platforms like Facebook or Twitter change their algorithms or disappear entirely, you stand to lose all your following, so act accordingly.
Some Support
Starting a business is challenging, and it can also be lonely. While few people may understand what you’re trying to do, strive to build a supportive network around you. It may be your family and friends, or other business women and men who understand and share in your mission.
Starting a business is a dream for many working women and men. The prospect of being your own boss and creating a legacy that outlasts us is indeed very attractive. It also means having more control over your hours, more flexibility and the possibility to create the life of your dreams. Most importantly, you are in control of your income, instead of letting someone else decide what you are worth.
