The Kristen Smith Podcast

This was a fun episode, so we decided to recast it! You will learn how to prepare for a branding shoot, what colors you should wear, what props to use, how to get photos done when you're on a tight budget, and so much more!  Want to check out my marketing services and templates? Check out my website here: https://kristendawnsmith.com I would love to connect with you on Instagram! You can follow me here: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith

In this episode, I go over what pillar content is, examples of content plans that remove overwhelm, and how to organize your content.  Want to keep the conversation going with myself and other business owners? Join my FREE Facebook community! Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenwhofreelance Follw me and feel free to send me a DM at: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Learn more about my services and book a discovery call here: https://kristendawnsmith.com/services

I interviewed Shay Howard. She is a Certified Director of Operations, and she's sharing ways that we can wow our clients, stay organized in our business using systems, and she even shares some tips with us on hiring a team. Plus, you'll learn what it looks like to work with a Director of Operations and what it looks like for a business to be ready to hire someone like her. Let's keep the conversation going! Have you joined my free Facebook community? Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenwhofreelance Grab Shay's FREE Client Process Checklist: subscribepage.io/clientprocesschecklist Check out Shay's Online Course: https://shay-s-school-d60d.thinkific.com/courses/client-experience Learn More Here: www.shayhoward.co Follow on Instragram: @shayhoward.co Or Facebook: @shayhoward.co

I don't know why I do this, but sometimes I compartmentalize my life and my business when it comes to my relationship with God. My relationship with Him is the most important thing in my life, so why am I forgetting to ask him for help and guidance in my business? Especially when something I'm going through is so stressful that I can physically feel the effects it? I'm talking struggles with sleeping, not being able to focus on the present moment because all I can think about is that thing that's stressing me out, having trouble figuring out what to decide in a situation... There have been too many times where I find myself in that place and it goes on for too long, until I stop and think... what if I ask God to help me with this? And guess what... when I do that, I find peace, the situation gets worked out, and I know in my heart that I was guided in the right direction because that's what God does. That's what He WANTS us to do. He wants us to lean on Him, even in our business. So, today that is just what we're talking about - how to lean on God when you're having difficulties in our business. I'm sharing about some of the struggles I've been through and lessons I've learned. Bible verses I shared in this episode: Proverbs 3:5, & Matthew 7:7 Learn more about the story of how I started my business and the struggles I had when I had severe back issues in episode one of this podcast: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/drQ8UNCHcxb Learn about the story of Job from The Bible Project on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/xQwnH8th_fs

Today on the show, I talked with Annie Bennett who interviewed me all about marketing your business and mindset struggles we ALL deal with. We talked about breaking through fears associated with investing, having the right marketing mindset (like the fact that marketing is a long game, not a quick fix), why it's okay to have slower seasons with less than usual leads coming in, and networking + making friends in business. Connect with Annie here: https://www.instagram.com/stresslesswithannieb/ Join my FREE Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenwhofreelance Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Learn about my services here: https://kristendawnsmith.com

As an online marketing professional, I am asked all the time which website builder and host I like best, and today I'm sharing all the details about the one I use and why I love it so much. I also went over some website builders/hosts that I tried and didn't really like, personally. If you are unfamiliar with marketing terms and web design lingo, don't worry. You do NOT have to have tons of experience to understand what I'm sharing in this podcast, and you will probably learn quite a bit!  Get one month of ShowIt for free with. my discount code: KRISTENSMITH Come hang out with us in my FREE Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenwhofreelance Connect with me on Instagram here: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith

You can run a business without a website and branding, but how far will that get you?  Having a custom brand and website puts your business on a whole new level, and you might be surprised to know just how much of an increase in success your business can have when you do this the right way!  Today, Miranda Doyle is teaching us all about what it looks like to work with a custom brand and web designer and helping us understand all of the benefits that come with doing so. Want to connect with Miranda? Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mirandalindoyle/ Check out her website here: https://miranda-doyle.com Let's keep the conversation going! Join my FREE Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenwhofreelance

We are finally back!!! I am so excited to spend 2023 with you all & to bring you tons of awesome guest speakers so you can learn from both myself and my guests and really make this a big year for your business. Today on the show, I invited my business bestie, Chelsea Hall on to interview me as I have made some big changes to my business. I am no longer specializing in just social media management - although that will still be a piece of what I offer for my clients. I am now offering Director of Marketing services including strategy and content plans, as a Content and Visibility expert. Chelsea and I talked more about what I'll be doing in business, but one thing I didn't mention is I will still be offering resources for you to make your business easier in the way of templates, training, and possibly some sort of community where you can make business friends like Chelsea and take advantage of all of the refferals and goodness that comes with having business friends and a strong network. We talked about an exciting trip we have coming up in May - oh my gosh I can't wait for that, and we talked about the challenges that came with maternity leave and having our second babies, because we were both pregnant with our second at the same time - how cool is that? Chelsea and I go deep when we talk, we don't leave anything out and we're not afraid to get real and vulnerable with you all, so I think you will love today's conversation. Go connect with Chelsea here: https://www.instagram.com/chelseahallsocial/ Join my FREE Facebook community and keep the conversation going: https://www.facebook.com/groups/408964350173629 Learn about my services here: https://kristendawnsmith.com/services

I announced on Instagram recently that I am now moving away from just social media management, and I'm expanding to a Director of Marketing business. This means that I won't be just specializing in social media, I will be specializing in a wider range of content areas such as email marketing, podcasts, blogs, SEO, while monitoring analytics, and more. Because this is such a big change in my business, I am going to officially put the podcast on hold until January. I can't wait to continue taking you on this journey as I move into much larger territory. And I want to thank you again for following along thus far! Make sure you stay subscribed to the show so you don't miss out when I come back in January! I am already booking some awesome guest interviews, which I'm excited about, and I can't wait to share all that's to come! And of course, you can still stay up to date if you follow me on Instagram because I'm still showing up there regularly. https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith My new offers are up on my website, and I would love for you to take a look! https://kristendawnsmith.com

In this episode, we are going over different ways you can add your personality when marketing your business so you can create an engaged and loyal audience of potential clients and customers. When you're selling services or products, it's really important that people know, like, and trust you, and when you add your personality to your brand, it really sets you apart from others. People love someone who is relatable, and you will find that you are much more memorable to people when they get to know your own unique personality. Come connect with me on Instagram! https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Interested in building your website using the platform I love, ShowIt?! Get your first month free when you use my promo code: kristensmith  *These shownotes contain affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if purchases are made using them*

In this episode, we are talking about the different ways you can make money through affiliate marketing. We'll go over Liked to Know It, Amazon, promo codes, and promoting your favorite digital products, including online courses. This is a fun way to generate some additional income in your business, and a lot of people have never stepped into this territory because they don't quite understand how it all works. I am breaking it down for you right here on the show! Get $20 off your purchase of Bose sleep buds, mentioned in today’s episode using my link: https://refer.bose.com/ksmithvirtualservices Get one month of ShowIt (my favorite website builder) for free through my promo code: kristensmith I would love to connect with you on Instagram! Follow me here: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith

I have had client reels go viral (and the word viral is subjective), but I've had them get as far as over 3 million views. When that happens, instagram accounts can go CRAZY, and so can your business, so be ready for it. In today's episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes and showing you what happens when a reel, or even multiple reels go viral. I will also share some of my best tips for creating reels that have the potential to get you to this place. Book a coaching call with me here: https://kristendawnsmith.com/services I would love to connect with you on Instagram! Come hang out with me here: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith

We are back from maternity leave!! It was really nice having a break from business while on leave, and I am ready to dive in and hang out with you again here on the show. Today, we are starting off with a podcast interview I did last week and I can't wait for you to meet my guest. I got to speak with Kaci Ackerman. She is a Certified Online Business Manager and ClickUp Expert. I was excited to get to talk about ClickUp because it is my favorite project management tool. In this episode, we talked about ways that you can use it to wow your clients and how it will save a lot of time in your schedule which will ultimately help increase your revenue. How to Connect with Kaci: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaciackerman/ Website: https://kaciackerman.com/ Get Kaci's FREE ClickUp templates & workbooks: https://kaciackerman.com/freebies Kaci's ClickUp Promo Code: KACI Kaci is one of my best business friends, and I don't know what I'd do without her. Check out episode 26 to learn more about how to make business friends in the online space! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kristen-smith-podcast/id1566845005?i=1000544203591

I am so excited to release this episode because I know that a lot of you have thought about starting a podcast, and I laid out all of the steps for you! Whether you want to DIY or hire a professional to help you, it can feel like a huge mountain to climb if you have no idea what it actually look like to get started. It may actually be easier than you think, and now you can take a behind the scenes look at how I started mine! Get a pen and paper ready because you will want to take notes on this one.  Want help pitching yourself to other podcast hosts so you can be a guest on their show? Check out my podcast pitch email template + training video here: https://kristendawnsmith.com/podcastpitch Here's a link to the microphone I use for my podcast: https://amzn.to/3umol8y And I also purchased this foam windscreen for the mic to reduce the occurrence of wind, breath sounds and popping noises: https://amzn.to/3upju6s *These shownotes contain affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if purchases are made using them*

I asked you all on my Instagram stories what topic you'd like to hear the most, and this one was pretty popular. Let's dive into the strategies that are working best for my clients on Instagram so that you can start implementing them and start getting more engagement, reach, and followers! Want an even deeper dive into Instagram strategy? My online course, Booked Through Instagram teaches you how to build and run an account that attracts your ideal clients and customers, engages them, and drives them to all of the places you'd like them to go in your funnel and beyond. Click here to learn more: https://kristendawnsmith.com/instagramcourse

Preparing for maternity leave when you own your own business is NOT easy. I think some business owners make it look a lot easier than it really is, but after doing myself and talking to other friends who run businesses in the online space, I know it's not a walk in the park. BUT, it can be done and it can work out very well. In this episode, I talked about what it has looked like for me to plan mine, where I'm at with it now (being 38 weeks pregnant), and some lessons I learned along the way.  Are you ready to learn how to market your business on Instagram and actually know the strategies that WORK? I would love to see you in my online course, Booked Through Instagram! Click here to learn more - https://kristendawnsmith.com/instagramcourse

On this episode, you get to meet one of my clients! Amy Pottenger is a residential interior designer. In addition to helping her clients locally, she also offers virtual support for working moms like many of you who listen on this podcast. If you find yourself feeling uninspired by your home office (or maybe you don't even have a designated workspace), you will feel empowered find a way to make it work even if you feel too busy or that you simply don't have the space in your home. Yes, you can have your own workspace that motivates you and makes you feel proud of what you do. Busy work at home moms, listen up! Check out Amy's free home office design guide here: https://www.refreshdesign.net/freebie/ You can connect with Amy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/refresh__design/ Check out her website here: https://refreshdesign.net

What are the benefits of getting interviewed on a podcast? And how do you actually get on as a guest? Every time I speak on someone else's podcast as a guest, I have new people send me DMs saying they heard me on that podcast, and they feel like they know and trust me so they are more likely to book a discovery call, get on my email list, Facebook group, and more! In this episode, I go over the benefits and ways that you can market your business through podcasting even when you don't have one yourself! Want my podcast pitch template? Learn more about it here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/podcastpitch

It is super important to me to be responsible with money, but it took some learning and sacrifice to get to this place. I am super proud of the sacrifices Kyle and I have made, and I'm telling you more about that journey in today's episode. We'll talk about what has worked for us and I share tips that can help you get to more of a place of financial health and freedom! If you'd like to read the book we read, here's the link - https://amzn.to/3E1Dv4E Want to continue the conversation? Come join us in my Facebook group Women Who Freelance! https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenwhofreelance

I am 25 weeks pregnant, and before I found out I would be having a baby, I kind of wondered what it would look like to run my business with a toddler and a second child on the way. In this episode, I share what it was like to find out I was pregnant, some of the challenges I have experienced, and my current plans for maternity leave, or maybe lack of. Plus, more! If you aren't already on the waitlist for my upcoming Instagram course, Booked Through Instagram, click here to learn more and join! - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist You can learn more about my services by going to https://kristendawnsmith.com Want to increase the visibility of your business by guest speaking on some of your favorite podcasts? Click here to learn more about my podcast pitch template! https://kristendawnsmith.com/podcastpitch

It's really important to have a smooth and easy onboarding process for our clients. I have received compliments on my onboarding process and just how easy everything is. In this episode, I am taking you behind the scenes to show you what I do to wow my clients. We go over the discovery call, sending a proposal, what I send to them when they decide to work with me, how I set up our project management space, and feedback I have received on the process. Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

It doesn't have to feel lonely when you run a virtual business. In fact, you may find yourself to be much more social and meeting others in business more than you would imagine. In this episode, I give you tips that will help you build friendships and a strong network. There are many fun ways to do this, and you will likely see your community grow fast if you implement these!  If you want to learn more about my podcast pitch email template, click here: https://kristendawnsmith.com/podcastpitch Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

In today's podcast episode, I interview Betsy Moorehead, owner and founder of BJM Creative - the stress-free solution for marketing your business. We talked about her business journey from marketing in her 9-5 to becoming a Director of Marketing. Betsy shared advice on how you can set yourself apart from the crowd when it feels like you are up against so many others who are doing the same thing as you. We talked about how to build a network and friends in business when you are working in a virtual space. And Betsy shared some advice on how to plan for success in 2022! You can connect with Betsy by following her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bjm_creative/ Learn more about Betsy's services, including VIP days here - https://betsymoorehead.com Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

I thought it would be fun to tell you about my worst discovery call in this episode! Discovery calls can be kind of scary when you first start doing them, and the second one I had made me wonder.. is this how they all will be? It was rough. I shared that story with you as well as some lessons I learned from it. I also shared some good experiences I've had with other discovery calls (one including a friend I made all because of a call!).  I would love to connect with you further on Instagram. You can follow me here - https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith If you want to learn more about how to use Instagram for your business, join the waitlist for my new course coming soon! - https://kristendawnsmith.com/betawaitlist If you want to learn more about my podcast pitch email template, click here: https://kristendawnsmith.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1114757 

In today's episode, I talk about 3 things you may not know (and should know) about using Instagram for business. These are some of the foundational tips that will help you understand how to get the best out of the platform when you are marketing your business and building a connection with potential clients and customers. We talked about the importance of showing your face, why you don't need to warn your audience when you stray off-topic, and the fact that there truly aren't hard, fast "rules". I would love to connect with you on Instagram! You can follow me here - https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

I know there are some VAs here who listen to this podcast, and others who are curious to know either what it's like to either specialize in social media management or just specialize in anything really which you will learn here in this episode. In this episode, I talked about what it was like when I was a VA but knew that I wanted to niche down and specialize in something. I knew that it would mean much more money, more confidence in what I was doing, and a more simplified business (I have a love for simplicity when it comes to my work and processes). We talk about mindset, what you can do if you are thinking of niching down, and more! After this, go back and listen to episode 6 where I talk about what it's like to be a social media manager. Here's the link - https://anchor.fm/kristensmithpodcast/episodes/06--What-Its-Like-To-Be-a-Social-Media-Manager-Instagram-Live-Replay-e12ca8f Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

We use copy A LOT in business. If you are making any of the following copywriting mistakes, you may have trouble getting clients or purchases on your offers. In this (short, but sweet) episode, I will teach you some of the important strategies you need to know when it comes to writing copy for your emails, sales page, social media content, and blog posts. Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

What are some of the common myths about social media marketing? There's a good chance you may believe some of these. In this episode, I am debunking common misconceptions about marketing your business on social media and telling you the truth you need to know. The common myths I go over are:  1. You have to be an outgoing extrovert to market your business on social media. 2. You will see results immediately when you hire a social media manager. 3. You have to enjoy social media if you're going to market your business on it. ALL NOT TRUE. Listen in and find out why!  Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

Want to go behind the scenes and learn what it looks like to build digital products? I'm talking about my experience with building a course for the first time, along with templates I will be selling in my upcoming online shop! I will talk about my experience with outsourcing, what tools I have used along the way and why I chose them, how I freed up some time in my schedule in order to create the time to work on such big projects, and how exciting it is to finally get to the finish line. Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist I would love to connect with you on Instagram! You can connect with me here - https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith

I was ready to start outsourcing way before I actually decided to go for it. The experience was way better than I imagined, and I started moving my business forward much faster. It's normal for us to have reservations when we haven't hired anyone before. Will the person I hire understand what I'm looking for? What do I even look out for, and what does the process of hiring someone even look like? In this episode, I talk about my experience and how overwhelmed I was trying to do all the things myself. I shared my experience in deciding to finally go for it, and what it's done for me. I share tips on how to actually find someone good, what questions you should ask potential candidates, and so much more! You can find Micala Quinn's hiring request form here - https://www.micalaquinn.com/hire/ If you want to become an online service provider and take the course I took when I started my business, you can check out her course by clicking on my affiliate link here - https://micalaquinn.com/overbooked?orid=13087&opid=3 *I may get a small commission if you purchase through my affiliate link Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

We all advertise on social media.. well we should be, at least in my opinion. Social media is a powerful top-of-funnel strategy. If you are consistent, create engaging content, and are good about mentioning what it is you offer for your clients and customers, you will see social media bringing people to your freebies, waitlists, Facebook groups, sales page, and if you provide services, you can lead people to book discovery calls with you through social. Some people hate running their social media (which is why they hire people like me to run it for them), but there are ways to make everything so much easier. In this episode, I am telling you all about my favorite tools. I use these for my clients and for my own business, and they help me save time and create a professional and memorable online presence. Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist Interested in social media services or email copywriting? Click here to learn more about how we can help! https://kristendawnsmith.com/services

In today's episodes, we are talking about what it's like to be a work-at-home mom. From the challenges to the beauty, fun, and excitement, I'll be taking you behind the scenes of my world. We talk about why I decided to quit my corporate job and start my business, my daily schedule, how I try not to spend too much time working in the evenings and weekends so I can spend more time with my family, and why I am loving this. If you have the desire to start a business that pays well and allows you the flexibility to stay at home with your children, I highly recommend taking the course I took when I started. It taught me everything I needed to know from the setup, legal, branding, to building a portfolio and how to get clients. I was amazed by the speed at which I started getting clients and making money! Here's the link: https://www.micalaquinn.com/overbooked/?orid=13087&opid=3 Want to learn how to use Instagram for your business? I have a brand new course coming soon! Get clients, learn how to create an attractive profile with a quality aesthetic, and so much more! Click here to learn more and to join the waitlist -  https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist Want to grab my free Instagram caption engagement booster? This will help you get more comments on your posts and boost your engagement! It includes 20 engaging questions you can add at the end of your captions to get people talking! Click here to grab it - https://kristendawnsmith.com/engagement-booster

Getting on video when you market your business can be scary, uncomfortable, and it can make your heart race when you first start. Some people avoid it for a long time, but you could be missing out on an opportunity to gain a loyal and engaged following if you aren't getting on video. Why? People connect with us when they see us talking to them. They remember us, and they feel comfortable with us. AKA: It builds trust. And people are more likely to buy from people they trust. On today's episode, I give you advice on how you can show up on video confidently. We talk about how to work through those uneasy feelings that come up so you can start gaining more trust with your audience! Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist I would love to connect with you further on Instagram! You can follow me here: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Are you interested in coaching or monthly social media services? Click here! https://kristendawnsmith.com/services

Our onboarding process doesn't have to be messy, unorganized, and complicated. When we take on a new client, it's important that we WOW them and give them the best client experience possible. This will raise our chances of being able to keep them on long-term, AND will likely get us referrals for more future business. In today's episode, I invited Brittany to teach us all about automating our onboarding process. We talked about ways that we can easily create a simple, streamlined system, how to get clients to refer us, and more! Brittany Dixon is the host and creator of The Process for Profit Show. She helps high-achieving entrepreneurs (and freelancers) by unboxing the complexity of business systems and bottlenecks with the implementation of day-to-day operations, processes, and systems. You can find Brittany's Client Care Kit here: https://www.hustletoflow.co/clientcarekit?r_done=1 Connect with her on Instagram by clicking here: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyandco.consulting/ Join The Hustle to Flow Productivity Community here: https://hustletoflow.mn.co Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

If you are not getting DMs on Instagram asking about your offers or services, then that could be an indication that your Instagram strategy needs some help. In this episode, I will teach you strategies that have helped me and my social media clients. Instagram is a place where you can build the know, like, trust factor and position yourself as an expert, so we cover that as well! Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist I would love to connect with you on Instagram. You can follow me at https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith

Sometimes really difficult life situations occur when we are trying to run our business. How do we continue keeping our clients happy and making sure our business still runs smoothly when these things happen? I shared the story of my dad passing away at the beginning of 2021 and how it affected me as a business owner. I talked about how I told my community, including my clients and their response, and how I allowed myself to take a break while I spent time with my family and began mentally processing the situation. If you are not already following me on Instagram, click here - https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith You can check out my website for services I offer here - https://kristendawnsmith.com Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

Just recently, I put a question sticker in my Instagram stories and asked you to send me some questions I could answer during my podcast. So, I received all your questions and chose to answer the ones I get asked the most. The first question I was asked was what are my 6-month goals. Here I briefly discussed some exciting projects I have in the pipeline for the next six months including a store with digital templates, a course, a YouTube channel and possibly running Facebook ads. The second question I was asked was if I like to take breaks from social media. Oh YES! I definitely need to take breaks and I explained how and why they are necessary for my mental health and business planning efforts. The third question was my favorite one, and it was what keeps me going every morning. The answer to that was simple. I’ve always dreamt of being a work-from-home mom where I could spend time with my precious son, and celebrate his milestones while building a business of my own where I can progress. The fourth question was how long have I been a Social Media Manager. This took me way back to the good old days when I worked as Assistant Property Manager where I was responsible for managing the company’s social media platforms up until I started my own business two years ago. The fifth question was do you get more clients through Facebook or Instagram. Here I talked about my social media accounts, what I do to find clients and how the majority of them come through Instagram. The sixth question was what do your strategy sessions look like and I basically described my process from booking a strategy call through to developing a 90-day action plan for my clients. The final question was how long have I lived in Denver and I spoke about life in Colorado and how I moved to LA and came back to Colorado, met my husband and got married. I would love to connect with you further on Instagram. You can follow me at https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Head on over and if you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot and tag me. I love to see who's listening, and I will most likely share your post to my stories! You can also listen to my previous podcast episodes here https://anchor.fm/kristensmithpodcast or on Apple Podcast here If you’d like to book one of my services, you can do so here https://kristendawnsmith.com/services  Also, I am always open to requests for podcast episodes, so feel free to send me a DM or send me a message here https://kristendawnsmith.com/#contact I’d love to hear from you! Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

If you are a personal brand, this episode is for you! We're talking about making your brand come to life with photos, and I will share tips on what to do whether you are ready to invest in a professional shoot, or if you would rather DIY but still have quality photos for your content. Our photos tell a story of who we are, they help our audience feel connected to us, and they paint an overall picture of what it is we do. We go over photo lighting, what props to bring, clothing, locations, and more! Need clothing and accessory ideas for your brand shoot? I share some of the clothing and jewelry I wore in my brand shoot in my Amazon shop! https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristendawnsmith *I may receive a small compensation for any purchases made through the Amazon shop. I would love to connect with you on Instagram. You can follow me at https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith  Join the waitlist for Booked Through Instagram (my 5-module course) by clicking here - https://kristendawnsmith.com/coursewaitlist

I recently watched a YouTube video where the speaker talked about 3 things that we can spend our money on which will bring us happiness, according to science.This video really resonated with me, and I wanted to share it with you. One point the speaker made that I hadn’t really thought about was that buying time for yourself can bring you more happiness. As an entrepreneur who just started outsourcing, I can really see why this one brings people more happiness. I think you’ll really like the other points the speaker brings up as well, so listen in to find out what they are! Here is the YouTube video I referred to in this episode: https://youtu.be/5p_sqQHdvcE I would love to connect with you further on Instagram. You can follow me at https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Head on over and if you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot and tag me. I love to see who's listening, and I will most likely share your post to my stories! Also, I am always open to requests for podcast episodes, so feel free to send me a DM!

In a recent Instagram Live, someone asked me what I love about being a Social Media Manager and Email Copywriter. I went on and on until I realized.. "Wow, I have a lot to say about what I love about my business." It made me realize that my decision to specialize in this area of business was the right one. On this episode, I am sharing what I love about what I do with you! This is a great episode for anyone who has thought about getting into content creation, or really any creative role. I hope this episode also gives you inspiration to step back and think about what it is that you love about what you do as well! I would love to connect with you further on Instagram - follow me at https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith and send me a DM if you have any requests for topics you'd like me to go over on this show!

This was highly requested by YOU. I created a poll on Instagram and asked what you wanted to learn about next on my podcast, and Instagram reels won. I'm not surprised because we all know that reels can do a lot for our account growth, and it's a great way to build an engaged following. Don't feel comfortable creating reels? That's okay, we cover that in this episode (and you will find that you aren't alone). I also share some advice on how you can get reels created quickly when you are having trouble coming up with ideas. Plus, so much more!  I would love to connect with you further on Instagram. You can follow me at https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Head on over and if you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot and tag me. I love to see who's listening, and I will most likely share your post to my stories! Also, I am always open to requests for podcast episodes, so feel free to send me a DM!

I get asked a lot what my processes look like, how I take time off for vacation, and many other questions like that. So, a few months ago, I told my Instagram audience to send me their questions, and I answered them on a Live stream. I am replaying it here for you.  If you have ever thought about becoming a Social Media Manager, or just want to know what it looks like to work with one, this episode is for you! Some of the people who joined the stream also wanted to ask me some questions about Instagram strategy, so we went over those as well. Have a listen, and go follow me on Instagram to get a better picture of what I do: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith PS - I share some of my favorite business tools on my Amazon shop! Check it out by clicking here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristendawnsmith

We entrepreneurs put a lot of pressure on ourselves, but we are also marketed to almost daily by coaches and other online business owners. It's easy to feel like you have to achieve it all.. like next month. I spoke with my good friend and fellow business owner, Chelsea Hall about this and we can stay focused on our path ahead. Chelsea is a Pinterest Marketing Strategist and Coach, and she also recently left her 9-5 to pursue her business full time while staying home and raising her one year old (which we also touch on in this episode).  You can reach Chelsea by following her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseahallsocial/ or find her services and what she can do to help you market your business by going to https://chelseahallsocial.com Did you know I have an Amazon shop where I share some of my favorite business tools, clothes I wear in my brand photo shoots, and more?? Find it by clicking here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristendawnsmith

I am finally introducing you to my husband, Kyle! Many of you have been following me on Instagram for a while. Every once in a while, I mention Kyle on my feed posts, but this is the first time he is speaking and introducing himself to you. Many of us have significant others who do so much for us behind the scenes. I asked Kyle to share what it's like for him to be married to an entrepreneur in the online business space. I asked him if he had fears about me leaving my corporate job and starting my own business, what it's been like for him to be married to a work at home mom (#wahm), what his thoughts are on the way my business has progressed, and so much more! If you enjoyed meeting Kyle and would like him to come back, send me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you would like us to talk about in future episodes (can be business-related or for fun! We don't have to be all business all the time). Follow me on Instagram at: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Interested in learning more about the course I took to start my business? Check out my affiliate link here! https://micalaquinn.com/overbooked?orid=13087&opid=3(I may receive a small commission if you purchase using my affiliate link). Did you know I have an Amazon shop? It includes business tools I love, clothing and accessories I used in my brand photos, and more! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristendawnsmith

When people are leaving comments on your content, it tells you that you are creating quality and engaging captions. Comments also give you an opportunity to interact directly with your potential clients and customers. Also, when people write comments on your posts, Instagram will show them more of your content. So, let's start making this a focus for you! In this episode, I go strategies that will help you create more engaging captions and will allow you to stir up more conversations on Instagram.  I would love to connect with you further! Follow me over on Instagram for social media and copywriting tips: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith Want to see what business tools I love? Check out my Amazon shop! You can find the mic I use for my podcast, lighting for going live, the planner I use, and so much more! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristendawnsmith

One thing I love about being an entrepreneur is the fact that my business has kind of taken a life of its own at times. I have landed lucrative email marketing projects because of the way that I write social media content, and I never anticipated those services falling into my lap. I actually didn't even know that I would specialize in social media marketing when I first started my business. I started as a Virtual Assistant, but people kept reaching out to me for help with social media because they saw how well I was running my own. Stepping into new avenues in my business hasn't always been easy though. Each time I am presented with something new, I have to take a moment and remind myself that I may feel slightly uncomfortable as I try something new, but I know the importance of trying something new. In being open to trying new things in my business, and knowing that I am venturing into the unknown, I have found time and time again that it takes my business to a new an exciting place almost every time.  I hope this episode inspires you to try new things in your business and encourages you not to allow fear to hold you back. I would love to connect with you further on Instagram. Follow me at https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith

We can learn so much when we listen to others' stories. Welcome to The Kristen Smith Podcast! I'm so excited to have you join me along my business journey and to help you along yours. Whether you haven't started yet, or are a seasoned entrepreneur, this podcast will be a place where you can: *Hear about lessons I have learned along my business journey *Learn from other entrepreneurs that I occasionally bring on  *Know that you aren't going through this journey alone *Learn marketing and other business skills *Get a behind-the-scenes look  *And so much more! I start the podcast off by telling you about my business journey and the story of where I began to where I am now.  Haven't started your business yet? Here is a link to the course I took when I started mine. I couldn't believe how fast I landed clients after taking this amazing course. Here is my affiliate link. (I may get a small commission when you purchase using this link): https://micalaquinn.com/overbooked?orid=13087&opid=3 I would love to connect with you further on Instagram! Click here: https://instagram.com/kristendawnsmith