Social Media Was Killing My Business: Here’s What I’m Doing Instead
Okay, gather 'round, my fellow entrepreneurs and accidental social media addicts. It's time for a bit of heart-to-heart about our collective obsession with going viral. Spoiler alert: It's not as glamorous as it sounds unless you consider "refresh finger" a desirable superpower.
The Great Reel Ruse
It's 2 AM, you're bathed in the unholy glow of your phone screen, and you're convinced that this Reel, this TikTok, this perfectly curated carousel post will be The ONE that makes you go viral, the video that makes them finally see you. Sound familiar? I thought so because that used to be me, hunched over my phone like Gollum with his precious, muttering "more views, more likes" in my sleep.
In my High-Frequency Accelerator group (fancy name for "Nicole tries to keep entrepreneurs from giving up on their dreams and focused on sustainable success"), I see this all the time. We're all spending hours creating one great Reel that gets attention— forgetting that we have actual businesses to run. And this is the real problem, instead of creating content that ACTUALLY works for us, we’re burning ourselves out by focusing on the wrong strategies.
Plot Twist: A Fashion Icon Agrees With Me
Before you dismiss this as the ramblings of a jaded but overall optimistic Gen Xer, let me drop a name on you: Rebecca Minkoff — the handbag queen herself.
At the Inc. 5000 Conference, Rebecca said, "I meet a lot of young designers. I think everyone is looking for the quick hit, the virality they think will get them going.” When a fashion icon tells you to stop chasing trends, you listen.
The Goldfish Effect (Not a New James Clear Book, Unfortunately)
Here's the kicker: Even if you do go viral, it's about as lasting as most New Year's resolutions. Rebecca put it perfectly: "Today with TikTok, yes, it goes viral, but people are like goldfish now. What's the next thing? They forget about you in a couple of days."
Ouch, right? But she's not wrong. We're all swimming in an ocean of content, with the attention span of... well, goldfish. (No offense to goldfish.)
What's an Entrepreneur to Do?
Look, I'm not saying you should delete all your social media apps and become a digital hermit (though if you do, good for you). But maybe, just maybe, we could focus on building something that lasts longer than the average TikTok trend?
my radical proposal:
1. Actually develop your expertise and product. Wild, I know.
2. Create systems that don't fall apart if Instagram decides to change its algorithm (again) or if TikTok gets shut down.
3. Focus on content that leads people to your profitable offers. You know, that thing that lets you buy food and pay your mortgage. Focusing on SEO-smart strategies is the key!
4. Deliver value that makes people feel smarter — and more inclined to share what they’ve learned with others.
The Long Game (It's Not Just for Board Game Nerds)
Rebecca Minkoff dropped another truth bomb: It can take 10 to 20 years to build a truly successful brand. I know, I know, in internet years that's like... forever. But think about it: Do you want to be the "Gangnam Style" of businesses, or do you want to be The Rolling Stones? (You said…The Rolling Stones, right?)
A Challenge for the Brave (or Future Sustainable Business Owners)
So, here's my challenge to you, my fellow entrepreneurs: The next time you're tempted to spend three hours perfecting that transition in your Reel, ask yourself:
- Is this actually helping my business, or am I just procrastinating?
- Will this matter in a week? A month? A year?
- Could I be using this time to, oh I don't know, improve my actual product or service? Reaching out directly to a real person?
Remember, while you're busy editing Reels fr hours and chasing likes, someone else is out there is connecting with your potential customers with their annoyingly efficient business model and boringly consistent quality. The horror!
TAKEAWAYS
Let's make a pact, you and I. Let's build businesses that are more than just a flash in the Instagram pan. Businesses that can weather the storm of changing algorithms, fleeting trends, and whatever unholy new platform the tech gods throw our way next.
And hey, if you do happen to go viral along the way, consider it a bonus. Just don't let it go to your head. Or reach out because I just created a messaging strategy for one of my clients that did go viral.
Ready to Break Free from the Social Media Hamster Wheel?
Alright, my fellow recovering viral-chasers, if this blog post hit a little too close to home (and I know it did because I'm a little intuitive by nature), I've got a proposition for you that doesn't involve dance challenges or questionable hashtags.
Introducing the "I'm Too Old for This Trending Nonsense" support group!
Just kidding. It's actually something way better.
It's time to join the High-Frequency Accelerator! This is an online container where we focus on building actual, sustainable businesses instead of perfecting our duck face. A sanctuary where the only thing going viral is our profit margins—a community where "engagement" means more than just likes and comments.
In the High-Frequency Accelerator, we'll work together to:
Own Your Business Development Stage Are you at the "lightbulb moment" or the "oh crap, real customers" stage? Figuring this out is like having GPS for your business journey. It helps you focus on what you actually need to do right now, not what some social media guru says you should be doing.
Ditch the BS (Belief Systems) You know those pesky thoughts telling you you're too old, not thin enough, blah, blah? Yes, those. It's time to show them the door with modern hypnotherapy - the TTH Method. Tackling your limiting beliefs is like decluttering your brain – make room for the high-frequency vibes.
Embrace Your Quirks (aka Gifts via Human Design) Ever feel like you're forcing yourself to work in ways that just don't click? Human Design is like finding the instruction manual for your unique operating system. Use it to play to your strengths and stop trying to be a square peg in a round hole.
Create Systems That Actually Work I know, "systems" sounds about as exciting as cleaning your baseboards. But trust me, having processes that keep your business running smoothly is the secret sauce to not losing your mind.
Build for the Long Haul In the world of business, slow and steady wins the race. Focus on creating something of value that'll stick around longer than the latest dance craze. It might not go viral overnight, but it'll keep you in the game long after the one-hit wonders have faded.
So, are you ready to trade in your social media addiction for some good old-fashioned conscious business success? Join High-Frequency Accelerator today!
Remember, in the world of business, it's better to be profitable than viral. Unless you can be both, but let's start with profitable, shall we?