Can your business benefit from time and resource efficiency, diverse content, audience engagement and SEO benefits? Then your search is over. You need content curation for your business.

What Is Content Curation?

Content curation is simply gathering, discovering, organizing and sharing valuable and relevant content from numerous sources to a specific target audience.

It involves sifting through a large amount of content like articles, videos, blog posts, social media posts images and more. You then select the most valuable and relevant pieces to present to your audience in a more meaningful and organized way. Essentially, you are mining for content to use. 

What Is the Difference Between Content Curation and Content Creation?

Unlike content curation, content creation involves the development of original and unique content, like articles, videos, graphics and other media, from scratch.

The content is then tailored to a specific audience and conveys your brand’s message, information or entertainment. It isn’t found; rather, it’s created, which can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process that involves significant effort, creativity and expertise.

Content creation is about producing entirely original content, while content curation is selecting and sharing existing content that is relevant to your audience. 

What Are the Benefits of Content Curation for Business?

Content curation offers several benefits for your business when it’s part of your content marketing strategy and is something you want to seriously consider to get an upper hand on your competition. 

Time and Resource Efficiency

Content curation allows your business to leverage existing content you can find easily online with a quick search. This can save you time and resources compared to creating original content from scratch. It’s especially useful when your resources are limited or you are just not feeling as creative as you need to be right now. 

Diverse Content

When you take the time to curate content from different sources, you can provide a wider range of perspectives and info to your audience. This kind of diversity makes the content more engaging and informative. People hunt it down because of the value you’re providing them. 

Expert Positioning

Want to be seen as an expert? When you take the time to curate content from experts in your industry, you can start establishing yourself as knowledgeable and even more reputable within your niche. This can actually make the content you share more informative and engaging. People will see it’s coming from a place of know-how and will swarm to it. 

Audience Engagement

What you want is for your audience to be informed and engaged because it really does boost interactions and gets you more likes, shares and comments. And who doesn’t love a few more follows? You start building a community around your brand.

SEO Benefits

Adding curated content to your website regularly can improve search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines love fresh content, and curated content is a great way to maintain an active and regular presence online. 

Cost-Effective

Looking for a more cost-effective marketing strategy? Well, you found it! When you compare curated content with traditional advertising, you will find that content curation is a much more cost-effective way to engage your audience. It builds up brand awareness and credibility — and you don’t have to shell out tons of money to do this.

Social Media Content

You also need to stay on top of all your social media profiles and post regularly. Curated content gives you that steady stream of content you need to keep all your channels active and alive. It’s crucial to find the right visuals to go with your posts. Hiring a professional photographer for a branding photo session is highly recommended as an investment that pays off exponentially over time. These visuals can be that wow factor you need to really stand out against everyone else. 

Stay Current

Industries are always changing, and it’s so important for businesses to stay up-to-date and current. When you choose content curation, you can share the latest news, trends and updates with your audience and you don’t have to spend time doing extensive research or exhaustive reporting. 

Fill Content Gaps

Finally, if you have any gaps at all in your content strategy, curated content can fill those gaps. For example, you might not have the expertise needed to cover a certain topic thoroughly. And that’s okay! You can curate content to still provide your audience with value in those areas where you may be lacking.

What Are the Limitations of Content Curation?

Content curation has many benefits, but let’s take a quick look at some limitations you may encounter.

Lack of Originality

When you rely too much on curated content, it sometimes leads to a lack of brand identity and originality. As a business, you want to stand out in the crowd for all the right reasons. You don’t want to look like you are just copying others or lacking in the creativity sector. 

Quality Control

Finding trustworthy and high-quality content can sometimes prove to be a challenge in and of itself. You won’t find the same standard of content across the board, which means you may end up with substandard or low-quality content.

Limited Control

Some businesses also find they have limited control over the curated content they collect. The content may not always align with their brand messaging or values, and this can cause an upset in consistency.

Copyright Issues

You have to make sure you have the proper permissions to use curated content, or you could be facing copyright violations that can lead to messy legal issues. In other words, don’t just snatch content and use it. 

What Are the Best Practices for Content Curation?

When curating content, there are some best practices you should follow:

• Understand the interests of your target audience and curate content that resonates the most with them
• Find content from different reputable sources, influencers, publications and user-generated content
• Make sure the content you curate adds value or insight and it comes from a credible source. You also want to avoid curating content from your direct competitors.
• Always give proper credit when due. Give proper attribution to the original creator and respect copyright laws. Again, no snatching! 
• Be consistent. Maintain a regular posting schedule to keep the audience engaged.
• Find some balance with original content. Curated content is complementary. It should never replace your original content strategy.
• Find the right images to accompany your curated content. Visual branding is just as important, and this can help you maintain brand consistency, highlight key points, break up text and tell the story of your business. Hiring a professional photographer is the best way to get images that align with your message. Simply let the photographer know what the images are for and get started on organizing your branding photo session.

Ready for more helpful tips and advice on images as you curate content for your business? 90 Days of Instagram Content From One Branding Photo Session is a great place to start. It has all the advice you need to make a lasting impression on social media and shows you what you should focus on when you find it difficult to strike the balance you need with your content strategy and visuals.

As an entrepreneur, you want to craft a clear and direct mission statement for your small business.

It’s a declaration that essentially outlines your business’s fundamental purpose and core value.

It serves as a guiding principle for you and articulates the business’s goals, the value it aims to provide your clients and the principles driving your actions and decisions.

We will show you how to craft a more impactful entrepreneur mission statement and further highlight the importance of this declaration for your business and other ventures.

Why Does an Entrepreneur Need a Mission Statement?

There are several important reasons you should develop an impactful mission statement. It’s the North Star everyone follows to find clarity on the purpose of your business and the value it offers. 

• Provides guidance and focus
• Provides direction for decision-making
• Improves communication
• Creates alignment

What Should an Entrepreneur Mission Statement Include?

When it is time to write a mission statement, there are some key points you want to be sure to include. These points should encapsulate the essence of your business while conveying its purpose.

Core Purpose

This is the primary reason the business exists. Is there a problem you are there to solve? What needs and desires do you work to fulfill for customers? The core purpose is the central focus of your mission.

Example: “Empowering individuals to embrace natural beauty and wellness through our thoughtfully crafted organic skincare products. We are dedicated to providing skin-loving solutions that nourish, rejuvenate and inspire confidence while promoting environmental sustainability and ethical practices.”

The core purpose of this example is to empower individuals to enhance their well-being and confidence through the use of their organic skincare products.

Value Proposition

Next, describe the unique value your products or services provide to your target audience. What kind of offerings are there, and how do they positively impact the lives of your customers and your business?

Example: “Transforming lives through dynamic fitness experiences that empower individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals. Our expertly curated classes, supportive community and personalized approach inspire lasting transformations, fostering physical strength, mental resilience, and a vibrant lifestyle.”

The value proposition of this mission statement is that it highlights the unique aspects of this business and what sets it apart from others, like curated classes and a more personalized approach.

Language Aimed Toward Target Audience

When writing your mission statement, identify the specific group of people your business aims to serve. This clarifies who your products or services are meant for and recognizes who you are trying to reach.

Example: “Elevating urban professionals’ daily lives with functional and stylish products that seamlessly integrate into their modern routines.”

The target audience in this example is urban professionals, and the statement focuses on their specific needs and lifestyles.

Core Values

Core values are the fundamental principles and beliefs that guide a business when making decisions or taking action. These will define the ethical and moral compass of the company.

Example: “Driven by our commitment to sustainability, integrity and innovation, we create fashion that embodies conscious style, empowers artisans and treads lightly on the planet.”

The core values in this statement outline sustainability, integrity, and innovation.

Vision for the Future

Now you want to paint a picture of the future you are working toward. Describe the impact you want to make and what your long-term vision is for the company and those who benefit from it.

Example: “Empowering a renewable future through innovative energy solutions that drive global sustainability, reduce carbon footprint and pave the way for a cleaner and brighter world.”

This statement’s vision for the future is precisely articulated and states its present purpose.

Tips for Writing an Entrepreneur Mission Statement

Here are tips for writing your statement and how you can narrow down what your mission and vision actually are.

• Keep It Concise and Clear: Different audiences should easily understand the mission statement. Aim for a few sentences that capture the essence of your business.
• Seek Feedback: Share your draft with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. Get their input and suggestions for further refinement.
• Language and Tone: Choose a language and tone that best resonates with our target audience and reflects the personality of your small business.

How to Narrow Down Your Mission and Vision

Prioritize, clarify impact, and make it unique.

You should focus on your passions and values and define the company’s purpose and goals that are most important to you; this is especially important for any customer centric company.

Reflect on what sets you apart from others and how you can contribute more distinctively.

What Is the Difference Between a Mission Statement vs Vision Statement?

Both a mission statement and a vision statement are important components of a business’s strategic framework, but they serve different purposes and focus on different aspects.

Here is a breakdown of the two:

How to Write a Mission Statement

Here are some examples you can reference when drafting your entrepreneur mission statement:

Tech Startup

“Empowering businesses through innovative technology solutions that streamline operations, enhance efficiency and drive growth.”

Fitness Studio

“Inspiring individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle through dynamic fitness classes that foster physical strength, mental well-being and lasting friendships.”

Travel Agency

“Enriching lives through unforgettable travel experiences that immerse travelers in diverse cultures, forge connections and broaden horizons.”

Catering Company

“Creating unforgettable culinary journeys that delight the palate, elevate events and bring people together to savor the joys of food and fellowship.”

Interior Design

“Transforming spaces into personalized havens that reflect the personalities and aspirations of each client while enhancing their quality of life.”

The entrepreneur mission statement for your business should reflect its unique identity, values and aspirations. The information and examples we have provided can help guide you through the process and show you how to tailor your mission statement to perfectly capture the essence of your small business.

Once you’ve crafted your mission statement, share it with us on our Instagram or LinkedIn and tag us!

Las Vegas is world famous as a gambling mecca. But visitors don’t have to take chances on having a good time. Our list of must-see and -dos in Sin City is a sure bet!

Check out our curated lineup of must-see attractions, hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that will make your next trip to Las Vegas complete!

First-Timers

If you’re making your first trip to Vegas, then you may spend a good portion of your trip covering the basics. Granted, nothing about Las Vegas is basic, but every tourist destination has some things you really need to do before you can really claim that you’ve been there. 

Strolling the Strip

Walking up and down Las Vegas Boulevard is a rite of passage. You haven’t been to Sin City if you haven’t done it. Mandatory photo-op stops include the Bellagio Fountains, The Caesars Palace porte co·chère, The Mirage Volcano (while it lasts) and, if you really want to stretch your legs, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to play a few games of chance, have some cold drinks, shop ‘til you drop and get a bite to eat,  in and of-themselves all a part of the real-deal Vegas experience.

Visiting Fremont Street Experience

If you haven’t gotten in enough crazy people watching, or perused enough souvenir shops after a day or two of meandering the Strip, then head down to the older side of town to check out the Fremont Street Experience. 

This tourist hot spot is like the midway at the state fair on steroids. It’s an over the top collection of casinos, bars, restaurants, light shows, musicians and street performers where the party lasts all night.

Dining & Drinking

Vegas is known for a lot of things, and the culinary scene is near the top of the list. First-timers in Vegas are amazed at all the options. Celebrity chefs are the name of the game at the top end, and there’s no shortage of stars: Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsey, José Andrés, Lorena Garcia, Nobu Matsuhisa, Mr Chow, Giada De Laurentiis and so many more. 

Chilling at the Pools

When it comes to sunshine, Vegas has it in spades. Hitting the pool is a must-do, especially if you’re visiting from the upper Midwest,the Northeast or England, where the sun hides behind rain clouds way too frequently. Whichever hotel or resort you’re staying at will have a pool. Be sure to use it! 

Hitting the Clubs

When the sun goes down, the nightclubs heat up. Vegas has some of the most thrilling clubs on the planet, and if you’re a party all nighter, then be sure to make this a part of your trip. Top DJs from around the world have made Las Vegas their home. And pretty much every major sports league championship winning team comes to Las Vegas to celebrate at one of the Vegas clubs, including the latest NBA champs, the Denver Nuggets.

Casino Games and Race & Sports Books

Let’s also mention the obvious must-do. Las Vegas was built on gambling, first and foremost, even though it’s added to its entertainment offerings over the years. 

Slots, poker, blackjack, pai gow, craps and roulette can be found all over town, and you might just be the next lucky player to hit it big. It happens all the time and would be a great way to celebrate your wedding anniversary, like a recent winner at Caesars Palace.

Now that sports betting is becoming more popular and more widely offered in the US, the industry is booming in Vegas more than ever. It doesn’t have to be a big event like the Super Bowl or March Madness to have some fun. Every gameday is a great day to place a wager and to root for your bets to cash. On the Strip, you should visit the iconic sportsbooks at the Westgate and at Caesars Palace, or check out the flashy newcomer at Circa in downtown Las Vegas.

Repeat & Frequent Visitors

Ok, now that we’ve covered the basics for the first-timers, let’s tell you about the deep cuts that locals have on repeat and returning visitors should add to their list of must see and dos.

The More Unusual

There may not be a more iconic visual representative of Las Vegas than the showgirl. Once a staple of showrooms up and down Las Vegas Boulevard, they have been a part of the city’s entertaining history for decades and still have a place in the Vegas universe. 

You can celebrate the history of this Las Vegas mainstay at Grant Philipo’s Las Vegas Showgirl Museum. Tens of thousand of showgirl artifacts are on display there, including actual wardrobe pieces, sets and props, costume designs, film footage, historical documents and photos.This museum allows visitors to pay homage to the glamour and beauty of Las Vegas entertainment, as well as show business history from other parts of the world.

Slots machines aren’t the only amusing games with bells and whistles galore. The Pinball Hall of Fame is a fun destination where the games are playable and the stakes are lower. The history of this arcade staple is told through the machines in the collection and continues with every quarter you pump in.

Car enthusiasts should stop by the Carroll Shelby Heritage Center to pay tribute to one of the greatest car builders and designers of all time. The museum is free and open to the public during normal business hours. Self-guided and VIP behind the scenes tours are sure to get motor heads revved up.

Outdoor Exploration

A visually stunning part of the Vegas Valley, Red Rock Canyon is great for hikers, rock climbers and bikers. Photographers will have no lack of beautiful landscapes to capture, and the scenic drive in a rented convertible is an awesome way to spend an afternoon. Bring your camera! 

The waters of the Colorado River fill the reservoir behind Hoover Dam and create the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It’s the country’s first and largest national recreation area, offering visitors swimming, boating, hiking, cycling, camping and fishing. While you’re on your way to or from the lake, repeat Southern Nevada visitors may also want to spend some time in Boulder City. The historic town that built the dam has a number of things to see and do, too. Many outdoor outfitters can be found here, and there are lots of shops and restaurants. The people are friendly and offer plenty of living history lessons if you stop them to say “hello.”

Las Vegas’s summer respite for outdoor enthusiasts is Mt. Charleston. The temps atop the mountain are 15 to 30 degrees cooler and offer a cool spot to enjoy nature during the hottest times of the year. Hiking, mountain biking, disc golf and the chair lift are just a few of the summer activities available. It can also be a lot of fun in the winter because there’s a ski resort too!

Transportation Adventures

Helicopter rides are a great way to see the city from a new perspective. The major players are Papillon, Maverick and 5 Star. And you’ll get the best deal by booking directly with the operators. They all pledge to match or beat any third-party price you may find online.

All three offer a variety of packages, depending on what you want to see and the add ons you can’t live without. The starter rides, which offer a 10–15 minute flight over the Strip, are a pretty reasonable way to spend a hundred bucks.

The Nevada State Railroad Museum has free admission and also offers excursion train rides from its covered platform near Boulder City. If you want to upgrade your ride and join the engineer and the brakeman in the cab, it’s an easy add-on at just $35. The museum will soon offer a much improved guest experience with the addition of its new Visitor’s Center. 

Museums & Exhibits

The National Atomic Testing Museum gives guests a comprehensive look at how the atomic age captivated the country. History buffs can explore the story of nuclear testing and its impact on popular culture. If you’ve just seen the smash hit Oppenheimer in theaters, then this museum will help tell you more of the story.

The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum celebrates the incredible career of the “most important unknown artist in Southern Nevada.” She personally designed the spaces at the Las Vegas museum that now bears her name. The prolific artist used many different mediums in her southwestern themed abstract art.

Architecture

Las Vegas might take its knocks for being a light on culture city, but don’t tell that to the folks at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Not only do they host a fantastic lineup of touring Broadway shows and nationally known musical acts, but they’ve also got one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in town. The art deco style theater oozes style and is a fantastic place to see if you’re into architecture.

The Mob Museum is another must-see and -do spot in Las Vegas. Yes, the museum itself is a big draw, but the building it’s housed in also has historical significance. The downtown Las Vegas museum’s neoclassical building was opened in 1933 as the US Post Office and Courthouse. Prior to opening as the museum in 2012, renovations restored many of the building’s historical features.

Golfers who are also into architecture should book a tee-time at Las Vegas National. The 18-hole course weaves its way through the Paradise Palms neighborhood, Las Vegas’s first master planned community. Homes here once belonged to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including entertainers, mobsters and other members of the city’s social scene. Famous residents included Johnny Carson, Debbie Reynolds, Dionne Warwick, Phyllis Diller and Rip Taylor, just to name a few. 

Tours

For its sheer vintage Vegas vibe, the Neon Museum offers the best tour in town. Guided tours are conducted by knowledgeable staff and last 45 minutes. It’s hard to call the Neon Museum a hidden gem because it’s one of the most popular attractions in town, but with everything else there is to do, visitors don’t always make it to the museum. That’s why we like to remind repeat visitors not to miss this must-see and do in Las Vegas. The Neon Museum gives photographers of all stripes one of the best photo ops in town.

The Hoover Damn tour is no joke even though the Griswolds sure had their laughs in the movie Vegas Vacation. The Guided Dam Tour gets you access to historic tunnels, a ride in the original elevator to the top of the dam, a view of the Colorado River through the inspection ventilation shaft, a stop at the 8 commercial generators in the Nevada Powerhouse and a look inside the 30 foot diameter penstock where you’ll feel the vibration created by water rushing through the pipe. There’s nothing funny about one of the engineering marvels of the modern world.

Views

Some of the best views of Las Vegas can be had from some very high vantage points. Head to the LINQ Promenade to ride the High Roller. It’s not just a ferris wheel, it’s an observation wheel — and the world’s second tallest at that! A smooth half-hour ride moves at a barely noticeable speed, so motion sickness isn’t a problem.

The Stratosphere lays claim to the title of the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the second-tallest in the Western Hemisphere, surpassed only by the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario. Located at the north end of the resort corridor on the Strip, the Strat also has amusement rides for guests with a bit of a daredevil streak in them.

The Legacy Club rooftop at Circa Casino is 60 floors up and delivers an elegant lounge with a panoramic view of the Downtown Las Vegas skyline. If thrill rides scare you at any speed, then this new bar might be a better choice. 

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas also offers visitors top-notch views. It’s not as tall as the real thing in France, but it’s not a bad simulation and since there’s hardly ever any clouds in the desert, the view is rarely obscured. 

This list of must-see and must-do in Las Vegas is in no way an exhaustive list, but we do hope it gets you started! If you’re looking for more, check out our sister blog’s entry for Exploring Vegas After Your Wedding: What to Do and See. 

Corporate Social Responsibility isn’t limited to big corporations — small businesses practice it too! 

In fact, small businesses can oftentimes do it better than large corporations. Sure, your small business doesn’t have the money that the big fish have, but in a small pond your efforts can make big ripples.

Small business leaders often build tight bonds with the communities they serve and, because of that, their civic engagement is driven by the customers and clients they see every day.

When you’re answering directly to your customers, it’s a lot easier to know what matters to them, to gain their trust and to make your efforts visible. Start with that and build from there. 

What Is Corporate Social Responsibility?

Corporate Social Responsibility is a self-regulatory business model that allows businesses to be socially accountable to stakeholders and the public.

By adopting clear strategies, companies accept responsibility for their impact on society, including all economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Why Should You Engage in Corporate Social Responsibility?

1 – Ensuring an ethical and inclusive workplace creates a better working environment for everyone.

2 – When your business gives and gives regularly, small amounts of giving accumulate and can eventually create sustainable funding for the causes you’ve chosen.

3 – Since every business is part of a value/supply chain consisting of other businesses, when businesses advocate for sustainability, ethical practices and generosity, this creates a positive ripple effect on all stakeholders.

4 – Responsible leadership in a company is tied to better overall performance of the organization.

Having the Right Mindset

It’s important to genuinely want to do good with your business. If your heart’s in it, then it’s easy to leverage your passion  to invest time and effort into developing a good and comprehensive plan.

Additionally, your message will come from the heart and easily connect with and inspire your team and your customers.

Embracing corporate social responsibility also makes sure you attract employees who share the same worldview as you and who will embrace a good work ethic.

Employees prefer to work for a company that practices positive corporate responsibility. Taking care of your people reduces turnover, and when you have their buy-in for the initiatives you want to undertake, you gain an army of advocates.

What We’re Working On

I’m a big advocate for corporate social responsibility because my wedding photography businesses are all about love.

In Las Vegas, the Wedding Capital of the World, we celebrate love everyday as we marry couples from all walks of life. Our job is to spread joy, excitement and appreciation to the individuals who choose us for their wedding day.

We’re lucky to get to share their special moments, meet their amazing friends and family and enjoy the beautiful environments we take them to for their ceremonies.

My Cactus Collective Weddings, Electric Sugar Elopements, Gather After and Taylored Photos brands all practice good corporate social responsibility under our Cactus Collective Cares initiatives.

Our slogan is,  “Love is our business. Caring is in our heart.”

As a weddings-based company, we know that we have the honor of experiencing some of life’s most beautiful qualities. But to keep working in the places we do, with the couples we do it’s important that we care for the communities and environment that make this possible.

Working to protect and improve the world around us has been part of our business model from day one.

In the early days, this meant requesting couples forgo decorations or sourcing environmentally friendly options when absolutely necessary; partnering with like minded, forward-thinking local business; and attending courses and talks that allowed us to listen to the voices of communities we support so we can become better allies.

As the business has grown, so has our ability to make a real difference. We partner with and practice the principles formed by the Southern Nevada Conservancy and Leave No Trace.

We have also volunteered for causes that are important to us including Ronald McDonald House, The Cupcake Girls and more.

We’re a small business but we know our efforts make a big difference!

Words of Encouragement

Don’t be scared or anxious about all of this. You’ve got to start somewhere, and big steps will take you a long way in the right direction.

Just remember, small businesses are naturally a part of their communities and have been acting upon local needs for a long time.

Your efforts play an instrumental role in the success of communities precisely because of your size, which gives you an ability to impact your city, town or neighborhood in ways that go beyond just jobs or service creation.

With your ability to listen to and understand local needs that matter most to the people you serve, you’re doing the best kind of corporate social responsibility as you develop relevant and authentic approaches.

If you have questions about how I approach corporate responsibility as a small business owner, or are looking for a photographer that can capture your team volunteering, get in touch with me. I’m always happy to help.