The 5 Pillars of Profit: How to Grow Your Small Business on Your Terms

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The 5 Pillars of Profit Grow Your Small Business on Your Terms with Emily Kim on the Marketing Strategy Academy podcast with Jen Vazquez

The 5 Pillars of Profit: How to Grow Your Small Business on Your Terms with Emily Kim

Feeling the endless grind with your small business? Wishing there was a strategy to build a truly fulfilling venture? Emily Kim, former software engineer turned creative business strategist, has the answer. Her five pillars of profit will transform your small business, giving you the growth and alignment you crave.

Key Highlights

 

Interview

Jen: Welcome Emily! Tell us about your windy road from corporate tech to photography studio owner.

Emily: I left my job at Apple in 2021, way ahead of schedule. Initially, I planned to keep my full-time job while building my studio on the side. But when I saw that perfect space, I went for it. That’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

Jen: You talk about the five pillars of profit. What are they?

Emily:

  1. Craft: Your skill set (photography, design, etc.)
  2. Offer: How you package your craft into something sellable.
  3. Message: How you communicate your offer in a way that’s clear and compelling, making clients understand why they need your services.
  4. Community: Your audience. Remember, conversation is better than broadcasting.
  5. Systems: Your way of working. This includes technology but also things like workflows and time management.

Jen: Which pillar is most overlooked or misunderstood by small business owners?

Emily: Systems. Creatives often feel like systems will hold them back, but the truth is they’ll set you free. When you have good systems, you have way more brainpower to spend on the fun stuff.

Jen: Can you describe a business that was struggling, what pillar helped them shift, and the results they experienced?

Emily: One person I worked with really leaned into building her community through in-person networking events. It perfectly matched her personality. She now has clients, collaborators, and even hosts events thanks to her consistent networking.

Jen: How can business owners move from surviving to thriving, aligning their business with their values and time constraints?

Emily: The magic of the five pillars framework is you don’t have to implement everything all at once. Focus on building one pillar at a time, and choose strategies within each pillar that work for you and suit your strengths.

Jen: What’s a big packaging misconception?

Emily: That you always need something new and flashy. Keep it consistent and simple at first. Sell the same thing over and over, making tweaks based on client feedback. Consistency is key until you gather enough data to make informed changes.

Jen: How can business owners really lock in on their ideal clients and the services they actually need?

Emily: Do your research! Interview past or ideal clients. Ask open-ended questions like, “How would you describe what I do?” and “Why did you choose my services?” Their words are your best copywriting tool.

Jen: Can you move a business forward the fastest?

Emily: That depends! Rank your confidence in each pillar from 1 to 5. The area where you feel least confident is likely what’s holding you back and will give you the biggest leap forward once improved.

Jen: What are three things that helped you grow your business?

Emily:

  • Nervous System Regulation: Staying calm when things get tough.The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron helped me immensely (especially Morning Pages!).
  • Profit First: This book by Mike Michalowicz changed how I manage my finances and made taking my business full-time possible.
  • Market Research: Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller. Help with your market research.

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Where to Find Emily:

Let’s take action!

Don’t delay, schedule time next week to apply Emily’s advice!80 You won’t regret it!

Here is more information that may be helpful!

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23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women

Pinterest

23 motivational quotes by impressive women by Jen Vazquez Media

23 motivational quotes by impressive women

Women have always been a force to be reckoned with, shaping industries, breaking barriers, and inspiring generations. From the courtroom to the boardroom, from the laboratory to the stage, their words carry wisdom, determination, and a spark that ignites change.

Below, I’m sharing a collection of my favorite quotes from some of the most incredible women in history and the present day – giants like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sara Blakely, Oprah Winfrey, Melinda Gates, and other phenomenal figures. Let their words empower you, ignite your ambition, and inspire you to embrace your own incredible potential. 

23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media
23 Motivational Quotes from Impressive Women by Jen Vazquez Media

Unlocking the Power of Email Flows: The Key to Skyrocketing Your Sales with Amy Auble

Interviews, Marketing, Pinterest

Unlocking the Power of Email Flows: The Key to Skyrocketing Your Sales with Amy Auble marketing strategy academy podcast with jen Vazquez

Email marketing is a time-tested and effective tool for turning casual interest into loyal customers. Amy Auble, founder of Alpine Start Media, offers her invaluable experience in the industry for businesses that want to master email marketing to scale.

What are email flows?

Email flows are automated emails sent to subscribers after they join your list, providing ongoing engagement opportunities to nurture them into customers.

Top 3 email flows every business needs

  1. Welcome flow: Immediately greet new subscribers, deliver any promised freebies, and set the tone for your brand.
  2. Post-purchase flow: Follow-up with customers to provide product education and support, preventing buyer’s remorse.
  3. Abandoned cart flow: Remind those who left items in their cart to complete their purchase.

Biggest mistakes in setting up email flows

  • Easily exploited discount codes: Protect your margins by using individualized codes (available through platforms like Klaviyo).
  • Not optimizing for mobile: Design emails for the majority of users, who read on their phones. Ensure readability.
  • Not segmenting lists: Tailor emails to recipients by behavior – did they purchase multiple times? Tailor the email accordingly.

How to personalize email flows

Segment your audience: Break your list into smaller groups based on actions (opened emails recently? Clicked on links?) and send tailored content.

Tools for creating killer email flows

Klaviyo: This platform Amy recommends due to its Shopify integration, reporting, segmentation tools, and unique coupon code feature.

Design platforms: Utilize Canva for adding a custom, eye-catching design element to your emails.

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How to measure email flow success

Deliverability: Verify your domain with your email provider to ensure your emails aren’t flagged as spam. This is key!

Open rates: Aim for a 45%+ open rate. This depends on your industry, however.

Click rates: Even a 1-3% click rate is good for product-based businesses. Focus on building rapport over time to increase this.

3 things that helped Amy grow her business

  1. Networking: Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs offers support, insights, and new opportunities.
  2. Hiring help: Delegate tasks you’re not skilled at, or that you hate, to free up time to focus on your strengths.
  3. Stress management: Work-life balance is essential. Listen to your energy, make time for self-care, and prevent burnout.

The importance of sending regular emails

Stay consistent: Regularly sending emails keeps you top-of-mind and builds trust with your audience. Aim for at least one per week.

Provide value: Share educational content, promote your services, and offer insights that your subscribers find engaging.

Amy’s services

If you need help with your email marketing or social media strategy, consider visiting Amy’s agency, Alpine Start Media, which specializes in sustainable brands.  

Here’s her information and freebie: “5 Ways to Grow Your Email List”:

Let’s take action!

Don’t delay, schedule time next week to apply Amy’s advice to your email marketing – these strategies have the potential to significantly impact your business growth.

Here is more information that may be helpful!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Blogging for Business: Drive Pinterest Traffic, Improve SEO, & Attract Clients

Content Creation, Marketing, Pinterest

works on a pink background Boost Your Biz With Blogging Pinterest Marketing Tips

Blogging for Business: Drive Pinterest Traffic, Improve SEO, & Attract Clients

Feeling overwhelmed by social media and ready for a sustainable marketing strategy? Do you spend hours creating content that barely gets seen? Or maybe you want your Pinterest marketing to work harder AND attract clients from Google searches?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re in the right spot! Today, I’m showing you how blogging is your secret weapon for Pinterest success AND getting found on Google.

A couple of blogs, I covered the things that have skyrocketed my Pinterest growth over the last 3 months and one of those things was blogging.  It is so important to a Pinterest Strategy. So let’s dive in!

Who Am I and Why Should You Listen?

Welcome back or if you’re new here, Hi, I’m Jen Vazquez, Pinterest marketing expert for busy service providers. If you’re tired of the Pinterest grind and want to attract more dream clients effortlessly, you’re in the right place! 

Whether you need done-for-you Pinterest management to free up your time OR want to learn my proven strategies to grow your own business, I’ve got you covered.

The Must-Have Blog Ingredients

Think of your blog post like the best kind of cocktail – it needs the right mix to be irresistible! Here’s what goes into a blog post that gets results:

Problem-Solving Punch

Your readers don’t just want pretty words; they want answers!  Focus each post on solving a specific pain point for your dream clients. Are they struggling to find time for marketing? Offer time-saving tips! Do they wish they understood Pinterest? Break it down in simple steps!

Visually Appealing

Break up those text walls, girlfriend!  Images, infographics, and even screenshots make your content easier to digest and way more shareable. Think of it as adding a little garnish – makes the whole thing more appealing.

A Sprinkle of SEO Magic

Pinterest and Google are your marketing besties, so let’s make them happy! Use those keywords throughout your blog post – the words your ideal clients are already searching for. (Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to find the best ones!)

The Blogging Advantage

Think of blogging as your marketing workhorse – one piece of content that keeps on giving! Here’s why it’s pure genius:

Repurposing Power

Don’t let that amazing blog post just sit there! Turn key points into eye-catching Pinterest pins, quotes for Instagram, or even short videos.  It’s content that goes the extra mile, reaching even more of those dream clients.

Pinterest Loves Blogs

Pins that link to blog posts get extra visibility on Pinterest because they provide real value. That means more eyes on your work and a fresh audience discovering your brand.

Google’s Favorite Snack

Google is all about serving up the best answers to people’s questions.  Fresh, relevant blog content tells Google you’re an expert and that your website deserves to be seen in search results. Win-win!

Authority Builder

When you consistently offer helpful content, you become THE go-to source in your niche. Clients start trusting you even before they reach out, making booking a breeze.

Have a Question for Jen?

Brand New Offer

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Yo, want some kickass marketing coaching for LIFE?

Yeah, you heard that right! I’m giving you lifetime access to my brain, my Pinterest secrets, marketing workflows, and a whole community of rockstars – all for a one-time fee of just $197. 🤯

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Bottom line

You’ve got amazing services to offer, and the world deserves to know about them!  Blogging amplifies your voice and makes sure your dream clients can find you.  I believe in you, so let’s make that visibility magic happen!

Here is more information that may be helpful!

Don’t Forget To Pin It!

image of laptop and cell phone and ear buds on a cream couch with cream throw. Find Your Ideal Client on Pinterest
Blogging for Business Drive Pinterest Traffic, Improve SEO, & Attract Clients by Jen Vazquez Media
Blogging for Business Drive Pinterest Traffic, Improve SEO, & Attract Clients by Jen Vazquez Media
Blogging for Business Drive Pinterest Traffic, Improve SEO, & Attract Clients by Jen Vazquez Media
Blogging for Business Drive Pinterest Traffic, Improve SEO, & Attract Clients by Jen Vazquez Media