Sherlyne Michel is an emerging social media strategist and Facebook ads manager who understand what it takes to grow businesses, reach customers and boost revenue with social media. Read our interview with the lovely Sherlyne below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
What inspired me to start my business was when I went to a convention in Baltimore with a friend of mine. I was updating my social media platforms and telling him how much I loved using social media. He then started telling how little he knew about social media in general and he didn’t have the time or the knowledge to use it for his business. I was telling him how important it was these days to have a social media presence especially as a business owner and telling him why he should leverage it as soon as possible. Not long after that conversation, I realized that many small business owners in that convention were on that same boat about the lack of knowledge for social media and a light bulb went off. I did some research when I flew back home and actualized the opportunity by starting a social media business and helping business owners leverage social media. I first started by helping my friend free of charge with all his social media platforms and used Facebook advertising to get some experience and realized that was something I loved doing. From there I created Sherlyne Michel Consulting.
Tell us about your business.
I started my consulting business after seeing the need for social media help. What we offer are online workshops, VIP sessions, 1:1 coaching for 6 months and Facebook ad management.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Not at this moment, however I am working on a 30-day challenge coming up in April.
Where is your business based?
I currently live in Montreal Quebec Canada, however my business is location free. I work with clients from all over.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I first got a certification in social media marketing and joined Social Media University created by Rachel Pedersen, which is an ongoing learning experience that keeps the entire student body up to date with everything regarding social media.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
The most effective way that I build awareness is by posting content that helps small business owners get information on how to grow their business online. I mostly use Twitter and LinkedIn. I am also on all the other platforms, but I’ve seen the best results from those two. The most effective way I get new clients is by building a relationship first with everyone that connects with me on social media.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge so far has been staying consistent on every platform.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I overcome this challenge by creating a calendar and making sure I follow what is in it.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I keep thinking about why I started in the first place. We all have our ups and downs, but we have to keep pushing through. I just keep telling myself it’s a phase and it will be better tomorrow.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I distinguish myself from the rest by being myself. I don’t worry about what my competitors are doing. I know that my clients are getting results working with me and from all the other social media strategists, they choose me.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I received was to stay in my lane and not worry about what the others are doing. It is easy to get distracted with all the noise and shiny objects around you.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
The best advice I have for other entrepreneurs is to give value, value, value. A lot of them are worried of saying too much in fear that the client might take all the information and run with it. Give them enough information so they can see some results, but don’t give them the whole farm.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
My favorite tool right now is Hootsuite and Buzzsumo. I like to find content that I can curate and schedule on Hootsuite and not have to worry to always be online.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @sherlynemichel
Twitter @sherlynemichel
Pinterest @sherlynemichel
Facebook @sherlynemichelconsulting
LinkedIn @sherlynemichel
Website @sherlynemichel
Email hello@sherlynemichel.com
Hashtags #socialmedia #smallbusiness #entrepreneur
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
The book I am currently reading is “Built to Sell: Create a Business That Can Thrive Without You” by John Warrillow.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Right now I am learning how to build a team.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My main goal for the next few months is to create a membership site for business owners where they can learn how to manage their own social media.