Meet Torie Helsel of Torie Helsel Social

Today we’d like to introduce you to Torie Helsel.

Hi Torie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
I kind of accidentally fell into entrepreneurship. I come from a healthcare background of 15 years. During the pandemic, the family-owned healthcare company I worked for sold to a national one. I was only working part-time because I had a toddler and being a mom has always been the most important job to me. So, because I didn’t work full time and things were so slow I was let go from my job that I held for 9 years through an email. 

I had a toddler, my husband traveled for his job even then, everything was closed, I was lonely. I’m at the age where I’ve grown up right along with the internet and social media, but I leaned on it very heavily during that time. I found some people talking about how they were Social Media Managers, and I decided I could do it, too. I took course after course after course and got my own clients. 

I found that I loved the strategy and the connections I was creating with other people the most, so I decided to focus on Community Management and Engagement. I could sit here for hours (I mean, I literally do) and talk to people from all over the world. I know I’m not always interacting with them as myself, but it has blessed me with the ability to learn from so many people I would never get to know otherwise. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been smooth, but it has been a journey that I’m very, very proud of. The 18-year-old Torie getting ready to graduate from high school would be mind blown. We are where we are. I never ever wanted to have my own business. I was the kind of person who just wanted to show up, do my job, and go home. 

In the beginning of 2023, I had a falling out with my family and went no contact. I suffered a lot with of anxiety and depression. As one does when they lose people they love, I went to similar stages of grief. 

First, I was angry and used that energy to fuel myself and my business. I was signing clients left and right. I had a waitlist to work with me and I was working 10-12+ hours a day. 

But I just kept going and going until I burnt myself out both in my personal life and inside of my business. 

I hit the depression and burnt-out phase. I was doing too much, I wasn’t getting praised enough for my liking (because I wasn’t doing a great job, duh), I didn’t feel like I was good enough for anyone, and I wanted to quit everything. 

But the only reason I didn’t quit my business, at least, is because of the communities I’ve built and I’m a part of. 

The Facebook Groups about going without contact with your family saved me. 

My Quimby Slack Channel with some of the most amazing kick-ass women in marketing saved me. 

Amongst many, many others. So, I couldn’t just quit my business. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Torie Helsel Social?
Torie Helsel Social is your go-to Engagement Agency for making real connections on social media. We’re all about helping small businesses, online service providers, and anyone eager to genuinely engage with their audience. Our specialty? Crafting engagement strategies that feel as real and personal as a conversation with a good friend. 

What We Do: We create custom engagement strategies that go beyond the usual. From crafting the perfect welcome messages to figuring out the best engagement tactics, we make sure every interaction counts. 

Specialization: Our magic lies in making every piece of engagement tailored and meaningful. We’re known for diving deep into what makes your audience tick and connecting on a level that turns followers into fans. 

What Sets Us Apart: While others might focus on metrics, we focus on people. Our approach ensures that your brand isn’t just seen; it’s remembered and loved. We’re not about general tactics; we’re about creating a vibe that’s all you. 

Pride in Our Brand: We’re super proud of how we’ve helped clients transform their social media from a task to a highlight. Booking clients out months in advance and helping them smash their sales goals? That’s our jam. 

For Our Readers: Engagement isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about building a community that believes in your brand and what it stands for. With Torie Helsel Social, you’re not just hiring an agency; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to seeing your community thrive and your brand flourish. Whether you’re looking to refine your engagement strategy or seeking comprehensive visibility planning, we’re here to elevate your social media presence authentically and effectively. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is one of my favorite things to do! It’s also a great way for you to connect with referral partners or another way to get your brand and business visible. I have attended both in-person and virtual networking events, and I find success in them both in their own ways. 

I find that in my experience, connecting with people virtually and then bringing that connection to an in-person event has had more success in forming longer-term bonds and signing clients that way. 

One of my tips is to make sure that you are present. If you’re not listening to what others are saying, it’s not really networking. Make sure that you come prepared with an “elevator pitch” on who you are and what you offer not a sales pitch. The most important one is to follow up. Connections and relationships cannot truly be made if you do not follow up afterwards. 

Finding a mentor, I’ve had some good and bad experiences. I tend to jump into things way too fast and not do my due diligence. I am someone when I want to do something, I just am going for it. I suggest taking your time and making sure they are the right fit for you, especially if you are paying them. I like to talk to other people who have been mentored by that person or who have gone through that program I am looking to go through. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: torie.social
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/torie-helsel-social

Image Credits
Right Hand Glam Retreat