Happy Sunday my friend!

How did your January go? I’ve seen so many posts about how it felt like the longest month ever. Personally, I feel like it flew by—I can’t believe it’s already February!

I spent much of January working behind the scenes in my business—cleaning things up, refining systems, and setting up processes to help things run more smoothly. Not exactly my favorite way to spend time, but it feels so good to have it done. Now, I can focus on the things that actually move the needle as the year goes on.

What about you? What was your biggest accomplishment in January? Hit reply and share it with me! I know a lot of us read emails and don’t always reply, but I also know how much it means to hear back from the people on the other side. I’ve been trying to be more intentional about replying to the newsletters I receive, too.

Let’s Talk About Social Media

If there was one recurring theme in my conversations last week, it was overwhelm, exhaustion, and frustration with social media. So many business owners feel like they have to be on social media to grow, even though they’re tired of the constant pressure to create content.

So here’s a reminder for you, Reader:

Businesses have been built and scaled successfully for decades WITHOUT social media.

It is not the secret to growth. Yes, you see people posting about massive success from social media, but remember—the ones who AREN’T using social media to grow aren’t posting about it.

A lot of those “social media success” stories come from content creators. Their entire business model revolves around creating content because it’s their zone of genius. But for many of us? Content creation is not our zone of genius.

So instead of feeling pressured to be on social just because you think you have to be, take a step back and ask:

What purpose do I want social media to serve in my business?

For me, social media is a tool for meeting new people. There’s a good chance that’s how you and I first connected! I use it to amplify the conversations I’m already having, stay top of mind, and allow people to get to know me, my teaching style, and my approach to business.

But here’s the thing: I don’t have to live on social media to do that.

If you want social media to serve a different purpose in your business, let it. But you also need to figure out how you’re attracting new people into your world.

Where are people finding you? How are they learning you exist?

If you don’t want social media to be your main lead generation tool, there are plenty of other ways to grow:

• Networking
• Speaking
• Referrals & Collaborations
• SEO & Google - Blogging, Pinterest etc

Here's Your Action Step:

1️⃣ Ask yourself: What purpose do I want social media to serve in my business?​
2️⃣ Once you have your answer, define the actions you need to take to support that purpose.
3️⃣ Then, ask: How do I want people to become aware of me?​
4️⃣ Take it to the next level—define the actions you need to take to make that happen.

Social media is a tool, not the strategy. It is not the only way to grow a business—far from it.

So, what purpose do you want social media to serve in your business? Reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

ICYMI & Upcoming Events & #Dontbeadouche

• Wednesday at 12 pm EST is the Monthly Collaborative Connection Hour: This is your opportunity to meet new people (OFF SOCIAL MEDIA), share your knowledge (AMPLIFY YOUR CONVERSATIONS) and have fun! This is a completely FREE event and you only have to register ONCE and you can sign up for as many months as you would like! Even if you can't make it this one - register HERE so you get the emails and updates for next month!

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• If you haven't listened to this week's episode on the podcast - it is all about managing your expectations. Specifically around audience size and conversion. If you don't think your conversion rates are high enough - this one's for you!

#Dontbeadouche

If you've been on my SMB newsletter for a while, you may remember a segment I used to run called #Don'tBeADouche, where I highlighted cringeworthy networking and sales tactics—the kind that make people never want to work with you.

Well, this week, I had a DM exchange that made me bring it back.

Here’s the backstory:​
I met a woman in a networking group who was hosting a FREE masterclass. We briefly discussed potential collaboration opportunities, so I figured I’d attend her session to learn more about her and what she teaches. I showed up live, took notes, and later that evening… let’s just say the conversation that followed made me regret ever engaging

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Not only do I now have ZERO interest in collaborating with this person, but this experience reminded me exactly why attendance is dropping for masterclasses and workshops—because coaches like this treat attendees poorly if they don’t immediately buy.

It’s the WORST sales tactic in the world.

I could have ignored her follow-up message when she asked if I was signing up, but I wanted to be upfront. I politely let her know I was a no and so she could remove me from her follow-up list.

All she had to do was say something like, "Thanks for letting me know! I appreciate you being there."

Had she done that, two things could have happened:
A) I likely would have followed up about a collaboration.
B) I would have referred her to clients or people in my network.

Now? Neither will happen. Because I don’t want anyone in my circle being treated like this.

So there you have it—#DontBeADouche.

Let’s do better in business. Treat people with respect, and stop using pushy, outdated sales tactics that burn bridges instead of building them.

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