Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Barker.
Melody, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I really enjoy helping people discover what they need to know in order to be successful. This came from my own difficult working situation several years ago. I couldn’t do anything about the other person so I went on a journey to figure out how to change myself in hopes to improve the situation. On that journey, I learned so much and found out how little I knew when it came to leadership.
That was the first step to resolving the issue at work. I didn’t know how to lead. I only knew how to manage. This leadership development also sparked my love for personal growth. My self-leadership and personal growth helped me develop into being a better friend, employer, and leader. It also gave me the tools I needed to build a successful coaching program. Now I get to work with great people and even work one-on-one with individuals wanting to launch their own business, brand, ministry or public speaking engagements. I truly believe I was created to teach, coach and produce excellence in those who want to create significance in their lives.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy. In fact, the obstacles I faced with co-workers has been some of the toughest challenges I have ever faced. It is really important to remember a few key things in order to overcome these obstacles.
1. Maintain integrity. That means doing or saying what is right all the time, regardless if people see or hear you.
2. Your circumstances are not your limitations. You can change your circumstances by making good choices.
3. “You don’t have to take a backseat to anyone, especially a man.” – My Dad. I grew up knowing that being a girl was not a limitation to anything I wanted to do with my life. I knew and still know that I can do what I put my mind to doing.
4. Honor and serve those who have gone where you want to go.
5. My motto: Everything is Possible!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I offer one-on-one coaching for people who want to increase in confidence. Whether it’s personal growth through mentorship or coaching, I really enjoy helping people discover their plans for what they want to do in their life. I teach a lot of start-up entrepreneurs to map out their business, identify potential roadblocks and walk them through a successful launch.
I also have a pretty specific niche. I help non-profit organizations start up and build with the ability to sustain themselves. I have written two books and my second book’s entire focus is ministry start-up and sustainability. So many people do not know how to administrate a business and even more, people do not realize that a non-profit has required the same administration. There are a lot of people out there who want to do great things – they just need help in getting started.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I have three mentors in my life. One for my personal growth and business development and two who help me develop as a speaker, coach and entrepreneur. Each one has achieved a level of success and significance. They are each completely different and each one has my permission to give me feedback in any area of my life.
Finding a mentor starts with finding someone that has influenced you and made you better in some way. They have set an example as far as achievement and that is what draws you to them. A mentor will teach you what they did to get to where they are and help show you the way to do the same. I do believe there is a shortage of mentors out there but I think that is what makes it even more important to be mentored by more than one person at a time.
For each of my mentors, I invested time and money into learning from them. Their time is valuable and I think it’s important to invest in yourself by paying for mentorship (or coaching).
In networking, it’s really important to make eye contact. Don’t invade people’s personal space or forget to blink. But pay attention to their words, body language and responses. Stay off your phone while you’re connecting with new people. Turn the music down, turn the TV off and be there – be present. Experiencing a deeper connection with people starts with eye contact and a good conversation. It may be awkward at first, but you’ll eventually get more comfortable with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melodybarker.com
- Email: connect@melodybarker.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/melodysbarker
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/melodybarkerint
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/melodysbarker
- Other: www.youtube.com/c/melodysbarker
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