Meet Tollisha Joseph of The Official Glue

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tollisha Joseph.

Hi Tollisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for Glue came to me while watching Tony Robbins’ special on Netflix documenting one of his three-day empowerment events near my area. At that time, coaching was less popular than it is today. After watching the documentary, I researched the requirements for a life coach and took a few online courses to become a certified life coach. Following the advice given to any new business owner, I began practicing with my friends and family. However, I soon realized I wanted to avoid managing people’s lives. I decided that being a life coach wasn’t for me and re-evaluated my idea. I focused on the things I was good at and loved doing. That’s when I became a social development coach.

Starting my own business was an exciting journey, but I quickly learned the importance of having a business mentor. My mentor helped me structure my business, create an LLC, design a professional email signature, secure my digital assets, and develop an effective business message. With my mentor’s guidance, I could progress much faster than if I had tried to figure things out independently. However, one important lesson I learned was the importance of the order in which you take steps. Although I managed to get everything done, I needed to do things in the proper order. As a result, my business name was LLC as Glue, but my email was registered as The Official Glue, and my social media accounts were a mix of GLUELLC and The Official Glue, creating a disjointed brand. Later in my journey, I had to reapply for my EIN and was finally able to clear up some of the issues.

Despite the hiccup, while networking for my business, I realized how much I loved talking to other business owners about their business. However, I also needed help getting others to talk about their business. Networking was an area where I knew my values would have value. So, I officially rebranded my business, changed the name to “The Official Glue,” and changed my title to “Networking Strategist.” Before the pandemic, networking was a topic that interested a few people. Whenever I mentioned my work as a networking strategist, people often assumed that I was involved in social media or were confused by the concept. Even today, I still get a lot of questions about how I earn money as a networking strategist.

Like many of us during the pandemic, I had to significantly shift my business structure, which involved going completely virtual. However, I saw this as an opportunity to create more brand awareness, and that’s why I started a livestream series on Facebook called “Smalltalk.” The main aim of the series was to speak with other small business owners and learn how they were navigating the global shift. The show was successful and helped many small businesses elevate their brands. Through the show, I discovered my passion for education and how to use it to teach others how networking can help them advance in their careers. This was the moment I created my brand, leveraging my experiences to increase awareness for my profession.

I have been fortunate to receive several opportunities to speak for organizations, guest on podcasts, and contribute to book projects. My brand and I have helped thousands of individuals become master networkers, leading to organic success for their businesses. However, we believe there are still many people we can assist in entering the “YES” side of their business, and we look forward to advocating for the power of effective networking in many more conversations.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As I mentioned earlier, there have been a few obstacles along the way. Initially, it was the challenge of developing systems and processes for business development, which is a more common obstacle than we think. Then, it was navigating social media, which may come as a surprise, but I only began using it when I decided to start a business. Before that, I needed to be more knowledgeable about social media. The next challenge was marketing, which was uncomfortable since I had never marketed anything. At first, I wanted to attach my face to my brand, sell my products, or tell anyone about my business when it was successful.

One day, I decided to commit and play it all out fully. I have a natural ability for marketing because I enjoy sharing. Moreover, I discovered that I can quickly learn new things if I find them interesting, which made learning how to navigate social media a fun experience. By tapping into my love for creativity, I have enjoyed the art of storytelling through creating conversational content for my business. So, when I started seeing obstacles as opportunities, it became easier to remove the worry surrounding the outcome and enjoy the journey.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Official Glue. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
At The Official Glue, our mission is to provide businesses with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive market. We understand that networking is crucial to building and maintaining a successful enterprise. We offer various interactive solutions designed to cater to different skill levels and learning styles. Our training programs are led by experienced professionals passionate about helping others develop their networking skills. We offer in-person and online workshops and a wealth of resources and tools that enable our clients to continue learning and growing long after their training is complete. We know that networking can be intimidating, especially for those new to it. That’s why we focus on building confidence and providing practical, actionable advice that our clients can immediately put into practice. We cover everything from communication skills and relationship-building to retention strategies and more. If you’re facing any challenges in your networking journey, we’re here to help. Our team of experts will work with you to identify your specific needs and develop a customized plan to help you overcome any obstacles. We’re committed to your success, and I’ll be there every step of the way to offer guidance, support, and encouragement. At The Official Glue, anyone can achieve their networking goals with the right mindset and resources. So why wait? Contact us today to learn how we can help you unlock your full potential.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some changes you expect to see over the next five to ten years?
The pandemic has highlighted the need for more connectivity within professional spaces. As a result, my industry will become more necessary than ever before. With the advancement of technology and the fear surrounding the removal of human interaction, people are now focusing more on developing their relational skills and exploring networking opportunities. This change has created a middle ground for business owners to explore the digital and physical worlds better and gain more comfort in creating a marriage between the two. Many still need to explore the opportunities available through digital networking, and on the other side, those who have become so comfortable online that they hesitate to jump back into real-world networking scenarios. As businesses evolve, there will be a new wave of efficiency in professional networking. We will see a lot more flexibility, and smaller organizations will become the rulers of the market due to their availability and personalization. This will shift towards more personalized and customized services, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses alike.

Pricing:

• The Official Glue offers Network evaluations starting at $77.25.
• The Official Glue offers one-to-one strategy sessions starting at $215.
• The Official Glue offers extensive strategy-building programs starting at $1681.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheOfficialGlue.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_official_glue/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/the_official_glue/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theofficialglue/
• Other: www.thebizplayhouse.com/letsplay

Image Credits
Photos By: D. Joseph Photography