Defying the Odds
4/22/2020
âYou will be here.â Those were the words that my father told my sister and I back when we were kids as he brought us around the college campus where he worked as a cook. >>My family grew up in a rough-and-tumble area in Los Angeles, and though we had little, we were rich⦠in culture, in love, and in support.<<
When I was 17 years old, I felt overwhelmed and put pressure on myself to use education to change the course of my familyâs history. I was lost, alone, and the daughter of an immigrant. I was also the first to go to college. I wanted to get out, I was desperate to move away from the financial hardships, government assistance, and unpredictability. Back then, my fatherâs words of complete confidence didnât mean as much as they do now. Now, years later, I have the opportunity to give the encouragement and support I wish I had listened to. I recently spoke at Brandman University for Spark U, an educational event for female high school seniors of color. I was filled with emotions and flashbacks to my own adolescence. When I put myself in the shoes of the girls in the room, I wanted to hug them, shake them, and shout: ITâS GOING TO BE OKAY, AND BETTER THAN YOU THINK. *Actually, I did all three!* I looked at those girls and saw a version of my 17-year-old self. It was a true déjà vu moment seeing them so determined to thrive and conquer in spite of everything thatâs against them. I couldnât help but give them a pep-talk, just like my father gave to me. âYou will be here.â >>You have the power to defy the odds. You simply have to believe in yourself.<< I said this to a room full of high school girls, but Iâm also saying it to you, boo boo. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that a girl from the hood had the capability to do what Iâm doing now, but here I am. *If only my 17-year-old self could see me now, I think sheâd be pretty proud!* I hope this piece of my story sheds light into how thankful I am to spread a message of hope. >>Believe in yourself, work hard with what youâve got, and you, too, will defy the odds!<< If you could go back and give a pep-talk to your 17-year-old self, what would you say? The post Defying the Odds appeared first on Jasmine Star. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/3eKyCBy
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If you want to up your flash photography game consider adding some of these fantastic products to your collection. Utter the words flash photography to any new (or even some quite seasoned photographers), and the look of fear will wash over their faces before they run and hide. Many photographers think flash photography is either […] The post Flash Photography: Learn a New Skill and Master It with Affordable Gear appeared first on Resource. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/3awmwZr Buttercup, can I ask you a question? Are you a bit obsessed with the numbers you see on social media?
If so, it’s time for a reality check. *And there’s no sugar coating here!* >>If you’re running a business, social media isn’t about popularity.<< Your account should be about one thing: CONNECTION. If you aren’t taking the time to connect with your audience, then it doesn’t matter if you have ten followers or ten thousand followers. I’m going to make a big, bold, ostracizing statement, boo boo: >>If you’re not getting customers on social media, there’s a good chance your followers don’t know you.<< Sure, they follow you, but do they TRUST you? This flash fire Q&A session during my talk at The Copywriter Club IRL event breaks down what I’m doing on Instagram to connect with people instead of being focused on popularity. How do I show my real self?Authenticity is a powerful tool, ESPECIALLY in the virtual world of social media. *But that doesn’t mean we need to tell our followers every single, itty, bitty detail about our lives!* There’s a difference between being authentic and oversharing. My general rule of thumb is this: Only post on social media what you would tell a stranger that’s sitting next to you on the airplane. What do I do with my audience during a pivot?Picture this: You’re invited to a cocktail party with the promise that a DJ will be there. You’re having the time of your life *dancing to 80’s rock songs and strumming your air guitar*, when all of a sudden the DJ is replaced by a string quartet. *Total vibe killer, maaaaan!* Chances are, you’d bolt out of that party pretty fast. Now apply this to a business pivot. If you suddenly changed your business overnight, you’d most likely lose some followers and customers. It’s important to make gradual changes so your audience can see the value in your pivot. And don’t lose sleep over anyone that leaves your cocktail party. *Bless and release, boo!* What does the future of social media hold?The truth is, NOBODY knows what the future of social media looks like because it is constantly evolving. *I bet none of us would’ve guessed that we’d have the ability to edit videos on apps like TikTok back in the stone ages of flip phones!* That’s why it’s so important to diversify. Familiarize yourself with #allthethings and #alltheplatforms so you’ll be ready for the next big thing! Friend, I urge you to look beyond the numbers and instead, focus on connections. >>Your objective is not to be liked by everyone on the Internet. Your objective is to connect with people who can benefit from what it is that you do.<< Numbers don’t dictate your success, YOU DO! If you’re looking for some more help on how to show up on social media for your business *without the sugar coating*, I’d love to see you on the inside of Social Curator! Check out more details about this unique marketing tool and join the waitlist >>HERE!<< The post You Don’t Need 10,000 Followers, You Need 10 Customers appeared first on Jasmine Star. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/2KiG6hj How to Grow a Facebook Group
4/17/2020
When you think of an online community, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are good that your answer was a Facebook group! *Am I a mind reader or what?!* Chances are also good that you’re a member of one or more Facebook groups. *Am I right or am I right?!* >>Facebook groups are a great way to connect with others who share similar interests in a more intimate, private setting.<< If you have a business, having a Facebook group is a great way for your audience to congregate, ask questions, and share stories. People tend to feel more comfortable within a group because they feel it is a safe space to be seen, heard, and understood. I personally believe that growing a Facebook group will in turn grow your business. But just like growing a business doesn’t happen overnight, neither does growing a Facebook group…especially if you’d like to do it the organic way without paying for ads! >>Having a Facebook group takes time, commitment, and consistency.<< Here are three steps that you can take to organically grow your own Facebook group and create an online community of your own! Have a clear missionJust as your business has a purpose, so should your Facebook group. There should be distinct benefits and values that someone should receive by being a member. What will make people want to click “Join Group”? Have a clear memberYou have an ideal client for your business, right? *If you don’t, download my FREE >>Ideal Client Workbook<< to find yours!* Creating content becomes so much easier when you know who you’re speaking to. Having a clear member in mind will help you connect with the right people within your group, plus it’ll attract others! Have a clear scheduleBoo boo, you’ve heard me say it time and time again: >>Consistency is key.<< Social media is all about showing up consistently and engaging with your audience. Determine how often you want to post and how often you’ll engage with activity that goes on inside of the group. Friend, you know by now that I practice what I preach. I’ve created a private Facebook group for Social Curator members using the three principles from above, and overtime have built a fierce community of business owners. Within the group, members receive group coaching, content creation sessions, guest masterclasses, and individualized attention on where their business is and where it’s headed. Believe me, this didn’t happen overnight, and it’s a constant work in progress, but it has made huge strides in a few short years! I have faith that you, too, can build and grow a Facebook group for your own business! *I’m pretty much a mind reader, so you better believe me!* Make the commitment and do the dang thing, Buttercup! The post How to Grow a Facebook Group appeared first on Jasmine Star. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/3evAL48 5 Tools You Need to Launch Your Podcast
4/16/2020
When I first started my podcast The Jasmine Star Show, I had NO idea where to begin. *Like, why can’t I just record with voice memos on my iPhone and it sound like I’m featured on NPR?* I felt so overwhelmed with the unknown… What to use, how to use it, and where to begin. In fact, podcasting was the LAST thing I wanted to add to my business! But eventually with the help of my editor Addison, podcast manager Kristi and my Creative Director Tami who both have podcasts, I found the equipment I need. If you’re getting ready to launch your show, here are the 5 tools I use so my podcast sounds like it was recorded in a professional studio (instead of in my bedroom closet!). 1. HEiL sound PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone Someone told me your podcast is only as successful as it sounds. I believe this microphone helped the Jasmine Star Show hit over 100,000 downloads in less than one month! I love this microphone because it sounds studio-quality without breaking the bank or being too complicated to use *especially for someone like me, who doesn’t claim to be an audio expert!*. *Pro tip: Turn it sideways and talk directly into the flat top part of the microphone for the best-sounding audio.* From my experience, this is the best and *cheapest* investment you can make in ANY podcasting set-up. At only $12, this pop filter helps eliminate plosives (the loud noises caused by puffs of air hitting the microphone when you say “P’s” “B’s” and “T’”s). *Pro tip: Place this pop filter up against the top of your microphone and speak as close as you can to it for best results.* 3. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface With the microphone listed above, you need an audio interface to be the “middleman” between the microphone and your computer. Simply plug the microphone in to this interface, plug the USB cable on the interface into your computer, then say a few “test” words to adjust the levels (like the volume, for example). *Pro tip: When testing the levels, be sure to test the entire range of your vocals, including laughing, and speaking softly and loudly.* 4. GarageBand Recording Software I record my podcast using GarageBand, which is a free app found on Apple Computers. After I record the podcast on GarageBand, I send it to my podcast editor to edit and enhance the audio using Pro Tools, which comes with the audio interface linked above. *See, I gotchu boo!* *Pro tip: Before recording, click the small down arrow in the top center of GarageBand next to where it says “C Major” and change the display mode to “Time” to track how long you have been recording. Then, un-check the “1234” and “Click” settings to the right so there isn’t a metronome playing while you are podcasting!* When podcasting, I use Apple AirPods so I can hear myself and my guests clearly. Especially when recording interviews, it is important to wear headphones so your microphone does not pick up the other person’s audio, causing an echo (which can be difficult to edit out later!). *Pro tip: Although you can use any earbuds lying around your house, I like bluetooth AirPods for podcasting because they do not ruffle against my shirt, causing white noise in my microphone.* Well friend, there you have it: 5 tools you need to launch your podcast. With 700,000 downloads and counting, I’m no longer a podcast newbie but these products are still going strong for the Jasmine Star Show. If this post was helpful, be sure to log in to your Amazon account and follow my storefront for more products that have earned my 5 *Jasmine* star rating. Is there anything else you’d like to see on my Amazon store? Shoot me a DM at @jasminestar on Instagram and let me know! Now that you have the right tools to launch your podcast, I can’t wait to see you at the top of the iTunes charts. Happy podcasting, hustler! The post 5 Tools You Need to Launch Your Podcast appeared first on Jasmine Star. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/3exYK2P How to Diversify & Pivot Your Business
4/15/2020
âPIVOT!â Whenever I hear that word, I canât help but envision Ross from Friends screaming it repeatedly as he unsuccessfully attempts to carry an oversized couch up a small staircase. *Shout out to my fellow Friends fans that know the EXACT episode Iâm referring to!* Ross may have failed at pivoting the couch to make it up the stairs to his apartment, but sometimes pivoting can be the key to a businessâs success. Iâve made one or two or ten pivots in my career which were always preceded by diversified, thought-out strategies *unlike Rossâs couch example*. And although not every single pivot proved to be successful *like Rossâs couch example*, each one helped get me where I am today. >>Each pivotal moment began with small micro-steps to help gain a better understanding of the market, which then led to enough momentum to make a change.<< âBut Jasmine, how do you know when to pivot?â Oh boo boo, Iâm so glad you asked. Iâm here to help! Hereâs are two ways you can pattern spot for pivots in your career *AKA when you hear your inner Ross Geller screaming âPIVOTâ*: Your idea is working and thereâs demand for itâ¦but you donât like it. Ask yourself these two questions:
You think thereâs a better way to do somethingâ¦and you have the experience to make it happen. Ask yourself these two questions:
By taking the time to carefully think through your answers to these questions, youâll be able to develop a strategy to make powerful changes. Friend, no matter how big or small a pivot may turn out to be, and no matter the pathway it takes to get there, this is the point where many people get stuck. >>Itâs important to consider the length of transition time and level of consistency it will take in order to make each pivot successful.<< Mark my words, this doesnât happen overnight! It takes commitment to show up again and again and again, with little or no change to show for it. But overtime, I can assure you that change WILL happen. >>Pivoting is a slow process, but you have to trust the process to make it through to the other side.<< I believe in you, hustler. I believe you can âPIVOTâ your way up that winding staircase to reach success. And if my belief isnât enough of a kick in the pants for you to do the heavy couch-lifting, what if I included some tools to help you reach the top of the steps? *Why yes, as a matter of fact, I AM enjoying this Friends analogy way too much!* With a little help from Social Curator, youâll have everything you need to continue showing up consistently throughout your pivotal moments. Want done-for-you images and caption templates, plus a monthly marketing plan, group coaching, and MUCH more? YOU GOT IT, BUTTERCUP! Join the waitlist to be the first to find out when the doors to Social Curator will open for enrollment next, and Iâll see you on the inside! The post How to Diversify & Pivot Your Business appeared first on Jasmine Star. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/2xusw7C This hilarious Streetercise workout video is for all photographers who miss feeling the burn! Quarantine sucks; there’s no two ways about it, but we are doing this for the greater good, and that’s the important thing. However, if you’re used to hitting the streets with your camera around your neck, you might be missing the […] The post Stay in Shape During Quarantine With Nick Turpin’s Streetercise Video appeared first on Resource. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/34A12K9 It’s safe to say that most people buy a camera based on its specs and then they worry about lenses, but you should be looking at new camera systems differently. Today in the world of photography, it’s the news about new cameras that seems to travel the furthest. This should come as no shock because […] The post Truth Bomb: Camera Systems Are Only as Good as Their Lenses appeared first on Resource. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/3em2jJc Dealing With Haters
4/13/2020
Haters. Like every household has dirty laundry, weâve all got âem. And just like the hamper of overflowing laundry that remains ignored in my closet, I also choose to turn the other cheek when haters troll me on the Internet. When people make mean or rude comments about me, I ignore it.
I ignore it because itâs ignorant. >>People create 100% opinions about the 1% of my life that I share on Instagram.<< Their comments are ignorant because they have NO idea what is actually happening in real life. Some people make comments that I should be spending more time with my daughter rather than working in my business. What they donât realize is that I spend the better part of my days and nights giving her bottles, doing tummy time, cooing in her ear, and watching as she sleeps. >>The truth is that weâre ALL going through stuff that nobody else sees on social media.<< I could let their opinions get to me. It would be so easy to give in to the negativity and recoil from showing up. But I choose the high road. >>Instead of wasting time being hurt or angry, I invest in empathy.<< When somebody has an opinion about how I run my business, how much time I spend with my family, or how I show up on social media, I choose empathy rather than letting their comments bother me. And you should too. Letâs be sorry theyâre hurting. Choose to be the better person. When people share their opinion (whether itâs positive or negative), thank them and move on. Just like laundry is a guaranteed household chore, haters are a fact of life. *And Iâm willing to bet youâve dealt with your fair share of washing, drying, folding⦠AND negativity.* But remember one thing, friend: >>Donât let someone who stopped chasing their dreams talk you out of pursuing yours.<< Continue showing up and ignoring the negativity. Want some help with showing up consistently, in spite of the negativity that may come your way? Social Curator is your solution! With monthly caption templates, lifestyle stock photos, a marketing plan, and group coaching, youâll have all the tools you need to remain consistent! *Watch out, haters!* If youâd like a personal cheerleader, a fierce community of fellow business owners, and MUCH MORE, join the waitlist to be the first to find out when the doors to Social Curator will open for enrollment next! The post Dealing With Haters appeared first on Jasmine Star. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/2K3b6Su Since I started my podcast, the Jasmine Star Show, in the Fall of 2019, I have been completely overwhelmed with support from my community. *I have been giving out virtual hugs all over the place!* Many people have asked me how to leave a review for the Jasmine Star Show, which I am so grateful for. Reviews help my podcast get discovered by more business owners who are dreaming big and taking action, just like you. Today I want to humbly thank you for your support and clear up this frequently asked question: “How do I leave a review for the Jasmine star Show?!” Well, first things first… >>Podcast reviews can only be submitted via the iTunes app on Apple devices.<< Android users, I see you trying to support and I am so thankful, boo! You can still support the Jasmine Star Show by subscribing to the podcast on your preferred platform and sharing it with your hustler friends. Now for fellow Apple users, here is the moment you’ve all been waiting for… How to Leave a Podcast ReviewTo leave a podcast review on your iTunes app, find the Jasmine Star Show and scroll down to the “Ratings & Reviews” section.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my friend. This podcast was one of the most vulnerable things I have ever launched, but I am constantly filled with gratitude that I am able to get to know you this way. I look forward to reading your review soon! j* The post How to Leave a Podcast Review for the Jasmine Star Show appeared first on Jasmine Star. via RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230553 https://ift.tt/2UYcX0T |
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