Thursday Press #24: Drop it like it's... AP physics?
[7 APR 2022] on building a business, not a resume
BUILD A BUSINESS, NOT A RESUME
When I was in high school, nearly everything I did was to beef up my resume to reach the end goal of being accepted to my dream university
I joined basically every group I could, ran for every leadership position, and got up every Saturday morning at 6:45 a.m. to do my weekly volunteering shift at a therapeutic riding center. I also enrolled in AP Physics as a senior when I hate physics (and most science) with a passion.
Spoiler alert: I didn't get into that dream school (Tufts, I'm still salty about that rejection letter…)
But I did get into several others, including my now alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill
(If you follow March Madness, yes, I'm still sad about that championship L)
I'll never know if being in the National French Honor Society, my rec league basketball seasons, or that extra AP class was the one thing that got me my acceptance, but I do know that I was doing TOO MUCH.
National Honor Society? Made no impact on my life. But I vividly remember stressing out over the application and trying to choose the perfect “3 words your friends would use to describe you”
AP Physics? I aced the exam, but I'll never use F = ma again. Please, don't make me.
It can be tempting in business to do #allthethings. IG Reels, email list, digital products, Facebook groups, memberships, Upwork, LinkedIn, cold pitching, Pinterest, blogging, TikTok, etc.
I got tired just writing that list 😰 so I can't imagine trying to juggle all of these marketing tactics while also running a kick-ass service-based business.
That's why I'm here to remind you that you're not an overambitious high school student trying to pad their resume anymore.
You're a successful business owner who needs to run a business that works without becoming overworked.
And how do you do that?
1. What's your goal? If you want to book more clients, choose the tactics that will bring in new, heck-yes leads consistently.
2. What moves the needle in your business? What are the activities you do daily/weekly that you see definite impact from? Maybe you notice an increase in inquiries every time you sell your services on Instagram. Or maybe you have a super high-converting freebie. Focus on what is currently working for you and lean into it!
Even as a Pinterest manager, I'll be the first to say that Pinterest might not be for everyone. But before you write it off completely, I'd like you to consider the impact of hundreds of new eyes on your content every day.
Pinterest doesn't necessarily replace other marketing strategies like nurturing your email list or perfecting your sales funnel, but it's an incredible supplement to what you already have going on, without the insane time commitment that other social media platforms ask of you.
If you'd like additional support, check out my services here and we can figure out if Pinterest is the right next step for your business!
Hi, I’m Sarah — Pinterest marketer, former local journalist, and professional oversharer. Thanks for reading this edition of the Thursday Press! If you’re a fan of stories that turn into strategic Pinterest marketing tips, way-too-honest insights into online entrepreneurship, and the occasional cat picture, you’re in the right place.
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