Jeannette Rankin became the first woman was elected to Congress in 1916. Arguably one of history’s great moments. What makes her story remarkable is that she achieved it in the face of millions who felt it couldn’t be done. That same tenacity and determination is what you see in entrepreneur and speaker Raquel Eatmon. Her great book, Strut Your Stuff, gives vision and voice to finding your purpose in life.
As a professional speaker, Raquel knows the benefits of an exciting speech – filled with energy, and complimented with wonderful flourishes and inflections. The spoken is often more powerful in the company of a great example. And Eatmon’s life story – journalist, author, master networker, conference organizer – is a compelling example that she shares to connect with audiences from city to city.
She shared some of her thoughts on the social space, and what it takes to achieve success.
How did you get into social media?
In 2009 to 2010 I obviously could see where social media was going- we all could. I got involved, not to connect with high school/college buddies, although that has been somewhat rewarding. I got involved to network and share business leads/contacts. I also enjoy writing my blog. I don’t worry about how many followers I have yet I am concerned about what I’m feeding those followers and if I’m able to make a positive impact on their lives and vice versa. But I feel strongly that no matter how much social media you use, the old fashioned way of networking is still key. Face to face meeting still outweighs happy profile pictures and quirky status updates.
What drew you to the field of broadcast journalism, and, what has the transition away from it been like?
What compelled me to follow a journalism career was passion. Growing up I had a passion for people and writing. People first, writing second. I come from very humble beginnings and my community was often neglected with the basic services the more pristine neighborhoods received. The poor rarely received the same treatment than the more powerful, rich folks did. I promised that I would work to help shine a light on people and places that wouldn’t otherwise receive fair news coverage or treatment by authorities. I also grew more concerned with women’s rights and leadership.
I thought TV news was the perfect place for me to launch my passion for people and writing. The media is so powerful, it seemed like the perfect fit. I met some incredible people in that business and had wonderful opportunities to interview Dr. Maya Angelou, Patti LaBelle, Willie Nelson and many others but I soon realized that my voice to do good often fell on deaf ears. The news business had changed quite a bit by the time I arrived.
Shortly after leaving TV news, I tried to fit in else where but was rejected over and over again with kind remarks like, “You’re overqualified”. No one would hire me so I hired myself. I started my own company, Rising Media LLC. That transition was difficult but so worth the sweat and tears. I had to release what used to be and step into my new truth of living a purposely life that had meaning to me. Some people called me crazy for leaving the anchor chair and I politely reminded them there are no luggage racks on a hearse, I’m taking my chances now!
You’re an author. What inspired you to write a book?
We live in a world where women are often struggling to find a voice, some are trying to start their own businesses, others might be heading for a promotion or the unemployment line, we are constantly hurdling over something. So many of us are being misrepresented in a lot media and degraded in social propaganda, and this isn’t OK. I wanted to provide a resource that offered principles and strategies that would help us all empower ourselves and live powerfully. I wanted to share my personal story of failures and victories as I searched for a deeper meaning to my existence, my voice.
I wanted other women to know how to move forward during tough times. There was a time that I had $27 in the bank and nothing coming in next month or the month after that. When we hit our low moments – and for some it may not be financial it can be a divorce or health crisis- we must know to pick ourselves up and keep it moving. We must also learn how to let go of past grievances and habitual cycles that prevent us from thriving. In 2012 Strut Your Stuff: Principles in Purpose, Power and Position was born and it has given me the opportunity to speak to groups about self-development. This resource has opened many doors for me.
You’re also a professional speaker. How does one achieve some measure of success in that particular field?
First and foremost you must develop the skill, nurture it, support it, protect it, believe in it, obsess with it, work hard at it. I believe that any speaker should come from a place of personal experience and not try to follow someone else’s lead just because it’s a hot topic. I don’t believe in wasting the audiences’ time or the clients, so for me, it is mandatory to deliver each speech intentionally and authentically. Never make a speech about the money, you’ll forget the people and your message will not be felt. We are all more alike than we are different and people want to know that they matter, that you see them…if you can put that into your message, that audience will embrace you. Be genuine, be what you hope people will be to you.
Currently, you’re organizing an eagerly awaited conference in Cleveland, Ohio for women. Can you give us some details?
Yes! This is such an exciting time! We’ve just released a video and it has been a lot of fun and of course, hard work. In 2009 I founded Woman of Power. It was a small seminar at the time. This year, November 7th in Cleveland, Ohio we’re launching our first national Woman of Power Leadership and Networking Conference. This event caters to executives and high potential, emerging leaders. While we didn’t invent the professional development conference, we did figure out how to make it better through our N.E.W. Commitment: Networking, Education & Wellness. This conference has been a long time goal for me– to bring proactive women together and gather the resources needed to live stronger lives. There are 10 phenomenal speakers involved! This is also the first year I have acquired sponsorship. The Cleveland Clinic, Vita-Mix and several other companies have supported me and my team. It has been an extraordinary ride. If interested in more information email us.
A lot of women in social media love Pinterest, which is mostly female. What’s your favorite social network?
I use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn… all for different reasons. I don’t favor one of them over the other but I do appreciate having a great mixtures of networks to tap into depending upon the message I’m sending out into the world. I tend to use social media carefully because it is apart of my brand, and whatever I put out there, I make sure it’s the type of message I would enjoy hearing or seeing from others. Time is very valuable so ninety-nine percent of the time, I’m seeking to give people something that will add value to their lives.
How do you define success?
Money doesn’t equates to success for me. I’ve had a lot of it, lost a lot of it. I define success in two ways: one, if I can look myself in the mirror each evening and say, “I gave it my all today, I really showed up!” then it has been a success; two, I look at the people around me. Do I add joy to their lives, are they enriched by my being in their space? If yes, I feel a great sense of success.
For more information on Raquel Eatmon, connect with her on LinkedIn, and follow her on Twitter.
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Some words of wisdom. Thanks.