Cringe Incoming The Truth About Affiliates, Algorithms & Asking for Help
Today is an honest post about my post-States, semi-retired work life in Portugal. I'm just going to put it out there and not second-guess, because there are things I find embarrassing - cringe-worthy, even - about it. But if you're here you've most likely known me a while.
You know I was a designer for 30 years, a buyer for 20+, and a stylist for 10+. I started a company with $500 and built it to a few million dollars — no investors, no CEO, no CFO, no CMO. Just me, learning as I went. Luckily, an amazing CPA. Jamie in the third act, for great photography. Many knitters along the way. Gwen, who saved me from myself and got me an SBA loan when the markets tanked and retailers couldn't pay their bills. And my nearest and dearest, whose constant PR continued to grow my business. Word of mouth is still my happy place. It's true organic growth.
I have a TON of experience and, I believe, a great eye for putting people into things they wouldn't otherwise try or notice. My clients like me. We're friends. So I wasn't worried when I moved to Portugal. I was retiring, after all.
Except I didn't plan to fully retire. I love what I did and wanted to keep doing it from abroad. And I have. It's harder — in person is better — but virtual does work too.
So what's the problem? Cringe incoming.
Stylists work with affiliate companies — which is how we make commission — you need a strong social media following. I had one with my old company. I don't with my new one, Dreams & Chaos.
Affiliates reject you without even looking at what you've done in your career. That's their right. I get it. But — arghhhh — I want to style and shop for & with my clients.
Right now, my shop boards are how clients work with me without purchasing a service. They're for the masses, unless you buy a subscription — then the boards are specific to you and your needs. You'll find the latest boards in my blog posts, on social, and in the Shop the Edit section of the site. Affiliates add another option: a quick link from an Instagram post, a Facebook share, anywhere — and the links last far longer than a board, which fits real life and busy schedules. Both work. One just works faster.
But, when you don't have the social media presence, you have to pay to join some of the affiliates, and those fees aren't cheap. Everyone needs to charge. I get that. But there are more companies I want to work with, and I know I'll do well with them. So, here's the embarrassing part.
I need your help on social.
If I can grow my reach, I can grow my options for shopping for you — at no cost to you.
Word of mouth built my last business, and it's still my happy place. Social is just word of mouth at scale — a like, a comment, a share is you telling the algorithm I'm worth showing to someone else. That's the most organic growth there is.
If you've read this far, thank you. Here's how you can help:
- Follow me on IG: @dreamsandchaosalways
- Follow me on FB: Dreams&Chaos
- Like the posts on either
- Leave a comment on either
- Share a post
- Save a post
Many of you already DM me — don't stop, I love it, we're friends — but also do it where it can help. Engagement is key. A comment can be as easy as an emoji.
Strange occurrence: I started commenting on posts I like, and it's amazing how many likes my comments get on someone else's posts. Hundreds. I write a comment and get 200 likes on a stranger's account. I do my own post and get 12 likes and 0 comments. Life is funny, and social media is ridiculous.
Still — in a world that feels upside down most days, I'm finding my people in the comments. Even if it's just over a great pair of shoes, I'll take it as a win.
If there's content you want to see, let me know — DM, comment, email. I enjoy this. But I also want it to be enjoyable, fun, and helpful for you. Nobody has time to waste.
Thank you so much for all the support, understanding, and love over the decades.
xo Suzi
Dreams & Chaos