Caveat: This is my story, and I’m sticking to it. Most of my blog posts won’t be so “me-centric,” but I have a story to tell and will feel much better after I do. I also hope that it will serve as a lesson for others who may find themselves in the same situation…an act of “protecting my kind,” if you will. With that said, here goes…
I’ve always done the right thing. In school I was the good student and at work I am and always have been a highly regarded employee. Once upon a time, people appreciated that! I have unfortunately learned the hard way the past few weeks that sure, it’s still appreciated. But not in the way I expected. My ideas – my thoughts – my goals – my hard work – can, and have been, snatched away in the blink of an eye. Maybe not surprising to some, who have been in business for a long time. But for me? Yes, it certainly is a surprise, but an even bigger disappointment. I’ve decided to be positive though and will think of this as a huge eye-opener and an invaluable learning experience!
“Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I’m exposed
And it’s no big surprise”
I have a new friend, Mallie Hart, who issued a blogging challenge through her business, Media Barista. Not just any blogging challenge, mind you – a blogging challenge with a “twist.” Like myself, she has a love of music, especially indie and alternative tunes. Some of the songs in this genre are really “out there,” and I didn’t think I could live up to such a bold challenge. She’s posting a blog a day this February, which I find to be beyond impressive! However, as I mentioned above, I ended up changing my own tune the past couple of weeks. I actually found a song that matches my circumstances perfectly. I’m using “Just a Girl” as my new theme song. This song verbalizes the beginning of the end of an era for me…because I’m now armed and ready for battle! Sure, I’m “just a girl in the world”; but no longer a naive one!
“Cause I’m just a girl, little ‘ol me
Don’t let me out of your sight
I’m just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don’t let me have any rightsOh…I’ve had it up to here!’
I learned a lot the past year as an online marketing director for a small B2B firm (not IBM), which I will no longer name. I helped grow their business through blogging, SEO and networking. Before becoming involved in social media and online marketing for them, I built the company’s research department for them. When I started working there, they were doing research, but the process was neither effective nor efficient. Over the course of a few months, I put some best practices in place, continually evaluated and improved them, and put a team of individuals together. The team and research not only improved the company’s process…they exceeded customer’s expectations. Blew a few away, as a matter of fact. Credit and praise were bestowed on me and things were good.
The company’s CEO decided a year or so ago it was time to dabble in social media and online marketing. I was pegged to head things up and I took on the challenge with enthusiasm. I took the proper steps – blogging, growing followers, learning SEO, etc. Things seemed to be going well – leads started coming in and a couple of closes, too. The problem? It wasn’t enough! Mind you, this company has been doing direct marketing, mainly telemarketing, for its clients for 15 years. They completely understand the amount of time it takes to build up a client base, and they have finally gotten comfortable with the number of clients doing business with them. My handful of leads just wasn’t enough. Oh, did I mention I work with a bunch of men? Yeah, it’s a typical “boys club.”
“I’m just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb
Makes me worry some”
So, what’s a girl to do? This girl has decided enough already, she’s “had it up to here.” I am excited to have the chance to take hold of my ideas – my thoughts – my goals – my hard work. My life-long dream has been to start and run my own business…and I am about to do just that! I registered for my own LLC today and the ball is rolling! My final words for now?
“I’m just a girl, lucky me”