This Week’s Problem

Every week I carve out 90 minutes to help you guys improve your business with my no bollocks advice! In one of my sessions this week I was asked about social media, so here was my advice…

“Do you think creating an Instagram account dedicated to selling insurance, akin to real estate accounts, is a good or bad idea? Is it innovative or does it look cheap? Could it be perceived as invasive in approaching people? What's your perspective on this approach?”

Matt’s *No Bollocks* Fix

First off, the idea of creating an Instagram account, or any social media account for that matter, to sell insurance isn't inherently good or bad. It's all about execution! If you approach it with the right mindset and strategy, it can be a goldmine. Ironically, social media can make us less sociable, so use it to become more so. Capitalise on the features each platform offers. Here's why:

1. Innovation vs. Cheapness: It's innovative if you bring value. Think beyond the boring old sales pitch. Provide tips on financial literacy, debunk insurance myths, and share success stories. Make your content engaging, informative, and visually appealing. If you slap together a feed of bland ads, it’s going to come off as cheap.

2. Perception: Now, is it invasive? It depends on how you do it. If you’re sliding into DMs with hard sells, that’s a turn-off. Instead, focus on creating content that draws people in organically. Let them come to you because they see the value you offer.

3. Business Savvy: Great marketing is all about meeting the customer where they are. And guess what? Social media is where people are hanging out. Leverage it smartly with targeted ads, collaborations, and stories that showcase your expertise.

4. WHY YOU!: People aren't just buying insurance; they're buying from you. So, why should they choose you over the next guy? Got unique policies? Great! But if not, let your personality do the talking. Be real, be relatable. Share your story, your values, and why you love what you do. Engage with your audience—respond to their comments, ask their opinions, show some gratitude. People connect with people, not faceless brands. In the end, they’ll buy into you and the trust you build more than any corporate spiel.

In short, it’s all about your approach. Bring the value, stay authentic, and avoid the hard sell. Use social media to make you more social by actually engaging with your audience: respond to comments, ask good questions, and use polls and Q&As in your stories. Do it right, and your business’s social media can be as impactful as any other account out there.

Remember, people are more likely to do business with those they enjoy being around and with content they resonate most.

Don’t forget, if you want a black-and-white, no-bollocks solution, I’m here to help you avoid the mistakes I’ve made in my years of owning businesses. I have lived and learned, and now I want to share my knowledge with you. Book a call here.

Guest Of The Week

This week, I'm metaphorically stripping off Chris Baber's chef whites and diving deep to uncover the secret ingredient to his success. Chris Baber, a celebrated chef, BBC Good Food contributor, and best-selling author, joins us to share his journey from humble beginnings to culinary fame. We chat about the entrepreneurial spirit that sparked his passion for cooking and how it led him to thrive in the intense world of Michelin Star restaurants, rubbing shoulders with top-tier chefs like Gordon Ramsay. Chris opens up about the challenges of staying creative in an industry where everything has essentially been "done to death."

We also delve into the business side of things—how many top chefs master both the kitchen and the boardroom. Chris shares his insights on building a strong social media following and the networking savvy that landed him a coveted gig with Marks and Spencer's. Plus, he talks about his book, "Easy," and the importance of simplicity in achieving business success.

In case you missed it, catch up now, listen here or watch below!