THE SYSTEMS, STRATEGY, AND MINDSET OF TOP ENTREPRENEURS || VANESSA RAMIREZ || EPISODE 075

What this episode is about

The discussion focuses on the systems, strategies, and mindsets of successful entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of networking and finding supportive communities to overcome social anxiety. It also addresses the challenges of impatience in today's fast-paced world, advocating for persistence and consistency in achieving long-term results.

Key takeaways

• Networking isn't just about who you know; it's about finding your tribe amidst the chaos of today.
• Patience feels extinct in a swipe-left world, but lasting success demands a more timeless approach.
• Education isn't the sole pathway to success; passion and persistence often pave the road less traveled.
• In a digital landscape, real connections can be your greatest business asset—so find your people!
• COVID reshaped co-working spaces but never eclipsed the necessity of community for female entrepreneurs.

Who speaks in this episode?

• Vanessa Ramirez (Host) · 34 min speaking

What is discussed, and when

1. 0:00 – 5:00: Vanessa Ramirez, The Injury Law Consultants
2. 5:00 – 10:00: The Injury Law Consultants, Small Business Development Center, Women's Business Center
3. 20:00 – 25:00: Camille Vasquez, Mercedes-Benz Arena
4. 25:00 – 30:00: Small Business Development Center, Women's Business Center
5. 40:00 – 45:00: Vanessa Ramirez
6. 45:00 – 48:43: Vanessa Ramirez, The Injury Law Consultants

Notable quotes from "THE SYSTEMS, STRATEGY, AND MINDSET OF TOP ENTREPRENEURS || VANESSA RAMIREZ || EPISODE 075"

• That we might not be well familiar with as well at the same time. So without further ado, our amazing guest who's joined us in the studio today, Vanessa Ramirez. How you doing today, man?

  about Vanessa Ramirez · at 2:20

• So that's kind of what kept me afloat and sustained me throughout all these years. and then officially in 2020 is when I started the company, The Injury Law Consultants.

  about The Injury Law Consultants · at 5:03

• Admire and I got an email with an invitation to this event, huge event at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. I mean Arnold Schwarzenegger was going to be there. Camille Vasquez, she was…

  about Mercedes-Benz Arena · at 20:33

• Is local, but in your community, there might be something similar to this. So, the small business development center, I believe that's nationwide if I'm not mistaken. They do a…

  about Small Business Development Center · at 25:44

• Elevate yourself. So, I would say small business development center, your local chambers, the women's business center, that was very crucial and helpful for me. and even what else? Just on there's a I think it's called meetup.com.

  about Women's Business Center · at 26:56

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

• Vanessa Ramirez — Person · Main guest · 4 mentions · first at 2:26
  Primary interview subject discussing her entrepreneurial journey, networking strategy, and her work in personal injury law consulting (The Injury Law Consultants).
• Camille Vasquez — Person · Referenced attorney (conference lineup) · 1 mention · first at 20:42
  Cited as a notable figure on the conference roster (known for the Johnny Depp trial), reinforcing the scale/credibility of the event that catalyzed Vanessa’s networking growth.
  The Mercedes-Benz Arena. I mean Arnold Schwarzenegger was going to be there. Camille Vasquez, she was the attorney for Johnny Depp's trial. So it was a lot of really big people…

Companies & orgs

• The Injury Law Consultants — Company · Business focus · 3 mentions · first at 2:09
  Vanessa Ramirez's company specializing in personal injury law consulting, mentioned as her primary business.
• Small Business Development Center — Company · Resource · 4 mentions · first at 6:42
  Mentioned as a resource for entrepreneurs to learn and network, providing free classes and mentorship.
• Women's Business Center — Company · Resource · 2 mentions · first at 6:40
  Highlighted as a crucial resource for female entrepreneurs, offering support and networking opportunities.

Places & events

• Mercedes-Benz Arena — Place · Setting · 1 mention · first at 20:35
  Mentioned as the venue for a significant legal conference attended by Vanessa Ramirez.

Full transcript with timestamps

0:00 So, I started in personal injury law back in, this makes me sound old, but back in 2009, so it's been 16 years now. And during that time, I've dabbled in a couple of other things. So, a networking company where we had um different businesses from all industries where we did marketing for them, helped them with PR, helped them get huge clients, and did networking events. So, that was great. And then started a co-working space for female entrepreneurs and business owners. What advice would you give for those that are not are currently in their comfort zone of not connecting and they get social anxiety and stuff like that and for all even us extroverts we still have the thing where we have to get on our comfort zone. Would you agree with that?

0:40 Absolutely. So what advice would you give for those that are just are not connecting and have that anxiety?

0:45 Yeah, I would say find your people, right? Find your circle, find your people. There's so many different networking things out there, whether that's in person, there's some online, there's different groups, different socials. Look for what it is that you do, your industry, and or other entrepreneurs or business owners.

1:03 What is it that we struggling with? Why aren't people patient today? Well, because we have everything on our hands. It's like you have your phone, you want to Google something, you want to look at this, you want to watch a video, you want to find something out. Now, we even have chat GPT.

1:16 That took us to a whole other level. So it is hard being patient but you know if you think about results and something longevity right and again pers being persistent with something if you nourish something you're consistent with something let's say what you do whatever it is that you do you're consistent with it and then you're persistent so you keep going after after even clients right very patient you have to be patient and later in the long run the way the world works it always comes back to you

1:43 the code to winning insights you need today to seize the world tomorrow. If you are curious in learning how to start a business, how to try and find loopholes and connections and various ways to try and learn how to start upscale and better yourself, this is the episode for you. Despite her various industries that she's very um um experienced in, her expertise also lie in injury consultants as well. The company known as the injury law consultants. Our guest today is going to talk a bit more about the varieties of ventures you can um capitalize on the opportunities that are within our reach that we might not be well familiar with as well at the same time. So without further ado, our amazing guest who's joined us in the studio today, Vanessa Ramirez. How you doing today, man?

2:30 Hi. Doing great. How are you? I'm doing fantastic. Thank you very much. I I I appreciate you coming uh in the studio today. I'm just excited to just talk a bit more. many people like I told you a lot of the audience solopreneurs um entrepreneurs many people that are just trying to find ways to navigate within this uh pool of like just business and and cutthroat nor so I think our conversation today is going to really help a lot as well

2:55 yeah perfect can you tell us a bit more about yourself yes so born and raised here in Utah um lived here my whole life I love traveling um I do have four children and so I'm really busy with like sports between sports, um, children, just other activities and business. Uh, my life's pretty pretty busy.

3:16 Oh, that's awesome. That's awesome. And, um, did you go to college here or what what's your story like?

3:22 No. So, I actually didn't go to college. I'm glad you bring that up. Um because I think that's something that even I'd love to touch on is I I always feel like it doesn't matter where what your background is, where you come from, but when you have a passion in something or for something, go for it and don't let obstacles like maybe that get in the way for you to create or bring your own table. No, it's it's very true especially uh with how the economy is working like especially like in the United States like there's so much room for growth for variety of different fields that may not even require I've seen so many people that are in a field that like I studied that but I'm in this field you know so of course I think college is obviously um has its perks and stuff but it's not the do all and end all where it almost like it's a cut off you know so absolutely

4:11 yeah so can you tell us a bit more about like your entrepreneurial um journey I know you've done a lot like co-spacing and all that, but like Yeah. Can you tell us a bit more of your background?

4:19 Yeah, sure. So, I started in um personal injury law back in this makes me sound old, but back in 2009, so it's been 16 years now. And during that time, I've dabbled in a couple of other things. So, um a networking company where we had um different businesses from all industries where we did marketing for them, helped them with PR, helped them get huge clients um and did networking events. So that was that was great. Um and then started a co-working space for female entrepreneurs and business owners um in downtown Salt Lake. I believe we were the first um and then COVID hit. So um CO hit and kind of shifted things. The good thing is that I never stopped doing the personal injury side of things. And so that's kind of what kept me afloat and sustained me throughout all these years. Um, and then officially in 2020 is when I started the company, The Injury Law Consultants.

5:14 Okay. And then for those that don't fully aren't familiar with co-working space, can you kind of elaborate a bit more on that?

5:19 Yes, of course. So, um, ours was focused on women, business owners, and mothers. And so co-working space, we had individual office space and then open space where um people could come again, business owners, entrepreneurs that maybe are looking for collaboration, are looking for community, are looking for um different resources and things. And so we had um they would come work there, right? Work work there for the day or however long it was. We also had child care. That was something different that not many places had. um nursing room for mothers because we think it's very important that you know sometimes it's hard to leave your kids anywhere or to trust people and things like that. So we wanted to make it pretty well-rounded and for them to feel supported in that way. Um so they would come work there, we'd have um different events, workshops, things like that. We'd bring in different resources. So I think we

6:14 talked about resources, right? how crucial they are. Um, especially at the beginning, not even just at the beginning, but throughout your entrepreneurship and you're learning things. You might know a skill, but sometimes you need to learn the back end of things, right? Or how do I get my tax set up, the payroll set up, how do I hire on people? I mean, so many things as you're expanding. And so, um, we would partner with different organizations like the Women's Business Center, Small Business Development Center,

6:45 um, those kind of things. So, yeah, that's I guess that's a little bit more than you ask for there.

6:50 No, no, that's that's exactly I I actually loved what you elaborated a lot. Um, the nice thing about that is that it it obviously got you a lot out your comfort zone because these kind of stuff involve a lot of networking, a lot of connections and leveraging, you know, relationships as well like that. Um, and I noticed that Utah it's it's only now starting to boom with that and you started this thing a while back but only right now people are doing more networks. Usually people would go out of state and like the co to try and do that thing. But you know as I was talking I think with the previous guest that I mentioned like we're talking just about like the integration of all these like networks cuz it's so important like yes your network is your net worth eventually but it's also very important that people understand there's so many resources that are available but you have to just continue to look for it but

7:36 people don't know where to find those and and how has networking helped like your situation um and and in business overall? Yeah. Um, honestly, it has been the number one component. Well, besides the brain, but um, to my success. And I would say, you know, when you you have an authentic relationship with people, you nourish those relationships.

8:01 Um, and it's never really how can you what can you do for me? But let's get to know each other. Let's see how we can support one another. And you never know maybe down the road in the long run there's something else that comes of it where you can support one another um in different ventures right I remember thinking just of one thing right now is when I started um a company the the networking and and membership based company um I didn't have funds right and so it's like how am I going to do all these things that I wanted to do and there were so many people that I had already known for years that trusted me they liked me. They wanted to work with me and they truly supported the vision um and came through and did a lot of stuff like pro bono and um years later now they're in a different position. I'm like we're in two different spaces. How can I support you? What can I do for you? Um and how can I help you grow or

8:57 bring you business or things like that? Right? So, um yeah, networking is is huge. And when you do good service, you don't I mean your service speaks for itself and you don't have to invest in a whole lot of marketing because your uh customer service speaks for itself,

9:14 you know, and I I which kind of perfectly segus to obviously the power of relationship capital. Um obviously building those relationships, not just contacts that end up like involving a lot of like long-term uh success in business as well. I I want to touch a bit more on that. I know yes we speak about networking but how important are those specific relationships in terms of like capital relationship capital?

9:37 Yeah. Um on like what do you what are you referring to? So the the people that we end up like connecting with um that um can end up like contributing and helping us in terms of like building capital or like connecting us with the next person as well. just pretty much like the relationship of like um of of those people that are where we want to be.

10:02 Yeah. Um I think when you when you move with like honesty and transparency and build that relationship and you're able to nourish it, um I feel like they come back all the time to support you, right? They support your vision. They see what you're doing. They look for ways to collaborate with you or to connect you to people that can maybe support what you're doing.

10:26 Yeah. And then what is obviously networking with intention mean? Yeah. Um I would say so it's different when it's like we get to know each other and it's like, "Oh, how's your day going? How's the weather?" You know, and there's like that small talk versus how can we get to know one another? um maybe your background, what you're up to, what ventures you're into, who your clients are, your target audience, and how I can support you. We talked about your event coming up. I said, "Well, who's your target audience? If I can understand who your target audience is, then I know who to bring, who to invite, who would be great to collaborate for sponsors and things like that."

11:03 Okay. And yeah, I think it's it's I mean it's so important because um I've noticed I mean last week the past eight days has been by the end of the day today would be like 30 39 interviews in seven days.

11:18 Wow. But it's not just the 39 interviews in seven days. It's also [snorts] uh two masterminds and two events along the way at four different cities and three across three different states. But it's uh in all of those I've seen people that haveworked like with intention, but I've also seen people that just have a business card and like, hi, my name is so and so. Here's my card.

11:42 And it's like it it's not really like a very productive way. Yes, there's there's ways you can give a card, but trying to I told myself, listen, I talk so much. Let me try and use this time to listen more than anything. Even though like I want to do the connection, but listening to to people. So that's what I was doing more than anything. Maybe it's cuz also also very exhausted.

12:01 Yeah, could be. But I agree with that. I think that's very important. Very important. And I feel like that goes a long ways when you're invested in someone else versus what can you do for me? Like, oh, here's my card. Okay. Well, let's learn about each other. Let's get to know one another. And again, like background, how can we support one another, visions, goals, target audience, those kind of things. Yeah.

12:22 So, if you're talking, you won't learn those things. Exactly. And it's not just even in network. in everything, dating, relationships, friends, everything. Cuz we all have that one friend that can yap yap yap nontop, right?

12:36 We love them regardless or I'm that friend. Like sounds a little familiar over here, too.

12:43 So, which kind of even perfectly segus I want to talk about um collaboration over competition.

12:50 Oh, I love this one. I love that topic, too. Let us dissect it. Yes. Yeah. And I can see this in all the different businesses I've done. Um, and let's talk about even now, right? So, in the personal injury space, there's you probably see billboards all over the freeway, like one right after another after another after another. E Utah's getting really crazy, but even other states are way out there. Um, and so there are there is a lot of a lot of competition out there. And so what I say is, and I've always said this and I live by it, is focus on what you're doing and be good at what you do so that the people will come to you for your service. Right now, Ga, let's look at gas stations. You could see a Chevron on one corner and a Maverick on the other corner. Do you think they're like, "Oh, he's going to be there. Maybe I'm not coming." No, they don't care. They're like, "We know what we provide. We know

13:45 what service we give, and we'll get our clientele." But um for instance in the injury space there are times that um there might be a conflict of interest right and so when that happens you want to have those relationships so you can say hey you know what I'm not able to help you because of XYZ but my neighbor across the street he does the same thing that might be a good resource for you or here's a list of resources that you might be able to go to um and just support one another that way right um or with with what I Do I do consulting for different law firms? And so in this industry, I say it should be all of us, the the law firms representing the clients against the insurance companies, right? That's who we're against. We're not against each other. We should be coming together for our community, learning the same thing, being on the same page, so that when the insurance looks at us, they say, "Oh, it's a Utah

14:43 firm." Not, "Oh, it's that firm." And they work a certain way. But so they look at us collectively the same, right? And in order to do that, you do have to collaborate. So it's like, hey, let's get all on the same page. Let's do this the right way. Let's help each other succeed because when you succeed, the community succeeds and we all win.

15:01 I love that. And I think so I mean I think I don't know you I've been speaking to you on the phone a few times and like I think the last time I told you when I figured out the field that you were in obviously in like injury uh consulting as well

15:14 I go to Vegas at least twice a month on like a weekend and like I said because of the masterminds and the events and like and usually I'm there I got to capitalize on a lot of interviews. I have like a list of people that are are still scheduled as well um in Vegas, but every time I drive in Las Vegas, the minute it says welcome to Nevada, every darn billboard is like injury, injury, contact, injury, injury, injury. I'm like, maybe I should be in this field. What the What the heck is going on down here?

15:48 It's huge. It's a huge industry. It's a huge industry. Why? Yeah. and you know um a lot of those so I do a lot of um outofstate training and and stuff in the legal industry and so I know a lot of those firms because when we get together the cool thing is it's just so beautiful to see when we're all there to learn together right we're there to learn to be able to help our clients but then we collaborate they have networking events and you see every all those firms that you have seen there we're all there hanging out talking about how can we help each other how can we be better? How can we set things up?

16:25 And so, it's just so beautiful. That right there, you might look at it on the billboards and think, well, that sure looks like competition, but when we come together, it is collaboration.

16:34 Yeah. And I think it's so important. Um, I think you you you touched on it as well. There is room for everyone.

16:41 Absolutely. There's room for everyone to grow. And obviously being in the podcast space, I remember when I said I want to start the podcast, they're like, "Oh, no. It's so saturated." I'm like, "Well, I showed them the analytics. I saw them the YouTube revenue. I show them the email list of people that are requested to jump on our show. Yes, of course, we've invested like thousands of dollars every month in ad spend and all that kind of stuff. But there's nothing like saturation. There's always going to be like a few people that would want to listen to what you're doing. You know what I'm saying? And so, and the problem as well is the fact that if people have this perception of,

17:13 oh no, he's doing that, he's doing that. I need to try and beat that rather than say, hey, listen, man, you're doing that thing good. Let me learn from that and work together. and then we win together because you're not winning until the whole team is winning.

17:25 Yeah. Absolutely. Would you agree with that? Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's it's great to,

17:32 you know, put your ego aside and if you do see someone that's doing something that you love or you admire, I always say go for it. Ask them like, "Hey, I would love to learn how you're doing this. I'd love to pay for your time. How can we work together?" Um, and then you can become just as good as as them, right? Or maybe even better sometimes.

17:52 Yeah. No, and I agree with that. And I think that's one thing because like I said, with all the events you've been going, time is such a valuable resource that sometimes you also have to value the person's time that you're trying to ask a thing because yes, you get people that could do proono stuff, but people are still very experienced in what they do. They've accumulated all the time to gain that thing. So it's just at least a form of offering say hey listen this where I'm at would that be enough for you kind of thing and I've learned that the hard when you first started off like a few years back you're like this and I realize this person got to where they're at right now you know so it's only good to try and like just utilize that a bit more

18:32 yeah I love that I've done that like so many times where I'll reach out to someone and say hey you know you're doing this certain thing or I'm doing this um I'd love to pick your brain let me know you know if if you're available and what that would look like I'm happy to pay for your time

18:45 you have to invest in yourself in all that you do, right? Um I always feel like it's very important to have even a mentor, someone that can hold you accountable and help you grow, especially us being entrepreneurs. Um we don't really always have someone that's telling us what to do because we are the leader, we are the ones that are running the show. And so it's like who do we go to for help, for accountability, um those kind of things, you know? So I think it's important to invest in in mentorship and and with people that you look up to that can help you elevate yourself.

19:16 And what advice would you give for those that are not are currently in their comfort zone of not connecting and they get social anxiety and stuff like that and cuz for all even us extroverts we still have the thing where we have to get out of comfort zone. Would you agree with that?

19:32 Absolutely. So, what advice would you give for those that are just are not connecting and have that anxiety?

19:39 Yeah, I would say um find your find your people, right? Find your circle, find your people. There's so many different networking things out there, whether that's in person, there's some online. Um there's different groups, different socials. Look for what it is that you do, your industry, and or other entrepreneurs or business owners. So, in your city, there are lots of local things that are going on um that you can subscribe to, you know, newsletters, things like that, and and get involved, get out there. Um I remember a very very huge pivotal time for me in my career.

20:17 Um and we're coming up on the anniversary of that this coming well, November. Um there was a legal conference in Atlanta. This was some years ago. and I had subscribed to this um trial lawyers page that I really admire and I got an email with an invitation to this event, huge event at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. I mean Arnold Schwarzenegger was going to be there. Um Camille Vasquez, she was the attorney for Johnny Depp's trial. So it was a lot of really really big people and I thought I don't know anyone and I had two choices and I could say well never mind maybe I just won't go. But I'm like, "Yeah, but I already have the ticket. I'm kind of formally invited.

21:00 This seems like something huge." So, I did go and I ended up meeting so many incredible women at that conference that have truly changed my life. Not the not necessarily the women, but that group of just networking, right? And what that's grown to from then until now has been huge, huge, huge. It's literally really made a huge impact in my business. So, don't be scared, you guys. I know sometimes it's intimidating. You know, it's especially when you're in somewhere very new. Um I found that for me sometimes too, it's a little bit easier when you're in like a sitdown setting because then you're forced to sit next to someone and you can kind of have small talk that way versus I've been to some networking events that it's like I know not one single person and you walk in and it's like everyone already kind of has their little click and how do you kind of get in? It's a little bit more difficult. So yeah, it's easier to, you

21:54 know, again, find what's local to your community, whether it's business, entrepreneurship, or your industry specifically.

22:02 Gosh, that's absolute nuggets right there. So when we talk about um consistency,

22:08 yes, persistence and patience. Um obviously we know that consistency always beats talent in business longevity. Uh I want to make an example. Obviously for me um the the easier thing to do to start a podcast is obviously when you are when you're famous cuz you can just get all like the leadership

22:27 but in order when you're in a field um and I'm making this example because something I can relate to the best it's you have to think out the box but you have to be consistent. I mean, you've seen the episodes I've posted and it just and we're so if I tell you that we're actually after today would be 50 plus still in terms of like, you know, backed up that we have to just focus entirely on on on on the event. It's that consistency that shows that, hey, listen, I may not be right now a Joe Rogan audience or and sometimes that may not be like my level of success. Success comes in many different ways, you know.

23:04 Absolutely. And I think what people need to understand is the fact that hey listen figure out a niche figure out what you like but also be consistent at what you do because eventually in the long run once you are consistent in that field you are bound to get a reward one way or another. Would you agree on that?

23:21 Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. When I think of consistency and I think of the gym, right, it's like you can go to the gym once, nothing's going to happen. But the more you go and you go and you go, you'll definitely start seeing the results. Just like anything in life, you get better and better the more you're consistent with it, right?

23:39 Mhm. And but the only problem in those three terms I mentioned, I mentioned consistency, uh persistent and patience because of us just being such um instant gratification generation and the people that are coming up. It's I call it the Tik Tok generation where you see something for 3 seconds and you're like, "Ah, I can't watch more than three."

24:00 Um what is it that we struggling with? Why aren't people patient today? Well, because we have everything at our hands. It's like you have your phone, you want to Google something, you want to look at this, you want to watch a video, you want to find something out. Now, we even have chat GPT. That took us to a whole other level. So, um it is hard. It is hard being patient. But, um you know, if you think about results and something longevity, right? And again, p being persistent with something. If you nourish something, you're consistent with something. Let's say what you do, whatever it is that you do, you're consistent with it and then you're persistent. So you keep going after it after after even clients, right? Very patient. You have to be patient and later in the long run. The way the world works, it always comes back to you.

24:49 It always does. No, I love that. I love that so much. Yeah, we have a lot we're going to obviously dive in as well. Can't believe it's like 30 seconds. I mean, 30 minutes has already gone by. I hardly touched question one. What's going on? That's a good conversation. That's an example for that.

25:07 Um, I know we started saying that in terms of like starting something. I want to know somebody watching out there, what are resources that are available to us that can be accessible to anyone wanting to start something with limited funds?

25:25 Yes, I'm the perfect example of that. I think I had just like maybe $5,000 to my name. I was leaving my job, a secure job, and I'm like, you know what? I want to start something of my own. Um, but before I jumped into that, I was attending so different classes that this is local, but in your community, there might be something similar to this. So, um, the small business development center, I believe that's nationwide if I'm not mistaken. They do a lot of free classes. They have mentors there that can assist you. They'll pull up like anal analytics and whatever industry you're looking for. Um, they're so good with numbers and just kind of guiding you and mentoring you. Not only that, but they have resources as far as once you're starting a business, where do you go? What does that look like? What are the websites? They are a huge, huge resource, and you get to network with other people that are maybe on the same

26:19 page or a little bit more advanced. So, that's a great um a very, very great uh business or organization. Um, there's also the chambers. So, a lot of the chambers, they offer educational training. Um, they also do networking events, which I say get out to those. Get to know people, get to know people that are around you. Um, surround yourself with people that are trying to do things and elevate themselves because sometimes it's easy to stay in our comfort zone and with our, you know, family, friends, but if you stay stuck there, you're not really going to elevate yourself. So, I would say um small business development center, your local chambers, the women's business center, that was very very crucial and helpful for me. Um and even um what else? Just on there's a I think it's called meetup.com.

27:13 There's different resources there too that you can find in your area. I think I think those are good resources to get started with.

27:20 And yes, I love that you mentioned that. So, I I want you to give me advice. So, obviously, I'm going to throw the event end of the year. Yes.

27:26 Um, not just another thing is that uh we're going to do a mastermind which is going to be like a Soho house

27:32 where I'd need people to either be in a business or to start a business because it's a thing where we're all going to be supporting each other in new ways in terms of like growing and getting contacts, similar funding and all that kind of stuff. But I also want to do something that's going to be completely free for those that just want to keep coming to regular like meetups as well because the entire purpose I feel like of of people that are going to be paying for the mastermind is because there is not necessarily a guarantee but there's going to be more doors that are going to be opening where that payment is to try and obviously pay for the speakers that are going to be coming through and giving the proper blueprint and stuff like that as well. So and usually if people pay for something you value it a bit more.

28:13 Yeah, I agree. You told me that better when I told you the stuff with the phone. You're like, "Ki, this thing." I'm like, "I want to do a free event." I like, "Okay, who's going to pay for the bloody uh venue?" You know, it's a lot of venue. It's a lot of food. I'm like

28:26 I'm like, "Yes, I'm religious, but you know, something has to pay." Yeah. You know, and and I get that. And at the end of the day, we're all trying to do something and we're all, you know, there's expenses, we're in business, there's things that we have to cover. So, I think that's important. And and I do feel like there is more value when you not more value in what you're getting, but people respect it a little bit more when you put a dollar amount because there's commitment,

28:52 right? Versus like you can sign up and say, "Yeah, I'm going." Half those people might not show up because it's free,

28:58 right? I think it's mentality, something in the mind that something happens there.

29:02 It's true. It's very very true. And I've I've felt situations like that as well where it's like, "Oh, you're invited to come through." You're like, "Am I tired?" I don't know. Maybe I am tired. Maybe. But if you pay, you're like, "Yo, I got to get my money's worth." It's similar with a buffet. You're like, "I'm not hungry, but I'm like, you know what?

29:19 Yo, I paid." Yeah. I went to I was at Caesar's Palace. So, I took out me and my producers and and a few of the guys and like the thing was like 80 bucks. No, no, no, no. It was like 93, but I think in total for everyone was like 400, 500. So my mind like I'm like even if they aren't eating I'm like I'm going to stuff myself because of my

29:41 Yeah. So yeah when you pay but if it's like a free thing at the at a thing you're like let's take a I don't even like it. I'm fine. You know

29:49 well and think about your think about who might show up to those to those events right when they're free depending on what your goal is right. So, like there's these classes through the Small Business Development Center and all of those other resources, those are free, which that's great. And those are learning teaching you how to set your business up and things like that. But if you're doing a mastermind or something like that and you're saying it's free versus there's a ticket and it's a high ticket item, you know, those people are invested, they want to learn, they want to be there, and they're finding the resources or the funds to make sure that they get there. So they're more I'd feel like more maybe more committed to what what the event is.

30:33 I love that. Yeah. No, I really really do like that. Um now obviously when you've started a business and you be at the level of trying to upscale, can we talk about like knowing when and how to pivot?

30:50 Okay. Um well, let's go back to the injury law, right? So I said I started in 2009 and I was an employee at that time for many many years. Um and what I I think what for me what happened was I saw my value in what I was providing and how much of a difference I was making inside of these firms for everyone else. And I thought, well, if I can do it for them and I seem to be the common denominator at these firms that's making a difference, then how can I replicate this but for many more firms except on my term, right?

31:34 Um, so I think the the game changes when you find the value in yourself and you're able to put that out there um and take that leap of faith, right? And so that was my pivot, right? is like, okay, I can be an employee forever and this is what it looks like. I get told when I clock in, when I clock out, when I can take my lunch, I have to ask for vacation time. So many things. And I thought, well, I feel like I can still do what I'm doing and I have a passion for, but on my terms. So,

32:05 um, you have to have that leap of faith and just kind of go for it. However, kind of made sure I was still set up on the back end, right? Have a little bit of financial cushion. um and start looking for your clientele already. Have them kind of on the back of the mind so that when the time comes and you're ready to move, then it's go time.

32:26 Yeah. No, I like that as well. Um and I think uh people just I think when you fully um enter the the entrepreneurial space, it's exciting at first and you realize, darn it,

32:43 you don't sleep, you know? Yeah, you're on your regular 9 to5 and and stuff. I promise you, you can still sleep. You can enjoy the weekend.

32:52 There is no sleep because you can work any time of the day, especially when you're running a business as well. You know, you know this better than most as well. So, it requires that. So, another advice I'd give if you want to this journey, pray long and hard.

33:07 Oh, yeah. And then go all in. Oh, yeah. Because you can't lukewarm this. No, you cannot. Not at all. I've seen people that they think they're ready for entrepreneurship. They leave their, you know, their steady job and income and earning very very well income and they go to it and they don't go full force. They're not disciplined. They're not consistent. All of those things are not persistent. And so what happens is I've seen them have to kind of backpedal and go back because they look they need that security. I'm like maybe you weren't quite ready.

33:41 Maybe you weren't quite ready and or once you were out there, you know, you have to have grit because if you don't, the world will just eat you up.

33:51 Yeah. No, it really does. Yeah. And so that's the thing. You just have to I think what happens most people just don't want to play the long game. They give up too easily as well. So it's just like listen, it's not for everyone. But if you want it to be for you, just all you got to do is just show up every day,

34:07 right? Show up every single day. no matter how tired, no matter anything going on around you, you have to keep showing up. You have to do it. And I'm glad you mentioned, you know, I mean, you think of this job security, right? And then you're like, "Oh, well, I can do this. I'm going to go out on my own." It is challenging. And I remember when I was an employee and I had my child, I thought, "Well, this sucks. Like, they're telling me I can only be with my newborn for one month and I have to come back to work. Like, this is terrible. I can't wait till I'm my own business owner and no one's going to tell me. And guess what? Boy, was I wrong. So wrong.

34:48 Because it was I was like literally had just given birth and I'm on the phone with clients in bed like trying to tend to my newborn baby and I'm like I I have to do this. I have to take it because there's no one else around me that can help me or support me right now. This is before I hired employees. Um and so it was challenging. It was very very tough. And I'm just so grateful that I was able to just stick with it. And now I have my full staff and they are so supportive and I just feel so great because of them I'm able to be here during work hours doing this with you,

35:21 you know. I love that. I love that. Um, your network as a growth strategy. Um I think we often touched on network a lot throughout the entire conversation but when we speak about growth strategy um I think there's a lot of components that are very important and variables that connect all the dots together because

35:41 um networking is important. Networking with intention is important but at the end of the day like

35:47 one question somebody asked me yesterday and caught me off guard is like actually what is your goal? like you're meeting all these people, you're doing all these stuff like

35:55 what is your goal? And yes, I usually have this answer and I have and I keep answering and stuff, but I went back to the hotel. I'm like gosh dang

36:02 I need to be very specific at what I want. Yes. And what's the goal for this thing? Yes, people are learning as well, but like there has to be an end goal, you know,

36:11 purpose, intention. Journaling will help you a lot with that because it's like think of a road map where you tell me where to go. So, the first thing I'm going to ask is what's the address? Then once I plug the address in, it's going to tell me turn right, turn left, go straight, do this. But if you don't have an a goal, what are you doing? Where are you going? I I like that. I think that's

36:32 because the car is starting, but eventually you don't want the gas to end you. You have to get to a destination.

36:36 Yes, absolutely. So, um what strategies uh would you say are important to implement like networking towards someone's growth in business?

36:45 Um I would say nourishing them. So earlier you talked about like an email list, right? Um but being able to funnel them in and you nourish those relationships because you never know when it might turn into something. So I've been in the legal industry 16 years now and I don't really have to do a whole lot of marketing or paid ads or anything like that because because I've already established all these relationships and have nourished them for so many years. Um, I I started uh doing something else within the legal industry and people know I'm doing it. I don't talk about it a lot, but because they know, they automatically will call, "Hey, Vanessa, I have this referral for you. I have a referral. I have a referral." And all of a sudden, it turned into a second business that is just it's thriving on its own. And it's just like on cruise control because of the networking and and the growth with

37:34 that and being able to nourish those relationships. So, nourish the relationships.

37:39 No. Wow. It's important. And it's yeah, it's important because how many times do we get the contact of somebody that that we'veorked with, but we don't we never reach out,

37:48 right? I mean, I harassed you yesterday. How many times and I'm so sorry. I was like, well, my phone was just ringing right now as you stepped out and I'm like, I had to just say, call you back again. I said, this person called me earlier this morning. I had a text like, I am so sorry. I'm getting back to you. I promise. I have to calendar that. So, I've had to get better with time management because I literally have to plug in calls, payroll, you know, meeting with an employee, like every single thing, even like getting ready, school, drop offs, gym, dinner, because I have to stay on track. I have to stay on track. I have to have structure and accountability to my own self. So, it's been very it's been very helpful. It's new, but if and it's hard to stick to it, but it is helpful.

38:33 No, no, I appreciate that. I'm telling you right now, you're not the my my worst victim. Yeah,

38:39 I've had far worse. And I think I've mastered the art of um extreme persistent, but you got to be careful because there's a borderline between that and harassment. You have to understand that listen, some what somebody's doing for you, it's still at the end of the day their time and a favor that they're doing. So, you have to understand, yes, it's a win-win for both parties. they're going to be on your platform but at the end of the day time is such a valuable commodity that listen they are doing something for you by coming to this thing so you have to still be extremely cautiously respectful but also understand that people are busy so that's why uh if I would I wouldn't be persistent if they weren't busy but everyone is a business owner everyone is like making so much everyone's running employees

39:21 but so sometimes people is things are slightly a little off like um not necessarily off but like they got so much they're doing that co-winning as much as it's a priority for me, I'm trying to also trying to fit within their schedule, right? So, I think it's mastering that thing. And I think I'm at the point it's like, listen, I got to push the brakes somewhere, but I'm telling you, I've been far worse, so you're not my worst victim. So,

39:44 and I think persistency is great. I mean, we talked about this, right? If you're not persistent, uh, what do they say? Closed mouths don't get fed. So, if you're not asking for it, you're never going to get it.

39:56 And worst case, the answer is no. But you'll never find it until you keep asking. So keep shooting that bloody shot.

40:01 Yes. And maybe right now is not the time and maybe in the future it will be. Exactly. You just never know. Keep nourishing those relationships. Keep being persistent.

40:09 I love that. Love that. That's why I don't That's why we don't even need questions. Look at the conversation we have. No, it's true. It's true. And I think whenever we look at the most successful people that have invested 10,000 hours in whatever craft or workmanship or field or industry, whatever it may be, it it's always comes back to those three things we spoke about, which was consistency, persistence, and patience.

40:31 Yes. You know, LeBron James is not LeBron James overnight, right? Cristiano Ronaldo was not Cristiano Ronaldo overnight.

40:37 Vanessa Ramirez was not Vanessa Ramirez overnight. Exactly. Cahu Dani K was never, you know, KG overnight. Everyone does that craft, but everyone's got their own story. But everyone within their story may not um you know be LeBron James, but they are whoever they are within the identity and like whatever craftman or or field that they're in. So I I like that story. So

40:59 yeah, I love that. Do you want to add anything else on that? Um, no. I think it's important as you were saying that, I was thinking of Kobe, you know, like he if you know his story and like how often he was in the gym, how he wasn't entertaining like going to the bar, doing this, doing that because he knew he had a goal, right? um he wanted to be the best and he said he was the best all the time. But he wouldn't have gotten to where he were if it were not for him again being persistent um and training every single day. Not just when the coaches would tell him. That's something you have to do on your own. Sometimes you have to find your own motivation and push your own self to beyond your limiting beliefs.

41:38 No, that's so powerful. Let's talk about authenticity and brand alignment. Yeah.

41:46 Can you talk a bit more about that? Um, authenticity, which is what we're doing now. This is not staged. This is just us um, speaking in our natural habitat. I think it's important to do that. Um, branding, consistency again. So, if I go on to your platform and maybe I want to know what is it you do, but one day you're doing this and you're doing that and another thing, it's going to be hard for me to determine who you are or what it is that you do. So, I think it's important to um stay consistent and keep up with that branding because sometimes your brand speaks for itself without you even having to be in the room,

42:22 you know. No, that's that's legit. And I think it's it's very important because we know that um being authentic also attracts the right connections,

42:31 right? Uh because there's only so much you can end up putting up a facade or being a little phony. Eventually it all comes down to your true self and because people do read onto that

42:41 you know absolutely people have got discernment people understand and if not it eventually catches up to you so I think

42:47 just being authentic in connections and getting to know people and reaching out be very intentional don't put up I mean I remember telling you what my budget was first then I told you I got to adjust a few stuff cuz now I realize there's a power of utilizing in um um what's it sponsors all the different stuff but I I wasn't trying come across like you know I'm some sort of uh uh I don't know um multi-billionaire like listen this is what we have that's my market let's try and do something make it work I love that

43:20 and I think it's just important for people to understand and they can try and that's when you're like hey listen try doing this and try doing that thing maybe get these people to try and do that thing you know revisit that thing and all this different stuff and that's when you get that because now your mindset's open like oh wow that's true then let me go through all the people I've interviewed and then it was like like oh yeah sure just get a website and then you're like wow it's that simple yeah people are willing to do that because they see value in that so yet again I was authentic in telling you like hey listen this is where I'm at at the moment yes of course we're doing well in AdSense revenue and stuff but we keep reinvesting so much in other different stuff that we need to know that we cannot break ourselves you know so

43:59 yeah of course I think it's important to be authentic in everything you do business personal every single thing it's very important takes you it goes a lot further than

44:10 uh trying to well I know they say fake it till you make it but in certain situations you don't want to do that.

44:16 What's the toughest part about being an entrepreneur? For me it's been time management.

44:22 It's truly been time well time management and finding the motivation. um when sometimes you have to be your own motivation because again you don't have someone telling you when to clock in when to clock out here's what you need to do um so it's been challenging that part has been very challenging and then knowing how to allocate time and I wouldn't for me I wouldn't say that there is a um you know when when they say work life balance I don't have a work life balance I I'm working sometimes in in the evenings or if my kids are at sports, I might be able to hurry up and pick up a call really quick, but um so you know, I wouldn't say work life balance, but yeah, I would say um time management has been difficult. Um and motivation sometimes.

45:12 So you got to keep doing it. You got to keep doing it whether no one else is clapping behind you. You got to clap for yourself and push yourself, you know. And sometimes again back to the why why it's a good idea to hire a mentor so they can hold hold you accountable when you can't.

45:27 No, I'm glad you touched on that because that's like what the last second topic I want to touch on is like how important is it? You know, we've seen people uh that are successful in whatever field they may be. There's one common denominator that everyone does have and that's the fact that there was a mentor or a coach that helped them along the way. How important has mentorship been for you throughout your experience and like journey as an entrepreneur?

45:49 Huge. Huge. I would say um I have a mentor who I've worked with since in fact when I started in the industry since 2009 that mentor was specifically for the industry right and has helped me elevate in that way. Um going to the conferences and learning from the speakers there and people who are doing way better than me though I I use them as mentors as well. And then personally because um if you are not a disciplined person in general and you're not in a right state of mind and have a good mindset, how are you going to lead your staff and the people around you? So I think it's very important. Very important.

46:29 No, I love that. I think it's Yeah, it it's it's important. And the nice thing is that they they can help you avoid the stuff that they never got the chance to do. So,

46:41 right. And so it helps you get a certain shortcut in in the right way. Yeah. Not like by by by stagnating or preventing your progress. But I feel like it it just makes a big difference. So I couldn't agree more. Um obviously note of time. I know you're very busy and I want you to get back to the office in in time. The last question we usually ask entrepreneurs because the term winning is so different for everyone else. The code winning obviously means insights people need today to seize the world tomorrow. Uh for Vanessa Ramirez, throughout your journey in life and in business, what does the term winning mean for you?

47:19 Winning for me means making an impact for others. Being the voice for others when they cannot be the voice for themselves. Um I when I started in the industry, the legal industry, I always did what was right. I I never looked at numbers. I was an employee, right? But it was always doing what's right, making a difference in the community, fighting for every single case and client like they were the only ones that ever existed. Um, and just feeling that reward of we made a I made a difference. I personally made a difference in this person's life. Um, to me that's winning when someone can come to me and they when once we're done they're a different person than when they were when they came to me. So to me that's winning.

48:02 Awesome. if you could let our viewers know where to get a hold of you if they want to try and like get in terms of injury attorney or or legal advice or consulting or in business or like any social. Obviously, we'll have that all in the description section. Can you let our viewers know where to go?

48:18 Absolutely. So, again, it's Vanessa Ramirez with the Injury Law Consultants. Um, and you can find me on Instagram. Um, and that's the injury law consultants.

48:29 Awesome. uh the codewinning insights you need today to seize the world tomorrow. Vanessa Ramirez, thank you very much.

48:36 Thank you so much.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "THE SYSTEMS, STRATEGY, AND MINDSET OF TOP ENTREPRENEURS || VANESSA RAMIREZ || EPISODE 075"?

Vanessa Ramirez (Host).

What is "THE SYSTEMS, STRATEGY, AND MINDSET OF TOP ENTREPRENEURS || VANESSA RAMIREZ || EPISODE 075" about?

The discussion focuses on the systems, strategies, and mindsets of successful entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of networking and finding supportive communities to overcome social anxiety. It also addresses the challenges of impatience in today's fast-paced world, advocating for persistence and consistency in achieving long-term results.

What is mentioned in this Code To Winning episode?

6 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Vanessa Ramirez, The Injury Law Consultants, Small Business Development Center, Women's Business Center, Mercedes-Benz Arena, Camille Vasquez. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "THE SYSTEMS, STRATEGY, AND MINDSET OF TOP ENTREPRENEURS || VANESSA RAMIREZ || EPISODE 075"?

The episode runs 49 min; the transcript is about 9,718 words in 130 timestamped sections.

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