Category: Entrepreneurship

5 Tips to Become More Like Iron Man

5 Tips to Become More Like Iron Man

Tonnisha J. English

Yes, I know this may sound a little wild but hear me out…

I’m a huge Marvel fan! No, I have never collected comic books or attended a cool Marvel convention. However, I have seen every single Marvel film multiple times. I have some favorite characters like Black Panther (Wakanda Forever), Captain America, and even a man we all love to hate but I probably love him more than I hate him, Loki. 

Thanks to Disney+, I have watched all of these movies in the timeline order more times than I would like to admit. Most recently I went with my daughter, my Godson, and his mom to the Marvel exhibit at COSI (IT WAS AWESOME—see below!).

Tony Stark is another fan favorite but he is also someone we love to hate at times, too. He can easily be described as selfish, self-centered, egotistical, misogynistic, arrogant…I’m sure you can think of other unkind words.

Mr. Stark may have been a lot of things. But one thing is for sure, he was never afraid to share his tools and resources with his fellow Avengers.

Iron Man was a great superhero because Tony Stark had the financial resources to create the best version of himself. However, you don’t need to be a billionaire to be like him.

Here are 5 tips to become more like Iron Man you can actually start doing TODAY:

📌 Share the knowledge — What do you gain in being a gatekeeper? There’s enough out here for all of us to be successful.

📌 Don’t be a hoarder of resources — Just like what I said before, there’s enough for all of us. If you don’t need it, give it away. By “it” I’m referring to knowledge, tools, or anything that is taking up unnecessary space in your business.

📌 Build your squad — Tony was great but he was not alone. He had a whole team of powerful Avengers with their own special talents that allowed them to become unstoppable. Who is on your team?

📌 Let your guard down…just a little bit — Mr. Stark struggled with this one big time! But once he was able to open up and trust his team, he became a better man.

📌 Be trustworthy — Captain America may have been the team leader. However, Cap almost always looked at Tony for reassurance because he trusted him and his judgment. Be someone that others can count on when it comes down to decision-making. You can do this by always speaking your truth, being honest with others, and being dependable.

If you don’t believe that I was able to come to this conclusion by watching Marvel movies, I highly recommend you download Disney+ and get to watching!

5 Ways to Practice Self Care as a Business Owner

5 Ways to Practice Self Care as a Business Owner

Tonnisha J. English

The last two years have been tough for everyone—I know we’re tired of hearing that but it’s so true. 

Throughout the course of our somewhat two-year stay-at-home order, I had gained about 50 pounds, became increasingly stressed about work, developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and my anxiety was through the roof.

I coped in the ways most of us did. Eating amazing, yet greasy fatty foods and drinking my weight in wine.

After being told at 29 that I needed to be on two blood pressure medications, a thyroid medication, and a cholesterol medication, I got serious about making changes in my life. 

Before I quit my corporate job to start my own business, I was extremely active. I worked out 5-6 times per week, ate very healthy, and had reached my “dream” body goals. I assumed that once I left my job, I would have so much time to work out and take care of myself. I was wrong.

The truth is, I became so consumed with work and being a mom that I completely strayed away from my routine. Being stuck at home didn’t make it any better. 

I did try to get things back on track.

I bought a kickboxing stand (it’s still not completely set up after a year of sitting in my garage), a 45LB barbell, resistance bands, and even invested in some weight loss apps. None of this worked.

I had to have a real tough talk with myself…

How can I show up as my best self for my clients if I can’t even show up as my best self for ME!

It has taken time. But I have finally created a routine for myself and I want to share how I did it. Whether you’re a business owner, a side hustler, or a mom trying to figure out how to balance work and family—try doing these three things:

Put it on the calendar.
Admittedly I have a terrible memory. I can get so caught up in working that I’ll forget to do things. I even put on my calendar “pick Tegan up from school” at 3:30 PM every day because I have this fear that I will forget (thankfully I never have but can you imagine???).

I plan my workouts, massages, lash appointments, etc. at least 2-4 weeks in advance and I block the time off on my calendar. This way, I don’t have to worry about anyone scheduling meetings over my “me” time and I also am able to hold myself accountable to show up for myself.

Set a goal.
I have found my love of working out again so I have a goal to work out at least 4-5 times per week. I encourage you to set a realistic goal with yourself. 

Start off with 1 to 2 days per week and work your way up—IF you want to. Do what feels best for you and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.

Create some variety.
I have started and stopped and started again so many times on my fitness journey. One of my main reasons for stopping was boredom.

I love running, I love riding my Peloton Bike, and I especially love my OrangeTheory classes, but who wants to do the same workout every single day? It’s so easy to quit when you’re bored and unmotivated.

While setting a goal and creating your schedule, don’t be afraid to mix it up and try new things. Test out different types of workouts and find which ones are the best fit for you.

Now that you’ve done all that, here are some of my favorite ways to practice self-care…

1. Break a sweat!
If I get a good sweat in, I know I’ve just accomplished a great workout. As I mentioned above, OrangeTheory and my Peloton Bike are two of my favorite ways to get some cardio in. I highly recommend you try them out!

2. Meditate + Stretch.
Lately, I’ve been waking up a little earlier so that I have time to meditate and stretch before I start my day. Doing them both at the same time is a great way to multitask if you’re busy. 

3. Get a massage.
If you’re going to be stepping up your workout regime, you definitely need to take care of your body. Not only is a massage relaxing, but it also helps to loosen up your muscles so that you’re able to keep your routine going. 

4. Get some solitude.
I love taking solo trips, even if it’s just for a few days. Kick your family out of the house for a few hours, book a hotel in a new city, go for a drive—whatever works for you. Find a way to get some alone time at least once a month. And put those phones on DND!

5. Set focus features on your smartphone.
Speaking of DND (do not disturb), I loveeeee putting my phone on silent. If you have an iPhone you’re now able to create different “Focus” features to make sure you’re not disturbed when you don’t want to be. I highly recommend doing this when you want solitude or to keep yourself on track during your workday. 

Take my word for it—practicing self-care is imperative no matter who you are. Even if it’s just a small moment, take time for yourself often. Keep yourself healthy so we can keep our businesses thriving!

So, now what?

So, now what?

Tonnisha J. English

Anyone else tired of talking about last year? I’m one of those people who will only let you vent to me twice before I start asking you for solutions. Once we get to the third venting session my question to everyone is always: So, now what?

This is a question I’m sure many of us have been asking ourselves lately. But if you haven’t put much thought into it, this is a sign that it is time. 

If you’re feeling uncertain about your career or business future questions, here are a few steps you can take to start getting some clarity and moving forward. 

  1. What are you passionate about?

This is a loaded question, I know. Start by creating a list of your hobbies or things you enjoy doing and then think about what career paths align with your interests.

  1. Who should you connect with?

There’s an art to networking that many have not mastered. Here are a few things you should NOT do when making a new connection:

    • Do not ask to “pick their brain.” This screams, “I want to meet with you and drain you of all of your knowledge for free—no one will be excited to meet with you if you lead with this.
      • Instead ask: “I am interested in learning more about how to do (insert whatever it is that they do that they want to learn), and I see you are very good at it! Would you mind connecting me with some communities or resources that align with this?”
  • Do not start with an ASK. Reaching out to someone new and automatically asking for them to give you something is a big no. I usually ignore people who I don’t know if they lead with an ask.
    • Instead start with: “Hi, [INSERT NAME], I see that you do [INSERT WHAT THEY DO], and I am a part of an amazing group of professionals who I think could learn from you. Would you mind if I shared your profile in the group?”
  • Do not send generic connection requests. I receive so many connection requests on LinkedIn from people asking me if I’m ready to work for myself part-time or if I want to learn how to start my own business. If they were to just take a glance at my profile, they would know I’m already doing that.
    • Here’s what you can do instead: “I see you used to work at [INSERT COMPANY], that is awesome! I would love to join your LinkedIn Network if you’re interested.”
  1. What are your real money goals?

Money is sadly such a taboo topic in business and it really should not be. You deserve to get paid your worth and you deserve to demand. Whether you’re working for a corporation or for yourself, think about your real money goals and create a game plan to reach them. 

April 8, 2021, I celebrated two years of full-time entrepreneurship and these three questions above are things I had to ask myself (and still ask quarterly) in order to reach my goals. I hope asking yourself these questions helps you to do the same!

3 Things to Do Before Q1 is Over

3 Things to Do Before Q1 is Over

Tonnisha J. English
Believe it or not, we are almost a quarter of the way through 2021! As we move forward, here are 3 things you should be working on:
 
  1. Setting/Updating Goals
If you set 2021 goals, now is the time to see if you’re on track to meet them. Take a moment to review what those goals were and make adjustments if needed.
 
  1. Clean Your Office
IDK about you, but my office is a DISASTER! Between me working in here daily, my niece occasionally doing virtual school, and Tegan just being her messy self…it looks crazy in here. And quite frankly it’s messing with my vibes! This weekend I’ll be spending time doing spring cleaning!
 
  1. Relax…we’re still in a pandemic
Please, do not get hard on yourself. We are still very much battling a global pandemic and the world is still not “back to normal.” This is not a time to beat yourself up for not reaching goals or having a messy office. We are all doing the best we can!
 
With that being said, we will soon be launching our Respect the Hustle Community where you will receive weekly resources to help you:
  • Grow Your Business
  • Build Your Brand
  • Practice Self-Care as a Business Owner
 
And soooo much more! From exclusive webinars to discounts on events, our tribe is genuinely here to help you become your best self AND to excel as an entrepreneur!

Click here to join the #RespecttheHustle mailing list and to stay in the know of when the community will officially launch!
How to Prep for Your DIY Photoshoot

How to Prep for Your DIY Photoshoot

Tonnisha J. English

There’s a lot of different pieces that go into the branding puzzle. We mostly hear people talking about the perfect colors, the right logo, and building a website. However, something that doesn’t get discussed enough is brand photography!

Why is having professional photography important?

We all love a good selfie! However, if you’re serious about growing your brand, a selfie just won’t cut it when it comes to posting to your business’ social media. When people see you investing in your brand and taking yourself seriously with quality photos, they will begin to take you seriously, too.

I was able to do a brand photoshoot in the past and it was such a great experience! Plus, I was able to use the photos and videos across my social media for a few months.

While doing the shoot was fun, it’s not cost-effective for me to set up monthly shoots for my business; especially during our current circumstances. So, I decided to invest in a good camera and get to work on learning how to do photoshoots for my business on my own!

Thinking about doing the same? Here are a few ways I prepped myself for my DIY shoot and tips on how you can do the same!

Pick your location
My location was my home because 1) it’s where I’m working these days thanks to COVID-19 and 2) I wanted to save myself the embarrassment of doing a DIY shoot in public!

As you’re planning your shoot, think about what location makes the most sense for your brand. If you’re a fitness instructor, your photoshoot should be in a gym or outside. For hairstylists, it should in your salon or work station.

The location should be on brand and in tune with who you are as a business owner.

Mix it up with multiple outfits
 As someone who is committed to posting to social media at least 5 times per week (10 times if you include the stories), I run through about 20-30 photos per month! Even though we plan ahead with our social media, we still want it to look real and fresh. That means making sure you have a few outfit changes during your shoot.

Canon vs. iPhone
 I have taken great photos with my iPhone and I am not opposed to doing full-blown photoshoots with your phone in portrait mode. There are pros and cons to both using a real camera or your smartphone!

Camera

  • Pros
    • Wider angles
    • Multiple settings
    • App on your phone connects to the camera for self-timer
  • Cons
    • Prices vary
    • Learning curve
    • Some accessories aren’t included (i.e. memory disk, multiple lenses)

iPhone

  • Pros
    • You already have one (sorry Android peeps! I don’t know anything about how your cameras work but I still love you!)
    • The portrait setting is already on your phone
    • Easy to use
  • Cons
    • Not great for wide angles
    • Inconvenient to set the timer in the middle of your shoot

Take a look at some examples from my shoot below…

Canon EOS Rebel T17

 

iPhone XS Max (Portrait Mode)


Pick the perfect day
If you don’t have lighting for your shoot, check the weather and pick a day where it’ll be best to maximize natural light. From my experience, working with natural light makes your photos come out amazing and you will need minimal editing if any at all.

Set the stage
You will hate every photo if you don’t set the mood. That means eating a decent breakfast, getting your morning coffee, and choosing a playlist that will keep you hype and energized throughout the shoot.

If you use Tidal, check out my “BOSS MOVES” playlist and put it on shuffle during your next DIY shoot: click here. I am also open to song suggestions!

Do you feel ready for your DIY brand photoshoot? I can’t wait to see your pics! If you need help, just click here and schedule a 15-minute consult today!

XOXO,

Prepare Your Marketing Plan for 2021

Prepare Your Marketing Plan for 2021

Tonnisha J. English

Are you preparing for 2021?

There’s still so much uncertainty in regards to how our future will look, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to plan as best as possible. Here are a few things you should consider adding to your 2021 business plans…

Business Goals
If you were unable to reach your 2020 goals, you’re about to get a chance to start over. Create your list of business goals and think about how you will execute them. Some common goals might include revenue goals, increasing social media following, or growing your email list.

Crisis Communication Plan
One thing you should have learned from 2020, as a business owner, you need a crisis communication plan. This should include how you plan to communicate to your team and stakeholders about any new protocols or changes due to a crisis…like a global pandemic.

Other items to include in your crisis communication plan are:

  • Press Release Templates
  • Media Contacts
  • Phone Tree
  • List of Stakeholders

Professional Growth Plan
Yes, you should be thinking about your own professional growth going into 2021! Regardless of if we’ll be back to a new normal, or if we’re still in a virtual space, there are still lots of things you can do to work on your professional growth.Here is a list of things you can do FOR FREE to grow professionally:

  • Listen to an industry podcast
  • Attend free virtual events
  • Connect with new professionals on LinkedIn
  • Subscribe to industry-related newsletters
Ready to start planning? We’re just a little over one month away from 2021! This year has been wild, but I’m ready to look towards a positive future.If you need help, I’m always here! Visit tjecommunications.com/connect to schedule a call.

7 Tips for Vacationing as an Entrepreneur

7 Tips for Vacationing as an Entrepreneur

Tonnisha J. English

DISCLAIMER: I fully understand that not everyone feels safe to travel during this current climate. The following tip of the month is from my own personal experiences. I highly encourage you all to wear your masks at all times, especially when traveling and in public. 

I recently traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the third time and it was a much needed get away. I don’t know about you, but my anxiety has been almost unmanageable.

Not sure if you know this but I’m a single mom on top of running my business full time. With Tegan being home 24/7 (and if you’re my Facebook friend you know she is eccentric and lively LOL) it has been tough to find peace.

I was initially hesitant about traveling again. But after some discussions with friends, we decided to go for it.

We wore our masks in the airports, Ubers, and when gracing the streets of Old San Juan. We also spent 98% of our time frolocking on the beach to avoid being close to others.

Believe it or not ya girl left her laptop AT HOME! I did have to do minor work things on the trip but for the most part I spent my time enjoying the sun.

On my way back, I was reflecting on the fact that this was my SECOND vacation as a full time boss. Can you believe that? My first time even being on the beach was 2016 and my 2020 I have funded myself, my business, and some vacations to top it off.

While it is important to make a budget for yourself and stick to it, it is also important that you still remember to make time for yourself. If you’re afraid that following your dreams means you won’t be able to have some fun, I’m here to tell you that is 1,000% not true.

Here are my 7 tips to vacationing as an entrepreneur:

1. Travel with Friends – This makes paying for hotels much cheaper! Plus, who wants to vacation alone?
2. Pick Hotels with FREE Breakfast – That’s ONE less meal you have to pay for.
3. Look for Cheap Flights – I flew Spirit for the first time on this last trip and I had a good experience. I’ll most likely fly with them again in the future. Just make sure that bag is 40lbs or less!
4. Pack Smart – Make yourself a checklist so you don’t forget to anything.
5. Buy a Bottle When You Get There – So much cheaper to buy a bottle than buying multiple drinks at every bar! Get your buzz on BEFORE going anywhere.
6. WEAR YOUR MASK! – On the plane, in the airport, and in public! Respect the places you’re traveling to by being safe and following their guidelines.
7. Self-Quarantine – Upon your return, do us all a favor by staying at home to quarantine!

I hope if you do decide to travel, you do it smart and keep the health and safety of yourself, and others, at the top of mind.

Safe travels!

How to Manage Mom Life & Business

How to Manage Mom Life & Business

Tonnisha J. English

Let’s cut to the chase. There’s no way in hell anyone can do it all on their own and maintain sanity at all times. I’m often asked “How do you do it all?” Or hear comments like, “Wow, you’re really running your business and mom life so well!”

To be honest, some days I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing; as a mom or as a business owner. Here’s a little back story…

I started my business in 2014 after having trouble finding a full-time job in my field after graduation. I spent that summer doing free-freelance work, working at an eyeglasses shop, and working at a summer internship. After working at a major non-profit, a startup marketing agency, and for a large retail brand, I stepped out on faith and decided to work for myself running TJE Communications full time.

During that time I bought a house, had a baby, and quickly had to learn how to balance my ambitious career goals with a child on my hip.

Our days are not always fun; especially during quarantine. I get frustrated and sad and stressed and anxious. However, I have gotten a better grasp on how to handle momming and marketing pretty well. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, here are a few tips to help you learn how to manage your babies and your businesses.

  1. Establish Boundaries – My daughter has learned that when my computer is open, that means mommy is working. Which also means that she needs to keep her “asks” to a minimum. Keep in mind my daughter is turning 4 next month so it has gotten easier. It was much harder last year when I first quit my job. If possible, try to  set boundaries with your children so they know when mommy is in work mode, and when mommy is ready for cuddles and kisses.
  2. Be Open to Untraditional Business Hours – Momma, you ain’t about to work 9 to 5 with the kids at home. It’ll be more like 7am – 9am, then an intermission for breakfast, then back at it from 10am to 12pm, with another break to feed a “starving” child, followed by a potential temper tantrum that could push you back 2 hours. Now it’s 2pm and you still have work to do. It’s okay. Get used to it! This is the life of every mompreneur. Due to this, I try to schedule my meetings during times I know Tegan will be content. She has also learned that if I’m on the phone or in a meeting that she shouldn’t interrupt. Although, by now people actually enjoy my daughter jumping in on calls to say “hello” to the team.
  3. Stop Trying to Do It All – I have to remind myself this DAILY! I beat myself up over not getting items on my to-do list 100% completed, or when my daughter really wants to cuddle but I really want to get work done. It truly causes me to have so much anxiety. I’m (still) learning that it is OK if items on your to-do list go unchecked–there’s always tomorrow.
  4. Let Yourself Feel – Whether it’s mad, sad, happy, or even angry. Let yourself feel it! Go to your tribe and let it all out when you need to. I used to be afraid to ask for help and advice because I feel moms get so much judgement for being frustrated with their kids. Now when I’m frustrated, I humbly seek counsel through prayer and my community.
  5. Find Your Outlet – I’ve been running again lately and it has helped me so much with my anxiety. I also started on some home outdoor projects and have been playing my clarinet again. Find a new hobby or pick up an old one and use this as a way to relieve stress.

Quarantine life is coming to a close for some of us and I hope all of you have been hanging in there. Managing your anxiety and stress levels will be even more important once we all start getting our lives somewhat back to normal. Try these tips and let me know if they’ve helped!

Be sure to follow TJE Communications on Instagram and Twitter and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and share how you’re raising babies and businesses!

3 Things to Do Before Outsourcing Marketing

3 Things to Do Before Outsourcing Marketing

Tonnisha J. English

TJE Communications has officially turn 6 years old and as a company, we have experienced some ups and downs when it comes to business and clients. I say “we” because I’ve had my fair share of interns and strategic partnerships who have helped me move the needle along the way.

I took another look at my target customer as I was preparing to step into full-time entrepreneurship, and I realized some of the clients I had worked with were truly not ready to outsource their marketing services. Which ultimately contributed to some of those partnerships ending; on a good note for the most part.

Before you decide to outsource your marketing efforts, here are three things you should try first:

1. Try to DIY — One (of the many) mistakes I have made in business is not asking a prospective client if they’ve tried to handle their digital marketing on their own or with another marketer in the past. If I were to ask you this question, would you say “yes” – or would you say something like, “I would, but I don’t know how.” If the answer is the latter, you should not outsource marketing. What you should do instead is invest in gaining marketing knowledge through webinars, conferences, seminars, and trainings. Then, try to do it yourself. Once you’ve done this for a minimum of 6-12 months, if you still feel like you need help….check out steps 2 & 3.

I’m sure you’re thinking…”why does it matter if I’ve tried it myself?” What I’ve learned over the last 6 years is that until you have tried it yourself, or had someone else before me, you truly will not understand or value having a marketing consultant on your team.

Digital marketing is more than just posting aesthetically pleasing photos to Instagram. It takes consistency, strategy, and advertising dollars to build real campaigns to drive revenue for your business. On top of that, digital marketing does not equal social media marketing. Digital marketing also encompasses email, content, vlogging, and so much more.

2. Ensure you can pay for marketing services for at least 3 months — If you’re planning to outsource marketing services, make sure you can pay for them even when business is down. Most marketers require a retainer and a contract where you are committing to pay for their services for an agreed upon time. Just because business is down for you, doesn’t mean you get to forgo your contracts.

I get it, if business is down, you can’t take care of your family. But guess what…marketing professionals have a family to take care of, too! When you pay your invoices late, or not at all (both have happen to me), it is a poor reflection of business.

To avoid this issue, make sure your money is in order so that you can be certain you can fulfill your contract before signing on the dotted line.

**Also keep in mind if you do have issues paying your invoices, just communicate! Most people are willing to be somewhat flexible when life happens. 

3. Have a clear understanding of your business goals — You can’t bring someone in to help you promote your business if you don’t understand your business either. When you bring in a marketing professional, we’re there to help you take your brand to the next level. But if you don’t have the foundational pieces in place, then we don’t have a solid ground to stand on.

Yes, the marketing consultant you hire can help you with the foundational aspects of your business. However, you must keep in mind that by doing this, you are taking time away from them doing actual digital marketing strategy. So you can’t fault them if you’re “seeing no results.”

If you’re unsure if you have your business goals and messaging in place, instead of hiring someone to help you with digital marketing, hire someone to help you with business strategy and then try implementing some DIY digital marketing strategies. Or, if you can get your business strategist and marketing professional to work hand-in-hand, that’s even better! Both of these people are equally important and need each other to produce great work!

Now that you’ve read through this, do you still think you’re ready to outsource your marketing efforts? If yes, then go for it! Having a skilled digital marketing professional on your team can help grow your brand tremendously – especially if you’re willing to spend a few dollars on ads.

If you read this and realized you’re not quite ready, that is awesome! It is better to know now than to get yourself caught up.

Need help deciding either way? Schedule a FREE 15-minute call with me today. Click here to schedule.