I have accomplished quite a lot this July, while also being able to take a 4-day work week for the first time ever in my life. I think this showcases the level of trust I now have in my systems, content, and framework. Although things continue to change every day, with new technologies, ideas, and client demands, I have seemingly been able to grasp hold of some kind of constant in my workflow, and I really enjoy that.
After months of carefully dissecting my own performance, as well as learning from students and fellow entrepreneurs, I suddenly woke up one day and thought to myself, "I'm ready for growth."
Of course, proceeding with action is heavily dependent on the number of clients I sign on for the remainder of 2023. But I have never felt so clear that I have done all that I can, and now I can start refining my foundation and going back to adapting things that have already proven to work.
1) Digital PR - Sharing my personal journey
Digital PR has been an important element in driving awareness for Joyce Tsang Content Marketing. I started off by hiring a freelance PR professional to generate press releases and media interviews. Then, I started submitting myself for awards. But in my opinion, one of the most effective ways to do digital PR is by engaging in interviews. Whether it's through HARO or Terkel (now Featured) submissions, or reaching out to podcast hosts, sharing your story with others outside of your owned channel is a great way to generate traction.
And when I say this is the best podcast interview I have ever done, I am not over-exaggerating. I mean, I actually wanted to listen to myself talk for almost an hour! I had an amazing time chatting with Kareem from Chopcast for his podcast about my personal journey. We talked about how I went from being a visual art graduate to landing my first full-time writing job, to becoming a content director, and eventually starting my own business. We also delved into the world of personal branding and, of course, content marketing, and how they can help aspiring entrepreneurs and people like ourselves. I definitely recommend that you check out the episode here.
2) Personal Upskill - EMBA Class of 2024
My ultimate highlight this July is definitely this. The idea of enrolling in a master's program has always been in the back of my mind, but it never felt like the right time. Either because I didn't see the need to do it yet, or because I was constrained by time and money. But this month, it suddenly became clear to me that now is the right time.
While my old classmates who have MBAs did it to escape entering the workforce right after college, I am doing this on the side as I run my business because I have a goal down the road. One of my favorite lecturers back in UBC told me that if I ever wanted to teach like him, all I needed was an MBA. That stuck with me. And the more I engage in educational initiatives as a business owner, the more I believe that would be my next stage in life - to become some kind of lecturer for young adults.
But, as many of you would know, committing to an MBA is a big deal. It takes a lot of time and effort, and most importantly, it's very expensive. So when I found out about Quantic School of Business and Technology, it literally felt like a calling. As the only degree-granting mobile-first graduate school in the world, I was accepted with a scholarship at a highly competitive 7% acceptance rate.
Since the classes are completely online, flexible, and on-demand, I will be able to continue to cater to my clients while I enter this new stage in my life. I literally can't wait to learn, connect with the global student and alumni network, and enjoy the highly interactive lessons!
3) Regular Educational Involvements - Innovation Camp
Since I started Joyce Tsang Content Marketing, I have been involved in volunteering at educational programs at least once a month, and they have proven to be highly helpful for me personally and even for my business. Students constantly remind me why I chose the entrepreneurship path in the first place and challenge me with new ways of thinking. This month, I was invited to another Cocoon STEP program - Innovation Camp, to act as a mentor for different groups of students. And the best part? I got to meet other entrepreneurs again and chat the Saturday afternoon away.
4) TOFU-effort - Raising more awareness with my content
For those who follow me on LinkedIn, you may notice that I have almost doubled the quantity of content I post there. Apart from the straightforward reason of needing to meet my own KPIs, it's also because the platform continues to reward content creators with new organic reach and connections. Ricky is one of those connections I made. After hearing my interview with Kareem, he found my profile and started to find value in my content across different distribution channels. I'm so happy that he reached out to schedule a call with me, and my pointers were able to generate immediate effects on his LinkedIn content performance.
To follow up from last month, I have already submitted both tenders and was selected as the backup supplier for one and am awaiting results on the other. Presenting my tender deck to the client was quite interesting because I am no longer presenting it on behalf of a company I work for, but on behalf of myself and my own brand. I'm glad my business partner found my sharing helpful, and hopefully, I will have some good news to share next month!
In the meantime, I am preparing to submit two more tender pitches in the coming month. Wish me good luck!
5) Continuing to growth - Internship Program
Last but not least, this July 2023 marks the first time Joyce Tsang Content Marketing is hiring interns! In collaboration with Cocoon's STEP program, two of the work expo interviewees have been selected to work with me in the first two weeks of August. They just started on the last day of July, and I pampered them with bubble tea and cookies after suffocating them with heaps of information about my company, what I do, and what content marketing really is.
I can't wait to see what they end up producing for me and how they find the internship experience!
- Joyce