Meet Andrew Snorton | Author, editor, speaker, press/media advisor, brand advisor, and educator (business)

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

Hi Andrew, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
It all starts with being spiritually grounded. It allows me to have the understanding of the journey; at times, things are as smooth as silk and other times, smooth as sandpaper. To be able to persevere, keep perspective, and get back on track when some things do not go according to plan, faith is clearly where it all starts.

Having an understanding the journey is a combination of a marathon and a sprint, and sometimes, simultaneously. The marathon theme is knowing long-term, what things need to be place, what your vision, mission statement, templates, and how your planning and constant learning come together. Everything does not have to be done immediately, but there are some things you have to have a sense of urgency on, and being “fluid” in moving between these spaces is extremely helpful to me.

The balance of humility and confidence come into play. There are people who think humility means you are meek or “scared” about your success; to me, it means you are able to keep it in perspective and not let the highs get too high (although I’ll admit I celebrate ANY victory small or big) or the lows get too low. Likewise, you have to have confidence in yourself and your abilities; if you show a lack of confidence, along with dedication to your craft and just making an honest effort to be as consistent as possible, people will see it and immediately or eventually determine if they want to work with you or not.

Again, these are a few of the habits which are helping me get to this point; continued commitment will allow me to continue to progress and be a better resource and presence across the board.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There’s elements are art in everything I do.

When it comes to tutoring, student coaching, or teaching a workshop, even with all of the best practices, use of technology, and other “cutting edge” resources, it’s all about accentuating the fundamentals; it’s still about the people, drawing connections, meeting them where they are, giving them the moderate challenges to the point where after they achieve, they want more. To hear the story of a student who improves on their ACT/SAT to a student-athlete hitting their stride in the classroom and beyond, or just seeing and detecting that air of confidence to where, “Yes, I CAN” is something that truly is the most meaningful to me. Don’t get me wrong; being properly compensated is important, but if that is your only focus, you set yourself up for losing sight of the fact the work you do is about people and helping them grow, and as they grow, you grow as well.

When it comes to press/media, especially when it comes to my own show (The Conversation Corner airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7pm on the Status Network/LyveTV Channel), it’s about covering entertainment, business, community, and more. I’m fortunate to have interviewed government officials to students graduating high school and just about everyone in-between. It’s about making sure people feel at ease; you don’t have to be heavy-handed or try to get into a contest about whose credentials are better than someone else’s. If people feel at ease, you’ll get a good interview and more, and I’m grateful to those I’ve interviewed (some high-level figures) in arts and entertainment, government and politics, business, and more to say they felt welcome and could truly share their story without it being manipulated is critically important to me.

On the writing end, it’s about being authentic and accessible. Whether it’s speaking on the action of love and its many forms (Deeper than your deepest sleep: thoughts on love with Joseph Snorton), the stories of how everyday people via their faith, best practices in health and wellness, their support network, and changing their way of thinking (9 stories of faith: volume 1), or looking at the grand old game through the lens of minor league players (from future prospects or players working their way back to the Major Leagues) as well as highlighting the importance of the Birmingham, AL based Negro Southern Leagues Museum (nothing Minor), it’s just that. It’s showing you know what you are talking about, but showing you can talk with instead of at people.

The same can be said fur the audiobook series (The Author’s Mixtape); a freestyle audiobook grounded in music and spoken word solely written and recorded in a single 2-hour studio session? Five volumes? The last 2 volumes introducing and now featuring Kris10? I mean, who does that?

Clearly, I’m excited about it all, but getting to this point is by no means easy. There were times I was frustrated and wondered what on earth am I doing. There were times when I KNEW people who knew me would see what I’m doing and would support, but that does not always happen; there are those who privately speak in adversarial ways about me professionally and personally (and likely still do). The long nights and working/reworking can get a little tiresome.

And then I think of the people I know who are supporting me, and even bigger, I understand that someone out there who I don’t know is waiting to hear from ME. It could be in the form of the books/audiobooks, or it may be that press/media kit that lands them a position with a legendary entertainer, or just that one thing that totally changes a student’s outlook and confidence.

I know I shared a lot of the by-product of the challenges, but here’s some takeaways:

1. Stay grounded. This ranges from your faith, the belief you have in yourself, your ability to learn, adjust, and apply, and just staying focused.

2. Stay humble. Again, just keep it all in perspective.

3. Stay hungry. Know that even with all you have accomplished, there’s still more growing to do, people to reach and empower. Yes, pause for rest and to celebrate the victories, then use this energy to go forth and forward.

I just hope people see the sincerity and dedication that is hopefully immersed in all that I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Which area (LOL)?

Seriously, here are a few spaces. Of course, I can’t reveal EVERY space, but here are a few places to eat, drink, and visit if you are in Atlanta proper (there’s places outside the city, but we’ll focus on the actual city):

1. Slim and Husky’s. They have 2 locations in Atlanta and everyone needs a slice of PREAM (Pizza Rules Everything Around Me).

2. Kat’s Cafe. This is a legendary intimate space where some truly amazing artists (i.e. music and spoken word) come and do some great work. The owner and staff are top-notch across the board.

3. The King Center. You need a little history and getting perspective of the sacrifices made for you to go where you go and do what you are able to do.

4. Piedmont Park. There are some great views of the city; go see them!

5. The AU Center. There’s a beautiful energy at our HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Make a visit if possible, learn the history behind why and how they are established, and understand their relevance, especially in today’s times.

6. The Beverly. There’s a lot of great spots (including Garden Parc) for brunch, but check them out. They are sneaky good IF you can get a seat (they do get packed).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s a number of people and entities I want to recognize for helping me get to where I am, along with being part of the team to help me get to where I’m trying to grow and go:

1. My parents. The life lessons and acumen (my dad is a retired insurance agent and my mother is a retired educator) are just a seemingly never-ending resource of sound insight, common sense, and perspective on so many things related to business, community, and beyond.

2. Kris Kinder. Our conversation at the end of 2020 leads to me working with her for her press/media and branding for her businesses, specifically 1820hats and Kris10 Media. Her confidence in me and collaborative support are a key part of where I am today.

3. The book “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen. It’s the most powerful and mind-changing 60 pages I’ve read in a long time. It truly shows the alignment of your thoughts, actions, words, and spirit. It’s a reminder of the abilities you truly have; you have to get out of your own way to help make it happen.

4. Previous educators. There are so many to mention, so to all who taught me on the elementary, middle, high school, and collegiate level (especially my alma mater, Wake Forest University), the lessons in and outside the classroom are extremely helpful.

5. Civic organizations. Ranging from my 30-year membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., to different nonprofits (The LEAD Foundation, Family Food Fest-Atlanta, and the Peoria, IL based Performing Open Hearts Foundation), being engrained and invested in the community is so important.

6. Previous and current patrons. Ranging from support of my books, audiobooks (with a special thanks to the Black Only Awards who nominated me for their 2021 Author of the Year), speaking engagements, press/media work, workshops, as well as individual tutoring and student coaching, the bottom line is all have given me a chance. And with each chance, it allows me to enhance my skills and services along with my larger focus.

7. Family and friends. There are a number of family and friends who have been very supportive of me and my work. Now, they may not always “get it” or understand, but as long as what I’m doing is allowing me to grow and leave a positive impact, there are people who have purchased a book or referred me to others. I do not take that lightly.

8. Those who I’ve never met. It’s said at times, some of your biggest supporters are people who you don’t know and at times, you may never meet. There’s one person (their Twitter is @filafresh) who consistently shares my posts/work and from time to time sends me a note of “keep going”. We have not met yet, but the fact there are people out there paying attention to what you do and see the value and relevance of it, that is very powerful. It’s said “you never know who’s paying attention to you”, and there are numerous instances of things which have “fallen into my lap” or I didn’t see coming. However, it comes back to the things I mentioned earlier in staying spiritually grounded to being consistent in showing your dedication to your craft; even when things don’t always go as planned, it doesn’t mean your plans won’t go on. It’ll just be a little different and in a number of instances, better for you and those you are focused on serving client-wise and otherwise.

Website: asnortonccs.com

Instagram: instagram.com/asnortonccs

Twitter: twitter.com/asnortonccs

Facebook: facebook.com/asnortonccsllc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmirissSEw4FBWGt-FiFjUg

Other: https://www.statusnetwork.net/Shows/conversation-corner/ instagram.com/authorasnorton twitter.com/authorasnorton facebook.com/authorasnorton

Image Credits
Image of me at the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Kris10 Media (Atlanta) Image of me (black and white): Ivy Michelle Photography (Chicago)