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

Hi Kimberly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For the past 3 decades, I have shared the world of focus groups and market research with friends and family in an effort to help them make money and take financial control of their life. I have always found great joy in helping and connecting others to resources. Shortly before the pandemic, I started brainstorming about how I could share my knowledge much more efficiently with hundreds, even thousands. I landed on creating an online course, where I could reach an infinite number of people and build a community of like-minded individuals.

After being part of a major corporate downsizing in July 2020, I seized the opportunity and put my heart and mind into making my dream of helping others come true. Paid for Your Say was born and now 3,000 plus students later, this course has changed the lives of many, including my own.

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.
It is difficult to recount entirely how I arrived at where I am today, as it is decades of personal and professional experiences. I am most proud of helping thousands by helping them financially and, in many instances, personally. I have created a community of positive, supportive and like-minded individuals. I am excited about helping others develop critical thinking skills, learn new technology, and enhance organizational skills, just to name a few by participating in focus groups.

In my last corporate job I developed many skills that have helped me to excel and be successful with my business. Some include, but not all would be:

Developing my emotional intelligence skills, enhancing public speaking skills, networking, building PowerPoint presentations, perfecting email etiquette, follow up and follow through, developing a plan and operating outside my comfort zone.

The majority was easy because I learned some of the skills and many I possessed naturally. I think the biggest challenge was not thinking big enough. Although, I had what I thought was big plans for my business, it has already surpassed my initial hopes. My business is in it’s infancy and the passion I have for my business is indescribable.

The lessons I learned along the way is that it’s ok to ask for help. I do not operate on an island and it’s good to ask for help. Mostly because I do not know how to do everything and as important is that it frees me up to do what I do best, which is teach and inspire.

I want the world to know that I pride myself on helping others, sharing, inspiring and motivating people to set goals and to be the best version of themselves. I love my job so much I would do it for free, after all, I did so for nearly 30 years. Being the founder of Paid for Your Say brings me an immense amount of happiness and satisfaction and I feel have truly created the job of my dreams. I have created a life I do not need a vacation from. I do what I do out of love and passion and I believe it shows in my level of interaction with those in my course. I am active daily and I am invested in their success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend would arrive at 11 pm at the airport. I would pick her up from the airport and in her guest room at my house she would have a perfectly made bed with lots of pillows and blankets. In the middle of the bed there would be a substantial round wooden tray filled with snacks and water. Next to the bed would be toiletries, a robe and slippers.

The following morning I would take her to the best brunch spot in the Atlanta area. Next we would walk the beltline and visit the area shops and restaurants. The first evening we would visit one of the many rooftop restaurants with one of the most breathtaking views in the Atlanta area. The ambiance is truly spectacular and only outdone by the sunset.

We would have to climb Stone Mountain, get a 2 hour foot massage at my favorite foot massage establishment and walk the trails of some of the beautiful parks in the area. Her visit would not be complete without visiting a couple of my favorite lounges where we would enjoy cocktails and live music.

Lastly, the visit would not be complete without having a game night at my house. I always create and exciting environment with candles, flowers, libations, food and games. This is always a fan favorite.

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?
For the last decade I would have to give a shoutout to my kids – Jasmine and Jordan. They have urged me during their teen years and beyond to monetize the knowledge I have and to share it with others. They have always been amazed at the time and effort I put into helping others make money for themselves and their family and not being paid monetarily.

Website: https://www.paidforyoursay.com/

Instagram: @Paid for Your Say

Youtube: Dooley Noted by Kimberly

Other: Email: Support@PaidForYourSay.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.