Vernon Ross is The Best in Online Businesses, Social Media Strategy and Networking. His new book Master Your Message is a great read on how to find your voice and step into your personal brand. In this episode we discuss:

• Overcoming fear
• The importance of networking and relationships.
• Cultivating your message
• The benefits of podcasting. 

**The first two people to leave an iTunes/Apple review and send me a screenshot has a chance to receive a copy of Master Your Message. Email me at info@michellengome.com or on Instagram: @michellengome

Book: Master Your Message http://amzn.to/2hDvTPL   

Host: The Social Strategy Podcast

Web: http://vernonross.com  

Twitter: @rosspr

Nia Perry, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gradient Global™ Collective, LLC is a champion for women. With over 15 years of well-rounded and award-winning experience in traditional & digital marketing strategies, public relations, event management, and sales, Nia answered the call to serve the marketplace in a new way.

As a new media content creator, television producer, and host of The Gradient Global™ Collective Podcast, Nia interviews and gleans inspiration from the global community of black women entrepreneurs. Our goal is to simply to offer visibility to a traditionally under-represented group.

A quick recap of Traffic, Sales & Profit Conference in Atlanta, GA led by Lamar Tyler and a few announcements on upcoming events.

June 16-18 In All Thy Getting Play purchase tickets here.

June 24 QueenLyfe: Sip & Share purchase tickets here.

August 5 HAAB Annual Bootcamp: Creating Influence Through Content purchase tickets here.

Judy Hoberman, President of Selling In A Skirt has created a suite of workshops, seminars and coaching programs that take the negativity out of selling. 

Sponsors: PodConnect & Xero Accounting

Holly Charles is the author of Velvet (initially written as her English Creative Thesis as Velvet: the Burden of Melanin and Motherhood). Her latest literary effort, a play entitled In All Thy Getting: The Forgotten Story of Freedmen’s Town, is a joint venture between the arts community and the Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum, purposed with raising awareness and funds towards the conservation of Houston 4^th Ward’s rich African American History.

Quote: I create what it is I want to be and what kind of mark I want to leave on the world.

3 Questions I Ask:

• What does it mean to be an African American woman in 2017?
• How does she have the ability to time travel and write creatively?
• How can we live a life of forgiveness?

3 Learning Points:

• How she turned her thesis into a novel?
• Learning to respect each others truth.
• Understanding the perspective of our parents as we become adults.

Resources:

Velvet by Holly Charles

Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce

Rutherford B. Yates Museum

Purchase tickets for the play In All Thy Getting

Tieron Spear is an Atlanta based serial entrepreneur. He is passionate about working with aspiring entrepreneurs to increase cash flow and sales immediately. An authority on Amazon SEO & Sales processes, in 2 years, he has grossed over $240,000 in sales.

I know a lot of people are interested in earning extra money via Ebay, Amazon, or Shopify. Tshirts are becoming more popular by the moment. 

Quote: Expect the best, but prepare for the worse.

3 Questions I Ask:

• How to select the best ecommerce platforms?
• How to start with Facebook ads?
• Should we go with a US or an overseas manufacturer?

3 Learning Points:

• Making sure you solve the problems of your customer.
• The best ways to do surveys for market research.
• The difference between white label or private label products.

Biggest Ask: Expect the best, but prepare for the worse. 

Resources:

Traffic, Sales & Profit with Lamar Tyler Facebook Group

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Sponsors: PodConnect & Xero Accounting

Mr. Jay Jackson is author of The Transformation Experience: Shifting Paradigms for Success.

In this episode we discovered we were taking the same mentoring program with Paul C. Brunson from the episode Part 4 Networking & Dating: The Male Psyche.

Quote: As I level up, you level up. 

Questions I Ask:

• When did you recognize your leadership skills?
• What led to his campaign: Transform the Lives and Businesses of 1 Million People by 2023.
• What are the 5 W's and H of your customer avatar?

3 Learning Points:

• The fact that leadership exposes who you are.
• Consider doing a personalized SWOT.
• Transitioning from civilian to entrepreneurship. 

Biggest Ask: Asked for mentorship that took courage and a bold move. If he said yes; it would have lead to access and Rolodex. 

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I am back with part two of the Black Enterprise Recap. I had the privilege to attend the Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Summit with the Houston African American Bloggers (HAAB). In this episode we have a joint interview with Gavin Richmond and Vannessa Wade.

Quotes: Brands are like people. Vanessa Wade

Questions I Ask:

• Why did they attend the conference?
• How has the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce support their business?
• How events elevate your brand?

Learning Points:

• Integrating content in your messaging and branding.
• The important of messaging when it comes to your brands.

Advice:

Be flexible with your timeline. Vanessa Wade

Trust in your craft and start. Gavin Richmond

Gavin Wade, CEO Oh Wow Events full service events from weddings to corporate events.

Facebook

Instagram

Vannessa Wade, CEO Connect The Dots PR

Twitter

LinkedIn

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Last week I had the privilege to attend the Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Summit with the Houston African American Bloggers (HAAB). I haven't been to a conference in awhile and this was a good way to get back in the groove of things. It was great catching up with familiar faces and meeting new people.

I snagged a joint interview with Mrs. Tandelyn Weaver and Mrs. Debra Anderson both with Windsor Village United Methodist Church led by Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell. The church has several activities that benefit the community and small business owners.

Quote: Every No is bringing you closer to a Yes. Mrs. Weavers

Take the time to build your balcony. Mrs. Anderson

Questions I Ask:

• Why did they attend the conference?
• How can we support nonprofits in our community?
• What services does the church offer to support the community and small business owners?

3 Learning Points:

• Support nonprofits with your expertise, time, or money.
• Create a balcony.
• Get a counselor.

Resources:

• The Kingdom Builders Center
• The Power Center
• Houston African American Bloggers Bootcamp

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Michelle discusses four of many valuable lessons that she has learned within 100 episodes.

1. Discipline
2. Consistency
3. Ask
4. Give

NWM made it within the top 200 podcast in business and careers. 

Contest Rules: Valid from 5/15-5/21

1. Go to iTunes submit a rating and review. Send a screenshot via email or tag me on social media (@michellengome) and you will be entered in a drawing to win an Amazon gift card. Two people will have a chance to win a $25 and $50 gift card.
2. Submit a video stating how the podcast has impacted your life and/or business and you will be entered in a drawing to win a 90 min strategy call with me. (Valued at $247).

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I am so grateful for this moment. Reaching a 100 of anything is a major milestone. Plus last week I noticed Networking With Michelle (NWM) was listed as a top podcast in the business and career sections of iTunes. Thank you for your continuous support for f the NWM Show and beyond.

In this episode I brought my friend Natasha Wade to interview me. We break the interview down like this:

• Michelle - The Podcaster: the ugly, the bad, and the good. Yeah, in that order.
  • What inspired me to create the podcast?
  • How do I select my guest list?
• Michelle - The Person: personal and professional point of view.
  • What's the most important thing I hope people learn from my story?
  • How does balance fit into my world?
• Michelle - The Purpose: the cultivation of legacy.
  • I discuss my 2017 themes.
  • What will the legacy of Michelle be in 100 years?

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Contest Rules: Valid from 5/15-5/21

1. Go to iTunes submit a rating and review. Send a screenshot via email or tag me on social media (@michellengome) and you will be entered in a drawing to win an Amazon gift card. Two people will have a chance to win a $25 and $50 gift card.
2. Submit a video stating how the podcast has impacted your life and/or business and you will be entered in a drawing to win a 90 min strategy call with me. (Valued at $247).

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C. Handy Law is founded and led by attorney Casey Handy-Smith. Casey has always been drawn to innovative and entrepreneurial spirits. C. Handy Law is a boutique law firm dedicated to educating and serving creative entrepreneurs and entertainers. At C. Handy Law strives to give creatives the tools they need to pursue their dreams and truly transform their creativity into cash! Whether it be through their specialized one-on- one general counsel services, or attending one of our workshops, C. Handy Law works with entrepreneurs in all stages of their journey to realize their potential, marginalize their risks, and defend their works. 

Quote: A strong legal foundation keeps you profitable.

Questions I Ask:

• As a new business owner, what are immediate legal issues we should be aware of?
• When to seek an attorney?
• The difference between professional, pre-paid legal services, and Legal Zoom.

3 Learning Points:

• The proper way to use online photos.
• Understanding the varies agreements from Creative Commons License, Fair Use, and more.
• What are the 3 signs to let us know our bottom line is at risk?

Success is fighting for whatever life you want.

Contact Casey:

C Handy Law     Handy Business Tips

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Resources Mentioned:

Mila Arzu founder of Hostkeyper a specialist in AirBnB and short term rental property service. Mila shares with us her journey of entrepreneurship from one idea to the next. Oh and she's very unorthodox in her approach.

Questions I Ask:

• How did Mila get the idea for Hostkeyper?
• What was it that made you say that there's an opportunity for a business in this space?
• Did you know right away that you wanted to start a business to address the pain points?

3 Learning Points:

• When it is okay to quit or pivot from an idea or actual business?
• The importance of having a minimum viable product (MVP).
• When to utilize client feedback and make your first hire.

Success being able to wake up everyday and feeling thankful for what I have. 

Contact Mila: Hostkeyper

Contact: Hostkeyper

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Sponsors: Lynda & Xero Accounting

Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals.

Asa Leveaux is an expert in business development was developed through an extensive study of coaching technologies, philosophies, and various provide assessment tools. Asa founded the Genius Academy™ (division of Leveaux Group, Inc™)which promotes personal success through the implementation of key strategies that are encouraged through inspiration and tactical execution. Genius Academy™ is a resource and network for individuals which has entrepreneurs' main goal is seeing their ideas from formation to success. Asa is also a best selling author with five books and an his upcoming book Fuck Balance.

Dr. Tracy Powell focuses her work on being an agent of change. In Practical Leadership: Lessons From Mickey , she shares her pains, her victories and her truths with the help of her favorite character, Mickey®.

Dr. Tracy R. Powell has several years of experience working to enhance the outcomes for individuals and organizations. Dr. Powell’s experience includes individual career and personal counseling, process improvement, organizational development, and strategic planning. Former clients include governmental agencies, public and non profit sector organizations, faith-based communities and individuals of all career levels.

Quote: Mickey Mouse taught us how to socialize, how to respond to things, how to interact with friends and family in an unconscious manner.

Questions I Ask: 

• How to find the balance between work and play time?
• How she defines leadership?
• How is Mickey Mouse the ideal leader?
• Can you be a leader without a team?

3 Learning Points: 

• How to decrease your stress level?
• The 7 leadership traits from Mickey Mouse.
• Are leaders are born or developed?

Contact Dr. Powell:

Practical Leadership (book)

Practical Leadership (website)

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Sponsors: 

Sponsors: Lynda & Xero Accounting

Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals.

Tiffany L. Williams serves as CEO and creative director of Twice Media Productions. She manages the overall direction of the company, makes key decisions on the company’s behalf, and serves as creative director for all video marketing and production projects.

Twice Media Productions, LLC, is a full service video production and technology company. They provide in-house training videos, promotional web videos, and event video coverage by creating the stunning visual media needed to take your marketing to the next level.

Quote: "Establish your brand narrative on the front end."

Questions I Ask:

• How important is video in a personal/company branding strategy?
• When is it time to consider hiring a videographer?
• What are somethings to look for or ask a videographer?

3 Learning Points:

• Editing software from novice to expert.
• The 3 elements that makes a good video.
• The importance of capturing your brand story.

Success is relative. We all have to figure out who we are and what success means to us. Being happy and appreciative to the life that was given to me.

Resources Mentioned:

• Lynda.com
• Prime Camera Rental
• VSOCAM app
• Video Pro Camera
• Twice Tips

Contact Tiffany:

Website     Facebook    Twitter    Instagram

Twice Media Production Office & Studio 

1301 Texas Ave

Houston, TX 77002

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Sponsors: Twice Media Productions & Xero Accounting

Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals.

Luvvie Ajayi aka as Awesomely Luvvie is a NY Times Best Selling Author with her book I'm Judging You: The Do Better Manual. She started blogging 14 years ago and has pioneered through becoming a highly sought out digital strategist and keynote speaker. I was able to snag a few minutes to talk to her about her journey as she is days away to speak at the Houston Museum of African-American Culture on Saturday, April 22, 2016.

Quote: "When I started taking more risk that is when really cool things started to happen."

Questions I Ask:

• How have you measured the balance between activities and goals?
• Can you speak to the importance of having a community when you are putting efforts to grow something.
• How did the collaboration of Tees In The Trap come about?

3 Learning Points:

• How blogging has shifted over the past 10 years?
• How to rise to your truth?
• Red Pump Project (Luvvie's nonprofit with Karyn)

Success is doing what I love on my own terms and being able to live comfortably from it.

Contact Luvvie:

• Awesomely Luvvie
• Awesomely Techie
• Red Pump Project
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• I'm Judging You Book
• I'm Judging You Audio

Additional Mentions:

• Houston African American Bloggers
• Tees In The Trap - Luvvie Collaboration

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Sponsors: Tees In The Trap

Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals.

Roberto Blake is the CEO and Creative Director of Create Awesome Media, LLC., where he develops and produces digital content and online media properties. Currently he is the host of a popular Creative Education Channel on YouTube, "Always Be Creating".  Roberto also host and co-produces the "Create Something Awesome Today Podcast", in partnership with Liebsmedia.

As a creative entrepreneur, Roberto helps businesses, brands and individuals market themselves effectively with engaging visuals and effective messages. Roberto has over 10 years of experience commercially in design and marketing and has helped brands, both large and small achieve their goals and reach their audiences. His work has been recognized by Forbes, Huffington Post, Adobe and Photoshop Creative Magazines.

Quote: "Success is on the backend of ten years."

Questions I Ask:

• How much should we invest in equipment?
• Is it best to script your videos and create a publishing schedule?
• What is the recommended length for a Facebook and YouTube video?

3 Learning Points:

• Equipment is an excuse for not getting started.
• The types of videos that are popular.
• Tips to grow a YouTube channel.

Success is the power to control time, resources, and outcomes.

Resources Mentioned:

• What's Inside YouTube Channel
• Gary Vee
• Casey Neistat

Contact Roberto Blake:

Roberto Blake     Create Awesome Media    YouTube    Facebook     Twitter

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Sponsors: Line 25 Consulting & Xero Accounting

Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals.

WOOOHOOO!!

I can't believe it has been 2 years of podcasting. I remember I was trying to launch right before New Media Expo (NMX) and had a few snags. I met a few of the ladies from Libsyn and they took care of my iTunes problem within the hour. Yep, my little podcast was launched during conference. 

In this episode:

• What is Networking With Michelle about?
• What's my current fear?
• Upcoming books
  • Connect With Confidence
  • Success Undefined
  • Remaining True to My Narrative

** I am looking for Connection Stories! If you have read Network, Navigate & Nurture, listen to Networking With Michelle, or just a good success story on networking or relationship building. I want to hear from you.

• For example, you met someone and they became a client or led to an opportunity.
• Someone connected you to someone else which led to something else.
• Media opportunities
• Promotions, new jobs, or even entrepreneurship 

Connection Stories Form

Sponsors: Line 25 Consulting & Xero Accounting

Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals.

Dominique Carson is a contributor writer to Ebony.com, Bleu Magazine, Singersroom.com, and a few other publications. She received her Master of Science degree in Media Studies and her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Italian. 

In this episode we discuss:

• The powerful roles of family support, mentors, and networking.
• Writing for free vs paid
• Navigating her writing career
• How she balances her skills and purpose

For more information on Dominique catch her on social media:

LinkedIn

Twitter

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Sponsors: Line 25 Consulting & Xero Accounting

Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals.

Gregg Korrol is the author of The Gifted Storyteller. The Gifted Storyteller, which is told through a parable, is a quick fun read and is filled with lessons on how to use your voice to empower yourself, and create more happiness and joy.

In this episode we discuss:

• The inspiration behind such a magnetic story.
• How relationships magnify our experiences?
• Can emotional intelligence be taught to younger adults?
• Gregg chimes in on the meaning of his quote "life doesn't happen to you, it happens from you."

Be sure to visit Gregg Korrol's website and purchase The Gifted Storyteller on Amazon. 

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Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals. 

This is an interesting episode and I wanted to get out of my business interview comfort zone. Janina reached out to me wanting to do an Amazon book review when I decided to ask for an interview. I have a few friends that talk about studying international business or refreshing on their foreign language skills. Or maybe you think you are too old to learn a new language.

Janina Klimas is the author of Learn Any Language: A Practical Guide to Learn Any Language to Any Level of Fluency and Themes for Advanced Beginners of Spanish. In Learn Any Language, she shares the struggles and ultimate success in learning several languages with two decades of experience in teaching languages.  

In this episode we discuss:

• Is it easier to learn a foreign language as a child vs being an adult?
• How many hours does it take to learn a new language?
• Why you need to understand the culture and not just the language?

Purchase Janina's books Learn Any Language and Themes for Advanced Beginners of Spanish. 

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Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals. 

Dana Hewling is the creative genius behind B.I.D. the award winning creative agency. B.I.D. specializes in branding, identity, print and graphic design, and websites.

In this episode we discuss:

• Pushing the need for uniform branding.
• What to look for in a creative designer or agency?
• The differences between Fiverr, Upwork, and 99 Designs.
• The importance of reviewing your website and social media metrics.

Dana has an upcoming even in Houston called Be Impactful Day. Be Impactful Day is a day of service designed to bring people together, as busy as we are, and collectively give back to the community we share. Individually we may be strong, but together there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

Register here! 

Visit Dana's B.I.D. website.

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Follow me on Instagram @michellengome

Are you looking for a speaker to discuss connection points to develop better business relationships? Watch this quick video and contact me today!

If you are interested in honing in on your niche, crafting your message, identifying goals, and building a circle of influence when it comes to leveraging your brand take the opportunity to jump on the Icebreaker Call. Valued at $197, this is a one on one coaching session to help you define your area of expertise and discover the action steps to reach your goals.