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The Power of Small

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A store sign with an "Open Shop" sign hanging.

We get pretty hyped up about Small Business Saturday, probably because we are a small business and damn proud of it. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 99.6% of the businesses in Michigan are small. Repeat that percentage in your head one more time. Think about it. We are the largest employers in our state and represented the least.

When was the last time you saw a small business on a panel of speakers? Or as a keynote speaker? Tapped to serve on a board? The majority of these opportunities go to large corporations, and they are the same names over and over and over again. Small Business Saturday gives us the opportunity to recognize the incredible businesses in our community that are part of that 99.6%. Check out some of our local favorites below.

Nestology Shop & Studio

Nestology Shop & Studio is a woman-owned business that sells uniquely curated handmade jewelry, home decor, accessories, and more! Anything in this shop makes for a thoughtful gift this holiday season.

Kula Yoga GR

Kula Yoga GR is a welcoming and homey yoga studio for all skill levels and class types. They always run a new student special of 30 days for $35. Plus, you can hang out with our Creative Lead during the classes she teaches on Thursdays!

Hopscotch

Hopscotch is an adorable children’s store locally owned in East Hills. They offer everything from books to tableware to clothes, so you’re bound to find something cute and useful for even the pickiest little ones.

The Pickwick

The Pickwick in East Hills recently celebrated its 75th year in Grand Rapids. This bar popped up in 1934, the year after prohibition ended. Since then, it’s grown to become one of Grand Rapids’ staple bars. In fact, it has barely changed at all since it opened. Now that’s rustic charm!

The Mitten Brewing Company

It’s no secret we love the Mitten Brewing Company. They are our partners in Small Biz 4 Equality, and they make giving back the center of all they do. Plus, their pizza and beer aren’t half bad. Go try it for yourself.

Happy Cat Cafe

If you like cats, you have to check out Happy Cat Cafe. Stop by to paint, do yoga, or just relax, all with the loving company of some adorable cats. Did we mention they’re adoptable, too? Go snag a forever kitty friend.

Last But Not Least…

We couldn’t forget our very own woman-owned business! We’re at 13 years in business and counting. Go team!
Ready to give back to small businesses in our community? Check out the full list of businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, and start showing your support. We’re sure they’ll really appreciate it.

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If you ever need proof that personal brand matters...Kim got to see the @nasaartemis II launch in person as a direct result of her Big Deal Energy™.

You need to work hard, show up authentically, and provide value. That was her message to a room full of students and young professionals at @western_michigan_pmi`s theProject Collegiate Competition.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18045223601588457
If you ever need proof that personal brand matters...Kim got to see the @nasaartemis II launch in person as a direct result of her Big Deal Energy™. You need to work hard, show up authentically, and provide value. That was her message to a room full of students and young professionals at @western_michigan_pmi's theProject Collegiate Competition. The Big Deal Energy™ Workshop is on June 23. Register at the link in bio.

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The good news is, you can flip the script, but it will take some serious work and a personal brand, or as Kim Bode refers to it: Big Deal Energy™.

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Link in bio to learn more.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18012680507839574
Employers think Gen Z is lazy, entitled, and will quit the second things get hard. That perception is keeping you out of the room before you ever get a chance to prove otherwise. The good news is, you can flip the script, but it will take some serious work and a personal brand, or as Kim Bode refers to it: Big Deal Energy™. Kim is speaking at theProject™ Collegiate Event, hosted by the Project Management Institute Western Michigan Chapter on April 14. She'll cover how to build a personal brand that actually sounds like you (not ChatGPT) and how you can show your value through social, content and networking. Link in bio to learn more.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18115092436709128
No one talks about how lonely it is to own a business. The tough decisions land on you, the business doesn't pause when you need a break, and nobody - not your employees or your spouse - really gets it. If you know a business owner, tell them they're doing a good job. It matters more than you know.

The growth stage is the hardest part of building a business.

Kim was recently quoted in @corpmagazine on what she sees running the Women`s Entrepreneurial Fellowship: women who have built something, survived the hardest part, and are still doing everything themselves. The natural tendency to be humble and attached to their work creates unique business challenges for women; they put up walls because they can`t be vulnerable.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18078804740143427
The growth stage is the hardest part of building a business. Kim was recently quoted in @corpmagazine on what she sees running the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship: women who have built something, survived the hardest part, and are still doing everything themselves. The natural tendency to be humble and attached to their work creates unique business challenges for women; they put up walls because they can't be vulnerable. Meanwhile, when a woman CEO needs growth capital, she compiles three years of tax returns before a bank will schedule a meeting, while her male competitor closes the same deal over drinks. When women have access to the right resources, they grow and invest back. Full article at the link in bio.