Each week we will celebrate a woman who makes things happen her way. This week’s Happenista HookUp is with Jennifer Corcoran. Join us.

Tell us a bit about what you do and your journey to getting there.

In a nutshell, I help people to shine online and connect with finesse. I run a social media consultancy called My Super Connector where I help entrepreneurs and busy business owners to polish up their profiles and connect with finesse. I also offer Virtual Business Support.

I wasn’t always a social media specialist and my journey started several years ago.

I was burying my head in the sand when it came to social media and if I’m honest I was a bit scared of it. I realised that I needed to get on top of LinkedIn and what started off as one course ended up being about 13 in quick succession.

I surprised myself along the way on discovering that not only did I enjoy social media once I understood the platforms but I was also good at it and before long I was ranked as the number 1 Virtual Assistant in the UK by Executive Secretary Magazine in terms of klout and engagement.

What gave you the courage to take the leap to set up on your own?

I had a back operation in early 2016 and that was really the main driver. Having time off allowed me to work out what I wanted to do with my life going forward and being my own boss after having supported others for 20 years was my natural conclusion.

In my past life, I was an award winning Executive Assistant in Ireland, Australia and the UK. Being my own boss gives me flexibility and also allows me to look after my back and health better. The elusive work/health life balance! I’m really enjoying working locally and throwing myself into the Croydon tech scene. Croydon is currently listed as the fastest growing economy in the UK so it’s exciting to be based here as it goes through this tech renaissance.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

My entire first year in business has been a challenge with many ups and downs.

As an introvert (albeit a chatty one) I’ve had to smash through my comfort zone in order to build greater brand awareness as a business owner. I’ve hosted clinics, workshops, webinars, appeared on the radio, podcasts, tweet chats, on the cover of a magazine and was invited to no 10 – phew! All of this is completely outside my comfort zone. If I was to pinpoint the ‘biggest’ challenge it would be the transition from an employee mind-set to that of business owner and boss.

I’m currently in talks to become an accredited trainer for the Facebook ‘She Means Business’ campaign which is very exciting and will be my next big challenge. 10,000 female business owners were trained in 2017 so there are big shoes and goals to fill….

What made you become a Happenista and what have you gained from being a part of the tribe?

I joined the Happenista tribe in 2016 after having quit my corporate role of 11 years in Financial Services. I needed inspiration, motivation and education and the Happenista Project provided all of this in bucket loads along with an engaged and supportive community.

If you could ask for one thing from the tribe of Happenistas what would it be?

I would love if the Happenistas could bear me in mind when they hear of anyone needing a VA or help with social media. Referrals are invaluable especially in your first year of business.

The key thing to remember with me is that I don’t provide social media management, my USP is that I help people to do their own thus saving them money and time in the long run. I perform strategy audits and also give 121 training which I really enjoy. I talk the talk and would like to think that I also walk the walk. I’ve recently won the title of ‘Social Media Consultant of the Year – South England 2017’ at the Businesswoman Awards hosted by CV Magazine.

What or who would you like to add to your network e.g. someone who knows about… or a specific individual you’d like to know?

If any of the Happenistas know a tried and tested YouTube, PowerPoint or MailChimp expert I would love to be connected with them. I discovered a fantastic copywriter Laura Sands through this group and Laura has helped me tweak my website copy so thanks already for this!

What do people say you’re good at?

Connecting and networking hence the name My Super Connector. When I first launched my business, I conducted a brand survey on my skills and strengths. You can see the results in a Wordle Diagram on my Instagram profile @superconnector

If we were looking for you in a bookshop, in which section would we find you?

Comedy! Anything from Sue Townsend makes me chuckle especially the Adrian Mole series. I’ve read my fair share of business books but when I want to switch off its comedy or chick lit all the way.

What’s your favourite movie or song or play and why?

My favourite movie of all time is John Boorman’s Excalibur.

It takes me right back to my childhood as it was shot entirely in Ireland. For those of you who are not familiar, Excalibur retells the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the round table. My name Jennifer means Guinevere so I’ve always had an affinity to this tale and the cast and sound track of this movie is truly stellar.   The special effects may be a bit dated but I fully subscribe to the notion of ‘trouthe’ in the movie and I’ve always believed that my word is my bond and that the pen is mightier than the sword.