In my more formative years, I was a terrible student.

Like, “Yay! I got a C- in Geography,” terrible.

I had to take Algebra II as a summer school class because I failed it during the regular school year. I got a D in Psychology because I didn’t turn in the final paper. I floated through English classes only because writing and critical thinking were fortunately two intellectual traits I can chock up to a fair amount of natural ability (to an extent).

It’s not that I was “dumb.” I was just lazy and uncommitted. I didn’t know how to think beyond the confines of my tiny world, which consisted of a combination of babysitting and working at the China Doll Express so I could afford smokes and gas for my 1984 two-tone brown Chevrolet Chevette (god, I miss that car).

I did manage to letter in Journalism (who letters in Journalism?), which certainly enhanced my average ACT score when I finally got around to applying for college my senior year. I felt my chances were slim regardless.

Why?

Not long before I sent out my one and only application to a college, my senior student advisor, Mrs. Montgomery, sat me down in her office and said to me, “You’ll never make it in college. You just don’t have what it takes. You’re not smart enough.”

What it’s like to be told you’re not smart enough

You’re not smart enough.

Has anyone ever said that to you before?

That kind of comment stays with you for life.

After The Mrs. Montgomery Incident, I poured the final months of my tenure as a high school student into self-sabotage. I went to classes only because if we made perfect attendance all semester we’d be exempt from taking finals. I passed with an average GPA of 2.8.

Much to the surprise of everyone, though, I applied and was accepted to Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1996. This time, I would do everything right.

Except I didn’t do anything right, at least not at first. I failed my freshman year miserably. I had proven Mrs. Montgomery correct. I was not smart enough.

Learning how to learn

Fortunately, my cerebral cortex began to develop more fully by the time I turned 20, because something in me changed. I stopped trying not to try and started learning how to think. Soon, I was getting solid Bs in Biology, adding a minor on Women’s Studies to my major in English and Mass Communications. I was hired on as features editor at the college paper. Then I was accepted into MSUM’s Master of Fine Arts program where I spent time honing in on the craft of creative writing. I also taught freshman composition.

It’s been well over a decade since I was in graduate school, but I continue to learn something new every day. Although there isn’t a day that goes by when I can’t see Mrs. Montgomery across the desk from me, saying, “You’re not smart enough,” I consider myself an avid learner:

• Learning teaches us about the human experience, which in turn, teaches us how to talk with our customers.

• Learning gives us the freedom to explore new thoughts, ideas and theories. Experimenting with language is a natural way to find your voice and the right ways to share it with the world.

• Learning validates our visions. If we have a big dream, a goal or maybe just a big deadline, learning as much as we can about a subject helps us build achievable plans.

• Learning makes things more interesting. If we aren’t learning, we’re stagnating. How boring is that?

What constant learning means as a business value

As a business value, I believe constant learning gives me the power to explore new ideas - ones that can lead to making better decisions for my clients so they can succeed wherever they are on their brand content journey.

While other companies might say they are in “constant pursuit of innovation and excellence,” I’m more likely to say something like, “Let’s spend some time looking at all avenues, all perspectives, all solutions.” It’s a considered approach, not one that takes chances on shiny new objects, and it’s not for everyone.

As a constant learner, expect me to:

Ask a lot of questions - The more I know about your and your content goals, the better I’ll be able to provide what you need. The better I can provide what you need, the greater the outcomes for you.

Sometimes ask for a little more time - Research and data might not be part of your definition of writing, but it’s the first step in my process. Depending on the complexity of the topic, the marketing goal, the scope of the project, I may ask for a couple extra hours. I call this my “due diligence.”

Explore solutions rather than choose the easiest route - Unfortunately, there is no template for content experience. What worked for one client isn’t going to always work for the next. Constant learning allows me to work with you on solving a problem in the way you believe works best for you, your company and your goals.

Approach our collaboration as a long-term partnership - I really enjoy working with people and companies that are exploring their content experience program as a long-term investment in their brand and marketing strategy.

Of course, constant learning also means I have the honor to teach others what I know and to also glean from your expertise. Learning from one another is one of the greatest ways we can collaborate and find the right solutions for content success.

Ready to learn with me?

I would love to hear what’s on your mind, what you’re curious about lately, and how we can work together and create together. Let’s chat.