The Tourist Hotel was buzzing with bright ideas and fresh inspiration when Narrabri Shire Council hosted a free social media workshop with Instagram growth guru Tori Packer.
Small business owners, creative start-ups, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region attended the evening event held on March 22 as part of the Small Business Month festivities.
“It was fantastic to have Tori in Narrabri, empowering local businesses and helping to make them feel inspired and more confident about being present on social media, and learning lots of new skills,” said Narrabri Shire Council small business liaison officer Gillian Goddard.
“It was great to learn about all the different timesaving hacks – I think they were incredible tips.
“It’s really important to try and provide small businesses, locally, with opportunities to increase their knowledge,” she said.
“Technology and social media platforms change so quickly, so it’s important we keep up to date with providing some help where we can.”
The theme of this year’s small business month was ‘rebuild, recharge and renew’, and Tori Packer certainly provided attendees with practical, creative, and eye-catching ways to boost their business brands.
Tori is a school teacher, but when she’s not teaching at NEGS junior school in Armidale two days a week, you’ll find the energetic powerhouse pouring her heart, soul and knowledge into The Small Business Community.
The free and fun online resource brings together a collection of small businesses but also offers social media advice, with more than 30 thousand followers and the mantra – ‘you are your superpower, I’m here to make you believe it’.
Tori’s smiling face, sporting her signature hot pink lipstick, can often be seen popping up in videos on the page that give followers step-by-step tips and encourage them to step out of their comfort zone by trying the latest social media trends to lift their profiles and build brand awareness.
The Small Business Community has also attracted the support of high-profile personalities such as Mia Freedman, who has joined Tori for informative interviews shared online.
Attendees were also keen to ask Tori about her time-management tips, considering she manages to juggle life as a teacher, mum, wife, social media coach and tireless cheerleader of small business.
“Definitely Tori’s genuine ability to connect with people, tell a story, and help people feel more confident – they are the main reasons we decided to ask Tori to come,” said Gillian Goddard.
“And from all accounts, it was really well received; people walked away feeling inspired and refreshed and renewed and recharged.”
Tori was also energised by the experience; helping others is what drives her and she even said she’d love to come back to Narrabri soon.
“I’ve already packed my suitcase, and I’m ready to set up camp,” said Tori.
“How gorgeous is that hotel – you’re so lucky to have such an incredible space at your fingertips.
“Not only are small businesses our heartbeat, they are also run by incredibly resilient and amazing Aussies who have overcome adversity after adversity.
“The reason I’m so passionate about supporting them is because I want them to know that when we come together, we are unstoppable.
“Teaching is embedded into my heart, but the most important thing a teacher can do is not regurgitate content; it’s empowering others to have the confidence and courage to show up and attack every obstacle with a growth mindset.
“It’s our mindset that gets us through every single time.
“Whether you’re six years old or 60-years-old.”
And Tori’s main message to small business owners.
“Always remember your vision was literally chosen for you,” she said.
“There was a reason it was planted on your heart and not someone else’s.
“You are the one the universe chose to execute on this dream because it knows you are the one who can.”
