GVC Marketing
At That Moment I Knew…
I never wanted my own business. I am sure that it’s not the best way to start my business blog. But it’s true and I now have my own marketing business, that I love. I am a fierce Mama Bear about my company. My kids can attest to the Mama Bear they have in me and I am very surprised at how I feel about my new marketing company.
At the moment I knew I could do this on my own, was not planned, was not orchestrated over years, it was a culmination of thought-provoking self- reflection of about 2 years, 15,840 miles and countless hours in Dallas traffic. I had taken a job that was 22 miles from my house, which is equivalent to about 1 hour and 15 minutes of traffic twice a day. I listened to podcasts like crazy. As I drove to work every day, in a role I loved, with the opportunity to run marketing for a small but very identifiable group. I was ultimately a one-woman marketing agency with an intern.
I created branded collateral, social posts, videos, brochures, you name I did it, to promote our little corner of the world. I crushed it! We added Instagram followers like crazy- from 12 to 1221 in less than 6 months. It was awesome! Events saw increases in attendance and engagement with our customers. The marketing was working.
At the moment I knew; I could do this for myself, was when the drive took its toll on my family and my health. The organization was not the best at appreciating this daily, monthly, marketing feat, as most aren’t and when of course, the promotion went to someone else, I knew.
I took a step back and said if I could this for them look at what I could do for me and my family. My husband was great about the decision and still is today. My son helps with videos, my daughter is running my Instagram and I am hustling to find jobs.
I never knew how great it could be to own your own company and what a great country this is for a woman to start her own business with only a laptop, oh, that my Mom bought me, and supporting family. I typically dog these great moments with something like I’ve only being doing this since April, so will see. But I am not gonna ruin the moment. At that moment I knew.
Do you have these moments? What do you need to do, to face these moments and identify your plan for your career, your business, your goals?
Networking- I make it a game.
Here is how I do it.
Typically, I don’t even mind meeting new people. Sometimes, though I get a little nervous and when I do this is what I think of…
First- every day is a new day and you never know who you are going to meet. I love this thought. This means to me to no two days are going to be the same boring one. Today, I may meet someone who does something interesting or who knows someone I know. This to me is a game- not exactly Wheel of Fortune but it’s a daily game, I can play it so I don’t get overwhelmed with building my business or my network on social.
Second, I recommend a wingman. If you get nervous about going to an event and you don’t know anyone there- take some one you know with you. This can help you feel a part of the community environment until you get to know people there. Certainly, the more you attend events, the more people you will meet, and your network grows. Pretty soon, you won’t need your wingman to go, unless you just really like them with you, and they are interested in the same industry as you.
Thirdly, for every event have goal. I don’t mean a creepy stocker goal, but before every event, pick a number, of the people you will at least say “Hi” to. You can start there. If you feel more advanced, then make a goal of how many people you will speak to and introduce yourself to. (so have your Tell Me About Yourself Speech down). Now, wait for it… if you are ready to move on to the heavy metal round- pick a goal of people to speak to, introduce yourself to, exchange business cards, and then… actually connect with them on LinkedIn after the event. On average less than 6% of people actually follow through with connecting with people on LinkedIn.
There you have it. My game for my networking – I hope it helps and if you have any other suggestions on how to help people meet people – let me know.
Good luck- You are one stranger closer to a friend.