Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Zhong.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a storyteller, marketing coach and social justice advocate. I believe that when you articulate the story only you were meant to tell, you eliminate competition and grow your business and influence – naturally.
There’s no greater feeling than watching people own who they are, own their story, and use it to bring positive change to the world.
My marketing work is deeply inspired by Anne Frank who showed me through her example that anyone, even a 13-year old girl can use her voice to change the world. Her diary was the first book I bought with my own money. She inspired me to start writing and has even informed my unique approach to marketing, bringing these hidden heroes and impact of your work to life.
Through my company Dear Anne Media I hope to create a world where every changemaker is empowered with the clarity and confidence to bring their unique gifts to the world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not at all. But every detour it turns out has been worth it. As a Chinese American girl growing up in a predominantly white suburb in Philadelphia, I struggled with being different. In elementary school was extremely shy and found comfort in books. I read anything I could get my hands on to explore other worlds and walk in other people’s shoes. I became fascinated with people who had different experiences from me.
When I turned 13, I decided I was done with being shy, and like an afterschool special, trained myself to become outgoing. In high school, I became friends with people in almost every group and learned how to connect with almost anyone.
For years, as a writer, I struggled with perfectionism. It kept me from showing up creatively. I had so many unfinished projects it was painful! One day, I decided to start a blog and challenge myself to write 20 minutes a day no matter what. You can’t write a Pulitzer-prize winning novel in 20 minutes, right? So I wrote for three years with a focus on doing the work, sharing what I thought would be valuable, without caring what people would think. Write anyway. I remember I started with seven readers. Three years later, I had 100k readers a month – before the days of Twitter and Facebook. It led to lots of unexpected opportunities like interviews in the media, an invitation to a Grammy’s event, and a book offer from a publisher.
So I tell my clients who struggle with perfectionism to tap the power of 15 minutes. Each day. And remind them that to make a difference, you have to own what makes you different.
Please tell us about Dear Anne Media.
People who work with me are entrepreneurs and leaders who are in business to create social good. They are uncomfortable with promoting themselves because they don’t want to create salesy messaging. We approach marketing is an act of love so all content and messages we develop are focused on inspiring curiosity, connection, and positive change for your audience. When you achieve that, you nurture devoted, longterm relationships with customers.
I also offer a signature small group coaching program called Own Your Message to help you learn the skills to build storytelling into your business yourself. It’s developed from my insider experience as a former journalist, public radio producer, writing teacher and digital marketer to provide a simple framework you can use to unlock your own stories to captivate and empower your audience.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6312 Belmar Avenue
Tarzana, CA 91335 - Website: dearannemedia.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: dearannemedia
Image Credit:
Sarah Deragon
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