Boss Squad

In the Boss Squad community, creative lady bosses network and get support, accountability, and premium content creation resources, with weekly brainstorming sessions and monthly networking calls.

Why Boss Squad?

+ To foster community and to feel less alone in your business journey, specifically with marketing and content creation.
+ To redefine "Boss" as an unapologetic yet empathetic thought leader.
+ To boost your storytelling confidence.
+ To witness and inspire creative block breakthroughs.
+ To share digital marketing, content creation, and entrepreneurial expertise with other women leaders.

Get a taste. Join a virtual creative brainstorming session. We meet on Tuesdays @ 11 a.m. EST. RSVP→ https://bit.ly/creative-brainstorm-sessions

The Boss // Community Builder

Boss Copy Editing

I partner with busy service providers, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and brand agencies to transform their marketing content (e.g., blog posts, newsletters, website copy, social captions, etc.) into error-free conversion magnets! 

✅ Copy Editor for women-led mid-sized businesses and nonprofits
✅ +20 years of Digital Marketing experience
✅ Contracts with the Ford Foundation, PBS, PBS Kids, Sarasota Rising, B is for Black Brilliance and others
✅ Well-versed in AP Style and CMOS
✅ Advanced blogging skills
✅ WordPress proficient
✅ Wannabe Pickleball champion
✅ OCD HSP INFJ MVP

The Boss // Lead Copy Editor

Brown Boss Media

Brown Boss Media (formerly Jae Hermann + Co.).

The Boss // Chief Marketing Strategist

B is for Black Brilliance

I edit copy across multiple B is for Black Brilliance media projects to correct tone, creative voice, clarity, flow, and content structure. Additionally, I assist the team in maintaining a polished and professional online presence that contributes to the success of B is for Black Brilliance's content and communication strategies.

Copy Editor

Sarasota Rising

Working closely with the Executive Director, Jeffery Kin, and the Next-Mark marketing team, I edit marketing and communication copy for sentence structure, spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors to ensure clarity and consistency. Additionally, I proof all marketing content for accuracy and completeness.

A serial creative solopreneur, a breaker of molds, guided by four life beacons:

- Autonomy (personal freedom)
- Purpose (in meaningful work)
- Community (collaborative networking) 
- Peace (in mind + body) 

I endeavor to leave a legacy of generosity, kindness, and compassion. 

Beyond partnering with small business owners and nonprofit leaders to write and publish compelling (and error-free) content, I hope everyone I encounter gains a little joy and levity from connecting with me.

I also collaborate with and encourage other creative professionals to embrace bold and authentic storytelling in blogs and podcasts. 

✨ What do you want to be known for?
✨ What are your guiding principles?
✨ How do you help others?
✨ What's your legacy?

The Boss // Content Creator

I assisted the PBS Children's Media & Education Digital Engagement department with copy editing digital content for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure errors. I ensured that blog posts, newsletters, and other materials were clear, consistent, and ready for publication. Additionally, I revised parent & teacher training and course materials according to PBS content style guidelines for conciseness and consistency.

Jae Hermann + Co.

Professional copy editing and proofreading: website copy, research papers, blogs, and other digital content.

Entrepreneur

Professional brand development and digital content marketing strategy for socialpreneurs. 

Clients & Projects:
Dawn James – RaiseYourVibration.ca
Tahki Stacy Charles Fine Yarns
String Yarns
Theatre Odyssey
TEP Photobooths
Talent & Entertainment Productions
Start to Finish Drafting 
Selva Grill

CEO & CMO

Entrepreneur 

Provided digital media consulting, social media management, and on-camera & voice-over talent for small businesses. 

Clients & Projects:
Sarasota Orchestra
Theatre Odyssey
The Players Theatre of Sarasota
Caregivers’ Comfort LLC
Digital Marketing & Management
Theatre Odyssey
HH Staffing Services
ABC7 MySuncoast.com
HOLSTEE
Project Eve
Natalie Laughlin – International Model
Team Success Charter School
Florida Arts Alliance
Movieville International Film Festival
Chillounge 2012
TEP Photobooths
Talent & Entertainment Productions
Start to Finish Drafting 
Selva Grill
Rich Bergman Books
Soul Sensations Music
Team Success Charter School
Florida Arts Alliance
Natural Awakenings Magazine
Freefall – the web series
The SOURCE Teen Theatre

Producer & Media Consultant

Post-Menopausal OCD HSP INFJ Multi-Passionate Creator // Joy Instigator // Word Nerd 🤓 // Community Hype Gal // The Boss @ Boss Squad + Boss Copy Editing... Yup. That's me!

Other bits & brags: I am a Pickleball enthusiast, tiny living hopeful, Kizomba dancer, storyteller, blogger, music buff, body positivity, pro-aging & conscious living advocate, community hype gal, and creator of digital things.

Here are a couple of ways we can connect & do bold boss stuff together:

✨ Brainstorm your wildest content creation dreams with me and other bold women leaders in Boss Squad Brainstorm Weekly mini-workshops. Sign up at https://bit.ly/creative-brainstorm-sessions.

✨ Share your blog posts and newsletter drafts with me, and I'll send them back to you perfectly polished and publish-ready. Check out my affordable editing services at BossCopyEditing.com. 

Fancy a virtual chat to talk about business, life, and all the things? Then, send me a DM, and we'll make it happen.

🤓 Jasmine Hermann

Gracie Ruth Media

I assist solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, coaches and consultants in attracting their ideal clients on LinkedIn without resorting to salesy, pushy, or spammy tactics, allowing them to grow their business successfully.

My objective is to assist you to 𝐁𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝, 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭, and establishing meaningful, value-based relationships.

𝑾𝑯𝒀 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑩𝑼𝒀𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑪𝑬𝑺𝑺 𝑯𝑨𝑺 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑬𝑫:

The process of how people purchase items has transformed. Now, consumers tend to conduct extensive research and learning independently before arriving at a decision, often collaborating with others to make a final choice. This shift in behavior is impacting the way businesses sell their products and services.

Due to COVID-19, the marketing landscape has changed dramatically. Maintaining a steady and visible online presence has become crucial. Establishing a robust presence on LinkedIn is especially essential - as compared to any other social media platform (including your website), LinkedIn is the preferred platform for potential customers to verify your credibility and authenticity.


I Provide LinkedIn training, digital courses and in-person workshops for businesses.


To discuss the best training solution for you and/or your organization please send me a direct message/email 📩 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒆@𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉.𝒄𝒐𝒎

LinkedIn Trainer | LinkedIn Consultant | LinkedIn Strategist |LinkedIn Profile Makeovers

I was the host of #LinkedInLocal Pasadena and LinkedIn Virtual and collaborated with amazing local venues. 

LinkedIn Local is a meet-up concept that allows you to connect with your LinkedIn network offline, united around the belief that with authenticity, respect and collaboration we can unlock the door to prosperous and sustainable living.

LinkedIn Local host

In 2018, I chose to concentrate on aiding professionals in refining their LinkedIn profiles, positioning themselves as experts, remaining top-of-mind, transforming connections into relationships, and producing outcomes 

I offer profile optimization packages, workshops and 1-1 coaching.

Are you prepared to witness the real impact of optimizing and utilizing LinkedIn for your business? Reserve a slot on my calendar  at https://calendly.com/gracie/virtual-tea-time
 and lets talk!

LinkedIn Trainer

My passion is collaborating with clients to assist them in accomplishing their business goals. Leveraging the power of digital marketing can create and disseminate value, resulting in exponential business growth.

On the 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠, I share LinkedIn tips and strategies that will help my audience to take action and 𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅𝑰𝒏. 

You can find𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠  𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 “𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴”

Host of Socially Linked Flash Briefing

LinkedIn Strategy for Coaches, Consultants, & Entrepreneurs | Elevate Your Personal Brand to Attract Inbound Opportunities | 1-1 Coaching | Group Training | Book a Call 👇🏼

Feeling stuck in the relentless LinkedIn hustle? 

Continuously reaching out to potential clients with little to show for it can be draining. 

Constantly experimenting with new tactics to boost client engagement on LinkedIn but finding your efforts aren’t paying off? It’s disheartening, isn’t it?

I completely get it. I once faced the same challenges in growing my business. 

Until I discovered the power of personal branding.

Now, I assist others in transforming their LinkedIn presence into a powerful lead generation machine.

Picture this:

• No more endless prospecting
• Inbound traffic and warm leads
• Content that does the heavy lifting for you

That’s the power of LinkedIn and personal branding. 

And I’ll be there to support you throughout the entire journey.


I offer two services:

1. Personalized LinkedIn Transformation

• I revamp your profile to highlight your strengths, expertise, and unique value propositions.

• I create a detailed content strategy tailored to your industry and audience.

• I help you craft compelling personal and business stories that resonate with your audience.

• I train you on how to lead and grow LinkedIn groups to establish yourself as an industry leader.


2. LinkedIn Blueprint Accelerator Program

• I provide a step-by-step coaching program with personalized sessions and actionable tasks.

• I teach advanced networking techniques, including leveraging LinkedIn groups and using advanced search tools.

• I offer interactive workshops and webinars on content creation, lead generation, and personal branding, with recordings and supplementary materials for ongoing learning.

Whether you want hands-off growth or to become a LinkedIn pro yourself, I've got you covered.

Because I know what it's like to struggle in business. And I also know what it's like to break through to the other side, where leads come to you.

So if you're ready to:

↳ Scale your business
↳ Attract your ideal clients
↳ Become a thought leader in your industry

Send me a direct message. Let’s transform your digital marketing strategies and elevate your business to new heights together.


▶Optimized: 07/11/2024 03:31 pm PST (<---- DO THIS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FYI)

Gracie 🌻 Ruth Melendez

If your LinkedIn posts aren’t getting traction, your headline might be the real problem.

Most professionals skip straight to posting...

but your headline is the first filter people use to decide whether they should care about your content.

A great headline should answer — in one quick glance:

✨ Who do you help?
✨ What problem do you solve?
✨ Why YOU?

When your headline is clear, your content lands faster, your profile gets more views, and your ideal clients know instantly that you’re the person they need to follow.

Before you hit “post,” check your headline.

It might be the easiest visibility upgrade you make this week.

Most professionals are invisible online — I help Gen X leaders & organizations build powerful LinkedIn visibility and communication.

Most leaders aren’t struggling with expertise — they’re struggling with visibility.

If your team isn’t showing up on LinkedIn, you’re losing opportunities that should already be yours.

Visibility isn’t about posting more — it’s about communicating with clarity, confidence, and consistency.

This is the shift organizations must make in 2026.

Are you ready for it?

Today had nothing to do with LinkedIn.

My mom and I helped our neighbor trim his tree.

No cameras. No agenda. Just showing up.

Leadership doesn’t always look like a boardroom or a keynote.

Sometimes it looks like helping where you’re needed.

These moments keep me grounded — and they matter more than we think.

This year, we skipped Black Friday shopping — and chose connection instead.

Yesterday I had a Friendsgiving dinner in Santa Monica with a friend, her daughter, and my mom. No rushing, no crowds, no deals, no pressure.

Just conversation.
 Warm food.
 Laughter.
 Stories.
 Presence.

And sitting there, I realized something:

We live in a world that’s always chasing the next thing — the newest sale, the next upgrade, the next milestone, the next achievement.

But sometimes the most valuable things in our life aren’t things at all.

They’re the moments we slow down enough to feel.

🟡 A shared meal.
 🟡 A familiar laugh.
 🟡 Time with people we care about.
 🟡 Memories that can’t be added to a cart.

As someone who’s ambitious and always building, I needed that reminder.
Success isn’t just about growth, productivity, or output.

Sometimes success looks like choosing relationships over rush.

 Presence over pressure.
 Joy over noise.

So today, I’m grateful — not for what I bought, but for what can’t be bought.

Who did you spend time with this weekend — or who do you wish you had?

JSESSIONID

li_at

I see this every day.

Highly experienced professionals with incredible backgrounds…
but no clear personal brand on LinkedIn.

The platform has changed.

And the way opportunities show up has changed with it.

I recorded a short video sharing why LinkedIn is no longer just a resume platform — and why personal branding matters more than ever.

If you’re serious about making LinkedIn work for you in 2026, this is the guide you need to save now.

I’ve helped numerous founders this year and seen my content reach thousands of eyes. 
The secret isn’t magic — it’s about building a system that really works.

Here are the must-do steps, in order:

1. Define Your Positioning

- Who do you help? 
- What problem do you solve? 
- Why should anyone listen to you?

Vague answers = weak content. 
Your positioning is your foundation. Skip it, and everything else falls apart.

2. Optimize Your Profile

→ Headline: 40–45 characters, packed with keywords 
→ About section: Use PAS framework (Problem, Agitation, Solution) 
→ Featured: 2–3 top pieces, no clutter 
→ Banner: Clear CTA at top left

Your profile isn’t just a resume — it’s your personal billboard. Make it shout your message.

3. Plan Your Content Pillars

Pick 3–4 themes you’ll talk about consistently, like:

- Personal branding 
- LinkedIn growth 
- Mindset for creators 
- Client success stories

Repetition builds recognition, trust, and authority.

4. Stick to a Posting Rhythm

Consistency trumps intensity. Aim to post:

→ 3–5 times weekly 
→ Same days, same times

A predictable routine keeps your audience coming back.

5. Make Engagement Your Secret Weapon

Find active people in your niche and build a commenting habit:

15 minutes before posting: 
└ Comment on others’ posts

15 minutes after posting: 
└ Reply to comments you receive

Engagement isn’t just vanity metrics — it’s how you build relationships and amplify your visibility.

If you want LinkedIn to serve you in 2026, start building this system today.

I’ll be dropping a free resource next week to help you get there.

Stay tuned!

P.S. Are you planning to show up here in 2026?

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Your voice matters.

Your story matters.

Your perspective matters.

The world doesn’t need more perfect content — it needs more real humans.

I just shared a new article about why personal branding builds trust faster than traditional marketing — and how you can start applying it today.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

If you’ve been posting online, creating content, or trying to grow a business — you’ve probably wondered: “Why isn’t my marketing converting?” You’re 

Why Personal Branding Outperforms Traditional Marketing

Have you ever felt like hiding because you're not "perfect" enough to show up? 

Here's the truth: confidence is the secret weapon that unlocks your true potential. 

Your personal brand isn’t about having a perfect image. It's about authenticity, consistency, and showing up as you are. 

The more you trust in yourself—regardless of weight, age, or appearance—the more your audience will trust you. 

Confidence isn’t about being flawless. It’s about owning your story, your strengths, and your real self. 

When you show up fully, people connect with that genuine energy. That’s what makes a personal brand unforgettable. 

So, if you’re waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect look—stop. 

Your best asset is already inside you: your confidence. 

It’s time to unlock it and let your true self shine.

Before today gets busy, I just want to pause and acknowledge something:

Gratitude isn’t just about celebrating what’s going right — sometimes it’s about recognizing how far we’ve come, even when the journey wasn’t perfect or easy.

This year brought growth, change, discomfort, and clarity.

And I’m grateful for all of it.

But more than anything, I’m grateful for people:

✨ The ones who showed up.
✨ The ones who challenged me.
✨ The ones who believed in me when I doubted myself.
✨ And the ones quietly cheering from a distance — you matter too.

If you’re reading this — THANK YOU.

For your time, your support, your messages, your presence.

Wishing you a day filled with connection, rest, and a moment where you remind yourself:

Today, I’m grateful for the journey — not just the milestones.

Happy Thanksgiving 🧡

— Gracie

Most leaders aren’t struggling with expertise —

they’re struggling with visibility.

For years, I watched brilliant Gen X professionals and leadership teams deliver exceptional work... yet remain almost invisible online.

Not because they lacked results.

Not because they lacked confidence.

But because no one ever taught them how to communicate their value publicly.

Here’s the truth:

Being good at what you do doesn’t guarantee people know you’re good at what you do.

And in 2026, visibility is no longer optional for leaders.

It’s part of the job.

What changed everything for my clients wasn’t “posting more.”

It was learning how to show up with clarity, confidence, and consistency — in a way that aligns with who they already are.

If you’re a Gen X leader or organization navigating this shift, you’re not behind.

You’re just one communication system away from being seen.

👉 What’s been the biggest challenge for you when it comes to showing up on LinkedIn?

graphical user interface, text, application

What happened in Sydney is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. 

My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected. May we hold on to compassion, protect one another, and never allow hate to replace our shared humanity.

You turned your LinkedIn About section into a résumé paragraph…

…and then wondered why no one reaches out.

Your About section isn’t meant to recap your career history —

it’s meant to make someone think:

“This is someone I trust.”

After reviewing and rewriting countless profiles, I’ve noticed the same patterns over and over:

1️⃣ They lead with their credentials.
Impressive? Sure.
Connection-building? Not really.
Start with the human, not the hierarchy.

2️⃣ They repeat their job titles.
That’s great for HR systems — not for real people.
Titles tell me what you do, not why it matters.

3️⃣ They remove their personality.
LinkedIn isn’t a legal document.
If I can’t hear your voice, I can’t feel your message.

Here’s a simple way to rewrite it so it actually converts:

🔹 What problem did you see?
🔹 What made you decide to solve it?
🔹 How do you make life, business, or results better today?

That’s the story people connect with.

Because the truth is:

There are endless professionals with experience.
But there’s only one person with your perspective.
Stop hiding behind bullet points and buzzwords.
Tell us who you are, what you believe, and how you help.

That’s what builds trust —

and trust is what drives opportunity.

— Gracie 🌻

I help professionals turn messy LinkedIn profiles into clear, confident stories that attract the right opportunities.

Ever notice how some people get way more leads just by talking to others? 

Here's the thing: posting is great, but engagement? That's what really gets people noticing you as a go-to. 

It's like chatting at a party instead of just standing in the corner. The more you ask questions, comment, and show you care, the more folks remember you. 

So next time you're about to hit "post," think: 
Who can I start a real conversation with today? 

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about posting — it’s about connecting. And those connections turn into leads. 

Have you seen engagement turn into actual business? Would love to hear your story.

Clutter steals time. Systems give it back. 

I started taking out my Christmas decorations this past weekend, and for the first time… zero stress.  Because everything was neatly labeled, stacked, and easy to grab, the whole process felt effortless.

It reminded me of what I learned from Bruce Carnohan:

Small systems create big clarity. I

In business and in life, the same applies. 

Clear systems free up your mind and your time for what really matters. 

What’s one small system you can put in place today to make your life easier?

Your LinkedIn DMs aren’t broken.
They’re just being used the wrong way.

DMs aren’t meant to be a digital sales pitch machine.
They’re meant to start conversations — real ones.

The shift happens when you stop chasing volume and start focusing on intention.

Instead of copying and pasting the same message, slow down.
Personalize. Be thoughtful. Lead with value.

Ask better questions.
Share something relevant.
Actually care about the person on the other side of the screen.

When you do this consistently, DMs stop feeling awkward or forced.
They turn into conversations.
Conversations turn into trust.
And trust turns into opportunities.

People don’t want to be “pitched.”
They want to feel seen, heard, and understood.

So before you hit send, ask yourself:
Am I trying to sell... or am I trying to help?

That one shift changes everything.

Stop selling.
Start connecting.

And watch your DMs turn into real clients.

graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text message

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about LinkedIn’s Social Selling Index — what it actually measures and how to improve it without living on the platform.

Instead of trying to squeeze a full explanation into a post, I recorded a longer walkthrough on my YouTube channel where I break it down step by step, in plain English.

If you’re working on your visibility, relationships, or overall LinkedIn strategy for 2026, this will give you helpful context.

🎥 Full video link is in the comments area.

taplio

The Battle

🤓 Jasmine Hermann

Gracie 🌻 Ruth Melendez

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreGracie 🌻 Ruth Melendez's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

🤓 Jasmine Hermann

Gracie 🌻 Ruth Melendez

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Gracie 🌻 Ruth Melendez's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreGracie 🌻 Ruth Melendez's LinkedIn Performance