By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Samantha Kelly, the ‘Tweeting Goddess’
Samantha Kelly, also known as the ‘Tweeting Goddess,’ is a businesswoman who helped set up the Women’s Inspire Network (WIN), which has its annual conference in Dublin later this year. Originally from Dublin, Kelly lives in Rosslare, Wexford with her daughters.
What was your first job?
My first job was as a lounge girl in Johnny Fox’s in Glencullen! It was Xmas Eve and one of the busiest nights, lost my float, spilled drinks, and was extremely stressed, but I did it and made lots of tips. I discovered all about people that night! Want to know what different types of people there are out there? Work in a pub! You will discover polite folk, rude folk, and people with manners, how to deal with negativity, and also how to deal with difficult customers.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Besides raising two beautiful, intelligent and confident daughters who make me proud everyday, building an engaged, positive network from nothing. I have over 51k followers, and a hugely engaged-with Women’s Inspire Network which started out as a hashtag on Twitter, and is now a subscription model with over 300 members.
Another great achievement has been speaking in the USA and New Zealand. I built valuable relationships on Twitter and was invited over to speak in New York, and at a conference in New Zealand, all from people I met through twitter.
In three words or less, how do you define success?
Peace of mind (not worrying about a bill coming in the door). As a lone parent on social welfare when I started in business, I know what it is like to struggle.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
You are good enough. Go for it.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
By looking back at how far we have come. I had nothing when I started my first business. Now I own a network full of other women just like me who are thriving and keep learning and supporting one another. I want to surround myself with good people. Most people say that I have created a network like no other due to the people in it. My team are essential and are so loyal. I couldn’t do any of this without them. But they believe in me and trust me. I have never let them down.
How do you relax?
Walking the dogs on the beach in Rosslare Harbour, sitting by the fire, drinking tea, watching David Attenborough, and walking in the forest with my daughters.
What’s your motto?
People buy from people. Be real, don’t complain about others, share your knowledge, and be kind.
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
Tweeting Goddess has grown due to my 6-step program. I now teach people how to raise their profile and use Twitter and Linkedin strategically to get their business noticed and seen by more people, build trust, and build valuable relationships online. This gives me such joy as I love to see others shine. I would also like the Women’s Inspire Network to be the biggest online global network in the world.
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