Determined Michele Gogan has embraced social media in a big way and she says it is proving to be a boost for her business.
The busy mother-of-three aged 43, has never looked back since she took the bold step of going into business on her own.
Irish-born Michele is going from strength to strength working in her own right from her home in St Catherine’s Drive, Douglas, where she advises on the Cambridge Weight Plan.
Business News first reported on enterprising Michele more than two years ago.
Since then the business has expanded and she says her bold steps into the world of social media have helped.
She is very active on Facebook and has also shown her flexibility by directing two short films which have gone on YouTube.
She spoke to Business New just days after her second film had been uploaded to the popular internet website. The three minute production had received more than 780 views by the time Business News went to press yesterday (Monday).
Michele directed the film and used professional videographer Nick Coole for the film to put the spotlight on some of her clients. ‘It’s going up by about 100 viewers every day, that’s what I’ve noticed, and I’m delighted,’ said Michele, referring to the number of people watching the video on YouTube.
‘I’m so pleased with the videos. To be honest it’s cost me a lot to get this done but I think I’m giving back and whatever I give back I seem to get back 10-fold. As in nice comments and in the way I have built my reputation as a business owner.
‘And I think if you don’t build your reputation in the Isle of Man you can forget it. I involved other business owners in the films and they want to get involved in the next film.’
Those who helped with the production and are credited at the endof the latest film include Shan Fisher Photography, Top Knots hair design and Charlotte Easton for the make up artistry. Michele said she had great fun making the films with Nick Coole even down to organising the buying of dozens of balloons for scenes on Port Erin beach and ensuring the ‘stars’ of the filmhad sandwiches to eat during a break.
Michele says people in business on their own should not be afraid of embracing social media to give their enterprises a lift. But she is also keen to stress that word of mouth recommendations and face to face meetings are also vital to build business.
She said: ‘People shouldn’t be scared to take steps to improve their business.’
Michele believes a key factor in making her business a success has been communication with a vast array of clients who come from all walks of life. She has won awards within the Cambridge organisation and earlier this year enjoyed a prize holiday in Tenerife for being one of the top 50 consultants in the British Isles.
Michele is now also a ‘team leader’ for a couple of other consultants in the island.
cambridge@manx.net