This is Reel-y Uncomfortable For Me!
There is a saying - “Whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for change.” As a former television news producer, I spent much of my career behind the scenes - either in pitch meetings in the board room, vetting stories at my desk or in a dark control room overseeing a show. Rarely did I appear on camera, and if it happened, it was the back of my head when the Citynews Steadicam would sweep through the control room for a shot to break. And I was quite alright with that. Then I started my own business and I could no longer be behind the scenes.
To say I was reluctant in the beginning is an understatement. I mean, my Twitter account profile pic for the longest time was an avatar of a cute Black woman. I needed to figure out how I could dive into this social media world without being, well, social. I managed to keep a low profile on Twitter and LinkedIn, mainly posting news, video and articles without showing my face. Then I came up against the law of threes (more like 3 million) - multiple people telling me that in order for me to market my business services, I needed to get on the ‘Gram. As in, “Instagram, I asked?” I had no interest in posting photos of myself. That was my impression of Instagram, mainly based on celebrity IG postings that made the news. I needed to wrap my head around this Instagram thing before hopping on, so I took a class at the Business Advisory Centre Durham to understand how it could help my business. Once I did that, I felt I was ready and I understood what I needed to do. As time progressed, I developed a social media calendar and consistent content that my audience loved and regularly engaged with - much to my surprise.
And then Reels came along.
Again, I resisted. I wasn’t interested in dancing, playing pranks or doing the latest quick change trend. Why would I do a Reel? I turned to my brilliant daughter, Myana, who knows all things social media. She gave me stern lecture on how I am leaving free marketing on the table and was not using my best commodity - Me! I tried to counter her with weak arguments not worth mentioning, and decided to run her lambasting of me by my amazing social media manager Denee. If I was looking for her to back me up, that was not going to happen. Instead, she co-signed Myana’s opinion and wanted to know when I was doing my first Reel.
Outnumbered and recognizing that every time I have felt uncomfortable about something, it has actually been the best thing for me, I went for it! I’ve done three Reels so far and they’ve all gotten great engagement and views. It’s not something I’m doing everyday - once a week is about all I can manage. However, I now see the value of it for my business. I offered expert media tips in a short fun format, people got to see the dream team behind FKB Media Solutions, and most importantly, I’m becoming less uncomfortable OR more comfortable in front of the camera. This in front of the camera change has already led to increased business, inquiries and a monthly livestream partnership with the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. Yes, change is good.
