Hey y'all. Taking up @Sam Swirsky's offer to copy his intro formatting because I hate introducing myself (and it's a solid format). I'm Alex. I founded a company called Optimize Influence that specializes in brand development, organic social, and partnership development. My Background: I started freelance social media marketing about 8 years ago then landed my first "big girl job" managing the Influencer Marketing for a non-profit from 2019-2021. I then worked at a media agency overseeing social media and talent relations before branching off on my own in May of 2022. I was hit by a car a few months into running my business and around the same time, my main client went bankrupt and couldn't fulfill payments. So about a year into the business, we completely started from scratch. Rebranded. Changed our name. Got refocused on who our ideal clients were. It was a tough time at the start but it really made me focus on what values I wanted our company to embody and how we could provide more value. Family/Location: Born in DC. Raised in Vermont. Currently living in Grapevine, TX with my Fiancé. No pets (yet). Hobbies: Walking (not to copy Sam but this is literally all that I really do which is why getting hit by a car sucked so bad), trying out good DFW food, jamming out to oldies, and feeding squirrels in our neighborhood. What I hope to get/give with this group: I have a remote team and usually work from home so I've felt a bit isolated from other marketing folks. Looking forward to connecting with more of you and being inspired by your experiences and insights!! Grateful to be here💚