Web URL: http://erintillotson.com
In Business Since: 2006
Type of Business: Social Media Training & Coaching
Works: 90% of my business is online with social media management, group training, teleseminars and webinars. I also provide group training and guest/keynote speaking at live events.
LinkedIn
Twitter ID: @ErinTillotson
Ruth: Welcome to the blog, Erin. Tell us about Premiere Virtual Office and how you support businesses via social media methods.
Erin: I’ve been supporting entrepreneurs in social media for over six years now. Wow, how time flies! Recently I’ve been heralded as the Social Media Phoenix and it describes me perfectly – creating hot social media campaigns that soar on; igniting results across the web. I work with small businesses to perfect their online voice and maximize their presence. We work together with coaching and training so they know the most effective and efficient ways they can personally grow online. I then implement processes for their content and network growth with clear goals in place that are directly inline with their overall business plans. I also offer group training programs a few times a year. These are completely virtual programs so business owners can learn from the comfort of their home or office and connect with like-minded business owners to forge new relationships and further grow online together.
Ruth: From coaching and training to campaign creation you have it all covered. Would you share what led you to consider a virtual profession and how you got started?
Erin: I started my business 6 years ago. I really had an urge to help business owners get more out of the online pieces of their businesses. I’ve always been great with computers and the internet, even as a kid. I wanted to help business owners really maximize their online presence and still enjoy quality time with my daughter. My business started as an administrative virtual assistant and I loved it. Then I put social media to work for my business and saw huge results. I had new customers finding me from Twitter. It was incredible, trackable, and provided a great return on investment. Once I perfected a system for my business I started to provide this service to my clients and that’s where my business ignited. I transitioned to working in social media and implementing my systems for clients to see tremendous online growth for their business.
Ruth: Knowing that the systems you use with your clients are proven and tested within in own business first speaks to the quality you give. Along the way have you had a mentor or sponsor to support, guide, encourage and open doors for you?
Erin: I have had a few mentors but one really stands out, Vrinda Normand. Her Inner Circle program has been the best professional growing experience for my business. I’m a typical Type A personality so I really appreciate her processes and systems. I’m also a big follower of both Nancy Marmolejo and Denise Wakeman. Both are innovative women with fascinating points of view.
I have so much support from my virtual colleagues and partners. Many of whom I’ve met through social media and now work with on a daily basis. The business relationships we’ve created are extremely valuable – from masterminding to support and guidance. We each have our strong skill sets and can refer to our partners when we need to. That is priceless for my business. I treasure my business colleagues each and every day.
Ruth: If you could share a nugget of insight or bit of advice for someone considering a virtual career such as yours what would that be?
Erin: Tools! I rely heavily on the technology tools that I’ve chosen to support my business. It is extremely helpful for new business owners to check out a few systems, get the free trails, and give them a dry run. See how they work from the inside and find out what you like/dislike about that tool. Then chose one and stick with it. A few of the systems that I have found really helpful for my business are:
- SmartSheet – I use this to track all my meeting notes, my passwords, each of my client’s contact information, systems and processes. This is like my hub. And, it’s safely secured behind high internet protection so I know my information is safe. While I’m traveling I can access my information from anywhere.
- Google – From Gmail to Google Docs, I heavily rely on Google for my business communication. I started with Outlook (which I LOVED) but it was not mobile friendly. So I had to find a solution that comes with me wherever I go.
– Google Docs: I use for keeping my clients up-to-date on social media stats and tracking any submissions I do online.
– Google Calendars: Yes, I have several. I have one that only I can view and is my master schedule, or so to speak. One, where clients can book time with me, and one for marketing. This keeps me on track and I know where I am at all times. - Hootsuite – A social media dashboard where I can monitor multiple social channels in one swoop saving hours every week.
Ruth: These are awesome timesaving tools that I’m sure my readers will find useful. I have personally used each of these for myself and/or with client’s accounts. Now tell me, what bits of advice would you give someone seeking a virtual professional such as yourself?
Erin: The biggest thing when looking to support businesses with their social media is staying up-to-date on social media itself. It is always changing from network updates and tweaks to new networks altogether. Plus being aware of new tools to save you time. I actually block time on my calendar a few times a week to read forums, blogs and membership posts, and engage with colleagues so I’m up-to-date on the latest and greatest. On top of that, I do invest in my business. I purchase training courses that match my style and help me advance my business.
I further recommend that you try social media for your business first. Put a few processes in place that really produce results and document it. Documentation of your processes is so valuable, I would be lost without mine. I would then offer to run a campaign for a colleague in-trade for feedback and a testimonial. This does two great things for your new business: 1) gives you valuable feedback so you can make any adjustments needed and 2) you get a testimonial that speaks directly to your new service.
I would also look into some training. I recommend a few training courses, Let’s Get Social and VAClassroom. They both have great step by step systems that you can tweak and put right to work for your business. I also offer coaching and training to new social media experts privately and will be opening a group program soon!
Ruth: These tips are sure to be helpful for those seeking social media services. Any last thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?
Erin: Last thoughts, of course…when you open your business you’re sharing a piece of you with the world. You’re doing what you’re meant to do. It’s really an exciting time. Put your foundations in place and then get out there and share your expertise with professionals that need you. The one thing that makes me happy every morning as I sit down at my desk is….I love the work I do and I get to help business owners spread the amazing word of their business. There’s nothing more powerful then finding that your business!
Ruth: Your love of what you do truly comes through. Thanks so much for chatting with me, Erin.
If you’d like to meet Erin or have her lend her insights to your social media campaigns be sure to contact her.