Don’t worry about taking time out of your career to travel – go and see the world because you will be a better person for it.
Louise Brogan is owner of Social Bee and hosts the Social Bee Podcast. She helps small business and entrepreneurs raise their profile online using LinkedIn and other social media channels. Louise is a Facebook and Instagram accredited trainer with the #SheMeansBusiness programme in the UK.
Where did the idea for Social Bee come from?
I owned a small craft shop which was not profitable, but was quite happy running social media for it (back in 2010). A local business development officer suggested I could help other businesses learn how to use social media, and my business was born!
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
After I walk my son to school, I check emails and social media. Then I get started on my to-do list. I work with clients on one to one coaching, and have a podcast, so quite often I will have an appointment or podcast interview scheduled. Some days I will be hosting a workshop either online or for an organisation, and on those days, the whole day will be out of the office. I like to be finished by the time my children get out of school but will check on emails/notifications later in the evening. I stay productive because I have to – I work during school hours and need to keep myself moving so that the work gets done!
How do you bring ideas to life?
If I have an idea for an event, I usually test the waters out to see if there will be interest in it. I recently co-hosted my first conference on Social Media in Belfast. We went from idea to our event going live in three months. Sometimes I think I have to commit to something in order to start the ball rolling!
What’s one trend that excites you?
People are moving back to LinkedIn and appreciating how much value you can get (and business) when you spend time connecting and commenting on the platform.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I have a large whiteboard and get great satisfaction out of listing out my workshops/events and then wiping them off as they get completed. Whiteboards and post-it notes are invaluable!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t worry about taking time out of your career to travel – go and see the world because you will be a better person for it.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Sparkling water tastes far better than any cola/fizzy drink you can get.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Networking – I think the reason my business has grown is because of the people I have in my network – both on and offline. Get out and meet people and build collaborations and connections.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Reaching out. I travelled to London for an awards event in order to meet someone who was able to create an amazing opportunity for me to work directly with Facebook and Instagram. The awards were small, and I think the presenters were amazed I had come on a plane to attend. I will travel overseas to build my valuable network because I believe that is how my business has grown and opportunities have come my way.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Staying in a business for two years that didn’t pay me anything. My craft shop was not a viable business, but I was able to take the marketing skills I honed in that business and turn them into a new business.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Shampoo bars. Everyone wants less plastic in their homes and I think there is a huge opportunity to mass market shampoo bars – no plastic bottles in the bathroom and a better environment. Timing is perfect!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Buying new trainers so that I can get back into walking and going to the gym. Your health is your wealth!
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
I have recently added Streak to my Gmail account – keeping track of my emails and business opportunities without having to open up other apps is perfect for me.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Really enjoying Seth Godin’s This is Marketing. I love that he teaches how to market yourself through relationships and honesty.
What is your favorite quote?
A rising tide lifts all boats.
Key Learnings:
- Build your network
- Reach beyond your local business community in order to grow
- Start using LinkedIn – everyone else is!
Connect:
www.socialbeeni.com
www.facebook.com/socialbeeni
www.linkedin.com/in/louisebrogan
www.instagram.com/louisebrogan_
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.