EarlyBird Virtual Agency

Shameless plug & long read alert! Over the last few months, I have been slowly moving my business over from Earlybird Virtual Agency to Brand Leader Digital Marketing. Some of you may have seen glimpses of it online. Why the switch? Here's the backstory:...Continue reading

By a show of hands (hit like button), who's feeling really motivated and clear with work right now? Please share your secret to staying focused during stressful times. If you're in a pandemic/protest fog and having trouble staying focused with work, give a care emoji, leave a comment or send a dm and know you aren't alone.

The ultimate measure of a person is not where one stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where one stands in times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Parents, I know so many of you are trying your hardest to keep working (and stay sane) while homeschooling the kiddos - AND YOU'RE DOING AMAZING by the way <3 Days are long, patience is thin, everyone is feeling cooped up, NONE of us know how to do grade 4 common core math, and now that we've all seen Tiger King we're either traumatized or bored of Netflix . So, I found a couple of amazing online resources - and TRUST ME, you're probably going to love these! If we're stuck a...t home and online anyway, why not make it a thrilling AND educational experience? Below are 3 links that will keep the kids entertained for hours (without the screen-time guilt!) Make these into a fun and interactive assignment or pick a virtual family adventure to do together this weekend! 1. Explore the world's finest museums & galleries from the comfort of home! Take a virtual seat on space shuttle, walk in the wild with Jurassic-sized animals, get a 360 tour of ancient places and castles and much more! HERE: www.artsandculture.google.com 2. Craving excitement and a thrill? This YouTube channel isn't for the faint of heart. Cedar Point offers a POV virtual experience of all of their gripping roller-coaster rides! This is bound to gives adults and kids alike a little glimpse of amusement park adventure and fun from the comfort of the couch! HERE: www.youtube.com/channel/UCyR9C6ocv0yTbn6YDWDZbAQ 3. Looking to keep the little ones busy while you try and meet some work-from-home deadlines or get things done around the house? - livecams will do the trick! This is amazing for not just kids, but adults too! Watch Gorilla's LIVE, Birds, Cats, Fish, NASA cams and some peaceful zen cams to at Explore.org! HERE: https://explore.org/livecams Let's make the best of it (together, at home) xo Amanda

Are you keeping your customers informed? Many of us are struggling with business updates changing quickly and trying to keep up with what businesses are essential and which aren't. If you have a retail business or service that is closed (or reduced hours) due to COVID-19, you may want to consider updating your hours of operation on your website, social media and Google to reflect the closure. This can help save confusion during an already confusing time.... If you mark your business as 'temporarily closed' on Google it will NOT hurt your search listings or rankings and it can be turned back on very easily at any time. HOW TO DO IT: - Go to your Google My Business page - Select INFO on the left hand side menu. - Click "Close this business on Google" on the right side of page. - Select "Mark as temporarily closed" and save. Need assistance? Let me know. I can help to update your listing (no charge). Wishing you all good health and some moments of tranquility during this very difficult time. xo amanda

There are many females that I admire. There are mega money-makers, CEO's and boardroom games-changers, activists and politicians doing work to make our lives peaceful, equitable and prosperous, there are artists and writers opening minds, and Mothers raising the next generation of powerful trailblazers. I was raised in Manitoba, and it's the place where I bought my first home at the at of 21 and and opened my first business at the age of 28. Both of those things might not h...ave been possible if it weren't for the groundwork laid by Nellie McClung and other amazing Canadian women just like her. "I am a believer in women, in their ability to do things and in their influence and power. Women set the standards for the world, and it is for us, women in Canada, to set the standards high." - Nellie McClung, 1910. Just 91 short years ago, the Canadian courts officially recognized women as 'persons' under the law because of Nellie Mclung and her Famous Five. Thank you, Nellie and all other Canadian women who fought for our rights. I am unbelievably grateful to be able to work for and achieve anything in life that my heart desires because of your vision and the paths you created. Happy International Women's Day. xxoo Amanda Read more about Nellie and the Famous Five here: https://www.ournellie.com/ #InternationalWomensDay2020 #Herstory

The countdown is on for the launch of the new website, new business name, some new team members and new services! After almost seven years serving amazing clients under the EarlyBird moniker, I am now transitioning to BrandLeader.ca and couldn't be more excited for what will unfold in 2020. LAST but not least, please, if YOU have an Instagram page that brandleader should be following ... put your @ in the comments so that I can keep up with what you're working on i...n 2020 when we launch our new social media Thank you for still being here on this journey with me. xxooAmanda

These are two real, ACTUAL posts from a Facebook business page that I came across today. If you know someone that could use guidance with their content and online business pages, please send them my way. Friends don't let friends post like this. Amanda

We owe a lot to this man. I use his tools daily.

Every single day is #NationalLoveYourPetDay in my home. This is a #ThrowbackThursday of Miss Munchie. Most of you know, I have a home based office - which means she is my most constant co-worker and daytime companion <3. Share a pic of your four-legged furry work companion! Amanda

NEW CLIENT WEBSITE LAUNCHED Installation, concept, design, content & hosting by us. Constance Care has launched! Congratulations on your new (and much needed) business Constance! She is local, registered and licensed to offer her services from Summerland to Osoyoos and everywhere in between. ... She provides: - Shopping & Errands - Meal Preparation & Cooking Lessons - Elderly Appointment Companionship & More! See a complete list of her services here: www.constancecare.ca

Are you thinking of running a contest or promotion on your Facebook page? It's more important than ever to be sure to know the policies and guidelines. If policies aren't adhered to, the business page runs the risk of being flagged or even shut down. I know firsthand that it's difficult to keep up with ever-changing social media policies and guidelines, so here are some helpful hints. Here's what you CAN and CAN'T ask or say during a promotion or contest according to Facebo...ok: ALLOWED: Like this post Comment on this post Like comments on this post (i.e., vote by liking) Post on this Page’s timeline Message this Page NOT ALLOWED: Share this post on your timeline Tag your friends Share this post on your friends’ timeline More information from Facebook: www.facebook.com/policies/pages_groups_events Need help to manage your business page or promotions on social media? Let's chat. Amanda

#NewYearNewMe After six amazing years operating as Earlybird, it's time to bid a fond farewell to our lovely little birdie I'm doing a rebrand! offering new services, expanding the team and starting fresh with a new name! ... Stay tuned: coming March 2020...Brand Leader will be here! (Some of my colour inspirations below )

More snow than I've ever seen since living in the Okanagan. The upside: not having to drive in it! everyday can be a snowday when you're VA!

2020 is my year to be more effective in my work rather than busy. Working set reasonable hours Proper communication ... Taking care of my health and wellness Charging the rates that my knowledge and experience are worth Goodbye busy! Hello effective.