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Telling Your Story Authentically with Taylor Stonack
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Telling Your Story Authentically
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Transcript
Challenge of Digital Transformation in Wedding Industry
00:00:00
Speaker
Happy Woo Wednesdays! Do you guys want to start making passive income? The first time I made sales in my sleep, my mindset completely changed. I now wake up to daily sales and it's just the best and it will never get
Guest Introduction: Taylor Stonic of Sweet Potato Social
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Speaker
old.
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Speaker
So I have a challenge for you. Turn your expertise in the wedding industry into a digital product. You will have your funnel up and running and ready to be sold in less than 24 hours and and you could automate the whole entire process.
00:00:29
Speaker
This course is only $27, so hop on it. It's in the show notes. It's called the 24-Hour AI Challenge. So today on Get a Heck Yes
Authenticity in Digital Marketing
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Speaker
with me, I'm chatting with Taylor Stonic, founder of Sweet Potato Social.
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Speaker
Taylor helps brands tell their stories through social media magic with a passion for building authentic connections and communities. We're diving into the power of authentic, meaningful content in digital marketing and how showing up genuinely is a key to standing out and building trust online.
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Speaker
Get ready for practical tips and you can apply today to attract your dream clients. Enjoy!
Carissa's Journey from Photographer to Coach
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Speaker
Welcome to Get a Heck Yes with Carissa Wu. I'm your host, Carissa, and I've been a Los Angeles wedding photographer for over a decade. I've traveled the world, built my team, and seen it all.
00:01:25
Speaker
I now coach wedding photographers hit 10K a month and build a thriving business. In this podcast, we are going to deep dive into how top wedding creatives get that heck yes from their dream clients. We are not holding back on the struggles of the business and how to push through the noise. Some healthy hustle, mindset shifts, up-leveling your money story,
00:01:43
Speaker
Time hacks because I'm a mom of two, a little bit of woo-woo, and most importantly, self-love and confidence are just a few of the many things we will talk about. I want to give you a genuine thank you for following along my journey.
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Speaker
I hope to inspire you every Woo Wednesdays so that you say heck yes to listening to this podcast. See you guys soon.
Taylor's Formative Years and Adaptability
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Speaker
Hey everyone, welcome back to Get a Heck Yes with your girl, Carissa Wu. I have a very special guest today. Her name is Taylor Stonic. It rhymes with gin and tonic. That's what she says. And she is a founder of Sweet Potato Social.
00:02:21
Speaker
where she helps brands and people tell their stories through social media magic with a knack for building communities and a love for all things fun, food-related, and she's all about making connections and having a good time while doing it.
00:02:35
Speaker
Life is too short to keep your story to yourself. Agreed. Welcome, Taylor. Thank you for having me. I'm so excited. I'm so excited, too, and we got so deep before we even started recording, so I'm excited for this conversation. know. it would Tell your listeners to buckle up.
00:02:51
Speaker
Yeah, buckle up. Peeler is neat. Let's go into your childhood. What were you like as a kid, your family dynamic, anything you want to share with us? Oh, my gosh. So, yeah, I grew up um like most people. I think nowadays my parents split up when I was young.
00:03:06
Speaker
Um, I, I grew up, I lived with my mom most of the time. I went to nine schools, K through 12, um, in the same County. So, uh, I'll let you do some, you know, digesting there about what that translated to.
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And then, um, my dad actually remarried my step-mom, um, and they've been together now for 31 years, married for 30. And she's like my best friend. i I, go to her for a lot and,
00:03:30
Speaker
you know, my dad and my relationship was super complicated, like growing up because I just, I grew up with my mom and yeah, it was, um, a challenge. she had a lot of boyfriends. My mom did. So we were on the road a lot and just, um, but yeah, overall, like happy childhood. I was super fun. I loved to play.
00:03:48
Speaker
My first babysitter was like, um, Hawaiian and she taught me like did hula and like, so I've just always been kind of outgoing and energetic and My parents like to say that I was just, yeah, always like the life of the party and trying to have fun and and play and be silly.
00:04:03
Speaker
Oh, where'd you go up? So I grew up in Washington State um in the Kitsap Peninsula. So kind of like I said, went to different high school, like, you know, elementary schools and then but graduated from Bainbridge High School on Bainbridge Island and then went to college up at Western Washington University in Bellingham.
00:04:21
Speaker
Loved it. why Why nine school? That's a lot. Well, yeah, I mean, my she my mom, we were either like, we she either had a new boyfriend or a new husband, or we were like house sitting for someone. um And so with that, like as we moved into different parts and cities of the county, I had to switch schools because it just made sense. Um, in middle school, I
Importance of Relationships in Personal and Professional Life
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Speaker
got bullied a lot.
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Speaker
Like I, the same group in elementary school, i got pushed off the monkey bars. day Um, and then the girls like just were mean. I, they're one of them hid cigarettes in my backpack and then I got caught. And anyway, I, like, I didn't know that they were in there and they were in like an Altoid box. And so I had to switch school. I switched schools cause I was bullied.
00:05:04
Speaker
Um, yeah. Yeah, sort of sad, like touchy subject. But I, you know, I think a lot of us now, are we just don't realize that that's what was happening until later in life. um And then high school, my, we moved, my mom got ah um remarried and, um or no, this sorry, this one was a new boyfriend and we, but we lived, um moved in with him and I, it was a better, better high school.
00:05:25
Speaker
And so I transferred high schools after my sophomore year and did my junior, senior year there and graduated and did, all you know, and then went to college. Wow. Do you have siblings? No, only child. yeah So you're passed around just ding, ding, ding, ding.
00:05:40
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but Yeah, totally. i was like, there there yeah, I was all over the place. I'm super, I mean, now it's funny, like there's some trauma there for sure. Like where I'm just like, Ooh, something new, right? Because you're always, when you're moving around a lot, you're like, Oh, ah like maybe this will be my forever home. Like maybe this. And so you're decorating it. You want it to feel like it's yours right away.
00:05:58
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And then now when I look at like how I live my life, I love how adaptable I am. I love how I can kind of make the most of every situation. wow And, ah you know, and i'm and I'm always seeking community. Like, I think that's why i I love, you know, I've loved my business. I've loved every job I've had. It's like ah a chance to make a connection and meet people and like,
00:06:18
Speaker
get deep fast. So penny yeah yeah, if we're, I always say like my friends now, I'm like, if we're not trauma bonding, then like, I don't, I don't want it. I don't have time. Like I want to get real. I want to get to the core of it. I want to get deep.
00:06:31
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Um, cause like, you know, so cliche, but like life, we only get one of them and like, you might as well make the most of it and like have every relationship be deep and meaningful.
Impact of Social Media on Taylor's Life
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Speaker
So yeah, I feel like friendships are kind of like chapters and books and like you go through like pitfalls and you want to be happy for each other. And like, you can't be happy for someone if they're just always, everything's perfect, you know?
00:06:53
Speaker
Yes. Oh my gosh. I recently, so I was traveling. That's so true. I was traveling and I passed this woman. I was in the San Francisco airport on my way to a girl's trip. And this woman, I'm not kidding. Like she had the like Parisian bob, like she had this suit on, like this matching.
00:07:09
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And she was like, looked so perfect. And she was running like late. She was late. You could tell it on her face. yeah And I recorded, i posted it on my TikTok, my personal one. And I was like, this girl, like if she doesn't have it together, like none of us, it's then we're all doing okay.
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And a lot of people commented on it like, oh, you know, like they got it. They got the message because ah i think outwardly, like when we present perfection at the end of the day, like nobody really is.
00:07:33
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And there's so much that we perceive, like we make up our own story about someone based on like what they look like and really, you know, there could be a million reasons she was late and not what, but it wasn't the point. Like the point is that perfection isn't real. And this person, like, and the way we, we all have our own narrative, both about, about other people and what they're doing based on just what we see. Yeah. And like, it's such a weird complex, like we're all just, we're humans and it's so much more complex than that.
00:08:01
Speaker
Yeah, we got problems. Tissues for your issues. Yes, we do. So many issues. shit We found it out the first five minutes yeah stocky before we recorded. ah So did you get close to your mother-in-law really fast or was it kind of like a process?
00:08:18
Speaker
So my stepmom, you mean? yeah No, that's okay. I was like, oh, I did get engaged last year, but not yet. yeah um No, it was not. clever Yeah, it was not fast. I think I, you know, growing up, I love my mom, let me my and but my biological birth mom, like, let me make that very clear.
00:08:35
Speaker
I think what I learned over time is like there was just a lot of love for herself that she didn't have. And now I know that because I've done a lot of deep work. And when I growing up, like my dad and my stepmom, like I just believed that they didn't want me around. And I believed that like things that my like my mom told me and maybe like decisions that they made.
00:08:55
Speaker
so It wasn't until i think later in life, definitely when I was old enough to have a glass of wine with her, that she shared with me very candidly like how complicated it is for her as a stepmom to like know where to draw the line. right like Because it's ultimately my
Starting a Business After Corporate Setback
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Speaker
dad and my mom's decision on what happened.
00:09:16
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But there was a lot of times my dad would back down and he wouldn't fight for me or advocate for like things that were going to be for my betterment because he was really – I'll get emotional – But like he was really holding on to like what parts of me he could because he saw the writing on the wall. like He saw what was happening. He was married to my mom.
00:09:34
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yeah um And so for her to say, like it was really hard for her to like watch these things happen. But she just always had my best interest in mind. um And she's just been very open with me about how...
00:09:47
Speaker
I was raised or how like she like, I guess in a way she was like ah a translator between me and my dad because we butted heads a lot. And she just be like, I think over the last five years specifically, we've just, she's my go-to. i call her like every, I called her right before this. Like I just call her for everything.
00:10:07
Speaker
Um, she's like the blurred person. Or not the blurred. She's like the version of my mom, of a mother that I i didn't know that I didn't have until yeah later. she's you know My mom growing up was my best friend, but like never really my mom, like a mother. So having Gerilyn like amazing. Just listening to you. Like, yeah, shout out to both your moms. um Just listening to you, I'm just thinking about my kids. I'm like, I just want to tell her today, Piper, that I want to be like on her side and not always be on her side because yeah um it's important to advocate for your Yeah.
00:10:42
Speaker
Yeah. And like, we don't know, right? Like it's, you're, this is the first time you're a parent and like, it's the first time you're existing as a human and same for them. And I don't know, like I love
Focus on Video Content and Social Media Management
00:10:52
Speaker
children. I don't plan on having them myself, but I'm a pseudo auntie cause I'm only child, right. To like, um, you know, and my late best friend's kids, like she lived such a great life and like, I get to still be an influence in her children's lives. Like they mean everything to me.
00:11:08
Speaker
And I constantly, I just want to like, I want the best for them. and I think it's, yeah, having the conversations with them, like the hard ones, even though it's uncomfortable as I can't imagine as a parent because I'm not one.
00:11:20
Speaker
yeah But like when you watch, you know, kids making mistakes or doing things that you know are like just taking them down a different direction, like just, yeah, like allowing them the space to make mistakes, but also communicate and just talk about the hard stuff too.
00:11:37
Speaker
Yeah. it's It's so important. and Yeah, I love that. And then like this is kind of a weird question, but it kind of relates to like bullying and also alludes to and segues to our hot topic. But like, and I'm assuming you're over 10 years younger than me, but like, what was it like maybe growing up with social media?
00:11:55
Speaker
um and When did you get social media? And then kind of like how it played ah role in your younger life? Okay. Well, buckle up, Chris. I think you're going to be younger than me. I'm 42. What the freak? Are you kidding me?
00:12:08
Speaker
I thought you were like in your twenty s my God. um and Thank you, but no. oh Okay. That was a total... woo That was a total like... wow heck yes moment yeah that was was a heck yes hell no moment yeah and no so I did I grew up I'm I like to say like proudly like I am the elder millennial you know like come what is that a comedian I can't think of her name now but she's like come children let me tell you a tale um but of like so I grew up right before I i like AOL like
Building Community and Brand Loyalty
00:12:44
Speaker
and that dial-up sound like I remember hanging out in chat rooms probably like
00:12:48
Speaker
if I think I even met up with someone once. Like we became friends. Like I'm so lucky to be alive. That could have been a true crime documentary. um But no, I like I had the very first Instagram. Like when Instagram came out, I was obsessed. Like Facebook back in the OG had my college.
00:13:04
Speaker
Like you had to have the college account. So um email or whatever. So I, yeah, did all of the things. But like, I don't think I really like. you have Friendster? No, I didn't. Okay.
00:13:16
Speaker
What was Friendster? What was that one? I guess it was right before my so MySpace. but Okay. ah I'm kind of getting confused with Zynga, so I don't know. there Okay. Well, like, I did have a MySpace. I forgot about MySpace. Whoa. You just like time warped me with like, oh my God. When we basically low-key figured out how to do like code because we had to like make ah update our backgrounds and stuff. Totally. Totally.
00:13:39
Speaker
um But yeah, but I grew up in the in it, and but I didn't really like – I took pictures of and posted it posted on Instagram with like every single filter and made it look like vintage, yeah those OG filters. But then ah yeah, then i ah but yeah the whole like video part of it was like so new to me.
00:13:57
Speaker
What was your first account? did you remember Do you remember your like handle? oh let's see. For Instagram? Yeah. I think it's the same one as now, but I did have all those filters and like the the overlays and the ah and my god is all the things.
00:14:12
Speaker
yeah Okay, sorry, my mind is just like confused because I thought you're like late 20s. So i'm I'm a little mind blown because I'm pretty good with like telling people it's age by their skin. So, oh my gosh. Well, I mean, I do use like, I'm hardcore moisturizer. I did grow up in the Pacific Northwest. And so I think like I had that going for me cause it was like cloudy all the time, but I do full disclosure. I do get Botox. So like, you know, Oh, okay. Yeah. looks good. Shout out to the linker.
00:14:39
Speaker
Yeah. I'll link her if you're in the Colorado area and you're looking for med spa, I know, I know somebody amazing. She's like, why do you look like I was in my 20s? Yeah, that's like their perfect tagline. Like from now on, that'll be there.
00:14:53
Speaker
Okay, so let's um talk about, we're going to jump forward to like starting your business
Effective Social Media Strategies for Business
00:14:59
Speaker
or even right before your business and talk about that journey and what your business looks like today.
00:15:06
Speaker
I'm excited to share with you all about our first get a heck yes sponsor 17 hats. I've been using the CRM company for over a decade and I've been referring them to all my frienders for all this time.
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17 hats paves the way for success you deserve by giving you back hours in your day find what success looks like for you with 17 hats get started for free at 17hats.com and use my code heck yes and it's going to give you guys 50 off your first annual membership how amazing is that Yeah.
00:16:26
Speaker
So my career is bananas. It would probably take up a whole podcast episode. But like I kind of grew up in that gro grocery industry, like hospitality, food and beverage kind of world. so And but I did all kinds of things. But like oh I basically like I worked at a restaurant and they took a chance on me. I was a server.
00:16:44
Speaker
Kind of helped them grow corporate wise train. And then I moved to Denver from San Diego but the um and I spearheaded their like talent acquisition. So I was like became like a recruiter overnight, which was banana.
00:16:56
Speaker
No one would have ever hired me with my resume, like the way that it was. um And so I did that. But then I was like, okay, this is super fun. But like, I'm not super like excited about it. I was just on the phone all day, like doing phone screens. And what really lit me up was when I would go and do like trainings and stuff. And so I was like, I need something different. And a friend of a friend, like referred me to this job with Yelp. And I was a community manager. And so but i so I moved from Denver to Las Vegas. And I did that. And that's where I got...
00:17:24
Speaker
Like, A, that was such a crazy experience. Have you ever lived in Vegas? No. No? Okay. yeah Well, it was awesome and wild. but like i saw but But anyway, that's where I got like my foot in the door with like marketing stuff and social newsletter campaigns, different events.
00:17:42
Speaker
And so I did that. But then fast forward, global pandemic. I wasn't working for Yelp at the time, but to save save time for your listeners, I will... button this up. But basically, I, 2020, got laid off and was like, what do i do So I started a business. And I started reaching out to, like, friends and stuff and kind of just was like, okay, I'm going to do it.
00:18:03
Speaker
And then i I just was, like, doing, you know, it was, still the flat lay days. Reels hadn't really come out yet. And, like, TikTok hadn't super blown. It was, like, around but it hadn't blown up like it did over the pandemic. And then it's kind of grown and evolved into, like, I now have an employee and we we service, like, do you know, reels and TikTok production, like VIP days where we fly out to them. And, um, but really I like did it as a side hustle until my best friend who had stage four colon cancer, she, we knew
Authentic Branding for Wedding Professionals
00:18:32
Speaker
it was like her end of life was coming. And so I was like,
00:18:35
Speaker
man, I want to be there. And so I left, I left my corporate job, my very secure salary. And i went all in on my business so that I could travel back up to Washington and spend time with her and her kids while her husband, single income household. So, um, you know, they needed help and I wanted to to be that. So, but yes, that's kind of my, I don't know, my, brain my story of like how my business started a, in a very emotional nutshell.
00:19:02
Speaker
Wow. I'm so sorry about your friend. That is so crazy. Thank you. Yeah. She's definitely your why. yeah she is. and And her kids are now my why. like They're like the my my little piece of of her.
00:19:15
Speaker
um And i'm as long as they'll let me be in their life, I will always be there. Wow. I'm sure forever. um What does your business look like today? Yeah. So we service primarily food and like the food and beverage um world, but we, and like physical products, but we also work with like solopreneurs.
00:19:32
Speaker
um I think just video is like the best way to tell a story. um And it's like a way to just like, right. See face, somebody face to face. So much gets lost in translation over.
00:19:43
Speaker
just text copywriting and whatever. So, um, we service them by doing VIP content days where we'll fly to them or they can come to us and we spend the day. We like conceptualize all of the, um, like base, like every video concept. We have it ready to go. We source and look for location and then we film, we spend the whole day filming and then we edit, get everything ready for you to post, including caption writing, and then like send it all off to you.
00:20:08
Speaker
um And then like we also do the flip side of that, which is like full service social media management where yeah we basically like take social media off your plate entirely because as we know, but running a business is hard enough.
00:20:20
Speaker
And so you're not a social media expert. You're, you know, um so hand it off to us so that we can run it for you and help you just gain more visibility and help you tell your story in a really authentic way.
00:20:31
Speaker
Yeah, I
Using TikTok and Staying True to Brand
00:20:32
Speaker
mean, your website is amazing. i it was very sticky. i was on it for ah very long time. But you know, coming from Yelp, um community manager, how did you kind of learn so much about like TikTok and Reels and Instagram, social media and brand messaging?
00:20:49
Speaker
Oh my gosh. Honestly, i just threw myself in it. I think, yeah, when I, I think trial by fire, like I'll, I'll never forget the first reel I made. Like I accidentally like saved it before I uploaded it. And then i only posted it to stories. Like it was a, it was a mess. I did the same thing.
00:21:07
Speaker
Yeah, like it's hard, right? And so I think it's just like having fun and playing with it and like not taking it too seriously. um but But that was it. And then honest i so I watch like webinars.
00:21:18
Speaker
I like, you know, follow creators, follow brands, different things that I love what they're doing. um subscribing to newsletters. I just really like to absorb. Like that's why people hire us is because they don't have the time to like, I don't know, like be caught like you're shooting, right? Like what do you, you don't always have the time to like dive into all of the trends and what's happening and what's new.
00:21:38
Speaker
um And so I just try to keep my pulse on what's, what's happening. And then honestly, just play, try yeah I don't do that with client accounts because yeah right like they're paying us to do something. But when it comes to me personally, I'm like, oh, that's fun. like How do they do that? Let's figure it out.
00:21:53
Speaker
Yeah. I love your Instagram. Okay. It's ready for a hot topic. What is your hot topic and why is it so near and dear to your heart? So I just think it's so, what ah especially now more than ever, like regardless of your affiliation political affiliation, I just think like with the current administration, like it's just so important. People want to connect with brands that they believe in. They want to connect with people that they align with.
00:22:14
Speaker
And so telling your story authentically and being truthful... I'm not saying you have to go out with your picket sign on your Instagram or your TikTok or whatever, but I just think being real and like, and, and just authentic. And, and, and I, it sounds, they're such buzzwords, but it's so true. Like get down to the core of who you are.
00:22:31
Speaker
You're going to lose people along the way. And that's okay. That just means they're not your people. Yeah. Wow. wow Yeah. It's kind of scary. I'm just like, I know. It is scary. It's a really scary time. Like, and I, I'm a very privileged white woman. Like I'm terrified, not just for me, for my friends. Like I just, it's, I can't, sorry. That's probably not what we wanted to dive into. No, it's okay. No, I guess we're just getting deep and like, I feel like you are so deep, but um how, just talking about like hot topic, like people,
00:23:05
Speaker
the audience wants to align with the brand that the they they're showing up authentically. Um, they have clear messaging. They're, um, consistent with their messaging.
00:23:16
Speaker
Um, a lot of wedding pros. Yeah. A lot of wedding pros are listening today. Um, what would you tell them about like how to develop their brand authentically? Yeah, I think like, you know, you said it, stay consistent, but I think like stay transparent, like in your actions and kind of like what you believe in. Like, and then at the end of it too, like have have fun, right? Like it's not, people who don't, I don't know, want to just be sold to all the time.
00:23:43
Speaker
And so like having fun and being silly and playful and like, you're going to attract like the right, the people who like will want to work with you because they're seeing like a side of you. That's fun. Like I was obsessed, equally obsessed with your website. And like, I watched your wedding video and like, I just think right. You're a part
Storytelling Driven by Personal Connections
00:24:00
Speaker
of people's moments and memories and like,
00:24:03
Speaker
i i would I personally, I really would want a wedding you know photographer or videographer who I trust. And like if I'm able to see peek behind the curtain into who they really are and like their soul and their spirit, like that's like what is going to attract me.
00:24:20
Speaker
And I might not be their target audience, like everyone you know but target audience but like that's, I think, just like the most important part. And i think it's a miss for a lot of brands. Or it's because...
00:24:31
Speaker
like people because they're afraid to like show people who they are. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's also scary. Being vulnerable is scary. Yeah. I know. Like I have a weird question, but like you worked with a lot of like beverage brands, like how do you help them find their brand voice when it's like not necessarily like them?
00:24:49
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's a good question. i mean, first and foremost, whenever we do like we onboard someone, we do like a whole 90 minute intensive. And that's like, you know, because I can find out anything and everything for the most part about your about your beverage, about your drink or whatever online.
00:25:06
Speaker
Like, okay, so it's fizzy or it's, you know, coffee or it's whatever. But then the core of it is like, why did you start? Like, why did you really start this? Like, what what is it about this that you love?
00:25:16
Speaker
um And so from there, i always then think like, okay, well, ah that's All of these things are great. They're very factual. But then you kind of have to ask them, like, how do you want people to talk about you?
00:25:27
Speaker
How do you, like, what like what are people going to say when they, like, aren't in the room, when you're not in the room? And so I think it's just about, like, yeah, like, are are you edgy? Like, are you sarcastic? Are you fun?
00:25:39
Speaker
Like, how do you want to sound? You know, because some people, like me, I'm loud and I say things and I'm overshare and all the things. But, like, I don't know. I don't, I want people to just know that I'm, like, fun and energetic and,
00:25:52
Speaker
And like for other people, they might have that same person persona in real life. But online, they're like, I want to be calm. Like I want them to know that I'm reliable and I'm like their best friend who's always looking out for them. And so it's just asking them what they want and then kind of leveraging your content style in that way.
00:26:11
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Is there like maybe a certain brand that you worked with that they didn't know their brand voice and you helped them like dig it out of them or like a certain brand voice that is kind of not stereotypical? Because I would say like for photographers, it's either like, oh, like bright and feminine. I'm super fun. I'm your hype girl. Or it's like super like film and just, um, demure or it's very like cinematic and like edgy and like, um, like
Engagement Over Broadcasting
00:26:40
Speaker
wild and free. Like, um, is there anything that like is out of the box that you worked on?
00:26:47
Speaker
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Speaker
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00:27:12
Speaker
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00:27:34
Speaker
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00:27:49
Speaker
AfterShoot, I can't thank you enough for giving me back my time to focus on this podcast. Oh yeah, back to the podcast. Not really, to be totally transparent, because think a a lot of the brands that we've partnered with, like already kind of have, are a little bit more established. They're like that sweet spot between like, you know, the, in like,
00:28:10
Speaker
I don't know the, it, Topo Chico, right? Like a brand, like they're like established. Almost everybody knows who that is. But then when you think of like a local coffee roaster, like in Denver, who, you know, they have four locations and then they also roast and they, and they, there's, I'm like that sweet spot right between to help them tell their story. So haven't had that a lot, but I did have a client who they just really wanted to sell. That's all they wanted to do. They just wanted to talk about their products and all the features. And I was like, okay,
00:28:41
Speaker
Like super sad they went out
Guidance for Wedding Pros on Social Media
00:28:43
Speaker
of business. But like also because, you know, their product was different, but like it just – it didn't hit. But like one thing that was really hard and I had to push back a lot is like, right, like this – your product does have all of these things.
00:28:57
Speaker
But like you're not at all telling the person who should buy it like why – And like ah relating to them as a person and why they would want to connect to your brand or your product. You're just sell, sell, sell. So in that way, like that's probably the most challenging part is when someone has an idea and they won't budge on it And you're like, okay, well, then you went out of business. So I'm really sad because I loved them. Like they're the best people I've ever worked with, but they, it just was like a bummer and a fight that I felt like we didn't need to have.
00:29:27
Speaker
Yeah. What is like your why for like Sweet pat Potato? sweet potato um Tell us about your brand. Yeah. My why, i mean, i really started my business out of necessity and then it translated into like a full-time thing. Obviously, when I – when my best friend passed and she's really my why i think she, um, yeah, she just taught me to like live so authentically and to just live big because every moment, like it really is like these little tiny moment, micro moments that matter that you'll remember, like the smell, you know, of the first rain
00:30:03
Speaker
Or like the sound that like on the ferry when I would like go visit her like and spend time with her. And those types of things just really matter. And I think that she's helped me see the importance of telling the small stories for the small businesses and the people behind them.
00:30:20
Speaker
um And then now it's like her kids are my why. i want to I want to show them what it means to live a bigger life than i ever dreamed of. And I want that for them too.
00:30:31
Speaker
Yeah. And it's kind of like it goes perfectly with your business because you're sharing other people's story and how to let them live their most authentic life and through there their business.
00:30:43
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. I love that. You wrote on your questionnaire, one of the tips was engage, don't just broadcast. What does that mean to you? So i think – I mean, – I don't know Do you ever find yourself going, like, deep into the comments section on like, accounts, on, like, posts ever? yeah Yeah.
00:31:03
Speaker
So, like, my biggest grievance is, like, when people just put stuff out and then people comment and you have a community of people who are leaving, they're engaging, they're – What good, the good, the bad the ugly.
00:31:14
Speaker
And then, the and then it's like, they've just been ghosted. Like the no,
Managing Social Media Pressure and Authenticity
00:31:18
Speaker
you're not like these larger brands like aren't replying. And so to me, like, if you want to build a brand, like and you want to build a community, which i think is the best way to build a brand, then you have to talk to people, like get the conversation going, acknowledge like the things that they're saying.
00:31:34
Speaker
I mean, I don't know if you, do you ever like when people, maybe you have an and and unhappy, you know, bride and groom or or groom and groom or however, like, you Like if they responded to you and said something like and sent you an email would you that was positive or maybe they were like sharing a negative experience, would you just like leave that alone and in in your email, in your inbox?
00:31:54
Speaker
No. Yeah. Yeah. So like, why are we doing that on online? Like, it's just such a great way because everybody's watching. Like I creep all the time. I creep on Yelp reviews. I creep on Google reviews.
00:32:05
Speaker
I creep on Instagram, TikTok comments. I like want to see and know that like, if I, I don't know, like I'm taking the time to engage with something that they put out there. So like, I would have hoped that they would just care enough but to like reply.
00:32:19
Speaker
just yeah feels so easy to me. No, I think also like if you don't reply, they're not going to comment again. and like those people care about you. So they could be like your biggest advocate of, you know, spreading your business.
00:32:32
Speaker
Yeah. A hundred percent for like, just and it just, don't know. It feels easy, but it's so often forgotten. Yeah. And then um I – it's just like a good reminder to me because sometimes I forget because I think I don't see the notifications all the time.
00:32:48
Speaker
yeah um And it is just go, go, go. But thank you for putting that into my consciousness. but Another tip you said was stay consistent and transparent. What does that mean to you? Yeah.
00:32:59
Speaker
I mean, think in general, it is just like – like find what works for you. i think there's this rule, right? You're either like, well, you have to post for twice a day and you have to like ah post to Instagram stories and whatever. So consistency looks different for everyone. You don't have to, you know, find a cadence that works for you, but just make sure that you don't leave it where people can forget about you and then remember.
00:33:24
Speaker
And then all of a sudden they see a post or they get a newsletter from you. And then they're like, wait, I forgot. I even subscribed. Like, I don't need this anymore. So like, remind people why they followed you in the first place and why they're on the journey with you.
00:33:35
Speaker
um And then I think, yeah, just like don't hide behind this like super polished look.
Fun and Family-like Client Relationships
00:33:40
Speaker
I do. I'm so curious because like I do feel like in the wedding world, right, there is this like aesthetic and you want all the best parts. But it's like there's also like the messy things. I think you do a great job of like, you know, just being authentic and real.
00:33:54
Speaker
And so I think that that is like share all the parts of it because, you know, but that matters. I will say one time this person, this photographer that i that I know, so I won't say their name, hu but they were like really being overly transparent. There is a line.
00:34:09
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. And they were like posting on their Instagram stories about how they were behind in edits and how they were like apologizing and blah, blah, blah. But then they were also like promoting that they were looking for like taking new people. But I was like,
00:34:23
Speaker
Maybe send like a private email to the people versus like, cause I wouldn't want to work with someone who's like constantly behind and preaching that. So, but I think, so I think there's a line, but like, just don't hide behind like the polished parts because all of us, all the messy bits are like what makes it all beautiful too.
00:34:40
Speaker
Yeah, there's this one Instagram account. I don't know the name right now, but I wanted to follow her because she's funny. And she like she posted about how she wears like these compression knee things and like ankles because it's like she's old and she's shooting a wedding.
00:34:55
Speaker
I think it's so hilarious because it's like I totally resonate with that. I'm like and I feel like she gets a lot of business because of it because she's hilarious. Yeah. Yeah. Right? It's just like – and you relate to that. It's just like fun And I'm like, oh, it's just entertaining people. Like, have fun with it.
00:35:12
Speaker
Yeah, I agree. I think those accounts that are just like perfect, um light and airy, and it's like the couple just looks like drop-down gorgeous. Yeah.
00:35:25
Speaker
probably wouldn't hire them. yeah It's just, it means nothing to me. Right? yeah so Yeah. I want to have the photographer when AJ and I get married, I want to have the photographer wearing her compression short sleeves and like getting on her knees and like laughing. And we're both talking about how creaky our knees are. That's what I want.
00:35:43
Speaker
That is hilarious. Okay. Talk about the name of your company. Is there any story to that, Sweet Potato? And also what it's like, like working with you. Oh my gosh. So I guess the boiled potato ah version of my the name, i thought its i thought it sounded cute, but honestly, like...
00:36:06
Speaker
it sweet potatoes are my favorite food. Like they're super versatile. Like I love them roasted, baked, like sauteed
Opportunities for Passive Income in Wedding Industry
00:36:12
Speaker
all the ways. um And because at the time, like I really wanted to focus more on like food and beverage and like kind of health and wellness and kind of that world.
00:36:20
Speaker
But then I said it, but then I wrote it down and then I said it out loud. And then I was like, it sounds cute. Sold. Like, I, it's my favorite food. i love, you know, they come in different colors. Like a Japanese sweet potato, the purple. It was like my favorite thing.
00:36:34
Speaker
So that was how my name. Yeah. Got started. And I kept it. I love sweet potato. Yeah. They're delicious. They're delicious. um Oh my gosh. And what it's like to work for me, think at the end of it, it's the same thing that my first word that my friends say when they describe me is like, it's fun.
00:36:53
Speaker
Like I, we like, I really, I've instilled this in my employee, like my team. I just, we care about the people that we work with. Like we want you to become our family. We're as invested in your business as you are.
00:37:05
Speaker
And um your your success is our success. You know, I don't, so many people are just like, you know, the, the, the gurus and the experts. And I was like, no, we're like like a part of your team. Like, and we want to get to the meat of who you are and then help us. Like, we want to tell your story.
00:37:21
Speaker
um So we'll be your but biggest advocate. Wedding pros. I have a new and exciting opportunity for you to make passive income with digital products and courses and affiliate marketing.
00:37:34
Speaker
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00:37:46
Speaker
And life just got a lot easier. Get your weekends back and comment at me at Carissa the word info, and I'll send you a free sneak peek guide on how to make passive income.
00:37:57
Speaker
And if you're ready to start making money from home while being there for the moments that matter, i can't wait to connect.
00:38:07
Speaker
Yeah, that's definitely a heck yes. it's like yeah I feel like and it takes a lot of like pressure off the company or like the person because time it's so time consuming social media. So yeah, it is. So it gives a lot of people anxiety.
00:38:23
Speaker
fair like I mean same I do it for a living and I'm probably at least three times a week wake up in a panic attack thinking did I post that to my personal account did is there a typo I you know i was like where did I say this it's on one of my five accounts oh my god do you I don't has this ever happened to you I had all these drafts one time ah reels but then like Instagram shut down and then I had to like reinstall and I lost all my and that was like learn the hard way Yeah, that was the biggest heart attack I've ever had. Yeah, me like losing even one in drafts. I was like in the faint. So imagine I can't imagine losing all of them.
00:38:56
Speaker
um We have 10 more minutes left, but I want you to because I'm kind of interested. But do you have any tips on like TikTok? And like, what is your TikTok account look like? I haven't. could you yeah um I know. So TikTok is so controversial. So extra hot topic.
00:39:15
Speaker
I love TikTok. it's i As far as like tips for it, I think first and foremost, like but that's the place where you can be the raw, the real one. Like that's like people go to TikTok to be entertained or to learn something. I mean, i don't, it's the first place I go to like look up a recipe.
00:39:32
Speaker
Or check out. So I think for that, it that's where you go and you just have fun. Like that's, I think is you spotlight your work, but in like a playful, like playful way post there often. i would say it's, it's not as easy as it used to be, yeah but like just posting once a day, whether it's a hot take, I feel like in the wedding world, like what would I I guess I see a lot more now that I'm engaged, like of wedding stuff, like the algorithms, like I see you i can't wait. I'm going to open it up later and be slammed with all of these but like wedding photographers. But I think like what I don't see, right. Is like people in a good way, like it would be so fun to like see a photographer, like celebrating other people's work and like kind of like lighting them up or maybe like, Oh, I saw this and sharing more like inspirational of like, and then how to stuff. Because I think,
00:40:24
Speaker
You know, it's a competitive industry. I get that. But it's also, like, you know, the right person is going to find you and be your thing. But, like, how cool to, like, lift each other up and, like, celebrate and collaborate versus, like, being nasty. Because I think it's so easy to go nasty and to, like, break, you know. And you're seeing this now with, like, there was that girl who...
00:40:43
Speaker
um postage She like washed her makeup off from the makeup artist. i don't know. But then the makeup artist blew up in a good way. But like it was kind of a like the way people will come to your side is awesome. um and but so i But I think it's so easy. Like we see so much of that. And like so bring more joy and like have fun with it.
00:41:00
Speaker
Yeah. and Yeah, just be who you really are. Like on TikTok, that's like the easiest way. And if you can, if you have the capacity, post every day. Like post a ah video every day. I was like like new followers opposed to like Instagram. So it spreads it out to random people. So that's like the the beauty of TikTok.
00:41:21
Speaker
And I would say too, like I would go while we have it, who knows what if for how long we'll have TikTok in the US. But I would say while you have it, prioritize TikTok first, have fun, and then take your top performing content and repurpose that to Instagram. That's a good tip.
00:41:35
Speaker
Good question for you is because you're engaged um and looking for your vendors, like what is – Some of the things you you look for, like obviously ah authenticity, but anything that you could shed a light on to us because we see everything as like tunnel vision. It's hard to see things from a different perspective.
00:41:53
Speaker
Yeah. Ooh, that's a good question. Because like we haven't actually started like fully thinking about it, but I think about it all the time. Or like talking about it, but I think about it every day. I think when I think about like wedding photographer and a videographer – I'm going to think first, I'm going to, I'm actually, because I work in the world of social, i want to find someone who maybe like kind of has like, does does more social first versus like a long form, you know, video like that I can have clips. Yeah.
00:42:22
Speaker
Because as a social media guru. i can't believe I just said that as as a social media, like, because I like, ew. um But no, as a social, like as a social media manager, strategist, like content creator, like that's one thing I do at all my friends' weddings. I ask them first because I will have my phone right in photos or something.
00:42:40
Speaker
um And I like to capture these moments. And then my gift to them is a wedding video, like a little mini social. Yeah. And that kind of to me is like short and digestible and I could watch it forever. for sure.
00:42:51
Speaker
But when I'm looking for like a person, so that's something that I just want. So if you're not doing, you know, for all those videographers and what if you're not offering like some sort of social package to go, like it would be a great if you have it.
00:43:03
Speaker
Wow. So you should do it. Yeah. um But I would look – I look for probably – I'm going to scroll your feed. I'm going to go deep, like deep. Because I want to see your, like, overall aesthetic.
00:43:15
Speaker
um If you have a niche and you have, a like, share that and share it often. Because I want – I don't want the person that can do all the things. I want the person that does the one thing that I love really, really well. Wow.
00:43:27
Speaker
Um, and then like, yeah, I kind of want to see their personality. Like i want to be like, what i do I want to spend the entire day with this person? Yeah. Like that matters to me.
00:43:38
Speaker
That's really good advice. Oh, man, this is a fun conversation. You're super fun. and um One more question. um Speak to the hearts of wedding pros that hate social media.
00:43:52
Speaker
And but then it's pretty much like the only way that they could get business besides like ads or whatever, um or referrals or networking. um How would you say like to just go about it i guess like their process saying like maybe new business and then translating that into social media like maybe like like the mapping of it or like the kind of like because people always tell me like oh i don't hate social media i don't know what to post blah blah blah like how to how do you go about that
00:44:31
Speaker
Yeah. I mean, this is going to sound so so so social media strategist specific and it's a lot of like jargon, but like the first thing you really need to think about are like, is like a bucket of of pillars, right? Like your brand pillar or really like the points that you want people to know.
00:44:50
Speaker
ah kind of boils back to like, what do you want people to say about you, right? And your brand. And so think about it, like if you're a wedding, like your new photographer, right, one of them is probably going to be cell, like a cell post, like a direct. So it's like showcasing your work, sharing reviews, like different things and kind of building that out.
00:45:07
Speaker
And then maybe it's kind of fun things. So, you you know, you want... You want fun. Like fun can just be a pillar. That's so broad. But like, so maybe you share like funny anecdotes or you do like memes or, you know, you share memes of like the, of a bride or something where you're like, that ah just aligns with how you feel that isn't maybe shaming someone like, oh,
00:45:26
Speaker
But like, there you know, those elements. so I think it's just thinking about like, i would say four things that you want, that you like to talk about or that you want to share. Like maybe you're super in you want to like become a teacher for photographer wedding photographers or maybe you're going to launch a course. So then it's like...
00:45:42
Speaker
Sharing like tips and educational. So I would say like educate and entertain or like the two yeah pill like brand kind of pillars that you should build those out first. And then I get it. Social media is a lot and it's always changing. And so um if you have the ability and the budget to like put it on to somebody else that can help you, i would say do that.
00:46:05
Speaker
But really, it's going to like find what works for you and find the parts of it that do light you up because there has to be something yeah about it, right, that lights you up. And maybe it's just sharing clips of like your work and different things. And and doing a voiceover if you're not comfortable being on screen, but like constantly just kind of like telling the story and and really find the parts that light you up and just do that.
00:46:26
Speaker
Like let go of the rest, like let go of the expectations that the algorithms keep telling us what we're supposed to do and just, and like do what feels good. And if you can outsource, like it's, you know, it's, I know it's not that simple, but it can be if you are ready to let it go and trust and invest so that you can invest in the other ways to grow your business.
00:46:47
Speaker
Yes, let it go. it go. And this is a perfect segue to tell everyone your very sweet offer for them, your sweet potato offer.
00:46:59
Speaker
Yes. Oh, my gosh. I kind of forgot that I had done that. but Thank you for reminding me. So um if you – there's a link that will be linked somewhere in the magical world of Carissa Wu.
00:47:10
Speaker
um And if you use the code heck yes, 100, you get 100% off of our 30 day content plan. So if you're an entrepreneur or somebody that just wants some help and you're not sure where to start, um just literally perfect segue. Like you said, is for you. And yeah, I hope you enjoy it.
00:47:26
Speaker
um And you can always hit me up, you know, via Instagram or TikTok if you have questions about it. um But yeah, I hope it's helpful and happy to share this with your amazing community. Thank you, Taylor. This is awesome conversation. You're super funny.
00:47:39
Speaker
Oh, um Thank you. You're so sweet. I'm so glad you reached out and I appreciate you so much. um And yeah, I'm just, thank you.
00:47:52
Speaker
Thanks for joining me this week on Get a Heck Yes with Carissa Wu. Make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, or tell a friend about the show. Take a screenshot and post to IG. Tag me. Also, don't forget to download my free guide on how to become a lead generating machine.
00:48:08
Speaker
See you next time, wedding pros.