Name: Stacey Kracht
City/Town: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Where else can we connect with you online?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacey.kracht
Instagram: https://instagram.com/slkracht/
SnapChat: krachts1
Who is your community?
My community consists of dreamers, business owners, entrepreneurial spirits, readers, writers, creatives, beauty-makers.
Give us a behind-the-scenes look at your average day.
Currently, I work full-time at Northwestern Mutual as a recruiter. On the side, though, I'm using my connections with people to build on my passion of writing. I'm blogging for a few local businesses, as well as writing magazine articles, content for marketing materials, websites, etc.
What challenge in your life or work are you most interested in overcoming?
Actually getting things to take off is probably my biggest challenge currently. I have lots of connections, but there are never enough. I need to build more relationships with people who could utilize my writing services. Blogging is a great way to get word out to constituents about constant changes in a company or industry. I want to find people whose marketing strategies could benefit from blogs, and see if I can help them out by writing that content for them.
If you could do any job, what would you do and why?
I would be a writer, as I'm trying to do. It is my dream. I've been writing since I was a little girl. I love chatting with friends old and new over a cup of coffee. I love hearing people's stories, finding out what drives them to succeed, how they came up with their ideas, what inspires. And then bringing those stories to life. I want to use my passion to share others' passions with the world.
What is the most beneficial aspect of living in the OTA region when it comes to your career?
As a writer and in my other careers, networking has helped me so much. I get energy and inspiration from people. Meeting new people and building relationships is easy to do here. People are willing to connect you to someone else they know who might help further your interests. Midwestern hospitality has really inspired me to pursue my dream.
At what intersection do you live your life?
I live at the intersection of listening and sharing.
Where do you think good ideas come from?
People inspire me. Music inspires me. Often my blogs are inspired by song lyrics. Living life is where I get my ideas from!
Sometimes they come from nature: If I go for a walk and breath in the crisp air, or spend a weekend on the farm, all the sudden I have all this energy and tons of ideas! I love sharing ideas with others and hearing their ideas. I can't just keep things inside - I have to share with others. I love listening to the dreams of others, as well. And sharing them through writing.
What’s one current trend you think will change the world?
Social media already has changed the world, but I think it will continue to do so. I think blogging is a great new way for businesses to share grassroots information about what's going on with their constituents. The sharing of information - organic communication - is vital. I think it will only continue to get better and to change the world in creative ways.
What’s the best way to put inspiration into action?
Just act! When something inspires me to write, it's almost like I can't keep myself from doing it. I have to stop what I'm doing, find a cozy spot to settle in with a pen and paper or my laptop, and start writing away. When an idea is really flowing, it's really hard to hold it back.
Another great way to put inspiration into action is to collaborate with others. People complement each other. If I have an idea but don't know what steps to take, someone I know will always have an answer for me. Sharing ideas helps bring them to life.
What’s the greatest risk you’ve taken?
Following my own dreams. Doing what makes me happy. I grew up very conservatively, so to do anything bold would be considered "risk" in my mind.
What’s your biggest failure, and what did you learn from it?
I almost married the wrong man. This taught me the importance of who we surround ourselves with. I want to always be a very positive influence on others, and I want to make a difference and impact others in great ways. I want to help others be the best version of themselves, and this energy will, in turn, only make my life better. I know that I'm constantly part of something bigger than me. I want to remember that.
Who do you hope to leave a legacy for?
I want to leave a legacy for readers, writers, entrepreneurs, business people, dream-followers. I want to touch the lives of anyone who I work with or who reads my writings for the better.
What project (passion or professional) are you working on right now?
Building my passion for content writing into a career would be my focus.
I'd like to connect with more individuals, learn from others, and get started doing content writing for others!
I consider myself a lifelong learner. But part of learning is action. Acting on the things you have learned. I have learned that I have what it takes to be a true entrepreneur, and I believe it can help me to impact others, which is really my true dream. I love taking others stories and turning them into a written format that can be share with a greater audience. I love genuine connection with others. I love sharing ideas and thoughts. People truly fascinate me. We are all different and have unique gifts. If we work together and align ourselves with people whose skills complement ours, so much more can be accomplished; so many more lives can be touched.
