Can you share a little about your background and what led you to start your business?

I worked in corporate business development for logistics companies for over 25 years. I always had a “pull” inside that was telling me that I should be creating my own business. I was never sure exactly what kind of business but I knew that I could do something to help all of the clients that I had made contact with over the last 25 years. When COVID hit, I went from being on the road and knocking on doors to open new business to staying home and calling new accounts by phone. I felt like a glorified telemarketer and I knew that this was DEFINITELY not for me long term.

It sparked something inside me in the sense that it WAS TIME. to figure out a business for myself that something like COVID would not affect. In other words, I could carry on virtually if this happened again. I began helping business owners with life coaching sessions online and I created videos to help promote my business Instagram Reels were new on social media and I had some fun with making videos. What is so funny is that I began getting reactions on how I made the videos, more than the life coaching! This made me realize a couple of things: Business owners will need video content to help them grow on social media, Many new businesses were being created during COVID, and I had a marketing and sales background therefore I could definitely help business owners with video content. This is how I began my business! I began by offering 1 free video to local businesses to showcase them on my page, then I began offering content shoots, then social media management and the rest is history!

What inspired you to get into this industry?

I have always had a love for social media. When I was working in the corporate world, I had tried a few “side gigs” in the network marketing industry. This forced me to learn social media and become familiar with all the marketing platforms. When COVID hit and I decided to figure out what kind of business I could create for myself, I was able to use my social media experience to help promote my new business.I also took a few online courses to learn the ins and outs of Instagram and Facebook.

I also began coaching businesses on how to grow their Instagram presence. I love social media because it is such a creative outlet (the content creation part). Also, I really understand business owners because I had dealt with so many owners being in sales and business development. When I offer social media, I am not just offering fun videos and trending themes, I am really taking the time to understand the company’s audience, behaviour and the the company’s goals. For me, what I do is so important to a business but also it’s so much fun because it’s a passion of mine!

What was the moment you realized, “This is what I’m meant to do”?

When I began creating videos for local businesses, I loved being so creative that it lit up something inside me like…. wow, this is what I was meant to do. I felt so comfortable speaking with business owners, I felt so confident in what I was doing, and I was so inspired to create ideas for the business owners. It’s like every company that I had ever worked for had prepared me for this moment.

What were you struggling with before reaching out to the Manifest Team?

I wanted to have a better online presence with a great website. I was looking to generate leads through my website as well.

How did your old website (or lack of one) hold you back?

My old website did not really reflect my personality. It also had a lot of glitches (fonts not lined up properly) . It didn’t feel like something that I could be proud of.

after working with manifest team

What emotions came up during the transformation process?

I was reluctant to create a new website, because my last experience was not a good one. The company I used was not supportive or helpful with the information that I had to give them. I was also unsure if the final product would be something that really represented me. But I did have faith in Elaine as I had seen her work with other business owners.

What do you feel your website communicates about you now?

It creates a fun vibe and instills a confidence in me to deliver results for the business owner.

What has been your proudest moment in business?

I had created a social media workshop that was a great success and my family was able to attend.

What’s one obstacle you overcame that shaped you into the entrepreneur you are today?

Dealing with a difficult client and overcoming their objections. I believe that how you handle a client says so much about what kind of entrepreneur you are.

What is a breakthrough moment in your business that you’re most proud of?

This pas summer, I was hired to film a campaign for a local mayor. I got to work with his media relations ( a television producer) and this was tons of fun!

What positive changes have you noticed in your business since launching your new website?  

I have had a great response from many of my clients and I have had people reach out to Elaine for their own website.

Since launching your website, what monetary wins or financial results have you experienced?

I have had a few inquiries from clients and one booked client so far.

Have you noticed any changes in visibility or engagement since the launch?

I have noticed increased traffic on my website and on my Google business profile.

What type of client do you think would benefit most from working with us, and why?

Any service provider who needs more online presence. Also large corporate clients who need a refresh on their website. Why? because your team is amazing.

---

Discover Arielle Wizman’s New Website:
ariellewizman.com

Connect with Arielle Wizman on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ariellewizman/