Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Snorton . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Andrew , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

This is a great question as there’s a number of projects I’ve worked on through the realm of an author, speaker, host, press/media consultant, and educator.

Arguably, the most meaningful project that comes to mind took place in 2017 when I did a book signing at the Malloy-Jordan Library in Winston-Salem, NC. The venue is located in East Winston and is named after the first African-American doctors in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area.

Before my book signing, I did a book drive via our nonprofit, the LEAD Foundation. We had a program called #TheLiteracyProject where we donated books, DVD’s, and related media to the library. The main reason is for those who live in the community, the library is their main hub and source for access to the internet, research, and related technology. Likewise, the new library in downtown along with libraries in more affluent areas get access to resources quicker, so in doing our part, while they are fighting for more equitable resource distribution, I hope our donations help provide needed resources to people who live there.

And in doing a book signing, there are copies of my 2 books (at this time, I’ve written 3 books and recorded 5 audiobooks) available at the library to check out for reading and enrichment.

Giving back is important as it’s more than just making book sales which makes you an author.

Andrew , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Under my business umbrella via Creative Community Solutions, I have an education based service, press/media services, and writing serviecs.

On the education end, I have experience as a teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GA), the largest system in the state of Georgia. When I transitioned out (to do work in nonprofits), I iniitially kept my “feet on the ground” by tutoring students. From there, it evolves into tutoring (including virtual), student coaching, ACT/SAT prep (for a few of the Metro-Atlanta schools, nonprofits, and related entities), and conducting workshops (given my experience in Alumni-in-Admissions, Association of Wake Forest University Black Alumni President (2011-15), Alumni Council (2011-16), and the board of the School of Divinity (2017-22).

On the press and media end, my work evolves from being a writer/reporter for Examiner.com (from 2010-16). Now, I have a partnership with Status Network for my full broadast show, “The Conversation Corner”, and through my independent coverage, I’m on the media/coverage lists for 2 US Senators, 3 US Congressmen (and women), as well as covering events tied in with college and professional sports, government/politics, and arts/entertainment (among other areas). In addition, I handle the press and media for different smaller to mid-size businesses, events, and even a candidate for mayor.

When it comes to problem solving, it’s a balance of listening to what client needs are as well as leaning on my experience in the field; every person is different, so to solve the problem, you have to listen. Then, you balance your expertise and new information to put them in a position where they can be successful. You want to make sure people know you are about their growth and success; otherwise, why are you even there?

The main thing I want people to know across the board is finding solutions and leading to success means you have to talk with, listen to, share and exchange, and identify “win-wins”. If not, why are you even working with anyone?

Ranging from the work done via Creative Community Solutions to being an author (and under that umbrella, hosting my show and related press and media work), if it’s not about making sure “everyone can have a seat at the table and make a plate”, then we have to seriously wonder what on earth we’re doing.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media truly is a good tool; it’s not the only tool, but it can be a good one.

The main things I’ve learned in building an audience is being consistent with what you share in the virtual world. You have to figure out a balance of what works for you and what works for your audience. You also have to figure out which platforms work best with the narrative you are featuring and how to engage with your audience.

Quality and variety of content plays a role; you have to show you are as complete a person as possible. There’s nothing wrong with showin you are serious, sincere, and dedicated to your craft, but people connect with people. It’s ok to show the human aspect of who you are as when you do this, you cast a wider net and can reach different people.

And be open to using different approaches. While you may not feel fully comfortable, when you do step out of your comfort zone, you can step into new realms where people want to support you. Be open, but keep it balanced as you can get overwhelemd if you aren’t careful.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding things are you are pursuing your dream and passion.

We all know people who talk about, “Well, I wanted to” or “I could have done” whatever and NEVER do it.

Even if things aren’t successful, you have the satisfaction of knowing you tried. Ranging from an author, speaker, host (of a show), media presence, educator, and what have you, even if I take a loss and have a setback, I have the satisfaction of knowing I tried, and even in a setback, it truly can be a setup for someting bigger.

As an aside, be aware people you know and don’t know are watching YOU. They are taking notes of what you do, how you do it, how you handle success, and how you handle failure or disappointment. If anything, as best as possible, pursue your passion as well as live and walk in your purpose.

You succeed and learn by doing. And that puts you in a better space than the “armchair quarterback” who will speak all day about “coulda woulda”, but they’ve NEVER done what you do, let alone really connect with their dreams and aspirations.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.asnortonccs.com
• Instagram: @authorasnorton and @asnortonccs
• Facebook: Creative Community Solutions, LLC and Author Andrew Snorton
• Twitter: @asnortonccs and @authorasnorton
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCU3lfUBAuUDkim2cg6PzB9g and https://youtube.com/channel/UCmirissSEw4FBWGt-FiFjUg
• Other: www.asnortonccs.wixsite.com/authorpage https://www.statusnetwork.net/Shows/conversation-corner