Hashtag Authentic - For Small Businesses, Bloggers And Online Creatives

Things we talk about in this episode:The fears that stop us sharing our creative workMaria's journey from making art in her house that nobody saw, to sharing and selling full timeWhat Maria gained from The InstaretreatThe power of a nurturing communityMaria's plans for online teachingInstagram's ALT text featureAdding captions to Instagram Stories & IGTV videosWhy the Instagram algorithm sometimes seems to hates youBusiness accounts vs Personal accounts on InstagramWays to visually showcase a product without being repetitiveWays to visually showcase expertise when you don't have a portfolioBio-links and link trees for InstagramHashtags on Instagram, and why they don't always help on every postWays I've updated my Instagram class, The InstaretreatLinks mentioned in this episode:Maria's websiteMaria's Instagram @mariawiggeartMy Instagram, Twitter and websiteMy Insta Retreat class, enrolling soon Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:What journalists and content creators can learn from one anotherThe power of engagement of numbersThe content creator/journalist/freelancer as a brandManaging your public versus private selfThe positives of being more 'reachable' in today's media/content realmAnna's newsletter, how she developed and grew it, and how it now pays her revenueThe freelance mindsetWhy having a key message and consistency is essential for freelancersWhy you haven't missed the boat if you want to set out as a content creatorAnna's Fair Pay for Freelancers campaignLinks mentioned in this episode:The Professional Freelancer - Anna's newsletterAnna's Twitter - @annacodAnna's Instagram - @annacodAnna's website#FairPayForFreelancersAnna's podcast - Is This Working?Dolly AldertonTiffany PhilippouSubstackSian Meades-WilliamsKat MolesworthLetters From a Hopeful Creative podcastMy Instagram and  TwitterMy Insta Retreat class, enrolling soon!Sign up to join my new free community, The Flock  Get full access

Things we talk about in this episode:Developing good habits around tech, and managing existing bad habitsDistraction vs tractionForethought vs impulse, and how the two interactHow procrastination and distraction interlinkWhy to do lists are generally unhelpfulThe magic of 'timeboxing'The importance of translating your values into timeUsing scheduling for relaxation time as well as work activity, so you don't have to feel guiltyThe truth about multitaskingWhy seeking happiness all the time trips us up, and we need to allow discomfortRaising indistractable kids, with healthy habits around technologyLinks mentioned in this episode:Nir's Instagram and TwitterNir's newest book, Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your LifeNir's website, Nir & FarAtomic Habits, Nir's previous bookNir's free schedule makerThe Full Focus PlannerBrooke CastilloForest AppMy Instagram and  TwitterMy free 15 Minute daily activity prompts for online businessesMy 15 Minute Magic program Get full access to Entre Nou

Things we talk about in this episode:How Sophie built her online business from a personal blogLife in rural Australia - farming, drought and lots of long drives!Writing her book, A Basket By the Door, and teaching herself photographyThe power of Instagram for rural producers and product based businesses - especially when you're geographically isolatedFinding the beauty in the mundaneWhy there's space for everyone on the internet, and how to find yoursWhy you need to 'put your shoes by the door'The power of workshops for bringing people togetherStarting her new podcast seriesLinks mentioned in this episode:Poignant Presents from M.O.S.S, plus Syreeta and Rob's online storeSophie's instagram @locallovelySophie's blog local is lovelySophie's book A Basket by the DoorSophie's podcast/workshop/ecourse My Open KitchenTessa Kiros, Amiko Davies, Luisa Brimble, Beth KirbyDispatch to a Friend podcast Hashtag Authentic Ep 74 with Annabelle Hickson (Dispatch from a Friend)My book on photography and Instagram, Hashtag Aut

Things I talk about in this episode:Episode sponsor, Olympus and the new PEN E-PL10 cameraGet 20% off in the Olympus webshop with code SARA20Your customer pathway, and where Instagram sits on itThe '7 touchpoint' customer ruleNot putting all our eggs in one social media basket]Why relying on only one platform makes sales harderWhy images are still (and will always be) keyThe power of Visual IdentityPictures and symbols for communicationRepurposing contentWhy we all stopped using other platforms - and need to start againHow to show up where your customers areHow to create a cohesive strategy across all your social platformsLinks mentioned in this episode:The Olympus PEN E-PL10. Get 20% off with code SARA20My post on the Olympus PEN vs the iPhone cameraMy 15 Minute Magic program, for procrastinating business ownersLetters From a Hopeful Creative podcastJen Carrington's bridge metaphor - The Bridges To Your IslandMy Christmas tree photo on InstagramMy monthly Twitter chat (back next month!)My book on photography

Things we talk about in this episode:Old school vs new style InstagramInstagram as therapyHow to know what is or isn't too vulnerable to put onlineEJ's experience of sharing his trans journey on InstagramInstagram's anti-bullying and moderation featuresThe dangers of chasing likesControlling your 'inner toddler' instinctsTaking Instagram breaksHow EJ landed his job as a BBC presenterEJ's reflections on sharing his cancer diagnosisLinks mentioned in this episode:EJ's Instagram - @hatchetandbear/@ej_osbourneEJ's Website - Hatchet And BearEJ's Twitter - @HatchetAndBearEJ's BBC TV work - Money for NothingMy Instagram word block list postMy new 15 Minute Magic ProgramMy Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orla Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Jameisha’s video creation processThe realities of living with a chronic illness, and the importance of awarenessJameisha's experience of getting a diagnosis of LupusThe pros and cons of being your own “google doctor”Racism and conscious/unconscious bias in the health care systemHow colonialism still shapes medical biasHow to advocate for yourself when seeking a diagnosis when you're not being heardThe strength of online support communitiesHow You Look Okay To Me came aboutHow Jameisha stays connected to her drive to create dispute illnessHow chronic illness can shape your career for better and worseThe pitfalls and benefits of being honest and vulnerable about your health onlineLinks mentioned in this episode:Website - You Look Okay To MeInstagram - @youlookokaytomeTwitter - @YouLookOkayToMeYoutubeFacebookJameisha’s personal InstagramJameisha’s personal TwitterLupusPOTSBenenden Health InsuranceMy new 15 Minute Magic ProgramMy Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orla

Things I talk about in this episode:Getting stuck in passive action - reading books, buying courses, but never doing the workWhy I made my new 15 Minute Magic programWhy you're not lazy, and procrastination is much more common than we thinkWhy 'willpower' is never enoughHow resistance is always here for a reason, and how to unpick it"You can't change your mind with your own mind"Headings for worksheet: 1. The thing you want to be doing. 2. What's the feeling? (check the graphic). 3. What's the thought? 4. What would you advise to somebody else?Feelings and thoughts disguised as factsWhy too much flexible time is bad for productivityWhy scheduling automatically increases actionHow fear is responsible for a lot of our procrastinationWeaponising self doubt and using action to disprove our fearsFree downloadable prompt cardsLinks mentioned in this episode:My new 15 Minute Magic ProgramFree downloadable prompt cards and worksheet My Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orlaPlutchik's wheel of feelings (the e

Things we talk about in this episode:How playing the algorithm and customer pleasing game too well can lead us off our true pathBuilding a business with Addisons disease, and working with chronic illnessMaking successful sales through Not On The Highstreet and other third party platformsWhy six figure turnover doesn't always equal high profitsHow to evaluate whether your business is making you happyPivoting your businessWhy Jane is  'anti amazon prime' and encourages slow and mindful salesOffering free shipping, yay or nay?The importance of community, both on and offlineWhy big Instagram numbers don't also equal lots of salesBuilding a membership communityInvesting in professional business coaching supportStaying on the right path for your heart and your businessLinks mentioned in this episode:Jane's Website  - snapdragonlife.comJanes's instagram - @snapdragon.lifeJane's Facebook community Jen Carrington Kate Ferris - simple and seasonMy Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orlaMy website  Get full acce

Things we talk about in this episode:How Fiona found blogging as a way to improve her mental healthFiona's book and podcastThe positive power of social media for mental helthWhy the friends and communities you make on social media matterWhy diet culture sucksHow to maintain a healthy relationship with the internetWhy your self worth and status should not be defind by your job or levels of productivityHow finding you creative outlet can help your mental healthCreative flow state, and why creativity takes many different formsThe dangers of toxic positivityLinks mentioned in this episode:Fiona's book - Depression in a Digital Age: The Highs and Lows of PerfectionismFiona's blog - fionalikestoblog.comFiona and Amy Holland'spodcast - Positive People PodcastFiona's instagram - @fionalikestoblogFiona's twitter - @fionalikesMy Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orlaMy website Laura Thomas- Hashtag Authentic Episode The Forrest App Jen CarringtonI Can Cards - adults, children Get full access to Entre Nous at m

Things we talk about in this episode:Annabelle's journey to becoming an accidental floristThe pitfalls of renovating an old houseThe joy of engaging in the nature around youCreativity and 'dignity in the doing'Finding beauty in the mundaneUsing real life experiences to connect with your audienceAnnabelle's podcast, and the challenges of public speaking when you're really more of a writerBeing a 'webtrovert' (an introvert who blossoms online)Forming real friendships through social mediaManaging self-criticismLinks mentioned in this episode:Annabelle's book - A Tree in the House: Flowers for your home, special occasions and every day*Annabelle and Gillian's podcast - Dispatch to a FriendGillian Bell's instagram - @gillianbellcakeFiona Pickles Instagram - @firenzaflowers The Moth SnowstormLit Up podcastEmily DickinsonMy Open KitchenMy Instagram - @me_and_orla Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

My book, Hashtag Authentic*My blog and website meandorla.co.uk Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Chupi's journey so far, and how she was inspired by her mumBeing homeschooled in IrelandHer early years in business, writing a cookbook as a teenager and being scouted for Topshop at 21Working alongside her husbandWhy you should focus your dream on what you are really good atWhy you should employ people who are better at their job than you areHow social media has helped Chupi's business growWinning awards including Irish Tatler Women of the Year Award, and why it can be more powerful to loseThe obstacles and prejudices Chupi has faced as a female creative entrepreneurWhy creative businesses should be taken seriouslyLinks mentioned in this episode:Chupi's online jewellery (trust me, you want to click!)Chupi's Instagram @chupiWhat To Eat When You Can't Eat Anything*, the cookbook Chupi wrote in her teensNiki Groom's Instagram @miss_magpie_spyand Hashtag Authentic PodcastThe Magdalene LaundriesChupi's Woman of the Year Award - Irish TatlerHipstamaticThe Guardian's Past Notes

Things we talk about in this episode:Naomi's background in media, marketing and journalismNaomi's role in Me & OrlaHow the Insta Retreat helped Naomi grow her Instagram and her businessThe 'Instagram vernacular', and the importance of creating for your audienceWhy it's vital to recognise and acknowledging your dreamsThe importance of leaving scope for your dreams to evolveThe magic of indulging your passions and interestsLinks mentioned in this episode:My next Instagram class, enrolling 1st October 2019Naomi's InstagramNaomi's website My book, Hashtag Authentic* (yes, I'm probably going to link to this in every show notes for the rest of eternity...what of it?)My blog and website meandorla.co.uk* denotes affiliate links Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

My next Instagram class, enrolling 1st OctoberMy first Instagram post back My book, Hashtag Authentic* (yes, I'm probably going to link to this in every show notes for the rest of eternity...what of it?)24/7: Late Capitalism and The End of Sleep*TiredTrauma on Tumblr* denotes affiliate links Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Dominique's journey to 500k + followers.Behind the scenes of All that is SheSetting and following Instagram trendsPlaying the Insta game, and why being authentic is better than following trendsIntroducing 'boy Dom'Juggling a family life whilst running a business from homeMoney shame, and why it's difficult to talk about financial successWhat Dominque's average day looks likeThe real story of how much work a sponsored post takes to createPutting all your eggs in one digital basket/platformHow the algorithm has affected Dominque's accountThe impact of the ASA guidelines on sponsored contentHow Dominque has personally grown over the last three yearsLinks mentioned in this episode:My next Instagram class Dom's previous conversation on the podcastMy book, Hashtag Authentic*My Instagram (@me_and_orla)Domique's Instagram (@allthatisshe)Our sponsor for the event, Mirabeau wine My highly technical rosédeliciousness scale All that is ThreeScenes from the ceilingMrs Hinch's Instagram

My book, Hashtag Authentic*Dolly's book, Everything I Know About Love*Dolly's new novel, Ghosts - available for preorder hereMy Instagram (@me_and_orla)Dolly's Instagram (@dollyalderton)Dolly's Twitter (@dollyalderton)Brene Brown / vulnerability hangovers* Our sponsor for the event, Mirabeau wine My next Insta Retreat class* Indicates affiliate links Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

 http://www.podstrike.net/  Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Reading from Hashtag Authentic's introductionHow I started out on Instagram by seeking beauty in an uncompromising environmentMy previous job, working in speech therapy for the NHSWhy communication is central in everything I do Why I believe it's ok to create a 'highlight reel'Why visuals are the best communication toolMy chronic illness (dysautonomia), and how this impacts on my workWhat  my average day looks likeSpoon theoryMy initial vision in setting up my business, and my career pathThe need for a new wave of honest marketing and businessWhy I don't need a digital detoxHow to start out on Instagram from scratch (audience question)Why there will always be an Instagram community for you, no matter what your interest (audience question)My future dreams and ambitions (audience question)The importance of not being soley led by what your audience wantsWho inspires me (audience question)Why going "off piste" in search of inspiration brings the best resultsLinks men

Things we talk about in this episode:Why Otegha left her career in advertising for freelance lifeStarting a business by following interests and opportunities, instead of by intentWhen your personal brand is your real self, and how this can help weed out inappropriate clientsNot worrying about being liked by everyone - and not putting everyone else's needs above your ownReclaiming words like 'marketing' and 'entrepreneur', and the different ways to build a business that balance personal and commercial imperativesThe changing metrics of businesses, and the things small business owners are nailing over bigger businessesHow small businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from being more nimble and agile - an essential skill for the digital worldHow Otegha self-published her first book as a special project, through a Squarespace website, promoting it entirely by herselfHow the book got picked up by a publisher, and the transition from self-published to being represented by a bigger publishing houseOtegha's upcoming boo