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Social Media Decoded
From Passion to Purpose: Helping Educators Heal & Growing a Personal Brand with Martita
00:23:53
In this powerful live coaching episode of the Social Media Decoded Podcast, host Michelle Thames sits down with Martita, a member of the Elevate & Empower coaching community and an educator-turned-EFT practitioner who is on a mission to help fellow educators heal through Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).
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- [00:00]
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- [00:58]
Martita Robbins
And so what I decided to do was combine two passions, right? Writing, love of writing, love of literature, and reading with a love of teaching. And that led me to become an educator along with the encouragement that I received to pursue that. But after beginning my career, Michelle, I would say probably around that second year, I was already starting to experience burnout symptoms. But at that time I didn't recognize that that's what it.
- [01:30]
Michelle Thames
Hey hey. Welcome to the Social Media Decoded Podcast, the Go to podcast for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to grow their brand, increase visibility, and make more money without the overwhelm. I'm your host, Michelle Thames, marketing strategist, business coach, and the person who's here to give you the real no fluff strategies to help you succeed online. Each week I bring you expert insights, actionable tips, and real talk about what's actually working in social media and digital marketing. Whether you're just starting or scaling the six figures, you're in the right place. So grab your coffee or matcha if you're like me and let's dive into today's episode. Hey everyone. So I am super excited. This is a brand new type of podcast episode that we're doing. If you listen to the intro here, you know that this is a live coaching session and I'm super excited to be chatting with Martita today who is a part of my elevate and empower community. So Martita, before we get started, just tell us a little bit more about who you are and what you do because what you do is so amazing and people need to know more about you.
- [02:41]
Martita Robbins
Okay, so I'm an educator and right now I'm working in a virtual role. I'm in a virtual school, a middle school actually, and I am a English reading and Language arts interventionist. Prior to this career change, I was in brick and mortar, and I taught high school. I taught English to high school students. I was also a high school librarian, and I did that role for 15 years, but I was the librarian for five of those 15. So, yeah, I come from an education background outside of my teaching career. I'm building my own business and brand. It is Ask Martita Robbins llc. And in my business, I work with busy professionals, busy people, women, moms, homeschooling parents who are feeling, I guess you say, the. The. The intensity of chronic burnout, chronic stress, daily anxiety. And I work with my clients on reducing these things by 50% in 30 days using a modality called emotional freedom technique tapping. And I'll get it to a little bit later about why I chose this particular way to coach people, but it actually sprung from my previous experience as an educator.
- [04:08]
Michelle Thames
Okay, now that's a good segue, because what inspired you to step into this work? Because I know it's something I know. Everyone has a story. This is what I tell everybody, right? Everybody has a story. And really, when you're building your personal brand and building your business, when you tell that story, that is how you attract the right fit clients. So why did you decide to step into this arena?
- [04:31]
Martita Robbins
Okay, so I was the kid going to school. I was, you know, being the oldest child, I was the first to go to school. And that became my new environment, my new experience. And I would come home and I would play school with my dolls and my. My stuffed animals with my sisters when they didn't mind. And I was encouraged to pursue education as a career path. On the other side of that, though, I loved writing. I loved creative writing, academically, writing for our school newspaper. I was even the editor in chief my senior year. And so what I decided to do was combine two passions, right? Writing, love of writing, love of literature, and reading with a love of teaching. And that led me to become an educator, along with the encouragement that I received to pursue that. But after beginning my career, Michelle, I would say probably around that second year, I was already starting to experience burnout symptoms. But at that time, I didn't recognize that that's what it was. My third year, I ended up being out six weeks from work on stress leave. And at that time, I remember the stigma that was around mental health, and I didn't want anybody to know that that's why I was out. I even had doctor's notes where I have to show them to human resources, because they're like, well, what's going on. And I'm like, I don't want to tell you business, because that's my business. Because somebody had reported to human resources that they saw me out driving my car. Why wasn't I at work? And I explained I have to drive myself to the doctor's office for my weekly appointments. I have to drive myself to the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions. Like, this is a life function. I'm not out joyriding while everybody's out working. I am trying to recover. So like I said, those six weeks ended and back I go into the classroom. I wasn't quite ready, but I did it anyway. So we fast forward now. We are in the end of January 2022 and prior to that, that, that first semester, that fall semester of 2021, I just, you know, I. I felt off again. I felt those same things I had felt earlier in my career. And again, I didn't have the language. I didn't know exactly what it was. I just thought, okay, well, I'll get over this or whatever. And I didn't know who to reach out to or what to even call it because that's how oblivious I was. And it had got. I had gotten so used to feeling what I was feeling. It was my normal. And I thought, well, if I feel like this, everybody must feel like this. And if you hang around certain people, you know that everybody's going to, you know, share certain experiences and certain things. So I was like, okay, we're all in the same boat. There's really not much you can do about it. I kept going until I had a fatal experience that led to me spending a week in a behavioral unit in February 2022. I left work the last Friday of January 2022 and never clocked back in. I was in the behavior unit for a week. After that, I was out on long term sick leave with FMLA and all that stuff. And I ended up being on long term disability for two years. And while I was in that behavioral unit and continuing my recovery after my release, it became apparent to me, because of working with those professionals and seeing my therapist more often, that I was recovering from burnout. I was diagnosed at a young age with general anxiety and depression when I was 18. And like other illnesses, they can go into remission and come back out. And so with the intense pressures and all the things that was going on, they were out of remission and they led to that situation. But as I was healing from chronic stress and burnout while on long term disability, I learned more about the mind body connection. And one of my girlfriends who is also a coach, she's a confidence coach, she introduced me to emotional freedom technique tapping and I began to explore it. I began to do different tapping meditations and working on myself, working with my therapist, getting to the root causes and figuring out actually there were certain traumas that led to me becoming an educator. But I'll be talking about that on my podcast. But going through coaching, learning about daily exercise and how that can help me to cope and implementing so many other coping skills, I just knew that I wanted to share my story and I wanted to share ways to help others so that they can have their own empowerment, embrace their own healing, and have their own recovery. And they're not alone.
- [09:22]
Michelle Thames
I love it. I love it. I'm so excited for you that you were able to find something of passion right through all the pain. I think that's a lot of our stories, right? So you may be listening to this podcast and you're like, I have something through all of this pain. Right? Because even for me, right? Some of you may know my story, some of you may not. I was fired from my job abruptly and that was pain. But I was able to find my purpose and my passion through all of it and to use that for better and for good. And so I'm sure every one of you listening has a story. So just like Martita, you can turn it all around.
- [10:01]
Martita Robbins
Yeah.
- [10:02]
Michelle Thames
Okay. So I just want to share that and I'm really excited that you were able to do that.
- [10:06]
Martita Robbins
Most definitely. And so.
- [10:08]
Michelle Thames
So let's talk about the elevate and.
- [10:10]
Martita Robbins
Yeah, I was just gonna share because of all the personal work I did, I was able to re enter the education space. And so I'm coming up on my one year work anniversary with that particular role in that setting. April 2025.
- [10:24]
Michelle Thames
Congratulations. That is an accomplishment. So let's talk about the elevate and empower community. So I'm so excited that you're a part of this. Thank you for believing in this amazing group of women. So let's talk about transformations because I know that is what I am definitely focused on. Helping women transform their lives, transform their businesses, transform just the way you think about a lot of different things. So what has been the biggest transformation for you since joining Elevated empower?
- [10:54]
Martita Robbins
Well, first I gotta start with Michelle. The name elevate and empower speaks for itself. And being an entrepreneur can feel lonely, especially when you may not have others in your circle or in your day to day life who are running their own businesses and being successful. And so one thing that being a member of Elevating Empower has done for me is that it transformed how I view communication, connection and collaboration. You know, the expression of closed mouth doesn't get fed. So by connecting with other women and elevating in power, I've given support, I've received support, feedback, even had opportunities to connect with like minded women who are growing their businesses. And we get to sow into one another and encourage each other on the way. And they're all doing it while managing so many other roles and responsibilities in their lives. And even though we have variously different niches, we share similar struggles. And I love how we support and encourage one another with sharing things that have helped us grow and the lessons along the way. And that's how we get to elevate and empower in the group. I just love it. And so that shift of seeing what communication, connection and collaboration can do within this virtual setting is top tier. I love that.
- [12:13]
Michelle Thames
Yes. And that's what it's all about. I'm so glad that you are getting what you need out of it because that's important for the women to get what they need. Collaboration. I know you said you got some podcast interviews coming up with women in the community coming on your podcast. You're going on their podcast and that's what it's really about, right? Being able to collaborate and continue to build. So I'm so excited for you.
- [12:34]
Martita Robbins
Thank you.
- [12:35]
Michelle Thames
I am so excited. But now let's talk about, let's get down to the nitty gritty, okay? And so I know we all face challenges in our business. And so let's talk about today, one thing that you're facing in your business right now. What's one of your biggest challenges?
- [12:50]
Martita Robbins
Okay, so I'll start with saying that I know how to think strategically and creatively, but I also know that I might be getting in my own way, not knowing my blind spot. So one challenge that I would say was the biggest thing for me is the part of my digital marketing where I need to share consistently on social media and be authentic. I want to do this in a way where it resonates with potential clients, attracts new leads, and also helps me land paid speaking engagement and brand deals. So that's what I want that way to show up. Be my. Well, I'm not going to say the best version of myself. I'm going to say be my. The most authentic and my most favorite version of myself in a way that I make the needed connections with the people that I'm supposed to help.
- [13:40]
Michelle Thames
Okay, so I know that you said that you wanted to post more. So what strategies are you implementing? Because we can definitely show up consistent. And yes, you do need a plan and a strategy because you also want to show up, just not posting random stuff. Right. So what have you tried in the past and what do you consider trying in the future to be able to be consistent because it's hard.
- [14:04]
Martita Robbins
Okay, well, one thing I've been implementing is remembering to create content. And I say remembering because I could be having a chill day, but that's still content. That's something I can share my stories, if you will, on my main feed, if it goes with what I'm talking about, but just remembering, you know what, capture this moment, but then go be in the moment. Don't just make it all about that. Sometimes we'll just pick up my phone and set it up on my tripod, start speaking. Sometimes it's scripted and I have a transcription thing going on. And sometimes it's just going with the flow being extemporaneous. But when I use that script, I make sure I include my brand messaging. I do have a content calendar, but sometimes it feels like a struggle to follow it. One thing that helped with that though, was making a calendar and then batch creating content. I've also used search engine optimization with social media and with my blog posts and just making sure I am showing up in some way on a consistent basis. It may be every other day, it may not be a feed post, and it may not be on every platform because that can get to be a lot. But sometimes I can share something in my stories on Instagram and also share it to Facebook. And I've shown up and I've shared about me and just the behind the scenes of what my life is like, and then remembering to engage with my audience in the stories, in the comments, and even interacting with their posts. So that's what I've been doing so far, has been working, but I just feel like I'm missing something.
- [15:43]
Michelle Thames
I don't know if you're necessarily missing something. I think all the pieces are there. It's just now like strategizing what each of what that looks like. For instance, you already know I share a lot of this inside the community about how we use ChatGPT to even plan your stories. You can say, today I have this meeting, I have this podcast episode with Martita. What type of content should I get to post on that day?
- [16:09]
Martita Robbins
Right. Okay.
- [16:10]
Michelle Thames
I think sometimes we think so far into it, but it's really something that simple that we could ask ChatGPT and with batch creating, that's great. But also sometimes we just get in the moment and want to post content too. I want to tell people, go for that too. Right. Because it could be something in the moment that can work. I think you have the structure together now. It's just really focusing on, okay, for February, I'm doing a webinar. I'm doing this. How can I get those leads to the places that I want them to go to? So maybe it's one reel about that, one YouTube video, one podcast episode, but leading them to that place, maybe that's what's missing is that lead generation. Like, how are you gonna get them back to wherever it is? Is that your email list? Social media, whatever. But I like everything that you said. I think we do need to be consistent. And not everywhere. You all not everywhere. You don't have to be everywhere. If Facebook is your thing and LinkedIn, you got a YouTube, that's great. I say at least start with two. You don't have to have seven. I've been on social media since the inception. So, like, I've tried every platform, right? And so I have a presence on every platform. But that has taken. It's been 16 years. So you also have to think about where you are and be realistic and stick with the platform for more than two, two minutes. You have to stick if you want to grow consistently. So I think your plan is great. But I also think you should start measuring from these places and where you are showing up. Like, where are the leads going to? Because that's what we want to get technical with now. Where are they coming from? Do I need to spend more time here? Do I need to spend more time there? I'm getting more leads from Instagram. People are replying to my stories more. Just paying attention to those type of things I think will help you in the long run. More so than just like what content to post, but the strategic matter of it all. What are your thoughts on that?
- [18:07]
Martita Robbins
I like that. I like that. So. But I definitely like that idea you shared about how ChatGPT for stories ideas is good. And I love what you said about making content to lead them to a certain place. And I do have a webinar that I'll be having in March. And so now is the optimal time to create content focused on that, getting people to register and attend so that I need content that's not just already what I have in my content calendar, but content that's leading them to that place so that they register and attend. And I can analyze, like you said, seeing where are the leads coming from, and then that will let me know which platforms I need to make sure I keep spending time on. Not to say that the other ones don't matter, but making sure that what's working for me continues to work well. And I'm spending more time in that space. Yes.
- [19:06]
Michelle Thames
Okay, so it sounds like you got a game plan. Well, you already had a game plan, but an extra game plan for this content.
- [19:14]
Martita Robbins
Right. And like I said, I think that was that missing piece. Just making sure that I'm aware of. Okay, where am I finding the people and where am I taking them? Because, like I said, I can think creatively. Creatively, I can think strategically. But am I missing the boat? And so this helped me figure out what my blind spot was. Thank you.
- [19:36]
Michelle Thames
No, you're welcome. I'm excited. Look, any way, you already know any way that I can help, and I'm super excited that we were able to get through that today, y'all. So maybe this has helped you. Okay. This is why I am doing these amazing interviews with the amazing members inside of Elevate and Empower. And so stay tuned for more, y'all. It's gonna be an amazing, amazing year. But before we head, I just have a few more things I want to chat about, and then I definitely want you to share all of your social handles where everybody can find you, because you all have to follow Martina, especially educators listening to this podcast. Please make sure you tap in. So what has been the biggest takeaway and mindset shift since you joined Elevated Empower?
- [20:19]
Martita Robbins
Okay, so one piece of advice I was given by a mentor was only take advice from people you would trade places with. And I say that because we can find advice a dime a dozen. Right. But if you're looking for community and if you are taking advice from people who just don't get it, then you're going to stay stagnant. So in Elevated Empower, we have amazing monthly events. We get to network. There's guest speakers that Michelle has. Like, she has connection. Like, connections. Connections. And these people come in and they speak to us. They are people who've already achieved some things that we aspire to do, and they do not gatekeep. So getting to implement their advice and strategies, being motivated by their stories, that's what's pushing me to keep going and keep doing what I know I need to do. Because what works for them also works for me when I do it. So that's my thing. That's been the mindset shift. This is the place where experts are coming. They are dropping gems. So many gems sometimes that I can't write fast enough. Like, I wish I could type like a stenographer because they are on fire and they're. And they're showing us. They're giving us, like, the blueprint or the cheat code that you can't find anywhere else. So that's been the biggest mindset shift for me. Take advice from these people because they know what they're talking about, and it's going to help you to elevate and empower yourself.
- [21:51]
Michelle Thames
Oh, I love it. Yeah, we had Calvin in there. He got everybody together on this YouTube training. So you think about joining YouTube? It was good. If y'all thinking about starting a YouTube this year, I don't know. We got the replay available. But, Martina, this has been such a great session. I thank you so much for coming on today and sharing your experience, sharing your expertise with everyone. Could you please let everybody know, where can they find you? Where are you hanging out at? And what do you have coming up that they can take advantage of?
- [22:21]
Martita Robbins
All right, so my website and blog is askmortitarobbins.com I'm also Martita Robbins on all major social media platforms. And you can subscribe to my YouTube if you're looking for meditations to help you to reduce chronic stress, daily anxiety, and burnout by 50% in 30 days. The webinar that I have coming up in March is a de stress webinar, and I'm still working on the title, but if you're following me on socials, if you go to any of those places, you'll be able to subscribe to my newsletter, Tapping with Tita. Get your free ebook, and you'll be tuned in to learn when that webinar information is available. So that's what I have going on, and that's how you can find me.
- [23:13]
Michelle Thames
I love that. Tapping with Tita. Okay, girl, you done came up with a tagline and everything. Y'all tap in with Martita, okay?
- [23:19]
Martita Robbins
Okay.
- [23:20]
Michelle Thames
I love that. Okay. And all her information will be down below in the show notes, so you will be able to get everything that you need right there and make sure you connect with her. But thank you so much, Martina. This has been such an amazing episode. And thank you all so much for listening today. If you felt compelled and you learned something today, make sure you tap that subscribe button. Also make sure that you leave a rating and review. If you thought that you learned something from this and that it was a good podcast episode today. So thank you all so much for tuning in and I cannot wait to talk to y'all in the next one. Peace. All right, that's a wrap on today's episode. I hope you got some valuable insights and real strategies you can apply to your business right now. If you enjoyed this episode, I love for you to do two quick things. First, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me Michelle Lthame so we can keep the conversation going going. Second, if you found value in this podcast, it would mean the world to me if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps this show reach more entrepreneurs just like you. Oh, and if you want to support the show and fuel my Matcha obsession, you can always buy me a coffee at the link in the show. Notes. Thank you for tuning in. Until next time, keep showing up, up, keep growing and I'll talk to y'all in the next one.
- [24:44]
Martita Robbins
Peace.
- [24:51]
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- [25:06]
Martita Robbins
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