The Golden Circle theory modeled by Simon Sinek has revolutionized the way businesses have operated over the last decade. Although the concept was innately practiced by inspiring leaders before the 2009 release of his book "Start With Why", I see Simon Sinek as one of the first to assemble those actions into a key model stating the reasons behind their unparalleled success.
The vision and framework of AOU Marketing come as a result of understanding the obligation of each individual to express their "why". Too often stories are untold or done so without providing inspiration due to the lack of the storytellers’ purpose to do so. AOU Marketing aims to switch the narrative from every story deserves an audience to a more driven approach being every audience deserves a story.
This is ours.
We all have days to be remembered and ones we would like to forget. The irony is the emotional attachments involved causes both to stick the same. May 30th, 2019 marked the beginning of the formation of AOU Marketing. The first computer I would own arrived on that day (owning my first computer at age 35 is reasons to be explored in another story).
The excitement lasted momentarily as a familiar feeling began to creep in. The same one felt in May 2002 in my small hometown of Eunice, New Mexico as I walked across the stage and received my high school diploma. Having the world at my fingertips but lost with no direction.
Wandering the web can lead you where you don't want to be or point you in the direction where your gifts can make room for you. For me, it became the latter.
I had decided going to college was not the right choice financially in my pursuit of a career. I had yet to discover my "why" nor realized I had already lived it. A journeyman of employment is a phrase that could be used to describe my work history. Past employment experiences were but stepping stones leading to the future development of AOU Marketing. Upon reflection, my job path seemed to always be centered around serving people in some way.
My job path ranges from being a certified nurse assistant to providing transportation for recipients of Medicaid, even a UPS specialist focused on damage and return claims. My favorite and longest-tenured position was as a vacation specialist at Branson Tourism Center. I was privileged to meet some of the best people in the world while there.
I firmly believe everything is preparation for something. Regardless of the job duties at either place of employment, enhancing the human experience became my primary focus. All of those aspects working together led me to realize my fit in the marketing world.
I then tried to narrow it down to a specific niche. Writing seemed the practical choice seeing as it has been a long-held passion. As I scoured the different types of writing jobs I instinctively began to delve deeper into learning a few of the many facets of what makes up the web.
Still, with no set direction a former colleague (one of those awesome Branson Tourism Center folks I met) recommended I read Gary Vee's book of punch you in the face social media strategies, “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook”. That book became somewhat of a catalyst, to say the least. I will share an excerpt from the book that set me on course to learn social media marketing.
“The incredible brand awareness and bottom-line profits achievable through social media marketing require hustle, heart, sincerity, constant engagement, long-term commitment, and most of all, artful and strategic storytelling. Don't ever forget it, no matter what you learn here.” *please
That, of course, must inevitably be followed by another memorable moment, September 27, 2019. After battling an episode of anxiety and depression I saw the writing on the wall so to speak, and could no longer cope with clocking in at a job I had no passion for, so I quit. I strongly urge against quitting a job without having a steady stream of income to supplement, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
The time had come to take the necessary steps and fully pursue my heart. Then came the introduction to HubSpot. At the recommendation of my wife, I went to the website to get social media certified for free...and I did! I then began exploring all that HubSpot had to offer as they answered the questions I had been seeking answers for.
The value they provided turned me into an instant fan. HubSpot gained my #1 recommendation for CRM platforms without ever considering another. That’s exactly how you gain loyalty, express your “why” and it just might match theirs.
HubSpot has since guided me through the inbound methods of marketing along with the completion of the renowned content marketing certification. Soon after I began learning the "how", my "why" became clear. I have a story to tell and someone could be inspired by hearing it. Everyone deserves the chance to be inspired.
I've ALWAYS had a story to tell, but now I own the knowledge and resources to do it on a larger scale. All while helping others inspire in their own way. Time spent reflecting on the path that led me to start AOU Marketing continues to materialize the faces of told and untold stories alike.
Those with no vision, yet they carry a yearning for something greater. That was me.
The ones who have vision but no knowledge of how to map it out. I know that story well.
Even those who have vision and a plan, but fear of failure freezes the feet, never allowing the first step.
The story of AOU is me beginning to walk.
Overcoming the challenges mentioned above never came until I found my "why". I learned "how" thanks to HubSpot and the multitudes of people along the way. The story I'm sharing is merely an example of the "what" that will drive AOU Marketing. My 15+ years of different work experiences also contributed to that end. The needle began to move and pick up speed once I became driven by my "why" and pledging loyalty to the purpose of the people it would serve. Thus making it our core mission.
