The strategy to grow as a small business.

Starting a small business can be a challenging task for many of us. It all begins with a small idea, and from there, our imagination leads us to dream of a successful venture. However, establishing a solid marketing foundation is essential from the outset. Starting a business involves multiple factors, and one of the most critical is marketing, including how to effectively utilize social media.

How to know my audience?

One of the main and important points in marketing is understanding our audience. Conducting studies on who we are going to sell to and who our potential clients could be is crucial. Through surveys, for example, we can determine their age, gender, economic level, location, and jewelry preferences.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2022/05/12/4-ways-to-better-understand-your-audience/?sh=14ad1c9a5410

For a silver jewelry business, some of the most interesting platforms are Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, which allow us to share photos, videos, live broadcasts, reels and stories. Direct interaction with the audience enables participation in conversations within communities and provides valuable insight into their tastes and interests.

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My Value & Competence

The sale of jewelry is not a new concept; there are currently numerous stores offering beautiful pieces of silver, gold and other materials. Additionally, online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon provide a wide variety of silver jewelry pieces at affordable prices, presenting significant competition. Local artisans also design and create handmade silver jewelry, selling their products through websites, craft fairs, or online platforms. On the other hand, The quality, design and originality of each of our pieces will undoubtedly give us value that customers will appreciate.

Currently, the information I have about the jewelry production process, and the materials used, is what I can use as content. My content strategy involves trends in jewelry, the art of craftmanship, the stories behind the pieces, the benefits of wearing jewelry, recommendations, information on materials, metals, gems, and tips on how to care for your silver pieces.

Which Social Network Suits My Business?

Consider that the best social networks for promoting jewelry are Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube, Tik tok and the jewelry website itself.

https://blog.clover.com/how-to-set-up-a-business-website/

However, the primary networks for this type of business are Facebook and Instagram due to their large user base seeking direct interaction with businesses and expecting quick responses.

Marketers always advocate for active engagement on social media. The frequency of posting on Instagram or Facebook depends on your goals and audience. Engagement with comments, participation, and timely responses hold great value. Consistent daily presence is crucial; therefore, I believe that posting content at least once a day is essential. Creating a content calendar helps keep track of the dates and times to publish.

https://www.shopify.com/ca/blog/how-often-post-instagram

Measuring your progress.

There are several ways to measure progress on social networks, such as likes, comments, clicks, reviews, etc.

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While it’s not easy, it’s certainly not impossible. Applying digital marketing knowledge effectively will lead us to significant growth and learning opportunities.

@Facebook @Twitter

A Second Chance for Pets.

The year begins with resolutions, new plans and aspirations to embark on a new chapter. Many families choose to welcome pets that come into their homes. Pets are of great importance to people and families, but they can be great challenges without a commitment. Acquiring a pet is a shared responsibility that requires attention. These living beings offer unlimited love and require care, education and love.?

Ottawa Human Society Shelter

In Ottawa, certain shelters witness a significant number of animals abandoned by their owners each year, as these pets search for a second chance at a loving home. Among these shelters on the Ottawa Humane Society, which generously provides a wealth of compelling pet care information through its website. Additionally, they offer training sessions, pet owners support groups, adoption programs, and more.

https://ottawahumane.ca/your-pet/animal-tips/

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Who are we?

Our shelter also receives a significant number of abandoned dogs and cats each year. We have a team of dedicated people who specialize in the care of our furry companions and actively seek loving families for them. Our primary focus is the well-being of these animals, ensuring they find new homes where their needs are met. Through detailed interviews and surveys, we verify that potential adopters have everything necessary to provide a safe and loving environment, avoiding further abandonment. We offer guidance and support during the adaptation process for both the pet and the new family. Our commitment is also to provide ongoing information, courses and tools to facilitate a smooth transition for everyone involved.

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Why do people give up their pets?

People may not have fully considered the responsibilities that come with owning a pet when purchasing them, including whether they have enough time, resources and motivation to care for them. These are some of the most common reasons why people decide to give away their pets:

https://www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/the-top-9-reasons-why-people-give-up-their-pets

Why should people be aware of this?

It is crucial to foster a community that is mindful of pet care, educating individuals about the potential feeling of rejection and abandonment experienced by pets. Such awareness can prevent emotional and psychological damage to pets and, in turn, positively impact people’s attitudes and behaviours.

https://woundedpawproject.org/animal-abuse/the-impact-of-pet-abandonment/

Don’t abandon your pet!

Always prioritize your pet’s well-being. If you believe that your living situation is negatively affecting your pet and seems hopeless, explore other options before giving up. Consider rehoming your pet with a friend or family member who truly cares about them, but be sure to ask relevant questions to ensure they don’t face abandonment again. Alternatively, look for an accredited animal welfare organization with trained staff capable of providing proper care for your pet. Abandonment should not be your only option, as you have the responsibility as a pet owner to ensure their well-being. Choose the most humane option, ensuring your pet finds a new home for the rest of its life.

Would you be willing to give a pet a second chance?

How Can You Achieve Mental Health Balance in the Face Of a Daily Bombardment Of News?

In today’s digital age, where we are bombarded with an overwhelming avalanche of news and information on a daily basis, many individuals, like you and me struggle to maintain their well-being and mental balance. Exploring strategies, tips, and ideas on how to navigate this inundation of information while maintaining mental health can provide valuable guidance and support for both adults and teens. This topic addresses a pressing real-life concern that is growing, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions to regain emotional peace and balance.

The media often prioritizes negative or sensational stories because they tend to capture more attention.

What are the consequences on our brain? This constant exposure to negative or distressing information can create a feeling of discomfort and worry. The human brain has a limited capacity to process information. When you are inundated with news, especially if it is overwhelming, it can lead to stress overload, feelings of helplessness, and anxiety.

News often highlights threats, crises, and uncertainty, which can increase feelings of fear and insecurity. With the proliferation of 24/7 news channels and constant online news updates, escaping the news cycle becomes nearly impossible, contributing to information fatigue and heightened anxiety.

In this article, you can find highly interesting information related to the psychologists’ research. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overloadp

To reduce anxiety related to the consumption of negative and catastrophic news, it is essential to limit exposure to it. In the link, you can find 10 tips to boost your mental health. http://www.bcmhsus.ca/about/news-stories/stories/10-tips-to-boost-your-mental-health

To avoid feeling overwhelmed by negative news on social media, you can implement the following tips:

• Unfollow accounts or pages that consistently share negative or distressing content.
• Follow sources that provide a balance of positive and informative content.
• Limit access to social media to maintain a healthy balance.
• Turn off news notifications to reduce constant alerts about breaking news.
• Find and engage with accounts or groups that share uplifting, motivational, or educational content.
• Make sure your social media feed contains a mix of personal, educational, and entertaining content.
• Avoid checking the news or social media right before bed, as it can negatively affect your sleep quality.
• Balance the time you spend online with real-world activities, hobbies, and interactions with friends and family.
• Install apps that filter negative or distressing content from your social networks.
• Take long, regular breaks from social media to recharge and reduce the impact of negative news.

Remember that prioritizing your mental health is an ongoing process of self-care. Adopt the strategies that work for you, and if necessary, seek professional support. Don’t forget to connect with loved ones as well.

And what about you? Does the news impact your emotional well-being? Do you have any techniques to help maintain your emotional peace?

Does having Facebook and Instagram pages really guarantee the success of my business?

When you are thinking about starting a new business, there are a bunch of steps you gotta go through, like figuring out what you are going to sell or what service are you going to offer, making a business plan, getting some basic money know-how, and checking out the market. And hey, don’t forget about getting your business on social media to reach potential customers.

Assisting people in setting up Facebook and Instagram accounts for their small businesses is relatively easy. However, maintaining the commitment to consistently post and share relevant information presents a challenge that takes both, knowledge and time.

Photo by Cristina Gonzalez on Canva.

No doubt, social media is a big deal for businesses these days, no matter if you are small or big. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that there is more to managing a Facebook or Instagram page than simply uploading photos of your products or services. Many people, due to lack of familiarity or time constraints, tend to post infrequently, perhaps just once a week or when it crosses their mind. Notably, Facebook’s algorithms gradually reduce the visibility of posts that don’t meet their criteria.

So, how can you expand your follower base? Recommendations include creating compelling and relevant content, maintaining a consistent posting schedule, sharing photos and videos, actively engaging with your followers, and considering paid advertising, which allows for precise customer segmentation.

When I discuss these recommendations with small business owners, they often begin implementing them but may eventually lose momentum. In conclusion, achieving success with social networks in a business context, in my view, hinges on commitment, perseverance, and a well-structured approach. Meta Business provides a valuable feature that allows you to schedule and plan your posts in advance using its calendar. This can be an excellent tool for those who tend to forget to post regularly and helps prevent becoming overwhelmed with so many tasks.

Are you ready to start your own business?

Photo by Cristina Gonzalez on Canva.

How to find out the authenticity of an influencer?

The trend of becoming an influencer, which started a few years ago, has evolved from being a hobby into a way of life. With the surge of social media, many individuals have seized this opportunity to showcase their skills, whether it’s in cooking,m teaching, writing, or even displaying their most entertaining and creative side through humor. Many people known as “influencers” have transformed into reliable sources for their followers and, in some cases even for companies seeking to meet their sales objectives. But what are the pieces of the puzzle that make an authentic influencer?

Let’s start by defining an authentic person. As per the Cambridge Dictionary https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/authentic#google_vignette authentic means real, true, and genueine. Some companies hire influencers who have a large number of followers, considering them a brand that can serve as an exceptional bridge to expand their audience and visibility on social media.

But let’s return to the question: what defines authenticity in an influencer? In my opinion, it commences with honesty and transparency. Influencers must be sincere about their beliefs, values, and true personality. When they promote a product or service, it’s super important that they come across as genuine. Plus, fans really want to know more about the influencers’ lives. Sharing personal stuff is awesome in this case. Knowing more about their ups and downs makes them feel real and helps create a genuine connection. Also, the interaction that influencers have with their followers by responding to comments and such, it’s a smart way to show that they care.

Influencers collaborate on countless topics. One of my favorite topics is sustainability. If it is a topic that you would like to explore, I suggest you get to know a little more about these ecologically minded influencers and they have some really interesting ideas for living a more ecological life. Whether it’s helping the planet, fighting climate change, recycling things, or sharing delicious recipes, these guys have a lot to offer. Check them out if you like! https://www.amraandelma.com/top-sustainability-influencers/

In conclusion, sticking to your values, being transparent, and showing yourself as a real human being, I considered the keys for influencers to build and maintain a special bond with their followers on a social platform. Is your favorite influencer authentic and original?

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Are Facebook groups useful or not?

When I immigrated to Canada years ago, the adaptation process was much more difficult than today. Social media apps were not so common since they had not yet been invented or were just beginning. I remember using Blackberry at that time, where you could have communication such as messages only between Blackberry users, communication was limited, and having access to information about the city or services was not so simple either.

Facebook began to spread around the world a couple of years later, charming everyone with its ability to store photos, and connect with people from the present and the past, among other functions. Later, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok, etc. emerged. The real game-changer, though, was the introduction of Facebook groups. It was truly awesome to find people who were in the same situation as me, struggling to navigate the various procedures required to start a new life in a new country. I remember participating in some of these groups and feeling a sense of relief when I received valuable advice or feedback, especially about procedures I needed to do, products I wanted to buy, and an infinite number of situations, my experience was very pleasant, in fact, I met people who are my friends to date.

The change brought about by social media was radical. Nowadays, settling in a new country is much easier, as the use of social media and the internet has become essential. The advantages are substantial, from renting your house and enrolling your children in school to handling paperwork, activating services, connecting with people, and so much more. Have you identified with my story? Have you ever felt supported by any Facebook group in your area?

Photo by Cristina Gonzalez on Canva.