I think everyone knows this, but just in case I missed someone, I’m leaving full-time law firm life at the end of this month. I’m going to work full-time for FitFluential. I’ve talked about FitFluential a lot on the blog since I got involved, but I want to talk about how I got here. It’s a story about the power of social media.
In 2010, I decided to go to my first blog conference, BlogHer. Since I have treated my blog as a business for years, I registered for the BlogHer Business Conference, which was the day before the main conference. Then I got invited to go on a tour of Ellis Island. I totally wanted to do that instead. I listed my Business Conference pass for sale. I advertised it on the BlogHer Forums and on Twitter.
Kelly Olexa bought my pass. I wasn’t a regular on Twitter. In fact, I didn’t really like it that much. By that point, I had completely locked down my Facebook account and deleted more than half of my friend list. I was becoming a social media hermit, other than my blog.
But, between Kelly and me, there was no stopping the chatty. We made plans to meet up at the conference. Robin and I had dinner with Kelly at Nobu and hit it off. A match made over the chocolate bento box.
We stayed in touch and became better friends. We got to hang out again at Blog World since it was in Las Vegas.
Shortly after that conference, I remember when Kelly told me that she had an idea to start a business based around fitness influencers. As the idea grew, she asked if I would be on the Board of Advisors. This was, of course, FitFluential. I said yes.
FitFluential grew and morphed. I’m now FitFluential’s Chief Marketing Officer. I’m a part of something amazing that started with Kelly’s idea and has grown to more than 2,600 members in 10 months. We’re working with amazing brands. Every day, I am absolutely astounded by the camaraderie in the FitFluential Ambassador Community.
I’m here because of a tweet. One tweet. That’s how I connected with Kelly. Then we continued the conversation. We met at the conference. If someone told me in July 2010, when I was possibly at my unhappiest point in my legal career, that I would be leaving litigation to work full-time for a company like FitFluential, I would have laughed.
It’s possible. I’m proof. Nurture your connections. Be open to the possibilities. Take risks. It is worth losing a little (or a lot) of sleep.
Thank you to Kelly. Thank you to BlogHer. Thank you to Liberty Mutual for offering to take me to Ellis Island. Thank you to Nobu for your sushi and chocolate bento box. Thank you to BlogWorld for not moving from Las Vegas in 2010. Thank you to everyone I’ve since connected with on social media. Learn the importance of this magical tool that we have. Use it to make your dreams come true.
It’s been incredible to watch take form. And to look back to that weekend and see how it was a turning point.
How neat to hear a bit of your backstory with Kelly, Danielle! You seem like such a perfect fit for FitFluential and I am thrilled that you’re transitioning into this new phase of work and life. And what a great take-away message! Thanks for sharing your story, Danielle.
Oh yay! I wanted to know the story behind your partnership. I’m amazing that it was just in 2010. AMAZED! You ladies rock (and so does sushi and chocolate).
LOVE the new design!
I just took a big risk myself by turning away from my full-time career. Here’s hoping FitFluential will lead me to something bigger and better!
You’re welcome. Can I please have my allowance and a ride to the mall? hahaha. I consider it my good luck that you are in this FF world. I knew of FF and knew you as my Twitter pal long before I knew you two were connected. So for me, it’s been Double Happy to see you two combined as one. And if you miss litigation, you can always sue someone who pisses you off. Not me, of course.
funandfit.org/2012/02/wrong-right-way-stairclimber-and-treadmill
Love hearing the backstory on you ladies
So sweet I love it!
Such an awesome story! Thank goodness you guys found each other
I wonder, in the future, how many children will say “my parents met over twitter”. You guys are basically the FFers parents, so not quite the same, but still.
Love this post! Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith to better your life/career/whatever. Glad you took that risk and it paid off
It really has been truly amazing to see how one tweet has turned into what it is.
Great post – your story is what I someday hope MY story will be! <3
What a brilliant story. Love love love. I hug your sentiments as I feel the same way. Keep up the great work!
Love this story! Gives me hope that social media can help me make my dream job come true! So glad you shared this!
SO incredibly happy for you, Danielle…and for the success that FitFluential has had in less than a year! It is insane. It really did start with one tweet for so many of us. Unbelievable!
This post is so awesome and I cannot even tell you how exciting it has been to watch this whole thing grow to the level you have taken it! And to think, THERE’S MORE??!!!
Congratulations, girl. Social media has indeed changed my life too and I’m pretty sure the 2399 other FFs will say the same thing!
xoxox
ps. love the blog!
um i mean 2599. Oh, you know what I mean! haha.
So exciting! With my kids entering fulltime school in the next couple years, I’m starting to feel at a crossroads… what am I going to do with myself all day long? Going backwards is not an option, I’m a completely different person now. I hope something “creates itself” just like it did for you! So inspiring to read your story!
Love the story! Proof that social media can be such a powerful thing!
This is beauty.
What an inspirational post! Cheers to new beginnings!
One tweet…. awesome!
I love this post. Congratulations on taking it full time with FitFluential. We’re lucky to have you and we’re all thankful for that one tweet!
Yup this is exactly how these things happen.
Proud of YOU!
AHHHHHHHHH you speak the truth my friend!
Wow! What an awesome story about how you all met! It’s like serendipity
Also, that Chocolate Bento Box sounds delish. Droooooool.
Thanks for sharing your story — never knew how you all connected. It’s just the kind of story that I need to hear now and then to keep me going. Thanks!
And, the blog looks GREAT!
Love this story!!! The power of the tweet! amazing!
ps- the blog looks beautiful!!!
Wow. I am so happy to know this story. IT GIVES ME HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like you did before you were able to go full time with FF. I am so thankful to be a part of the FFA community too.
Thank you, thank you, thank YOU so much for writing this and sharing your story. Simply amazing!
I’m finding myself still struggling to navigate the social media waters and form lasting connections. I sometimes think I am still too scared, too lacking in confidence. Something is holding me back and I’ve yet to figure out exactly what that is. I’ve yet to attend a blog conference but I am determined to go to BBC Las Vegas in October. I’ve spent a year with CPC and still haven’t determined where to go with it. It seems to change as often as I do.
I am personally thrilled to read things have worked out so well for you these past 2 years. It gives hope to those of us who worry good things will never happen or that nothing will never change. Hard work and sheer determination prove that it can, even in the worst moments. I wish you much success on your journey. Thanks for being an inspiration!
Congratulations! I really need to get my twittering going!!
Well done! I struggled with, resisted, avoided twitter for the longest time. I think I’m figuring it out and enjoyed this piece immensely!
It is amazing what one tweet can do. I can’t believe how much my life has changed.
Awesomeness!
))
Happy SITSday! This is a great tale. I love how you embody the power of the Tweet.
Thanks! It’s amazing how powerful social media is.
Thank you!
Just what I wanted/needed to hear today. I’m so very happy to hear when things like this happen and the stars align. I, too, am currently unhappy in my job and am hoping to use some social networking skills to find a job I love. This gives me hope that it can be done.
Thank you for this and congrats on all your successes
And also, happy SITS day!
It really does happen. I am the perfect example.
Happy SITS day! Social media is sooo powerful! You never knew who you will meet. I’m going to my first BlogHer this August! I can’t wait!
I will be there. We must meet!
I’ve been avoiding Twitter. Seems like there are so may social media sites. I don’t have time to know them all. But Twitter seems like a good place to connect…perhaps I should reconsider.
Wow, what a story! It’s amazing how things happen and come about. Happy SITS day!
That is awesome!! I feel your pain about wanting out of a career, but I have no idea how to make it happen right now. And I LOVE Nobu.
I am so excited for you on this new adventure
You never know where social media may lead and this clearly shows the power of networking. While I haven’t done a BlogHer yet – I am headed to my first blog conference next week (Food Blog Forum) and it’s exciting 
Happy SITS Day!
I love hearing stories like yours. Life is way to short to not do what makes you happy! I bought tickets for both boggy boot camp in Philly and blogger ny! I can’t wait!
Congratulations, Danielle (and Kelly) – I love it when others go after their dreams. That’s what makes a business a success. It’s so very inspiring.
My goal is to be working part time this time next year so that I can devote more time to dog rescue and blogging. I love helping people so I split my time sharing tips about photography, happy stories about dogs, and tips on blogging.
I’m really happy for you and Happy SITS Day!!!
Kimberly
fist time visiting your blog. love it. looove this story so much.
connecting with others (amazing shiny inspiring women) makes
social media so much fun for me.
grazie for the post!!
elyse’ renae xx
Wow thanks for sharing your story! It’s nice to hear real life experiences about the power of social media. So nice meeting you at BBC Philly and loved hearing you speak. Thanks for the wealth of information.
Thats awesome!!!!