Sarah’s journey into remote work – specifically as the Social Media Strategist for none other than our CFO and COO Lisa Zeeveld – likely sounds very familiar:
“[I wanted] to have the flexibility to be at home with my 1-year-old!”
Maybe you already work from home and are nodding along like this is a sermon that speaks directly to your heart.
Or maybe you’re staring at the carpet-lined interior of a cubicle, daydreaming about how you could make your dream of remote work work.
Because while working in a traditional office setting works for some, it doesn't necessarily work for every entrepreneur, gig contractor, business or employee.
Why? Because life, that’s why.
Maybe you want to be able to pick up your kids after school every day. Maybe you prefer to work at your own pace, maybe even alone, on your own schedule. Maybe you have recurring medical appointments. Maybe you’re an empty-nester who wants more flexibility.
Whatever intersectional stage of professional and personal life you’re in, one thing is certain: You deserve a better way to work and live.
And for the last eight months, Sarah has found hers.
What has working virtually afforded you that you didn't have or couldn't do before?
“Working from home – instead of in an office – [has afforded me] more time with family, being my own boss, and more creative freedom to name a few!”
How did you get into social media as a career?
“I actually started out as a communications intern at a church and from there, I learned all the constantly changing ins and outs of social media.
“It began as ‘filling a gap’ but turned into a career because I discovered I really enjoyed it and was good at it, too!”
What has changed for you and LZ since starting your partnership?
“So much has changed, mostly in regard to content strategy.
“LZ has never had help with her social media and so we started from scratch. The past six months or so have been a discovery phase – figuring out what works best for her and her audience.
“This never truly stops with social media, but we have found a rhythm that she feels good about. On Instagram, she has almost doubled in followers since we started, her posting is now consistent, and her audience knows what to expect from her.”
How have you used your background to help LZ?
“LZ is actually my first client who is a personal brand.
“However, I have used my background to help her by creating a solid social media plan, reporting monthly to adapt and make adjustments to the plan, and offering new strategies that help with her reach and influence on social media.
What from your background helped prepare you for serving LZ virtually?
“Truthfully, I barely had any experience serving a client virtually until LZ. I worked remotely at the beginning of COVID, so I had some idea of what to expect from that, but overall I've learned a lot from her and BELAY on how to serve clients virtually.”
What are some 'wins' you can claim since partnering with LZ?
“I would say finding that content strategy sweet spot, learning how to manage a personal brand on LinkedIn, growing her IG followers by 88 percent, and ultimately serving a client in a way that not only takes a big chunk of work off her plate but also making sure she is happy with the results!”
What skills help you be an effective SMM?
“Skills in social media planning, time management, analytics and reporting, effective communication, apps like Canva for designing, creative collaboration, and adaptability.”
How do you keep up with social media trends?
“I follow and subscribe to Social Media Today to read articles and learn about what's going on in the social media world. I also simply engage with social media on my personal time.”
How do you add value to LZ's brand and following?
“I add value to LZ's brand and following by providing consistent, relevant content.
“I always aim to either educate, entertain, or engage her audience. I also do my best to keep her content in sync and aesthetically pleasing so that she stays on brand.”
What is one thing about what you do that makes you excited to get up tomorrow and do it again?
“It's hard to pick one!
“I really love creating content. It can be a long process, but I love getting to create beauty and add value to people's lives with what I'm given.
“I'm a storyteller, so the creative aspect of social media is the most enjoyable part for me.”
If you’re ready to work remotely, check out all of our open contractor positions.
Trust us: You’ll be oh-so-glad you did.
And if you’re ready to hire remote help, let’s talk.
Again, trust us: You’ll be oh-so-glad you did. Seriously.