Audrey Antoine-Hart    

Occupation: Language teacher above all (however I have had many roles and jobs but currently I am teaching) I am a qualified baby massage teacher, Hypnobirthing expert and qualified Modern foreign language teacher former Project manager within BSF and recently started ‘Livin la vida cocoa’ selling authentic, homemade Spanish almond and chocolate sweets and treats (website and SM in progress livinlavidacocoa.com).

Business: Bilingüebabies

How did you hear about my research? On twitter

Twitter name: Bilinguebabies

Linked In: Audrey AntoineHart

Instagram: Audz34

Pinterest: Bilinguebabies

Other: facebook/bilinguebabies, website http://www.bilinguebabies.com

Charity supported: brathay trust

Business Type and name: Spanish toddler and family classes through Bilingüebabies

 

What social media platforms do you use? I mostly use Twitter though I have found that facebook and Pinterest are brilliant.

 

How often do you check your social media platforms? Everyday, all the time that I can.

 

How important is digital media in your business and personal life?

 

Digital media is essential in connecting with customers. My clients like to see an online presence and request information about my classes via my website and through twitter. Twitter has enabled me to grow my business and reach people I  may never have met. I am in the infancy with facebook but I  know that it is a vital tool also to connect with customers.

 

What do you use digital media for?     All of the following minus sports other than the Olympics or big events like the world cup or wimbledon.

 

• TV
• News
• Business trends
• Gossip
• Entertainment
• E-learning
• Shopping
• E-books
• General browsing
• Get latest apps
• Business promotion
• Other (please specify)

 

How has digital media enhanced your business?

When I started out, I didn’t use social media and only used leaflets. I did have many people come and go but once I had an online presence people had started to hear about me in the locality. I have met via the internet other people who share the same passions for language teaching and bilingualism and enhanced my knowledge and skills accordingly. I have been asked to guest blog and have had others guest blog on my blog site. DM has opened up doors, it has saved me time and money.

 

Do you use digital media to support your chosen charity? I do not have just one charity. The last charity I have supported has been the Brathay Trust. I always give electronically.

 

How long have you run your business and what is your role? I started in a hobby capacity in February 2012. I have since honed my business and developed

 

Do you use social media to interact with your family or friends? I use Skype to keep in touch with friends and family abroad. I use my personal facebook also to do with those friends and family abroad and acquaintances. I still like to catch up with friends and family in the UK by telephone. I occasionally use Instagram to send pictures to my best friend in Columbia.

 

What do you use social media for mainly work or play? Mainly work. If I had not started a business I do not think I would have been using it as much as I am . I am still learning and am slow in catching up.

 

How do you use social media for business, social interaction, fun, or current affairs? I like the twitter news updates in terms of what is trending through discover and the emails they send. I share interesting articles on the topics of education and bilingual learning. I post pictures and invite people to come to my classes.

 

Do you share your social media updates across all platforms? I am still working on this one. I had linked my twitter to my facebook page but it was my personal page. I am in the process of updating the links.

 

Do you have two social media profiles? One for business and one for personal use? 

If yes, why?  I like to keep things separate, after completing this survey I am thinking I could just have one but I don’t want to post pictures of family outings or random events under Bilinguebabies as that has no importance for potential customers. They want to know if I am qualified at teaching their children, whether I offer value for money, if their child will be engaged and if I fulfill what it says on the tin. Sometimes I will post pictures of my kids making Spanish crafts and treats as this is related to the ethos of the business.

 

What topics of interest do you follow via digital media? On the business front: Teaching, education, Spanish, latino movement, bilingualism, toddlers, families.

On a personal front: natural hair movement, black issues, local business, local issues that affect us, bilingualism, families, Spanish, healthy eating

 

Do you use Skype or Face Time? Skype.

 

Do you use Social media on your mobile phone? Yes but my current mobile needs replacing so that I can stay ontop of SM on the go.

How important is digital media to your business or personal life? It is essential for my business but not so for my personal life. It is interesting to see what other people (friends) are up to but not essential.

Do you buy or read magazines, journals or newspapers online? I read news online

Do you book your holidays online or go to a travel agent? Online

How much of your business and professional life is conducted online? The majority. I still have much to go within DM so bear with me and watch this space.

Do you read and use social media when on vacation? I try to limit contact when on holiday and spend the time updating my website and honing my product. Holidays are a time to refresh and thing about the next step.