We recently connected with Merichelle Norwood and have shared our conversation below.
Merichelle, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I do believe there’s a recipe for success, and while it may vary from person to person, here’s mine: take a dash of fearlessness, sprinkle it with networking, and mix it in with an “ask anyway” attitude. When I first thought about starting my blog, I was apprehensive about what people would think, but I cast my fears aside and did it. One step led to another and not only did I start building my own brand, but I started my own small business, influencer marketing agency. I didn’t know it then, but I was building my own network. What also helped me early on was “asking anyway”. If I wanted to partner with a sushi restaurant that seemed out of my league, I’d “ask anyway” – even if the chances were 99% no and 1% yes. The odds in your head are much worse than real-life! Eventually, what started as a ‘side hustle’ evolved into much bigger opportunities for my career. I became a content marketer and freelance writer from the foundation I built, that foundation was namely my own personal brand, which leads me to my second recipe for success – build your personal brand! A big, serendipitous moment for me came when I was doing yoga at a park in Downtown Phoenix. I was recognized as a local blogger by a woman who asked if I had any interest in freelance writing. Boom, I had a new Client.
Merichelle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a content marketer and freelance writer based in Phoenix. I have created content for Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, Red Mountain Weight Loss, Phoenix New Times, Downtown Phoenix, Downtown Tempe, Visit Mesa, Discover Gilbert, Discover Bisbee, and Greater Phoenix Economic Council. I’ve always embraced community, and I love telling the stories of the people who make up Arizona and beyond.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2020, when the world turned upside down, I made the decision to move away from my influencer content agency and focus on freelance writing instead. Many times in life, you have to look at where you are NOW, to map out where you want to go, LATER. I took an inventory of my network and opportunities and pitched potential Clients my freelance writing services – some of them turned out to be Clients! This was the new direction I wanted to go in, and the universe aligned with it. I poured my energy into new writing opportunities, and while a part of me will always miss hosting events, I discovered a new way to use my talents and skills and haven’t looked back.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
My most effective strategy for growing my Clientele is tri-fold: leveraging my personal brand, networking, and not being afraid to pitch. What all these three elements comes down to is this — getting over your fears. I’ve come across very talented people, but they are usually held back by being too afraid to put themselves out there, whether it’s being vulnerable on social media, talking to a stranger at an event, or writing a cold call e-mail. Embracing fearlessness will lead you to success. It’s OK to be afraid, you just have to tap into your courage and find a way to overcome it!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.shemovesphx.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shemovesphx
- Other: Portfolio: http://www.merichelle.com
Image Credits
Confetti Picture – Rachel Fischer Cocktail Picture – Tracy Yang Bubble Picture – Aurora Grie Jumping Picture – Jacqueline Trevino Writing Picture (Personal Photo) – Justin Norwood