Welcome back to the Instant Impact Podcast with your host, Elyse Archer! Today’s guest is Gaynete' (Edwards) Jones, a leading Millennial mentor, motivational speaker, best-selling author, blogger, YouTuber, founder of G.A.M.E. Changing Industries, and creator of The Book Boss Blueprint and The Goal Chaser VIP. Gaynete's mission is to help Millennial women turn their passions into profit, creating a life of comfort, fulfilment, and freedom for themselves. In this episode, she shares her incredible story and offers some tactical tips for building a brand based on adding value through genuine connection.    Gaynete’s story is an inspirational journey of realization and growth. As a student, Gaynete was held at gunpoint by a band of crooked cops in South America. It was this humbling experience that opened her eyes to what really mattered. With this experience as a foundation, she explains that everyone has “hostage” situations—one where they may feel trapped. It’s in those moments that we assess our priorities. Her own priorities were brought front and center when her parents were both diagnosed with cancer. These events shifted something inside her. By taking little steps every day, she was able to snowball into bigger steps, leading to her finishing her best-selling book in just under three months. This “deathbed” perspective forces you to think about what you want your legacy to be, and that’s a key part of success.    Gaynete offers insight into kicking complacency. She says motivation ebbs and flows. It’s natural to have moments where there’s no motivation at all. What’s important, though, is to remember that the results are the same regardless of motivation. The first step, she says, is to surround yourself with people who are doing things—those who are successful. Connect in real life or on social media and build a brand through the channels you form.    Gaynete gives us her tips for intentional audience building:   

1. Post 1-2 minute focused videos every day. Encourage your audience to respond or write back. 
2. Reach out to pages with larger audiences to boost your following.
3. Comment on resonating posts from large pages with something that will add value. This will bring traffic towards your page.
4. Post simple infographics! These are helpful and more shareable. 
5. Try to answer questions or respond to every comment. Continue the conversation in DMs! 

  What you’ll learn in this episode In this episode, you’ll gain some tactical tips for building a brand based on adding value through genuine connection, how to maneuver out of ‘hostage situations,’ and kick complacency by assessing your priorities.    Links   Connect with Gaynete on Social Media @Gaynete 
Gaynete.com 
Request a free Brand Strategy Call: http://thebrandbuildersgroup.com/callelyse