tena.cious angie

[tenaciousangie-blog]

no. your target market is not everyone.

I love being able to meet with people to learn more about their business. I get engrossed with hearing what drives them - why they do what they do.

As soon as I start meeting with someone, the gears in my head start turning + I try to think of the perfect connections for them. It’s part of my passion for why I do what I do.

But there is one statement that makes me lose interest ​real​ fast. When I ask people who their target market is, they say ‘everyone and anyone.’*Ugh.*

There are over 7 Billion people in the world.

»7 billion.«

Yea, that sounds great for your bottom line, but let’s be honest people. You couldn’t – and wouldn’t want to – work with all of those people.

And even though you are thinking you're being helpful by being open to work with ‘everyone’ you are doing a disservice to yourself-  and to your business.

It’s time to get focused.

Think about your favorite client. Why did you love helping them? What need did they have that you were able to fulfill? What characteristics did they have?

Sure, we at tena.cious could say that we want to help all small businesses with their social media. And guess what? That’s what we used to say.

Fast forward to now when we are focused on who we want to work with- speakers, authors, + coaches.

Can you guess what happened when we switched our mindset? Yep, the company grew and more $ went into our bank account.

Need I remind you why you should always look for the shower hooks? ​(Don't have any idea what I'm talking about, jump over here.)

When you narrow your audience, yes, you will have to turn some people away. But here is a secret » It’s okay to turn people away. « (click to tweet)

You may have lose out on some cold hard cash, but you are going to gain oh, so much more. A better reputation, a better focus, and that money will come around.

Remember what I said about connecting people? If you are a referral source for others and lead them to someone who is their ​perfect ​fit, you sit better in their mind. It's a win/win.

Once you make the switch, you will network in the right places, you will be marketing towards the right people, and you will grow your business.

So make a pact right here, right now >> ​I will no longer refer to my target market as ​​everyone and anyone. (click to tweet)

[tenaciousangie-blog]

busy work is for kids.

Years ago, my parents were doing some remodeling to their house. Of course, all I wanted to do was help. I remember repeatedly asking, "​Dad, what can I do?!" Finally- after all my begging- he gave me a task. ​ My mission: take off the air vent cover from the wall. ​Challenge accepted. I grabbed the screw driver and successfully removed the piece from the wall. I was so proud - I mean, I figured they couldn't really do this project with out me. I was really helping it move along. As the construction continued, I heard my dad say, "Okay, let's knock out the wall." ​ Wait? What?! My wall » the one that I so carefully took the vent off of. ​I remember being so disappointed. All my dad did was give me busy work. He didn't need me to do anything- he just wanted to give me a task to keep me busy and stop my repeated request for a job. Can I blame him? No. ​Busy work for a kid can make them feel accomplished. But does it mean for you as an adult? ​And what does it do for your business? ​You see, I hear business owners talking about growing pains, frustrations and troubles within their company. These struggles are completely normal- and needed- in order to grow. ​ ​But there is one thing that can be holding them back to reaching the next level. ​Busy work. ​ ​You only have 24 hours in the day- use them wisely. No, i'm not saying we don't have our times to chat or goof around, but if we want to see the business grow we need to be using our time and efforts on things that are going to ​actually grow our business. Believe me- we are guilty of it too. Once in awhile, we have to purge networking events, services and process because we ​know​ all in all, it’s doing squat for our biz.   ​It's time to take a good- and honest- look at where you are spending your time. What's growing your biz and what's just keeping you... well, busy. ​Drop the bad habit by kicking one 'busy work' task to the curb, ​right now! Then tweet me and tell me what it is.

[tenaciousangie-blog]

It’s Not Networking.

There can always be a little bit of fear walking into a room for a networking event. Not because you are afraid of meeting new people, it's because you are afraid you will end up talking to that guy. You know the one I'm talking about. The person who gave networking a bad rep. The one who pushes a sale on you within the first 60 seconds of talking. Yuck. It just gives me a bad feeling just thinking about this person. Worse » I sat next to that guy, rather that lady, a few weeks ago at an event.

  Of course, the opening was nice and friendly, but after formalities were over she was on the the sale. Even after I had mentioned that I already had someone for the services she was pitching, she pushed harder. Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate options, but not when someone treats me like a $ sign rather than a person. She had no idea what my needs or wants were. And, really, how could she when all exchanged were names. If you think of networking as a way to collect as many business cards as possible and your main agenda is to sell, sell, sell >> you may be that guy or lady. Fact: You are just as bad as the people standing at the mall kiosks ready to pounce while you speed walk past trying to avoid eye contact. Perhaps no one has told you this is wrong- they just avoid you like the plague. Well, I'm here to give you the honest truth. You need to change your mindset. It's time to stop thinking of it as networking and start thinking of it for what it truly is meant to be >> connecting. People want to do business with people they know. like. and trust. Truth: no, not everyone will do business with you. But if you start connecting and taking the time to understand peoples' wants and needs, I promise business will come your way- even if it is not from them. (hint. hint. referrals) You also will magically start becoming more popular at events. People won't view you as that sleazy car salesman, instead they will look at you as someone they actually want to talk to. Now if you don't have a friendly personality, that's another story... Just promise me, moving forward, you will take a stand and not be that guy or lady.

[tenaciousangie-blog]

Look For The Shower Hooks

Ah, finally, it feels like spring is here. All this Vitamin D is getting me excited… for garage sales. Yes, I am not afraid to admit that I love me a good garage sale. So, naturally, you can imagine how psyched I was when I stumbled upon a huge neighborhood sale one weekend a few years back. Seriously- these garage sales spanned over a mile long and blocks wide. I was in Heaven. But, as I said, it was an accident so I wasn’t prepared for all that awesomeness. This resulted in me coming home with some items that I could have lived with out aka junk. One of those second hand treasures was a floor standing handmade steel candleholder. Just what I needed in our small house… Honestly, not the worst purchase I’ve ever made. But it definitely was not my best. But the people gave us a really great deal. How could I pass that up, right? Well, the next year when that sale came around, I wasn’t going to be talked into any more purchases I’d regret. I made a list. I set my intention. I was ready. The thing at the top of my list > shower curtain hooks. Yep, we were still rockin’ the plastic rings. It was time for those bad babies to go. I went in thinking I had a pretty small chance I would actually find any. I mean, there were 100’s of garage sales for this event. Out of all the ‘stuff’ people were selling, how would I ever find what I was looking for. Then it happened. I found a brand spankin’ new box of shower curtain holders for $2. *Cue little happy dance* (In my head of course- no one needed to see an 7 month pregnant lady dancing.) Some may say luck. I say clarity. I knew what I wanted. Where am I going with all this? It’s not to have you hop on garage sale bandwagon (although they are pretty sweet.) My point here people >> SET YOUR INTENTION. If are running around just trying to find your next good deal, but don’t know what you are looking for, you’re going to get distracted and wind up with the same thing I did. JUNK. So, let me hear it, what is your intention?

♥ Angie

[tenaciousangie-blog]

The Email of Shame

It’s time to come clean. I did it. I wrote the email of shame. 

I don’t want to be like the people who write emails like I did. The subject: I am SO sorry. The crime: not following up. Ugh! Yes, I forgot to follow up with someone and it’s been weighing on my mind. I met this lady at an event, made a note on her card, and then guess what… I lost my stack of cards. It wasn’t until I saw her on LinkedIn that I realized what I had done. I committed one of my biggest pet peeves in business. Follow up is crucial in the equation of successful networking. It boggles my mind that so many people slack on this step, but not this girl << not me. Oh, wait… yes me. I did that. Eek! Luckily this lady was gracious and accepted my apology without a second thought. Okay, yes I know that this isn’t end of the world. It’s not like I stole her birthday. People make mistakes and perhaps you are reading this and I forgot to follow up with you, too. If so, I apologize. Over the last few years, I have learned that networking is more than collecting cards and making small talk. It’s about making connections - being a referral source - building relationships. Your actions before, during, and after an event (or the lack of) say something about you and your company.

Networking is not collecting contacts. Networking is about planting relations. - MiSha

If someone does not follow up with me, it is likely that I won’t reach out to them again. It’s not because I think they are a bad person, it’s simply because they are no longer on top of mind for me. I’ve moved on to someone else who has caught my attention.

If you haven’t been following up with people, no need to go beg for their forgiveness or make a big public apology. The good news >> you can redeem yourself. So here is my challenge for you >> reach out to that person you’ve beenmeaning to follow up with, but you just haven’t gotten around to it. Ready. Set. Go… right now. Go follow up! ♥ Angie

[tenaciousangie-blog]

And The Winner Is...

Recently I was honored - and very humbled- by receiving the 2015 Destined To WIN award from Women In Networking (WIN). Honestly, when I got the call that I was even nominated, I was a little shocked. After all, I was gone for 3 months on maternity leave. I have been a member of WIN for over 2 years, but before then you had to pretty much drag me into a networking event. I wasn't kicking and screaming (at least not on the outside), but it felt awkward going into a group of strangers to do business. That is until I found the who I wanted to be surrounded by. And let me tell you, these women are a-mazing. Let's fast forward to this award. Driving to the ceremony I must admit I got a little nervous. I don't mind getting up in front of people and talking- but when it comes to talking about myself- well that is a different story. And now people were coming to celebrate 3 women- myself being one of them. To even be nominated for this things was incredible because of one reason- I am not an entrepreneur. I am an intrapreneur. You see, I get to do the fun things in business- talk with clients, lead a team, help build up the company, make decisions and get to play pretend entrepreneur when the boss is in Africa. But I get to escape some of the headaches that go along with being the owner. Payroll, overhead, taxes... oh my! But, standing there at the award ceremony, I realized that this award represents that and so much more. It represents the personal and professional relationships that I have gained over the last few years. I strongly believe that your personal life effects your professional life- and vice versa. These relationships have helped push me past my comfort zone and grow me tremendously. You wouldn't believe how much my legs were shaking the first time I got up to speak in front of this group- now they can't get me to stop talking. I wouldn't have the skills I have or be where I am without the support and push I have received from these ladies (and of course the tena.cious team). But most of all, this award represents all of the work that I have put in over the last 4 years and the goals that I have in front of me for 2015. All that wrapped up in one crazy cool award. *Cue in the get-off-the-stage music.* Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated with us last week + who continue to help me grow.

[tenaciousangie-blog]

Why You NEED To Watch The Super Bowl

Ah- it's time for the big game - the Super Bowl! People wait all year for this day to come. If it's not for the love of the game, surely they look forward to the snacks. Chicken wings, dips, drinks - oh my! Even if the game and snacks don't pull you in, if you are marketer or running a business, you need today marked on your calendar. Because we all know that the commercials can be more entertaining than the actual football game. It's a prime time for a biz to show what they've got.  Companies spend millions- yes, millions - on a tinny-tiny 30 second spot to be played during the commercial breaks. True, it is reaching millions of people, but who really has that kind of money to throw at a commercial? Well, you know besides companies like Budweiser and GoDaddy. I know I sure don't! And even if I did, would it really be worth it? I know I could think of a few other things to spend millions on! But I have a little secret of how you can reach millions of people.... for free! Yes, FREE! Well, okay, maybe not free- your time is worth something! Are you ready for the secret? Here it is... >> TWITTER << Did I lose anyone? I'm sure some of you read that, rolled your eyes, and thought 'Yea, right!' But it's true. Twitter is a great place to reach million of people without taking out a loan - all you need to do is put a little bit of time into it. Heck, just think about Oreo! They couldn't have received that kind of exposure with a 30 second commercial. It was creative and in the moment. You can't plan for something that great.  During the Superbowl, people will be gathered around their TVs- with their computers in their laps and phones in their hands! So even if you are a Twitter newbie, there is no better time to get your feet wet. But you need to be a part of the conversation to see the real magic. So make sure to follow along with these hashtags: #SuperBowlXLIX #SuperBowlSunday #SuperBowl #SB49 So get ready for the kickoff and make sure you are ready to Tweet! PS. If you want to take this relationship to the next level, see what tena.cious is kicking off today! 

[tenaciousangie-blog]

Clients are Babies

Yesterday, I was working from home with my two beautiful babies by my side. And let me tell you, it is hard to get work done between the diaper changes, feedings, and fussing. But it got me thinking and this is my conclusion.  >> Clients are babies. << Hear me out, people.  Your babies want the essentials:  To get feed.  To get changed. To be given attention.  That's really all they need to be happy. And your clients, well, they want the same things:  To get feed... clients.  To get changed... in different aspects of their biz to keep them fresh.  To be given attention.  You put so much work, energy, and love into raising your kids. Why? You want to see them grow, succeed, and thrive.  Of course, you want the same things for your clients! When these are the results, you get that overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and pride in them. Plus it makes you feel like you are doing a great job- and it's no secret that without clients, you wouldn't have a company.  As a mom of newborn twins, I know things can get tough and you can get tired... really, really tired (especially with 2am feedings). But hey, that comes with the territory of branching off into parenthood.  And sorry if no one warned you before, but having a business + taking care of clients is not always a walk in the park. You may have some clients that only need the minimal amount of attention, but you may have some that need to be given just a little bit more so they know you truly care about them. And believe me, this is not a bad thing.  But no matter what kind of clients you have you can always take away a lesson from your experience - you grow and use what you learned to do a better job next time. (That's why people have more than one kid, right? - Kidding!)  So when dealing with your clients make sure you are thinking about the essentials and know that they could be trusting you with their baby (their business!).  They are looking to you for guidance - help them along the journey so they can grow, succeed, and thrive. You will be one proud mama! 

[tenaciousangie-blog]

New Year. No Resolutions.

What! No resolutions?! << Yep, you read it write people. I do not make resolutions.  It is not because I don't think I need to improve on aspects of my life. Heck, I know there are things I could do to be happier, healthier, more productive.  But the problem I have when it comes to resolutions is this - it's a lot of talk, talk, talk. But where's the action?  Now maybe this is not the case for you, so go on with your bad self and rock out those 2015 resolutions. But for the 99% of us who make a resolution and don't actually follow through with the action to make the change it is because of this >> WE DO NOT LIKE CHANGE.  True. It scares us. It not only requires action, but it makes us have a bad case of the 'What Ifs?'  But here is an even bigger truth >> We NEED change! <<  And even if you are unsure if you need change in your personal life, I know you could use some change in your biz! Remember what good ol' Einstein said: 

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." << click to tweet 

So do a little exercise with me. Think back one year ago when you were entering 2014, all excited, motivated, ready to rock out the year! Now, think about your goals and where you wanted to be today. Did you reach them? 

No? 

Don't get down on yourself. The good news is there is hope and it all starts with an action. You just need to make a change! You don't have to go all crazy and change the name of your business or rebrand yourself. (Although I know some wonderful ladies to help you with that!) It can be a simple change - that one tiny-tiny thing you know you should do, you just haven't taken time to put it in action. 

Here is your challenge for the day: make a change in your business. Just a small one.

I will even do it with you! 

Starting today, I am saying goodbye to @a_m_weber and hello to @tenaciousAngie.

>> click my pic to follow me! <<  I know what you are thinking "Wow, really Angie? Switching your Twitter and Instagram handle is your change that is going to give you BIG results?!" 

And to that I say, "Yep! It sure is and it's a tough one for me." 

Remember we don't always like change and I have been going back and forth with this for a long time. But here I am, making a change with you! I know this little action is my stepping stone to accomplishing my goals in 2015. I've had this rockin' logo for over a year now thanks to Aly and it's time to go all in with it. 

So what is your change going to be? Tweet me so we can celebrate together! But remember, I'll be hanging out as @tenaciousAngie from now on. 

Here's to a new year + new change! 

♥ Angie 

PS. If you answered "YES" to accomplishing all your goals in the last year. Give yourself a high-five, but don't think you are in the clear. You still need to make a change! You can't reach your new level of success without mixing things up and you are too good to stay where you are at right now. So let me hear your change, too, people! 

[tenaciousangie-blog]

The Awkward First Time

I'm no expert networker, but if you were to see me walk into a room almost 4 years ago, you wouldn't think it was the same person. When I was in college I never heard of the word 'networking' so you can imagine my surprise when Tena told me to meet her at a BNI at 7am one morning. What?!  Inside I was screaming, "What?! You want me to go 'network' with a bunch of strangers? You've got to be crazy lady!" Plus, at this point, I was not a morning person so the thought of being anywhere that early was stressful enough.  However, as a new employee, I smiled and said, "Okay!"  There I was in a room of 40 other people, not knowing what I was suppose to be doing and just standing there with a deer in the headlights look. I don't even remember what I said when I stood up to give my elevator pitch. It wasn't pretty... not one bit.  After I was done, I thought, Phew! Got through that. Glad I don't have to do that again.  Oh boy, did I have another thing coming. Soon Tena wanted us to be going to at least one networking event a week.  So I went. I got there right on time and left as soon as it was over. I went. That counts, right?  WRONG. Oh, how wrong I was and how many opportunities I missed out on because of it.  The first time you do anything may be awkward, as it is with a lot of things. But as the old saying goes, "Practice makes perfect." I can't tell you when I fell in love with networking, but it was like something just clicked one day. Finally, that connection was made: going to events > means meeting new people > which leads to meeting > and those meetings turn into money.  WOW!  You'd think this connection would have been made sooner, but nope, I had to go through several awkward times before this clicked.  Fast forward to now and I feel an empty space if I don't go to a networking event each week.  So, here's your challenge: go and jump in to something that makes you step out of your comfort zone that will feed your revenue stream. 

[tenaciousangie-blog]

Facebook is for more than baby pictures

People are starting to open up their Facebook lives to more than just friends and families. People are now letting networking connections take a peek at their day to day life.  I, for one, am all about it! However, some stuff doesn’t make sense for my friends and family to see when it comes to work. And some things I know my networking people could care less about.  So here’s the truth: your friends and family don’t want to hear about your business stuff 24-7.  “But Angie, my friends and family are there to support my business!”  I know they are! However, if you keep pushing business stuff on them, you might wonder why your Aunt Mary is no longer a “friend”. I’m not saying you can’t talk about your business on Facebook, but to make it worth your while, you need to be strategic.  How do you do this? Lists; that’s how!  Yes, we have told you all about Twitter lists. Now it’s time to rock some out on Facebook. Don’t worry, in just a few simple steps you can be targeting your posts and utilizing your personal Facebook page even more.   To create a list:  1. Scroll down and on the left hand side of your home page, you will see Friends. Click on more.  2. Hit +Create List. 3. Name your list and start adding people!  Seriously, it is that simple.  Now comes the strategy. When you go out to post something, click on the drop down menu where it says Public (next to the Post button) and select what list you would like it to go out to.  Bam!  Now you’re getting the information out there to the right people. I promise you will be amazed at how much more traction you get because you are targeting your posts.  BONUS TIP :: If you want to keep your eyes on a specific list, you just go select the list on the left hand side and you will only see posts from those people! This can keep you more focused when you are working so you don’t get lost in baby and puppy pictures!.  So go play around and start creating some lists! 

[tenaciousangie-blog]

I Wish I Hated My Job

Oh how I wish I hated my job...  As many know, I am pregnant with twins. I'm closing in on my 36th week and a few days ago I heard two horrifying words: bed rest.  When those words left the nurse's mouth, tears started to form. Now, as a disclosure, the babies are incredibly healthy. In fact, I think I may have a few little show-offs on my hands.  Being assured that they are doing awesome, the tears came from knowing I would not be able to go into work any longer. Yep, you read right.  I was that upset about not being able to work.  I wasn't ready for this. I wasn't ready to leave for weeks. I had too much to do. I had meetings set up! And the nurse knew it too, because before I left she gave me the eye and said, "Now, be a good patient!" Apparently she saw the gears turning to figure out how I could still sneak in the office here and there.  So here I am day 2 of my bed rest and it's driving me crazy. I find myself checking in with my co-workers to see what's going on because I'm already missing the office. Give me a few more days and they will start blocking my messages. Sick, right?  I'm sure most of you are thinking, "Oh boy, what I wouldn't give to be able to spend some time at home!" If I hated my job, I would be taking full advantage of this! I'm sure Dr. Phil has some good episodes coming up...  But I guess I should be looking at the other side of it and see how lucky I am that I love my job. I mean, I truly love going into work, getting challenged, and hanging out with some kick butt ladies all day.  My hands will be full soon, but I know that when I'm ready, I will be looking forward to going back and pushing myself. Until that time comes, I will continue working away on my little portable table (thanks to Tena) on the couch.  So here is to all the people out there who know what is is like to love their job so much you don't want to miss a day!  Haven't found your passion yet? Keep looking! You will find it. 

[tenaciousangie-blog]

Expand Your Reach on Facebook

Do you ever see someone’s picture come up in your newsfeed that you don’t know? It’s because they tagged one of your friends in their picture.

Why am I pointing this out? Because if you have a business page, this type of action is going to help you reach way beyond your current audience.

That’s right, just when you thought you had to dip into your 401k to pay for exposure, Facebook redeemed themselves. So what exactly does this mean?

When you tag a brand or celebrity in a post on your fan page, it has the potential to reach out to both fan bases. For example, if tena.cious tags Marie Forleo in a post, it could go out to both fan bases. That’s over 135k people getting some tena.cious love!

This won’t be true to all posts. If you tag Beyoncé, don’t expect it to necessary go out to her 54 million peeps.  The content needs to make sense and as more information comes out about it, I’m sure there will be some regulations that come to light.

Facebook has not rolled out this feature to everyone yet, but just sit tight! When it is available to you, make sure to take advantage of this little gem!

Who are you going to tag? Tweet it at me.

[tenaciousangie-blog]

Happy Birthday To Me!

Yes, today is my 26th birthday.

I don’t like to make a big deal about my birthday. However, I do like to join in on the party for other people's! Just ask my college roommates. Many birthday mornings, they would wake up with our dining room turned into a 5 year olds birthday party with streamers, balloons + signs. I find doing big surprises and making other people feel special on their birthdays is much more important.

The same is true in networking. Connecting other people and helping grow their business is like being able to hand out party favors all year long.

Thanks to Facebook, it seems that everyone knows I am turning another year older today. As I keep getting notifications of people wishing me warm wishes (since it was -2 degrees this morning) I am overwhelmed with the amount of networking connections who are posting.

There is a line that some people don’t want to cross when it comes to their personal Facebook page & letting networking people in. Personally, I say the more people at the party, the merrier! But I am a strong believer that networking is all about relationships. It’s about letting people in and getting to know each other on a personal level. Sharing photos of my dogs, updates on house projects, or just random information on life with people who I know professionally is important.

People like to do business with people they like. They are not going to get to know me if all I do is sell, sell, sell or only give them my 30 second ‘elevator’ pitch repeatedly. Just the thought of that gives me a yucky feeling! But don’t get me wrong; I don’t expect everyone that I connect with to do business with me. It goes deeper than that.

Like I said, getting to know your connections on a personal level is important. Sure, I might never have those people over to my house or go out to dinner with them, but knowing who they are and what they are all about makes a difference. I LOVE connecting people and this offers a great way for me to do it. Understanding this and realizing it’s potential to connect people + help grow their business might just be the best birthday present yet.

So as I make my way closer to 30 than 20 (eek) I am excited to have those connections as apart of who I am and help me shape my personal and professional life. 

Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. May this year lead to more connections + deeper relationships!  

[tenaciousangie-blog]

You Built It. Where Are 'They'?

You’re on social media. You followed the whole build it and they will come thing.  But where are they?

You’ve been waiting patiently, but nothing seems to be happening on your social platforms. And you’ve put work in; you pretty much had to beg for those first 25 likes. But since then, it’s like the only people who pay attention are you, you, and, well, you. 

What is going on?

Could it be your numbers? It must be because you don't have a big enough audience at the moment to make a difference. Nope.

Well, then it must be because you don’t have a rock star designer to make everything look perfect. Not exactly.

Fine. It has to be that you don’t get to sit in front of your computer 24-7 on Twitter. It’s all or nothing and you are running a business; you don’t have time for that. Wrong again.

You can have a thousands likes, the best looking site in the world and spend an obsessive amount of time in the social world and get nothing. The reason you are feeling left in the dark is because you're not grabbing ahold of your audience's heartstrings.  

Your content is the thing that will make your fans live, breathe and love your brand. << click to tweet 

When you think you have a brilliant post, slow down and ask yourself the following questions:

            :: Would I find this interesting?

            :: Would I want to engage with this?

            :: Would this keep me running back for more? 

If your answer is no to any of these questions, scrap the post and start over. Bummer, right? But if you are not going to find it interesting or valuable, why would your fans?

And don’t even think about selling in every post. Unless you are looking for a way to have fans running for the hills, don't do it. No one wants to talk to a billboard.

Just because you are not talking to your followers in person doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat them that way. << click to tweet

Show a little personality. Let them understand why you do what you do, what makes you tick, what your flavor is. For the love of God, socialize with your audience! By doing this, you will keep them wanting more. 

Once you stop stressing out and start having fun with your content, they will come. 

[tenaciousangie-blog]

Haters Gonna Hate

Lately, I have been feeling really good about things. I have clear focus of what I want to be doing and where I want to be. This includes speaking about networking in the college circuit… or at least that’s the goal. 

Networking was something that I never heard about when I was in college. So I went through the awkward ‘teenage years’. It wasn’t pretty. I don’t want to see others going through that. Plus, if you have encountered the newbie networker, it’s not fun being on the receiving end. 

From this break through of finally feeling like I have some big goals I have been trying to make the correct steps on how to get there. Of course there is hard work, but there’s a lot of connecting that needs to be happening as well. I have been trying to reach out to people who could help guide me as I am venturing out on this new path.

Ah! This surge of energy I feel from this new adventure is overwhelming. I love it!

However there’s one kind of person I have been trying to avoid. The ones that will bring you back down to earth quick! Haters. Yes, those people who put down your dream. The ones that stare at you uncomfortably when you’re spilling your guts. The ones that make you feel like your dog just got run over. 

Recently I reached out to someone who I thought would be behind me 100%. What I got back was less than desirable. Their response was that my topic “was not popular… networking-to college students- was overdone.” Yes! Overdone. Excuse me?! No one else had ever shared this thought with me.

I couldn’t believe it. It felt like some one had pushed me down in the mud. But as much as I hated to admit it, I had to see it from their point of view. After all, they are the “expert”.

What was I thinking? Who do I think I am? Like I could ever be a professional speaker. What college student would want to hear me blabber on about networking?

Hello, pity party for one. I have arrived. 

I had two choices going forward. I could sit there, feel sorry for myself, and pour a glass of wine. OR I could say, haters gonna hate… and cheers with my glass of wine.

So they might not be real haters. They could be just honest. However, the truth hurts sometimes. But when your haters are getting you down, tell them to shut it and keep moving along. Besides, being my dad’s daughter, I can be as stubborn as they come. Time to go out and prove those haters wrong.

There will always be one hater out there. Heck, I’m expecting to run into many more, but for now, the pity party table will remain vacant. 

[tenaciousangie-blog]

Tip of the Day: Get over your fear. Pick up the phone. Make things happen.