Putting the Social in Social Media from a Remote, Rural Location in Canada

In this episode of the Hybrid Remote Center of Excellence podcast, host Nola Simon interviews Ingrid Deon, an award-winning entrepreneur who runs a world-class marketing agency from rural Nova Scotia. Discover how Ingrid built her successful business and created local jobs in a small town, overcoming challenges and leveraging the power of authentic social media engagement.

**Key Highlights:**

- Ingrid's journey from single mom to CEO of a marketing agency
- Building a business in rural Nova Scotia and creating local jobs
- Overcoming internet connectivity challenges in remote areas
- The importance of work flexibility and trust in remote teams
- Innovative approaches to client acquisition and networking
- Putting the "social" back in social media marketing

**Topics Covered:**

1. **Rural Entrepreneurship**
   - Running a marketing agency from a town of 8,000 people
   - Hiring locally in rural Nova Scotia
   - Overcoming infrastructure challenges (internet, cell coverage)

2. **Remote Work and Flexibility**
   - Balancing office presence with remote work options
   - Creating a supportive work environment for team members

3. **Client Acquisition Strategies**
   - Targeting industry-specific conferences for potential clients
   - The benefits of attending CPG and health food conferences

4. **Social Media Marketing Approach**
   - Focus on organic social media and authentic engagement
   - The power of comment-based contests for market research
   - Creating loyal fans through intentional online connections

5. **Personal Growth and Inspiration**
   - The impact of mentors and early career experiences
   - The importance of resilience and learning from struggles

6. **Future of Social Media Marketing**
   - Emphasis on authentic connections and engagement
   - Balancing organic content with paid advertising

Ingrid Deon's story showcases the possibilities of building a successful business from a rural location while creating meaningful employment opportunities. Her approach to social media marketing emphasizes authentic engagement and community building, offering valuable insights for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.

Citations:
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/15878539/2044917b-9e10-48b4-82ee-bb0e311c9844/paste.txt

Ingrid Deon transformed her experience as a poor single mom in rural Nova Scotia into a mission to create opportunities for others. As Founder and CEO of word-craft, she's proving that world-class marketing can thrive anywhere. From Yarmouth, her team of talented women serves major national clients like Nestlé Canada and RBC Wealth Management, while challenging the assumption that success requires moving to a big city.