Fierce and epic all rolled into one, she’s an absolute rockstar. Jessica Hastings-Lesperance was Raised with Real Estate™ her entire life. She is co-owner, Marketing Visionary, Director of Operations, and realtor® at the Terri Hastings Real Estate Group/Keller Williams Realty Centres, one of the top producing Keller Williams teams in all of Canada.
We live in a time of rapid and constant change, especially in the business world, where the entrepreneurial landscape is always evolving. With more tools and innovative ways to reach audiences, entrepreneurs have more opportunities than ever to grow their businesses and thrive. Whether it's using data analytics, building an active social media following, or leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity, entrepreneurs should embrace these tools. While some may feel like a significant risk, they can often lead to substantial rewards.
4 key elements entrepreneurs should to start leveraging in their business
1. Social media & storytelling
Social media is no longer optional for business owners and it hasn't been for a long time. A consistent online presence is essential for growing a business. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) are powerful tools for connecting with audiences.
Social media allows businesses to engage with their audiences through compelling, relatable, and visually appealing content. It gives potential customers a glimpse into the people behind the business, and when paired with effective storytelling, it can create an emotional connection that ultimately drives sales. It’s also a valuable means of building brand awareness beyond the local market, reaching niche audiences.
While being active on multiple platforms requires a financial investment (e.g., hiring a social media manager) or a time investment in content creation, it's well worth the effort–trust me.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is transforming the way businesses operate, from customer communication to data analysis and content generation. It can optimize productivity by streamlining customer service through chatbots or email automation and by enabling data-driven decision-making. AI can even simplify social media management by helping to generate captions, allowing you to enhance your online presence more efficiently. In the real estate sector, for example, AI can assist with crafting engaging listing descriptions.
It's important to recognize that AI encompasses far more than just ChatGPT. Numerous AI tools serve diverse functions, ranging from free to subscription-based services. Since this field is evolving rapidly, it's crucial to understand where AI fits into your business and industry. Be mindful of the ethical considerations, especially in sectors where its use may be restricted. Ultimately, AI can automate repetitive tasks and enhance efficiency–just stay informed about emerging tools and how they can be integrated into your business.
3. Your time
Time is one of the most valuable resources for any entrepreneur. Leveraging tools and delegating tasks can help you focus on the bigger picture. Prioritizing your time means prioritizing the long-term growth of your business, allowing you to concentrate on strategy rather than daily operations.
Optimizing your time might involve hiring an assistant or exploring childcare options, as well as using time-management techniques like time-blocking or outsourcing non-core tasks. Productivity apps can further help maximize efficiency. Remember, no one can do it all–seeking support can empower you to focus on the aspects of the business that matter most.
4. Networking & collaboration
Networking and collaboration are not new concepts, but they have become even more critical in today's competitive environment. Building strong relationships has always been key to business growth. Partnerships can unlock new markets, provide valuable learning experiences, and create opportunities for mutual growth.
Entrepreneurs should join industry groups, attend events (virtual or in-person), engage with the local community, and actively pursue partnerships that align with their business goals. Even in competitive fields like real estate, approaching networking as a collaborative rather than combative process can be transformative. You never know when a connection might turn into a valuable opportunity.
Conclusion
In the end, nobody knows your business better than you. However, leveraging social media, AI tools, time, and networking can help businesses stay competitive and thrive in today’s dynamic landscape. While there may be upfront financial and time investments, taking calculated risks and exploring new tools can yield significant rewards. And if you’re already utilizing these elements, that’s fantastic! Now is the perfect time to reflect on how they are serving your business and where there’s room for improvement.
Jessica Hastings-Lesperance, Realtor®, Director of Operations, Co-Owner
Fierce and epic all rolled into one, she’s an absolute rock star. Jessica Hastings-Lesperance was Raised with Real Estate™ her entire life. She is co-owner, Marketing Visionary, Director of Operations, and realtor® at the Terri Hastings Real Estate Group/Keller Williams Realty Centres, one of the top producing Keller Williams teams in all of Canada. Jessica is an inspiring entrepreneur, real estate investor, coach, speaker, and published author. She has been featured on major media outlets including podcasts and real estate TV talk shows and has been published in various magazines. Recently, she was recognized as one of Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors for 2023 by Impact Magazine.
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