There’s so much buzz about Instagram – it definitely is a super popular social media platform right now that lots of businesses are using to attract and engage with their clients. If you think you’re ready to jump on the Instagram bandwagon, let’s get started!

I bet you thought the first thing I was going to tell you to do is create an account.  Wrong!  If you’re planning on using Instagram for your business, you need to determine how, and if,  it will fit into your overall marketing plan.

Is Instagram the right platform for your business?

Things to consider:

• This is a big one – does your ideal client even hang out on Instagram?  How do you know?  Start asking your current clients or people you would like to do business with.  If not, then this platform may end up being a waste of time, and we all know how precious time is when it comes to our business.
• Will you enjoy this type of platform?  Instagram is a VISUAL storytelling platform.  Do you like visuals like photographs,  graphics and videos?
• Do you have the resources and know-how to create consistent content for your feed?  Do you enjoy photography?  Creating graphics?  If not, do you have people you can hire to do this for you or will you buy pre-made visual content like stock photography?
• Do you have time in your schedule to post on a regular basis?  How often will you post?  Think about a schedule you can commit to including the number of times you post each day and the number of days you post each week.

If you answered yes then it’s time you get started on Instagram!

To make things easier for you, I created an Instagram Startup Guide.  FREE and yours for the taking!

Personally I LOVE Instagram!  It’s my favorite social media platform and I highly recommend it to fellow creatives!

If you are currently using it, put your account name in the comments so I can check out your feed.

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Last month I had a great experience photographing and attending an in person business workshop in the city (NYC) held by successful entrepreneur Chris Winfield.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the comfort zone of sitting behind our computer, taking online workshops, challenges and courses but there’s definitely something to be said for actually being live with people!

This particular workshop was on the smaller more intimate side – about a dozen or so people in attendance.  There are definitely benefits to both large scale and intimate events but for the purpose of this post I’m focusing on the smaller ones and what I liked about this workshop in particular.  It definitely had elements that I would look for in future workshops that I would attend.

1 – Intimate, Inviting Location

I’ve attended large scale events in the past with thousands of people in attendance, in venues like stadiums.  They’re large, crowded, usually freezing and there’s no real personal connection.  This workshop was held in a brownstone.  The setting was warm, homey and inviting  – like being in your friend’s living room!  It immediately put me at ease.

2 – Someone To Eat With

When the events start in the morning, who has time for breakfast beforehand or that dreaded time when you break for lunch and you don’t have anyone to go with.  Awkward!!!   On top of that, not knowing where to go.  You waste your time walking the neighborhood looking for a place to eat ALONE only to be disappointed with your selection.  Here both breakfast and lunch were provided!

When we arrived in the morning we were welcomed with fruit, muffins coffee and juice and it was a great way for everyone to break the ice and get to know one another.

At lunch everyone sat TOGETHER around the table and continued the conversation from what we discussed in the first part of the workshop.

3 – Attendee Participation

How many times have you attended a workshop where it was lecture style and even though the topic was interesting, you had to do everything in your power not to fall asleep?  Come on – I can’t be the only one who this happens to!  This workshop was very hands on and interactive.  Everyone had a chance to speak and we were given real time exercises that we worked on right there so we were able to get feedback right away.

4 – Accessibility

Because it was a paid workshop, it attracted a certain level of people.  I think it’s such a benefit to put yourself in situations where people are more successful than you.  There’s so much to learn!!  Besides the obvious of what you get from the workshop leader, having access to the other attendees, hearing their stories and their conversations about their businesses are priceless!  Just hearing their tactics and seeing how they think was really eye opening!

Chris made himself available to everyone as well.

I was able to sit with him one on one and brainstorm some of my ideas and it was great to get feedback and a different way to look at things.  Sometimes we’re too close to an idea that we can’t see the big picture.

5 – Expanding Your Network

Another benefit which may not seem as obvious it to be able to expand your network.  I know for me I love to be able to make connections for people.

For example it was beneficial for me to meet the videographer (Darvinder) at this workshop because as a photographer I’m frequently asked for videographer recommendations. It’s a double win because I get to refer business to someone that I know does a great job and for my clients I become a resource and make their lives easier.

To get an idea of the wide variety of people and businesses Chris’ workshop attracts, check out this list partial list of attendees:

Selena Soo – Publicity and Business Strategist

Todd Herman – High Performance Coach

Mariah Coz – owner of Femtrepreneur – teaching people how to create online courses

Michael Roderick – CEO and Co Founder of Small Pond Enterprises LLC

Evangelia Stavros Leclaire – owner of Ready Set Rock Academy – career coach to millennial moms and moms to be

Alexis Fedor, Founder of Artists in Business

Hey!  Guess What!?!

If you’re interested in attending a workshop like this, you’re in luck.  Chris is doing another one April 1st!

Go to this link for all of the details – there are only a few spots left!  I’m not an affiliate – just passing on some valuable info to my fellow entrepreneurs!

Tell me in the comments about a recent IN PERSON workshop or event you attended.