I’ve always admired people who can pivot in life. It’s not easy to walk away from something you’ve dedicated years to—especially when it’s something you love. But life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, and what we do next really shapes where we end up. That’s why my conversation with MerriLyn Gibbs on the Never Been Promoted podcast hit home. MerriLyn’s journey from aspiring LPGA golfer to running a successful virtual assistant business is the kind of story that feels familiar but is still inspiring in its own way.
We’ve all faced those moments when our original plans fall apart, and we have to figure out our next steps. MerriLyn’s story isn’t just about a career shift; it’s about realizing that the skills we pick up along the way can take us further than we ever imagined.
Realizing You Already Have What It Takes
MerriLyn didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur. Her heart was set on the LPGA, but when that didn’t pan out, she had to figure out another plan. At first, she didn’t even see how her skills could transfer to a new career.
“I didn’t think my skills as a golf coach would translate into anything else, but when I sat down with a career coach, it became clear that all those years of recruiting, fundraising, organizing events—those were real, valuable skills that could be applied elsewhere.”
This realization was key for MerriLyn. She wasn’t starting from scratch; she had already built a foundation that could support her next chapter. It’s a reminder to all of us that no matter what field we come from, we’re gathering skills and experiences that can be applied in ways we might not expect.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- You’re more prepared than you think – The skills you’ve gained from your past experiences are more valuable than you realize. They’re your stepping stones to the next opportunity.
- Find what’s transferable – Just because you’re leaving one field doesn’t mean you’re starting over. Dig into what you’ve already learned and figure out how to apply it.
- Seek outside perspective – Sometimes, we’re too close to our own story to see the bigger picture. MerriLyn’s career coach helped her see what she couldn’t see on her own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Networking the Right Way: Build Real Relationships
When MerriLyn launched her virtual assistant business, she didn’t do it with a slick marketing campaign or a big advertising budget. Instead, she focused on something much more effective: networking. But she wasn’t just throwing business cards around or trying to sell herself at every opportunity.
“I made it a goal to meet 1,000 people in my first year,” she explained. “But it wasn’t about collecting names. It was about building real connections.”
She showed up consistently—two live events a week, five or six one-on-one meetings each week. By the end of the year, she had over 1,200 LinkedIn connections, people she genuinely knew and had built relationships with. That kind of intentional networking laid the foundation for her business success.
This was such a powerful reminder for me. So often, we treat networking like a numbers game. But the truth is, it’s about relationships—real, meaningful connections that can lead to lasting partnerships and opportunities.
What I Learned from Her Experience:
- Quality over quantity – It’s not about how many people you meet; it’s about how well you connect. Relationships are what make networking valuable.
- Show up consistently – MerriLyn didn’t just go to one event and call it a day. She made it a habit, showing up week after week, building those relationships over time.
- Be intentional – Don’t just collect business cards or LinkedIn connections. Build relationships with people who you genuinely want to know and work with.
Reflections from the Interview
As I listened to MerriLyn’s story, it made me reflect on the many lessons we can take from her journey—lessons that go beyond the specifics of her business and touch on what it means to be resilient, adaptable, and committed.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- You don’t need to reinvent yourself to succeed – Often, the skills we need are already within us. It’s about recognizing their value and applying them in new ways.
- Networking is the backbone of any business – The relationships we build are our most valuable assets. Invest in them.
- Stay adaptable – Life is going to throw curveballs, but the key is staying flexible and being willing to pivot when needed.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help – MerriLyn’s career coach helped her see opportunities she couldn’t see on her own. Whether it’s a coach, a mentor, or a trusted friend, we all need a little help sometimes.
- Consistency is everything – Whether it’s showing up to networking events or keeping in touch with clients, consistency is what builds trust and long-term success.
Final Thoughts
MerriLyn’s story is one of resilience and determination. She didn’t let the end of one dream stop her from creating another. Instead, she recognized the value of the skills she had, built meaningful relationships, and turned those connections into a thriving business.
For anyone reading this who’s facing a career transition or thinking about starting something new, take a page from MerriLyn’s book. Trust that you already have what it takes. Build those connections and show up consistently. The path to success isn’t always straightforward, but with the right mindset and approach, you can create something incredible.
If you want to dive deeper into MerriLyn’s journey and hear more about how she built her business, check out her full episode on Never Been Promoted: STOP Thinking You Can’t Compete with Larger Firms with MerriLyn Gibbs
CONNECT WITH MERRILYN GIBBS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrilyn-gibbs-50283642/
Website: https://www.assistants4hire.net/