The Nobody Club

Let me fill you in on how exactly I got here for my new connections, who have no idea who I even am.

I'm a small town girl from Western PA, who's dating a "city boy" from Northern NJ... Journey really hit the nail on the head for me with that classic banger. 

I was raised in a home of nobodies. I don't mean that in a judgmental/rude way. I mean that we weren't, and never have been, celebrity-status, well-known-in-the-community with a million and a half connections and professional relationships to fall back on. Think Carrie Underwood before she was THE Carrie Underwood on a farm in Oklahoma.That's me. But, without the seven Grammys and blonde bombshell appeal.

Every connection I've ever made in my professional career, I made on my own. I am the black sheep of my family, which made the whole connection (and pretty much, life) thing way more challenging. 

In our immediate AND extended clan, everyone and their mother (literally) works in medicine, healthcare, or engineering.

Mom, Nurse Practitioner

Sister, Pharmacist

Brother-in-Law, Family Doctor

Brother, Mechanical Engineer

Sister in Law, Pediatric Nurse

Aunt, Retired Nurse

Uncle, Dentist

Cousin, Dentist

Second Cousin, Dental Hygienist

Cousin, Future Ophthalmologist

Uncle, Engineer

And, then... There's me. The musical, artsy, communications/networking fanatic, who, unlike everyone in my family, isn't afraid of people. ??

My whole life has been about finding connections completely on my own because I didn't have the resources otherwise. As a middle class family, we didn't have wealth financially, and we most certainly didn't have a wealth of connections in the communications industry. 

I was the first person in my family to move far away from my hometown right out of high school. Because I knew that if I didn't throw myself into another world outside of the bubble of home, I'd never achieve what I set out to achieve and would never meet the people who could help me get there.

I moved 11 hours away from home to Nashville, TN, where I studied vocal Jazz for a hot minute. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I remember how free, liberated, and fearless I was. I couldn't wait to start something new, even if it meant being "alone" in my pursuit, away from my family (AKA- All I'd ever known up until that point) in a state I'd never been. I met so many amazing/talented people from all over the world during my time in Music City. People who changed my life for the better. People I still have the privilege of calling friends.

A couple years later, I decided to make the switch from music performance to communications and relocated back to PA to join Penn State's Broadcast Journalism program. Small town chick was moving back to her home state, but continued the hustle in creating contacts and building valuable, lifelong relationships to fall back on. 

After getting my degree, I moved to Upstate to NY to work as a TV news reporter/anchor, which gave me more experience, connections and valuable friendships. I was awarded the opportunity to take my seat at the anchor desk right out the gate, which was quite the accomplishment for my still-green, 22-year-old self.

During my time in the news, I noticed a position online for a full-time TV host role at QVC, America's number one home shopping network. I knew absolutely NOTHING about home shopping and absolutely NO ONE at the network. Again, small town nobody.

I was attracted to the idea of being able to break away from the dryness of TV news, to a more upbeat role, and I wanted to apply immediately. But, my internal fear and insecurities I felt held me back initially.

"Who even am I? I know no one. It's national TV. I'm 22. They won't even bat an eye at me. What's the point?"

How self limiting of me. I called my mom to tell her about the job posting, and she told me to "get on it." 

So, I did. In fact, I drove the 8-hour trip back to Penn State from Upstate NY one weekend, just so I could use the student broadcast studio to record my audition tape.

Here's an actual shot of me in the PSU studio, presenting on why people just can't live without an Oster automatic wine opener (OMG, CRINGE).

At the time, I thought I was so in over my head. Because, let's be real, I kind of was... But, my mom kept telling me, "Who cares about your age? You never know what could come from anything if you don't try. Period."

So, I did it. I submitted my audition tape to QVC, thinking not a soul would EVER watch it. 

It turns out they DID watch it.

And, they didn't want me for the main host role. No shock there.

But, because they enjoyed my audition so much (I know, I was pretty surprised, too. Still scratching my head over that one.), they wanted me to consider coming on their network as a guest host, where I would represent one of their star brands on national TV. 

Fast forward one year later, and my Western PA nobody self, was mesmerized, while walking into the grand atrium of QVC with my jeans and leather jacket on. It was my first day working as the on-air brand rep for Dell Computers, and I couldn't believe I made it with absolutely zero connection to the home shopping world. All because I took a chance on myself and continued to stay in contact with the talent management team.

Six years into the job, I learned that the small town girl in me really COULD do it.

The truth is this... You might think you're a nobody with no connections... But, you're not.

I can personally attest to the significant number of faith leaps it takes to meet people and develop relationships in a foreign industry-- with full confidence in yourself and your abilities at that. It's not easy, but, once you get over yourself, it's so worth it.

I'm still considered by most to be a "nobody."

"I mean... Who even IS she?" ?????♀?

And, that's fine. But, my journey from Western PA to national TV is one I will forever be proud of... And, it has NOTHING to do with being on TV and EVERYTHING to do with the fact that I created every opportunity in my life, and built every relationship I've ever had professionally, COMPLETELY ON MY OWN.

Sometimes, people in my family will say things like, "You really lucked out with QVC."

And, that's not true.

I didn't "luck out."

I used my resources by accessing the studio at Penn State to help my tape stand out.

I studied.

I researched everything about QVC. Who the current hosts were. Where they came from. How they presented. How they connected. What parts of their message resonated with "her." That's what QVC calls their customer. Talk about knowing your ideal client inside and out (FYI there's an entire stage of my current training dedicated this ?).

I educated myself left and right until I couldn't retain anymore. I was prepared. Not lucky. 

And, now, I run two e-commerce businesses and mentor people to get over themselves like I got over myself. Because we're constantly told "you have to know someone" to get that job or work in that industry. And, sure... You do. Plain and simple. But, the only way you GET TO KNOW someone is by putting in the work and pushing through the insecurities and lies you tell yourself about how undeserving you are.

You are worth it, and you can get to the next level, especially with a rock solid mentor holding your hand every step of the way.

Being a nobody is the best thing that's ever happened to me. And, if you feel like you're a "nobody," too, well, welcome to my world of possibility, hard work, and achievement. 

That said, who wants to join The Nobody Club? ?????♀?

-Cat