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

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think that, in order to be successful, we have to first explore what “success” means to us. For me, the idea of “success” has changed over the years, based on the chapter of life I’m in and what I want for myself, my family, and my community. For example, during the first half of my business’ existence (it will be 7 years this fall), I thought “success” meant as many clients and as much revenue as possible, growth month to month, and doing whatever it took to make more money. Because that’s when I could say that my small business was a success. However, after having my daughter–who’s now 3.5–that idea of success no longer serves me. It no longer serves my family. Now, success is DECIDING how much I’m going to say “yes” or “no”, so that I can still be a present version of myself to my daughter and my spouse, at the end of the day. Today, that looks like fewer clients, and putting more effort into services that do not require my live attention all of the time, i.e. helping people through my online course and through teaching opportunities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a social media strategist and consultant who helps entrepreneurs and small business owners show up on social media consistently and effectively, in order to build tighter relationships with their current and future clients and grow their businesses. I didn’t expect to land here, honestly. I graduated from college with a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, ready to tackle the world as a physical therapist. But, after failing to get into PT school two years in a row, I decided to go all-in in personal training and teaching group exercise classes. During that time, I started a fitness and food blog. Exploring food photography, learning how to work with national and local food brands, and promote their companies on social media led me to the land of Instagram, Facebook, and email marketing. Noticing the power of social media and seeing a gap in how my local city’s small business owners were using social media (or lack thereof) inspired me to start my own business. Burnout in the fitness and wellness industry also nudged me to break off and change careers.
The small business owners I talk to can relate when it comes to career change and bootstrapping their way towards their next dream, goal, project, or business. The idea that we can figure anything out, with the support of someone who has been there too, is what allows me to stand tall in my business and stay passionate about my work.
Busy small business owners who wear all (or most) of the hats likely crave efficiency, simplicity, and for things to NOT be overcomplicated. And that’s what my consulting focuses on: tactics and habits that are simple, effective, and will actually get ideal clients to stop scrolling, pay attention, and absorb what you have to say on social media. No arbitrary rules you “have” to follow to 10x your following, or the need to spend hours creating one piece of content that might not even resonate with folks.
Rather than giving my clients a laundry list of things they have to do on social media–on top of the 17 other things they need to do to run their business–I focus on helping them deliver quality content that can be repurposed and recreated in many different ways, so that they can create cohesion and consistency in their messaging, selling, and relationshi-building.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Getting out into my local community and building personal friendships, professional connections, and volunteering with organizations that matter to my values. If it weren’t for getting out of my comfort zone and doing those things, my business would not be where it is today.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals, long-standing relationships, and social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessicanorby.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicanorbyllc/

Image Credits
Xiaoqi Li Photography Jill Meriwether Photography Firefly Photography