On November 8th and 9th, I had the pleasure of hosting our 8th annual Platform Builder® Summit – an all-VIP, exclusive gathering that, once again, proved the power of women entrepreneurs coming together. This year’s theme, “Collaborations and Pivots,” resonated with our audience, as we explored how strategic partnerships and adaptive thinking can fuel marketing, growth and revenue.

Held over two days at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, our summit brought together a dynamic mix of small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and visionaries ready to elevate their impact and platform. From strategic marketing insights to personal branding and the nuances of government contracting or non-profit success secrets, each session and speaker inspired action and meaningful mindset shifts.

Setting the Stage for Impactful Connections

From the moment attendees stepped into the venue, there was an undeniable vibe. We kicked off with a Millionaire Mindset session with Euronda Travis and transitioned to the Marketing State of the Union, where I shared the current consumer climate, the latest trends, and insights shaping marketing. This session set the tone for our summit, emphasizing the importance of staying attuned to market shifts while staying true to our unique brand values.

The rest of Day One was filled with empowering talks and workshops, including sessions on creating a powerful personal brand with Holly Byrd Miller and doing a dream storm with Jean Tillery. One key takeaway from Day One? Collaboration will boost your profits.

Day Two: Diving Deeper into Strategy and Growth

Day Two continued with a powerful lineup, including topics like scaling businesses with government contracts by Latasha Brooks, Power Dressing with Tanya Russell and nonprofit success strategies from Dr. Shantell Chambliss. The day continued with business spotlights on DeLinda Carter & Marcea Marsh. The Money Panel, featuring financial experts Shan-Nel D. Simmons, Dr. Tamara W. Dias, and Charese Chambers, brought practical advice on financial planning, money mindset, and tax planning.

The summit closed with reflections, takeaways, and a commitment to action. Every attendee left with a renewed vision for their business.

Our theme: Collaborations and Pivots

This year’s theme reflected our shared journey as entrepreneurs. Collaboration opens doors and expands our reach, while the ability to pivot allows us to adapt and thrive in change. Throughout the weekend, we heard stories of proof that building your platform works—testaments to what’s possible when business owners partner and remain open to new directions.

Thank You to Our Incredible Speakers and Guests

This summit was made extraordinary by each speaker and participant. The knowledge, experiences, and shared wisdom left an impact on everyone in attendance, myself included. Thank you to every guest who came ready to lean in, engage, and transform. And to my fantastic event team and all those who helped bring this summit to life—thank you for your excellence and dedication.

I am grateful for the journey of hosting The Platform Builder® Summit and look forward to the next steps to make more money.

During the 8th Annual Platform Builder Summit, Mitchell Productions awarded one of our clients the 2024 – The Platform Builder Award. Here is what Dana had to say:

“At The Platform Builder Summit – The VIP Experience, I had the humbling honor of receiving a Platform Builder Award. To say it was surreal would be an understatement. Every day, we work hard privately—pouring our hearts and energy into our dreams—and to have that effort recognized publicly was both unreal and deeply humbling.

I’ve always been drawn to wisdom, and it’s no surprise that many describe me as an old soul. There’s something so powerful about being in the presence of those who openly share their experiences to help others along their journeys. This award is a reminder of the value of being coachable and committed to growth.

A heartfelt thank you to Sharvette Mitchell for seeing my hard work and recognizing it in such a beautiful way. You make it easy to rest under your umbrella of leadership because you lead by example. Your guidance, wisdom, and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey, and I’m so grateful to have you as my coach.

This moment is a reflection of the incredible support system I’ve been blessed with and the dedication it takes to keep showing up. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Let’s keep growing, learning, and building platforms together!”

Today, we’re diving headfirst into a topic that’s been buzzing around in our community: Do you have a marketing problem, or is it actually a fear problem? Let’s unravel this together and get to the bottom of what’s really holding your business back.

First off, let’s talk about fear. Yep, that sneaky little gremlin that loves to pop up just when you’re about to hit “post” on your latest campaign. Fear can show up in many forms—procrastination being one of the biggest culprits. Ever find yourself delaying that product launch until the website is “perfect”? Yep, that’s fear lurking behind the scenes. Perfectionism often masks a deeper fear of failure or rejection. Let’s get real: nothing will ever be 100% perfect. So, why not embrace the imperfections and let your audience see the real, authentic you?

Now, let’s move on to our personality types. Introverts, I’m looking at you! Marketing activities can indeed feel like a nightmare for those who’d rather stay in the background. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to change who you are to succeed in marketing. Pre-recorded videos, email marketing, and content creation are all avenues where you can excel without feeling like you’re in the spotlight. It’s all about finding what works for you and playing to your strengths.

Imposter syndrome is another heavy hitter. That nagging voice telling you that you’re not as good as others think you are? Yeah, it’s a liar. Many of us struggle with this, but here’s a little secret: even the most successful entrepreneurs have moments of doubt. The key is to push through and keep putting your ideas out there. The world needs what you have to offer, imperfections and all.

Alright, let’s flip the coin and talk about genuine marketing issues. One major pitfall is not giving your campaigns enough time. Just like a good chili needs time to marinate in a crockpot, your marketing strategies need time to simmer and reach your audience. Launching something and expecting instant results is a recipe for disappointment. Patience, my friends, is key.

Another common issue is not diversifying your marketing efforts. Relying solely on one platform or method can limit your reach. Mix it up! Combine email marketing (which is gold, by the way) with social media, video content, and even offline strategies. The more touchpoints you create, the better your chances of connecting with your ideal customer.

Finally, let’s not forget the importance of speaking directly to your ideal client. If your message isn’t resonating, it might be a sign that you need to refine your copy or better define your target audience. Make sure your marketing speaks their language and addresses their pain points. When your audience feels understood, they’re more likely to engage with your brand.

So, there you have it! Whether it’s fear or a genuine marketing hiccup, identifying the root cause is the first step to overcoming it. Embrace your imperfections, diversify your strategies, and give your campaigns the time they need to work their magic. Remember, the world needs your unique voice and offering, so don’t let fear hold you back!

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels with social media posts, fancy sales pages, and endless prep work, but not seeing the results you crave? It’s time to simplify and shift your approach. Here’s a breakdown of how to make your sales process more effective, less stressful, and downright enjoyable.

First things first, let’s talk about social media posts. You’ve probably heard that content is king, but not all content is created equal. The secret sauce lies in simplicity. Start with easy, engaging posts like Facebook background posts or straightforward offers. For example, a post like, “If I could help you get more clients next month, would you want to chat?” can work wonders. It’s low-pressure and invites interaction without overwhelming your audience.

Now, let’s dive into the art of storytelling. Vulnerable posts are gold, but remember, it’s not about spilling your entire life story. Instead, use your experiences to mirror your audience’s struggles and dreams. This kind of post isn’t just about you – it’s a reflection of your clients’ journey, making them feel seen and understood. Share your challenges, your turning points, and the solutions that worked for you. This builds connection and trust, setting the stage for a meaningful conversation.

Problem scenario posts are another powerful tool. These posts grab attention by addressing common pain points directly, like “Why you can’t lose weight even though you’ve tried every diet out there.” Present the problem, explain why their current methods aren’t working, and introduce a belief shift that aligns with the solution you offer. It’s a great way to position yourself as the go-to expert who truly gets their struggles.

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of launching? Let’s reframe that. A launch doesn’t have to be a massive, stress-inducing event. Instead, think of it as a fun and breezy process. You likely have a treasure trove of content already created – freebies, video trainings, Google Docs, you name it. Take inventory, see what fits together, and voila! You’ve got a program. Then, just start talking about it everywhere – no fancy sales pages needed.

And what if your launch doesn’t hit the mark? No biggie. It’s all part of the learning process. Evaluate what’s not working – is it the messaging, the audience, or the price? Tweak and try again. Sometimes, simply extending your campaign and reaching out to new people can make all the difference. Remember, it’s about testing, learning, and adjusting.

When it comes to closing the deal, DM conversations can be your best friend. But ditch the sleaze – keep it genuine and pressure-free. Start by acknowledging their interest and asking about their current challenges. This pre-qualification step not only warms them up but also ensures you’re on the same page. If they’re ready to take the next step, great! If not, offer valuable resources and keep the door open for future interactions.

So, there you have it – a roadmap to making sales simpler, more human, and ultimately more successful. By focusing on connection, clarity, and consistency, you’ll not only boost your sales but also build a loyal community of clients who feel truly supported by you.

In the world of entrepreneurship, the fear of the spotlight can often hold us back from achieving our full potential. This fear can manifest in various ways, from hesitating to put ourselves out there to shying away from opportunities that could propel our businesses forward. However, as I shared in a past live stream, overcoming this fear is crucial for making our businesses visible and successful.

My journey began over a decade ago, sitting at a friend’s kitchen table, offering to help with marketing for her new business. Little did I know that this simple gesture would spark the beginning of my own entrepreneurial path. From starting a web design business to transitioning into coaching high-achieving women entrepreneurs, my story is a testament to the power of stepping out of our comfort zones.

Pivotal moment

One pivotal moment in my journey was hosting my first event, where only two people showed up. Despite feelings of shame and fear, I pushed through and was rewarded with unexpected opportunities. This experience taught me the importance of facing our fears head-on and not letting setbacks define our path. It’s a reminder that sometimes, our biggest breakthroughs come after our most challenging moments.

As I navigated through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, I realized the significance of having a cohesive brand and a strong community. By aligning my marketing efforts with my brand and creating a supportive community, I was able to establish myself as a leader in my industry. This underscores the importance of clarity and consistency in building a successful business presence.

In conclusion, my journey (which continues to unfold) serves as a valuable lesson on overcoming the fear of the spotlight in business. By embracing clarity, confidence, and consistency, we can step out in front of our brands and make them visible to the world. As entrepreneurs, it’s essential to remember that the spotlight is not something to be feared but embraced as a tool for growth and success. So, take a cue from my story and shine brightly in our entrepreneurial endeavors!

We are excited to share that our mobile app is up and running for The Platform Builder® Summit! This feature was a hit with our last conference and so we brought it back!

Download the app  – CLICK HERE

You will be able to see the full program and schedule at your finger tips under the second icon, “Program”. From the Program tab, you can select the day you want to view from the top of screen and then click on the sessions and see the speakers and session descriptions.

Under the third icon, “Feed”, you will see posts from the Summit team AND you can make a post also.  There is not a comment feature but there is a “like” feature.

Under the fourth icon, “Networking”, you will be able to connect with Summit attendees that also download the app.

*The mobile app is optional but a great way to have up-to-the-minute details of our schedule. The schedule is still available here on our main website and also here: CLICK HERE.

Feel free to delete the app after the Summit!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of marketing your business? Maybe you find yourself procrastinating or doubting if your efforts will yield results.

The truth is, having confidence in marketing your business is key to reaching its full potential. Believe in yourself and take action! Here are a few things you can do to feel ready and confident in promoting your business:

1. Set goals. Sit down and think about what kind of success you want to achieve. This will give you something concrete to work towards and fill you with purpose.

2. Ask for help. From family and friends to online communities and business mentors, there’s no shortage of support available. Don’t be afraid to reach out!

3. Have a plan. Break your goals into manageable tasks and create a timeline to help you stay on track. Preparation increases confidence…

4. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Marketing is about testing. Try new strategies and make changes as needed. Adapting to the ever changing market is crucial.

5. Celebrate your successes. This is an important one! Celebrating every milestone will help build your confidence and keep you motivated. Feel free to celebrate your wins in our Facebook community- Marketing Tips with Sharvette!

Reaching success requires time and effort but with a bit of confidence and the right techniques, you can make it happen. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back – Step out and take it on!

1. Start with an audience analysis: identify who your target audience is and what their interests, needs and values are.

2. Develop a strategic approach to growing your audience. This should include content that resonates with your target audience, two-way engagement (responding to comments, questions, and reviews), leveraging relationships with influencers, and leveraging paid ads.

3. Share your content on social media across all channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, etc. Experiment with copy, images, and video to see what resonates best.

4. Monitor the progress and results of your efforts, and use data to refine and improve your strategy over time.

5. Track and analyze your progress, using analytics tools to get a deeper look!

Start with a marketing plan! A marketing plan is needed for a number of reasons. It provides a roadmap for the success of a business’s marketing strategies and objectives. It focuses resources on what’s needed to reach desired goals, and examines the organization’s current environment, targeting potential opportunities and challenges from competition and other factors.

It also outlines strategies to measure the success of the marketing efforts and review/modify as needed.

1. Understand Your Audience: First, entrepreneurs should focus their efforts on understanding their target customers. What needs to be learned about them in terms of pain points, interests, demographics, etc.?

2. Set Goals: Having clearly defined marketing objectives will make all future marketing efforts easier to track, measure, and adjust as needed.

3. Establish or Optimize Your Online Presence: Most small businesses today should begin by optimizing their presence online, setting up social media accounts, optimizing their website for SEO, and creating blog posts.  Assignment: GOOGLE yourself and your business. Any surprises?

4. Leverage Content Marketing:  Social media content, Video content, podcast content and email marketing are powerful tools for driving awareness and leads, and entrepreneurs should take full advantage of them.

Grab our free marketing planner at www.mymarketingplan.biz