2019 is in full swing. You might want to start a new venture with people from your circle. As an entrepreneur, I come across a lot of problems that I have to solve. From the deals that you land to the near, you might reach to those amazing collaborations to the times you cry in the shower. Being an entrepreneur comes with some bumps but the number one bump we endure every day is research. We are constantly researching and teaching ourselves new things. This week alone, I had to teach myself how to do properly price merchandise, create a revenue stream chart, and how to set up a Shopify page.

When you research these items, on YouTube or Google, a slew of answers come up. A slew of answers from white older males. Which isn’t bad, per se but it does feed into the notion that most successful entrepreneurs are white males. In 2016 40% of all new businesses were started by women of color, (African-American, Latino, or Asian American). Also, in 2016 40% or businesses were started by women.

So where are those women on YouTube or Google? Probably, working. Well, not only did I see this problem. But so did the women from Meet Geraldine; Geraldine Convento and Lauren Messer. We came together in January of 2018 and discussed how we could tackle that problem. We all wanted to be apart of a podcast or YouTube channel. We decided to create a YouTube/Podcast Show called, “Doin The Damn Thing.” Every week we have an entrepreneur come and discuss a topic we all are thinking. From “How To Prepare For An Interview” to “How To Hire A Life Coach” to “Instagram Tips.”

We each took a job with the show. Geraldine does the editing, Lauren works on products, and I do social media.

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Q: What was your favorite Doin The Damn Thing Show?

Lauren Messer: I like the one where we talk about effective networking.

Geraldine Convento: My favorite show was the one about Branded Merchandise with Rita Forte. That was by far the funniest. I love the references to things from back in the day and Nicole’s reaction to them. My stomach was hurting by the end of that show.

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Q: What Is Something You Learn About Yourself Doing This Show?

LM: I learned to be gentle with myself. It is hard to put yourself out there on video without some self-judgment. I have also learned the importance of taking time to think about what you are going to say- especially when we are making a show that is meant to support people in doing what they love best!

GC: I become captivated when we talk with our guests. I always find it amazing that there’s always more to learn about people and the topics we talk about. I also have a habit of rehearsing what I’m going to say in my head before I say it. You can’t always do that when you’re recording a show. What I learned is that it’s okay to be silly, crack jokes and be random.

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Q: Why Do You Think It’s Important To Have A Diverse Voice In Entrepreneurship?

LM: Entrepreneurship is a way that we all can take control of our own future. It quickly emerged here in the Bay Area as the cost of living has gotten more expensive and there is a need to get creative for survival. I think it is important to have a multitude of voices to be seen/heard. I want all people to know that entrepreneurship is a possibility for them, too! I love networking with all types of people and in all types of the environment so I can always have someone to be able to refer my people that they can feel comfortable with and/or can relate to.

GC: The journey of an entrepreneur is full of different types of interactions and experiences. Having a vast breadth of knowledge in entrepreneurship helps build internal strength. You gotta be ready for anything and you have to be willing to look at things from multiple points of view. An opportunity or challenge can show up at any moment and the more you’ve got a handle on the easier it will be to adapt to what’s in front of you. The more you know, the more credible you seem to others as well. You never know who you’re talking to, share your voice when you can it can get you your next big client or an introduction to someone that can help you take your business to the next level! That has happened several times and it’s always a pleasant surprise.

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Q: What Do You Want Fans And Viewers To Get From The Show?

LM: I want our viewers to be entertained. I want them to see that we all have the same struggles. I want them to be engaged and participate by offering their own advice, as well. Most of all, I want them to see us as a useful resource for them and all their entrepreneur friends.

GC: I hope that our audience relates to us like we’re like the homegirls that they high five with because we understand exactly what their going through or give a perspective that they otherwise wouldn’t have thought about on their own. We talk about real life situations, even the embarrassing ones. I want them to get a sense for what entrepreneurship is really like and find topics other than the average “how-to guide” or download.

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Doin’ The Damn Thing has brought me out of my shell more and has built my circle. You can find episodes every Thursday.