Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelley Roth.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shelley . So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my business in 1999, working with start-up and early-stage technology entrepreneurs. At the start of social media, before anyone really understood how to use social networks for marketing, I used my knowledge of curriculum development (I am a former teacher, counselor, and principal) and created coursework on Social Media for Business. Since the first class launched 15 years ago, I have had success with teaching, speaking and consulting on LinkedIn, Facebook and other social networks, as well as using email marketing for business growth.
Most recently I decided to come out as a transgender person and again applied my skills to create a curriculum for a Gender 101 course, and other coursework. I am now a doing transgender advocacy work and presenting to businesses, parents and teachers. Really, anyone that needs an understanding, via my story, on what gender is all about.
All profits from my Gender 101 work go to GLBTQ Homeless youth non-profit organizations.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having spent the first part of my career working as a teacher, counselor and principal, moving into sales for a Fortune 500 was a big leap. I am grateful for both my corporate experience as well as my early education, which prepared me for where I am today.
Starting my own business, Springboard Ventures, Inc. in 1999, was another leap of faith. Having spent over a decade working with small businesses on marketing via social media and email has been very rewarding, both financially and professionally.
However, knowing my gift is teaching others, I realized it was time to “play bigger” than I had been, and talk about my journey as a transgender person. My fourth book, “Don’t Call Me Ma’am” was my springboard to presenting Gender 101 to companies and adults looking for education on gender and how the use of words can be impactful to your bottom line.
I wouldn’t call my experiences struggles, as they have all helped me grow professionally and personally. But I will say that embracing my story as a transgender person was a struggle I created in my own mind. Now that I am out there “changing the world, one pronoun at a time”, I feel so fortunate to be able to make a difference in the GLBT world.
Please tell us about Springboard Training.
Most people know me as Shelley Springboard, as my company has been Springboard Social Media for 11 years. We have specialized in training small businesses on using social media for marketing their businesses. In addition, I was a Constant Contact Area Local Expert and presented workshops on using email marketing for business growth. I have taught businesses how to use the top social networks and in the last 2 years have focused on Facebook and LinkedIn.
What sets my business apart from others is I am a pure training company. I do not sell services or website development. I simply train others “how to” use social media and email marketing for business growth.
Have expanded my training into Gender 101 curriculum, I am now providing my skill to businesses and organizations for a better understanding of the GLBT community.
I have authored 4 books, available on Amazon, and you can learn more about me at www.shelleyroth.com
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Dressing up for Halloween and being able to be the boy that I felt inside myself.
Pricing:
- Books on Amazon starting at $15
Contact Info:
- Address:Houston, TX
- Website: www.shelleyroth.com
- Phone:713.937.1006
- Email:sroth@shelleyroth.com
- Facebook: www.facebook,com/springboardworks
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/sprinboardw
- Yelp: www.amazon.com/author/shelleyroth
- Other: www.youtube.com/springboardw
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
