We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jojo Trumbly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jojo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

Yes, we are initiating a new fundraising grant called “100 Businesses That Care,” supporting three local non-profits in our area (Hands of Justice, Kids’ Meals and Matthew’s Light). We are currently seeking 82 more businesses (at the time of this interview) to sponsor our event on October 22, 2024, in The Woodlands, Texas. The event will be hosted at Two Tones Dueling Pianos, offering a night of entertainment and an opportunity to learn more about the three non-profits we are supporting. The first-place non-profit will receive $5,000, the second place will get $3,000, and the third place will receive $2,000. We chose these causes because of their significant impact on our community, and we believe that by supporting them, we can help amplify their efforts and create positive change locally.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Jojo, and I am the CEO and co-founder of The NET Level Up Networking in North Houston, Texas. Alongside my husband, Jehu Trumbly, we also run Affordable Air Repair, a HVAC company. My passion for connecting people led me to create The NET, where we offer networking events, personal development workshops, and educational business sessions. Our goal is to help professionals expand their networks and develop essential skills, all within a supportive and inclusive community.

What sets us apart is our dedication to community impact, exemplified by our “100 Businesses That Care” initiative, which supports local non-profits. I am most proud of this project and our commitment to fostering personal and professional growth among our members. We believe in the transformative power of networking and strive to create opportunities for everyone to thrive together.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on social media primarily through networking. By leveraging my personal page, which has a strong local following, I was able to connect with people in my area who were interested in my businesses. I encouraged engagement by asking followers to tag their own businesses or content they wanted attention on, and I would reciprocate. Posting fun and interactive content also helped to keep my audience engaged. Additionally, I attended online social media classes to continually improve my strategies and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to focus on networking and genuine engagement. Use your personal connections to build a local following, create content that encourages interaction, and always reciprocate support. Consistently learning and adapting your approach through online classes or resources can also provide valuable insights to enhance your social media strategy.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have had to pivot several times in my life, each time gaining valuable experience for what I do now. After college, I worked as a professional actor and choreographer while bartending. During the pandemic in 2020, with the fine arts industry at a standstill, I pivoted to become a teacher. Later, when my husband started his own business, I pivoted again to support him, taking on the role of marketing director for our company. This new role led me to network with more people and ultimately inspired me to open my own networking organization, “The NET Level Up Networking.” Each pivot has been a stepping stone, helping me build a diverse skill set and a resilient approach to business and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheNETLevelUpNetworking.com & www.AffordableAirRepairs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenetlevelupnetworking/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNET.LevelUpNetworking

Image Credits

Brittany Martino Photography, Sunshine and Smiles Laura Photography