Embrace the Process: A Winner’s Journey

Alright, let’s have a real talk. I’ve been there, trying to outsmart the system, thinking I’ve got a faster, slicker way to win at socials. In my head, it wasn’t about cutting corners; it was about being ‘smarter’. You know, skipping the long-winded advice from the gurus, the steps and protocols that seem endless, thinking, ‘Hey, I can do this my way, quicker and better!’

But here’s the honest truth – my little shortcut? It actually made the journey longer. It’s like trying to run before you can walk. Sure, it feels like you’re speeding things up, but you’re missing out on those crucial steps – the insights, the challenges, the learning curves that shape your path to success.

The people who’ve walked this path before us, they’re not laying down these steps to slow us down. They’re giving us a map, a guide to navigate this tricky terrain. It’s tempting to think we know better, to try and blaze our own trail. But I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that it’s about embracing each step, testing the waters, and really honing your craft. It’s not about following every step blindly, but about understanding why each step matters and adapting them to your journey.

Take it from me, someone who tried to rewrite the rulebook – don’t. Find a mentor, someone who’s been there, done that, and can guide you. Don’t repeat my mistakes. Embrace the process, because that’s where the real magic happens.

The Myth of Instant Social Media Fame

Okay, let’s dive into something I bet you’ve heard a million times on social media: ‘How I gained a zillion followers overnight!’ Sounds dreamy, right? But let me tell you straight up – it’s mostly a fairy tale. And I get it, we all love a good ‘rags to riches’ story, but in the world of social media, it’s not that simple.

Now, I’m not saying some haven’t had incredible results – who knows, maybe they struck gold. But here’s my two cents: there’s no magic formula, no secret hashtag that catapults you to stardom. What really works? Good old-fashioned time, patience, and crafting content that resonates with your audience. It’s not about the quick win; it’s about playing the long game.

These viral content creators? They didn’t just wake up famous. They’ve been grinding, consistently delivering stories that hit home with their audience. It’s their dedication to great content that’s built their fanbase, not some overnight trick.

I’ve been in the trenches, working with brands and organisations like this amazing African think tank I helped from day one. We didn’t chase quick fixes. We laid out a strategy, understood our audience, and created content they genuinely needed. Fast forward, and they’re a powerhouse with a loyal following, not because they posted every day, and followed trends but because they had a plan, a story, a content strategy that resonated.

And hey, hashtags and SEO? Sure, they have their place, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. I’ve seen posts with minimal SEO outperform the ‘perfect’ ones because they struck a chord with people. It’s about connection, not just keywords. So, let’s bust this myth of overnight success and focus on building something that lasts, shall we?

The Real Deal Behind Authentic Success

Let’s get real for a moment. I see so many people pouring their hearts into content, trying to build a following, and yet, they’re stuck at square one. And often, it’s crystal clear why. Sure, being authentic and unique is key, but there’s a catch – your content has to resonate. You’ve got to really get your audience, create something they can’t help but love.

I want to share a story that blew my mind. It’s about the journey of Nike, founded by Phil Knight. You might think Nike’s success happened overnight, but that’s far from the truth. I read about it in ‘Shoe Dog’ (great read, by the way). This story is a rollercoaster – Phil Knight and his team grinding for 10 years with zero profits. They were up against giants like Adidas, constantly facing setbacks, failures, and tiny victories. But they stuck to it, honing their craft, embracing every challenge. You know Gary Vee’s saying about ‘eating dirt’? That was them, all in to serve their customers with the perfect shoe.

And here’s the kicker – it wasn’t about just selling a shoe. Phil Knight was a runner; he was obsessed with creating a shoe that truly worked for runners. It was that relentless focus, that refusal to settle for ‘good enough’, that eventually made Nike the giant it is today.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, it’s time to reassess. Maybe your strategy needs a shake-up. Maybe you don’t even have a strategy yet. It’s time to dive deep, get your hands dirty, and really understand what your audience craves. Remember, all those people we admire, the ones who seem to have it all? They’ve been through the wringer, no shortcuts. It’s our turn now to embrace that journey.

 Crafting Content That Connects

Alright, let me drop some free wisdom on crafting content that doesn’t just float out there but actually connects. Before you even think about hitting that publish button, let’s backtrack a bit.

Start with the basics: your company description. Who are you? What do you do? And crucially, who are you doing it for? Nail down your demographic. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about understanding the heart and soul of your audience.

Take Synatel Media, for example. Our purpose statement is all about ‘elevating brands in the social media stratosphere.’ That’s our north star. Every piece of content, every tweet, every post, is guided by this.

But it’s not just about purpose statements. What’s your mission? Your vision? Dig into the nitty-gritty – the functional and emotional benefits you offer, your values, and your brand personality. Knowing these like the back of your hand means you’re not just creating content; you’re crafting a message, a story that resonates because it’s uniquely yours.

Once you’ve got these down, you’ve got a blueprint for your message. What are you trying to tell your audience? Every piece of content should tie back to this, whether you’re following trends or doing your own thing.

Here’s a little story from my world. This morning, I wanted to vent about Netflix and Prime – feeling like I wasn’t getting my money’s worth. But even in that tweet, I kept it aligned with my brand. It wasn’t just a rant; it was a reflection of my brand’s voice and values. That’s the key – staying true to your brand, even in 280 characters or less.

Thinking about how Netflix & Prime bundle with Virgin and Prime Delivery. Smart, right? Feels like extra value, but would we stay without the bundles? It’s a lesson in true value – not just in the bundle, but in the delivery. Is your brand consistently ‘giving’ to its audience?

— Bess Obarotimi (@BessObarotimi) November 14, 2023

Embracing the Challenges for True Success

In my 40-odd years of riding this rollercoaster called life, I’ve learned something crucial – and it might not be what you want to hear. That dream of an easy, breezy life? It’s a myth. Life, especially when you’re chasing big dreams, is never going to be easy. And that’s okay.

Now, hear me out. It doesn’t matter how much cash you’ve got in the bank or how many accolades you rack up. The truth is, you’re going to face hurdles. Big ones. And here’s the kicker: the bigger the hurdle, the closer you probably are to your goal. If you’re coasting along without a challenge in sight, chances are, you’re not pushing hard enough.

Winning on social media? It’s about building a community, serving them with killer content and top-notch products. And let me tell you, it’s tough. But the real magic happens when you roll up your sleeves and get down to work. There’s this law of the land, right? You reap what you sow. So, put in the effort, the grind, the sweat – it pays off.

Follow my journey, slide into my DMs, keep an eye on these blogs. Feeling bold? Dive into one of my lectures or events. Invest in yourself. The results might not be what you see others flaunting, but trust me, they’ll be your results, authentic and hard-earned. And that’s something to be proud of.

The Keys to Your Success

Alright guys, here’s the wrap-up and it’s crucial: Take a deep breath and embrace patience. Patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s your secret weapon. It’s about taking the time to meticulously craft your strategy, to really understand who you’re trying to reach, and to plan how to serve them in the most impactful way.

Let’s get one thing straight – there are no quick wins or shortcuts in this game. If you try to rush it, you’re only setting yourself up for a longer, tougher road. So, listen up, take this advice to heart, and put it into practice. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m urging you – don’t repeat my mistakes.

Focus on creating content that matters. It’s not about the quantity, not about how many hashtags you use, or even about the fanciest filters – though, let’s be honest, we all love a bit of eye candy. But more than anything, your content needs to hit home, to resonate deeply, and to offer something genuinely valuable.

Remember, it’s not just about looking good – it’s about being good, being real, and delivering what your audience truly wants and needs. That’s where the real win is.