Jackie Zimmerman works HARD. After receiving not one but two chronic illness diagnoses in her 20s (Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease), she turned to the internet to find a way to cope and build a support system. She became a professional blogger and public speaker, and later formed a nonprofit to uplift women living with Inflammatory Bowel disease. 

Through the process of blogging and developing communities, Jackie honed her skills in digital communications by learning to design websites, create brand recognition and build online courses. She has now turned those into a full-time career in her digital marketing company Queen of GSD (Getting Shit Done). 

In this conversation, Jackie shares her digital marketing expertise and offers some top tips for chronicpreneurs about whether they need a website for their business and how to get it made even if they are afraid of tech.

On top of all of this, Jackie is a featured expert within the Patients Getting Paid Community. Visit PatientsGettingPaid.com for more information, and when you join you'll be able to see Jackie’s special deep-dive workshop and have access to an exclusive PGP discount of 20% off her website-building services. 

In this episode:

• How Jackie developed her skills in blogging and community-building when her career was derailed by her diagnoses
• Why she "impulse quit" her high-stress, high-pressure job, and why it was both the best and worst feeling!
• Jackie's issues with health insurance while working freelance 
• Do new businesses need a website when there are so many social media channels? Jackie’s pro-tip for anyone looking to build a website: make sure that you own everything!
• Choosing to build your own site or hire a professional. How much will it cost, and where do you find the right person for you?
• Where to find and connect with Jackie

Resources:

• Visit the Patients Getting Paid website to learn more about the PGP community and how to join
• Visit Kathy’s FUMS website
• Vist Jackie at Queen of GSD 
• Visit Jackie Zimmerman to learn more about her patient advocacy
• Connect with Jackie on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
• Tools mentioned in this episode include Wix, WordPress, Squarespace, Weebly, Linktree 

**Be sure to join us on the Patients Getting Paid Facebook and Instagram pages AND get on the PGP email list to stay updated on all things PGP!

Special thanks to Steve Woodward at PodcastingEditor.com