← The Code To Winning
The Code To Winning
THE SYSTEMS, STRATEGY, AND MINDSET OF TOP ENTREPRENEURS || VANESSA RAMIREZ || EPISODE 075
00:48:42
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- [00:00]
A
So I started in personal injury law back in. This makes me sound old but back in 2009. So it's been 16 years now and during that time I've dabbled in a couple of other things. So a networking company where we had different businesses from all industries where we did marketing for them, helped them with pr, helped them get huge clients and did networking events. So that was great. And then started a co working space for female entrepreneurs and business owners.
- [00:26]
B
What advice would you give for those that are not currently in their comfort zone of not connecting and they get social anxiety and stuff like that. And for all, even us extroverts, we still have the thing where we have to get out of comfort zone. Would you agree with that?
- [00:41]
A
Absolutely.
- [00:41]
B
So what advice would you give for those that are just are not connecting and have that anxiety?
- [00:46]
A
Yeah, I would say find your people, right? Find your circle, find your people. There's so many different networking things out there. Whether that's in person, there's some online, there's different groups, different socials. Look for what it is that you do, your industry and or other entrepreneurs or business owners.
- [01:04]
B
What is it that we struggling with? Why aren't people patient today?
- [01:08]
A
Well, because we have everything on our hands. It's like you have your phone, you want to google something, you want to look at this, you want to watch a video, you want to find something out. Now we even have chat GPT that took us to a whole other level. So it is hard being patient. But you know, if you think about results and something longevity, right? And again being persistent with something, if you nourish something, you're consistent with something, let's say what you do, whatever it is that you do, you're consistent with it and then you're persistent consistent. So you keep going after, after, after. Even clients, right? Very patient. You have to be patient. And later in the long run, the way the world works, it always comes back to you.
- [01:43]
B
The code to winning insights you need today to seize the world tomorrow. If you are curious in learning how to start a business, how to try and find loopholes and connections and various ways to try and learn how to start upscale and better yourself, this is the episode for you. Despite her various industries that she's very experienced, expertise also lie in injury consultants as well. The company known as the Injury Law Consultants. Our guest today is going to talk a bit more about the varieties of ventures you can capitalize on the opportunities that are within our reach that we may not be well familiar with as well at the same time. So without further ado, our amazing guest who's joined us in the studio today, Vanessa Ramirez. How you doing today, man?
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A
Hi. Doing great. How are you?
- [02:32]
B
I'm doing fantastic. Thank you very much. I appreciate you coming in the studio today. Today, I'm just excited to just talk a bit more. Many people, like I told you, a lot of the audience, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, many people that are just trying to find ways to navigate within this pool of like, just business and cutthroat. No. So I think our conversation today is going to really help a lot as well.
- [02:55]
A
Yeah, perfect.
- [02:56]
B
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
- [02:58]
A
Yes. So, born and raised here in Utah. Lived here my whole life. I love traveling. Um, I do have four children and so I'm really busy with like, sports. Between sports, children, just other activities and business. My life's pretty, pretty busy.
- [03:16]
B
Oh, that's awesome. Yeah, that's awesome. And did you go to college here or what? What's your story?
- [03:22]
A
No, so I actually didn't go to college. I'm glad you bring that up because I think that's something that even I'd love to touch on is I. I always feel like it doesn't matter where. What your background is, where you come from, but when you have a passion in something or for something, go for it and don't let obstacles like maybe that get in the way for you to create or bring your own table.
- [03:47]
B
No, it's very true. Especially with how the economy is working, like, especially like in the United States. Like, there's so much room for growth for a variety of different fields that may not even require. I've seen so many people that are in a field that like, I studied that, but I'm in this field, you know, so of course, I think colleges obviously has its perks and stuff, but it's not the do all and end all where it. Almost like it's a cut off, you know, so.
- [04:11]
A
Absolutely, yeah.
- [04:11]
B
So can you tell us a bit more about, like, your entrepreneurial journey? I know you've done a lot of like, co spacing and all that, but like. Yeah. Can you tell us a bit more of your background?
- [04:20]
A
Yeah, sure. So I started in personal injury law back in. This makes me sound old, but back in 2009. So it's been 16 years now. And during that time I've dabbled in a couple of other things. So a networking company where we had different businesses from all industries, where we did marketing for them, helped them with pr, helped them get huge clients and did networking events. So that was. That was great. And then started a co working space for female entrepreneurs and business owners in downtown Salt Lake. I believe we were the first. And then Covid hit. So Covid hit and kind of shifted things. The good thing is that I never stopped doing the personal injury side of things. And so that's kind of what kept me afloat and sustained me throughout all these years. And then officially in 2020 is when I started the company, the Injury Law Consultants.
- [05:14]
B
Okay. And then for those that don't fully aren't familiar with co working space, can you kind of elaborate a bit more on that too?
- [05:20]
A
Yes, of course. So ours was focused on women, business owners and mothers. And so co working space, we had individual office space and then open space where people could come again. Business owners, entrepreneurs that may be, are looking for collaboration, are looking for community, are looking for different resources and things. And so we had. They would come work there, right? Work, work there for the day or however long it was. We also had child care that was something different, that not many places had nursing room for mothers. Because we think it's very important that, you know, sometimes it's hard to leave your kids anywhere or to trust people and things like that. So we wanted to make it pretty well rounded and for them to feel supported in that way. So they would come work there. We'd have different events, workshops, things like that. We'd bring in different resources. So I think we talked about resources. Right. And how crucial they are, especially at the beginning. Not even just at the beginning, but throughout your entrepreneurship. And you're learning things, you might know a skill, but sometimes you need to learn the back end of things. Right. Or how do I get my tax set up, the payroll set up, how do I hire on people? I mean, so many things as you're expanding. And so we would partner with different organizations like the Women's Business Center, Small Business Development center, those kind of things. So, yeah, that's. I guess that's a little bit more than you ask for there.
- [06:50]
B
No, no, that's. That's exactly. I actually loved what you elaborated a lot. The nice thing about that is that it obviously got you a lot out your comfort zone because these kind of stuff involve a lot of networking, a lot of connections, and leveraging relationships as well like that. And I noticed that Utah, it's, it's only now starting to boom with it. And you started this thing a while back. Yeah, Right now people are doing more networks. Usually people would go out of state and like the coast to try and do that. Thing. But you know, as I was talking, I think with the previous guest that I mentioned, like, we're talking just about like the integration of all these like networks because it's so important, like yes, your network is your net worth eventually, but it's also very important that people understand there's so many resources that are available, but you have to just continue to look for it, but people don't know where to find those. And, and how has networking helped like your situation and business overall?
- [07:44]
A
Yeah, honestly it has been the number one component, well, besides the brain, but to my success. And I would say, you know, when you, you have an authentic relationship with people, you nourish those relationships and it's never really how can you, what can you do for me? But let's get to know each other, let's see how we can support one another. And you never know, maybe down the road in the long run there's something else that comes of it where you can support one another in different ventures. Right. I remember thinking just of one thing right now is when I started a company, the, the networking and membership based company, I didn't have funds, right? And so it's like, how am I going to do all these things that I wanted to do? And there were so many people that I had already known for years that trusted me, they liked me, they wanted to work with me and they truly supported the vision and came through and did a lot of stuff like pro bono. And years later, now they're in a different position and I'm like, we're in two different spaces. How can I support you? What can I do for you and how can I help you grow or bring you business or things like that? Right. So yeah, networking is huge. And when you do good service, you don't, I mean your service speaks for itself and you don't have to invest in a whole lot of marketing because your customer service speaks for itself, you.
- [09:14]
B
Know, and I, which kind of perfectly segues to obviously the power of relationship capital. Obviously building those relationships, not just contacts that end up like, involving a lot of like long term success in business as well. I want to touch a bit more on that. I know yes, we speak about networking, but how important are those specific relationships in terms of like capital? Relationship capital?
- [09:37]
A
Yeah. On like, what do you, what are you referring to?
- [09:42]
B
So the, the people that we end up like connecting with that, that can end up like contributing and helping us in terms of like building capital or like connecting us with the next person as well. Just pretty much like the relationship of, like, of. Of those people that are where we want to be.
- [10:03]
A
Yeah. I think when you. When you move with, like, honesty and transparency and build that relationship and you're able to nourish it, I feel like they come back all the time to support you. Right. They support your vis. They see what you're doing. They look for ways to collaborate with you or to connect you to people that can maybe support what you're doing. Yeah.
- [10:27]
B
And then what does obviously networking with intention mean?
- [10:30]
A
Yeah, I would say so. It's different when it's like, we get to know each other and it's like, oh, how's your day going? How's the weather? You know, and there's like that small talk versus how can we get to know one another? Maybe your background, what you're up to, what ventures you're into, who your clients are, your target audience, and how I can support you. We talked about your event coming up. I said, well, who's your target audience? If I can understand who your target audience is, then I know who to bring, who to invite, who would be great to collaborate for, sponsors and things like that.
- [11:04]
B
Okay. And, yeah, I think it's. I mean, it's so important because I've noticed, I mean, last week, the past eight days has been. By the end of the day, today would be like 30, 39 interviews in seven days. But it's not just the 39 interviews in seven days. It's also two masterminds and two events along the way at four different cities and three across three different states. But it's in all of those, I've seen people that have networked, like, with intention. But I've also seen people that just have a business card and like, hi, my name is so and so. Here's my card. And it's like, it's not really, like, a very productive way. Yes, there's ways you can give your card, but trying to. I told myself, listen, I talk so much. Let me try and use this time to listen more than anything. Even though, like, I want to do the connection. But listening to people. So that's what I was doing more than anything. Maybe it's because I was also very exhausted.
- [12:01]
A
Yeah. But I agree with that. I think that's very important. Very important. And I feel like that goes a long ways when you're invested in someone else versus what can you do for me? Like, oh, here's my card. Okay, well, let's learn about each other. Let's get to know one another. And again, like, background. How can we Support one another. Visions, goals, target audience, those kind of things. Yeah, so if you're talking, you won't learn those things.
- [12:26]
B
Exactly. It's not just even in network, it's in everything. Dating, relationships, friends, everything. Because we all have that one friend that can yap, yap, yap. I love them regardless. Oh, wait, I'm that friend.
- [12:40]
A
Sounds a little familiar over here, too.
- [12:43]
B
So which kind of even perfectly segues. I want to talk about collaboration.
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A
Yeah.
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B
Over competition.
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A
Oh, I love this one.
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B
I love that topic, too. Okay, let us dissect it.
- [12:55]
A
Yes. Yeah. And I can see this in all the different businesses I've done. And let's talk about even now, right? So in the personal injury space, there's. You probably see billboards all over the freeway. Like one right after another after another after another. Utah's getting really crazy. But even other states are way out there. And so there are. There is a lot of. A lot of competition out there. And so what I say is, and I've always said this, and I live by it, is focus on what you're doing and be good at what you do so that the people will come to you for your service. Right now, let's look at gas stations. You could see a Chevron on one corner and a Maverick on the other corner. Do you think they're like, oh, he's going to be there. Maybe I'm not coming. No, they don't care. They're like, we know what we provide. We know what service we give and will get our clientele. But for instance, in the injury space, there are times that there might be a conflict of interest. Right? And so when that happens, you want to have those relationships so you can say, hey, you know what? I'm not able to help you because of xyz, but my neighbor across the street, he does the same thing. That might be a good resource for you. Or here's a list of resources that you might be able to go to and just support one another that way. Right. Or with what I do, I do consulting for different law firms. And so in this industry, I say it should be all of us, the law firms, representing the clients against the insurance companies. Right? That's who we're against. We're not against each other. We should be coming together for our community, learning the same thing, being on the same page. So that when the insurance looks at us, they say, oh, it's a Utah firm. Not, oh, it's that firm. And they work a certain way, but so they look at us collectively the same. Right? And in order to do that, you do have to collaborate. So it's like, hey, let's get all on the same page. Let's do this the right way. Let's help each other succeed. Because when you succeed, the community succeeds and we all win.
- [15:01]
B
I love that.
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A
Yeah.
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B
And I think so. I mean, I think I don't know you. I've been speaking to you on the phone a few times. And like, I think the last time I told you, when I figured out the field that you were in, obviously, like injury consulting as well. I go to Vegas at least twice a month, like a weekend. And like I said, because of the masterminds and the events and like, unusual I'm there, I gotta capitalize on a lot of interviews. I have like a list of people that are, are still scheduled as well in Vegas. But every time I drive in Las Vegas, the minute it says, welcome to Nevada, every darn billboard is like, injury, injury, contact, injury, injury, injury. I'm like, maybe I should be in this field.
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A
Yeah.
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B
What the heck is going on?
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A
It's huge. It's a huge industry.
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B
Why?
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A
Yeah, and you know a lot of those. So I do a lot of out of state training and stuff in the legal industry. And so I know a lot of those firms because when we get together, the cool thing is it's just so beautiful to see when we're all there to learn together. Right? We're there to learn to be able to help our clients. But then we collaborate, they have networking events and you see every, all those firms that you have seen there, we're all there hanging out, talking about how can we help each other, how can we be better, how can we set things up? And so it's just so beautiful that right there, you might look at it on the billboards and think, well, that sure looks like competition. But when we come together, it is collaboration. Yeah.
- [16:35]
B
And I think it's so important. I think you, you touched on it as well. There is room for everyone.
- [16:41]
A
Absolutely.
- [16:42]
B
There's room for everyone to grow. And obviously being in the podcast space, I remember when I said I want to start the podcast, they're like, oh, no, it's so saturated. I'm like, well, I show them the analytics, I saw the YouTube revenue, I show them the email list of people that are requested to jump on our show. Yes, of course we invested like thousands of dollars every month in ad spend and all that kind of stuff, but there's nothing like saturation. There's always going to be like a few people that would Want to listen to what you're doing, you know what I'm saying? And so. And the problem as well is the fact that if people have this perception of, oh, no, he's doing that, he's doing that. I need to try and beat that, rather than say, hey, listen, man, you're doing that thing. Good, let me learn from that.
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A
Right.
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B
And work together. And then we went together because you're not winning until the whole team is winning.
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A
Yeah, absolutely.
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B
Would you agree on that?
- [17:28]
A
Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's. It's great to, you know, put your ego aside. And if you do see someone that's doing something that you love or you admire, I always say, go for it. Ask them, like, hey, I would love to learn how you're doing this. I'd love to pay for your time. How can we work together? And then you can become just as good as them. Right. Or maybe even better sometimes.
- [17:52]
B
Yeah, no, and I agree with that. And I think that's one thing, because like I said, with all the events you've been going, time is such a valuable resource that sometimes you also have to value the person's time that you're trying to ask a thing. Because, yes, you get people that could do pro bono stuff, but people are still very experienced in what they do. They've accumulated all the time and to gain that thing. So it's just at least a form of offering, say, hey, listen, this way, I'm at. Would that be enough for you? Kind of thing.
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A
Yeah.
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B
And I've learned that the hard. Because, you know, when you first started off, like few years back, you like. Like this. I realize this person got to where they're at right now, you know, so it's only good to try and, like, just utilize that a bit more.
- [18:32]
A
Yeah, I love that. I've done that, like, so many times where I'll reach out to someone and say, hey, you know, you're doing this certain thing, or I'm doing this. I'd love to pick your brain. Let me know, you know, if. If you're available and what that would look like. I'm happy to pay for your time. You have to invest in yourself and all that you do. Right. I always feel like it's very important to have even a mentor, someone that can hold you accountable and help you grow. Especially us being entrepreneurs, we don't really always have someone that's telling us what to do, because we are the leader. We are the ones that are running the show. And so it's like, who do we go to for help, for accountability, those kind of things, you know. So I think it's important to invest in mentorship and with people that you look up to that can help you elevate yourself.
- [19:17]
B
And what advice would you give for those that are not currently in their comfort zone of not connecting and they get social anxiety and stuff like that. Even us extroverts, we still have the thing where we have to get out of comfort zone. Would you agree with that?
- [19:32]
A
Absolutely.
- [19:33]
B
So what advice would you give for those that are just are not connecting and have that anxiety?
- [19:39]
A
Yeah, I would say find your people, right? Find your circle, find your people. There's so many different networking things out there. Whether that's in person, there's some online, there's different groups, different socials. Look for what it is that you do, your industry and or other entrepreneurs or business owners. So in your city there are lots of local things that are going on that you can subscribe to, you know, newsletters, things like that and get involved, get out there. I remember a very, very huge, pivotal time for me in my career and we're coming up on the anniversary of that. This coming. Well, November, there was a legal conference in Atlanta, this was some years ago and I had subscribed to this trial lawyers page that I really admire and I got an email with an invitation to this event, huge event at the Mercedes Benz Arena. I mean Arnold Schwarzenegger was going to be there. Camille Vasquez, she was the attorney for Johnny Depp's trial. So it was a lot of really, really big people. And I thought I don't know anyone. And I had two choices and I could say, well nevermind, maybe I just won't go. But I'm like, yeah, but I already have the ticket. I'm kind of formally invited. This seems like something huge. So I did go and I ended up meeting so many incredible women at that conference that have truly changed my life. Not necessarily the women, but that group of just networking, right. And what that's grown to from then until now, how it's been huge, huge, huge. Literally really made a huge impact in my business. So don't be scared you guys. I know sometimes it's intimidating, you know, it's especially when you're in somewhere very new. I found that for me sometimes too it's a little bit easier when you're in like a sit down setting because then you're forced to sit next to someone and you can kind of have small talk that way. Versus I've been to some networking Events that it's like I know not one single person and you walk in and it's like everyone already kind of has their little click and how do you kind of get in? It's a little bit more difficult. So yeah, it's easier to, you know, again, find what's local to your community, whether it's business, entrepreneurship or your industry specifically.
- [22:02]
B
Gosh. Yeah, that's absolute nuggets right there. So when we talk about consistency.
- [22:08]
A
Yes.
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B
Persistence and patience, obviously we know that consistency always beats talent and business longevity. I want to make an example. Obviously for me, the easier thing to do to start a podcast is obviously when you are, when you're famous because you can just get all like the leadership but in order when you're in a field. And I'm making this example because something I can relate to the best. It's. You have to think out the box, but you have to be consistent.
- [22:37]
A
Yeah.
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B
I mean you've seen the episodes I've posted and it just. And we're. So if I tell you that we're actually after today would be 50 plus still in terms of like, you know, backed up, up, that we have to just focus entirely on the event. It's that consistency that shows that, hey listen, I may not be right now a Joe Rogan audience and sometimes that may not be like my level of success. Success comes in many different ways, you know.
- [23:04]
A
Absolutely.
- [23:05]
B
And I think what when people need to understand is the fact that, hey listen, figure out a niche, figure out what you like, but also be consistent at what you do because eventually in the long run, once you are consistent in that field, you have are bound to get a reward one way or another. Would you agree on that?
- [23:21]
A
Yeah, yeah, absolutely. When I think of consistency and I think of the gym, right. It's like you can go to the gym once, nothing's going to happen, but the more you go and you go and you go, you'll definitely start seeing the results. Just like anything in life, you get better and better the more you're consistent with it. Right.
- [23:40]
B
And, but the only problem in those three terms I mentioned, I mentioned consistency, persistent and patience. Because of us just being such instant gratification generation and people that are coming up. Yeah, it's. I call it the tick tock generation where you see something for three seconds and you're like, ah, yeah, I can't watch more than three. What is it that we struggling with? Why aren't people patient today?
- [24:09]
A
Well, because we have everything on our hands. It's like you have your Phone, you want to Google something, you want to look at this, you want to watch a video, you want to find something out. Now we even have chat GPT that took us to a whole other level. So it is hard. It is hard being patient. But, you know, if you think about results and something, longevity, right? And again, being persistent with something, if you nourish something, you're consistent with something. Let's say what you do, whatever it is that you do, you're consistent with it, and then you're persistent. So you keep going after, after, after. Even clients, right? Very patient. You have to be patient. And later in the long run, the way the world works, it always comes back to you. It always does.
- [24:51]
B
No, I love that. I love that so much. Yeah, we have a lot. We're gonna obviously dive in as well. Can't believe it's like 30 seconds. I mean, 30 minutes has already gone by. I hardly touched question one. What's going on? That's a good conversation. That's an example for that. I know we started saying that in terms of, like, starting something. I want to know somebody watching out there. What are resources that are available to us that can be accessible to anyone? Wanting to start something with limited funds.
- [25:25]
A
Yes, I'm the perfect example of that. I had just, like maybe $5,000 to my name. I was leaving my job, a secure job, and I'm like, you know what? I want to start something of my own. But before I jumped into that, I was attending so different classes. This is local, but in your community, there might be something similar to this. So the Small Business Development Center, I believe that's nationwide, if I'm not mistaken. They do a lot of free classes. They have mentors there that can assist you. They'll pull up, like, analytics and whatever industry you're looking for. They're so good with numbers and just kind of guiding you and mentoring you. Not only that, but they have resources as far as once you're starting a business, where do you go? What does that look like? What are the websites? They are a huge, huge resource. And you get to network with other people that are maybe on the same page or a little bit more advanced. So that's a great. A very, very great business or organization. There's also the chambers. So a lot of the chambers, they offer educational training. They also do networking events, which I say get out to those. Get to know people. Get to know people that are around. You surround yourself with people that are trying to do things and elevate themselves, because sometimes it's Easy to stay in our comfort zone and with our, you know, family, friends. But if you stay stuck there, you're not really going to elevate yourself. So I would say Small Business Development center, your local chambers, the women's business center. That was very, very crucial and helpful for me. And, and even what else just on there's a. I think it's called meetup.com. there's different resources there too, that you can find in your area. I think those are good resources to get started with.
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B
And yes, I love that you mentioned that. So I want you to give me advice. So obviously I'm going to throw the event end of the year.
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A
Yes.
- [27:27]
B
Not just. Another thing is that we're going to do a mastermind, which is going to be like a Soho house where I need people to either be in a business or to start a business, because it's a thing where we're all going to be supporting each other anyways in terms of like growing and getting contacts and similar funding and all that kind of stuff. But I also want to do something that's going to be completely free for those that just want to keep coming to regular like meetups as well. Because the entire purpose, I feel like, of. Of people that are going to be paying for the mastermind is because there is not necessarily a guarantee, but there's going to be more doors that are going to be opening where that payment is to try and obviously pay for the speakers that are going to be coming through and giving the proper blueprint and stuff like that as well. So. And usually if people pay for something, you value it a bit more.
- [28:14]
A
Yeah, I agree.
- [28:14]
B
You told me that better and I told you the stuff with the phone, you're like, kg this thing. I'm like, I want to do a free event. I was like, okay, just gonna pay for the bloody venue. You know, it's a lot of venues, a lot of food. I'm like, I'm like, yes, I'm religious. But, you know, something has to pay.
- [28:30]
A
You know, and, and I get that. And at the end of the day, we all trying to do something and we're all, you know, there's expenses, we're in business, there's things that we have to cover. So I think that's important. And, and I do feel like there is more value when you. Not more value in what you're getting, but people respect it a little bit more when you put a dollar amount because there's commitment, right. Versus like you can sign up and say, yeah, I'm Going, half those people might not show up because it's free. Right. I think, think it's mentality, something in the mind that something happens there.
- [29:02]
B
It's true. It's very, very true. And I felt situations like that as well, where it's like, oh, you're invited to come through. You're like, am I tired? I don't know. Maybe I am tired. Maybe. What if you pay like, yo, I gotta get my money's worth. It's similar with a buffet. You're like, I'm not hungry. But I'm like, you know what? Yo, I paid that.
- [29:20]
A
Yeah, I went to see.
- [29:21]
B
I was at Caesar's Palace. So I took up me, my producers and, and a few of the guys. And like, the thing was like 80 bucks. No, no, no, no. It was like 93 total for everyone was like 400, 500. So my mind, like, I'm like, even if they're on eating, I'm like, I'm gonna stuff myself. Yeah. Because that's a lot of money.
- [29:42]
A
Yeah.
- [29:42]
B
So, yeah, when you pay. But if it's like a free thing at the. At a thing, you're like, let's take a. I don't even like it. I'm fine.
- [29:49]
A
You know, and think about your. Think about who might show up to those, to those events. Right. When they're free, depending on what your goal is. Right? So, like, there's these classes through the Small Business Development center and all of other resources. Those are free, which, that's great. And those are learning, teaching you how to set your business up and things like that. But if you're doing a mastermind or something like that, and you're saying it's free versus there's a ticket and it's a high ticket item, you know, those people are invested, they want to learn, they want to be there, and they're finding the resources or the funds to make sure that they get there. So they're more. I'd feel like more. More, maybe more committed to what, what the event is.
- [30:33]
B
I love that. Yeah, no, I really, really do like that. Now, obviously, when you've started a business and you were at the level of trying to upscale, can we talk about, like, knowing when and how to pivot?
- [30:50]
A
Okay, well, let's go back to the injury law, right? So I said I started in 2009, and I was an employee at that time for many, many years. And I think for me, what happened was I saw my value in what I was providing and how much of a difference I was making inside of These firms for everyone else. And I thought, well, if I can do it for them, and I seem to be the common denominator at these firms, that's making a difference, then how can I replicate this? But for many more firms, except on my term, Right. So I think the game changes when you find the value in yourself and you're able to put that out there and take that leap of faith. Right. And so that was my pivot. Right. Is like, okay, I can be an employee forever, and this is what it looks like. I get told when I clock in, when I clock out, when I can take my lunch. I have to ask for vacation time. So many things. And I thought, thought, well, I feel like I can still do what I'm doing, and I have a passion for. But on my terms. So you have to have that leap of faith and just kind of go for it. However, kind of made sure I was still set up on the back end. Right. Have a little bit of financial cushion and start looking for your clientele. Already have them kind of on the back of the mind so that when the time comes and you're ready to move then. And it's go time. Yeah.
- [32:28]
B
No, I like that as well. And I think people just. I think when you fully enter the. The entrepreneurial space, it's exciting at first and you realize, darn it, you don't sleep, you know.
- [32:45]
A
Yeah.
- [32:46]
B
You're on your regular 9 to 5 and stuff. I promise you can still sleep. You can enjoy the weekend. There is no sleep because you can work any time of the day, especially when you're run a business as well. You know, you know this better than most as well. So it requires that. So another advice I'd give, if you want to this journey, pray long and hard.
- [33:07]
A
Oh, yeah.
- [33:08]
B
Then go in.
- [33:09]
A
Yeah.
- [33:10]
B
Yeah. Because you can't lukewarm this.
- [33:13]
A
No, not at all. Not at all. I've seen people that, they think they're ready for entrepreneurship. They leave their, you know, their steady job and income and earning very, very well income, and they go to it it, and they don't go full force. They're not disciplined, they're not consistent. All of those things are not persistent. And so what happens is I've seen them have to kind of backpedal and go back because they look, they need that security. I'm like, maybe you weren't quite ready. Maybe you weren't quite ready. And. Or once you were out there, you know, you have to have grit, because if you don't, the world will just eat you up.
- [33:52]
B
Yeah, no, it really does.
- [33:53]
A
Yeah.
- [33:53]
B
And so that's the thing. You just have to. I think what happens, most people just don't want to play the long game. They give up too easily as well. So it's just like, listen, it's not for everyone, but if you want it to be for you, just all you got to do is just show up every day, right?
- [34:08]
A
Show up every single day. No matter how tired, no matter anything going on around you, you have to keep showing up. You have to do it. And I'm glad you mentioned, you know, I mean, you think of this job security, right? And then you're like, oh, well, I can do this. I'm going to go out on my own. And it is challenging. And I remember when I was an employee and I had my child, I thought, well, this sucks. Like, they're telling me I can only be with my newborn for one month and I have to come back to work. Like, this is terrible. I can't wait till I'm my own business owner and no one's going to tell me. And guess what? Boy, was I wrong. So wrong. Because it was. I was like, literally had just given birth, and I'm on the phone with clients in bed, like, trying to tend to my newborn baby, and I'm like, I have to do this. I have to take it, because there's no one else around me that can help me or support me right now. This is before I hired employees, and so it was challenging. It was very, very tough. And I'm just so grateful that I was able to just stick with it. And now I have my full staff, and they are so supportive, and I just feel so great because of them I'm able to be here during work hours doing this with you.
- [35:21]
B
You know, I love that. I love that as a growth strategy. I think we often touched on network a lot throughout the entire conversation, but when we speak about growth strategy, I think there's a lot of components that are very important and variables that connect all the dots together, because networking is important. Networking with intentions, important. But at the end of the day, like, one question somebody asked me yesterday and caught me if I was like, actually, what is your goal? Like, you're meeting all these people, you're doing all these stuff, like, what is your goal? And yes, I usually have this answer. And I have. And I keep answering and stuff, but I went back to the hotel. I'm like, gosh dang, I need to be very specific at what I want.
- [36:05]
A
Yes.
- [36:06]
B
And what's the goal for this Thing. Yes. People are learning as well. But like, there has to be an.
- [36:11]
A
End goal, you know, purpose, intention. Journaling will help you a lot with that because it's like think of a roadmap where you tell me where to go. The first thing I'm going to ask is, what's the address? Then once I plug the address in, it's going to tell me, turn right, turn left, go straight, do this. But if you don't have a goal, what are you doing? Where are you going? I like that.
- [36:32]
B
I think because the car is starting, but eventually you don't want the gas to end. You have to get to a destination.
- [36:36]
A
Yes, absolutely.
- [36:37]
B
So what strategies would you say are important to implement, like networking towards someone's growth?
- [36:45]
A
I would say nourishing them. So earlier you talked about an email list. Right. But being able to funnel them in and you nourish those relationships because you never know when it might turn into something. So I've been in the legal industry 16 years now and I don't really have to do a whole lot of marketing or paid ads or anything like that because I've already established all these relationships and have nourished them for so many years. I started doing something else within the legal industry and people know I'm doing it. I don't talk about it a lot, but because they know, they automatically will call. Hey, Vanessa, I have this referral for you. I have a referral. I have a referral, Referral. And all of a sudden it turned into a second business that is just, it's thriving on its own and it's just like on cruise control because of the networking and the growth with that and being able to nourish those relationships. So nourish the relationships.
- [37:39]
B
No. Wow.
- [37:40]
A
It's important.
- [37:41]
B
It's. Yeah, it's important because how many times do we get the contact of somebody that, that we've networked with, but we don't, we never reach out.
- [37:49]
A
Right.
- [37:49]
B
I mean, I harassed you yesterday.
- [37:50]
A
I mean, and I'm so sorry. I was like, well, my phone ringing right now as you stepped out and I'm like, I had to just say call you back again. I said, this person called me earlier this morning. I had a text like, I am, I'm getting back to you, I promise. I have to calendar that. So I've had to get better with time management because I literally have to plug in calls, payroll, you know, meeting with an employee, like every single thing. Even like getting ready, school drop offs, gym, dinner. Because I have to stay on track. I Have to stay on track. I have to have structure and accountability to my own self. So it's been very, it's been very helpful. It's new, but. And it's hard to stick to it, but it is helpful.
- [38:33]
B
No, no, I appreciate that. I'm telling you right now, you're not my worst victim. Yeah, I've had far worse. And I think I've mastered the art of extreme persistent. But you got to be careful because there's a borderline between that and harassment. You have to understand, listen, what somebody is doing for you, you, it's still at the end of the day, their time and a favor that they're doing. So you have to understand, yes, it's a win win for both parties. They're going to be on your platform. But at the end of the day, time is such a valuable commodity that listen, they are doing something for you by coming to this thing. So you have to still be extremely cautiously respectful. But also understand that people are busy. So that's why if I would, I wouldn't be persistent if they weren't busy. But everyone is a business owner. Everyone is making so much. Everyone's running employees.
- [39:21]
A
Right?
- [39:22]
B
But so sometimes people, people is. Things are slightly a little off. Like, not necessarily off, but like they got so much, they're doing that code winning. As much as it's a priority for me, I'm trying to, also trying to fit within their schedule.
- [39:36]
A
Right.
- [39:36]
B
So I think it's mastering that thing. And I think I'm at the point it's like, listen, I gotta push the brakes somewhere. But I'm telling you, I've been far worse. So you're not my worst victim.
- [39:44]
A
And I think persistency is great. I mean, we talked about this, right? If you're not persistent, what do they say? Closed mouths don't get fed. So if you're not asking for it, you're never gonna get it.
- [39:56]
B
In worst case, the answer is no. But you never find out until you keep asking. So you keep shooting that bloody shot.
- [40:02]
A
Yes. And maybe right now is not the time and maybe in the future it will be exact. You just never know. Keep nourishing those relationships. Keep being persistent.
- [40:10]
B
I love that. That's why I don't. That's why we don't even need questions. Look at the conversations we have. No, it's true, it's true. And I think whenever we look at the most exciting, successful people that have invested 10,000 hours in whatever craft or workmanship or field or industry, whatever it may be, it. It's always comes back to those three things we spoke about, which was consistency, persistence and patience.
- [40:31]
A
Yes.
- [40:32]
B
You know, LeBron James is not LeBron James overnight, right? Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo overnight. Vanessa Ramirez is not Vanessa Ramirez.
- [40:40]
A
Exactly.
- [40:41]
B
Cahiso Di Carney. KG was never, you know, KG overnight. Everyone does that craft, but everyone's got their own story. But everyone within their story. Story may not, you know, be LeBron James, but they are, whoever they are within the identity and like whatever craftsman or. Or feel that they're in. So I like that story.
- [40:59]
A
So, yeah, I love that.
- [41:00]
B
Do you want to add anything else on that?
- [41:03]
A
No, I think it's important. As you were saying that I was thinking of Kobe, you know, like he. If you know his story and like how often he was in the gym, how he wasn't entertaining, like going to the bar, doing this, doing that. Because he knew he had a goal. Right. He wanted to be the best and he said he was the best all time. But he wouldn't have gotten to where he were if it were not for him. Again, being persistent and training every single day, not just when the coaches would tell him that's something you have to do on your own sometimes. You have to find your own motivation and push your own self to beyond your limiting beliefs.
- [41:39]
B
Oh, that's so powerful. Let's talk about authenticity and brand alignment.
- [41:46]
A
Yeah.
- [41:47]
B
Can you talk a bit more about.
- [41:48]
A
That authenticity, which is what we're doing now? This is not staged. This is just us speaking in our natural habitat. I think it's important to do that branding consistency again. So if I go onto your platform and maybe I want to know what is it you do, but one day you're doing this and you're doing that. And another thing, it's going to be hard for me to determine who you are or what it is that you do. So I think it's important to stay consistent and keep up with that branding. Because sometimes your brand speaks for itself without you even having to be in the room, you know?
- [42:23]
B
No, that's. That's legit. And I think it's. It's very important because we know that being authentic also attracts the right connections.
- [42:31]
A
Right.
- [42:32]
B
Because there's only so much you can end up putting up a facade or being a little phony. Eventually it all comes down to your true self. And because people do read on true that.
- [42:41]
A
Yeah, absolutely.
- [42:43]
B
People have got discernment. People understand, and if not, it eventually catches up to you. So I think just being authentic in connections and getting to Know people and reaching out, be very intentional, don't put up. I mean, I remember telling you what my budget was first. Then I told you I gotta adjust a few stuff because now I realize there's a power of utilizing and what's it, sponsors, all the different stuff. But yeah, I wasn't trying to come across like, you know, I'm some sort of, I don't know, multi billionaire. I'm like, listen, this is what we have, that's my market. Let's try and do something, make it work.
- [43:20]
A
I love that.
- [43:21]
B
And I think it's just important for people to understand and they can try. And that's when you're like, hey, listen, try doing this and try doing that thing. Maybe get these people to try and do that thing, you know, revisit that thing and all this different stuff. And that's when you get that because now your mindset opening like, oh, wow, that's true, true. Then let me go through all the people I've interviewed and then it was like, oh yeah, sure, let's get a website.
- [43:40]
A
Yeah.
- [43:40]
B
Then you're like, wow, it's that simple.
- [43:42]
A
Yeah.
- [43:43]
B
People are willing to do that because they see value in that. So yet again, I was authentic in telling you, like, hey, listen, this is where I'm at at the moment. Yes, of course we're doing well in adsense revenue and stuff, but we keep reinvesting so much in other different stuff that we need to know that we cannot break ourselves.
- [43:59]
A
Yeah. So yeah, of course. I think it's important to be authentic. Authentic in everything you do. Business, personal, every single thing. It's very important. Takes you. It goes a lot further than trying. Well, I know they say fake it till you make it, but in certain situations you don't want to do that.
- [44:16]
B
What's the toughest part about being an entrepreneur?
- [44:20]
A
For me it's been time management. It's truly been time. Well, time management and finding the motivation when sometimes you have to be your own motivation because again, you don't have someone telling you when to clock in, when to clock out. Here's what you need to do. So it's been challenging. That part has been very challenging. And then knowing how to allocate time. And I wouldn't, for me, I wouldn't say that there is a, you know when they say work life balance, I don't have a work life balance. I'm working sometimes in the evenings or if my kids are at sports, I might be able to hurry up and pick up a call really quick. But so you know, I wouldn't say work life balance, but yeah, I would say time management has been difficult and motivation sometimes. So you gotta keep doing it. You gotta keep doing it whether no one else is clapping behind you. You gotta clap for yourself and push yourself in know. And sometimes again, back to the why, why it's a good idea to hire a mentor so they can hold. Hold you accountable when you can't.
- [45:28]
B
No, I'm glad you touched on that because that's like what the last second topic I want to touch on is, like, how important is it? You know, we've seen people that are successful in whatever field they may be. If there's one common denominator that everyone does have, and that's the fact that there was a mentor or a coach that helped them along the way. How important has mentorship been for you throughout your experience and like journey as an entrepreneur?
- [45:50]
A
Huge. Huge. I have a mentor who I've worked with since. In fact, when I started in the industry, since 2009, that mentor was specifically for the industry. Right. And has helped me elevate in that way, going to the conferences and learning from the speakers there. And people who are doing way better than me, though I use them as mentors as well. And then personally, because if you are not a disciplined person in general. General. And you're not in a right state of mind and have a good mindset, how are you going to lead your staff and the people around you? So I think it's very important. Very important.
- [46:30]
B
No, I love that. I think it's. Yeah, it's. It's important. And the nice thing is that they, they can help you avoid the stuff that they never got the chance to do. So.
- [46:42]
A
Right.
- [46:42]
B
And so it helps you get a certain shortcut in, in the right way.
- [46:46]
A
Yeah.
- [46:46]
B
Not, not like by. By. By stagnating or preventing your progress. But I feel like it just makes a big difference. So I couldn't agree more. Obviously not of time. I know you're very busy and I want you to get back to the office in. In time. The last question we usually ask entrepreneurs because the term winning is so different for everyone else. Yeah, the code. Winning obviously means insights people need today to seize the world tomorrow for Vanessa Ramirez is throughout your journey in life and business. What does the term winning mean for you?
- [47:19]
A
Winning for me means making an impact for others, being the voice for others when they cannot be the voice for themselves. When I started in the industry, the legal industry, I always did what was right. I never looked at numbers. I was an employee. Right. But it was always doing what's right, making a difference in the community. Fighting for every scene, single case and client like they were the only ones that ever existed. And just feeling that reward of we made it. I made a difference. I personally made a difference in this person's life. To me, that's winning when someone can come to me and they when once we're done, they're a different person than when they were when they came to me. So to me, that's winning.
- [48:03]
B
Awesome. If you could let our viewers know where to get a hold of you if they want to try and like get in terms of injury attorney or legal advice or consulting or in business or like any social obvious. We'll have that all in the description section. Can you let our viewers know where to get the lead?
- [48:18]
A
Yeah, absolutely. So again, it's Vanessa Ramirez with the injury law consultants. And you can find me on Instagram and that's at the injury law consultants.
- [48:29]
B
Awesome. The coach winning insights you need today to seize the world tomorrow. Vanessa Ramirez, thank you very much.
- [48:36]
A
Thank you so much.