In 2021, I was contacted by Facebook to apply for their Leaders Network program. Acceptance into the Leaders Network program is by application only and when I got the call to apply, it didn't dawn on me how big of a deal this was for my business or my clients.
The Meta Leaders Network is a community that helps small to medium business leaders amplify their successes, connect with Meta (and their products Facebook, and Instagram) and each other, and build a better future for businesses everywhere.
It wasn't until I had a 30-minute interview for the program that the largest social media network asked me, a social media expert, to apply to a program with over 1500 small business owners across the country.
I conveyed to the interviewer that by using their free tools, and marketing on Facebook and Instagram, I grew a six-figure business over four years, with their products being the second revenue generator in closed business. They were impressed. I was able to show them the numbers generated from my CRM, Honeybook lead value, and conversions. By the following week, I was officially part of the Leaders Network.
But what did it all mean? Just access to a Facebook group of 1500 business owners in the United States.
It's been more than that. It's allowed me a little more access to Meta when I have issues with their products, access to special trainings, and has allowed me to talk on behalf of small business owners to our elected official in Oregon about the problems small business owners face.
In October, I was able to tell my story to Senator Ron Wyden's office. How I lost my job and decided to start my own company and how I impact and help small businesses use those free marketing tools to grow their business and stand out to reach their audiences using tools like Instagram and Facebook.
In March, Meta called, and I almost didn't answer the phone as it was a Chicago area code. But I'm glad I did.
This time, they were offering an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. to network & learn with 500 small business owners from across the country and connect with our elected officials about the issues small business owners face.
Sign me up. I was pinching myself. I then continued to brag to clients, social platforms, and family members about this trip. You know you've made it when the largest social media platform honors your business, a social media consultant, and coach.
Mid-May, I landed in D.C. and networked with business owners across the country and learned what is in store for the social platform as we approach the next phase of the Internet ... Web 3.0.
The top things that I learned were not far off from what I learned at Social Media Marketing World in March.
1) Video will be a big part of Meta's plans in the future. Sorry photographers.
2) Start thinking like a media company or creator because the Creator Economy is coming.
3) Gaming is the on-ramp to virtual and augmented reality.
You can read about those on the SMMW22 blog post here.
Another part of the trip was a visit to Congressman Cliff Bentz's office where we met with his aide and talked about the challenges my small business and my clients face in the next year. It was an honor to speak on their behalf on Capitol Hill.
The highlights were connecting with business leaders from all over, seeing the sights in DC, and feeling my voice was heard when talking to my local elected officials.
It also reiterated the importance that Meta’s Leaders Network isn’t JUST a Facebook Group. It’s a valuable resource for myself and my clients. It’s been a career highlight that will keep giving for years to come.
If you’re interested in applying for the Leader’s Network, Contact Me Here to learn more.