Pamela Bardhi 

Welcome back to the underdog. Today we’ve got the first part of my amazing interview with Liz Theresa. Without further ado, here is the first part of my incredible interview with Liz Theresa. Liz Theresa, a business mentor and founder of liztheresa.com has been helping entrepreneurs find clarity and uniquely market themselves with confidence for nearly a decade through her strategic website design, intuitive business, mentorship, and clever copywriting services. She wants every entrepreneur to rise and be the star of their own business. She’s also, the creator of concept to creation, her flagship branding, and web design program, and you can download a free copywriting training video from her at freecopyvideo.com. Without further ado, we welcome the fabulous Liz Theresa.  Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of the underdog. I have a super, super special guest here with me Liz Theresa. Liz. Welcome,

 

Liz Theresa 

Pamela, you’re the coolest person in the world. I’m So, excited to be here.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

I think you’re a bit cooler and you’re totally a rock star. How are you doing?

 

Liz Theresa 

I’m good. I’m good. 2020, I feel like is a challenging time. And I think we’re all underdogs this year, but I’m doing good.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Absolutely. Liz, welcome. There’s So, many questions and amazing things I want to ask you because you’re such a cool cat. Now, I remember meeting you, I was sitting and Professor McGillicutty his class, and you had come in as a guest speaker and you’re talking about marketing. And I was like, this woman is So, cool. And like little did we know, you know, graduated years later, we somehow found each other in the business world online marketing and whatnot. And I’m like, I remember her Oh my God, that’s Liz. So, to me, you’ve always been the Queen of online marketing and web services. You’ve always been that. And I’ve known that since I was in stone Hill. So, but I’d love for you to share your story.

 

Liz Theresa 

Oh my God.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

How you became the queen? And you’re not going to call yourself the queen, but I’m going to call you the Queen of Marketing. So, tell us your story. Like how did you really get started in that realm?

 

Liz Theresa 

Well, this is amazing because I do. I love talking to Christians classes. It’s So, cool. And I, it makes me wicked excited. Because I remember the folks that raised their hand and say I want to own a business someday. And I get the most excited about them. And I’m sure you did it that day. And look at you now is what I would say is So, cool. Like you’re So, fancy too. And that makes me just glow. So, thank you for sharing that. And my start is kind of funny because when I started online marketing, it was extremely cutting edge. It was 2011 Twitter was two years old. Like they just invented Facebook business pages, like it was an extremely like, edgy-cool time to go into online marketing. And I was getting my master’s degree at Bridgewater State University at the time. And So, I was in the midst of my master’s program and I was my parents were like, we really need help with marketing. My parents at the time had owned a business and I was like marketing, okay, and like I was a theatre person and I had a literature background. I knew nothing about business. But I knew how to read Of course, because I had a lit background and I feel like that’s they teach us how to read really fast. And So, I was like, you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to find all the resources I can for Dummies. So, I really bought internet marketing for Dummies. I bought Twitter for dummies. I read a lot of things on this website marketing proofs.com which is an awesome, awesome Boston-based marketing firm a resource for learning all things marketing. And I really just I would say between those three resources, they’re all really wonderful. I read like everything I could and I realized that marketing wasn’t just selling makeup and making your friends buy it because I guess I always thought the word marketing was multi-level marketing and pyramid scheme.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

MLM.

 

Liz Theresa 

Yeah, So, I was like, they were like they want me to do marketing for their business, and I was like, So, like sell makeup, but they don’t sell makeup. So, I was like trying to put it together. And then I and they didn’t sell makeup. So, I was all kinds of confused. And then that was kind of my first like, into online marketing. And it was very like at the time, you could walk into a Twitter conversation and really be like, hey, like, I have a question. What is Twitter? Like, you could like do that. And it wasn’t embarrassing, because everything was So, new. And I actually introduced myself to this girl, there was this, there was a social networking platform. It was small at the time, and it was called Her Future. And it was for spiritual women in business. And I was like, oh, I’m spiritual. Like, I could be friends with them. And So, I messaged the page because it said it was maintained by an intern. And I was like, oh, if the page is maintained by an intern, interns are stupid, she doesn’t know anything. So, I was like, this is a safe space. Right? So, I, I was like, I’ll just ask her, Hey, like, I’m trying to help my parents’ business. Like, this is what I typed. Like, can you help me? What is marketing? What is social media marketing? Like, she actually took the time to answer me, which was like, shocking, she ended up becoming one of my, I would say, she was like, one of my best girlfriends for like years, until like, she quit me, eventually, like, not in a bad way. But like, we went our own, you know, kind of went our own ways, not in a horrible way. But like, she ended up becoming my first online friend. She referred me like my first eight clients for a website, like, you know, virtual marketing. It was awesome. It was a great, great connection.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

That’s awesome. So, like, it’s So, interesting, because, unlike me, when I first started in construction, I was like googling and like looking at everything. And I’m like…

 

Liz Theresa 

How to get a construction loan? Like Probably.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Yeah, how to get a construction loan, like, what is a two by four? What is this? You know, in the beginning, like most people are like, you know, did you study for this? Like, what did you learn in college? So, it’s like, it’s fascinating to be like, we kind of had like, the same route. So, you’re just like an overall hustler, which I love and respect, So, much. Like you just went out there. And you’re like…

 

Liz Theresa 

I was like, I better learn it. Yeah.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Ready to go. So, it was your parents that sort of pushed you in that direction with online marketing. And then how did you really tell yourself like, I’m going to start my own business in this? Because maybe at first, were you thinking at all about working for anybody else? And like in the marketing space? or How did you kind of think like art? I’m going to create Liz Theresa.

 

Liz Theresa 

Well, this is a good question. So. So, 2011, starting in 2007, I would say to 2011, it was tough times, you know, to be in the United States. I mean, we think 2020 is rough. It is but like back then it was the economy was absolutely bad. People that are in their 20s don’t really get it. Because like you guys didn’t have to go out. I was freshly graduated in like in a recession. It’s So, hard. I had a master’s degree, I got one interview. I would submit, like dozens and dozens of applications, not just for marketing positions, like I would apply to things in my field, like publishing houses to do copy editing. Like I was like, I was willing to just do whatever. You could not get a job. I got one interview, and I go and it was for a company in West Bridgewater. I won’t say what it is. But now that I said that, I can’t tell you the funniest thing about them, So, we’ll just say that they sold yo-yos. Okay. It was something bizarre like that. Like it was like a random thing you don’t think of every day like a yo-yo, you know, let’s just say that they sold yo-yos and, and So, I went, and I like to come in. I’m like, dressed to the nines. I got the coolest outfit. I graphically tricked out my resume with the coolest resume. He was like, you’re great. He’s like, this job is going to suck all the creativity out of you. You’re overqualified. And he’s like, you’re going to die here. Like, oh my god. And So, I was like So, and he was like, So, yeah, he’s like, Well, alright, let’s go. And like he, like led took me back to my car, basically, like, took me to the front. And I left and I was like, do I say something wrong? Like, was that a bad interview? Because I was So, excited. And I guess it was like, I was So, excited that they didn’t want me because they thought I’d paid it, which I was. I’ve never heard of that being a reason to not get a job. So, I’m getting in my car and I call my mom and I’m like, I’m So, frustrated. I go, I just want to help businesses market themselves better on social media. I go, why won’t anybody just let me do what I want? And she’s like, you don’t need permission to do it you want. She’s like, just go to the businesses and actually help them and I was like…

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Go, mom. that’s awesome.

 

Liz Theresa 

Yeah, you don’t need permission to do what you want. I was like, boom. And then from there it was my first iteration was actually Liz Downey because Downey is my main name. So, it was lizdawney.com and then I felt very hampered by having the same name I went to high school with because like, I am not that I had a tough time, but I just wasn’t. I wasn’t, I’m So, cool now. Like, I’m very cool. Like, you know what I mean? Like, I would hang out with me. But like in high school, like nobody really liked me. Like, I was really not cool. It was incredibly strange. I was just strange, and nobody got me.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

So, that I can never imagine you’re not being asked.

 

Liz Theresa 

I know like, how would it…

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Make them watch this? I know. I mean, So, like, you just didn’t talk to him. I can’t like envision a Liz at that point.

 

Liz Theresa 

I was off beat. I was like, I was the drama kid. And I in like an A, but I didn’t do drugs. And I didn’t want to do an orgy all the time. You know what I mean? Like, and I didn’t like smoke pot, but I was a drama kid. So, then, I didn’t really fit in with them. And then they thought I was too like, I was obnoxious. Like, if I was trying to be funny, it was obnoxious. They were like, Liz, like, why can’t you just be? Why do you have to be like that, like, when I was funny, So, it wasn’t like my humor was really accepted. And then I always dated like the offbeat guy like I did one of the biggest dorks, to be honest. Like in my class, but like, he was really smart. He was cute. Do you know what I mean? So, then they were like, oh, how could you go out with him and like, and then after that I did. My ex-boyfriend was overweight. So, people made fun of him for his weight. But he wasn’t that overweight, honestly, everybody’s overweight. So, like, he’s awesome. And now, of course, he’s like a bike-athon guy because they made him go the whole other direction. So, the poor guys probably like afraid to ever have any weight. So, it’s just the opposite. So, yeah, So, I did things that like I guess we’re like, weird or wrong. And So, and then I also, didn’t really fit into like a segment of people because I wasn’t always smoking pot and, and having casual liaisons with strangers. I didn’t fit in in one spot. I know. That’s the nicest way to say it on a podcast. And then on the other side of the coin, I also, wasn’t a total, like, I wasn’t like a goth, and I wasn’t like a loser. So, I just didn’t like fit.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Oh, man. But you know what? You’re always built to stand out. That’s what it is.

 

Liz Theresa 

Oh, you’re the best girl. It’s So, funny. I never talked about high school because I would even say I was an editor for the literary magazine and the teacher there thought I was stupid. She was like, well, you’re not smart, like Hillary friggin’ Hillary. I could tell you what this girl Hillary I went to school with. She works for like Good Housekeeping now. So, Hillary of her, like she’s like that she was So, like, as if she was So, smart and perfect. And like, I’m complete. I was like, this is ridiculous. I remember being in college. And I had a mentor that was like, Oh, you really hide your smarts. They said that to me at Stone Hill, my college advisor. You know what I mean? You get assigned to her. And I love Stone Hill. And I actually love him. He’s wonderful. But he said I hide my smarts because I’m So, like, extroverted and pretty. Like, I’m like, oh, la, la. And I’m like, why can you be both pretty and awesome, and intelligent?  Anyway, I’m sorry.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

No, no.

 

Liz Theresa 

I think it’s all important to talk about this stuff.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

It’s all, it’s all important to talk about. Because it’s like part of your struggle and your story.  Know what I mean. And it’s like, you know, not fitting in, that’s something I relate to as well, because like, in middle school, like fifth grade, I was bullied. Like, I wouldn’t. Like it was like, it’s an awful experience. But it shapes your identity, big time. You know, at that time, when you’re going through it, you’re just like, why am I like that? You know, you start to doubt yourself. Yeah. And you just kind of just keep going. So, I think it’s important for people to hear like, you know, yeah, that incident, like, but that’s okay. You know, look where I’m at now.

 

Liz Theresa 

Yes, that’s exactly is. I like, in my head, I’m like, I hope those people see, I do have a little bit of that.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Of course.

 

Liz Theresa 

But why wouldn’t I hope that?

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Well, well, you know, and karma runs its course too. And I mean, for like anybody listening to it’s like, you know. Never doubt that kid that was sitting in the corner way back when, because you just don’t know who he or she is at this point in time. You know, and you’ll come across people. I mean, I’ve come across people who were mean to me when I was younger and are asking me for jobs now. So, it’s like, how the tables turn, you know, and in your case, too, I’m sure you’ll come if you haven’t come across them already.

 

Liz Theresa 

I’ve been friended by people that would never talk to me.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Really?

 

Liz Theresa 

On Facebook, yeah. I’ve been friended by people. And I’m like, God, you wouldn’t even like talk. I mean, I don’t know if they feel that way strongly about it, but it’s like it’s So, funny.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Because you’re a Rockstar.

 

Liz Theresa 

Oh god I’m So, I’m so, I really liked myself. I think I liked myself then, I just wasn’t appreciated in my time.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Right. But now I think you found your voice, you know, which I think is super, super cool. So, now after your mom told you that, like how did you hit the ground running with Liz Theresa? Like, how are you like, Alright, I’m going to do it. I don’t need anybody’s permission. Like, let’s go.

 

Liz Theresa 

I started with businesses I knew personally. So, I was an insurance agent actually full time at the time. And that was This is such a good experience is to become licensed in something you know nothing about and then learn how to sell something nobody wants to buy because that’s what being an insurance agent is. For all people that start out, you’re like, insurance is terrible. Nobody wants to buy this, but it is important.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

Right? Right.

 

Liz Theresa 

So, it’s about selling something everybody hates talking about. And I got really good at that. And I think that’s why I’m good at sales is because I learned to sell something that nobody wants, but everybody has to buy and it’s good. It’s good training, right. It’s good relationship building.

 

Pamela Bardhi 

So, that’s it for part A of my interview with Liz Theresa. Stay tuned for part B.