Nervous Time? Here’s A Message from One in the Top 20

Whew! Those who are in the top 20 can practically kick back and coast to the finish line. The hard work is done and passing to the next level — if everything is on the up and up–is likely.

For those  who think they are in the next 28, this must be nervous time.  Well, the sisters in the top 20 have graciously shared with us some of their strategies for our media stories.  Of course, there are only two days left at this writing, so time is working against you, but sometimes just knowing that another person went through way more trouble than you can help you put things into perspective.

Serita--Top 20 Contestant

From Serita Love, Top 20 Contestant:  An Excerpt

***My vote gathering process***

Hello,

My name is Serita Love, and my journey in “The Great Model Search” has been beyond incredible!! It granted me the opportunity to place my creativity to work in a whole new way. When I told family and friends that I had entered to become a contestant, they seemed happier than I was. At that moment, I had over 1300 Facebook, and 1000 Myspace friends.

Originally, I collected votes with a “Goal of the day” tactic.  Every time a goal was met, we always attempted to exceed that goal by 50-100 votes by midnight. All I wanted to do was make it to the Top 8, Nationwide. Eventually, I made it to #1, and that was quite the accomplishment! I clarified to everyone that rank wasn’t as important as having a chance to make it to the next round as a semi-finalist.

I turned my voting process into a voting campaign called “Help one of Chicago’s finest, follow a DREAM!” I turned the concept into a Facebook event that allowed me to mass message my supporters every single day. Some of my friends and family members became campaign managers, and they were very dedicated to getting people to vote on a daily basis.

During my campaign, I ran it similar to a college basketball season. Anyone who supported me, supported “Team Rita”. Our “TEAM” colors were blue, silver, and black.  We’ve had faith that I could make it pretty far, from day one…

…Thank you, Johnson Products for giving one of Chicago’s finest, a chance to follow a dream. I recollect viewing the billboards that stated: “Are you next?”

I think to myself, and answer: “Maybe.”

Warm regards,

Serita M. Love

Thank you, Serita!  After reading these very helpful words, we are impressed.  We have more letters we will share in the coming days.  

Now for the other contestants, let us ask this:  please take the high road.  If you earned thousands of votes and it was not enough, you STILL have built up your name recognition.  You can take what you have learned about this process and create a position for you as a social media expert, and trust me, executive directors are looking for people who have internet marketing down to a science.  Until now, we have had a lot of fun and suspense, but we know that sometimes when it is close and one person does not make it, the disappointment can turn into something altogether different.

Our take is this: Celebrate the winners. Wish them the best. Your time is coming for something else good.  And take this positive attitude and apply it to your future endeavors.  You, too, are a winner, because you showed the world that you have drummed up thousands of supporters because of your talents and not just your good looks.  Don’t believe me?  Go back to the contestant page.  You will see absolutely beautiful girls with few votes.  Or no votes.  It is not about beauty…you had no control over your family’s good genes, dimples, hair and cheek bones.  But what you did have control over you worked it and people responded to YOU.  So yes, you can start that business, that clothing line, that beauty salon, have that fashion show, stage that find-raiser.  Many models do! You can do it because you have already proven you can. We wish you all the best! And remember, Jennifer Hudson did not win Idol, but she sure as heck won an Oscar!

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