MIEND (Mend)

MIEND TV (pronounced Mend), is the brain child of Julie Korioth.  Julie has always felt strongly about helping others. This feeling led her to get her Masters in Counseling at St. Edward’s University. And for years, her life seemed perfect- from the outside. Her own struggles have convinced her of the need for a community where the topic of Mental Health has no stigma.

Her journey to sobriety and healing is inspiring.  Now, Julie is reaching out to others willing to share their stories surrounding mental health.  The goal of MIEND is to create a safe space for people to share and learn from one another.

“I believe that by mending minds through stories, we can inspire others and create a new path and freedom for our mental health.” – Julie Korioth

Julie shares her own story on her blog: https://www.miend.org/. Through that sharing, her goal is to help others realize they are not alone.

 

How is Social Media Important in Your Process?

Social media has been her primary platform for spreading her message.  She started with a personal site and Facebook page. “I was not expecting as many people to reach out and respond as they have.” Due to the immediate interest, she created her Facebook business page, LinkedIn profile, Instagram and YouTube channels. This early success proves that she has found a subject that affects us all. She has enlisted “Storytellers,” and vlogs the experience of these brave people sharing their own mental health experience.

Her first “Storyteller” was Rachel Dickson.

Rachel is a local children’s author, artist and entrepreneur.

Rachel shared her story about losing her brother and how it changed her life. As a woman, wife and mother she knew she needed to delve into the grief and sadness in order to heal.  Her story is so relatable and heartfelt.

Watch Rachel’s story here:

 

Casey McPherson is a renaissance man.

He is an Austin musician, father, pianist, Founder of To Cure a Rose organization and the Music Director at Riverbend Church.

He, too, suffered in the wake of family suicide and his grief led to self-destruction. His  music and  lyrics  are hauntingly beautiful and offer a glimpse into his pain.

The resilience of spirit is evident when listening to his story. The idea that many people do not discuss mental health or know where to turn is a sad truth. The stigma that can be associated keeps some from the help they need.

 

CK Chin- Austin Restauranteur, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

CK shared his story around learning to balance his life, business and struggle with ADD.  His tips for clarity were simple and powerful. “Be Self-Aware.” “Don’t Subscribe to Comparison” and “Make Time” are just a few of the mantras I will be trying to incorporate in my daily life.

Some people’s journeys are tragic, some people struggle with the day to day. CK proposes we ask ourselves, “Do I feel balanced?”

 

Mental Health has affected us all…

It does not discriminate. We have all been affected or love someone that has.  Rachel’s painting, “Out of Controversy,” while created to raise awareness and funds for the #BLM movement, is an important depiction for this cause as well.

Art by Rachel Dickson- “Out of Controversy”

“While struggles with mental health were traditionally kept private, in recent years a growing number of sufferers are adopting the opposite tack: sharing their mental health battles with the world, via social media,” (Lofton, 2019).   Many celebrities have taken to social platforms to discuss their own struggles and increase awareness.

Julie is determined to help others through sharing stories. Due to the infinite network possibility of social media, it can prove to be a catalyst for change. If organizations like MIEND can help turn the tide of mental health awareness and acceptance, we can stop shaming and start healing.

 

Julie ended our interview with an Irish word that embodies what she is attempting to accomplish with Miend.

“Meitheal is about community and acceptance, where people come together to help each other and by doing that they are helped in return.”

While many are focused on the destructive nature of social media on our mental health, some organizations, like MIEND, are proving that we can come together for good.

 

 

If you or someone you know has talked about contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

References:

Korioth, J. (2020). MiendTV blog: Miend Storytellers. Retrieved from: https://www.miend.org/miend-tv

Lofton, T. (2019). KHN: Coming Out About Mental Health On Social Media. Blog. Retrieved from: https://khn.org/news/coming-out-about-mental-health-on-social-media/

 

 

In these polarizing times, connection can seem daunting. Owning a successful business takes even more from an entrepreneur than before. The importance of relationships cannot be denied when dealing with increasing your business, especially during a quarantine.  This week I interview Brad & Stephanie Alexander, the power couple behind Alexander Home Team.

Brad & Stephanie run a thriving real estate business and rely heavily on relationship-building and social media  to remain foremost in their clients’ minds.

In our interview I learned that Brad is a true local, growing up in Hays County. He was a football coach before his career in real estate began, which shines through in many of his personal Facebook Live videos

(link to above: https://fb.watch/3fbDyaF9Bi/)

Stephanie, a dance teacher turned realtor, is from El Paso, TX. Brad jokes that when they got married and both moved back to the area, Stephanie was known as Brad’s wife.  Now everyone knows him as Stephanie’s husband. Networking at it’s finest, Stephanie!

As a team they focus on Relational versus Transactional Real Estate customer relationships. Overall, 92% of their revenue can be traced back to personal relationships. While only 8% of their business is based on unknown leads, they are taking steps to grow that side of their business as well. They have devoted their energy and talents to become one of Dave Ramsey’s Endorsed Licensed Providers (ELP). Based on the Dave Ramsey “Stamp of Approval,” potential clients trust that the Alexander Home Team personify excellence. This trust creates VALUE and RESPECT for their brand.

Why is this important? I learned in this interview that while 90% of customers claim they will use the same realtor for their next home sale or purchase, only 13% actually do.  That kind of discrepancy means hustle and connection are crucial in their line of business.

One way Alexander Home Team use social media to grow their sphere of influence is by being a resource to their community. The video link above is an example. Brad offers his expertise on the market, school board, taxes and so much more through his Facebook Live presence. He has gained quite a following.

Stephanie has compiled a list of Go-To vendors that she refers out to her online audience and personal network. If you need a plumber/ electrician/ dentist/ etc. in the area, Stephanie has a connection.  She is quick to make referrals and help her clients and friends any way she can.

Alexander Home Team believes in sharing their expertise in a “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook” approach, based on Gary Vaynerchuk’s book.

 

“Jabs are the value you provide your customers with: the content you put out, the good things you do to convey your appreciation. And the right hook is the ask: it’s when you go in for the sale, ask for a subscribe, ask for a donation,” (Vaynerchuk, 2016).

 

So, what is the big difference between Relational and Transactional selling ? TIME.  As business owners it is nice to have both right? Well, yes. But the longevity of the customer relationship relies on building trust and accountability. That does not happen overnight.

As a team (they are growing, YAY!) their authentic, hard-working approach has gained them as many friends as clients.

As 2021 takes off, I asked what their goals were for the year.  Their response involves harnessing the power of their social network and local community. They intend to grow their team and “work smarter, not harder in 2021.”

 

 

References

Vaynerchuk, G. (2016). Gary Vaynerchuk blog: The one thing I didn’t clarify enough in Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook.  Retrieved from: https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/the-one-thing-i-didnt-clarify-enough-in-jab-jab-jab-right-hook/