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Sometimes we need to just let go and let the path develop organically in front of us. Joining us to share her experience with this is Connie Wohn, the “First Lady of Hustle” and founder of an event production company called Party Animal.
In this episode, Connie shares her personal journey of how she went from pursuing environmental law to planning and coordinating promotional events for major brands like Adidas, Izze Sparkling Juice, and Nike. Join us as we talk about all of this and more on the 59th edition of How’d You Get Into That?.
MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW
Connie was raised in Denver, CO where she had dreams of one day becoming an environmental law attorney. She graduated from college with an environmental studies degree and a minor in political science. During her time in college, she had several part-time jobs at various non-profit action groups as well as jobs in the music industry.
After school, she continued to work in the music industry for six or seven years doing public relations work for various bands. This evolved into booking DJs for Christmas parties and other events, which then opened the door to helping clients manage other details of their events.
It may sound like a strange detour from environmental law but the path toward event planning just opened up for her naturally as she said yes to various opportunities. So while Connie is still passionate about environmental issues, they are now more of a hobby for her, rather than the path she ended up following for her career.
THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:
- What makes an event really great.
- How to decide when to make the leap.
- How to connect with anyone, anywhere.
- The secret to generating the gigs you want.
- How to get your foot in the door in the event planning industry.
- And so much more!
Still, she didn’t go full-time into event planning for many years. It took time to develop organically, and she continued to work various jobs to support herself and pay the bills. Connie says being an entrepreneur is working 80 hours a week for yourself so that you don’t have to work 40 hours for someone else!
Connie admits she really had no idea what she was doing when she started out. But she jumped in with both feet, even though she was hesitant or unsure at times and that is key for anyone, she says. Doing so helped her figure out what her strengths are and what she is really passionate about. This is an important discovery for everyone, because when the going gets rough, your interest in and passion for your work be what sustains you.
Today she produces events for major brands all over the country. And she knows the best way to connect with these big brands: get their attention by connecting with people either in those organizations or affiliated with them somehow.
Social media tools today make this exponentially easier. If you want to get in touch with someone at a large company, Connie says it’s really all in the approach. At the end of the day, it’s just regular people behind those brands. Everyone likes to be acknowledged for their work so ask them out for coffee, or try to be creative or useful to them. More often than not, they’ll respond, she says.
Connie says it’s exciting to be in a position where you get to determine what you’re doing each day. With that kind of freedom comes more responsibility, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Please join me in thanking Connie for sharing her wit, wisdom and savvy with us today.; she shares some awesome knowledge biscuits with us! And thanks to all of you for being here; we’ll see you next time!
Tweetable: “It takes a bit of luck and bit of ‘just go for it’.” Connie Wohn
EPISODE RESOURCES
- Party Animal’s web site
- Connie Wohn on Instagram
- Subscribe to the show on iTunes
- Subscribe to the show on Stitcher
- Email me with any questions, comments or guest suggestions at Grant@GrantBaldwin.com
