Building a Business Around Belonging
January 14, 2026
When Christy Howden first set foot on a pickleball court back in 2017, she was told she was too young to play. Christy had to
When Christy Howden first set foot on a pickleball court back in 2017, she was told she was too young to play. Christy had to
I’ve owned my business long enough to know that nothing about running one is easy — that’s fine. What’s not fine is how much harder
Cowardice has a cost, and our state will pay it. The BBB (Big Brutal Blow), being championed by the worst among us, will devastate our
…and screaming in your car is totally normal. Owning a small business is the fastest way to develop anxiety, insomnia, and a drinking habit you
When the Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation reached out to Kim regarding the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF), they had a name, and an idea
Let’s talk about putting your money where your values are. This Small Business Saturday, we’re hitting the streets of Grand Rapids with Congresswoman Hillary Scholten
We are just weeks away from yet another government shutdown. If lawmakers can’t agree on spending before November 17th, federal employees will be furloughed and
Isn’t it always the story of a small business owner’s life to want to promote their biz but not have enough funds for really kick-ass
If there’s one thing about us, we love proving people wrong. One evening we were doing what we do best – you know, sipping on
EOS®, how we love thee. We love it so much, we’re writing about it for the zillionth time. We even chatted with superstar EOS® implementer,
We’re not big into feelings and lovey-dovey stuff over here but we have to tell you, 2021 wouldn’t have happened without our incredible clients. Partnering
We write these blogs mostly for ourselves because half of these wins seem like they were 3 years ago versus this past year. Also, we
There are WAY too many great businesses in our community to narrow it down to one measly blog. It definitely called for a part deux.
We’d like to encourage you to shop small this year and support the local businesses making our communities great. We compiled our recs and added
We really hate being described as “small” or “boutique,” as it often disparages the work we do for our clients, not to mention ourselves. After
We recently had Josh Byler on the Happy Hour Hustle podcast. For those of you that don’t know, Josh is married to Kim. If you
Here’s a special blog directly from Kim: I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you’re gonna be ok. My approach to running a
Every year, we have the pleasure of being a part of the Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Awards Gala, an event that celebrates and acknowledges
We were asked the other day what marketing tips we would give to small businesses if we had to narrow it down to only three.
One of our favorite things to hear from companies is, “We don’t need marketing. We’re doing great.” Marketing is definitely something you should utilize as
Can you think of a brand off the top of your head that supports a cause that some or most view as controversial? Besides us,
Hey! This post is a little old. Check out the newest version here! The Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®) dramatically changed 8THIRTYFOUR as a business, culture
Support your community this Saturday, November 24th, by shopping small for Small Business Saturday. The team at 8THIRTYFOUR has taken all the work out of
This year, Small Business Saturday takes place on November 24th and we want you to participate! The initiative was launched in 2010, by American Express,
We love a lot of things at 8THIRTYFOUR, but if we were pushed to give a Top 5 List, it would probably look like: Dogs
Welcome to another edition of Your Biz, Your Town! On last week’s show, we featured three amazing local businesses who are doing awesome things in
No matter your business or brand, you have one thing in common with every single business out there. Behind the logo, there are humans. Where
Your Biz, Your Town is back and better than ever! This month we featured Russo’s International Market and Rustic City Living, both small businesses based
Do you ever find yourself looking up at the time and saying (maybe shouting) “Where did this day go?!” Me too! It seems like there
Disclaimer: This blog is not about employee advocacy. While that’s still very important, we are focusing on personal online brands, and why you and your employer should equally
Yeah, we know. It’s only Nov. 8, but we’re already getting into the holiday spirit. Any day now, Team 834 will walk into an office
Watch two of our amazing clients on ABC’s Shark Tank! Shefit, the ultimate sports bra, and R. Riveter, American made handbags, will pitch their products in
We live in a digital age. We are constantly consumed by so much digital messaging that we have to actively turn off those receptors to
I have to take a moment to shamelessly plug the 834 team. We have had a VERY busy couple of weeks and though it is
Local Company Semi-Finalist In National $1 Million Business Plan Competition ENRG Power Systems, a StartGarden recipient, is recognized as a semi-finalist in Accelerate Michigan Innovation
This afternoon, I will be presenting to the Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women organization on Marketing on a Shoestring Budget. This is one of my
Thanks to the fabulous group of women that welcomed me this morning to chat about my favorite topic…marketing. Some of you thought I was going
834 Client, Lia Rose announces the launch of online store! All the styles and fashions you have grown to love are now available online to
If you are going to partake in social media, then it is important to customize your account. Twitter is no different than Facebook in that
Premier Painting has been around for years, however like many small business owners there wasn’t time to sit down and manage the marketing aspect. Enter,
We love our clients. I feel we should start every post this way, and as a result of this we love getting them attention. JetCo
I just recently read an article on Entrepreneur.com on the differences between networking and connecting. Read the full article here. It dawned on me that
I am not the type to continually wish people Happy New Year or make resolutions, however as a small business owner the new year is
Dear Small Business Owner: There are companies thriving in this economy, including many small businesses. In a highly competitive market, effective marketing can make a
West Michigan based Elite Masonry needed to expand their presence through the launch of a new website and social media initiatives. 834 worked with Elite
A logo was needed for a small business focused on providing your dog with only the best in bones. 834 designer, Chris Koens, developed a
You’re a small business and money is tight (or non-existent), so what do you do to increase your company’s visiblity? Here are a few tips
By being a small business, I automatically am a supporter of small businesses. Serving small businesses is one of the biggest reasons 834 was founded.