Do you know the difference between automating v. systemizing your business for success? In my Blab interview with entrepreneur @TonyLBrownHQ from TonyLBrown.com, these terms are defined, and we discuss the relationship between the two processes. You will learn why small business owners need to systemize their operations for time management and greater efficiency. Most importantly, you will discover how to maintain your authenticity as your business is being systemized. Here’s a quick breakdown thanks to @TonyLBrownHQ:
Systemization – creating and systems and processes that govern your business operations, such as social media management. Systemization maintains a personal, authentic touch.
Automation – can be a part of a systemized process if it adds value to it. Your automated communications should not make you sound like a robot! Ex: Clicking to follow someone on Twitter and receiving canned auto requests to download their product. Ugh! Direct Messaging (DMing) can be done well as long as (once again) there’s a personal touch.
Specifically, if you are a small business owner who is juggling the task of being the CEO as well as the marketer, financial manager, designer, webmaster, etc., you can delegate your tasks to others in a systemized manner. In other words, you map out the blueprint and hand this off to those in charge of automating your process. The difference between this and straight automation is that your blueprint should be in line with your brand.
For example, if you have a virtual assistant who is charged with automating your social media posts, you should systemize the process for your VA, so he/she knows the appropriate images, tone of voice, and content that should be shared on your behalf. It should be the next best thing to cloning yourself! Most importantly, you will remain RAW Branded in a systemized manner. Got that one?
I interviewed Krystel S., the blogger behind ArmyWife101, on my weekly Blab Show RAW BRANDED® TV. Krystel was amazingly generous in sharing her formula for pitching to larger brands. These pitches are the blueprint for connecting with bigger brands to promote their product and for bloggers to receive compensation for these efforts. The video highlights are featured above; however the full episode is included further below this post. In addition to Krystel, a few savvy Blabbers, including @TonyLBrownHQ @JimZiegler and @renewalof40, shared their expert advice on how to collaborate with bigger brands.
A few of Krystel’s key takeaways are:
Make sure you have solid content on your blog. Bigger brands will get a sense of the value you provide to visitors/followers.
Consistency is key. Publish content on your blog/vlog at the same designated time that you’ve committed to. Bigger brands will see that you are active and serious about your craft.
Provide solid brand aesthetics. Your website is your first impression. Make sure it is current and not overwhelming to the bigger brands that are reviewing your site.
If you build a blog/vlog, it doesn’t mean that visitors will magically come! Tweet, share, post, etc. your content on social networks to distribute your content to the masses.
Focus on what you can do for the bigger brands (sharing information about their product to your audience). Show your value.
Make sure you give your all during the first opportunity in which you work with a bigger brand. It may lead to other offers.
I also encourage you not to shortchange yourself! Yes, I have been guilty of committing this crime with a former blog. Krystel and I both noted that you may sometimes need to giveaway content for free in order to make that initial connection with a bigger brand. Just don’t give away all your digital influence for free!
On a separate note, it’s okay to negotiate when working with bigger brands. However, remember that you are trying to build a long-lasting relationship with them. It is a delicate balance. You shouln’t approach them too aggressively, but you should always be mindful of your worth.
Remember not to lose track of your audience. Your followers have stuck with you because you’ve earned their trust. Don’t promote a brand’s products that you don’t believe in, as you’ll be at risk of losing those followers you’ve worked so hard to acquire.
Also, Krystel flagged the competitive market that is blogging. There are endless fashion bloggers, chefs, and the like, but have no fear. You can still make your mark by being unique. Once again, be your authentic self, since there is no one like you. In other words, you should always remain RAW BRANDED®!
Fun fact: Throughout this lengthy interview, the sun set; hence the lighting changed, and I went ghost! Watch, take notes, and enjoy!
Spread the love: Tweet all about this and other episodes using #RAWBRANDEDTV.
I hosted a Blab to encourage business owners and personal branders to share their elevator pitch. During this networking event, I had the fortune to meet with people who are authentically trying to enhance the world in which we live in. Now, that’s RAW BRANDED®!
*The video was removed since Blab shut down its operations.
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