REGISTER NOW: Uncomfortable Conversations: The Skills Crisis
REGISTER: 8THIRTYFOUR Skills Survival School Founding Cohort

The Gratitude Blog

Share the goods.

Two hands form together to make a heart

As marketers or business owners, a lot of work goes into making our businesses successful – from gaining new customers to keeping current ones happy. We often forget the little victories and focus on the negative stuff happening in our lives or the world.  

Everyone likes to focus on gratitude during the holiday season, so we figured we’d pile on. This has become more of an affirmation blog than gratitude, but we do what we want.

You’re Stronger Than You Think

This year has truly been a kick in the pants. With a series of unexpected challenges to overcome, it has tested our resilience in ways we never imagined. Look for our book in 2024.

One of the most valuable lessons this rollercoaster ride has taught us is the importance of perspective. When life knocks you down and you find yourself at rock bottom, it is in those moments that you discover the true extent of your abilities and inner strength. It’s a reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, they can always be worse, and that gives us the motivation to keep pushing forward.

So, as we navigate through these uncertain times, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Embrace the unexpected, trust in your own resilience, and let it fuel your determination to rise above any adversity that comes your way. The journey may be tough, but the destination will be all the more rewarding.

Client Love (It’s More Than Just a Hashtag)

Well, this year has been like a never-ending roller coaster, right? But one thing we know for sure: our clients are the bomb! We’re lucky to work with businesses and leaders we totally respect, value, and trust. Finding the perfect fit takes some trial and error, but when we do, it’s pure magic! And hey, if you want the receipts, we’ve got case studies for days.

Seriously though, we owe everything to our awesome clients. So here’s our love letter to each and every one of you: 2023 was a wild ride, but hold on tight, ’cause things are only gonna get better from here. Buckle up and enjoy the adventure!

The World’s Best Team 

As marketers, we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. Occasionally, we may drop the ball, so having an exceptional team by our side is crucial. Here at 8THIRTYFOUR, we are fortunate to boast the absolute best individuals.

In this world of immense pressure, fierce competition, and soaring expectations, we are immensely grateful for the reliable people who support us. Whether it’s lending a hand during unexpected car troubles (which happen more often than you’d expect) or providing much-needed encouragement after a challenging week, it’s simply what we do.

At 8THIRTYFOUR, we place great emphasis on cultivating strong relationships with our clients, community, and each other. Our work family is truly a blessing that makes it effortless for us to succeed.

Anything but Monotony

It’s easy to get caught up in this fast-paced world as the days blur together. We want the best for all our clients, which means things move quickly. But every now and then, we get asked, “So, what does a day in your life look like?” And when we struggle to answer, it’s because we are lucky enough to work in an industry that exempts us from monotony. 

Every single day is different. When unexpected challenges come our way, it can be stressful. However, it’s the plot twists that truly captivate us and keep us engaged. Our days fly by because we are never bored. And to never be bored is a gift unto itself. We really do feel bad for you if you can’t relate. 

The Little Things

In a world filled with Forbes articles and celebrity endorsements, it’s effortless to become enamored by the allure and glamour of the industry. However, let’s take a moment to appreciate the small gestures that leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s surprising a new client with a thoughtful gift basket, sending a heartfelt present to new parents, or simply taking the time to write a personal note, these tiny touchpoints in our client relationships remind us all of our shared humanity. In a digital age where inboxes overflow with countless emails and phones incessantly buzz with social notifications, it’s refreshing to interrupt the day with a physical expression that says, “Hey, someone out there is rooting for you.”

So, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who sends us those little messages, uplifting words, and unexpected surprises. We sincerely hope that the gestures we extend to you brighten your days, even if they bring just a fraction of the joy that your thoughtful acts of kindness bring to our lives.

2024 and Beyond 

At 8THIRTYFOUR, we are dedicated to broadening our horizons, making a meaningful impact, and leaving a lasting impression through everything we do. Our efforts extend beyond collaborations in GovCon and defense; we also partner with STEM-based non-profits and support local film festivals. We take our mission of making a difference seriously, yet we embrace the joy of the journey by including our furry friends and indulging in spirited libations. Our outreach is expanding, creating a significant impact and inspiring future generations to explore the thrilling world of PR. Join us on this exhilarating #AgencyLife adventure!

Leave A Comment

Recent Musings

Something on Your Mind?

Introducing our third speaker for Uncomfortable Conversations | The Pause, happening this Thursday. 

Meet @bitnermd, co-founder of @true.womenshealth, a concierge practice in West Michigan, focused on helping women thrive through midlife while reducing chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, and diabetes. 

Dr. Bitner is a board-certified OB/GYN specializing in midlife, menopause, and sexual health. She’s the author of I Want to Age Like That! and has published peer-reviewed research on menopause care. She was named Menopause Practitioner of the Year by The Menopause Society in 2015. Dr. Bitner is committed to translating evidence into practical, scalable solutions that improve women’s health, confidence, and participation at work and in life. We’re beyond excited to have her join our panel discussion this Thursday. 

Register now to hear from Dr. Bitner and the rest of our industry experts at The Pause on September 24th. 

Secure your spot at the link in bio.
Every WOSB deserves support, access, guidance, and a network, because when they have it, they’re unstoppable.

Just because you be small, does not mean you are not mighty. The Women’s Owners Network will accept its first cohort this November. Applications are due October 1.

Thank you to @lakemichigan_cu for partnering with us to provide this program. Their support means we can offer this at a significantly lower cost to business owners.

Go apply at the link in bio.
Introducing our second speaker for Uncomfortable Conversations | The Pause, happening this Thursday. 

Meet Cheryl Bergman, Executive Director of the @miwomenscomm.

Cheryl is a statewide policy leader driving economic opportunity and better health outcomes for women across Michigan. Appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2019, she brings together employers, healthcare experts, advocates, and policymakers to tackle the issues that actually move the needle - economic security, affordable childcare, and midlife women's health.

Before this role, Cheryl helped elect Michigan's first woman U.S. Senator and first woman Governor, and served as Senior Advisor on Governor Whitmer's 2018 campaign.

She's exactly the voice this conversation needs.

Join Cheryl and our powerhouse lineup of industry experts at The Pause on September 24th. 

Link in bio to register - spaces are going fast.
We love this trend, so we thought we’d jump on it and ask the team some “hard-hitting questions” to end the week. 

We’re a team made up of Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Find out who knows the most about the classics. Any guesses?
We've received so many questions from new grads about breaking into a competitive market as a young professional. It starts with one thing according to @bodespeaks: being the salesperson of YOU. Emulate the leaders in your industry and show up where they show up.

It's not who you know, it's who knows you
Use the playbook of people you admire
Show up consistently and be seen
A handwritten note beats 100 LinkedIn messages, always.

See more Bode wisdom at her YouTube channel linked in our bio.
Meet our first speaker spotlight: Dr. Karen May, DC, CCSP, CCIP.

Dr. May owns and operates @mhneuropathycenter, and she's joining us for Uncomfortable Community Conversations: The Pause on September 24th to talk about something we don't talk about enough. 

Her career has spanned from elite sports medicine, including a stint as team physician for USA Bobsled and Skeleton as well as caring for pregnant moms and newborns and helping women navigate life’s transitions, always grounded in a belief in food as medicine and the body’s own capacity to heal. In 2017, that expertise was tested when a rare surgical complication left her fighting nerve damage in her own body. 

Drawing on decades of clinical practice and training, she rebuilt her health from the ground up — and has since helped thousands of people do the same. With over 20 years in holistic health care, she speaks today as both physician and peer.

Join us for The Pause on September 24th. Link in bio.
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.