Driving Change With your Digital Voice

Today I’d like to show you how to use your digital voice to drive change.

The digital world is full of voices. Everybody is jostling for the limited attention span of the consumer, making it increasingly difficult to enter, and more importantly, make your voice stand out.

There are a lot of people with an important story to tell, but no idea how to tell it in a way to make heads turn. No idea how to capture the attention of your target audience.

The thought of not knowing what to do paralyses a lot of people. Trying to craft the ‘perfect’ message slows you down. Days turn to months. Months to years whilst waiting for the time to speak up. I used to be like that. I had the idea to start 1000 Voices in 2017, and our first interview was released in 2022.

Passive observation cannot lead to societal change. To drive change, we need to take action. Often times this may be drastic action. We need to actively participate and challenge incorrect narratives. Having a voice in the discussion is crucial to driving change. The world changes with actions, not just thoughts, and it’s essential to stand firm on one’s beliefs and express them.

That’s why I started posting on LinkedIn. Here’s how I’ve done it:

1. Start with clarity and purpose

Before you post or record anything, take a step back. Why are you doing this? What do you want to achieve with your digital voice? Write down your key message, and with every piece of content you release, ask yourself if this is helping you to get that key message across.

2. Engage and collaborate

Engagement is a two-way street. Respond to comments, participate in relevant conversations, and collaborate with others who share your mission. This not only increases your visibility but also builds a community around your cause. Look for opportunities to guest post on blogs or podcasts, or collaborate on social media campaigns.

3. Share your story

There are a lot of people posting on social media, but only ONE you. Leverage that. The posts of mine that have gotten the most engagement have always been personal ones with a level of vulnerability.

This weeks action step

If you’re not actively using your digital voice to drive change on social media, select a platform and put out your first post to stand up for a cause you believe in.

Don’t spend too long perfecting it. Gather feedback and use that to make your next post better.

That’s it for today.

See you next week.

In the latest episode of 1000 Voices, I sat down with Ade Shokoya, the founder of MeBe Toys. From leaving home at 16, joining a gang, to revolutionising the toy industry, Ade's story is a testament to the power of transformation and resilience. This discussion offers an intimate look into his life-changing experiences, the pivotal role fatherhood played in reshaping his path, and how he's challenging the norms in the toy industry with MeBe Toys.

Ade Shokoya isn't just an entrepreneur; he's a visionary who turned his life around in the most inspiring way. MeBe Toys stands out not only for its inclusive approach but also for Ade's unique journey to its creation. In this interview, you'll discover:

• Ade's remarkable transformation from a gang member to a successful entrepreneur.

• How becoming a father ignited a passion for positive change and led to the birth of MeBe Toys.

• The deep insights and lessons learned from his past that influenced his approach to business.

• The challenges and triumphs of creating an inclusive, ground-breaking toy brand.

• Ade's reflections on personal growth, entrepreneurship, and making a difference in the world of toys.

• Tune in to hear how Ade Shokoya's journey defies expectations and inspires a new generation of changemakers in the entrepreneurial world.

Listen to the interview on YouTube and all major podcasting platforms.