March 20, 2017
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In the face of adversity

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This past weekend, I attended the West Point gala, Founder’s Day. The event is a celebration of Michigan graduates of the academy, as well as those who have just been accepted.

This year’s speaker was Colonel Greg Gadson of the United States Army and ’89 West Point graduate. To say his story is incredible is an understatement. On the night of May 7, 2007, while returning from a memorial service for two soldiers from his brigade, he lost both his legs and severely injured his right arm to a roadside bomb in Baghdad.

At the event he spoke on the power of a support network and never giving up. He then called on stage, his best friend, a fellow West Point grad who is battling ALS.

My point in sharing all of this with you is to remind all of us that regardless of adversity and challenges, there is always someone who has overcome more or is going through the unspeakable.

Some Monday morning fodder for all of us.

Also enjoy this photo of me completely fangirling all over Colonel Gadson. Thank you sir, for tolerating my babbling and weirdness.

P.S. The event was planned by Michigan’s own, Jon Tellier of JetCo Solutions. Well done!

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Jim Cox

March 22, 2017

Nice!

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In @8thirtyfour early days, I didn’t know how to build a support network or find the resources to plan for growth, so I ‘winged’ it.

Then, when I hit our target revenue and employees, was stuck in the business and had no time to work on it.

It’s exhausting, and I was sick of watching other women-owned small businesses go through the same thing.

So, I built what we needed.

The Women’s Owners Network: The program for what comes first.

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship: The program for what comes after.

Each program is built, taught, and led by business owners for business owners, because no one understands your journey better than those who have been there.

Apply. Do it for you, because if you don’t build and maintain that foundation, you’re walking away from your business.
https://sbamwef.org/apply/

7 0

Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18445961302123742

In @8thirtyfour early days, I didn’t know how to build a support network or find the resources to plan for growth, so I ‘winged’ it.

Then, when I hit our target revenue and employees, was stuck in the business and had no time to work on it.

It’s exhausting, and I was sick of watching other women-owned small businesses go through the same thing.

So, I built what we needed.

The Women’s Owners Network: The program for what comes first.

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship: The program for what comes after.

Each program is built, taught, and led by business owners for business owners, because no one understands your journey better than those who have been there.

Apply. Do it for you, because if you don’t build and maintain that foundation, you’re walking away from your business.
https://sbamwef.org/apply/

I’ve always loved color, funky patterns and I guess fashion in general. Fun fact, I used to write a fashion column for Grand Rapids Magazine. I started with the always iconic brands, Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe - I believe this is what they call throwaway fashion? I couldn’t afford anything else, and I hated the idea of wearing the same thing week after week.

Since then, I’ve refined my taste a bit, and Anthro is my store of choice along with JCrew, Ann Taylor (when it’s not trending towards dowdy + Mennonite) and women-owned brands like Bee + Fox for graphic statement tees.

What hasn’t changed is the fun I have with color, patterns, shoes, and accessories. It’s part of my personal brand and how you show up in person is just as, if not more important than how you show up online.

This is personal branding, it’s your Big Deal Energy.

38 2

Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18109443425146205

@dodgejd is a business owner, friend and a HUGE supporter of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship…he also serves as a mentor.

All of our mentors are business owners who have been operating for at least 10 years, are also second-stage and have an expertise the cohort of WOSBs need.

So, this is your reminder to apply: www.sbamwef.org - applications close on September 15 (you probably have an extra day or two - cause I’m traveling).

@smallbusinessassocofmichigan

19 1

Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18113243452822156

@dodgejd is a business owner, friend and a HUGE supporter of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship…he also serves as a mentor.

All of our mentors are business owners who have been operating for at least 10 years, are also second-stage and have an expertise the cohort of WOSBs need.

So, this is your reminder to apply: www.sbamwef.org - applications close on September 15 (you probably have an extra day or two - cause I’m traveling).

@smallbusinessassocofmichigan

AI is a sharp tool, not the decision-maker. Spot the risks, ask better questions, and build structures where AI supports your mission without replacing your people or your accountability. @widnational

The Bode pack makes every presentation better.

This was the interpretive dance portion.

This is where I reminded everyone integrated is better.

@brittanichambers is one of my favorite people.

11 1

Open post by bodespeaks with ID 17879877690534001

AI is a sharp tool, not the decision-maker. Spot the risks, ask better questions, and build structures where AI supports your mission without replacing your people or your accountability. @widnational

The Bode pack makes every presentation better.

This was the interpretive dance portion.

This is where I reminded everyone integrated is better.

@brittanichambers is one of my favorite people.

As the poster child of Anti-AI; I’ll be sharing all my insights at my session at the @widnational Women In Defense National Conference this Monday (tomorrow). It may or may not include screenshots of me calling Claude names.

I will give you:
- Resources
- Guides
- Policies to start with (not a lawyer people - this is my disclaimer)

I also promise you the presentation will not be drafted by, influenced by or done by AI.

Cool. See you then. #widnc26

4 0

Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18122942332886995

As the poster child of Anti-AI; I’ll be sharing all my insights at my session at the @widnational Women In Defense National Conference this Monday (tomorrow). It may or may not include screenshots of me calling Claude names.

I will give you:
- Resources
- Guides
- Policies to start with (not a lawyer people - this is my disclaimer)

I also promise you the presentation will not be drafted by, influenced by or done by AI.

Cool. See you then. #widnc26

I have known Rebecca Dutcher for longer than I care to admit and when she applied for the last Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship...I was PUMPED.
.
Look at her words. Read them.

This is the last year, the Fellowship will be covered by grant funding. The application deadline is September 15th.

If you don’t meet all the qualifications, apply for the Women’s Owners Network.

Both programs are for women-owned businesses and both were built by business owners for business owners and it’s everything I wish had been provided to me. It would’ve saved me a lot of time and money.

You can apply for WEF here: www.sbamwef.org/apply

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In the face of adversity

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Jim Cox

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