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

Patti, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Back when I was in my late 20s, I was working as a copywriter and account executive for an advertising and PR firm. I loved my job, my boss, our office team, and all the creatives we brought in for special projects. Everything I did in this role, from writing ad copy to developing national campaigns, was the fulfillment of a huge dream for me.

There was just one problem. My marriage was falling apart, and I was ready to call it quits. The decision and those ensuing months were ones I’d rather forget.

I knew I should probably hire a therapist to help me navigate my decision and all the big feelings and stress that came with a divorce. So I did a little research and discovered there was highly rated counseling professional right in my office building. How convenient!

I made an appointment. Given a last minute cancellation, I got on his schedule the very next day right after work.

As I settled into the very comfortable chair in my new therapist’s office, he asked me the usual questions. “What brings you in? How can I help? What are you hoping to get from our sessions?” And of course, he asked for some basic information as well. As in, “Tell me a little about you.”

I answered these questions, many tearfully, but eventual got to the answer of what I did for a living.

“Do you love it?” he asked. I responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!”

My therapist paused thoughtfully, noticing I’d brightened up.

Then he said, “Do you think your boss would mind if you rewrote all our brochures? You know, as a moonlighting project?”

I was pleasantly surprised, but told him I’d love to do that. I would also make sure doing so wasn’t in conflict with my work at the agency.

The next day I ran the idea by my boss who was nothing but supportive at the though of me doing a little moonlighting. After all, most of our clients were large high tech clients. “I think this will be good for you,” she said. “It will help keep you busy,”

For the next few weeks I set up my portable electric typewriter on the kitchen table in my little apartment and rewrote a dozen informational brochures that described my therapist’s specialties. These ranged from agoraphobia, fear of flying, depression, anxiety, and many others. Truth be told, as I read and wrote about these conditions, I felt very grateful that my problems were only temporary!

I made several hundred extra dollars on this little project, and my therapist and I had productive counseling sessions that got me through a rough time. Even more importantly, this experience planted some big seeds and would point the way to my next career. Three years later, I left my job and started my own marketing communications and consulting practice.

Decades later, I am still self-employed although my work now involves writing books and developing workshops and other programs that teach people about the art, science, and big benefits of conversation and connection. This makes perfect sense, given that one conversation (okay, it was with my therapist) led to my very first assignment as an independent writer and marketing communications professional.

What conversation lead you in the direction of your next Big Thing?

For more information, visit my website at IntentionalNetworker.com

Patti, 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?

My first jobs were working in the office of my dad’s auto dealership in my hometown of Chisholm, Minnesota. I I learned dozens of important lessons about business, people, and life at that job.

After high school I earned my degree at a small branch of the University of Wisconsin where I studied fashion, art, communications, and business.

I moved to Texas shortly after graduation and found a job immediately. I worked in the marketing department of a scientific instrumentation company. Sadly, neither the work nor the culture of that firm were a good fit for me, so I began looking for another job. I knew I had much more to offer than shuffling marketing paperwork.

I was blessed to hear about a woman who was starting a marketing communications firm that specialized in serving the emerging high tech industry. During my interview with her we totally hit if off. I was also a great fit for what she needed, and I was hired immediately. I enjoyed 7 years at the firm, learning the many facets of writing about and promoting all kinds of exciting high technology products, including the earliest portable computers and touch screens.

The pace at the agency was fast, fast, fast. Feeling a hint of burnout, I decided I wanted to work for myself so I could enjoy a more flexible schedule, focus on the services I most enjoyed, and work with interesting clients beyond high tech. I started DeNucci & Co LLC on my 30th birthday and never looked back.

Being my own boss was not only exciting and interesting, it also allowed me to be the kind of wife, mom, and person I wanted to be down the road. I also had time for going to the gym, could sneak a nap in after lunch, and could plan time off as needed. And I began networking in earnest. Once I “got out there” it’s interesting how the phone started ringing!

The types of services I provided over the years included: copywriting, media relations, and staff communications training. I also launched and ran a freelance talent bureau for several years. Here I matched top level freelancers and consultants to the clients who needed their expertise. It was at this time that people started calling me “a Connector.” and “the Ultimate Networker.”

In 2008 I switched gears and began writing my first book, which was something I’d always wanted to do. It came out in 2011 and is called “The Intentional Networker: Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals & Results in Business.” Anyone who wants to learn how to network better, not more, will enjoy it. (Yes, it’s on Amazon.)

“The Intentional Networker” earned two prestigious book awards and propelled me decisively into my next career: professional speaking. I have since spoken to organizations all over the U.S., including Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, MGM Resorts, cabi, Rodan + Fields, HEB, Concordia University, The Texas Conference for Women, and many others.

Since one book isn’t enough, I just finished my second, which is called “More Than Just Talk: The Essential Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Enjoy Better Conversations.” This the must-read prequel to “The Intentional Networker” and teaches readers how to have more of the conversations they enjoy and find productive — and a lot fewer of those they don’t! In today’s times, it’s the master class many of us need!

My work today centers around promoting my books, doing podcast and other online interviews, speaking and facilitating workshops, and hosting conversation salons. All of these are designed to teach people how to converse and connect with greater authenticity, ease, graciousness, and confidence.

People often ask me why I do this work. It’s simple: every good thing that has ever happened to me in my life, both personally and professionally, started with a conversation.

In my spare time, I love to take walks and hikes, paint, read, travel, listen to music, enjoy good wines and good coffee, and spend time conversing with family, friends, and even….total strangers.

For more details on my work and to receive free sample chapters from both of my books and other helpful resources, visit my website at IntentionalNetworker.com. I’m also on LinkedIn and Facebook. My email is pattidenucci@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you — and work with you!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

This one is easy for me, and if you’ve read up to this point, you will be able to guess the answer.

Every client, opportunity, and new relationship that has come my way was the result of a conversation — or a referral from someone with whom I’d conversed and built a true connection. I don’t use a CRM in my business, I have real conversations. The more real, service-oriented conversations I have, the more opportunities come my way.

This is why I’ve devoted my work and my life to teaching people, young and old, how vital it is not only to our careers, but to our happiness, health, and longevity.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

This lesson is one that has taken me years to learn, but it’s this: Being your authentic self is far more attractive and will get you a lot more true friends and right-fitting opportunities than trying to be “impressive.”

Find out who you truly are at your core. What are your strengths and “areas for growth?” What energizes and drains you?
What work lights you up? Who do you most enjoy serving?

These and other questions can lead you to the amazing person you are and were put here to be!

Contact Info:

• Website: IntentionalNetworker.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pattidenucci/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattidenucci/