We were lucky to catch up with Heather Bellew recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Heather, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I’m still working on every day. Being a woman in the business world, I often come across discouraging messages that can make it feel like I don’t quite fit certain roles or that I should settle for less.
But here’s the silver lining – I’ve decided to turn imposter syndrome into my motivator. It propels me to continuously seek personal and professional growth, ensuring I never become complacent.
You know, there’s often this overwhelming pressure to have everything perfectly figured out. But I’m here to tell you that it’s absolutely okay not to have all the answers and there’s no need to see it as something to “overcome.” Instead, think of it as a challenge you can harness to your advantage Lean In if you will.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about your services and expertise before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you.
For small businesses and nonprofits, standard advertising and casual networking do not turn them into a trusted name that draws a crowd; they simply attract a little attention that quickly disappears. For deep, long-lasting growth, they need to become part of their community in meaningful ways. By digging in, reaching out, and giving back. When organizations do this strategically, they will build authentic connections, develop mutual trust, and create community pride.
We are a full-service development firm that helps small businesses and nonprofits gain visibility in their communities. We do this through Digital Marketing and Community Marketing services.
Through Digital Marketing, we help clients with social media management and email marketing from top to bottom. However, what sets us apart is our expertise in increasing engagement, impressions, followers, and expanding your account’s reach, and turning email subscribers into buyers – all through organic methods. This tends to produce a more active and authentic following, no matter the type of organization. Do you know those accounts with thousands of followers or subscribers but little to no engagement? We specialize in addressing that issue for big and small accounts.
Digital Marketing is pretty clear, but what is Community Marketing? Community Marketing is the real boots-on-the-ground business and nonprofit development. We take a holistic view of an organization by assessing everything, from lead generation and marketing to community outreach and PR, creating a tailored community plan for each client based on their unique needs. Through our community engagement efforts, our clients often experience a remarkable 130% increase in brand exposure. We achieve this by leveraging our extensive network, forming strategic partnerships, and utilizing our community expertise.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have made a significant impact. Firstly, resilience has been instrumental. It’s the ability to rebound from setbacks and persist through challenges, allowing me to learn from failures. To those at the beginning of their journey, I recommend viewing setbacks as learning opportunities and nurturing a growth mindset.
Secondly, adaptability has proven crucial in our rapidly changing world. The capacity to adjust to new circumstances and acquire knowledge swiftly has helped me stay relevant and flourish in diverse situations. I advise early career professionals to remain open to change, consistently seek new insights, and be ready to pivot when necessary.
Lastly, relationship-building has been indispensable. The capability to foster connections and engage effectively with others has facilitated negotiations, collaboration, and successful networking. For those seeking improvement, I suggest practicing active listening, soliciting feedback, and participating in relationship-building courses or workshops.
What’s my advice for those just beginning their journey: Keep that curiosity alive, make learning a lifelong habit, and invest in your personal and professional growth continuously. Build a support system with mentors and peers who can guide and encourage you. Embrace your mistakes as stepping stones on the path to success. Foster a growth mindset, and stay open to change, as it often brings unexpected opportunities and personal development.
One last tip: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. If you ever find yourself as the smartest person in the room, it might be time to seek new challenges and fresh perspectives.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my most significant area of personal growth has been gaining a deeper understanding of myself. I’ve honed in on my strengths, recognized areas for improvement, and discovered how I can operate most effectively.
Having previously worked for others, I was accustomed to strict rules and norms, including set working hours and physical office locations. What I’ve realized is that I perform at my best when I optimize my working hours, and the conventional “butts in seats” approach doesn’t always lead to the most productive team management.
Instead, I’ve transitioned to a more flexible work style with my team. We prioritize meeting our deadlines, but there’s no need to micromanage schedules or insist on specific locations. This shift has not only improved our work-life balance but also increased our efficiency and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hbconsultingco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbconsultingco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbconsultingco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-bellew-%F0%9F%8C%BB-07081212b/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/hbconsultingco
