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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.

Colonel Greg Gadson and his biggest fan

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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It’s not about who you know, it’s about who knows you.

When I talk Big Deal Energy™️, I remind people about the power of their network and the investment it requires to actually reap the benefits. You gotta give to get.

I shared some thoughts with @fastcompany on the ROI of conference sponsorships, which only makes sense if you build connections and are visible.

“The benefit and ROI need to outweigh the cost. ROI should be defined in multiple ways: brand awareness, visibility with a core customer base, or being able to share knowledge, which positions you as a thought leader. Note: Invest in personal branding workshops or education so your people know how to connect, make an impression, follow up, and nurture a lead.”

If you don’t know how to work a room, give more than you get, then for the love of all that is holy, register for the Big Deal Energy™ Workshop on June 23.

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18113165018500052
It’s not about who you know, it’s about who knows you. When I talk Big Deal Energy™️, I remind people about the power of their network and the investment it requires to actually reap the benefits. You gotta give to get. I shared some thoughts with @fastcompany on the ROI of conference sponsorships, which only makes sense if you build connections and are visible. “The benefit and ROI need to outweigh the cost. ROI should be defined in multiple ways: brand awareness, visibility with a core customer base, or being able to share knowledge, which positions you as a thought leader. Note: Invest in personal branding workshops or education so your people know how to connect, make an impression, follow up, and nurture a lead.” If you don’t know how to work a room, give more than you get, then for the love of all that is holy, register for the Big Deal Energy™ Workshop on June 23.

The moment you step into your Big Deal Energy™️, people will find a reason to hate you. They’ll disagree with you. They’ll leave shitty comments. They’ll try to make you feel small.

Let them.

Their mediocre is not yours to carry, their discomfort with your confidence is a them problem. You aren’t showing up to make everyone comfortable, you’re doing it because being authentically you means something.

And when the haters roll in? Smile; they just proved your point. See you on the 21st.

5 0
Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18086507009522326
The moment you step into your Big Deal Energy™️, people will find a reason to hate you. They’ll disagree with you. They’ll leave shitty comments. They’ll try to make you feel small. Let them. Their mediocre is not yours to carry, their discomfort with your confidence is a them problem. You aren’t showing up to make everyone comfortable, you’re doing it because being authentically you means something. And when the haters roll in? Smile; they just proved your point. See you on the 21st.

Small Business Survival Skills: Critical thinking, communication, conflict resolution, professionalism…when employees are missing these, it costs us a whole bunch of money.

We have a choice, and I say this with all the love my feral little Gen X heart can muster: we can spend our energy wishing things were different, or we can adapt and teach them.

Companies investing in integrated learning models see 24% higher profit margins and save roughly $18K per new hire in productivity ramp up.

It’s survival. @8thirtyfour Skills Survival School, June 25 - https://8thirtyfour.com/skills/

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18108525116488231
Small Business Survival Skills: Critical thinking, communication, conflict resolution, professionalism…when employees are missing these, it costs us a whole bunch of money. We have a choice, and I say this with all the love my feral little Gen X heart can muster: we can spend our energy wishing things were different, or we can adapt and teach them. Companies investing in integrated learning models see 24% higher profit margins and save roughly $18K per new hire in productivity ramp up. It’s survival. @8thirtyfour Skills Survival School, June 25 - https://8thirtyfour.com/skills/

I started @8thirtyfour #19 years ago because I didn’t see many women in leadership positions; those I saw weren’t real keen to lend a helping hand. If you want something, make it happen; no one is going to hand you your dream.

#smallbusiness #bigdealenergy #womenfounders #womensupportingwomen kimbode

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18088244546206111
I started @8thirtyfour #19 years ago because I didn’t see many women in leadership positions; those I saw weren’t real keen to lend a helping hand. If you want something, make it happen; no one is going to hand you your dream. #smallbusiness #bigdealenergy #womenfounders #womensupportingwomen kimbode
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