122: 100 Real Followers > 10,000 Fake Ones: Bea Porter on Ditching Vanity Metrics 

Danny Gavin (Host): 00:05

Hello, I’m Danny Gavin, founder of Optidge, Marketing Professor and the host of the Digital Marketing Mentor. I’m really excited to welcome today’s guest, Bea Porter, who built a full-time agency out of a side hustle she started while working full-time and raising three kids as a single mom. She’s the founder and social media strategist behind Bea Connected, where she helps businesses show up online in a way that feels useful, relatable, educational, and above all human. Here’s the part of the story that I really love. Her very first paying client was a realtor who paid her $250 a month. And it was one mentor’s encouragement of being told she was really good at this and that she was really worth more that convinced her to finally raise her prices and start treating this like the real business it was becoming. From there she left her full-time job, grew be connected into a full-fledged agency, and then hit the wall, many of us hit burnout. So she did something most entrepreneurs talk about, but don’t actually do. She rebuilt her business around sustainability so that success supports her life instead of consuming it. Today we’re gonna talk about what genuine community actually looks like versus vanity metrics, as well as local marketing, event promotion, and using AI without losing the human side. How are you doing, B?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 01:35

Doing well. Thanks for having me.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 01:38

Long time coming. I can’t believe we’ve done a hundred episodes and only now having you on. I was gonna say leave the best for last, but this is not the last episode.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 01:45

This is not the last.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 01:47

So we’re good. All right. 

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 01:49

So ahead of launching your agency, can you walk us through that season of life where you had a full-time job, three kids, a social media side hustle? What did a typical week actually look like?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 01:59

It was normal job mom stuff, right? So three kids getting them ready for school, taking them, working a full day, coming home, all of that. And then in the evenings after they went to bed, or occasionally during like bathtime when they were preoccupied, I’d work on social media for a few clients, you know, started off with the one and then a few more. And I actually was I was thinking of this the other day. It sounds a little hectic and chaotic, but I really enjoyed working on social then. I mean, I still do, but I really enjoyed it. So it didn’t feel like I was putting my kids to bed and then doing a whole bunch of work. It was exciting and I really wanted to learn more. So it was kind of like fun for me too. But it was it was busy.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 02:46

No, but I mean that’s amazing. And it wasn’t like you necessarily needed to do it, but it was like you had this passion and you just kept going deeper and deeper.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 02:54

Yes, that is how it started. I did not need to do it. I really enjoyed it, and the full-time job that I had at the time was like, eh, we don’t really need social media. I’m like, but maybe you do. So I started doing it for other people. And then it did turn into something, you know, because of life, a necessity that I needed to make more money. And so I took on more clients, but it started off just like, hey, I’m really into this and I want to dive into it more.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 03:19

So can you tell me about that first ping client, the realtor at $250 a month? What did that first real gig teach you?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 03:25

She had Bean asking me to do her social media for a while. And I was like, no, no, no, it’s just a side thing, you know, like something I do. And finally I was like, why am I, you know, let me just let me step the toe in, dip the toe in just a little bit. But now that someone was like paying me to do it, even though it was only 250 a month, which like how many hours I was putting in really not that much. I was like, I better be really good at it. Back then, this was like pre-AI. So I was like Googling everything, right? And just trying to figure out like how to develop a social media strategy and what does that look like and what you know, all the things. So I really, she probably got, I mean, above and beyond, right? Because I just put it all in. But I’m like, if I’m gonna charge someone, I better know what I’m doing. So that actually laid the framework for I mean, all the clients ahead of it. That was the first time I I really did social media in a true, like professional setting, I would

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 04:20

 say.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 04:20

So, what was the moment you knew you could leave your full-time job and go all in on be connected?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 04:25

Okay, so I remember thinking I can do three clients. Like this I can do, right? Like full-time job, three kids. At this point, I was, did we say I was a single mom? I was a single mom, uh, not to mention the millions of pets I decided to adopt also, but that’s just a side note. I was like, I can still manage three clients and keep my sanity and it’ll be fun. But I started getting more clients come in and I started turning them away because I was like, well, I just don’t have the time. And I’m like, why am I turning clients away? Like, this makes no sense. You know, I need to be making more money if I want to be able to support myself and my kids. I have the opportunity to do that with this business. So, I mean, there was a lot of moving pieces, but I remember if you’re getting to the point where you’re turning clients away, then like if you can make that leap. Um, and so that’s what I did. Yeah, I put in my, I think I gave six weeks notice because I was at that job for a long time. But I did give them a good amount of notice. And then I gave myself, I think I can’t remember exactly, but I think I was like, I just need like two months or something. I can’t remember what it was, but I was like, if I can put it all in for two months and really make this work, let’s see where it goes. And I treated, even though I only had a few clients at the time, once I left my full-time job, I treated my business like a full-time job. So while my kids were at school, I was doing networking meetings, I was, you know, reaching out to people, I was working like even if I didn’t have client work because I was really trying to make it grow and it totally paid off, obviously.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 05:55

And I know you’ve had a really good work ethic your whole life. I think you started working at a young age, right? So I’m sure that helped move into that situation of like being in a full-time job under someone and then running your own business.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 06:07

Yeah, you have to be a self-starter. You have to get out of your own way. I actually hate being micromanaged. It drives me nuts. I’m really good at getting things done and figuring things out. And I enjoy doing that. I think it was something that I always, yes, I worked from a very like as soon as I could get a job, I did. And I was like 15 as the earliest they would hire me. I’ve worked my entire life. And even when I like took some time off, when I was, you know, had my babies. I think I was working from home. But I also was really good at doing like online school back before, like pre-COVID, when it wasn’t available to everyone, because I’m just good at doing those things on my own and managing my own time. And I think that is something that’s needed for this type of well, any business owner. You have to be able to manage yourself and have that strong work ethic and then bring it to all of your clients. That’s the other thing. You have to treat your clients. Well, actually, I treat my clients better than I treat myself because please don’t look at my social media right now. Like you have to treat them. Uh, that work ethic has to transfer not just to your business, but all of their businesses.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 07:11

So the clients are coming in, you built the business, but there was a moment that uh it led to burnout and you had to reshape the business. So, what did burnout actually look like for you day to day?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 07:22

It’s just exhausting. And I know that we’ve had conversations around this, but I think, and I think you were growing optage at the same time around this. And I was like, I want that. Like, I want a team of people. I really wanted to grow really big. And I was like, and I’ll just oversee everything. But at the same time, I’m still a parent. And my my kids had, they really needed me, you know, they needed mom. And I like to be the PTO mom. I’m an excellent Pinterest mom. I was really good at it, you know. So I wanted to do all of those things. And then I also wanted to grow this really big business. And I also wanted to have my hobbies and do my yoga. And it’s just not possible, right? And so I had to kind of reevaluate what really mattered to me in the long run. And I was like, it, and also in this season of life, sorry, not the long run, in this season of life. Like I’m 42, my kids are still young. I needed to create a life where I could be the parent that I wanted to be because that’s what mattered most, to where I wasn’t so exhausted all the time. And so by doing that, I had to make a shift within my business. I actually remember a conversation me and you had because we were talking about this and how I was like, I don’t have enough hours in a day. And you were like, Well, do you need to hire someone to help you with the business, or do you need to hire a nanny to help you with the kids? And I was like, that’s a good, like, I like thought, like, what is it? And I was like, no, I want more time with my kids. I need to hire someone to help with the business. And then it turned into something even more when we did that. I felt like I got so far away from the client work with the business, I hired too many people. And so then I was burnt out again. And so that’s when I was like, you know what? This season of life, I don’t want a big business. I don’t want a huge agency. I want to have a small number of clients that I can really work with, create these close relationships. I want to be a mom and do as much of that mom Pinterest PTO stuff as I can. And I want to be able to have my weekends to do my yoga or spend time with my kids, whatever it is that we’re doing. So I scaled back my business. I no longer have a team of people. I created boundaries, some really strong boundaries, which took a lot of self-work to do. So I don’t work past three o’clock. I don’t take meetings on Fridays. And that’s purposely so I can get all my work out of the way before the weekend. And I can get all my work done before my children come home. And it created a work-life balance that was amazing. And I’ve never had a client be like, Oh, you have kids, we don’t want to hire you. Or you don’t work on Friday. Sorry, you’re not, you know, like they understand. So it’s it’s Bean great since I started that. What was the question?

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 10:15

Well, I don’t know if you want to share this, but financially, would you say, are you better off than where you are when you had a team?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 10:22

Yes, I am actually financially better off. I really am. It’s in that one, that was a thing, is I was like, okay, I could create a whole big business and manage a bunch of people and probably eventually have a you know a bunch of money without having to do maybe as much work or maybe do the same amount of hours, but not the same work. I was not happy. I really was not happy. So now I’m making the amount of money that I want to be making, that I need to be making to live a life that is comfortable and provide for myself and my kids and my pets. But I’m also not burnt out on having to manage people on top of clients. And I feel that closer connection with my clients, which I just I I love. And I have all the time in the world for my kids, which is what’s really important to me. Now, you know, 10 years from now, and my kids are all out of the house. Maybe I do shift to an agency. I don’t know. But right now and this season of life, that’s not for me. And and that’s okay.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 11:20

Yeah, and I love it because you’re the person who’s defining your success. And so success is not being written by someone else. It has to be this big company. And on the contrary, often being like a solopreneur and not having a team, you can make more money. Once you get into the agency business, there’s a long period where it’s like you actually make less before you can make more. So it’s just cool. I think it’s giving people like lots of options, right? There’s not one. And in the day, you need to be happy. Like if you’re not happy, then what’s the point of all of it?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 11:48

Yeah, exactly.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 11:49

What would you tell someone right now who’s in the exact same spot? They have a full-time job, a side hustle, they got kids, and they’re not sure if it’s a real business yet.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 11:58

Just do it. Just you’ve you’ve got to try. If it’s something, I mean, what matters to you right now? Are you happy in your full-time job? Maybe it is just a side hustle and that is all you need. And you’re like, I just want to make some extra money and I enjoy doing this. If you’re doing it and you’re like, I dread turning on my computer to do social media work, then maybe it’s not right. If you’re like, I dread going to work every day, then okay, maybe I do need it and I get excited about the social media work. Okay, focus your energy where you’re excited. If you’re not doing it just because you’re scared, well, that’s on you. That’s on you, you know. You get over it. You’ve you do look. If you go back on my social from years ago, like I posted stupid stuff. My original logo, I go back and look at it, I’m like, oh, it’s horrible. Like, but you know what? I would have never learned had I not gotten started. And have I made mistakes? Oh my God, yes. But that’s how you learn, you know, you have to get started. It’s it’s the only way you have to get out of your own way. You’re not gonna know if it works unless you try. And you can’t just, you can’t just put a toe in. You can’t, you have to go all in. And so that’s like when I left my job to start this business, I only had three clients. I did reach out to the ones I turned away, but at that point, I only had three clients and I treated it like it was a full-time business and I went all in. So, yeah, get out of your own way, figure out what matters, you know, put your efforts in where it excites you. I think that’s that’s all good advice, but just get started. You just got

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 13:36

 to get started.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 13:37

Awesome. All right, so now that we know your story and a credible story, let’s talk shop. How should a small business think differently about writing content if they’re optimizing for their client instead of just adding a bunch of hashtags?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 13:50

I always have like a topic in mind. So I’ll create the content on that topic. I try, I kind of have a formula that I use now. So the first line, I do want it to be like a hook. I want it to grab the, you know, the reader’s attention. The hook doesn’t always have to be negative. People always think it has to be like a pain point. You don’t have to do that every single time, but just something to grab their attention. And then there’s the meat of the post where I’m it’s more of like a conversation. Like you want to have a conversation with your audience. People used to think that, like, and it did used to be the same, social media was like one really quick, clever comment, and then your brick of hashtags, and that’s it. Now people do want more meat. Have your quick hook, give them a little bit more information. And in that conversation side of the copy, I do like to include, and this is where your SEO comes in naturally, like things that people want to know. What are your customers asking? What are they interested in? Add that into your copy. And people always like, well, isn’t it too long? No one’s gonna read that much. I’m like, if they only read the hook, okay. But if they read the whole post, give them something good to read, you know? It’s Bean around. And now that people are using keywords in their social posts, but you don’t want to do it like we know. You wouldn’t want to do it on a website or blog post where you just put a brick of keywords. Make it conversational. I’m gonna throw in AI here. If you’re gonna use AI, I’m all for it. I love AI, I really do. But you’ve got to rewrite it into your voice. Like AI can give you a good foundation, but please, please, please, please go in and write it as if it was you talking to someone. Read your content out loud. And if you’re like, I would never say that, rewrite it, please.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 15:36

I think that advice is great, right? Just say read it out loud because then you’ll know.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 15:41

Yeah, seriously.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 15:43

So, in the world of social media, there’s like genuine community and then vanity metrics. So, what’s the real difference between a genuine follower and a vanity metric follower?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 15:53

And I I’m actually surprised. I still have clients come to me, they’re like, we want like a million followers. And I’ll tell them, I can get you a million followers. I can, I can I’ve done it. I can get so I haven’t done a million. Sorry, that’s a little, that’s a that’s a stretch. But I’ve gotten a lot of followers with the clients like I have this number in mind and I want, but I tell them, like, yeah, we can do that. But these are going to be followers that maybe like a post, maybe follow you and then never interact with your page again. They’re doing nothing. They’re just sitting there. And in fact, they’re probably hurting your engagement because you have now have all these followers that maybe followed you because they liked one ad or one giveaway or one post and they’re following, but they’re not engaging with anything else. And so you have now become irrelevant in the eyes of Instagram, Facebook, whoever it is, to your followers. I would rather you have a hundred followers that are gonna come to your store or click to your website or engage with your content than 10,000 followers that have no idea who you are. Followers is a metric that we track and it’s important, but I like to see slowly increasing followers over time because we gave them a reason to follow you. Like, why am I gonna follow you? What are you posting that’s so interesting beyond that giveaway that I liked and I followed I never engaged with again? It used to be a big thing, and this was like so long ago. So we’re far away from that. That like you were only relevant if you had thousands and thousands of followers and you weren’t supposed to follow anyone else. That is that is long gone. And if you’re wanting that, I mean, you’re just gonna be paying money for followers for validation. So I think, you know, like we we’ve got to get away from that. That’s not the type of social that I do.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 17:39

And I know that based on what you said before about having too many followers could hurt you, you’ve actually helped clients remove followers. Like actually find a way to find the followers who aren’t doing anything and take them off because uh that actually could hurt you.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 17:52

Yeah, for clients that have Bean around for a long time where it was a big thing, or you you might have had a giveaway that got 20,000 followers. And giveaways, that’s all we could do, that’s a whole separate podcast. We could go, my thoughts on that. But those followers can be hurting you. They’re not engaging with you at this point. Get rid of them. And there are ways of doing that that we could, you know, go into or just do a Google search.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 18:14

It’s there. So let’s go into some case studies because we’ve worked on a lot of clients before. So let’s talk about that. So one of the projects was an online fitness community brand, saw engagement grow 250% in a single month, built on real conversations rather than typical workout marketing. What did that real conversation strategy look like in practice?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 18:35

The target audience for them were moms. So that was like bread and butter for me. Their audience just wanted to feel heard and validated, but they also did want quality information. They wanted to be educated, they wanted to know that the information was correct. So it wasn’t that they had bad content, it was that they weren’t consistent about posting the content. So, first I came in with the strategy and I was like, you know, we need a content calendar. We didn’t know what we’re posting, when we’re posting it, you know, we can’t just like slap things up. So we became more consistent with what we were posting when we were posting. We had a variety of content between like graphics and videos and educational posts and humor. The content was not only about sign up for this program, right? It was educating, it was giving away some free like tips, free workouts, free, like there was a lot of free stuff. The reason why you joined is because you wanted more. You liked so much of what you see. You like, I need more of that, right? We increased the engagement purely by posting consistently, posting a variety of content because some people like videos, some people like blogs, some people like you’ve got to do some people like infographics, like you’ve gotta do a variety of content so you can appeal to people in all different areas. And then we also engaged back. So they were getting tagged in posts, they were getting there’s lots of comments that weren’t being responded to. You’ve got to respond to those comments. If someone’s gonna tag your post, of course, if it tag you in a post, of course, if it’s not in line with your brand, you don’t want to share that tag. But if it is, share it. Maybe do a whole nother post and post them on your page. People love that. And then you’re increasing that engagement. You’re getting more people to post about you. We just made their audience feel seen. We really did. They wanted to participate more. It wasn’t just one thing. Like you have to have good content that people want to engage with. You have to be posting that good content correctly, and then you have to be giving them that feel good, like, repost, respond to their comment, you know, and all of that together helps increase your engagement and reach overall and followers, real followers.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 20:51

Well, people may not know, but you are the organic social media ABA therapy

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 20:56

 queen. Um we’ve had we’ve worked on some together. Obviously, you’ve worked on your own. We’ve had scary ABA clients and really nice ones. But yeah, bottom line is you really know your stuff. So let’s talk about a specific regional autism services center. And for those who don’t know what ABA therapy is, it’s a type of therapy for children with autism. So for that specific center, you nearly tripled its audience and gave monthly reach from under 3,000 to over 40,000, like literally three to 40 by leaning into thought leadership, compassionate expert content. What let a small local niche organization build that kind of trust online?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 21:34

If I’m remembering correctly, we’re not doing paid ads at the time, also when we originally did this. It was all organic. Now we did do some boosted posts, but when I boost posts, and I think for them, it’s a very small budget. I’m talking like $50 a month, small budget. And they started off in just one city, and then we grew them throughout several locations throughout Texas. So we did a few different things. One It’s parents of children on the spectrum was the target audience. And then parents in general, because there are, you know, moms of like children usually are diagnosed around. I don’t don’t quote me at this. I am not an ABA therapist, but I think it was closer to like three or four when I and so there’s the parents of younger children that we wanted to engage also, because that’s potential audience. So we first partnered with like-minded businesses, so dentist’s office and pediatricians, and we posted content with them and connection with them. We also posted about local events that had nothing to do with us. So people think sometimes I’m only going to post my events. No, like these parents needed to know what to do with their kids. And so we did sensory-friendly events all throughout Sugarland, sensory-friendly events all throughout San Antonio, you know, and so we gave it for the month. And so we became this like hub of all things autism in their local community. And it was great. That’s how we got people in there. I love doing local. I don’t just love doing ABA therapy. I love doing local because it’s just, it’s so fun. There’s so many opportunities to reach people. But by posting local content and highlighting these local businesses, other businesses that were not competitors, but kind of like like-minded businesses. And then we would boost those posts to parents in those specific regions. We were able to build this audience. And the audience was not just followers of, you know, parents that will never reach out to the business. We actually did get a lot of um people contacting the business. And then they started doing some webinars and we got people signed up. They did a few in-person events and people came to those. I mean, it it was great. It was awesome. And I I do, I think I did a good job.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 23:49

So yeah, one of the things that I know about you is you really come up with awesome ideas. Like no, and those ideas work, right? So it’s pretty cool. One other thing that I know you’re good at, and and I would love for you to share is obviously you have clients across the country, but you do also have clients that are local. And one of the advantages of having a local client is you can actually go into their office, uh, videotape them, and so that you can get video content. I believe that’s something you like to do, but you’re also really good at. You want to just say more about, you know, what does a video session look like, why you do them, and and if someone wanted to do them themselves, what’s the best way to do it?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 24:24

Oh my God. Video content, it’s so much fun to do for other people. I hate doing it for myself. Like I need someone to come interview me. Yeah, but my face is covered. I can’t see myself. That’s why it works. Video content is is hard. It’s hard for people. I totally get it, especially when it’s not does something that doesn’t come natural for you, but it’s so needed right now. You have to have video on social. Like it’s just part of you have to if you want to stay relevant and compete with the other people out there that are on social with your competitors, they’re probably doing video. The best way to do video that I love doing it this way for many reasons. I come into the office, I’ll put it up like interview style. So I have my little tripod and I’m behind the, you know, the tripod, and I’m just asking them questions. And it’s really like we’re having a conversation. It’s like this. And so, yes, we will laugh, we will get I have loads of behind the scenes that are hilarious. But all I’m doing is asking them a question that maybe their customer would ask them. Sometimes I’ll bring in my ring light, but sometimes you don’t even need that. You can really do it with just a cell phone. Like if you’re doing it yourself, just put up a selfie, you know. And it’s really just this like talking head videos, right? But it’s great because you’re getting to see the personality behind the people that are posting. You’re getting to know, you know, I’m getting to know my clients better. That means their audience is getting to know them better. And then you can take that content, and this is where I love AI. I put it into right now, I’m using Opus. And so I’ll put it in there. It’ll give me the transcript. I’ll put the transcript into Chat GBT and I’m like, create a blog post using only this content. And then I read it. You never just copy and paste and post, but you’re able to not only get video content, you can get a blog post, you can get social all from these interviews. So it’s amazing and something that people can totally do on their own. Or if they want to hang out with me for an hour, like I’m happy to come do it. But it’s really cool. I have so many different clients that we’ve done videos for healthcare, diamonds, misothelioma. Like, I mean, I’m talking completely different range of clients, but it’s so fun when you go in and you’re able to interview them and hear them talk about why they do what they do and that they’re passionate about it. And it really creates some great content, not just for so not just in those videos, but then it helps me when I’m creating other types of posts.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 26:53

So, do I see an audio only podcast coming out soon, maybe?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 26:57

Oh my God. Um, we’ll get back to you on that. I’ve heard, I’ve heard, and this is not if I’ve not because most people say they have a oh no, that that’s the face for radio. I’ve heard that I do have a good voice for audio. So people have told me that. Thank my mom, she put me in speech therapy when I was younger.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 27:17

Shout out to B’s mom. Another thing that you’re also really good at is event promotion, something you specialize in.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 27:25

 What actually gets people to show up? Not just like or RSVP to a post.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 27:30

The problem is, is a lot of people will be like, I have this event next week. Let me post about it right now and get a lot of people to come. Yeah, social media and people might, I mean, this sounds kind of backwards because social media is immediate, right? It’s just immediate on your feed. I’m gonna scroll, like a post, move on. That’s from the user’s perspective, from the poster’s perspective or the business, the organization, whoever, you know, you’ve got to play the long game. So I always tell people think about who your ideal client is and where are they a year before they ever come to you, a year before they ever come to your event. That’s who you are creating content for. So you want these people, not to say if you have an event next week and you’re like, I didn’t start soon enough, just post it. Like, do it. But ideally, you’re posting months in advance. And let’s just walk through a scenario. You post your first event, you’re like, I didn’t post it, I’m supposed to, it’s happening next week. Go ahead and post it, anyways. Two people show up, like, oh my God, this is terrible. Take some strategic pictures of the two people, you know, place them and still post about it. Post the next week and say, oh my God, we had such a great time. Post a few pictures, post pictures of the food from the event if there was food, people love food, and create a highlight and then do it again. And next time, maybe post a little bit sooner and add the agenda, add any sort of vendor if you are having, you know, I don’t know how big this event is, what’s going to be happening, speakers. You have to lead up to the event. But if the event is not getting a lot of traction, I don’t think that you should just cancel the event. I do think you need to have that follow-through and try not to be so disheartened if only one or two people show up. So I this is I actually had a client who did a summer series last year. And maybe it was a six-week series. And the first one, nobody showed up. But we took pictures, we made the speaker look like they were speaking. It was great. We posted about it. And then the next week, people showed up, just a few. I think I can’t remember what happened, if it was like the third or fourth one, but even more people showed up. And so you just have to keep going. Post in advance, keep posting, post inside the event, create the event on Facebook, let people know what it’s about, and then create that FOMO afterwards, even if you were like, hey, that was actually a bust. If you know in your mind, like it shouldn’t have Bean a bust, I know this could have Bean better, then let people know what they were missing and and repeat, but just do it a little bit better. I could go on to events. I literally, I feel like I just brushed on it. I really could go on events and local, because you can put events on Google Business. You can put it on next door. Okay, that’s it. There’s more. Just there’s so much you can do with it.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 30:22

I just love how like not giving up because sometimes it’s hard, man. Like you, the fact that after that first one, you’re like, no, we’re gonna do it and we’re gonna continue. That’s gumption. But honestly, that is really who you are, right? Like you’ve had highs and lows, and you keep going pushing through. And and so it’s amazing that you don’t just embody that with yourself, but you embody that with your clients, and then it brings to real success. I think that’s over this next part is gonna be a little bit more personal, and we’re gonna talk about mentorship.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 30:50

 Be how do you define mentorship based on your own experience receiving it?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 30:54

From my experience, a mentor has not, it’s Bean it’s a friend, and this is funny because like you have actually, I mean, you’re a friend, but you’ve also Bean a mentor to me. And a lot of people think, I guess growing up, maybe I thought mentorship is someone much older than you and much more. I mean, we’re the same age, but you have different experiences, and so I’m able to learn a lot from you. So a mentor not only just teaches you from their expertise, but also supports and can provide guidance and be like a sounding board. But I think that’s because my mentors are also my friends. I don’t try to think if I have a mentor that’s not one. So maybe I’m blurring the relationship. Support would be another great word for it.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 31:42

Yeah. So let’s talk about another mentor/slash friend. That’s Grace at Awakened Yoga Studio. How has she shaped your thinking about values and what you want to build? You know, she’s a yoga studio owner, which is very different than a social media owner. But how how has chats with her and your friendship influenced your marketing business?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 31:58

The way I met her was when I was going through yoga teacher training. And it was actually in that training, I always tell people it’s like life training. It was in that training that I actually decided to make that leap of leaving my full-time business and starting social media. And there’s a lot of work done in yoga teacher training about figuring out who your authentic self is and core values. You know, we talk about core values with businesses have values, right? You have your mission, your values. But sometimes people don’t think about it enough with themselves. It’s a it’s a huge thing. Going back to what you asked me at the beginning of this podcast is what would I be telling somebody if they’re in the same position that I was, you know, like nine years ago? What are your values? Where do they lie? That’s if you are strong and knowing what your values are, it’s very easy to make decisions at that point. Yeah, Grace really helped me. And that was more of a mentorship role. And then we just became really good friends. So now she’s also again mentor who’s a friend. And we talk business all the time. She has brick and mortar, I’m online, two completely different businesses, but there’s still some things that, you know, just talking it out with another entrepreneur or some, you know, can help being a sounding board.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 33:13

So similar to core values, you’ve said that your why is someone’s strongest marketing strategy. How do you help a client or even a friend who says they don’t know their why?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 33:22

When we do a strategy session, I do always ask people their why. And some people will say, Well, I want to make money. And I’m like, okay, well, I get that. But like you can make money. There’s a million different ways to make money. Why do you want to make money in this way? And usually something will come out. So there’s something I tell people, actually, we’ll tell my kids this uh when I ask them a question. I don’t know. Well, you can’t say I don’t know. So if you can’t say I don’t know, then what’s the next thing that you’re gonna say? And so when you take away, like, okay, well, I get that you want to make money, it’s almost saying, like, you can’t say I don’t know, and it forces them to really think about everyone goes into a field for some reason. You know what I mean? I went into them, obviously, I’ve worked in so many different things. I don’t even know if you know this. Maybe you do, but I’ve started other businesses. I had a cupcake business, I was a dog trainer, like I’ve done so many other little things. You know, I sold Avon, which really is a business of its own. None of those stuck because I didn’t really enjoy doing them. If you asked me why I was doing those, maybe I could have given you an answer. I’m in social media and it’s lasted for nine years now because of how much I really enjoy it. And there’s a lot more, and I could go into my why, but everyone has a why of why they ended up. And oh, I’m going back to something else that you actually have taught me. Sometimes I like to answer questions for people and call it the ADD, I don’t know. That I used to ask a question and then I’d be like, for example, you could say XYZ. And I stopped that because you’re like, some, you know, if you don’t give them examples and just let them kind of think for a little bit that something will come out. And so I did stop doing that. People get a little uncomfortable at first, you know? And so I think that’s why I was like trying to save them from being uncomfortable. But in that discomfort is where the real stuff comes up. So yeah, you can everyone has a why. You just gotta sift through the other stuff to find it.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 35:13

Yeah, in a conversation, that moment of silence is the superpower because man, it’s uncomfortable and you just want to go in and save them. But if you just control yourself, good things come out. I agree with you.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 35:24

Yeah.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 35:24

Now you’re also a mentor. How are you a mentor to the clients and in-house teams that you train and you speak with?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 35:31

I have a lot of people, it’s so funny, like even like years after doing a webinar or working with a client, if we’re no longer working, I’ve had people reach out through LinkedIn or text messages asking questions. Um, and that really is a really fun part of it. I love giving the little like quick advice. And there is a part of me that obviously a soft spot for single moms and women that want to do something, like grow themselves and and do something bigger. I think in particular, any business owner, not just marketers, I love helping people start businesses. And I think that I’ve Bean a really good sounding board. So, but I, you know why? It’s because I’m I’m like your number one fan. And it says that on my website, but that’s because that’s where it came from. And I think that’s why I love doing this. So when people are like, I want to start a business, I’m like, okay, let’s go. How do we do it? And I can give them that advice, but I can also give them that support and run with it. You know, some of them run with it, some of them don’t. But you know, it’s, I guess that’s the way that I provide the mentorship with not just people in my position and not just other social media managers that are just starting out or like freelancers, which I definitely have helped people with like pricing. I don’t see them as competitors, you know what I mean? Like I have some really good friends that are also social media managers and I refer them business, they refer me business, and I help them out a lot. Like, I’ll I’ll tell you exactly how I do things, you know. I’m like here because I want to see everyone be successful. And I think that’s part of why I’m really good at what I do.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 37:07

It’s a wonderful answer. You’re there for people whenever, wherever. And by helping others, you also help yourself. Not that you’re doing it to help yourself, but it’s just a natural, beautiful gift that you get back when you help others. All right. It’s time for our lightning round. I’m gonna ask a quick question, and you can give a quick answer, or if you feel like you need to explain a little more, you also can. It’s not a good one.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 37:27

Don’t give me room to explain. You know it’ll go on forever. Okay.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 37:32

All right. So, what’s one social media trend you wish would disappear?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 37:36

Clickbait. Ugh, I hate it. Sorry. Ugh.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 37:42

Organic or paid, pick a side just for today.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 37:44

Come on. Organic. Just for today?

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 37:49

Yeah, just for today, you know.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 37:50

Just for you, paid. But no, it’s organic.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 37:54

What’s one tool besides AI in general, right? You can’t run your business without does internet count?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 38:00

A strong Wi-Fi signal. No, you know what? And people hate on this. I love Google Sheets. I love it. I I’m not going away from it. All the people can, you know, I get all the ads. I love it. Google Sheets. It’s so good. It’s so easy. Excel from the beginning.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 38:16

And I think it’s a good point because a lot of people like students, like, oh, I’m a creative person, social media. But you know what? You’d also need to know different skills and knowing spreadsheets goes.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 38:24

Oh, a thousand percent really good. Learn, excel, and Google Sheet. My goodness, it’ll save your life. Like so many, it’s amazing. The organization, yeah.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 38:33

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten besides that you’re worth it?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 38:37

Was that the best piece of advice, Danny? I wonder who said that.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 38:40

No, no, I don’t know who’s the best piece of advice.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 38:42

You said that. You said that. I why why does it have to be besides you’re worth it? I think that really was. It really, really was like 10 years ago, I didn’t believe in myself. And so I need someone else to believe in me. And you did that, and Grace did that. And I had some really good friends at that time that did that. And then I had a lot of people that were like, oh my God, B, do not leave your full-time job to start a business playing on social media. You have three kids to support. What are you thinking? To know you’re worth it. Yeah, that was that was great. And you told me to charge more.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 39:18

I was gonna say, people are gonna think that I set up that question, but I really didn’t.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 39:24

It’s amazing.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 39:26

And last one, best book or movie, it could be all time or something you’re reading now or watching now that you really enjoy.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 39:31

No, no, no. Best book that I recommend to everybody is Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanley. I think she actually that was from Married last time. I think so she goes by a different last name. Overcoming Underearning, oh my God, read it, read it, read it, read it, read it. It’s a very short read for anyone who can’t read because you have a million kids and pets, but it’s it’s fantastic. It’ll if you’re starting any sort of business or if you’re in any kind of like light, I just read it. Just read it. Just read it.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 40:00

Yeah, we’ll definitely include the link below. That’s awesome.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 40:02

Yeah.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 40:03

So what’s next for Be Connected? Are there any current projects or shifts in focus or big things that are coming up?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 40:08

Yeah, it’s funny because you were talking, you brought up, I think, I don’t know what you called me, ABA Therapy Queen, something like that. Um I’ve Bean working with a lot of ABA therapists, and it just for some reason, um, it does seem to be something I’m very good at. And I don’t know, I don’t know, I can’t put a reason why, but I have worked with so many ABA therapists and I’ve done a lot of these videos with BCBAs. So I want I am putting together like a sort of webinar to help with not just therapy centers, but also just individual BCBAs and marketing. So I’m really excited about that. It’s still in the works. I don’t know when this podcast is going live and I might not be ready, but putting it out there. See, I’m just getting started. You just gotta put it out there. It’s not even ready yet. And I’m telling you about it. Now I have to do it.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 40:57

Well, we’re definitely gonna promote that once it comes out or before, right? Because we can’t wait till the day before. All right. So where should listeners go to connect with you and follow your work?

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 41:09

Well, if I were to take my own advice, you should follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram and Facebook. But I don’t. But maybe, maybe this will be that oomph I needed, you know. So go follow me and then be like, hey, how come you haven’t posted in two months? And maybe that’ll shame me into doing it.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 41:27

I’ve got some cool clawed tricks, which we’ll leave for another episode, but I’m gonna tell you one-on-one and hopefully that will help you a bit.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 41:34

Okay, perfect. Well, I might just take the recording from this and create a few social posts leading so then I have my content already. We just need to do these once a month, and I’ll be good.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 41:45

So All right. Well, Bea, thank you so much for such an awesome conversation and showing me and all the wonderful listeners what it looks like to build a business, even when it seems like impossible or hard, but you’re just gonna do it. And obviously, a wonderful community and friendship and all these genuine conversations one at a time.

 

Bea Porter (Guest): 42:06

Yeah, thanks for having me. This has been great.

 

Danny Gavin (Host): 42:08

Absolute pleasure. Thank you for listening to the Digital Marketing Mentor Podcast. Be sure to check us out online at thedor.com and at the dm mentor on Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts for more marketing mentor magic. See you next time.