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9/1/2023 Elevate Your Journey with the Springfield Evolve Women's Network and Exceptional MentorsRead Now  At the Springfield Evolve Women's Network, we believe in the power of women supporting women. Our community is a place where aspiring women leaders can connect, learn, and thrive. One of the most valuable aspects of our network is the mentorship program, where seasoned professionals share their knowledge, experience, and guidance.
Meet our remarkable mentors: Elisabeth with Oak & Ivy, LLC Elisabeth, the creative mind behind Oak & Ivy, LLC, brings a wealth of experience in social media and digital marketing. Her passion for helping businesses thrive online is contagious, and she's here to guide you on your digital journey. Christina with Nigh Dispatch Christina, from Nigh Dispatch, is an expert in logistics and transportation. Her extensive experience in this industry makes her a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of supply chain management. Christine with Fulton Hill Insurance Christine is an insurance expert with Fulton Hill Insurance, with years of experience in helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of insurance. Her insights will empower you to make informed decisions about your coverage. Rachel with Cohatch Springfield Rachel is a dynamic force in the co-working industry as part of Cohatch Springfield. Her expertise in creating collaborative and innovative workspaces will inspire you to think creatively and build connections in your own career. Maria with Confident Wellness Maria, from Confident Wellness, is dedicated to holistic health and well-being. Her wisdom in living a balanced life and taking care of your mental and physical health is invaluable. Wendy with Fourman Insurance Wendy, with Fourman Insurance, is another insurance expert, specializing in personal and commercial lines. She will guide you through the intricacies of insurance and ensure you're well-protected. Join us on the second Tuesday of every month at 8 AM for our Coffee, Connection & Elevation sessions. It's an opportunity to meet these exceptional mentors, connect with fellow women professionals, and elevate your career and personal development. Coffee, Networking & Elevation Date: Second Tuesday of Every Month Time: 8:30 AM Location: CoHatch Springfield, 101 N. Fountain Ave, Springfield At the Springfield Evolve Women's Network, we're committed to your growth and success. Join us for an inspiring journey of mentorship, networking, and personal development. Together, we'll empower each other to reach new heights in our careers and lives.  In today's digital world, social media is like your storefront, and answering messages is like helping out customers who walk in. You would be shocked to hear how many businesses I have sent messages to and they have not responded in a respectable amount of time or not at all.
Imagine this: someone strolls into your store, looks around, and then asks you a question. What do you do? Well, you'd probably answer their question, right? It's the same with social media – when folks reach out with questions or messages, it's important to respond quickly. Here's why, with a down-to-earth example: Think of your online audience like people walking into your shop. They have questions, they're curious, and they want to know more about what you offer. Now, imagine you're in your store, and someone asks you about a product. If you just walked away without saying anything, they'd probably leave feeling ignored and frustrated. 1. People Expect a Reply Just like customers in your store expect some help, people on social media expect responses when they reach out. Ignoring messages can make them feel like you've locked the door and walked away. 2. Building Trust Answering messages builds trust, just like helping customers in your shop. It shows that you care about their needs and value their time. That's how strong relationships are formed, both online and offline. 3. Staying Ahead of the Game Being responsive online can set you apart from the competition, just like providing excellent in-store service. If you're the one who answers quickly while others are slow to respond, you'll stand out in a good way. 4. Nipping Problems in the Bud Sometimes, messages contain questions or complaints. Responding promptly lets you tackle problems before they escalate, just like addressing an issue for an in-store customer before they leave unhappy. 5. Being Real Online interactions humanize your brand, just like in-person conversations. They show that there are real people behind your business who care about your customers' needs. 6. Good Reputation Being responsive boosts your reputation, both online and offline. Happy customers talk, whether it's about great online service or a fantastic in-store experience. 7. Valuable Feedback Social media messages often contain valuable feedback, just like in-store chats. Listening to your customers helps you understand what they want and how you can improve. 8. Boosting Sales Quick responses can lead to more sales, just like helping a shopper in-store can result in a purchase. When someone's interested, a fast response can seal the deal. So, whether it's in your shop or on social media, answering questions and messages is always a good idea. It's about connecting with your audience, building trust, and making your business shine. Don't leave your online customers hanging – give them the attention they deserve. Ready to save time and build a stronger online presence? Inquire with me today about outsourcing your social media management. Let's make your digital engagement even more efficient and effective.
In a world where women continue to shatter glass ceilings, break stereotypes, and carve their own paths to success, the phrase "Strong. Capable. Female." resonates with power and purpose. It encapsulates the essence of women who stand tall, overcome challenges, and embrace their roles as leaders, creators, caregivers, and so much more. At StrongCapableFemale.com, we celebrate and honor the remarkable journey of women, both past and present, who embody strength, resilience, and limitless capabilities. Our platform is a tribute to their stories, achievements, and the inspiration they provide to countless others striving to make their mark in the world. Empowering Women through Stories One of the most powerful ways to inspire change and empowerment is through storytelling. By sharing the journeys, experiences, and triumphs of remarkable local women, we provide a platform for others to learn, grow, and connect with these narratives. The blog is a treasure trove of stories that exemplify the "Strong. Capable. Female." mantra. We showcase women who have shattered stereotypes in male-dominated industries, women who have overcome adversity with unwavering determination, and women who have inspired change through their passion and dedication. Building a Supportive Community StrongCapableFemale.com isn't just a website; it's a community. A place where women from all walks of life can find inspiration, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. We believe in the power of solidarity and the importance of lifting each other up. In addition to stories, our platform will offer resources, advice, and some local badass women businesses. From career growth and entrepreneurship to self-care and wellness, we aim to provide valuable insights and support to help women thrive in every aspect of their lives. Strong. Capable. Female. Weekend Retreats As part of our commitment to empowering women, there are also Strong.Capable.Female. Weekend Retreats. These transformative getaways are designed to provide women with an immersive and rejuvenating experience. You'll connect with like-minded individuals, engage in personal development workshops, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment. Join the Celebration of Strength We invite you to be a part of the celebration at StrongCapableFemale.com. Explore our stories, engage in our community, and share your own journey. Together, we can continue to empower women, break barriers, and redefine what it means to be a "Strong. Capable. Female." In the spirit of celebrating the strength and capabilities of women, join us on this incredible journey. Visit StrongCapableFemale.com today, and let's inspire and empower one another to reach greater heights, because when women support women, incredible things happen.  In today's fast-paced digital age, social media has become a vital component of any successful business strategy. It's a powerful tool for connecting with your audience, building brand awareness, and driving growth. However, maintaining an active and engaging social media presence can be incredibly time-consuming. That's where outsourcing your social media content curation can be a game-changer.
1. Focus on What You Do Best As a business owner or professional, your expertise lies in your core activities – managing your company, providing services, or developing products. Spending hours every day brainstorming, creating, and scheduling social media content may not be the best use of your time. By outsourcing this task, you free up valuable hours to concentrate on what truly matters: growing your business and serving your clients. 2. Consistency is Key Consistency is a fundamental factor in social media success. Your audience expects regular updates and engagement. Outsourcing your social media content ensures that a consistent posting schedule is maintained, even during busy periods or when you're out of the office. This reliability keeps your audience engaged and your brand top of mind. 3. Expertise and Creativity Social media is not just about posting pretty pictures and catchy captions or showing off your latest sale. It requires a deep understanding of your target audience, industry trends, and the ever-evolving algorithms of various platforms. Professional social media content curators bring expertise and creativity to the table, crafting content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your business goals. 4. Adaptability and Agility Social media trends and strategies are constantly evolving. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Outsourcing your social media content means you have a team that can quickly adapt to changes, leveraging emerging trends and optimizing your strategy to stay ahead in the digital landscape. 5. Streamlined Analytics and Strategy Effective social media management involves analyzing data, tracking key performance metrics, and adjusting your strategy accordingly. Outsourcing often comes with access to advanced analytics tools and experienced professionals who can interpret the data, ensuring your social media efforts are continually optimized for the best results. Ready to see how outsourcing your social media content can enhance your digital presence and save you valuable time? Contact Oak & Ivy today to schedule a consultation and discover how I can tailor a strategy to make your online presence shine! Your business deserves the spotlight it truly deserves.  In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of businesses' online presence. With over 2.8 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms that businesses use to connect with your audience. One of the most important elements of a Facebook business page is the username, which is a unique and customizable name that appears in the page's URL. In this fast-paced and competitive digital landscape, having a memorable and consistent username across your social media profiles can make a significant impact on your online visibility and help you stand out from the crowd. So, what is a Facebook Username? A business Facebook username is a unique and customizable name that you can choose for your business's Facebook page. This username is used as part of the URL for your page and appears in your page's web address, making it easier for people to find your page on Facebook and through search engines. Your business Facebook username should be a memorable and easy-to-remember name that reflects your brand and is consistent with your other social media profiles. It can be up to 50 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and periods. Once you've chosen a username for your business Facebook page, you can use it in your marketing materials, on your website, and in your social media profiles to help build brand recognition and make it easier for people to find and connect with your business on Facebook. Why is a Facebook Username important? Choosing a username for your business Facebook page is important for several reasons: -Brand recognition: Your username is an important part of your brand identity on Facebook. It should be easily recognizable and memorable so that people can easily find and remember your page. -Search-ability: Your username is used as part of the URL for your Facebook page, which makes it easier for people to find your page when they search for your business name on Facebook or on search engines like Google. -Professionalism: Having a professional and consistent username across all your social media platforms can help build credibility and trust with your audience. -Ease of sharing: When you have a memorable and easy-to-share username, it makes it easier for people to share your page with others, whether through word-of-mouth or by sharing your page on their own social media profiles So, that's it! Having a unique username on your Facebook business page can really help you get noticed and build your brand online. If you're feeling overwhelmed by social media or need some tips and advice, don't worry - I'm here to help! Just drop me a message, and I'll do my best to provide you with useful information. For a more personalized support, set up a Your-Business-Specific Consultation for only $99.  In today's fast-paced and competitive business world, it's easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of work and lose sight of what's important. However, incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help you stay grounded, focused, and more productive. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By being more mindful in your business, you can improve your decision-making, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate a more positive work environment. In this article, we will explore six practical ways to be more mindful in your business and enhance your overall well-being and success.  Practice Daily Mindfulness Set aside a few minutes every day to practice mindfulness meditation or other mindfulness exercises. This can help you stay present and focused during your workday. I personally love Insight Timer for meditations. Cultivate Presence Pay attention to what is happening in the present moment, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. This can help you make better decisions and respond more effectively to the challenges you face. Listen Actively When you are in a meeting or conversation with someone, listen actively and fully engage with what they are saying. Avoid distractions and multitasking, and give your full attention to the speaker. Take Breaks Take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge your energy and refocus your attention. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or stretching or taking a little walk around the building can help you clear your mind and improve your productivity. Practice Gratitude Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for in your work and personal life. This can help you maintain a positive mindset and reduce stress and anxiety. I like to start or finish my day with listing the things I am grateful for. Stay Mindful of Your Values Remember why you entered your field and what values drive your work. Stay true to those values and let them guide your decisions and actions in business.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily business practices can have a profound impact on your work and overall well-being. It's essential to remember that mindfulness is a practice, and it takes time and commitment to incorporate into your daily routine. However, with persistence and dedication, you can cultivate a more mindful approach to your business, leading to increased success and fulfillment. So, take the first step today and start integrating mindfulness practices into your work routine, and see the difference it can make in your life and career.
While hiring a social media manager may seem like an additional expense, it can actually be a wise investment that pays off in the long run. Here are six reasons how a social media manager can help you. Developing a social media strategy: A social media manager can help you develop a social media strategy that aligns with your business goals and objectives. This includes identifying a target audience, determining which platforms are the rights ones for you, and determine the most effective frequency and timing of posts. Creating and curating content: A social media manager can create and curate content that engages your target audience and drives traffic to your website. Oak & Ivy is all about learning the ins and outs of your business to create purposeful and meaningful content for your followers. Managing social media platforms: A social media manager can manage your social media platforms, ensuring that your content is posted regularly and in a timely manner. Being consistent and taking all aspects of content are important. Do you have the time to properly spend on that? I do. Monitoring social media analytics: A social media manager can monitor social media analytics to determine what content is working and what needs to be adjusted and implement when and how to make those adjustments. Engaging with customers: A social media manager can engage with customers on social media, answering questions and providing customer support. Being on social all the time can be draining for a business owner. Oak & Ivy works with you to be your voice and help you bond with your followers. Saving you time: Arguably the most important aspect of what Oak & Ivy does is save you time. Your business needs you and your time is valuable. Hiring a social media manager gives you time back to focus on the business aspects you love and to let go of the rest.  In conclusion, a social media manager can bring a wealth of benefits to any business looking to enhance its online presence.
By outsourcing your social media management to a professional, you can free up time and resources to focus on other important aspects of your business while still maintaining a strong social media presence. So, what is holding you back? 3/6/2023 Manifesting Success in Your Small Business: Using Positive Affirmations as a Tool for GrowthRead Now Running a small business can be both exciting and challenging, and it's not uncommon for small business owners to experience self-doubt, stress, and negative self-talk. However, there are many tools and techniques available to help small business owners stay positive and focused on their goals. One of these tools is positive affirmations. Positive affirmations involve repeating positive statements about yourself and your abilities to build self-belief and cultivate a more positive mindset. In this article, we'll explore three ways positive affirmations can help small business owners, including boosting confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and attracting success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your existing small business, incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine can be a simple yet powerful way to stay motivated and achieve your goals.  1. BOOST CONFIDENCE Positive affirmations are a powerful tool for boosting confidence and self-belief. As a small business owner, you may face a lot of challenges and setbacks, but repeating positive affirmations can help you stay focused on your goals and maintain a positive attitude. By focusing on your strengths and successes, you'll be better equipped to handle challenges and take risks. 2. OVERCOME SELF DOUBT Running a small business can be stressful, and it's easy to fall into self-doubt or negative self-talk. However, positive affirmations can help you overcome those negative thoughts and build a more positive mindset. By affirming your abilities and potential, you'll be more likely to take action and pursue your goals. 3. ATTRACT SUCCESS Positive affirmations can help you manifest success and abundance in your small business. By focusing on positive outcomes and visualizing success, you'll be more likely to attract opportunities and resources that can help your business thrive. Additionally, positive affirmations can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.  In conclusion, positive affirmations can be a valuable tool for small business owners in many ways. By boosting confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and attracting success, positive affirmations can help small business owners maintain a positive attitude and achieve their goals. Incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine can be a simple yet powerful way to cultivate a more positive mindset and stay motivated in the face of challenges. So why not give it a try and see how positive affirmations can benefit your small business? Looking to step up your businesses digital content? Reach out!
When you (as a small business owner) set up your business social media accounts you may feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. Or maybe you have all the confidence in the world and just start going post-wild. While on the surface social media marketing for your business may seem very simple, it actually involves a lot of careful consideration, complex intricacies, and sometimes complex methods. Here are four common mistakes I see small business make on their social media: 1. Not Being On Social Not all of us love social media and I completely understand that. However, you miss out on a very powerful tool with social media. According to analysis from Kepios, there are 4.70 billion social media users, and it grows every year. Regardless of your opinion, your potential clients and customers are on social. It is one of the quickest and cost-efficient manners to potentially reach people with your message, grow brand awareness, and develop a relationship with them. 2. Inconsistent Posting I get it, your time and attention to your social media ebbs and flows with how busy you are in other areas of life and business. This can cause you to post content in a flurry one week and then nothing for a couple weeks, then once a week. But being inconsistent on social is almost as bad as not being on social at all. (Ok, maybe not THAT drastic but it does create some barriers to success.) Staying consistent helps you stay connected with your people, builds trust in you or your business, and keeps you in front of people on the regular. 3. Inauthentic or Salesy Newsfeed Stop asking people to buy what you are selling in every single post. Think about walking down the street and passing a woman in front of her store. Every day you walk past her and every day she tries to get you to buy something she is selling. Odds are, you will look for another route to work. Now picture this same woman keeping you on your toes. Sometimes she asks how you are doing, she might tell you a joke or give you a little gift, maybe she shares a tip to make your life better, every now and then she shows you what she has to offer but most of the time she is providing you with encouragement, knowledge, friendly conversation or giving back. You would be much more likely to walk past her store daily to see what she might have for you. 4. Ignoring Your Followers Whether someone comments, leaves a review, shares and tags your page, or sends you a message… whatever the case may be… RESPOND. Would you ignore them if they said something to you in person? I highly doubt it. The same courtesy over social media can go a long way in building trust with your followers. People are more likely to use a business they feel a connection or relationship with. By simply taking the time to respond and acknowledge your people you show that you value them and are grateful. Staying in-the-know and on top of the ever-changing ways social media hits target markets requires constant observation, versatility, and time. Need help with setting up a social media page, developing a strategy, or managing the day to day? I am here to help.  Written by: Elisabeth Gelhar
Content Curator & Photographer If you are asking yourself if professional imagery is worth investing in, my answer would be absolutely. There are so many benefits to having professional photos of your organization and the products you offer on your digital and non-digital marketing streams. Here are just four of the numerous reasons why investing in quality professional imagery is important: It Helps You Stand Out From Your Competitors. What makes you stand out against everyone else out there? YOU. YOUR TEAM. YOUR SERVICE or PRODUCT. How can you show off how much better you(rs) is if your imagery is not up to snuff? There are many stats proving the importance of good photography in eCommerce. For example, 75 percent of would-be buyers rate product photos as very influential when deciding whether to buy a product online. Additionally, research has also shown when using professional imagery there can be an increase in engagement as high as 400% more than when using an unprofessional image. A high-quality professional image provides your audience with a visual tool to grab their attention and to remember you by. It Conveys Professionalism. Your photos represent your brand. Low quality, unprofessional photos communicate the same about your business and the products or services you offer. According to an article by Forbes, we know that making a good first impression is important, especially in business. These small details are points of contact you have with potential customers before they even meet you... and presentation is everything. Professional photos on your website, social media, and marketing material are important for making that good, lasting first impression. It Shows You Are Relevant - Now. Professional photography is important is because it’s used as a competitive differentiator in the business world. Unsuccessful marketing of a business is often separated from successful marketing of businesses by the imagery they use. Have you ever gone to a website with photos that look like they were taken in the eighties? Customers and clients are more likely to notice, like, engage & even purchase based on how amazing it looks or if they connect with you personally on a visual level. It Can Help Build Connections. Visual content is more than 40 times likely to get shared across social media than other content. Think about the type of visual content you want to tell the story of your business. Professional headshots for example are a great tool for expressing the personality of your team and your business as a whole. Authentic photos let customers make a personal connection with you, and it helps to increase their perception of your trustworthiness and credibility. Professional imagery allows people to connect with your brand. Powerful images can move people, and sway them in the direction you desire. As a photographer specializing in professional headshots and brand imagery, I know the importance of capturing high quality work that fits your brand, your digital or your print needs. Looking for professional imagery or want to know more about how it could bring your business to the next level? Contact Oak & Ivy today.
Social Media Imagery Examples by Elisabeth
Tired of trying to keep you business up-to-date on social media? Oak & Ivy can help. Allow me to take something off your plate so you can focus on things that matter most.
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Having a blog can be super helpful for your business! It can help you get more people to check out your website, show that you're an expert in your field, and make it easier for people to find you on search engines like Google. Plus, if you create content that's interesting and useful to your target audience, you can even get some new leads and build stronger relationships with your customers. So, if you're not already blogging, it might be worth giving it a shot! Archives
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