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The Power of 'No'

Share the goods.

I started out writing a blog on networking and getting involved…but then I said screw it. I’m tired. I want a nap not another networking event or board meeting.

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From year long programs…

When I was in my early 20s I spent every morning, lunch and evening at a networking event – American Marketing Association, GRYP, AimWest,  countless other organizations – galas, receptions, happy hours, fundraisers…I could go on. The amazing thing is I never burned out, I kept this pace into my 30s and just this past year I stopped, looked around and thought “does this help or hurt my business?” Along with “holy shit, I am going to be 36 in 2 months.”
I needed a gut check and to reevaluate…was all this time and effort adding value, aiding the development of my personal or company brand…or was it just spreading me thin, impacting work quality and taking time away from me?

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to speaking engagements…

There were many great orgs, boards, associations that I was involved in that had worthy causes but were they core to my growth? Success? Development?

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to galas…

I needed criteria that would help me analyze every opportunity and then make a decision on whether it was essential to my longterm goals. Here is my criteria:

  1. Would this take time away from our clients, ultimately impacting our work quality and delivery?
  2. Would this build brand awareness or lead to additional business opportunities?
  3. Does this client, organization, association or event reflect the 834 brand? Are we staying true to ourselves?

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to golfing.

Those 3 little questions led me to resign from a board today, part way with 2 clients and give me time back for reading, creative thinking and strategic planning.
Take back control of your life.  ‘No’ is an incredibly powerful word, embrace it. Say yes to key opportunities that meet your criteria and take all the time you saved from turning down countless other unnecessary involvements and pour that into the few you say ‘yes’ to.
Need a push, read the book Essentialism.
 
 

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18112263326023209
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet? If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves. This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore. Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk. Listen now at the link in bio.

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When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18132641716644887
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up. We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly. We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared. Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later). Register at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18089775152664042
You asked, we delivered. Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership. Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it. Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business. You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are. Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18026151482745649
"I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself" - Leslie F*ucking Knope You are the hero in your own story. Be like Leslie and believe it. Come to the Big Deal Energy Workshop, @bodespeaks will show you how. It's personal branding with a shot of tequila. Register in bio.
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