Hashtag Authentic - For Small Businesses, Bloggers And Online Creatives

Things we talk about in this episode:Jameisha’s video creation processThe realities of living with a chronic illness, and the importance of awarenessJameisha's experience of getting a diagnosis of LupusThe pros and cons of being your own “google doctor”Racism and conscious/unconscious bias in the health care systemHow colonialism still shapes medical biasHow to advocate for yourself when seeking a diagnosis when you're not being heardThe strength of online support communitiesHow You Look Okay To Me came aboutHow Jameisha stays connected to her drive to create dispute illnessHow chronic illness can shape your career for better and worseThe pitfalls and benefits of being honest and vulnerable about your health onlineLinks mentioned in this episode:Website - You Look Okay To MeInstagram - @youlookokaytomeTwitter - @YouLookOkayToMeYoutubeFacebookJameisha’s personal InstagramJameisha’s personal TwitterLupusPOTSBenenden Health InsuranceMy new 15 Minute Magic ProgramMy Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orla

Things I talk about in this episode:Getting stuck in passive action - reading books, buying courses, but never doing the workWhy I made my new 15 Minute Magic programWhy you're not lazy, and procrastination is much more common than we thinkWhy 'willpower' is never enoughHow resistance is always here for a reason, and how to unpick it"You can't change your mind with your own mind"Headings for worksheet: 1. The thing you want to be doing. 2. What's the feeling? (check the graphic). 3. What's the thought? 4. What would you advise to somebody else?Feelings and thoughts disguised as factsWhy too much flexible time is bad for productivityWhy scheduling automatically increases actionHow fear is responsible for a lot of our procrastinationWeaponising self doubt and using action to disprove our fearsFree downloadable prompt cardsLinks mentioned in this episode:My new 15 Minute Magic ProgramFree downloadable prompt cards and worksheet My Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orlaPlutchik's wheel of feelings (the e

Things we talk about in this episode:How playing the algorithm and customer pleasing game too well can lead us off our true pathBuilding a business with Addisons disease, and working with chronic illnessMaking successful sales through Not On The Highstreet and other third party platformsWhy six figure turnover doesn't always equal high profitsHow to evaluate whether your business is making you happyPivoting your businessWhy Jane is  'anti amazon prime' and encourages slow and mindful salesOffering free shipping, yay or nay?The importance of community, both on and offlineWhy big Instagram numbers don't also equal lots of salesBuilding a membership communityInvesting in professional business coaching supportStaying on the right path for your heart and your businessLinks mentioned in this episode:Jane's Website  - snapdragonlife.comJanes's instagram - @snapdragon.lifeJane's Facebook community Jen Carrington Kate Ferris - simple and seasonMy Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orlaMy website  Get full acce

Things we talk about in this episode:How Fiona found blogging as a way to improve her mental healthFiona's book and podcastThe positive power of social media for mental helthWhy the friends and communities you make on social media matterWhy diet culture sucksHow to maintain a healthy relationship with the internetWhy your self worth and status should not be defind by your job or levels of productivityHow finding you creative outlet can help your mental healthCreative flow state, and why creativity takes many different formsThe dangers of toxic positivityLinks mentioned in this episode:Fiona's book - Depression in a Digital Age: The Highs and Lows of PerfectionismFiona's blog - fionalikestoblog.comFiona and Amy Holland'spodcast - Positive People PodcastFiona's instagram - @fionalikestoblogFiona's twitter - @fionalikesMy Twitter - @meandorlaMy Instagram - @me_and_orlaMy website Laura Thomas- Hashtag Authentic Episode The Forrest App Jen CarringtonI Can Cards - adults, children Get full access to Entre Nous at m

Things we talk about in this episode:Annabelle's journey to becoming an accidental floristThe pitfalls of renovating an old houseThe joy of engaging in the nature around youCreativity and 'dignity in the doing'Finding beauty in the mundaneUsing real life experiences to connect with your audienceAnnabelle's podcast, and the challenges of public speaking when you're really more of a writerBeing a 'webtrovert' (an introvert who blossoms online)Forming real friendships through social mediaManaging self-criticismLinks mentioned in this episode:Annabelle's book - A Tree in the House: Flowers for your home, special occasions and every day*Annabelle and Gillian's podcast - Dispatch to a FriendGillian Bell's instagram - @gillianbellcakeFiona Pickles Instagram - @firenzaflowers The Moth SnowstormLit Up podcastEmily DickinsonMy Open KitchenMy Instagram - @me_and_orla Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

My book, Hashtag Authentic*My blog and website meandorla.co.uk Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Chupi's journey so far, and how she was inspired by her mumBeing homeschooled in IrelandHer early years in business, writing a cookbook as a teenager and being scouted for Topshop at 21Working alongside her husbandWhy you should focus your dream on what you are really good atWhy you should employ people who are better at their job than you areHow social media has helped Chupi's business growWinning awards including Irish Tatler Women of the Year Award, and why it can be more powerful to loseThe obstacles and prejudices Chupi has faced as a female creative entrepreneurWhy creative businesses should be taken seriouslyLinks mentioned in this episode:Chupi's online jewellery (trust me, you want to click!)Chupi's Instagram @chupiWhat To Eat When You Can't Eat Anything*, the cookbook Chupi wrote in her teensNiki Groom's Instagram @miss_magpie_spyand Hashtag Authentic PodcastThe Magdalene LaundriesChupi's Woman of the Year Award - Irish TatlerHipstamaticThe Guardian's Past Notes

Things we talk about in this episode:Naomi's background in media, marketing and journalismNaomi's role in Me & OrlaHow the Insta Retreat helped Naomi grow her Instagram and her businessThe 'Instagram vernacular', and the importance of creating for your audienceWhy it's vital to recognise and acknowledging your dreamsThe importance of leaving scope for your dreams to evolveThe magic of indulging your passions and interestsLinks mentioned in this episode:My next Instagram class, enrolling 1st October 2019Naomi's InstagramNaomi's website My book, Hashtag Authentic* (yes, I'm probably going to link to this in every show notes for the rest of eternity...what of it?)My blog and website meandorla.co.uk* denotes affiliate links Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

My next Instagram class, enrolling 1st OctoberMy first Instagram post back My book, Hashtag Authentic* (yes, I'm probably going to link to this in every show notes for the rest of eternity...what of it?)24/7: Late Capitalism and The End of Sleep*TiredTrauma on Tumblr* denotes affiliate links Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Dominique's journey to 500k + followers.Behind the scenes of All that is SheSetting and following Instagram trendsPlaying the Insta game, and why being authentic is better than following trendsIntroducing 'boy Dom'Juggling a family life whilst running a business from homeMoney shame, and why it's difficult to talk about financial successWhat Dominque's average day looks likeThe real story of how much work a sponsored post takes to createPutting all your eggs in one digital basket/platformHow the algorithm has affected Dominque's accountThe impact of the ASA guidelines on sponsored contentHow Dominque has personally grown over the last three yearsLinks mentioned in this episode:My next Instagram class Dom's previous conversation on the podcastMy book, Hashtag Authentic*My Instagram (@me_and_orla)Domique's Instagram (@allthatisshe)Our sponsor for the event, Mirabeau wine My highly technical rosédeliciousness scale All that is ThreeScenes from the ceilingMrs Hinch's Instagram

My book, Hashtag Authentic*Dolly's book, Everything I Know About Love*Dolly's new novel, Ghosts - available for preorder hereMy Instagram (@me_and_orla)Dolly's Instagram (@dollyalderton)Dolly's Twitter (@dollyalderton)Brene Brown / vulnerability hangovers* Our sponsor for the event, Mirabeau wine My next Insta Retreat class* Indicates affiliate links Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

 http://www.podstrike.net/  Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Reading from Hashtag Authentic's introductionHow I started out on Instagram by seeking beauty in an uncompromising environmentMy previous job, working in speech therapy for the NHSWhy communication is central in everything I do Why I believe it's ok to create a 'highlight reel'Why visuals are the best communication toolMy chronic illness (dysautonomia), and how this impacts on my workWhat  my average day looks likeSpoon theoryMy initial vision in setting up my business, and my career pathThe need for a new wave of honest marketing and businessWhy I don't need a digital detoxHow to start out on Instagram from scratch (audience question)Why there will always be an Instagram community for you, no matter what your interest (audience question)My future dreams and ambitions (audience question)The importance of not being soley led by what your audience wantsWho inspires me (audience question)Why going "off piste" in search of inspiration brings the best resultsLinks men

Things we talk about in this episode:Why Otegha left her career in advertising for freelance lifeStarting a business by following interests and opportunities, instead of by intentWhen your personal brand is your real self, and how this can help weed out inappropriate clientsNot worrying about being liked by everyone - and not putting everyone else's needs above your ownReclaiming words like 'marketing' and 'entrepreneur', and the different ways to build a business that balance personal and commercial imperativesThe changing metrics of businesses, and the things small business owners are nailing over bigger businessesHow small businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from being more nimble and agile - an essential skill for the digital worldHow Otegha self-published her first book as a special project, through a Squarespace website, promoting it entirely by herselfHow the book got picked up by a publisher, and the transition from self-published to being represented by a bigger publishing houseOtegha's upcoming boo

Things I talk about in this episode:A reading of one of the sections in Hashtag Authentic - Our Visual CultureWhy I ended up working directly with a publisher without an agent - and why I'll do it differently next timeWhat happened when my publisher retired mid-way through the processHow self doubt showed up for me during the writing process, and how I (re)learned to advocate for myselfWhat the book's about, and digging into the different chaptersOne of my fave photos I've ever takenHow I'm publicising the book on social mediaWhy any book around Instagram needs to tackle imagery, photography and editingMy hopes for the book and its messages around Instagram and wider social mediaLinks mentioned in this episode:Pre Order my book UK / US / AustraliaMy upcoming Live book events Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Erica's move from working as a journalist and fashion editor to running her own 'mini magazine' on her Instagram & blogThe impact of showing your real self onlineMoving away from London - and how this brought Erica clarity on her brand and voiceBeing a 40-year-old, size 12-14 fashion blogger - and why there's the need for every kind of body on InstagramWays to make money as a fashion influencer - sponsored posts, ongoing brand partnerships, affiliate links etc.The importance of due diligence when choosing sponsorships and partnershipsTransparency about sponsored content, and respecting your audience's trustThe lack of transparency around adverting and product placement in traditional media such as magazines and music videos, and the inequality of the conversations around it'Fast fashion' and why we all should be buying fewer clothesThe problem of money when it comes to choosing between fast fashion and more ethical brandsUsing your "influence" in positive way

Things we talk about in this episode: What is Pinterest, and why you should be using it Advice and top tips on how to get the best out of Pinterest for your business Updates on new Pinterest tools How to organise or repurpose your boards An introduction to Pinterest Themes The joy of planning your pins and boards Using Pinterest as a visual search engine Why you should upgrade to a business accountLinks mentioned in this episode:Lauren Laverne on PinterestPinterest 100 - The top trends for 2019Talonted LexPinterest best Practice blog postCarrie - Wish Wish WishIfttt - Connecting Pinterest to InstagramZoe's Pinterest boardReena's Pinterest boardPre Order my book UK / US / Australia Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe

Things we talk about in this episode:Anna's new book - An Edited LifeHow Anna got started onlineHow our favourite platform online can change and evolveThe importance of following your interestsHow Anna built an audience that has grown and evolved with herThe importance of planning and structure when managing your social media accountsHow to do YouTube if you're camera-shyDealing with critical comments/reviewsAnna's epic organisation skills, and how we can all be a bit more like herThe importance of reflection and celebrating our achievements, instead of always chasing the next big goalWhere to draw the line with what to share online, and how we can all find our own comfort zone with itThe magic of following your gut instinctsWhether everyone has a guilty messy place, like 'Monica's Cupboard' in FRIENDS.Links mentioned in this episode:An Edited Life - Anna's bookFree organisation worksheets on Anna's siteAnna's recent video on her work organisation techniques At Home With - Anna's podcast with Lily PebblesResc

Things we talk about in this episode: Laura's new book - Just Eat It Laura's career path and journey to Intuitive Eating, and how podcasting shaped her career Defining 'diet culture' why it's unhealthy for you, and it's relationship with the patriarchy Challenging BMI negativity, and why it's a poor indicator of risks to health and disease  Laura defines Intuitive Eating, and it's physical and mental health benefits How to spot bad nutrition advice Busting the myths around diets, 'unhealthy foods' and alternative therapies The relationship between food and mental health Dealing with negative responses to her postsLinks mentioned in this episode: Just Eat It - Laura's book Don't Salt My Game - Laura's podcast Laura's Sunday Times interview with Dolly Alderton The London Centre for Intuitive Eating Health and Care Professionals Council and The Association for Nutrition The Angry Chef Dr Anjali Mahto Laura's articles - We Need To Talk About 'Refined Sugar Free' & Think You Have a Sugar Addic

Things we talk about in this episode: Farrah's new book - The Discomfort Zone Farrah career path, and the role failure and discomfort have played The 'London bubble', and why you don't need to be in it to succeed in print media Breaking down the barriers of starting out in journalism, and the need to diversify the media The challenges faced by young people today, and the concept of "generation snowflake" Whether women - or anyone - can ever really 'have it all', or should even want to Why we all need to have a 'failure CV' What lies outside of our comfort zone, and why we need to dive into it The relationship between old and new media, and why Farrah is positive about influencers and bloggers The creation of the Cosmo Influencer AwardsLinks mentioned in this episode:The Discomfort Zone - Farrah's bookFarrah's InstagramMy InstagramMy bookThe Insta Retreat Get full access to Entre Nous at meandorla.substack.com/subscribe