Tips For Planning Your 2020 Social Media Strategy

Now is the time to set some goals, make some changes and create an all-new social media strategy. Social media is now and will always be the best platform to connect with your audience and make an image for yourself. Social media is expanding and getting bigger and bigger each day. Take advantage of this platform and make a name for yourself, entertain your audience and now in 2020, create an outstanding social media strategy.

Here are some tips on how to do it: 

1. Create Video Content 

In 2020, the power of video will not be dismissed. With video, you can perfectly showcase your brand in an entertaining and engaging way that attracts various demographics. An important thing when creating videos is making sure it’s viewable across various devices!

2. Post on platforms used by your audience 

Not surprising, I know, but this is vital to a successful social media strategy. This means you don’t have to be everywhere at once. Select one to three platforms that will be most interactive and make the most of your budget. This way you can engage with the right people in the right way for an effective social media strategy.

3. Use Google in your social media strategy 

Google is not just for searching, it’s a logical place to put focus on. There are new features like Google Follow, where Google Map users can follow a business and see that brand’s Google My Business Posts in a “For You” tab on the app. There is also Google Posts that allows you to create content directly on Google. Take advantage of this in the new year to expand your reach. 

Hopefully, these three tips can allow you to broaden your horizons and be even more successful this new year. Every once in a while, especially now in the new year, it’s a good idea to reevaluate your strategies and create new ones that emphasize the value you bring and appropriately adhere to your audience. 

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How Decluttering Will Uplevel Your Business

My war on clutter started with an out-of-control closet. Well, in all honesty, it was actually two out-of-control closets―each jam-packed with outfits to fit any occasion I could dream up. Whenever it was time to get dressed, I felt stressed, frustrated and just plain overwhelmed. Even with all those clothes, I still always felt like I had nothing good to wear. 

Long story short, I finally got to a point where I’d had enough. I was angry at the chaos I’d created. I made my closets my battleground. I donated, consigned, recycled and threw stuff out. I fought the urge to keep things “just in case” or to “set this aside just for now.”

The whole experience was exhausting and all-consuming, but looking back, it was possibly the best time I’ve ever spent. 

Photography: Emilie Iggiotti

Decluttering my closets made me feel lighter and happier. So naturally, I kept going. Nothing in the house was safe. I was ruthless― and it paid off. Decluttering has changed my life in ways I never expected. One of those ways was making me better at my job. 

Decluttering set me up for success

When I think about it now, it’s pretty obvious why clearing clutter from my workspace has helped me be more successful in my business. But, hey, hindsight is 20-20, right? After I organized my home office, I found that fewer things were getting lost in the shuffle. (I guess that’s because there wasn’t any shuffle left for things to get lost in!) I wasn’t spending time searching for my interview notes from the other day or my stapler that “I could’ve sworn I put right here.” 

A less cluttered desk also meant fewer distractions. With everything put away, it was so much easier to focus on one project at a time. I’ve learned that, for me at least, a clutter-free environment is a calm environment. When I’m calm, I’m more creative and, ultimately, I create better content. As a freelance writer and blogger, this realization is gold. 

So, what the heck took me so long?

For me―and I’m sure for a lot of people―actually facing the clutter I’d accumulated over many years was a really big deal. Coming to terms with my mess and what I’d actually need to do to get rid of it was incredibly overwhelming. Where would I find the time and energy? For a long time, it was easier to tell myself (and others) that there was a method to my madness, and I thrived in my organized chaos. Back then, I saw decluttering and organizing a space as one big job I had to do all at once. If it wasn’t all done, it wouldn’t do me any good. Boy, was I wrong.  

Even a little progress makes a big difference

When it comes to decluttering (as with many things in life), consistently taking small steps is the key to overcoming overwhelm. Clearing out your workspace is as simple as committing to one small project a day for, say, one work week. For example, on Monday you could schedule 30 minutes to go through your papers, folders, and mail, recycling, shredding or filing away as much as you can. Tuesday might be desktop declutter day. Set the same 30-minute timer and go through your computer desktop and documents folder, deleting the files you don’t need and organizing the rest into folders. You could dedicate Wednesday to whittling down your work wardrobe, so you save time deciding what to wear in the mornings. 

Get creative, make room in your schedule and, most importantly, set small goals. If you soldier on for a few days, you’ll suddenly find yourself enjoying your clutter-free work life―and all the successes that come with it! 

Photography: Emilie Iggiotti

To read more about how living with less stuff makes life better, check out my blog, Practically Minimal. Or, if you need help sharing your business’ story through your website, blog or marketing materials, shoot me an email or check out my online writing portfolio.

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What Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Securing a Mortgage

Well, you went for it! You decided to take a risk and become your own boss. This should be celebrated – and for the most part it is. You are contributing to the economy, creating jobs, and mastering your craft. So why can it be much harder for you to secure a mortgage?

Those of you who have gone through this process, know all about it. It can feel like quite an invasion of privacy – so many documents and information to provide just to prove that you can afford a property. There are a few key points Kendra (from Kendra does Mortgages) has taken the time to share with us on how to help you prepare for this great purchase.

Photography By: Nicole Constante

Qualifying Your Income

One thing I know is that we all love paying less tax, right? So what do we do? Deduct and show less income on our tax returns. Although this is every Accountant’s dream and helps us pay less in tax, it’s not favorable when applying for a mortgage. Many lenders and the mortgage insurers offer a stated income program where we can state the income required for the application and can help with your approval.

Documents that will need to be reviewed are: Articles and Registration of Incorporation as well as the past two years of your: T1 Generals (Accountant prepared, please), Business Financials and Notice of Assessments.

Choosing the Right Down Payment

To participate in this stated income program, you would need a minimum of 10% down to qualify (5% must come from your own sources and 5% can be gifted). With this size of down payment, your mortgage would need to be insured, therefore additional premiums must be paid. If you want to avoid all insurance premiums, a minimum of 35% down would be required – not the traditional 20%. Premiums and your best down payment strategy will be discussed during the application process as everyone is different!

Documents that will need to be reviewed are: 90-day bank statements from all accounts you will be using for your down payment.

Tips for Success

If home ownership is your goal, here are some tips that will help you get there!

• Determine how much you want to put down (10%, 35%, more?) and keep it in a separate savings (TFSA, GIC, etc.) account. 90-day history is required and all large deposits must be sourced.

• Allocate extra funds for closing costs: your lawyer, insurance, etc. (roughly 1-2% of purchase price) and costs to furnish or renovate your new home.  

• Keep your credit in check! A minimum of two years’ history is required with at least two active accounts (credit card, loan, phone bill, etc.). Make your payments on time and keep those balances low.

• Have an Accountant prepare your taxes and financials. This will keep everything organized, precise and professional.

• And of course, talk to a Mortgage Broker (me) ! I will help you strategize and come up with a plan that is tailored to you, plus ensure you are receiving the best advice.

Photography by: Nicole Constante

Do you feel ready to buy a home yet? Trust me, it is achievable!

With the right plan, we can get you there. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Kendra at kendradoesmortgages.com. Kendra will be more than happy to walk you through this incredible purchase and provide you with the best options available.

Kendra not only specializes in assisting first time home buyers making that next step to owning a home, but she also has the ability to strategize with clients in growing their real estate portfolio.

#TipsyTuesday post submitted by Kendra Henderson | Kendra Does Mortgages
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