Member/Community News

Christine Gallagher, founder of She’s Got Clients.com, spoke to the Women’s Business Forum™ (WBF™) earlier this month on how women make more money, get more freedom and stand out in their business dealings. With two master’s degrees in the IT field, Gallagher combined her tech background, passion for marketing and social media savvy to transition into entrepreneurship when she lost her job during the recession. She had already started a blog and newsletter in 2004 and expanded on these skills to create and grow her new business and educate others about social media. She said 90 percent of adults use social media, the web influences 50 percent of all sales and blogs influence 65 percent of purchases. She knew social media was insufficiently being used, so she began to combat the myths about social media with practical strategies: 1. To combat the myth that you have to be a master of social media, she said building a community online, having conversations about what you are expert in, and turning friends into followers will get you to the goal. 2. The myth that good ideas and passion are enough to succeed need to be supplemented by knowing how businesses make money, what your model is, what motivates your clients, what is your message and who is your customer. 3. The myth that giving away too much free information is countered by her belief that information given away in your blog, newsletters, etc., is instead will be reciprocated. 4. The myth that you have to be a big player at social media is supplanted with the practical advice to form a joint venture with others who can benefit from working with you. Gallagher advised business owners to get clarity, build your tribe, follow up online/social media, grow a joint venture, make an impact and earn money. And all along the way, she said, “Why go it alone? Get help.” By: Deborah Oliver