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Embrace The Awkward: Networking After A Pandemic

Share the goods.

Two men and one woman talking closely at a networking event in the evening

As we all come out of hibernation a few pounds heavier and with questionable social skills, it seems like a great time to outline a few dos and don’ts of networking.

We’ve slowly been easing into in-person events, and boy, are those awkward. It’s like we’ve all forgotten how to hold conversations face-to-face. Do you shake hands? Wear a mask? Put on pants? So many questions.

Rule 1: Admit this is hard

We’re all in the same boat. You can no longer shut off your camera when you want to sneak away from a meeting or shove a cupcake in your mouth. Muting is no longer an option and pants are a requirement. Weird.

Just smile, let those you’re interacting with know you are out of practice and you’re absolutely going to be awkward.

I mean, who the hell remembers how to do “small talk”?

Rule 2: Just be quiet

If you have nothing constructive to add to the conversation, just keep your mouth shut. Someone on our team (Kim) has a tendency to ramble and begin confessing weird things whenever there are 5 seconds of silence to fill. This usually results in a few blank stares and people walking away. Don’t be Kim. Just listen to what others are saying and if you have something to add, feel free…but no one needs to know about that one time at band camp.

Rule 3: Keep showing up

Maybe your first in-person didn’t go great, maybe you are nervous you made a bad impression (you probably did), suck it up and register for the next one.

Start out with an afternoon or evening event, there are usually libations you can partake in…if you know what we mean. Keep in mind this could be good or bad. The drinky drink can relax you or simply add to the awkward. 

Rule 4: Carry business cards

Remember those rectangular things we used to carry around in wallets and purses? Yeah, get some of those and keep them on you. Oh, make sure they have your name on them and not someone else’s.

We’re all in this together, so extend a little grace to each other and remember some people will be taller or shorter in person. 
Need more no-nonsense human contact in your life? We’ve got you.

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Meet Joey, one of @bodespeaks’ nine rescues and 8THIRTYFOUR’s self-appointed office manager. She’ll happily accept head pats and belly rubs, but make no mistake: she’s always watching.

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… and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Meet Joey, one of @bodespeaks’ nine rescues and 8THIRTYFOUR’s self-appointed office manager. She’ll happily accept head pats and belly rubs, but make no mistake: she’s always watching.

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The six-month program combines the practical side of business with the emotional side. Participants work on leadership, finance, operations, and access to capital. They also get structured support for isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning a business.

WON is designed by entrepreneurs who have been there. They know that lasting business growth depends on personal growth and the resilience it takes to keep going.

This program gives women business owners thoughtful, well-rounded support to reach their next chapter, however they define it.

Who is WON built for?
Women founders who are in the thick of it and are:

- Past the idea stage: actively generating revenue and serving customers
- Committed to growth: ready to invest six months in the work, starting in November

Apply for the upcoming cohort at the link in bio. Applications close Oct 1.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 18089284331296830
The Women’s Owners Network (WON) is built for smaller businesses that are ready for the next level and need the right support to get there, whatever that looks like. The six-month program combines the practical side of business with the emotional side. Participants work on leadership, finance, operations, and access to capital. They also get structured support for isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning a business. WON is designed by entrepreneurs who have been there. They know that lasting business growth depends on personal growth and the resilience it takes to keep going. This program gives women business owners thoughtful, well-rounded support to reach their next chapter, however they define it. Who is WON built for? Women founders who are in the thick of it and are: - Past the idea stage: actively generating revenue and serving customers - Committed to growth: ready to invest six months in the work, starting in November Apply for the upcoming cohort at the link in bio. Applications close Oct 1.

Iced coffee is having a moment right now… and we’re sitting back and giving ours a celebratory shake.

IYKYK: would you bring one to an interview?

Tell us below.

#icedcoffee #trending #fyp #jobinterview #smallbusiness

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Iced coffee is having a moment right now… and we’re sitting back and giving ours a celebratory shake. IYKYK: would you bring one to an interview? Tell us below. #icedcoffee #trending #fyp #jobinterview #smallbusiness

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Glamorous? Obviously.

Check out what we’ve been working on for yourself. Register now for Uncomfortable Conversations The Pause at the link in bio.

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Open post by 8thirtyfour with ID 17891457474436982
Here’s the real behind-the-scenes of events: iconic @bodespeaks tees, dog diapers (don’t ask), and the people that make it all look easy. Glamorous? Obviously. Check out what we’ve been working on for yourself. Register now for Uncomfortable Conversations The Pause at the link in bio.
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