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Growing Your Social Media Through Strategic Storytelling – feat. Akua Konadu

How do you grow your social media platforms in an authentic way today? Can storytelling be a strategy? Learn how to do it the right way and grow an engaged community on this episode of Branded by Bernel with Akua Konadu!

The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs.

Make sure you’ve hit that follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast player to get notified each week as we air new episodes!

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Social media strategy doesn’t work without storytelling

When you think about social media strategy, you probably think about hashtags, reels, and the best time of day to post. Content creators have spent hours trying to hack algorithms and get seen on social media. However, without authentic storytelling, you won’t connect to a genuine audience.

The key to great social media marketing is to marry storytelling with a solid marketing plan. You can’t have one without the other and expect to grow your following. 

To grow on social media, you have to be willing to change

Social media algorithms are always changing. What used to work a year ago doesn’t work anymore today. If you try to make your old strategies work in a new system, you won’t grow. Akua sees Instagram as a house and content creators are just guests. We don’t own the platform, and we need to be humble with how we use it.

Figure out your storytelling personality

Every personality type tells stories in a different way. Some creators want more structure while others want to be more free-spirited with their content. Some storytellers are educators while others are visual storytellers. To learn your storytelling personality, take Akua’s quiz. 

Akua used storytelling to help others overcome obstacles

Using strategic storytelling is about more than just growing your followers. For Akua, she shared her story about domestic violence in front of crowds, and many women told her how impactful it was. She transferred that experience to her social media strategy and uses storytelling to connect with her followers on a deeper level.

Your story has value and will reach the people who need to hear it. Sharing your story in a strategic way on social media can help you heal from your traumas and reach others who are going through similar struggles.

The best things are right outside your comfort zone

One of Akua’s biggest business obstacles in “analysis paralysis.” She would get so scared that something wouldn’t be perfect that she was unable to start. Today, she’s learned to overcome analysis paralysis and get comfortable doing things that don’t feel comfortable. That courage led her to leaving a job she hated and going full time with her Instagram strategist business.

For other creatives who feel stuck in perfectionism and fear, she recommends breaking down your projects into small steps and accomplishing them one at a time. 

“If you do technically fail, you’ve learned and you pick yourself back up, and you keep moving forward.” Akua Konadu

3 Actionable Steps with Akua

  1. Take time to rest. It’s easy to find yourself on the non-stop hamster wheel of work. Eventually, you will run on empty and not be able to show up for your business, so fitting in time to rest and enjoy your life is crucial.
  2. Set boundaries with your clients. When you truly want your clients to succeed, it’s easy to put their needs above your own and do too much. Set office hours and times that you will not respond to emails so that you can take a break.
  3. Set boundaries with yourself. If you’re the type of person who can sit at a desk all day and forget to eat, set timers at certain times to remind yourself to get up. 

Get to Know Akua

Akua offers entrepreneurs the education and empowerment they need to expand reach in business. She leans into storytelling to accomplish these goals, helping build an Instagram strategy, social media management and content creation.

Connect with Akua

https://www.akuakonadu.com/storytelling-quiz-page

https://www.honeybook.com/risingtide/

Connect with Bernel

brandedbybernel.com

instagram.com/brandedbybernel

Review the Transcript:

Bernel
Hey, hun. Welcome to the Branded by Bernel podcast. I’m your host Bernel. You may know me as the branding and web designer who obsesses over the details so you don’t have to. We all desire to be great at what we do. Although once we get there, no one seems to talk about the messy middle. This motivated me to set the table and invite industry peers over to share stories about living and working in the creative world. So grab the OJ and champagne, pull up a chair, join the creative community and be prepared to build a brand you fall in love with. This is the Branded by Bernel podcast.

Bernel
So today on the podcast, I am thrilled to be joined with Akua konadu. She is an Instagram strategist who is an educator, and really a powerhouse for Empowering Entrepreneurs to grow their influence in business through personalized strategies, and engaging storytelling. So I am so excited to have her here today. Welcome Akuaa

Akua Konadu
Hello. Hello, Bernau, thank you so much for having me. I’m so excited to be here. And just to chat with you and catch up.

Bernel
Yes, definitely. So for you guys who are listening at home Akua. And I actually have never met in person. But we have had several virtual chats that are great. I became a fan of a Kuis work. Last year, we both participated in honey books raise the tide initiative to amplify black business owners voices. And she took over another Instagram account, and I watched every single story. I was like, Oh, my goodness, I have to meet this girl. And so yeah, that’s kind of how we connect it. And so I’m excited that you guys will get to meet her.

Akua Konadu
Yes, I know. It was a that was such a good day. And then the fact that like, we have had several chats for like multiple hours. Right? is awesome. So yes, thank you so much for having me.

Bernel
Yes. So we touched on the fact that you’re an Instagram strategist. But can you tell me a little bit more about how you do that and what you’re doing currently in your business? Yeah. So

Akua Konadu
as an Instagram strategist, you know, I think for me, the reason I love it so much is through storytelling. So a little bit of background about me, I used to, I learned about storytelling through pageantry. So when I was prepping to compete in my first pageant, you know, you only got a limited amount of time to really impress the judges. And it’s usually like a group of them, and you have about like two to three minutes. And so you have to really show your personality and then also to like, really inform them about what you’re passionate about. And you only got a limit amount of time to do that. So my pattern coach heavily, like emphasize like storytelling, storytelling, storytelling, so he would spend months like hours really fight refining my story of like what to say, and not in like, a pageant Patty kind of way, but just very natural and conversational. So a lot of the times now in within my business, that’s what I focus heavily on is strategic storytelling. We all hear all the time of Instagram actual strategies, right? Like, oh, yeah, like, you got to use hashtags, you got to really find the ideal time to post and all these things. But if your content does not connect with people, and if you are not able to stick out, like none of that’s gonna matter. And so that’s why I heavily emphasize on strategic storytelling is to really help you create content that’s really going to connect with your audience in a way that not only, of course, grows your business, but most importantly, makes an impact. You know, I think we all are very passionate about what we do. And there’s a reason behind it. And so I’m all about like, how are you making an impact in your community and the people that you’re serving? So that’s kind of how heavily that I lean more towards storytelling? And then of course, we do go over the very, you know, the the strategy piece, of course, but how are you able to stand out in such a saturated market? How are you able to communicate, because I feel like, you know, marketing is so important, but communications is equally as important because I used to, yes, I used to be a communications director. And so really learning, like, even the type of language that you choose, is so important. So we really do try to find that balance between the two. And really just creating a marketing plan that really aligns with who you are, because, you know, social media should fit into your life, not the other way around. And it’s so easy to get caught up in that when you see people posting every day. And, you know, when you feel like you have to do that you get burnt out, you don’t enjoy Instagram anymore, then you start to resent it. And that’s just not what it is. Like, if you want to post three times a week, post three times a week, you can be successful on Instagram, and you don’t have to do every single thing. And so, you know, again, I really just work with my clients and really creating a strategy plan that fits with their life and it’s also going to give them results. So I kind of went on like a long tangent there, but that is how I do my business.

Bernel
No, oh my goodness. I absolutely love that. I love taking a social storytelling approach to social media because I work with a lot of brands and part of my aren’t getting their brand, of course, is a social media component. And while I don’t offer that service I hear on a daily basis, people are like, I’m sick of Instagram. I hate Instagram, I hate content planning, I hate the algorithm. And I laugh a little bit with that, because it seems like everyone is using the algorithm as a scapegoat these days. And I don’t even know if the algorithm changed. But people love to say the algorithm is what’s ruining their engagement, when in reality, they’re not really engaging with their clients through storytelling. So I love that. That is amazing.

Akua Konadu
Yeah, yeah. And I view Instagram too, is like a house, right? Like, we’re, it’s a house, and we are the guests. So when you go to somebody’s house, you’re not going to be acting like, you know, do whatever you want in there. And like, you have no home training, like, I mean, like, when you go into so like, Instagram has a house, and we are just the guests. So we don’t own that platform. And so every single time, you just have to adjust. And the algorithm I feel like did recently changed. I think I read somewhere that recently did, but also to Instagram was currently beta testing, because just a couple of weeks ago, in story views were way down. But I heard that they were beta testing some stuff. So again, it just proves like it’s always going to change. So you have to change with it, you cannot just assume and do what works before it’s going to work. Now, that’s just it’s not going to happen. And so yeah, when people say that, I’m like, Okay, well, the algorithm can definitely work for you. And we, with this algorithm has been around for years, and it’s not going anywhere. So you just have to keep evolving with it.

Bernel
I love that. Yeah, that makes so much sense. So recently, on your website, you launched a storytelling quiz, to kind of direct and give people a little bit of guidance. So tell me a little bit about that storytelling quiz? Yeah.

Akua Konadu
So you know, we all have different personalities, right. And we all share stories, different ways, like one storyteller is not the same. So this quiz was just supposed to be a fun way for you to really understand the way that you share your story. And then I provide you with some personalized tips and strategies and how to feel much more comfortable sharing your story. And so you know, I think we have like the creative storyteller, the free spirit storyteller, the educator, right, because we all share stories in different ways. So really take the quiz. So you can really figure out your storytelling personality and and how you can move forward and feeling more comfortable to apply storytelling to your business. So I love the quiz. It’s fun. I am the creative storyteller, which I was really surprised by. But I was like, alright. I thought I was gonna be like the educator, because I was like, a little bit more serious. And I was like, when I created the persona, so I was like, Yeah, this is totally me. That’s why I was like, Yeah, I’m educated. And I took my own quiz. And I was like, the creative. I was like, what? Even pleasantly surprised. So yes, but if you do choose to take the quiz, send me a DM of what your results are. Because I love to chat with people about it. So yeah,

Bernel
yes. And have you heard about the quiz through this podcast? Send me a DM to because I’d be interested to see what you guys are at home. I have not taken the quiz. But by the time this airs, I will Yeah. And I will put my results out there as well. So check for that in my stories, because I’m excited to see what kind of storyteller Am

Akua Konadu
I yeah, I don’t think I could see that. See what I was wrong. So I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t want to make assumptions. So yeah, let me know.

Bernel
Yes. But there’s so much power in knowledge. And I say that all the time, like, knowing what your strengths are and knowing what your assets are, is how you’re gonna share that with the world. And that’s how you’re gonna make your impact. So definitely, if you’re listening to this, go take the quiz, and then take those tips and start, like instilling that into your social media strategy. Yes, yes. So hula, all of these gyms that you have on Instagram, how long have you been doing this? And why did you decide to get into this?

Akua Konadu
Yeah. Okay, so I already did really share a little bit more about my backstory, but I’ll go into further detail. So as mentioned, like I really just learned about social media and marketing and storytelling through pageantry. So when I was competing, I did end up winning, and I became Miss Minnesota international and 25th. Congratulations. Yeah, way back in the day. And I just laugh because I had to be so prim and proper, and I’m far from that now. Evolved. Yeah. I was like, Oops, it was my title was done. I was like, give me my cheeseburger. And I’m gonna go back to what I want to do. And now it was a wonderful experience, y’all. So during that time, you know, my platform was no more which aims to end domestic violence and sexual assault against women and children. And so I am a survivor of domestic violence and so I was really nervous. It was kind of funny because even when I was, you know, when I was like, Okay, I think I want to do this pageant, and I told my coach, I didn’t tell her for weeks my story because I knew that she was gonna have to be Yep. And I was like, I don’t want to have to be known as this girl who you know what I mean as like the poster child for like domestic violence. I don’t want people to constantly because I’ve grown from that my story has evolved with that I’m not ashamed of it. I just, you know, you just you’ve moved on, you’ve done what you’ve needed to do to move on, right? And so I didn’t tell her for like a month and we had been training to get I wanted to do STEM because I was in college at the time wanting to go to dentistry school. I was my degrees biology with a minor in Chemistry. So I was like, okay, STEM science, technology, engineering, math. It’s so important for women. And I was doing that she just kept looking at me, like, that’s just not clicking for me. I was like, why lady? Like, come on, like I my story, my story. And she just is like, yeah, like, no, it’s really great. But like, she’s like I said, there’s like something missing. I just was like you getting on my last nerves. And so then, she mentioned like, was asked me questions that I just finally like, told her and she just looked at me. And she’s like, a hula like that is it? Like, yeah, here, and I was like, I’m not doing that. And she just was like, Look, and she just explained the reasons to me, and just like how we like I’m able to make an impact to other people, like more so where I wasn’t focused it so inwardly on me, but like how I’m able to serve people and like, be like, Okay, if you haven’t in this situation, I see you, you’re not alone. And if you are going through this, I hope this inspires you to take the steps to move forward to get out of that situation. So I decided to go with it. So again, I had really trained through that, because, for me, I was nervous that my story was too much, right, we’ve all have our trauma, all of us have our traumas. And so I again, it was that inward thinking of like, focusing so heavily myself that my story was too much like, nobody’s gonna want to hear this. And so we took something that was so traumatic, and really molded into something that was so beautiful. And so when I competed, and then I won, that’s really where I really learned, again, how impactful our stories were, because I had people coming up to me, didn’t matter, their socioeconomic background didn’t matter, their race or ethnicity didn’t matter their gender, like everybody was coming up to me from all walks of life and had related to my story in some capacity. And I was absolutely blown away. I was like, Oh my gosh, okay. So then, fast forward, I’m getting, I’m getting towards the end of my title, my reign, getting ready to crown the new ground. I’m sitting in a coffee shop in Duluth, Minnesota, because I went to UMD. And still going to school, I said, you know, I’m gonna at least finish this degree, but I knew I didn’t want to do med school anymore. And so I’m like, sitting in a coffee shop, Googling, you know, stuff with, like, marketing and all this stuff. And I come across this blog, from this chick, who looked like she was living her best life. I looked at her website, and she was like, it was very, like Beachy. And I’m like, Oh, my gosh, she’s living out in California, living her life teaching people about social media. That’s what I want to do. So I reached out to her and emailed her and told her a little bit about myself come to find out that she grew up in the same like a town. 10 minutes from me. Lived in Minneapolis. Oh, my name is he’s one of my best friends to this day.

Bernel
Oh, my goodness, I became her client.

Akua Konadu
And she helped me and then we have just she’s one of my best friends. Yeah, I was I had mentor friend. Hands down. And I just Yeah, so super crazy. Yes, I thought she was out in California, she created this beautiful blog, and come to find out she’s in Minneapolis, so not far, like, obviously was in Duluth at the time, but she’s in the same state. And then we grew up she grew up in Andover. And I grew up in blame, which is like, 1520 minutes apart. So it’s super crazy how that worked out. So she has literally been with me from the very beginning, and really helped me launch my business into what it is today, she still plays a major role in that. So that’s a little bit about my story, how I came into that. And then I just got inspired. Like, you know, people shouldn’t be ashamed of their story at all, like you can share it in a way where like, it doesn’t have to be traumatic. You can share it in a way that’s not going to be triggering for people. And you can share in a way that most importantly, is gonna make an impact and really change people’s perspectives on certain things. And I think especially right now, in this day and age where we’re at, I think storytelling is it’s such a powerful tool for people really to understand our experiences. And so that’s just what keeps me going. That’s why I love it so much.

Bernel
Oh, my goodness, yes. And your story is so powerful. And I think the part what your coach, when you were doing pageantry, what she was trying to get across to you was the messy middle, share the part that was not perfectly put together. Because I find there’s a lot of inauthentic storytelling now, where people will tell a little bit about the beginning. And then the rest is just their success story. But I love to hear the middle. The thing that changed you the thing that really made you step back and reevaluate and pivot, you know, that was the word of 2020. But we all have had those moments where it was the intersection where you found your purpose. And usually that’s the messy middle usually that’s not you know, the greatest day of your life. So yeah, I love that and then just not being afraid to to be vulnerable, and to put yourself out there because I’m sure that took a lot to speak on demand. Steve islands in front of a roomful of people

Akua Konadu
Yeah, I did in front of hundreds of people throughout my time. And so it really was there was one specific one, this shelter safe haven shelter out in Duluth, they were having their really big luncheon luncheon thing that they do once a year. And that’s where they get a lot of donors because it’s a nonprofit. And so they asked me to come speak. So I had to go back in May to do an interview with them. And I went in, you know, I had the crown and everything like that, and I’m doing my interview and they’re asking me all these questions and they like literally stopped the interview. That I was given them pageant, Patti answers, hands down, because I literally like you guys are not going to make me cry. Like I went in there determined, like y’all are not gonna come in here and make me cry. So they totally which they made me cry. I was like, oh, needed, I think it was so needed of, you know, because they were asking me all these types of questions. And they really had to, they literally put me back in that moment. And I think it needed to happen, because I think to some capacity there, it was a good way for me to realize how far I’ve come. And like I say, I didn’t go into dramatic detail. But I really did put people of like, what it was like to be in my shoes and really explain to them how I felt how I felt. So less than and how I wasn’t worth being loved and fulfilling, healthy relationship. And so just saying those words of like, Finally, like addressing those feelings of how I really felt at the time, like even my eyes are watering now just talking about like some like, oh, you know, it’s such a feeling sorry if I can’t swear, but I’m being honest for now, but I knew you

Bernel
wouldn’t mind.

Akua Konadu
But um, yeah, it was just it was a really crappy feeling and putting myself in there. But I think I needed that that closure. And it’s still also to make me feel so powerful that you didn’t get to win. You know, like, I didn’t get that, like, here I am today. So yeah, like, that was such a thing. Now I’m even tearing up thinking about it. But I need it to happen. And then so many people came up to me afterward. And I just was like, Yeah, this is the purpose here. Like this was the purpose of it all, no matter how exhausting sometimes it may be, I felt so emotionally drained and being afraid that I was going to be this, like, that’s all I was going to be known for. That’s not true. It wasn’t true. And it’s not true. And it’s a lie. You know, so it was such an amazing, amazing experience. And yeah, that messy middle, that is the piece where people do connect with it. And you, you know, and it’s hard because some people are like, I’m just not ready to share that. And you it’s okay. You don’t have to be you know what I mean, but still show up and be as transparent as you’re comfortable being in because there’s going to be people who are going to see you with the right people who are going to want to connect with you. And I think that’s that’s what truly matters. So for now, you got me crying on this podcast, every big girl. That’s how you know, it’s good.

Bernel
I know. But that’s how we know it’s real. Yeah. And I felt that I did. I mean, you captured my entire attention in that story. And I feel like there are so many people who have stories like that. What is the thing you’ve had to overcome in your life to get you to where you are here today? And that made you stronger? I feel like in life, we win and we learn. Yeah, those are the only two options we don’t fail, we win.

Akua Konadu
Yes. That was awesome. I love that we live. And we learned that’s so important. Because he I struggled a lot with failure. I was like, I failed myself and all these types of things. But I didn’t. I learned from that. And now I know like what it is that I truly want and a relationship and a partner and all my relationships in my life, whether it be friends family, of what a healthy relationship truly is. So yeah, this is great. I have not done in a long time.

Bernel
Well, thank you for opening your heart to tell us that story. And I think that that is I can see it in your work like that clicked for me. And it made so much sense learning this part because I hadn’t discussed this with you. But I can see why you’re so passionate about what you’re passionate about. You are very activist it if that’s a word where you you know, you champion for those who don’t have a voice or who are trying to find their voice. And I think this huge even, I mean, going back to as a social media manager like that is a quality that you need. If you are looking to hire a social media manager, this needs to be somebody who is going to fight for you and help you find you know, your power. Yeah. So I think that that is an incredible skill set that you bring to this industry. Yeah. Along the lines of healthy relationships. Yeah. How did you find your business community because I feel like trying to network with other business owners, oftentimes, you know, you go through a few unhealthy relationships. So how did you find such a positive business community?

Akua Konadu
Um, to be very honest, I have been extremely lucky. And I think for me, just like even with my faith journey as well, like, I feel like God has just like shown up within that for me and just really affirmed like a cool, this is what I want you to do. So the girl who I connected with through the blog, who’s now my best friend, when I met with her, she told me about the rising tide society, which I’m sure many of us all know, if you if you don’t know, it’s an amazing community of entrepreneurs where we get together once a month and just talk about different things that we as entrepreneurs go through. And so she told me about the rising tide community, and she was like, you know, because I was still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at the time. Even though I had a really great experience working with her, I was okay, I know for sure I want to do business, but I don’t have no idea how to get started. And so she told me about the Tuesdays together meet up. And so I was like, Alright, sweet. So I had on my calendar, I was so excited to go. And then she said that, you know, something came up and she couldn’t make it. So I was like, Okay, I’ve been waiting online for this. And I’m not waiting another month, I’m determined to go to this. And so it was at this huge park in Minneapolis. By Lake Harriet and I showed up, I didn’t even know I couldn’t find them. I didn’t know who the leader was. I didn’t know anything. And it was in this busy Park. And so I walk there. And I’m just like, looking around, I was so nervous. And I don’t know what it was. I just like, look, and there were these people sitting at a table. And I just was like, this has to be them. And so I just walked up to them. And I was like, hey, is this like the Tuesdays together meet up and they were like, Yeah, and I found them in this busy it was in the summer. So we’re all out as much as we can because of Winter’s coming up. It’s really busy Park and there, they weren’t, like I just something just drew me to them. And so just really talking with them. That was my first meetup. And I kept going back ever since. And so many people in that community helped me launch my business. Like if I needed help with something, and I would talk about it in the meeting. Cool, I’ll help you. And I didn’t have a lot of money either. Like these people, some of them like took the time out of their schedule, especially my friend Kayla, like she was a huge part of that too. Like, that’s her name, the one that I met via online via the blog post. So Kayla two helped a lot with that. And I connected with other people who could help me. And that is how I was able to launch my business. And so that was amazing. Rising Tide society has played such a huge role in my business. I’m now one of the CO leaders now for the Minneapolis and St. Paul chapter. Because I was like, I want to be able to give that back to people too. Because I showed up as somebody who had no clue what they were doing. And that was maybe three years ago. And now I have my own business. I feel so much confident and who I am. I love being able to pour into the the Twin Cities community and I want to be able to, like provide people with the resources. And so yeah, rising tide is super dope. And I love it. It’s family. I mean, honestly, I feel like I sound so cheesy when I say that. But it’s really true. Like even being a leader. And then like we all meet once a year, obviously pre COVID. But you meet people and you see so many people online and it’s like, oh my gosh, like they hug you and you’re just like wet. Like I’ll share the story really quick. Sorry. I feel like I might tell you.

Bernel
No, no, that’s awesome, because I have a very positive story with rising tide too. So you go ahead and share yours, and I’m gonna share mine. Yes.

Akua Konadu
Okay. So the rising tide leader retreat was happening in Minneapolis. And this happened 2019. So this is obviously right before COVID. That was the last in person retreat we had it was happening in Minneapolis. And we were so excited and nobody knew yet right? But like Kate and like the rising tide team was talking to the leaders. And we were because we were giving them location recommendations and all this stuff. And, you know, like Natalie Frank, like, of course, I always knew of her and we all knew her right? Like everybody knows Natalie Frank. And, you know, I never really talked to her. But so then the retreat finally happens. And I show up. And I’m like walking through whatever, I really didn’t even think that she knew who I was. And she literally looks at me makes eye contact and comes up to me. And she’s like, hello, Akua and like, gives me like the biggest hug and I just like looked at her like, Oh, hi. You know, because like she knew every single member, she knew everything about them, where I just was like, Holy crap. So like, she just gave me a hug. And I just was like, I just was, I was so caught off guard, but pleasantly surprised. And through that even just still being with the leaders, she still continues to show up for us and really is really good with like remembering and like she remembers every single person and she sees every single person. And that is what continues. I think that’s why heavily why rising tide thrives so much. And it was super amazing. So I’m like, This is why I love this community. And so I tried to be a better leader in that when I see people and like whether they’ve been to our meetup once or one time when they didn’t come back. Like I still talked to them and like how are you doing? Like, how’s life? How’s your business? And so that’s why I love rising tide society so much. So please tell me your story. I would love to do it. Yes.

Bernel
So I had recently moved to Charlotte and didn’t really no, a lot of creatives here lived alone, you know, just kind of in that lonely space of trying to figure out what I’m gonna do with my life. And I stumbled into a rising tag Society meeting on a Tuesday. You I’m very similar. Demi Avery is the leader here. And I mean, literally walked up to me, how are you? This is pre COVID. So she helped me just welcome you know, find the seat talk to people. Great. Alright, so I make all these connections and I go to some subsequent meetings in the following months. And I don’t say a lot, though more just, you know, trying to listen and in blending in the background, and one day, I see on Instagram that there is going to be the road trip, the rising tide road trip. And I was like, Okay, I’ll put on my calendar. Like, I want to go to that. And I remember telling my friends like, I’m gonna go to that that was last year, the beginning in 2020. I was like, I’m not very active in my rising tide community. I mean, I go, but I’m kind of quiet and in the background, and I get an email from Natalie, Frank. Like, be Natalie Frank. Yeah. And I was like, What is she was like, Hey, would you like to speak? And I was just like, Oh, okay. And it was incredible. Like, yeah, it was incredible. I was one of the panelists and saying, as you said, I walked into this room with like, probably 100 creatives. And Natalie says, Hey, burn out. And I was like, How does she know me? Yeah, it was pretty incredible. And so I truly, I suggest that like, if you’re on the fence about going to a meetup, I think they’re now all virtual. So that makes the icebreaker a little bit easier. But if you’re on the fence about going, just go, because it really is a community that is centered in community over competition. And I know that has kind of become a cliche nowadays to where people say that a lot, but they truly live it. Yeah. So you have to first hand accounts of people who walked in, and we were welcomed with open arms. And it’s a very diverse group of people. I think that really stood out to me too. Just kind of walking in, you saw different socio economic demographics. That’s the word, different genders, different races, different ages. Um, some people had their babies and strollers younger people were like, older with gray hair, like it was just super cool to me. And everybody was interacting. And when you saw the quiet people kind of in the corner, because I’m a very extroverted introvert, like, I have a big personality, but I tend to blend in and crowds, like, just kind of go in the back. Yeah,

Akua Konadu
I have to be like, I have to be, um, but I’m heavily introverted. So I totally, totally get that.

Bernel
Which I don’t think people would guess that about either one of us are very surprised. They’re like, Oh, you’re so outgoing. And I’m like, Uh huh. And then I go home and don’t talk to people for like, four days.

Akua Konadu
I know. I’m like, Ooh, girl. Okay, girl, I’m about to go right back home and shut down and take a long nap. Right? Yeah, right.

Bernel
Yes. Yes, indeed. So I will link in the show notes to the rising tide society so that you can type in your zip code and find a chapter local to you. Yes. So we have talked about community and how much that helps. But I always like to ask, what was the biggest challenge that you had starting out?

Akua Konadu
Oh, my gosh, fear. I think that’s a huge thing. I do struggle heavily with analysis paralysis. And I’m not going to ask why.

Bernel
I say that one more time for the people who missed it. Back.

Akua Konadu
Analysis paralysis, I’m sure you all have heard if you have it, like, yeah, it’s where you’re over analyzing everything to where like, you just don’t move forward. Because out of fear of like, it’s not perfect or fear of what people are gonna think. And that was me very heavily. And I think that really stems from so a little bit about me is that my family’s from Ghana. Born and raised, my mom and dad came to this country. I’m 32. So maybe, like 34 years ago. And so I’m first generation I’ve been born here. And usually my parents were, you know, if I sacrifice my life, to come here to this country, and build a life for you, you’re gonna be a doctor, a lawyer, like you’re going to be something of recognition, and you’re going to be making buku money. Interesting. So my brother follow in that footsteps. He went to college for finance and accounting, and then he ended up going to getting his master’s in engineering. So he does stuff with like computers, so don’t even know what that fully is. And then you had me and I was like, right, like, I was supposed to be the doctor in some capacity. Like, ever since I was nine. I wanted to be a dentist. So my mom at the time just she always boasted, so even when I went to college, you know, and decided, alright, this is what I’m gonna do. She was just like, alright, we’re on the right track. This is this is the plan. And then my younger sister, she followed my mom’s footsteps. She is a RN and now she’s going just got accepted into grad school to get her DNP so I’m, I’m like, Alright, my other daughter, the youngest, great, we’re on the right track. Then you got me the oldest, the oldest girl and kinda after the patch injury. I just was like, I don’t know, this is what I want to do. And I just I didn’t know how to break it to her and she was

Bernel
Just

Akua Konadu
know, for me, I have really felt analysis paralysis because I really had to really define what success look like to me because I was just like, I’m a nobody. Like, I’m not doing what my mom wanted me to do. And she didn’t get it. She didn’t, there was a lot of tears. And like, you know, and I knew it wasn’t because she was angry. It was because she was worried like, because, you know, my mom wants to move back to Ghana, which is kind of crazy. Because she’s doing that this year. Finally, the time has come where she’s going to be leaving this country and going living her best life retiring, being with her mom, my grandma, her family, because everybody’s moved back. She has her and I think I have two uncles left here in the US. So for her, it was just like, I want to make sure that my kids are okay. Like, I want to make sure that my kids are able to contribute to society and make their path. And so for her, it was like, this is the path. This is this is the American dream, this is what I sacrifice for you to do. So I totally get how she was feeling. So I heavily just was terrified. I was like, I can’t fail, I have no room to fail, because I need to figure this out. I have to show her that I can do this. But it heavily bogged me down within that where I just couldn’t move forward in anything. And so and I was extremely stubborn like very stubborn. I wouldn’t do anything but so many people who were just so patient with me and kept encouraging me. And so I just kept taking little steps little by little, little by little. But it was not been easy. Even when I finally officially decided to take the leap when I left my full time job, which was a year ago in January. Full time entrepreneur. Yes. Right. My mom was so exhausted by hearing me cry all the time. And like I was super depressed, crying every day did not want to do this job. And finally just said, I was like, Mom, I just have to do it. I have to quit because my mental health was just on the verge. And she I like she finally said, do it. Yeah, it was fine. Like almost kind of needed that reassurance. And so then I did it. And I felt at peace about it. And God has showed up every single time. And so then just two days ago, and my mom has been super supportive. And now like she finally accepts, like alright, like a cool, this is her path. And this is the road that she wants to go. But she said it was even like, this is such a vulnerable episode. Oh my gosh, I’m laughing so hard, cuz I did not think it was gonna be it. But I told her what I was doing this week. And she said to me, she’s like, you’re very good at what you do. And, to me, that was

Bernel
like, the ultimate compliment.

Akua Konadu
Like, she has no idea. Like, I’m not gonna tell her that because I don’t want her to feel bad. But like, she finally like it was okay. And she just was like, I know, this is what my daughter wants to do. I’m super proud of her. She’s doing her thing. And she now feels good to her. Like she can go home. So

Bernel
I’m, I’m just about to turn out and be everything that our parents expected us to be. And without the labels just to be the person they expected you to be. That is a powerful moment when that hits Yeah. rational place when they’re just like, I’m proud of who you are. And it’s not I’m proud of your career, or I’m proud of, you know, any specific, like, you know, academic achievement, but like, I’m proud of who you are that you stepped into your path and your purpose.

Akua Konadu
Yeah, yeah. And so that was just like, that was just a couple days ago. And like, you know, like I said, she and she did finally accept it when I did it. And she has been wonderful about it. Now my mom’s like, Yeah, girl, let’s start her own business. I’d be laughing at her like, okay, mom, like you let me know what you want to do. And I’ll help you out. Which is kind of funny. She said that jokingly. But like Just hearing that even just this week, I just was like, she just believes in me. And she does, like Akua is just gonna march the beat of her own drum. And, yeah, but I think, you know, just, that’s just to the point where, like, don’t be like me. You know, obviously, we’re like, don’t allow fear to paralyze you. And, you know, a lot of people are not going to understand your dream, especially if friends and family it’s really difficult to and it’s because they care for you. But don’t allow that to deter what you have been called to do. And if this is what you have been called to do, like, it’s going to happen, the pieces are going to fall in place for me, my faith God has shown up but whether it’s the universe or whatever you believe in, it is going to happen for you. And your dream is not for everybody, but you keep pushing forward despite what people say whether it is your family, because know that they love you. And they just want to see you succeed, and you’re just going the road that a lot of our parents didn’t they didn’t take that road. And honestly, society didn’t paint it like society was you know, you get your degree, you get your education, and you work and so that societal pressure, especially for immigrant parents, like that’s the only way that they see that their kids can succeed and they have, you know, survived so much kind of being in survival mode. So that was kind of where like, I definitely was not mad at my mom. I just understood completely where she was. coming from. But yeah, just keep moving forward, like take that step. And no matter how afraid you are, and I’m still afraid, and I’m two years into this. And as I’m building this business that’s really aligned to who I am. I’m still afraid so but I have to show up, right? Like, I still show up afraid and, but I’m thankful because I’m learning so much more about myself and learning about how I want to show up and serve my clients. So just show up, y’all. I think that’s where it comes down to

Bernel
just show up in life in business on social media. Yeah. Yeah. So Oh, yes.

Bernel
Oh, my goodness, I love it. There are so many good things that happen right outside the comfort zone. It’s like when you just take that first step outside of the comfort zone. You know, it’s amazing what can happen. And then, you know, I like that. You you were honest about you’re still afraid. I mean, we all are. I think that even the people you see on social media with 2 million followers, I mean, I’m pretty sure Beyonce still gets nervous. Yeah, fear is a human emotion. But the paralysis behind it is what you can control. And you can control fear stopping you. So I think that’s good. Let’s all channel our fear into just being a motivating factor. Yes.

Akua Konadu
And I think what helps for me because like, I’m always I was, I was always like, it’s easier said than done. And I be just like, pass like, you guys. Don’t get it. You know what I mean? But just take a small step. And you’re like, Okay, I took this step. Now, I’m gonna do this next, but like, break it down into smaller pieces. Like, that’s how I do it. I’m like, okay, cool. Like, I’m really afraid to do this. So like, how, like, how am I going to be able to accomplish it? So I just break it down into smaller steps. And like, Okay, you did this great. Awesome, now keep moving. And that’s just how I do it. So yeah, I just you guys, just do it. Step out of your comfort zone. Nothing ever goes wrong from doing that either. If you do technically fail, you’ve learned and you pick yourself back up, and you keep moving forward. So yes,

Bernel
I love that. My mother always says which, now that I think about, it doesn’t really make too much sense. But she says, How do you eat an elephant? Anytime I was scared or overwhelmed. She was saying, Well, how do you eat an elephant? I’m just like, I don’t know. She’s like, one bite at a time. Yeah, like, that’s so true. And so you know, we may have like, elephant like problems in our lives that we feel like there’s no way I’m gonna get past that. But just one bite at a time.

Akua Konadu
One bite at a time. I love that. Oh, that is such a good thing to remember. So shout out to pronounced mom.

Bernel
Yes. And I’m always sitting here. Like, I don’t really want to eat an elephant. But that was not the point. So talking about things that cause a little bit of fear and anxiety. For me, it’s been reals this year. I’m not gonna lie to you creating rules on Instagram, I get a little my heart skips a beat every time. I try to do that. So what is your advice? Because you are killing the game girl with your Instagram. Really, really? You are. They’re informative. They are entertaining, like I learn and I’m entertained. And I feel like that is the goal of a real. So any tips for the people listening?

Akua Konadu
Yeah, well, number one, I just tried to keep it simple for myself. Like if you’re learning just how to start because I like I’ve mentioned I’m introverted. So I don’t like to show up on camera, which is really funny. As an Instagram strategist, people are like, what, but it’s true. Like that’s kind of has been one of my biggest hurdles that I’m still like fighting through because I love to hide behind my clients, I love to make other people look good while I just hide in the background. So usually with reels the way that I have been going about it, because it is extremely, very intimidating. And so what I did was first I just like I just started researching, I started looking at what other people were doing, and specifically not people in my industry, so that you don’t get caught up in comparison. And you’re just like, oh shoot, like this person did this and I can’t do it. So I started looking at what graphic designers, photographers, copywriters, makeup artists, whatever people that were like nowhere near my industry what they were doing, and then that’s how I would get my inspiration. So then once I got my inspiration, then all of a sudden I would write down the topic ideas that I had and how I was going to do them. And so then I would then take a topic idea of a video idea that I had and then I write down what I was going to say. And I wouldn’t write it down word for word I would just put the bullet points just so I knew because I you know Yeah, I knew enough about like my industry to where I can just wing it. I just had to have a focus and then I’d write like what this tick tock like Sorry, this reel would be and so that is how I have gone through recording so far is that then then it makes it a lot easier, right breaking it down into smaller steps and make it digestible. And then when you’re researching, try not to research in your own industry, look at other industries that are nowhere near connected to you because that’s going to help really make your content much more original. And so also to have your Okay, how do I get started even showing up on the camera, this is just me from pageant training, you know, that I still carry to this day, talk to yourself in the mirror, like how you would your friends, because you have to be conversational, right? Like, I mean, you I always want it like that was something in pageantry like when I would be talking to people you want to make people feel like you’re, they’re your friend. And so now even when I’m getting ready to do a real, I literally look in the mirror and I now I can do it really quickly. But obviously, when you’re first starting out, you’re spending quite a bit of time in front of a mirror. But just talking, just talking just you know, you already have the bullet points of what you’re thinking about and just talk in front of the mirror. So when it’s time to record, you’re able to do it a lot more quickly and go on about your day. So those are some definitely some tips that I have been using for sure. For reals. And I really just want to encourage you to try it. You know, here’s the deal. If you are looking where people are doing all these really like dope transitions and all of this stuff, and you’re like, I don’t know how to do that. And you’re intimidated. Sometimes the most viral like reels that have gone completely viral. Were from the most relatable, mundane, simple content. Keep. Keep it simple. Just start there. And then as you get more comfortable, you’ll get creative with what you want to do. But just keep it simple. Like my rules are simple, y’all go ahead and take a look. You know, you’re good. Yeah.

Bernel
And I learned something from them, though. And so I feel like yeah, simplicity. The art of teaching with simplicity is an art form. Yeah. I love it. I love it. That’s so good. Okay, guys, so go get your phones and talk to yourselves in the mirror. That’s what I just got from that. And I’m gonna try that too. So if you try it, yeah, let us know how that works out. Because I’m definitely going to try it. So we have gotten to my absolute favorite part of my podcast, I do this on every single episode. So if you have listened in before you know what time it is, grab your notebook, grab a pen, because Akua is going to give you three actionable steps that you can take today to move your business forward. Go Oh,

Akua Konadu
my gosh, that is such a good question. Okay, so number one, really make sure that you take the time to rest. Because I’m a workaholic, y’all, okay, like I can sit at a table for eight hours a day. And I think that’s just from college and constantly studying as a biology major, and all that stuff. So I could sit at a table eight hours straight, and just have my food in front of me and not even resting. And so really take the time to rest because it’s really easy to find yourself on like a hamster wheel working nonstop. And as a business owner, it’s so easy to do that and I have had to be like, Oh my gosh, I need to like stop what I’m doing and actually go out for a walk or enjoy a show or workout. So please, please make sure that you’re doing that because it’s so easy to be like I have so much on my list to do but if you are running on E you’re not able to show up as your best self to provide quality work you’re not able to show up as your best self to for your clients. You know what I mean? Like your quality of work totally goes down if you do not take that time to rest so whatever it is that you need to do, maybe take a nap like whatever like do that. Also to which I’m currently learning right now is just to really know your finances because I’m learning the hard way.

Bernel
Yes, that was me last year it took so many months to do my taxes because I thought I knew my finances. Yeah, but and I feel like that one is so huge. Honestly, the more your business grows, so if you’re listening to this and you’re not turning a profit right now and you’re like okay, that doesn’t apply to me stop because it does it you need to get that strong business foundation literally I wish four years ago someone had said separate your bank accounts. I wish someone had said do weekly bookkeeping. I wish someone had said take a picture of your receipt Braille because you’re gonna meet this next April but I was thinking at that time I’m not making enough money it doesn’t matter. But one day you will one day you will make more money and if those habits are not already in place then yeah you cry in a corner with a wine glass with your accountant on speed dial but maybe that was too personal continue a coup oh

Akua Konadu
yeah no I’m I’m literally there right now like I already because yeah, the day does come that you will make money. And then you and it happens so quickly, right? Because then your client work and all these things and you put on the backburner. I’m going to be transparent. I’m literally getting my beat right now for this. Oh, Helene is y’all like literally what we’re not what you’re talking about? I’m going through that right now. Like I’m literally looking for receipts I’ve already been talking to like my tax guy. He’s like, uh, what do you have these things I’m like, wait, and so now I’m going back through bank statements trying to lay everything out from last year of like, I bought a new laptop now I’m trying to find where I last year I did. You can write that off. I didn’t even know all the things that you could write off that I’m now even going backwards now trying to find so I’m a little bit stressed. So yeah, please, you guys know your finances. And yes, even if you’re not making a profit, because that’s how I was like, Well, I’m not making any money, so I don’t need to worry about it. And so now I’m like going back and looking at like old blog posts from like years ago through rising tide of like finances and all this stuff, because I’m like, oh, yeah, now this applies to me. So and you don’t have to be that way. So I’m, I’m being really odd. That’s where I’m at. So please know your finances, look at your things weekly. And really, just get as organized as you can. It’s so so true. And I think another one too, that I’m even learning when I was just really creating boundaries for yourself and your clients. You know, especially with my clients, I am the person I want to see everybody succeed, like, I want to help as much as I can. And I love that. But I do it to the point which also to I’ve had to really work through this is where like, I will end up sacrificing pieces of myself to help this person. And you don’t need to do that in order to help somebody you know what I mean. So I’ve really had to put my boundaries up with my clients, even just setting a time, like my office hours are from this time to this time, you know, definitely only contact me here or like, you know, I don’t respond right away, and all that type of stuff, like I still get uncomfortable, but it’s so needed, because I need to rest, like I’m just like, because it’s so hard for me to turn off. And yeah, just putting up boundaries with them just makes all the difference. And then also to putting up boundaries for yourself. Okay, like, from this time, you’re gonna work from this time to this time, then you’re gonna stop and eat like, that was me like, I could sit at a desk all day and not eat. And so I have to put it on my calendar to be like, alright, it’s 12 o’clock, you have to take a break and go eat something.

Bernel
So what the what I’ve done because I, in people who are, you know, in my life who know me on a day to day basis will say, Brunel, you’re really failing at this. But I set timers, like I literally set about eight timers on my phone a day, I set timers to eat, I set timers to stand up and stretch, because I have literally sat in the same seat for eight hours working on a website, not moving. And when you stand up, your shoulders are so tense, your back hurts. So I, I really try to set timers of like, okay, take a five minute walk, go get some water, drink something, give your eyes a break. And I think that that’s what people don’t realize a lot of times as our clientele that we produce this incredible work. But we can only sustain that if we set boundaries. Like we can’t go full steam ahead all the time. Like there’s just no way to do that. And so I definitely feel like with COVID A lot of people are realizing that, like, we all were running on hamster wheels. And I think COVID was like slow down, like slow down, setting boundaries and being transparent with your clients that like, Hey, I’m not doing that at 11 o’clock at night. And I’m sorry, but I will get back to you at 8am tomorrow morning. That’s going to help you and ultimately it’s going to help them serve them better.

Akua Konadu
Yes. And they appreciate that too. If you’re honest. Like a lot of I have not had bad experiences with just being honest with my clients and they’re wonderful about it. So yeah, definitely do it. So yeah, I hope all of these tips were helpful.

Bernel
Yes. Oh my goodness. You dropped so many gems. I love that. That’s like the speed Power Hour part of the episode where we just dropped three quick actionable steps. Yeah, well, a cooler I have enjoyed having you here today so much. Can you tell the people where to find you? Because you guys need some more Akua in your life?

Akua Konadu
Yes. At Instagram, y’all at Akua konadu underscore, so please send me a DM I love to chat. I send voice notes all the time. So if you want to talk with me and hang out, please come over there. I’d love to get to know y’all. So this has been one I love

Bernel
it. And I hope this isn’t like a spoiler alert. But she has a bomb Podcast coming out soon. Yeah, I’m just gonna drop that. You know, like

Akua Konadu
I do. Cast coming out which I’m so nervous. But I’m so excited. Bernau was on there, y’all. And she was dropping some fire stuff about branding. So I can’t wait to release that episode. It was so good. And you are coming back, by the way. So

Bernel
yes, yes. Well, there will be many more conversations with us because I feel like there’s a lot to talk about. There is yes, it will never end for sure. Yes, yes. Well, thank you so much for coming on today.

Akua Konadu
Yes. Thank you so much for having me. This has been fun.

Bernel
Yes. Wow, that went by really fast. As always, thank you so much for showing up in my little corner of the internet. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. So please, please subscribe, leave a review and share what you learned with friends. Some of the best things in life are freebies. So don’t forget to head over to branded by pronounced.com to check out our free branding goodies. This show notes and more educational resources

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