We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Patricia Rogers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Patricia, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on?
My entrepreneurial journey took a significant turn when I discovered the power of coaching. Coaching wasn’t just about business growth but also about personal development. I made substantial investments in coaches, and their impact on my life is beyond measure.
Coaching is more than just learning from someone else; it’s about empowering yourself through self-discovery. Your coach is not a teacher but a facilitator, guiding you to uncover your unique characteristics, disciplines, and practices. The journey of self-discovery and personal growth is in your hands, and the coach supports and facilitates your empowerment.
With a decade of coaching experience, I can confidently say that it has been a rewarding journey. As a coach, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients move from where they are to where they aspire to be on their entrepreneurial journey.
In this article, I will discuss a few subject matters I pass on to my clients.
A client, Margaret Thorli, recently invested in my coaching program. This program teaches entrepreneurs how to host virtual events to enhance their bottom line, increase brand visibility, and open doors for speaking opportunities.
PURPOSE:
Discovering one’s purpose is a pivotal step for any entrepreneur aiming to carve out a distinctive niche in the market. The journey begins with self-analysis, which allows clients to explore their passions, values, and what truly motivates them. Margaret wanted to host virtual events to educate entrepreneurs about “online dating.”
She knew what she wanted to do and understood that creating an event would allow her to get her message in front of a group rather than just one person at a time. This self-discovery is essential as it directs the branding process, ensuring it genuinely reflects their identity and mission.
TRAINING:
Many coaches label themselves “confidence coaches,” but I believe confidence is a learned behavior that can be honed through training. This training is crucial in bolstering an entrepreneur’s confidence, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of their industry. Through repetition, knowledge, and awareness, self-assurance is maximized. With the support of a coach, this cycle of training and growth ensures that entrepreneurs can overcome any unexpected challenges.
Margaret came ready to learn what she needed to be prepared to face fear and doubt head-on. She was convinced she could achieve her goal because of the influence I created for myself, my brand, and my expertise in hosting virtual events.
RESILIENCE AND PERSISTENCE:
The path to success is often fraught with setbacks. Margaret’s biggest fear was that she suffers from dyslexia and knows that grasping information requires extra effort. Because of her resilience and persistence, she took on each assignment one at a time. Entrepreneurs must learn to view failures as steppingstones rather than roadblocks.
Encountering unexpected challenges can significantly influence an entrepreneur’s mindset, reshaping the disciplines needed to refine and improve their business capabilities. What was to be once-a-week training turned into two nights a week, and at the end of the three-month training, her event was set up with twenty-one speakers who all said yes to the call. For her first event, she made $1500 from the speakers alone, not including ticket sales.
BRAND AWARENESS:
Strategic marketing is critical to increasing brand visibility, and marketing is a challenge for many entrepreneurs. As a coach, this subject is not only discussed; walking the client through the steps I use to increase my brand awareness is an integral part of our training. People grasp more easily what they see others do rather than being told what works and how it works.
Branding involves using various platforms—from social media to traditional media—to craft compelling narratives that resonate with the target audience. I am a social media guru with a network of followers. Before the pandemic, I hosted six annual conferences and over forty virtual events since then.
Not only did I show Margaret marketing strategies, but she also took part on all social platforms by posting, engaging, and creating videos to attract our viewers. She and my team promoted the event, and there were over sixty registrants. Not only did she have an impactful event, but she also increased her email list, which is a guarantee for clients when they collaborate with me.
NETWORKING IS ESSENTIAL:
Networking, meanwhile, is still the “bloodline” of any business, providing a vital channel for opportunities, insights, and partnerships that can lead to substantial growth and success.
By building a robust network, entrepreneurs gain access to diverse resources and potential clients, crucial for sustaining and scaling their operations.
Since investing in my coaching program, Margaret has increased her brand awareness and made profitable relationships with other entrepreneurs; she has hosted two virtual events, spoken on over seven other speaking platforms, had over ten Podcast Interviews, and is currently planning her third and fourth virtual events for 2024.
To view her first virtual event, click here: https://youtu.be/Tf04NlhphmY?si=ZsgSGOn64Q7mFfTh
Dr. Patricia, 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?
ABOUT DR. ROGERS
CRISIS OPEN DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY
The rewards are immense when we recognize the actual value of people. Whether email, phone, social media, radio, podcast, or virtual events, networking is not just about expanding your professional circle. It’s a journey of personal growth, where each connection adds a new dimension to your understanding and perspective.
I encourage you to make networking a part of your agenda.
I highly recommend embarking on the path of hosting your event. It’s a journey that has allowed me to connect with people virtually and in person and discover my gifts, talents, and hobbies. This transformation into a thriving business has been nothing short of fantastic. I support your desire to host impactful networking events that educate and inspire others, and I assure you the personal growth and fulfillment that comes with it is unparalleled.
This chapter is just to give you practical tools to help you when hosting your event. Whether you are already hosting events or planning to connect with others, hosting events is wise. It’s one of the quickest ways to get the best results, and I am confident that the tips, strategies, and processes I will share with you will help you achieve your goals.
In addition, hosting events will increase your bottom line.
According to Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich, “One sound idea is all you need to succeed!”1 If you enjoy being around people and love bringing people together for whatever reason, you may have a gift or talent you can turn into a business. Networking and event hosting are not just about connecting with others; they are about creating business opportunities that can lead to your success.
As we know it today, networking is a significant aspect of modern business. While the act of people coming together has been a part of human history, the term’ networking’ has evolved. It first entered English in the 1550s, referring to anything formed by presenting the appearance of a net or netting. By 1972, it was applied to computers. And in 1982, it became a verb, signifying the active process of connecting and collaborating. Business networking refers to interacting with others to exchange information and develop contacts. This is not just a trend but a crucial skill for success in the modern business world.
In my terms, networking is when a group of people gets together for a common cause to achieve a desired result using collaboration and the exchanging or sharing of ideas, products, or services to enhance other people’s lifestyles.
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines networking as “The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.”
Both definitions are on point as they require people to come together. When preparing for the corporal examination for my promotion in Corporate America, I remember reading from a book, Supervisory Management, Chapter 8, “Getting Results Through People.”4 I will never forget what I read: “People are our best
resources.” That stayed with me. Looking over your life at your achievements and challenges involves other people.
Since 2016, I have met the best of the best, sat with the cream of the crop, and been mentored by the rich and the famous. If I had not pushed through the fears of the unknown, changed my mindset, and “got up, suited up, and showed up,” I would have missed so much.
Success does not find you; you must see it. Where do we look for success? In other people.
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TO CEO
Here’s a bit about my story and why I have chosen to discover my gifts and hobbies and turn them into a business I love.
Do you know about politics in the workplace?
During my law enforcement career, I achieved many accolades, but I also faced feelings of fear, inadequacy, and unappreciation.
Early in my career, I learned that when you know what you want, you will work hard to receive it, and no matter what distractions show up, there will be a drive within you that will not allow you to lose sight of your goal. Everyone has rights, but if you don’t know your rights, you do not have any.
About eight years into my career, I decided to take the examination for the first level of supervision. As I studied the policies and procedures for the promotional exam, I learned that employees must adhere to specific procedures if they want to file complaints.
What I did was not one of the rules. I went on national television to plead my case before the Board of County Commissioners. It was not the correct forum, but it was the right opportunity. I persevered, and I was promoted.
Two years later, I took the exam for the second level of supervision. I am sure you can attest that you become a target when you stand up for what’s right. By now, I had become a bigger target for making the first complaint.
I took the test and passed it, but again, management overlooked me for the promotion. I knew my rights, so I challenged the decision and succeeded.
My goal was to retire as a correctional lieutenant, and because I was nearing my retirement, I decided to take the lieutenant’s exam. However, I was overcome with the fear of being passed over by now. I persevered, overcame my anxiety, and came out in the top “FIVE” percentile.
Guess what happened? Yep, you got it; they denied me the promotion. I persevered through that challenge, and again, I was promoted.
TRUSTING THE PROCESS
Did they think they could hold me down, bypassing me for promotions? I oversaw male inmates with 200lb biceps at various jails who worked out daily pumping iron. I supervised both male and female inmates who had severe charges such as rape, robbery, kidnapping, and murder. I guarded these inmates for years, and management thought they could hold me down by not giving me my promotion!
I want you to remember when people try to defeat you and even when you are working against yourself. “With every success comes challenges and hard work, but when we face difficulties and overcome them, they should move us into a space that inspires us to achieve even more success.” Quitting is never an Option!
I retired in 2016 as a Miami-Dade County Corrections Lieutenant. Florida Retirement System pays me a six-figure salary plus a three percent annual increase for the remainder of my life. Keeping your eyes on the prize is crucial in reaching your goal. I am sure you have heard it said before that the reward is on the other side of the challenge.
Before retiring, I knew preparation was the key to a productive retirement. For twenty-nine years, I did things the way that I was instructed to do them. I could only take off if the days were available, and I took vacations if I had enough leave time saved and seniority to select the dates that I desired. Imagine that!
For twenty-nine years, I had to wear the same uniform forty hours a week, and if I worked overtime, I stayed in the same uniform for the entire sixteen hours.
Retirement would allow me to discover my gifts, talents, and hobbies. Everyone reminisces about retiring because, at that point in life, you can live life on your terms rather than on the terms of others.
The years spent in the U.S. Army, in law enforcement, and in my youth prepared me for a successful retirement. My goal was to be an entrepreneur and share many values and disciplines I learned throughout my career and other opportunities I had been privileged to experience.
Isn’t it amazing how each experience in your life equips you and prepares you for the next chapter?
I have always been a leader and outspoken for good reasons—even the things I learned during school helped me succeed as an entrepreneur.
PREPARATION IS THE KEY:
In two-thousand fourteen, I joined a multilevel marketing company to become an entrepreneur. I knew that entrepreneurs sold products, and they determined how much money they wanted to make, and like anything else, success comes with commitment and hard work.
Preparing before retiring was critical to me, and being in law enforcement, I had good knowledge of the law, so LegalShield was and still is a great product that protects me and my family. It is also more rewarding to assist others in protecting their legal rights. Entrepreneurship is about being of service to other people!
I had no idea I had intellectual property inside of me that needed to be discovered, so a year before retiring, I became an independent associate of LegalShield. Progers34.wearelegalshield.com
When you do not know your gifts, a multilevel company still gives you the freedom you desire. With time and a good coach, you will discover your gifts and learn how to monetize them.
Instead of getting a piece of the pie, you could receive the whole pie!
DISCOVERING MY PURPOSE
I started hosting networking events in my backyard, inviting other entrepreneurs to come and share their messages about the products and services they provided.
As destiny and hard work would have it, I have moved from the backyard to the most fashionable hotels in the industry. With the education and training of my mentors, I learned to turn my passion into a business I love.
My passion has always been being around people. I enjoy sharing my thoughts on open forums and finding ways to unite people.
My “people personality” led me to the role of event coordinator, which we will explore more as we proceed.
“We never know where the roads will lead us, so be open and willing to trust yourself and in the God of your understanding.”
My retirement was another opportunity to throw a big party. I wanted to create a memorable experience, so I hired a horse-drawn carriage and arrived at the site to hear the triumphant sounds of horns. It was a great event that started my new life as an entrepreneur.
MY ZONE OF GENIUS
Unity In Service” is committed to creating speaking opportunities for business owners worldwide and takes pride in its efforts to support the global business community.”
Dr. Patricia Rogers organizes virtual and in-person events to significantly boost your brand’s visibility, products, and services and open new avenues for recognition and growth!
Dr. Rogers’s impressive and diverse background ideally positions her to support entrepreneurs in building profitable relationships.
After a distinguished career spanning 29 years in law enforcement and 12 years in the US Army, Dr. Rogers has transitioned to a new role. She now trains and empowers entrepreneurs, offering them the unique opportunity to excel in their businesses with her guidance and influence.
Dr. Rogers has positioned herself as a renowned 2x International Winning Public Speaker | 2x International Best-Selling Author | Business Coach | Social Media Marketer & Event Host & Organizer
To connect with Dr. Patricia Rogers on all social platforms:
Facebook Personal Profile:
https://www.facebook.com/MsPatRogers3708
Facebook Business:
https://www.facebook.com/visibilitystrategist/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mspatrogers/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drpatrogers/
TikTok Profile Channel:
@mspatrogers
Twitter Profile Channel
Tweets by MsPatRogers
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@drpatriciarogers
Schedule Here for a Meet & Greet
https://Calendly.com/PatRogers/LetsChat
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Building your clientele, especially in my field as a business coach and virtual event host, involves a mix of strategic outreach, leveraging my existing network, and showcasing my unique expertise. Here are some practical strategies that I consistently use:
Content Marketing: I develop and share valuable content highlighting my expertise and addressing my target clients’ everyday challenges. I use podcasts or short video tips. I ensure my content is actionable and position me as your niche’s go-to expert.
Networking and Partnerships: I leverage my existing network and seek new partnerships. I also attend industry conferences (both virtually and in person), participate in panels, and stay connected with community women’s groups. Networking often leads to referrals, which is a powerful way to build my client base.
Social Proof: I use testimonials or success stories from past and current clients to build credibility. Sharing these success stories, especially on social media platforms, significantly influences potential clients’ decision-making.
Speaking Engagements: As an experienced public speaker, I say yes to opportunities to speak at events where my target audience will likely be present. This increases my visibility and directly showcases my expertise to potential clients.
SEO and Online Presence: Optimize my website for search engines to make it easy for potential clients to find me when they search for relevant keywords. Regularly update my site with fresh content and ensure it’s user-friendly and professional.
Email Marketing: Building an email list and engaging with subscribers provides value beyond selling your services. This helps keep me top-of-mind and nurtures leads until they are ready to engage or invest in my services.
Social Media Engagement: I am consistently active on social media platforms where my clients are most likely to be. I share insights, join discussions, and connect with past and potential speakers. I do live videos with messages that educate.
Offer Workshops or Free Sessions: We offer free or discounted workshops to attract people to your virtual events. These sessions give potential clients a taste of what we offer, including what all attendees are offering.
By integrating these strategies into my overall marketing plan, Unity In Service, Inc. effectively builds and expands our clientele base while establishing myself as a thought leader in my industry.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation in the industry as a business coach and virtual event host involves several vital strategies that leverage my unique background and expertise.
My extensive experience in law enforcement, military service, business coaching, and hosting events has established a solid foundation of credibility. Continuously enhancing my knowledge and staying updated with the latest industry trends further solidifies my position as an expert.
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND AUTHORSHIP
My international public speaking and best-selling author achievements are potent tools for building authority. Regularly speaking at industry events, in-person conferences, and summits and continuing to publish insightful content have significantly enhanced my visibility and reputation.
My appearances in several magazines, participation in over six collaboration books, and authorship of 2x International Best-Seller have contributed to my success and credibility.
I have achieved many awards, which I share across social media platforms to inspire others to do the same. Awards have increased my level of authority and credibility and made me a public figure.
NETWORKING & COLLABORATION
Building strong relationships within my industry through networking events, professional associations, and collaborations has expanded my influence. Partnering with other experts for joint ventures and affiliate marketing podcast interviews has broadened my reach.
CLIENT SUCCESS TESTIMONIES
Displaying the successes of speakers and clients provides valuable content that I share across social media platforms and contributes significantly to my company brand and its services. Attendees verbalize testimonials about how I have impacted their lives in the events that Unity In Service, Inc. manages, and detailed stories help demonstrate the impact of my call to serve. This builds trust with speakers, attendees, and potential clients, highlighting my effectiveness as an entrepreneur.
DIGITAL PRESENCE
A robust online presence, such as a professional website, active social media profiles, and engagement in online forums, has contributed to my visibility presence. Regularly sharing valuable content and interacting with my followers keeps me relevant and approachable.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
As the CEO of Unity In Service, Inc., attending in-person conferences globally enhances my leadership skills as a public speaker.
Membership in various women’s groups allows me to speak, teach, and train entrepreneurs who want to achieve even more success.
These elements contribute to building a reputable and respected brand in my industry. My unique experiences and expertise set me apart from others in the field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DrPatriciaRogers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpatrogers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsPatRogers3708
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mspatrogers/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsPatRogers
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drpatriciarogers
Image Credits
The images for my events were created by my graphic designer, Jann King. Other images were created by host of events that I was selected to speak in.