Meet Anh Nguyen | Digital Marketing Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anh Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anh, how does your business help the community?
In both my business and personal life, giving back and making a real difference in the world are important to me. This sense of social responsibility was carved into me because of my life experiences. My family were refugees after the Vietnam War. We were able to make a life in the United States because of my Dad’s service. We were fortunate when many others weren’t. We received help from sponsors, who stepped up to help a young family that were strangers to them.

Because of this, throughout my life, I’ve welcomed opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community. I have a soft spot for nonprofits and I truly believe they’re the heart and soul of positive change. There are many ways to assist beyond financial support: mentorship, guidance, consulting for needed services, or just being their cheerleaders and advocates. Most recently, I’ve shifted my business model to focus on working with purpose-driven ventures or entrepreneurs. There are so many people working to make the world a better place! I can make a social impact by helping them grow and succeed through my skills and expertise. I love seeing the ripple effect of my support.

I believe we’re all in this together, making a difference one step at a time. If we can build community, have some fun, and make some friends along the way…that’s a huge plus.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career journey has been a diverse one, having worked in several industries in different roles: banking, newspaper advertising, payment processing, educational travel, the real estate title industry, marketing. Each and every one of those roles offered opportunities and experiences that have culminated in who I am today. I took every advantage of learning different skills and I was open to learning all I could regardless of the position. I’m energized by learning new things, facing new challenges, or taking in new experiences. Change doesn’t scare me.

Because I have an interest in many things, I found it challenging to settle on the ‘one thing’ upon which I could build my professional life. This is most likely why marketing was and is a huge draw for me, especially since I have the opportunity to work with different clients who have varying needs. Everyday brings new challenges, tasks, wins…and fails. Not to mention that the digital tools and tech we use in marketing are constantly evolving or changing. The varied experiences I’ve had also make me an overall valued business consultant, helping to guide in many aspects of an organization’s business.

The thing I’m most proud of are the relationships I’ve developed over the years – with clients, colleagues, and friends. I’m proud of the fact that my community thinks of me when they need to connect with someone. If I can help by making a connection that helps someone get what they need, I’m elated. I like that ‘warm fuzzy’ feeling you get when you can help. These relationships are what has sustained and supported me over the years.

Lessons learned along the way?
1. Failures are chances to learn what NOT to do. While they are difficult to go through or face, it isn’t the end of the world. People are more forgiving than you think they are.
2. To go along with #1 – it’s OK to start over. It’s never too late to evolve and be the next version of yourself.
3. There are more supporters and people rooting for you than there are detractors or those who wish to do you harm. Find those people.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Leaders shouldn’t ask people to do something they wouldn’t do themselves.
6. Don’t pigeon hole yourself – diversify your skills, experiences, and streams of revenue.
7. Take time for yourself and loved ones.
8. Make an impact every chance you get. At the end of your life, no one says ‘what a great employee or professional’ that person was. They remember the impact you made.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh! So many cool places in the Houston area…

We’d definitely hit up one of my fave places, J. Henry’s Draught House, in Clear Lake. It’s become my ‘neighborhood’ bar. The food is good, the staff is friendly, and the craft beer selection is great. Yes, everyone knows my name here! LOL

Space Center Houston/NASA is a must on the list of places to see – it’s such an iconic site for Houston. Galveston is another must on the list. While the beach isn’t considered to be as pretty as many other beaches, the Island has its own unique vibe with eclectic eateries, hole in the wall bars, and the people!

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a fave for this nerdy girl, especially any special exhibitions on display. Houston has a world class Theater District where we can catch a musical, play, or opera. I also love supporting independent theaters, especially the Art Factory, whose shows are top-notch.

Another must-visit would be the Asiatown area on Bellaire. This is the OG area for all things Asian: restaurants, markets, retailers, specialty shops. We’d have to make a day of this to hit up all my fave spots: Wing Kee (get the pork belly!); Bodard Bistro (Bodard spring rolls and banh xeo); Tan Tan (noodles) ; ECK Bakery (best egg custard around!); Thien Thanh (banh cuon which is like a crepe filled with grilled pork). And I haven’t even mentioned the dim sum restaurants yet.

Some of my fave eateries currently are: Travelers Table; Zanti; Cocody; Uchiko; Urbe. Can you tell I like to eat? To say that Houston’s dining scene is diverse is an understatement.

The Houston area has much to offer visitors (and its residents too!).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is a group of women who are not only my colleagues and MarComm counterparts, but more importantly my friends, who are mentors, sounding boards, and always there to support my ideas and endeavors. Or honestly tell me, that’s not a good idea. Shout out to Kami Huyse, Becky Myers, Sandra Fernandez, and Jennifer Texada.

On the personal front, I have a core group of friends who I absolutely adore. These women support me and are always at the ready to volunteer with the causes I support. They are my confidantes and foodie adventure friends. Shout out to Jen Torres, Rene Harrington, and Laura Rueda.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/anhtnguyen170

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/anhtnguyen170

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnhTNguyen

Facebook: https://facebook.com/AmplifiedMktg

Image Credits
Photos courtesy of Anh Nguyen.