Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Simone McNish. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Simone, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
When I started my business in 2019, I was working full-time and hoped to create an outlet to be creative outside of my 9-5 job. I had dabbled in blogging and content creation and decided to try my hand at social media consulting. I had a 3 year old and loved the idea of leaning into entrepreneurship before I had another baby, so I could have more flexibility. I think if I had started my business before 2019, I would not have made the pivot from social media consulting to diversity, equity and inclusion – so I am grateful that I started my business when I did.
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
I started my business offering social media consulting services to local small businesses. I worked hard on my online presence, but then noticed many inequities that marginalized entrepreneurs faced. I started bringing more awareness to the lack of inclusivity in the online space and started offering workshops and coaching on DEI for entrepreneurs. I used my education in intercultural communication and experience as a Black woman in the online business space to start conversations around bias, privilege and inequities. From there, I became a Certified Diversity Practitioner and started working with organizations on creating inclusive work environments, enhancing their inclusive employment brand, and designing learning journeys for employees. Right now, I spend most of my time consulting with organizations in the fields of technology, media, astrology, and the arts. I am also launching a membership that focuses on DEI for entrepreneurs. One of my biggest accomplishments is being accepted as an inclusion panelist at NASA, but I am honestly grateful for all of the impactful organizations and individuals that I’ve partnered with. Through my work, I hope that I can support the most marginalized employees and entrepreneurs who have been overlooked and often underserved. I want everyone to know that diversity, equity and inclusion benefits everyone and makes the world a more just place.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I was very privileged to have a background in marketing, advertising and social media. I had grown social media accounts at previous jobs, so when it came time to start my business – that was one of my biggest focus areas. I started putting a lot of effort into creating content on Instagram. I showed up consistently on IG stories and on long-form video and IG lives. It was important for me to be authentic and real at all times, which I believe helped me grow my audience. I organically grew my audience for over a year until the racial injustices of June 2020 caused my social media to skyrocket within a few weeks. It felt strange that thousands of people decided to follow me because George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other innocent Black folks were murdered. After the flurry of follows, I continued focusing on Instagram to create engaging and authentic content that shared my values, helpful insights and shared client successes. Now I focus on LinkedIn to have a diversified presence and to be seen by organizations. For emerging consultants, I would definitely recommend having a presence on LinkedIn and Instagram. Set up your profile, optimize your content by adding all relevant experience and projects and don’t be afraid to share your accomplishments! Building a brand takes time, but you never know who is watching and may want to partner with you!
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I am fortunate that I have co-created some long-lasting client relationships that have led to referrals and new opportunities. I try to check in with clients via email and zoom to hear about their businesses and growth. I deeply believe in a personalized touch and some of my client relationships have turned into genuine friendships. I believe that has helped my reputation as a business owner and has helped foster brand loyalty. I have had clients who have worked with me for 1-2 years and have hired me over and over for trainings and consulting engagements because we have a great working relationship. I believe that building a strong brand has helped create a steady stream of exciting clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: simonemcnish.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simone.mcnish/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simone.mcnish
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-mcnish-seattle/
Image Credits
Credits: Alexa Vossler Photography, Marcella R Photography