We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Booth recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It took me a long time and a lot of searching to find my current purpose. I worked in marketing and PR for years before getting into ghostwriting and editing manuscripts and launching a tech startup.
The common thread between my work as a ghostwriter and a tech founder is using the power of voice to build human connections. Technology has so many benefits, but we still need human connection, perhaps now more than ever.
I say I have found my “current purpose,” because we’re not made for a specific, singular vocation. Working in marketing and PR gave me an excellent foundation for working with authors to develop their books. Their work isn’t finished once the book is published. Authors need to market their books – whether they traditionally publish or not – and I can help them do that. I also use marketing and PR background to grow my tech startup.
For me, each purpose built upon itself, leading to the next one. It doesn’t always work that way, and it doesn’t have to.
There is no right path to finding your purpose. Choose one, then keep exploring. And don’t worry about how long it takes.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I work with CEOs and C-Suite executives as a ghostwriter and editor, to share their wisdom and insights so that others can learn and grow.
I’ve had the privilege of working with a White House staffer, a former NBA player and current and retired executives to capture their stories in their own voice.
A few years ago, a client’s son asked if he could record my interviews with his mother on video, and I realized what a powerful memento that was. That sparked the idea for what is now Make Momentos, a platform to help families stay connected using the sound of their voice through recordable children’s e-books and e-cards.
What’s exciting to me is that just like our fingerprints, no two voices are alike. And today, there are so many ways to use your voice in both your personal and professional life, to build real connections and leave your legacy.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Belief in yourself – people will support you with their words, but don’t be surprised if you encounter skepticism, or even boredom. What excites us isn’t nearly as interesting to everyone else.
Willingness to try, fail and try again – If you don’t want to look back and wonder “What if I had . . .”, seek wise counsel and then take a chance. It may or may not work out the way you thought it would. Either way, you’ve succeeded.
Perseverance – there is no question you will encounter tough challenges, naysayers and moments of doubt. That’s how life works. Those times don’t last forever, and they will make you stronger.
How do improve on these if you’re early in your journey . . . whether you already have these qualities or not, be thoughtful about who you surround yourself with.
Connect with people that are on a similar journey. It helps tremendously to have at least one or two others who can relate to what you’re going through.
Connect with people who’ve accomplished more than you and learn from them.
Connect with people that love what they do. Their enthusiasm and joy are infectious and inspiring – feed on that.
And remember that everyone – everyone – has times when they falter. No one has it all figured out. No one has it all together.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Established CEOs and C-Suite executives that want to share their knowledge to help others are my ideal ghostwriting and editing clients. These people need to focus on what will grow their business. They sincerely want to tell their story – mistakes made, lessons learned, highs and lows – they just don’t have the time to devote to it.
That’s where I come in.
Whether they already have existing material to work from or they don’t even know where to begin, I help them find their voice and share their story in a way that’s relatable.
The finished manuscript not only delivers value to the reader, but also becomes a piece of their legacy.
The Make Momentos platform is ideal for families with kids ages 10 and under. Adults and early readers can record their own children’s e-books and e-cards and send them to loved ones in just a few minutes.
Contact Info:
- Website: MichelleCBooth.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebooth/
- Other: MakeMomentos.com
