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

Maribeth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In my opinion, success requires a combination of factors. First and foremost, having a clear vision of what you want to achieve is crucial. Set specific goals that align with your passions and values. This clarity will serve as your guiding star.

Next up is hard work. Success rarely comes without putting in the effort. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, hustle, and give it your all. Stay focused, maintain a strong work ethic, and be willing to go above and beyond.

But it’s not just about working hard; working smart is equally important. Develop effective strategies, learn from your mistakes, and continuously seek opportunities for growth and improvement. Stay adaptable and open-minded, as the world is constantly evolving.

Building a strong network is also key. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who inspire and challenge you. Collaborate, learn from others, and leverage the power of teamwork. Together, you can achieve more than you could alone.

A positive mindset is another vital ingredient. Embrace optimism, believe in yourself, and maintain resilience in the face of setbacks. Learn to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is essential for sustained success.

Lastly, stay hungry for knowledge. Never stop learning and exploring new ideas. Seek out mentors, read books, attend workshops—whatever helps you expand your horizons. The more you know, the more equipped you’ll be to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

Remember, success is a personal journey. Define what it means to you, and don’t compare your progress to others. Stay true to yourself, follow your passions, and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Maribeth, 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?

I have accumulated 19 years of experience in various sales and marketing positions, and currently hold the position of Director of Strategic Accounts at Zonda Media. My journey into volunteer work began many years ago when I had a client who happened to be a prominent nonprofit organization in the local area. Intrigued by their mission, I decided to get involved and started volunteering my time with them. This initial experience opened doors for me to connect with other nonprofits in the region and serve on different committees.

In March 2019, an exciting opportunity presented itself when I co-founded Sole Inspiration alongside a friend and his family. Our organization’s primary focus is to provide athletic shoes to student-athletes in need throughout Northeast Ohio. My friend, Matt, and his family had already been generously donating shoes to athletes in the area through their personal funds. However, we collectively realized that there was a larger community need to be addressed, and thus, Sole Inspiration was born. Since our inception, we have donated nearly 150 pairs of shoes, making a meaningful impact on the lives of these young athletes.

Aside from my involvement with Sole Inspiration, I actively serve as a Board Member for several organizations. This includes the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio, where I contribute my expertise and insights to support their mission. Volunteering for with this organization holds a special place in my heart because my sister is an incredible eight-year survivor. This personal connection has driven me to give back and make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer. I serve as a Board Member for the Stark Library Foundation Board of Trustees, utilizing my skills and knowledge to aid in advancing their initiatives. I am also a Board Member for Girls on the Run East Central Ohio, actively participating in empowering young girls through physical activity and confidence-building programs.

I am a proud member of the Women’s Board of Aultman Hospital, where I currently serve as the Vice Chair of Prospective Membership. Furthermore, I am an engaged member of the Perry Township Rotary and Women’s Impact, two organizations that embody community involvement and foster personal growth.

Through my various roles and affiliations, I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others while continuously expanding my own horizons. Being able to contribute to these incredible organizations brings me great joy and fulfillment.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

During the early stages of my career, I had this notion that working hard meant being constantly engaged in work, day and night. I believed that appearing busy all the time was a sign of dedication. This mindset led me to work before and after regular hours, consistently thinking and stressing about work. However, I soon realized that this approach was not sustainable and ultimately led to burnout.

Over time, I learned the importance of taking breaks and giving myself permission to recharge. I discovered the value of vacations and the need to unplug when necessary. Recognizing that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial, I began prioritizing time management.

Understanding the significance of time management, I have become adept at organizing my tasks and setting boundaries. I allocate specific time for work-related activities, ensuring that I am productive and focused during those periods. Simultaneously, I make sure to dedicate time to rest, relaxation, and pursuing personal interests.

By practicing effective time management and embracing the concept of work-life integration, I have found a healthier approach to work. I am more productive and motivated when I allow myself to recharge and create space for personal well-being.

As Dolly Parton once said, “Don’t get so busy making a living you forget to make a life.” I wish I would have taken this more seriously earlier in my career.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Networking events and LinkedIn have been the most success for me. Some tips:

1. Attend relevant networking events to meet potential clients face-to-face.
2. Engage in conversations, collect contacts, and follow up afterward.
3. Optimize your LinkedIn profile to showcase your expertise and services.
4. Connect with professionals in your industry and personalize connection requests.
5. Engage in LinkedIn groups, share valuable content, and participate in discussions.
6. Seek and provide recommendations to enhance credibility.
7. Attend virtual networking events for additional opportunities.
8. Be yourself and be authentic. People want to work with people they like.
9. Get involved in your community. Not only is it important to give back, but this will also help you grow your network.

Building relationships and providing value are key in attracting clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soleinspiration.org/
• Instagram: @soleinspirationinc
• Facebook: @soleinspirationinc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribethgraham/