It’s Never Too Late to Start: A Simple Framework for Entrepreneurs New to Social Media

The first time I sat down to “get serious” about Instagram, I felt completely out of place. If you’re over 40, you might know that feeling too—like you’re arriving late to the party, and the door is closed. 

You knock on the door and nobody answers. Should you go in? When you finally decide to push it open, the room is crowded with people you don’t know, who all know each other. It feels worse than awkward, and you’re thinking, “Maybe I should leave.” 

No! Hold on, people. That’s not who we are. 

I know, because I’m right there with you. I’m building an Instagram profile for LAUNCH, and I feel the same discomfort—starting later, stepping into a crowded space, and wondering if anyone will notice. I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a framework that makes the process manageable, consistent, and real. And I’m using it myself, in real time, as I grow. 

Why Jenna Kutcher’s Story Resonates 

Jenna Kutcher is a business owner who built her empire from the ground up, literally starting with a $300 Craigslist camera. At 22, stuck in a corporate job she didn’t love, she took a chance, bought the used camera, and taught herself photography. She started shooting weddings and eventually grew that side hustle into a six-figure business. 

And then she made another pivot. Jenna moved into digital education and started teaching others how to use marketing, social media, and storytelling to build trust online. Today, she’s a multi-million-dollar CEO, the host of a top-ranked podcast, and a trusted name in the online business space. 

She’s a Millennial—born in 1988—and that matters. Millennials grew up with social media. They’re used to sharing parts of their lives online, learning out loud, and experimenting with content. For a lot of Gen X entrepreneurs (and even Boomers), the thought of doing that feels foreign or even a little risky. 

But here’s the part I want you to hear: Jenna didn’t start with a big audience or fancy tools. She started small. She started with what she had. And that’s what we can do too. 

Why I Built the 5 Core Stories Framework™ 

When I pivoted my business with LAUNCH, I realized I needed to build an Instagram following from scratch. I wasn’t starting with a giant audience, and like you, I kept asking myself, Where do I start? What do I post? How do I make this sustainable? 

And honestly, that’s when the idea clicked. I needed a framework—something simple, clear, and repeatable. I didn’t want to chase trends or try to do “all the things.” I wanted a way to show up consistently without overthinking every single post. 

So I created the 5 Core Stories Framework™. At first, it was just for me. But the more I leaned into it, the more I realized it’s exactly what other entrepreneurs like us need too. 

And here’s the deal: I’m not just telling you to use it, I’m using it myself. I’m building my Instagram in real time with these five story categories. You’ll see me testing, tweaking, and sharing along the way. This isn’t theory. This is a shared journey. 

The 5 Core Stories Framework™ 

Here’s how it works. Instead of wondering what to post every day, you rotate through five core story types:

1. Teach a Lesson 

Offer a quick tip, strategy, or piece of advice that lines up with your expertise. This builds trust.

2. Show the Process 

Take people behind the scenes. Show your workspace, your tools, or what your day really looks like. People connect with what feels real. 

3. Highlight Others 

Shine a light on your community. Share client stories, collaborations, or give someone else credit. It makes your account bigger than just you. 

4. Share Your Life 

Let people see the human side—your hobbies, family, or values. This is where connection really happens. 

5. Inspire Action 

Post something that gives people a lift: motivation, encouragement, or a mindset shift. 

That’s it. Five buckets. Rotate through them, and suddenly you always know what to post. 

A 30-Day Instagram Growth Plan with the 5 Core Stories 

Here’s how you can put this into practice (and how I’m doing it too): 

Week 1: Foundation 

* Fix your bio: who you help + how you help them.

* Use a clear profile photo (your face, not a logo).

* Post an introduction that touches on a couple of your core stories.

* Brainstorm 3 post ideas for each of the 5 stories. 

Week 2: Start Posting (3–4x per week) 

* Rotate through your 5 Core Stories.

* Share at least one Instagram Story each day (coffee, workspace, something small).

* Engage with 10 people from your Dream 100. 

Week 3: Add Interaction 

* Use polls or questions in your stories.

* Create a carousel or reel under “Teach a Lesson.

* Post something personal under “Share Your Life.”  

Week 4: Build Consistency 

* Keep posting 3–4 times per week.

* Go live once (even just 10 minutes). 

* Engage with 20 Dream 100 accounts. 

* Start 5 genuine conversations in DMs (no pitching, just connecting). 

By the end of 30 days, you’ll have 12–16 posts, dozens of stories, and a rhythm that feels doable. 

Finding Your Dream 100 

This is the secret sauce most people skip. Russell Brunson calls it your “Dream 100”—the people, brands, and communities who already have the audience you want. 

Here’s how I’m finding mine, and how you can build yours: 

1. Search hashtags in your niche. Who’s showing up consistently? 

2. Look at your competitors’ followers. Who’s actively engaging with them?

3. Follow podcast hosts and event speakers in your industry. 

4. Find micro-influencers (1K–10K followers). Their audiences are smaller but super engaged. 

5. Pay attention to who engages back. Don’t waste time chasing accounts that never reply. 

Track them in a simple spreadsheet, and start showing up for them. Comment thoughtfully, share their posts, reply to their stories. Over time, you become part of their ecosystem. 

The One-Hour Daily Fire Routine 

Here’s the routine I’m sticking to (and you can too): 

- 10 minutes: Post or schedule your content. 

- 15 minutes: Reply to DMs and comments. 

- 15 minutes: Engage with your Dream 100. 

- 10 minutes: Post something in Stories. 

- 10 minutes: Save inspiration and research hashtags. 

One focused hour a day. That’s all it takes to start creating momentum. 

The Takeaway 

It’s not too late. You don’t need to be everywhere, and you don’t need to know every trick. What you do need is structure and consistency. 

That’s what the 5 Core Stories Framework™ gives you: 

-  A simple way to know what to post 

- A 30-day plan to build consistency 

- A strategy to grow your network with your Dream 100 

- A one-hour routine that keeps the fire going 

If you’re over 40 and feel behind on social media, this is your way forward. You bring the experience and perspective, the framework helps you turn it into connection and growth. 

And remember, I’m not just teaching this—I’m doing it right alongside you. As I build my Instagram for LAUNCH, I’ll be showing you how this framework works in real time. 

👉 If you want the bigger picture that ties this all together, join me in the LAUNCH 101 Webinar. It’s where I break down the digital basics for new business owners so you can start strong, stay focused, and scale with intention.