Marketing Happy Hour - Stepping Into Your Career with Confidence | Motivational Speaker Genesis Vaquero

Starting point is 00:00:00 you're listening to the marketing happy hour podcast where we discuss career and industry insights with our peers in marketing we're here to talk about it all like the ups and downs of working in social media how to build authentic relationships in the influencer and pr space managing a nine-to-five and a side hustle at the same time, how to be productive in your life and career without losing your sanity, and more. Ultimately, we're here to build a community with you because we're all trying to navigate the world of marketing together. Are you ready? Grab your favorite drink and join your hosts, Cassie and Erica, for this week's episode. Hey listeners, welcome back to another

Starting point is 00:00:53 week of Marketing Happy Hour. This week, we are chatting with motivational speaker Genesis Vaccaro, an ambitious recent graduate digital marketer and community leader that is eager to make a difference in the world and empower students and young professionals to succeed. In this episode, Genesis breaks down her top tips for networking, finding your purpose, developing a growth mindset, gaining confidence in your career, and more. Go ahead, grab your favorite drink, and listen in to our latest Marketing Happy Hour conversation. Genesis, thank you so much for joining us on Marketing Happy Hour today. How are you doing?

Starting point is 00:01:34 Good. Thank you so much for having me here. How's your day been so far? It's been really great. Thank you for asking. So when we're recording this, we do have an impending hurricane headed our way. So, you know, it's, it's who knows what's going to happen this week, but I think besides that, Eric and I could both say we're healthy and we're living life and everything's good besides that. So cannot complain. Love to hear that. Stay safe, please.

Starting point is 00:02:01 That sounds a little scary. Thank you so much. Well, before we get started, as always, Genesis, I have to ask you, what is in your glass this afternoon or what are you enjoying sipping on both, whether it's the morning, afternoon, evening, you know, any time of the day? So right now I have a green tea. I'm usually a green tea type of person. I can't really do like caffeine and coffee. I have to do decaf because I'm so high energy. I'm usually a green tea type of person. I can't really do like caffeine and coffee. I have to do decaf because I'm so high energy. I'm like, please do not give me any more energy. So I love to go like caffeine free, something that still has it, but it's like a more organic route. So that's usually what I try to stick to on my busier days. I love that. Yeah. I am also

Starting point is 00:02:43 the same way. Caffeine, depending on the time of the day and everything can really throw me for a loop from time to time. So I completely get that. Uh, I actually have something that the new bar sent over to us. It is a non-alcoholic aperitif called Gia. I believe it's pronounced. Um, and it sounds like off record, Erica might have a similar beverage of mine, but Erica, what do you have right now? Okay. I don't have G record, Erica might have a similar beverage of mine, but Erica, what do you have right now? Okay. I don't have Gia, but I have the other one that they sent over called figlia.

Starting point is 00:03:12 I think I'm pronouncing that correctly. It is rose, bitter orange and clove. And I'm tasting a lot of ginger, but it's really good. And I like highly recommend if you're looking for just like a fun afternoon beverage, but you don't want like the alcohol content or you're working or something and can't have that alcohol content. I highly recommend this because this is awesome. And I've been loving all of the selections that the new bar sent over. They're fantastic discovery platform. So definitely check them out too. Well, Genesis, thank you again for joining us. I am so excited to hear about your experience. You're all about empowering students to be leaders. And that's what we're all about to hear on Marketing Happy Hour. So tell me just a little bit about how you got to where you are today in your journey. You know, you're not only a marketer, but this youth motivational speaker, I'd love to hear how that came to be. Yeah, of course. And by the way, I'll have to give both of those drinks a shot. They

Starting point is 00:04:09 sound so good. I would have to say the biggest thing for me, and I always preach it in all my talks is networking. You know, like your network is your network. And I like truly, truly believe that bottom of my heart, because because like humbly, I have so much more to do in my life. I would think like I have so much more ambitions to do, but definitely where I have gotten in life, I would say it's because of networking, knowing people that know people, there's always a door that opens, right? And so that's how I started both my marketing and speaking journey is just going up to people that were years and years

Starting point is 00:04:45 of wisdom beyond my professional career, where I dreamed and aspired of being. And just going up to them, being very casual about it and saying, hey, I respect where you are in life. I want to be there. Can you sit down with me five to 10 minutes over coffee and just give me some tips on what you wish you knew at my age, right? So I started doing that at 18 years old, networking in rooms of 300, 400 plus people, not knowing what a business card was, not knowing what networking was, but solely and surely learning it's about giving value and about building really good authentic connections that could lead to a mentorship, mentee relationship, it could lead to a friendship, or it could lead to a mentorship mentee relationship it could lead to

Starting point is 00:05:26 a friendship or it could lead to a collaboration partnership um so just going in at 18 years old at senior year in high school not knowing what it was but just diving into it firsthand being um scared shaking in my little booties is how I describe it and still going into that room with professionals that were in their mid 40s to 50s. And I'm little me and 18 years old is over there. Like, I don't know what I'm getting myself into. But every motivational book I've read every podcast says networking is the best thing ever. And I did it. And honestly, it changed my life for sure. That is so powerful. And just such a cool testament to hear that, you know, you did it anyway,

Starting point is 00:06:07 even though it might've been scary. It's just a great lesson to learn to just do the things that scare you and, and it'll work out the way it's supposed to, whether, you know, maybe you do go into a room and you get a little flustered and you don't do well, but that's okay. There's a learning experience for the next time that you have that opportunity as well. I'm curious to hear what sparked your interest in working directly with students. That's a good question. I would say definitely my high school graduation.

Starting point is 00:06:36 So I auditioned to do our conclusion speech, excuse me, for our graduation to end it off on a good note. And at that time being, I said, you know, I like public speaking. I feel like it's a passion, but I need more clarity. So I ended up being selected as one of the speakers for our high school graduation. And I remember just the jitters before going up there. I mean, imagine talking in front of your peers, not only your peers, but their family members and everyone they know. And, you know, is that our football stadium, there's maybe about 4,000 people. And that was my first speaking opportunity. And I was like, Oh my goodness, 4,000 people for my first speaking opportunity. This is really a test if I want to do this the

Starting point is 00:07:21 rest of my life. So I'm sitting there anxiously waiting for my name to be called. They call me up to the podium. Yet again, nerves, I'm shaking. Luckily, there was a long, long gown and you cannot see my legs shaking like crazy. And I get up there and I just walk around. I breathe. I'm always the type of person you need to do breathing techniques no matter what that's what I need to do and so I just inhale exhale and I look and I see a sea of 4,000 heads and I'm like this is it if I know I'm going to do this the rest of my life like this is going to tell me if I'm going to make it or break it how I'm going to do right now so I just start speaking into the mic doing my whole speech as I rehearse as I practice with my principal. And I feel so at ease, which is really crazy. I feel so at peace. And all I'm thinking in that

Starting point is 00:08:12 instance, I feel like I'm talking to a friend. Like, I feel like I'm talking to someone across the table with a cup of coffee in my hand. And I'm like, wow, this is just so natural. And if this is the beginning 4,000 people, and this is a speech that, you know, I never had the opportunity to do something this big, like this speech, then imagine in five to 10 years, if I keep honing into the skill of public speaking and practicing. And that's when I knew, and I knew I wanted to speak to youth directly because just, you know, talking to them and just seeing the future of where I'm like, wow, like I can really see my peers succeeding in life. Like I could see future entrepreneurs, CEOs, doctors,

Starting point is 00:08:52 lawyers, and just feeling so inspired of like, wow, like this is our generation. And like, if I could be a part of that generational movement and empowering these students, like I feel like my purpose is there and set. So ever since then, I felt like I've been called on a purpose to help the youth and lead them and just guide them and becoming the best leaders they can be, because I know there's so much potential in our generation and what they're capable of doing. Yeah, absolutely. Could not agree more.

Starting point is 00:09:19 And it's really cool that you're able to kind of pinpoint back to that crucible moment or that pivotal moment that kind of helped you define exactly what you want to do and what your purpose is personally you feel for your life. So that's amazing. And kudos to you for that. Cause I know sometimes that's a challenge to discover exactly what that is. And that's something that I think is ever changing over time of just that iteration of what that purpose is. But speaking of that generation that you're speaking to, I know confidence is something that is so crucial for that group of young students to build, especially with the age of social media and all the, all of these different influences

Starting point is 00:09:56 that they have in their lives. And so, you know, many young professionals struggle with facing imposter syndrome and self-doubt and comparison and all these different elements especially as they're discovering what to do in their future professional career and so how would you say that they can overcome these feelings and develop the confidence to lead and to step in that purpose that they have for their lives I would say growth mindset like Like that's the first thing that comes to my mind and something that yet again, I always preach like networking because I really feel that it's pivotal and it's key to your success, right? Is having that perspective

Starting point is 00:10:36 about the world and about yourself in a way that gives you confidence in a way that makes you feel bold and like you really have potential value to offer at a table. So I think it comes down to really every single day, no matter what, making sure that you're using practices and techniques to help better your mentality. Because I feel like, you know, we have thoughts coming in and out every single day, thousands, if not millions of them. And I view it like those thoughts are plants within our mind, like a metaphorical standpoint to explain it. And we can either water those plants every single day and allow them to flourish and grow and really create positive

Starting point is 00:11:17 thoughts that help us become better individuals personally and professionally or we can neglect taking care of those thoughts and really letting the bad seeds coming in those really bad negative pessimistic thoughts that happen to all of us because we're human but not allowing that to stay in your garden is the key because you let that stay in your garden of your mind. It really allows the other really beautiful, flourished flowers, these positive, really thoughts to start dying, right? And start creating weeds in your garden. And it's just not a good scene. And how I describe it is you just have to remember that every day, like your mind is

Starting point is 00:11:59 what determines your actions, your thoughts, who you become in the future, how successful you become in the future, how successful you become, you really need to be mindfully aware of those thoughts coming in. Because like I said, it's normal, I even get those pessimistic thoughts. I'm human, I admit it. I feel like we all do. If we don't, then like, oh my goodness, I would be surprised to say you're probably Superman or Superwoman. But you know, really, really like taking those bad thoughts and changing them, changing that false narrative that is typically a false lie that is conveyed into your mindset and changing that into a fact, right? Like what are you good at? What are skills that you can bring to the table?

Starting point is 00:12:39 What is something that makes you unique? Because we're all unique in our own ways. And what is something that makes you feel bold and confident that you can bring every single day at your best self? So just reminding yourself the truth through affirmations, through having mentors around you that see that value in you and remind you of it is so essential to your pivotal growth. I love that. And I couldn't agree more. I think it's so important. And so many people wait too long to realize that that's important. You know, you're just grinding away trying to get ahead in your career or in just life in general. And you're not stopping to feed those plants, like you said, in your mind and focus on the good things and not get, you know, bogged down with, you know, comparison or self doubt and things like that. So I think that's super, super important. Thank you so much for sharing that. You've mentioned like not waiting for someone else to lead, but stepping up to create change yourself. How do you think young marketers in our generation can adopt that mindset and start taking more leadership roles in their

Starting point is 00:13:42 careers and in their communities? I would say always do something that makes you uncomfortable. Like I never, most of the time felt ready to do it, but I knew I needed to do it to grow. And it was those situations walking into those rooms with people that were successful beyond their years from where I was, or, you know, the setting I was in which I wasn't fully prepared, but just doing it, right? Putting yourself in those really uncomfortable situations where it develops a growth mindset. And where you can really take initiative.

Starting point is 00:14:13 Not waiting for someone to tell you, hey, like, do this next assignment. Or, hey, like, make this campaign so our brand can increase, right? And we can gain more brand awareness. But being able to bring that to your manager. Bring that to your marketing team, bring it to the table, just taking the initiative and saying, Hey, I have this campaign. If you want to look at it, here's the layout of what it looks like and how would it help us? And here are the numbers, right? So just doing it as something I really think that just helps is not putting too much thought into it. Like don't overthink it.

Starting point is 00:14:43 Don't let your thoughts that are really pessimistic, hold you back from your true potential. Just go for it. Take the risk. Sometimes you have to just do it and see what happens. And that's where your confidence really increases is knowing that you're really honing into those skills and talents you have and assuring yourself that you really can do them at the end of the day. Well, yeah, that's such great advice too. But I want to switch gears a little bit and ask you kind of about launching into doing your own thing, you know, building your own business, whether it's contracting or, you know, starting to freelance on the side of your corporate job. And so we have a lot of listeners who are still in the corporate space. They're fully there, but they're looking to maybe launch something of their own. So do you have any tips for stepping into that journey or, uh, you know, creating something for yourself?

Starting point is 00:15:35 I would say always follow your passion, like follow that instinct because that's, what's going to fulfill you at the end of the day. Right? And like I said, like, none of us are truly ready at the beginning. We just do it. And I'm sure both of you can relate to this. I mean, you're like, having all these questions and trying to think like 10 steps ahead and how is this going to work? But it's really at the end of the day, just doing it like taking that risk. And as scary as it is, knowing that fear can be something we use as fuel, right? Because we're going to live with fear every single day, no matter what, just like we are with imposter syndrome or these negative thoughts, because we're human. And as positive as we can be, it's going to happen.

Starting point is 00:16:16 But it's knowing how to pivot and control that aspect so you can keep on going no matter what comes your way. So just going for it, taking the chance, taking the risk, having a really, really strong support system, going back to networking. I mean, honestly, like I would not have learned the skills, anything to be where I am today. You know, just the guidance, the wisdom, all of that really good, fruitful pieces from the tree that really, really helped me professionally, I would say my success. So have those four or five people you can count on, like they say,

Starting point is 00:16:51 show me your five people that are closest to you in your life, and I'll show you how successful you're going to be or where you're going to end up in life. So as cliche as it sounds, have those really, really good people by you that support you, that mentor you, and that are going to uplift you. Because at the end of the day, even if, you know, we take the risk and we decide to do it, we can't do it alone, right? We're not robots. We're humans and we need other humans to support our dreams and help us where we are in life. Yeah, absolutely. Well, and I know with kind of the entrepreneurship journey specifically, there's challenges that come about, right? There's things that come in that are, whether they're,

Starting point is 00:17:31 you know, things we didn't expect or just normal challenges we face in building a business, whether it's finances or what have you. So how do you consistently kind of stay motivated in your business building journey or even in building a public speaking career, whatever you're setting out to create for yourself, how do you consistently, no matter what comes up and you know, things happen, do you stay kind of on the right path positively? I would say remembering your why, you know, it's something that you hear time and time again, but a good mentor friend of mine now said this to me, and I'll never forget. And she said, Genesis, you know, your why, and that's why it's going to work, you know, and it just really gave me hope when she

Starting point is 00:18:13 said those really simple words. She was my first marketing client, great title, two-time Olympian Hall of Famer. So for her to say those few words to me, that made such an impact, maybe in her perspective, it was like, here's some few encouraging words. But that really changed my whole mindset in the future going forward and saying, like, if I know my why I can do anything and really like preaching that and sharing that wisdom with others, because I believe it's true, whether it's as like simple as having my vision board in my closet every single day, no matter what. And when it's January 1st, I make sure I get my scissors, my magazine cutouts, and I redo it all over again to have clarity on this year. What am I really trying to accomplish?

Starting point is 00:18:57 What is the priority in my day-to-day life? What is the end goal? And so just having something simple like a vision board and remembering my why statement like why I do what I do keeps me hungry to learn keeps me motivated and yet again the people around me I like would not be even close to where I am I am nowhere near where I want to be in life but I would say having people genuinely you can like call if you're having an issue right especially in the business you said, you have so many challenges, having those four or five people that they're so open to you texting or calling them on the spot, if there's an issue, and the same with you, because you have that open relationship and communication, where you really help each other out to that standpoint, where it's like, doesn't matter what time it is, doesn't matter what day, call me, text me if you need something, right? So just having that support system, remembering your why, and just knowing your priorities really keeps you

Starting point is 00:19:55 motivated. I'll just say overall, I'm sure you both can like, really attest to this, but really being consistent. Because it's like, you know, once you're on that horse you're like having a good journey but you can fall off easily if you one day a few days turns into a month turns into a year and then once you know you're like oh I stopped working on my business for a year what happened so it's really being consistent every single day it doesn't matter how small it seems and how that seems silly and being like oh my goodness it's one task I'm doing a day, but just being repetitive with it. It really is actually like making your brain just having that become a habit, rewiring your brain is the words I'm trying to say and making that an actual habit in your brain.

Starting point is 00:20:38 So just doing it consistently every single day, no matter what there are days, trust me when I feel like I don't want to go out of bed and do this again, but you know, you have to get your green tea or cup of coffee and just do it. Because once you do the hardest thing out of your day, you could reward yourself with something else. So I just think it's important to just stay consistent no matter what, for sure. Yeah, that's excellent advice. And I have a couple follow-ups to some points that you made there. One of them being around networking and finding your people. How do you do that? If you're somebody out there and you might not have those people identified yet, and

Starting point is 00:21:13 you're kind of like floating around trying to find who these people are that can serve as motivators and inspiration for you in your day-to-day, what are some tips that you have around networking and how you can kind of find those people? I would say you can find those people anywhere. I know that's broad, but I'll hone it down into like a few places. But I say everywhere, because really, there is so much potential for building relationships with people everywhere. I mean, think about it like on a day to day basis, whether it's traveling or coffee shops, those are places I've actually met people. And it's taking initiative, right? And it can be uncomfortable at first. I'm going to be honest, especially when, you know, you don't want to bother people,

Starting point is 00:21:56 I think is what a lot of people tell me when they're like, Genesis, how am I going to take initiative? I don't want to bother them. Like I'm just going to a coffee shop. They're standing in line. Like what if I annoy them or something, but it's just reading the to take initiative I don't want to bother them like I'm just going to a coffee shop they're standing in line like what if I annoy them or something but it's just reading the room right um and the first thing I always say is like you know I bring up small talk and I notice something usually it's a compliment like oh my goodness like I have that same person at home like I love it it holds all my necessities and then that small talk turns into much more and it's like hey excuse me and I always say it very politely and ask them, you know, what do you do professionally? And then we start talking about that. And it's like, Oh, I'm a marketer now. Oh my goodness. I'm a marketer too.

Starting point is 00:22:34 And I'm like, Oh my gosh, like you live locally also. Oh my goodness. Awesome. What do you like to meet up next Saturday? And we could connect further. So just really like starting to conversate with people, really small conversational things like one sentence signers that you can always think of like, hi, excuse me, give a compliment, then open it up. Oh, excuse me, if you don't mind me asking, what do you do professionally, then go from there. So doing that on a day to day basis, you can meet so many people, trust me, people I have from the airport, I gained a mentor from that. People from coffee shops, that collaborations, partnerships have blossomed.

Starting point is 00:23:11 Just learning about local businesses, how many owners go to the same coffee shops you do on a day-to-day basis. It's crazy. It's mind-blowing. So just be open to starting those conversations. I would say LinkedIn, that's one of the biggest, I would say, especially if you're trying to hit demographics all over the world. I would say it's an amazing way to connect with others. Definitely sending those precise messages when you connect and just being open to initiating. Like I say, never wait for someone to make the introduction to you because you may have lost your opportunity. Make the introduction yourself.

Starting point is 00:23:48 It's going to be uncomfortable. It's going to be scary at the beginning. But the more and more you do it, the more comfortable. And that's what I've done. At first, it was uncomfortable. Trust me to, you know, talk to people that I've never met. But the more you do it, the more natural it becomes where it's like making a cup of coffee making your green tea making yourself that bagel with cream cheesy like it becomes so organic and natural that trust me it almost becomes a part of your DNA and you start doing it naturally

Starting point is 00:24:15 wherever you are and it really works I'd say definitely hone into everyday like lifestyle whatever you're doing whether it's coffee shops or you're traveling like if there's someone that you think is like-minded maybe they're reading a book with the same author like just casually start a conversation see where it goes it's not always going to work but I would say for me the majority of the time it has um and just reading the room right you can tell when someone's in a mood to talk when someone's not in a mood to talk you can tell when someone's in a mood to talk. When someone's not in a mood to talk, you can tell. And definitely on LinkedIn, same thing. Just seeing if someone's very like-minded, open, energetic, motivated. You could just tell by their content or presence or just overall brand that they represent. So I'm just saying like take the initiative.

Starting point is 00:24:58 You're never going to regret making an introduction because like I said, it could be a friendship. It could be a collaboration or partnership or it could be a mentee mentorship relationship. And one of those is amazing. So I would definitely recommend just make the introduction and don't wait. I love that so much. And it seems a little silly just asking, you know, how do you find people? How do you go out in your everyday and like talk to people? But, you know, I think we as a society kind of collectively have lost that, you know, I think we as a society kind of collectively have lost that, you know, the popularity of social media, and we can just see everything we want to see online. And we're not really engaging in public on a day to day basis with, you know, our neighbors and our

Starting point is 00:25:35 peers. And so I think that's excellent advice to just take with you and be open to every circumstance, wherever you may be. Secondly, I do have another follow-up about finding your why. I think that's something that people might not know how to identify if they are trying to start something on their own. What tips do you have around identifying and like writing down a why statement and what can people do to kind of like get in their brain and understand why they're doing what they're doing so that it serves as the motivational factor? I would say clarity is the most important thing, if not the most valuable thing, especially in an entrepreneurship journey and having your why statement and knowing that in

Starting point is 00:26:20 and out. I would say, honestly, I'm like an old school type of person, excuse me, where I just grab a piece of paper and a pen, and I just start jotting down things, right? Because the more we unload from our like, you know, mind and whatever we're storing, the better we're going to come to clarity with what we're actually thinking, especially when we live in a business society where we're just very fast paced. And I think a lot of us tend to lose focus easier nowadays, especially with the era of social media. I could say as a marketer, I definitely could see how that's lost that sense of focus for a lot of people, which leads to a loss of clarity also.

Starting point is 00:27:01 So I'd say draw everything down, even if it's small. Like I said, it seems silly, but the details matter. Whatever it is that you're thinking, wow, this really makes me feel fulfilled. It makes me feel like I have purpose. Every time I do blank, it makes me feel fulfilled. It makes me feel joyful. It makes me feel like this is my purpose. Write that down. You do not want to forget that you want to really like concentrate and look at that and see what can this be? What potential does it have? And end of the day, like what value can you bring to the table also gain clarity on that. Ask people around

Starting point is 00:27:37 you that, you know, you personally may have not noticed certain things that you bring as value to the table, but your mentors and friends and family members do just ask them bluntly, just say, Hey, what do you think I'm really good at? Because honestly, sometimes it's really hard for ourselves to give those answers that we have within, but the people closest to us really see that talent and that value we have to offer. So asking them like, Hey, what do you think? What skills, talents, what do you think I can offer that's really good to the world or services that I can sell? And they'll start telling you, you know, like Genesis, this and this and this, and that will give you so much clarity. And just coming back to a wise statement, honestly, like write everything down, ask people around you

Starting point is 00:28:20 what they believe that you're really good at, what you can offer the world. And overall, just like really hone into like your purpose. Like what do you think that is? And that's not the easiest thing in the world. It's a process. It may take a few weeks, a few months. I can't give you a timeline, but it really comes to self-clarity, having that notepad and that piece of paper and that pen ready. Or if you like doing it on technology, having that, you know, Google Docs open, whatever it is, just write it all down because I can assure you, like I said, that answer is within you. You just have to seek it and pull it out of you. Yeah, that's such good advice. And I love the piece of asking for feedback. I think that's so huge just because

Starting point is 00:29:02 we can think we're on the right track or we, um, even if we're kind of lost and we're trying to find that track again, just asking some of those clarifying questions, like you said, can be so, uh, enlightening. It can really help us get back on the right path. And especially if we're feeling down or, uh, we're not sure if what we're doing is correct, uh, getting, getting that feedback and that positive reinforcement from people that you work with. And I think you can do this in a corporate setting as well. And I think having that why, not only if you are building a business, but also if you're in the corporate space,

Starting point is 00:29:34 sometimes that I think can help us align with the right companies to work with and making sure those values are aligned there. So I think that's really important what you shared. Thank you. Appreciate it. Yes, yes. Well, let's talk about public speaking for a minute. I am very excited to hear your thoughts on this and strategies and everything along the way.

Starting point is 00:29:56 So do you have any tips for just building your skillset in public speaking? I think public speaking, we mostly think about it as I'm getting up on stage and I'm presenting to a room full of people, but I think those skills can come in handy when we're doing presentations at work to clients. There's a number of different spaces that I think those skillsets can be positive. So any tips around building that skillset that you have adapted over time? I would say join an organization club or group of like-minded people that are better at it than you. Like they say, you never

Starting point is 00:30:32 want to be the smartest person in the room or that can really mentor and guide you. Something that I've always told students that come up to me and they say like, how can I hone into my public speaking school? Or I think I have a passion for it. How can I practice? And I tell them, if I were you, I would join Toastmasters. You know, a lot of people are familiar with it. Some people aren't. It's a renowned speaking organization that really bases their training for public speaking on leadership. So you don't only get public speaking skills, you get leadership skills and something they don't promote, but I think is really big is networking because you meet people that you wouldn't have met typically in your industry. And it just helps you grow professionally.

Starting point is 00:31:15 So just being able to go to Toastmasters since I was 18 and stand in a conference room that I never stood up before I was 18 years old, having that opportunity and just being timed, having your filler words counted, having them very, being very, very precise and counting, you know, words that were like taking over too much of your space and sentences, or maybe your body language had to be differently. I mean, just every tedious detail you can think of that a person typically would be like, wow, this is intimidating and scary is what you get there, but in a very welcoming environment, right? Because they're trying to help you grow. And in order to grow, we have to receive

Starting point is 00:31:55 that constructive criticism. And I would admit it was never comfortable for me at the beginning to, you know, sit there and smile and they start saying oh my goodness here we go like 10 15 filler words and I'd be like oh my gosh nobody look at me I'm like really really pink here I'm matching my lipstick it's too much like so just being uncomfortable and learning to be comfortable then in the future in those situations helped also practicing in front of a mirror. It sounds really cheesy, but being able to see the way you do facial expressions, the way you use body movement, the way you just talk and convey a message is really important. So just when you're getting ready for the day, you know, doing a little something, a little improv, you know, maybe

Starting point is 00:32:42 you're practicing for a podcast. Maybe it's going to be something that you're going to be doing for a live, maybe it's something that you're going to be doing for a social media platform, right? And just having that practice on a day to day basis in front of your mirror is great. Or even in front of, you know, friends and mentors and your community that can take the time to really listen to you. And maybe it's something that you've rehearsed. So always practicing every single day, finding a way to do public speaking. For me, one of the biggest things has been networking on the go where I'm at a coffee shop, I'm at the airport, and I'm communicating to someone I've never met. And, you know, that's a really uncomfortable situation. And you're just on the standpoint where you don't know if they're going to ask you something

Starting point is 00:33:29 about yourself professionally, or you are doing it literally just on the go. So doing something that I would say puts you outside of your box with public speaking helps you improve that confidence. Like I've told students, it's taken me at least five years, but to get to the standpoint where you're in a group in front of people and you know, like, hey, I'm going to be judged. I don't know what way I'm going to be judged, but I tell them the best thing I can do is know that you're going to take my message away from this and you're not going to be focused on me as a person, right? And at the end of the day, just believing that, right?

Starting point is 00:34:05 No matter what room I walk into, I know I'm going to be judged. I'm a human, but not focusing on the judgment, whether it's positive or negative, but on the message, how well is that message going to be conveyed? It's really important. Yeah. That's such great advice. And with that too, you know, you mentioned a couple strategies for getting over those jitters. I know a couple times, the very few times I've been on a stage presenting it's right before I'm like freaking out, you know, your, your heart starts to beat fast, all that stuff. And so any strategies for that, you said some breathing exercises, but anything else you do pre just jumping on stage, or even before that, you know, with your preparation to make sure you're confident and you're ready to go? I would say, no, your message in and out, be fully prepared. You know, think about the, what ifs and a good fight? You know, what if this question comes up concerning

Starting point is 00:34:55 this topic? Because when you are presenting the topic, you want to know that you're not only proficient in that topic, but you excel in it, right? So being able to know the message in and out makes you a very confident speaker. I would say breathing techniques always help. It doesn't matter where I've been in my speaking journey from when I was, you know, 18 years old, taking baby steps and doing it to where I am today, not too far along, I'm 23, and just still doing those breathing techniques, whether it's in my car before I get out, whether it's because I'm there, no, you know, attendees have arrived and I'm able to just inhale and exhale a little, but really giving myself those affirmations is something I really,

Starting point is 00:35:37 really make a priority every day. And I do it before I go on stage, before I'm inside that classroom, whether it's through song lyrics and putting on a really empowering, you know, song from an artist that I really like and blasting it, you know, like volume 20 as I'm driving on my way there and singing those affirmations to myself, or whether it's just speaking those affirmations and at life, you know, into my environment before I begin and just repeating them over and over and over. Because I know the more positive thoughts I have coming in, the less those negative thoughts are actually going to control the narrative.

Starting point is 00:36:17 Because I already told myself that they're a false narrative, and that this positive narrative, which is the affirmation side of things, are actually factual and are real. So being able to tell yourself, even if it's like 10 to 15 times, like, I can do this, like, I feel bold, I feel confident, like, you know, I am here to convey this message, I'm not going to think about what people think about me today, right? I'm here to help them, I'm here about serving others, it's not about it's about them so just repeating things like that a lot humble you and they also let you know that you're more than okay and capable of doing what you're about to do yeah so good and I think those are some skill sets that can be taken into even if you're just stepping into work for the day and you feel

Starting point is 00:37:00 some of that doubt it's so good uh And then, so lastly, speaking to specifically just your public speaking career that you've built, how have you worked to land speaking gigs? You know, what are some ways that you've identified those gigs or also just presented yourself in a way that some of those inbound leads come to you without you having to reach out? I would say word of mouth marketing has been the biggest asset to me. So I guess that networking, knowing people that know people, I just can't say it enough because it's really how it's worked for me. It's having mentors. The first mentor I met in the speaking realm was a mentee of Les Brown. And that was amazing to have his wisdom and just

Starting point is 00:37:43 having someone like him that gave me the opportunity, my first real speaking opportunity to actually speak with him at my school. So it's just being able to have those people that open those doors for you. I just can't emphasize it enough when you're hungry to learn and you're seeking that knowledge and wisdom and you're ready to be humble and say, Hey, I'm not there yet, but I want to be where you are and going up to those people and building those relationships. Those are the people that have referred me. Those are the people that have said, Genesis, I may not have this opportunity now, but I have a friend that has this nonprofit for youth or this organization for youth. Now I'd love to introduce you to them. So it's always having those people that you can count on

Starting point is 00:38:24 that really help you open those opportunities. Yet again, giving value to them. So it's always having those people that you can count on that really help you open those opportunities, yet again, giving value to them and seeing what you can add in their life. But also don't be afraid to ask, you know, maybe this isn't the right time for me to come speak into your organization. But who can you refer me to? I know a lot of times people are really intimidated. And they're like, Oh, my gosh, I don't want to ask that that's embarrassing but I can't tell you how many times people are like thank you for asking because there's so many people that haven't asked and because of that they lose opportunities you know and there are people that could have had those so just not being afraid or feeling shame or feeling anything negative for just asking a question and saying, hey, who can you refer me to?

Starting point is 00:39:05 Or, hey, do you know anybody that is a speaker that you can introduce me to that you think would be like-minded and I can collaborate with? Or, hey, do you have any schools, you know, in your local community that are from high school to college students from this age range to this age range? So just being blind, asking someone if they can refer you, having those really good, strong connections, I think just really helps you overall, helps your brand reputation locally and helps you getting those really, really good opportunities. That is so awesome. And Genesis, you've provided so much insight and just motivation and encouragement for people in careers and starting their own thing

Starting point is 00:39:46 and possibly speaking publicly. And we so appreciate you coming on the show today, but wrapping up, we love to ask this question. I think we've asked it in every episode, but what do you know now that you wish you knew earlier on in your career? I would say yet again, it has to be networking. I have to just say that every time because, you know, all my jobs I've had, just where I've grown in life, it's been through people, and it's just taking the initiative. I would tell myself when I'm younger, especially, don't wait for the introduction, which I think I would do when I was younger. To be quite honest, you know, I'd be waiting for this mentor to introduce me to

Starting point is 00:40:25 this other person in the room that I read their book, or I knew who were who they were, or knew about them and their brand or the company. But just knowing now, like, I wish I could tell myself, Genesis, just like, go ahead and do it. Like, you're gonna maybe get rejected at times. And that's okay, you have to move on with resilience and that growth mindset. But more of the time, people want to help people. And that's what I've realized. And it's just like, go for it. Take the risk, you know, because good things happen when you're hungry to learn.

Starting point is 00:40:53 And when you're really polite about it and you know the person, you've already did your research and, you know, you respect the person, you respect their time. You're going to be more than okay. And in getting that time for them, right. And getting that mentorship and showing that you really can be a mentee to them. So just go for it, make the introduction. You never know who you're going to meet. And those opportunities really can change your life. Oh, so good. So good. I love that quote. Don't wait for the introduction. That's so great. Thank you for that. And this was certainly the boost

Starting point is 00:41:26 and the motivation I needed for my week. So thank you so much. Before we close out too, can you share with us where we can learn more about you, follow along with your life and business journey across social media platforms? So just be LinkedIn. Surprisingly enough, as a marketer, I keep it simple,

Starting point is 00:41:44 but it's just Genesis for Carol. You could find me there. I have a link tree so you can follow, you know, everything about information about me, my website, et cetera. So just go to LinkedIn and Genesis for Carol. It's a great follow. So thank you for that. Genesis, appreciate you joining us and just sharing your wisdom and motivation. As Erica said with us, it's highly encouraging. So thank you. And we're excited to just continue to see what you build along the way. Thank you. I appreciate you both for letting me on here and having the opportunity to be here today. Thanks for listening to this week's episode. We hoped you loved it as much as we did. If you enjoyed the conversation, we'd love to get your feedback on the episode. Head to the review section of your favorite podcast app and let us know what you thought. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week. your game plan today at marketinghappyhr.com forward slash freebie. That's marketinghappyhr.com forward slash freebie. This five-step workbook will guide you through defining your goals,

Starting point is 00:43:13 building your network, diversifying your skills, influencing where you're at, and investing in your growth. Cassie and I created this resource with marketing careers in mind, but the framework can be applied to any industry. Our hope is that this workbook will help you truly elevate your career, whether you're in the market for a new position or just looking to make your mark in your current organization. No matter where this resource finds you, we are cheering you on every step of the way. So go check it out at marketinghappyhr.com forward slash freebie to download and make your career dreams come true.

Marketing Happy Hour - Stepping Into Your Career with Confidence | Motivational Speaker Genesis Vaquero

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