Imagine for a sec what an event at the Pinterest offices is like. We bet you’re picturing bright, colorful and fun. Yes, yes and yes. We stopped by Pinterest HQ to check out the social network’s newest features and, after hitting up the olive oil infusion station and learning how to properly fold a pocket square, we took some notes on the latest upgrades coming to boards near you. Are you ready to get Pinspired like you’ve never been Pinspired before?!
As Pinners we’ve helped organize and curate all of the 30 billion Pins on over 750 million boards — and growing. (Quickly! 50% over the last six months — what whaaat!) Since our very first board, our love of the social network has grown as it has. We can now post videos, Pin GIFs, map out places we want to travel to. Post an article and you can see the byline and a preview (a lot like you do in a Tweet!), Pinned movies display ratings and actors. Pinterest will ping you if the price drops on a recent addition to your To Splurge Or Not to Splurge? collection. Now, they want to do even more to help you find everything you’re looking for + way more.
1. Guided Search: The big announcement of the night is all about the social network’s new search function. It may be premiering on Pinterest, but it’s going to revolutionize the way you look for anything on the world wide web. Seriously, you’re going to wish Google had Guided Search.
Pinterest gets us, and knows we aren’t searching for one answer, we’re surfing to get inspired. That’s why the new Guided Search doesn’t treat the question you’re asking it like one that has just one conclusion. It shows you all of the different directions you can go instead. Who needs one answer when you can have options?
Start searching for something like “hairstyles.” From there, you instantly have possibilities, some that you might have been looking for (updo, wedding, bun) and some that open up a whole new avenue of Dos for your ‘do (braid headband, pretty messy, Khaleesi). Start searching for “waffles” and you might end up whipping up a gluten-free waffle sundae instead of your standard Eggo knockoffs. Type in “nature” and your search might take you down the path to planning the most epic camping trip ever.
Guided Search also has a major benefit for users who prefer Pinning from the comfort of their smartphones. It’s meant to be a one-handed experience where you type less and browse more thanks to better suggestions in a language closer to the one you speak with your BFFs.
2. Related Pins: Click on a Pin and now you’ll see options for similar Pins. This handy feature lends a blog-like feel to everything you’re looking up. Like this spaghetti squash recipe? Maybe you’ll like these other low-fat veggie options… or other ideas to help you use up the squash you picked up at the farmer’s market.
3. Custom Categories: When Pinterest launched there were only 32 categories. With this feature, (rolling out slowly to a Pinterest near you) they will expand even more to include specific options that will help you explore niche topics you’re just learning about. Search for a favorite artist and you’ll see a totally dynamic new content feed organized into videos, quotes, articles, photos, even suggestions for other related artists.
If you thought the site could spark your creativity before, wait ‘til these new features hit your network. We’re seeing whole new ways to plan parties and trips, outfit our homes and motivate our next workout. And if you’re not already Pinning with us, you’re majorly missing out on Brit + Co in Pinterest flavor.
Tell us about a time Pinterest inspired you to make, DIY, create or get motivated!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.