Ella Orr, Founder and Owner, Much More Social
I started my business in 2018 after retraining in social media marketing, but before then, I'd been a teacher for thirty years. I soon realised that great marketing requires the same skills like teaching, understanding your audience's problems, communication skills, planning, implementation and measuring outcomes. Now I offer a bespoke training and consultancy service helping business owners and professionals, especially those working in regulated industries such as financial services, to create a personal brand. The focus on social media strategy and content creation is a powerful way to attract their ideal clients.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
LinkedIn, because it's the best platform for building a network through organic content. You can show your expertise and personality not only through creating meaningful, high-value content but also in your comments on other's posts. It's such an effective way to create a network that, if you're consistent and congruent, will turn into leads.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I didn't set out to run my own business. It just happened because I realised that if I wanted to attract my ideal clients, I'd have to find my own work rather than joining an agency or something similar. I'm so glad I've found the inner strength to work in this way because there is nothing better than working with people who love what you do and appreciate your approach.
My previous career as a teacher has had a huge impact on the way I work with my clients. I like to get into the nitty-gritty of what's bothering them or stopping them from being visible. This is such an important part of personal branding. Many people are frankly terrified by social media, but hopefully, I help them to see that it's worth showing up on their accounts and show their uniqueness and individuality through their content.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I enjoy building trust with my clients and getting to know them and their businesses. I ask a lot of questions, but I want my clients to do the same. It's so important that there is this honesty and transparency on both sides so that the client feels they can ask anything to help them build their personal brand with confidence, but also I can help to push them out of their comfort zone a little. It's fair to say running a business involves taking risks, so if I can help my clients to succeed in finding their ideal clients, then that's a result!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Stay in your own lane. We're all on different stages of the journey, and we can also choose to go at different speeds.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Life. We are here for such a short amount of time that I really believe it's important to make every day count.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
Apart from my family who is wonderful. I am so glad I had the courage to leave a long and pretty successful career in teaching to do something different. I have gained so many new opportunities since working in social media; it's wonderful, especially when many people my age are thinking of winding down!
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I'm happy to meet people, whatever the circumstances. I love people and hearing their stories.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Being a good communicator helps. Obviously, this is something you learn as a teacher. Listening matters as much as talking. I try to be open-hearted and generous too. Smiling also helps a lot.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I just wish I'd been braver and not thought, and I've got to stick to a script.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I admire anyone who has overcome barriers and limitations, whether through their own beliefs or the beliefs of others, to achieve their goals. Many people are born without privileges and entitlement, and yet they do so much for others in their life.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I joined the gym in my 50s, and I have a personal trainer. She's amazing, and I just love strength training. The gym is my happy place. My family and friends also mean everything to me, so making good memories with them matters too.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
I felt extremely lucky during the pandemic, as I carried on working from home as I had been doing before, and I kept much of my client work. Everything was fine with my family working/studying at home too. I can certainly see a difference now, as there is a little more optimism for business owners as we get back to normal.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have a business coach, and I'm part of some amazing online communities, so we mentor each other.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
For social media marketing, be clear on who you help and how what you are offering can help them. Having a niche means that you can be specific in addressing your customer's pain points.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Trying to be too many things to too many people seems to be a common mistake for people running their own business. If you have a marketing strategy that is clear and targeted, you are much more likely to reach the people who are genuinely interested in how you can help them.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
Kindness is the best nourishment for humanity.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I love supporting small independent brands, helping them on the first rungs of the ladder.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Be honest, trustworthy, open-minded, interested, relatable, be you and show up.