We recently connected with Dana Fluegge and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dana, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I grew up going to church all the time—Sundays and mid-week services without fail. It didn’t take long before I started volunteering as a teenager, pouring a lot of my time and energy into helping others, and it felt amazing.
As I got older, I took part in mission trips. One that really stuck with me was Haiti, where we checked in on an orphanage we partnered with and helped out with a few projects. We spent a whole week with the kids, visited tent cities to hand out food, and joined in worship with local Christians.
The people we met were worn out, hungry, sick, and fighting for their lives. But they were incredibly grateful and so joyful. It was mind-blowing. Their hope seemed to come from somewhere beyond this world. I saw babies with bugs crawling from their noses and people lying sick in the streets. Their joy most definitely was supernatural.
After experiences like that, it’s hard to come back home and complain about my job or how fast I’m reaching my goals. Complaining about my house or my friends seems ridiculous after seeing how some people live. Those experiences really give you a perspective that sticks with you.
If anyone’s having a hard time staying positive, I suggest getting out of your comfort zone and helping a community in need. There are tons of opportunities to shift your focus away from yourself and give back locally or even globally! Whenever I feel down, I think about the people who are struggling and try to do something for them, like visiting a new mom to do her dishes or bringing a meal to someone who’s grieving. It really helps me snap out of my funk. Explore something beyond yourself, and you’ll find that positive outlook you’re missing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I help businesses boost their credibility, connect with their communities, and grow their revenue through solid marketing. I really enjoy teaming up with small businesses and nonprofits, bringing them creative ideas to help their organizations thrive. It’s super rewarding to work alongside business owners, executing a well-thought-out plan and seeing it pay off. A lot of the time, I’m working with family-owned businesses, where their success really impacts their family’s livelihood. That connection is what makes my work meaningful.
At Noble Fox Media, we’re a full-service marketing agency, which means we handle everything from print and digital marketing to community-based strategies—all under one roof. We can be your entire marketing team or work alongside your current team to offer support and relief. We tailor our ongoing services and one-time projects to fit our client’s needs, no matter the size.
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?
1. My family always emphasized the importance of integrity. If you say you’re going to do something, then you do it. If you mess up, own up to it. If there’s a chance to help someone, jump in and help out. This mindset has helped me get promoted at nearly every job I’ve had. When I’m on the clock, I give it my all, cheer on my coworkers to chase their dreams, and put in a solid effort every day. Caring genuinely about the people you work for and with is a vital skill that can take you further than you might think.
2. I honestly believe that diligence is a must for success. Workdays can feel super long, and the to-do list never seems to shrink. A lot of the time, you won’t get that instant satisfaction at the end of the day. It’s easy to forget the importance of pushing through when things get tough. Just lean into it; being consistent beats being the smartest person in the room any day.
3. One skill that would help people across all industries is being able to connect with others. Even if you’re not naturally outgoing, it’s really important to learn how to connect with people in a genuine way. Whether it’s face-to-face or online, business is all about people, and you need to interact effectively to make a difference. There are plenty of books, videos, and podcasts out there to help sharpen your people skills. Plus, getting out to events and practicing will pay off big time.
For anyone starting out, my best advice is to avoid doing it alone. Make new friends and find a mentor who can guide you. It’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for advice. Recognizing your weaknesses and facing them head-on is key to becoming a better version of yourself. The longer you ignore those weaknesses, the longer it’ll take to overcome them.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, I’m really struggling to find balance in my life. My family just moved from Florida to Michigan, and we bought a house that will be amazing—eventually, after all the renovations are done! Establishing my business in a new, rural market is also a handful. But honestly, that’s nothing compared to the challenges of parenting and homeschooling our 4-year-old daughter while gearing up for a new baby in the spring.
With everything going on, my time is super limited. I need to be careful about how I spend it, protecting the commitments to my clients, and what projects I decide to take on.
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- Website: https://www.noblefoxmedia.com/
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