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Community Engagement During COVID

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A woman holding a cup of coffee while working at her laptop

It is possible to build a network from the comfort of your couch. COVID has changed the way we interact with each other, but it doesn’t have to stop you from growing professionally and connecting with peers. There is nothing more important in your career than expanding the group of individuals you know. Here are our tips for community engagement during a pandemic.

Social media was made for this

Social media exists for much more than political arguments and spying on former classmates. LinkedIn is by far the most professional social network out there, so start there. Publish articles on LinkedIn specific to your industry or a topic of interest. Once people engage, connect with them and start a conversation offline. Join groups depending on your industry. Marketing, engineering, finance—you name it, there is a group on LinkedIn. Connect with those in the group, engage in conversations around a post and invest the time into growing those relationships. It doesn’t matter what social network it is. Get creative. Post on Instagram that you are looking to connect with other professionals in your industry. Share an article on Facebook and ask others to join you for a Zoom happy hour to discuss.

Work your network

You know people, right? It could be the person you used to sit next to at work or a connection from an industry event you attended before isolation. Set up a coffee meeting (socially distanced) or a Zoom happy hour, and ask the other person to invite someone from their circle. Boom, you are networking. Look at you go! You can also work remotely from a coffee shop, library, or local chamber of commerce. Get out, wear a mask and say hello to people in the real world.

Volunteer your time

There are multiple organizations and associations in need of volunteers to assist with various roles. We recently got involved with Women in Defense and are assisting with their marketing efforts. We have virtual committee meetings and happy hours. It’s called networking. Reach out to an industry association and ask how you can get involved.

Letter writing 101

Stay up-to-date on local happenings by reading through community business journals, publications, etc. Send a handwritten note congratulating another professional on an accomplishment or mention you saw in the paper. People love to receive mail that isn’t a bill, and knowing you took the time to reach out will stay with them.

We have no choice but to adapt, so get to it and stop whining. Need more tips? We’re always here for you. Just reach out.

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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.
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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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