August 28, 2017
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It’s ok to ask for help

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I made the decision to go see a business coach/counselor/therapist – whatever you want to call it….and it was the best. Granted, I’ve gone once but I’m clearly already cured. Jokes aside, I’ve written plenty of times about feeling alone as a business owner.

It took a swift kick in the ass by my managing director to go to the appointment. I mean, I could keep whining on my blog or I could do something about it. Trust me, I seriously considered the first option.

Here is what I want you to remember:

Ask for help. Whether it is your leadership team, your mom, your dog – it doesn’t matter. Just ask.
It’s ok to go talk to someone. It’s even better if they are a trained professional.
Listen to them. If they tell you to get a hobby – then maybe try cooking, reading or wine. If they tell you to get a personal assistant – then do it.

Also apply here.

Let me repeat, it is ok to ask for help.

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

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

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

So, we 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/

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

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

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

So, we 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.

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@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

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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.

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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

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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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It’s ok to ask for help

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