Today, we’d like to introduce you to Libby McRae.
Hi Libby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into the world of social media began somewhat unexpectedly in 2020. I was thrust into the social media sphere not by choice but by necessity.
My husband, an entrepreneurial spirit and a visionary in his own right, decided to quit his job and start a new venture. With little to no marketing budget, we had to get creative. So, like any resourceful 24-year-old faced with the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of her spouse, I turned to social media and set up a Facebook page for his budding enterprise.
The learning curve was steep, but the results were undeniable. Before we knew it, his business attracted custom orders from across states and partnerships with other companies. It was a real eye-opener to the power of social media in driving business growth.
As we navigated the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, we found ourselves in the company of other local entrepreneurs. Many were intrigued by the rapid growth of my husband’s business and often asked about our “secret.” Our answer was simple: Facebook. Surprisingly, many small business owners hadn’t considered social media a key marketing tool, especially given its potential and accessibility.
That realization sparked the idea for The Crucial Social in 2022. I saw firsthand how many small businesses were missing out on social media’s incredible opportunities, often settling for stagnant sales and limited growth. I made it my mission to change that narrative.
I’m nearing the two-year mark of diving into this venture full-time (time flies, right?), and it’s been an incredible journey filled with meaningful connections and collaborations. I’ve had the privilege to work closely with clients I admire and enjoy partnering with.
Working together, I’ve seen local businesses blossom, extending their reach beyond our town’s borders and significantly boosting their online and in-store sales. Watching their digital presence grow and captivate audiences they never imagined they could reach has been exhilarating.
My collaboration with the city on local concert series promotions has been another fulfilling chapter, helping to shine a light on local and small businesses involved in these events. This promoted the events themselves and supported the heart of our community—its entrepreneurs.
Taking on a leadership role in a local networking group has allowed me to leverage social media to knit a tighter web of connections among small business owners, creating a space for them to share, connect, and thrive together.
Above all, one of my deepest passions is demystifying social media for others. It’s accessible to everyone, not just a select few “in the know.” There’s nothing more rewarding than guiding someone through the world of social media, watching the pieces click into place for them, and seeing them embrace these platforms with newfound confidence and excitement.
These experiences have enriched my professional life and deepened my commitment to empowering businesses through social media. I’m eager to continue on this path, supporting the growth of vibrant businesses and individuals in our community.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Where should I start? Navigating this journey hasn’t been a walk in the park, but nothing worth it is. Leaping from a steady job into the entrepreneurial world was a massive step, especially with my background of watching my parents navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. The decision was wrapped in layers of mindset challenges, but it’s a leap I’m grateful for every day. Diving into a passion and having the reins in my hands is a mix of exhilarating and daunting feelings.
Transitioning from a collaborative team environment to flying solo was another significant shift. The entrepreneurial path can be isolating, with many of us working from the solitude of our homes. So, I prioritize weaving a network of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors into my weekly routine, transforming my solo journey into one surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals. This community has become my new team, offering support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Social media marketing—it’s tough, and there is no sugarcoating it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened by the seemingly effortless success stories plastered all over social media—those “gain 100K followers in 30 days” promises that seem too good to be true (because they often are). Battling imposter syndrome has become a regular part of my routine, a challenge I face with varying degrees of success from one day to the next.
Unlike others who might take a break from social media when it becomes overwhelming, that’s not an option in my work. With that, the social media landscape is always shifting, and staying ahead means being both a leader and a learner. It’s a delicate dance of staying on top of trends while embracing that there’s always something new to grasp. Accepting that continuous learning is part of being a professional in this field has been challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Every challenge has been a lesson, and while the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been filled with invaluable growth and learning experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Crucial Social sprang to life from a fundamental truth in today’s business world: being social isn’t just nice. It’s crucial. Yet, the essence of our work transcends the ordinary, venturing far beyond mere basics. My approach is deeply rooted in personalization and understanding. I dive into the heart of each client’s desires and necessities, ensuring their digital presence reflects who they are offline.
When someone commends the work on a client’s page, my goal is for that praise to be directed at the client themselves, not perceived as the handiwork of an external party. I aim to make your social media platforms feel unmistakably “you.” This commitment to authenticity is what sets The Crucial Social apart.
I cater to a diverse clientele, from those eager to expand their digital footprint and actively engage with their audience to those who recognize the importance of social media but prefer to remain hands-off. I’m known for my flexibility and tailored approach to each client’s unique needs and preferences. What fills me with pride is not just the growth and success we achieve but the journey of getting together and maintaining each brand’s integrity and authenticity.
It’s all about bringing the true essence of your brand to the forefront of your social media, crafting a presence that resonates with and engages your audience in the most genuine way possible.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most pivotal lesson I’ve learned on this journey is the art of discernment when choosing clients. Not everyone will align with your vision or working style, and that’s perfectly okay. I’ve reached a point where I can confidently assess whether a potential partnership will be mutually beneficial. If it’s not the right fit, I have a network of talented digital marketers I’m ready to recommend, each exceptional in their own right.
In the early days, I navigated through partnerships that, despite being rich in learning experiences, didn’t allow me to serve in the way I envisioned. Acknowledging this and being able to guide those clients towards professionals who can meet their needs more effectively is something I see as a strength, not a shortcoming. It’s about understanding and owning your strengths, recognizing your limits, and ensuring the work remains fulfilling and enjoyable for both parties. This realization that not everyone is your client—and embracing that fact—has been transformative in how I approach my business and client relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecrucialsocial.com
- Instagram: @thecrucialsocial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecrucialsocial
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@thecrucialsocial
Image Credits
Kaylene Dabbs at Mindful Company https://www.mindfulmarketingaccounting.com/
