We were lucky to catch up with Leia Owen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Leia, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

Yes, I manage my own social media content creation but have a virtual assistant who assists in scheduling and organizing the posts. This hybrid approach allows me to maintain a personal touch and authenticity in my content, which is crucial in building a brand, while also ensuring efficiency and consistency in posting through the support of my assistant.

The decision to manage my own content creation stemmed from my desire to genuinely connect with my audience and showcase the expertise and uniqueness of my business, which specializes in social media management. By creating my own content, I can demonstrate firsthand the quality and creativity that we offer to our clients. Meanwhile, delegating the scheduling aspect to a virtual assistant helps streamline the process, ensuring that our social media presence is well-organized and timely.

The results have been highly positive. We’ve seen an increase in engagement and a stronger brand presence online. Clients appreciate the authenticity and expertise demonstrated in our content, which has led to increased trust and business growth.

Businesses, especially those without in-house expertise, should consider seeking help from professionals in social media management. As someone who works closely with clients in this field, I’ve seen how professional support can transform a brand’s online presence through strategic posting, consistent messaging, and engagement strategies. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance that works for your business and your audience.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My professional journey is as eclectic as it is enriching. From being a dance teacher and choreographer to working in roles like office manager, executive assistant, and marketing manager, I’ve had a wide array of experiences. These roles, combined with my work in events management, costume designing, and even as a barista, have given me a unique perspective on business and marketing. This varied background has been instrumental in my ability to offer comprehensive services beyond social media management, including marketing consulting, event management, print and email marketing, website design, and more.

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of clients – from dance and fitness studios to realtors, lawyers, non-profits, automotive companies, restaurants, and healthcare services. My approach to each project is tailored, drawing on my vast experiences to provide innovative solutions.

One of the aspects of my life that I believe greatly contributes to my work is my love for a balanced lifestyle. While I enjoy social gatherings and events, I equally cherish quiet evenings at home with a good book, a cup of tea or wine, and my creative hobbies like painting and dancing. This balance in my personal life translates into a well-rounded and grounded approach in my professional endeavors.

I’m most proud of my ability to seamlessly integrate my diverse experiences and skills into my work. Whether it’s drawing on my background in dance and fitness for creativity and discipline, or leveraging my experience in various business roles for strategic thinking, I bring a unique and effective approach to each project.

For potential clients, followers, or fans reading this, I want you to know that when you work with me, you’re not just getting a service provider; you’re partnering with someone who brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and a genuine commitment to your success. My goal is to help you solve your marketing puzzles with innovative, tailored solutions that reflect the unique identity of your brand.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

To be frank, most of my social media accounts are some of the worst examples of my work, since I am not nearly as active or consistent as I would like to be. Like many entrepreneurs, I tend to put myself and my business last on the to-do list. I postpone a lot of my own marketing and prioritize my clients and organizations I volunteer with. I’d love to connect with more people on social media platforms, especially Instagram and LinkedIn, and being consistent and strategic with my own content is a big goal for 2024.

However, I can absolutely provide some pointers and tips for others that have worked , and are “best practices” for any industry:

Building a social media audience is a journey of engagement, consistency, and authenticity.

Understand Your Audience: Before diving into content creation, take time to understand who your audience is and what they are looking for. This understanding will guide your content strategy and ensure that your posts are impactful and relevant.

Consistency is Crucial: Regular posting helps keep your audience engaged and your brand top-of-mind. However, it’s not just about frequency; the content needs to be consistently valuable and relevant to your audience.

Infuse Personality into Your Content: Your unique experiences and perspectives are what set you apart. Share your insights and stories in a way that resonates with your audience. This could be professional knowledge, personal anecdotes, or a mix of both.

Engage with Your Community: Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and actively engage with your followers. This not only builds relationships but also helps you understand your audience better, allowing you to tailor your content to their preferences.

Be Genuine and Relatable: Authenticity goes a long way on social media. Be true to yourself and your brand, and don’t hesitate to show your human side. Authenticity fosters trust and loyalty among your followers.

Adapt and Evolve: Social media trends and audience preferences can change rapidly. Be flexible and ready to adjust your strategy based on feedback and emerging trends. This adaptability is key to staying relevant and engaging.

Enjoy the Process: Remember, building a social media presence should be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Embrace the learning and growth opportunities it brings, and don’t get too caught up in chasing numbers. Focus on making meaningful connections and the rest will follow.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely, there are several resources that have significantly shaped my management and entrepreneurial mindset. Authors like Donald Miller, Adam Grant, and Brené Brown have been instrumental in this regard.

Donald Miller’s works, especially his approach to storytelling in business, have taught me the power of clear and compelling communication. His ability to distill complex ideas into engaging narratives is something I strive to emulate in my own entrepreneurial journey.

Adam Grant’s insights, particularly his thoughts on originality and non-conformity, have challenged me to rethink traditional business models and workplace dynamics. His work encourages a culture of creativity, questioning the status quo, and valuing diverse perspectives.

Brené Brown’s exploration of vulnerability and leadership has been transformative. Her emphasis on emotional intelligence and the courage to show up authentically has reshaped my approach to management, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic workplace environment.

Additionally, I’ve found immense value in reading fiction. It’s not just an escape but a tool for understanding language nuances, enhancing vocabulary and comprehension, and importantly, for learning about storytelling, empathy, and diverse methods of communication. Fiction opens up worlds and perspectives that are crucial for any entrepreneur looking to connect deeply with their audience and team.

Podcasts are another resource I frequently turn to for insights and inspiration. Amy Porterfield’s podcast offers invaluable advice on digital marketing strategies and entrepreneurship, while Jenna Kutcher’s podcast provides a wealth of knowledge on building a personal brand and engaging with your audience effectively.

These books, podcasts, and the practice of reading fiction collectively contribute to a well-rounded entrepreneurial philosophy, combining practical business strategies with a deep understanding of human psychology and communication.

Contact Info:

• Website: leiamowen.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/leiamowen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leiaowenmarketingmanager/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leia-owen-464311125
• Other: https://linktr.ee/leiamowen

Image Credits
Christine McShane Creative Lucie Wicker Photography