Follow the Music of Your Heart

Tone it down. That phrase almost changed my life. It could have erased my future and my future businesses. I’m grateful that someone else had a much different view. It was the words I heard next that did change my life by encouraging me to be courageous and willing to reveal my authentic self to others.

It all began with the words, “You said the word amazing 23 times during that meeting.” Who knew that phrase could have my future, my businesses, my dreams, in jeopardy of never becoming reality?

I was, oddly enough, 23 when I started my own company. I had come to the US when I was 14 and didn’t speak much English, so you can imagine the desire I had—the conviction—to make my business grow despite English being my second language.

It wasn’t just any business, though. It was a marketing and communications agency, a PR agency, and I wanted to serve businesses using my talents in marketing, creativity, and innovation. I envisioned this agency as a beacon for businesses looking to distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace, and to leverage cutting-edge marketing strategies, creative content creation, and innovative communication techniques to build memorable connections between brands and their audiences.

My mission wasn’t just to serve businesses—it was to transform their narratives, making them not only seen but truly heard in a digital age where attention is the currency of success.

Make it Happen

In the early days of my career, people would say, “Wow, you are the Make it Happen Director, Jackie. You make things happen and I love that about you.” It served not only as a testament to my dedication but also as a beacon, guiding me toward achieving greater heights with authenticity and determination.

During that time, I had a mentor. He was a well-known writer for a business publication. He took me under his wing and talked about how he could help me. I was so excited that I just went with that magic and beauty and added it to my life. As time went on, I ended up hiring him to do some projects for me, to help get me going.

It wasn’t long before we went to our first client meeting together. We got there, and of course, I’m full of life and excitement. My biggest dream was to be an entrepreneur in the Land of Dreams. This meeting was the beginning of all my business hopes and dreams.

Tone it Down

After the meeting, I was flying high when he stopped me with a simple phrase. He said, “Jackie, I’m going to ask you to tone it down. You said the word amazing 23 times during that meeting.”

Initially, I was puzzled — why was he keeping a tally of my words? Furthermore, I was so caught up in the moment that I hadn’t even realized it. I was at a loss for what exactly needed adjustment, as I believed I was merely expressing my genuine excitement and the sheer joy this opportunity brought me as I inched ever closer to realizing my entrepreneurial dreams.

Reflecting on this in my car afterward, tears streamed down my face as I wrestled with the thought, “How can I amend something when I’m unclear about the issue?”

Turn it UP

Fortunately, I reached out to another mentor of mine, Brian, who had established a notably successful business valued at $35 million, far surpassing the scale of my previous mentor’s $1 million enterprise. After sharing the day’s events and my concerns with him, I waited in anticipation for his advice. It was one of those moments that felt like crystalized, frozen silence, and it probably felt much longer than it was.

Then, Brian offered advice I’d carry with me forever. He said, “Absolutely not. Turn it up all the way, never tone it down. Your vibrancy and talent for making things happen are a powerhouse combination that will lead to your success. This is just the beginning of the incredible journey you’re destined to embark on. Never dampen that spark of yours.”

Building Confidence

Brian’s encouragement reignited my confidence. I’m profoundly thankful I chose to heed his advice over my first mentor’s cautionary words. While my initial mentor has passed, leaving a legacy of wisdom, I trust he’s found serenity.

Meanwhile, Brian’s ventures continue to flourish, collaborating with an impressive roster of top-tier entrepreneurs, racing teams, and more—his achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Inspired by his guidance, I not only scaled my first company but also ventured into starting another, founded two nonprofits, and authored 33 books. Each success stemmed from harnessing that initial burst of energy.

Becoming a pilot was a dream realized through the same vibrant force. This experience taught me a valuable lesson—if advised to dim your brightness, opt instead to amplify it and follow the music of your heart. My wish for you today is to find courage in your joy and authenticity, enabling you to fulfill every aspiration. And should you seek expertise in marketing your venture, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

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Jacqueline Ruiz is the CEO of JJR Marketing (www.jjrmarketing.com) and Fig Factor Media LLC international book publishing company (www.figfactormedia.com), founder of The Fig Factor Foundation (www.thefigfactor.org), creator of Today’s Inspired Latina book series and international movement (https://www.todayslatina.com), author of 33 books (www.jackiecamacho.com), international speaker, and sports airplane pilot.? Jacqueline speaks to hundreds of audiences about marketing, servant leadership, finding your passion, and achieving success in business. She has addressed the United States Army, BP International, United Airlines, Allstate, and Farmers Insurance among other corporations to share her inspiration.

If you or an organization you know needs as speaker, please get in touch with us at?https://www.jackiecamacho.com/contact.