Lessons Learned from Julia Allison

I have a feeling that this is going to be an ongoing post so I created a separate category called “Lessons Learned from Julia Allison”. I have a love/hate relationship with Julia, who has created her own fame via NonSociety, her lifecast. If you want to read more about Julia’s online empire, check out Ana’s Too Shy to Stop article about Internet fame.

I wish I had her energy and fearlessness. She is outgoing, and she knows how to hustle. I want to be the Julia Allison who stands on platforms that are most important to me: arts, culture, writing, literature, and (new) media.

I don’t necessarily like the fact that Julia’s main source of content is her personal life, but I guess curious readers want to read about a pretty young woman’s trials and tribulations. I have no interest in sharing my personal life, but I know that I must project a certain image to market myself and my ideas.

Julia Allison, what can I learn from you?

No Crisis, No Opportunity

Julia is not shy about telling her readers how she’s feeling at any given moment. In May, she was going through an existential crisis of sorts and posted this sign that reads “No Crisis, No Opportunity”. Julia understands that everything good and valuable is born from confusion and upheaval.

Since I graduated, I have not been sure what I am supposed to do. I have been applying to full-time jobs in the media and marketing industries, but I am passionate about working on Too Shy to Stop and my own writing. Admitting to myself that I’m confused has been great motivation. I am throwing myself head-first into my projects while I wait for something to make sense.

Show Up

Julia is always attending industry events. Sure, it doesn’t hurt that she is invited to these events, but she attends, no matter how exhausted she is.

(Pictured at left: Posing with important people, by fimoculous)

Recently, Julia wrote, “So, as most of you know, I’ve been trying – failing! – to cut down on the insane travel schedule I’ve kept for the past seven or so months. June was meant to be a quiet month in NY, but a few weeks ago I was asked to give the keynote at a conference called “FutureProof” in Dublin, Ireland.  Today I was invited to attend a press adventure trip to Puerto Vallarta from June 12-16 – and another press trip to LA June 17th.” She broke a promise she made to herself in order to take advantage of some great opportunities!

I can definitely learn from her positive, must-do attitude. Sometimes, I would rather spend a quiet evening at home, but it’s usually in my best interest to attend any networking opportunity available to me. Every event is a chance to meet new people and open doors of opportunity!

Maintain a Strong Network

Julia is a master of networking, and she is sure to meet everyone who is anyone. Recently, Julia attended her five-year reunion at Georgetown, and she seems to maintain a strong network with her successful classmates.

I need to reach out to classmates at my alma maters and find ways to stay in contact. I also need to seek out movers and shakers in the media industry and find ways to meet them. It probably doesn’t hurt to treat them to coffee or a meal! People like to know that they are appreciated.

Always Look Your Best and Make Your Best Seem Effortless

Julia is always dressed to the nines, and her hair, makeup, and nails appear flawless.

(Pictured at right: Reporting from Bryant Park, by Christopher Peterson)

Twitter member @TravelingAnna wants to know “how to teeter on impossibly high heels?”. Julia Allison makes her effort seem effortless. I’m sure she has trouble putting together outfits, and I’m sure she has days when she would rather wear sweatpants and no makeup, but all we see is put-together Julia.

This reminds me of a bit of advice from the TLC show What Not to Wear: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” What is Julia Allison’s job? I don’t think she knows her job description, but she sure dresses like she is important and successful.

Claim Your Expertise

Julia finds opportunities to claim her expertise on certain topics, even though she does not necessarily have the credentials to do so. While at Georgetown, she was a dating columnist, and she has claimed her expertise in dating.

She also makes appearance on major news networks, offering her insight into media. She has been interviewed by countless magazines and newspapers. The trick is to claim a field and to have lots of opinions about issues within that field. People will listen to you if you’re outspoken and passionate about what you believe.

One reason why I maintain and update Comma ‘n Sentence is to demonstrate to my readers that I do care about media! I am constantly thinking about the ways that we interact with media, and I want to share my ideas with others. I especially want readers to provide feedback because I love to learn and hear other people’s opinions!

Have a Cute Dog

Julia has a cute dog, and I have no dog. I think this might be my greatest shortcoming.