A bit morbid of a subject but something, as a business owner, you absolutely have to think about. This is especially relevant if you are the sole proprietor. After owning my business for almost 10 years, I thought I should think about what the hell will happen if I were to kick the bucket. I needed a succession plan.

Since I am currently going through the process, I feel like I am an expert. Here are the steps I recommend (or my lawyer told me):

1. Get a lawyer, preferably one that will wine and dine you. My lawyer, Nick buys me wine and only judges me a little when I put ice in it. Here is the deal, the reason you outsource shit is because you don’t understand or possess the skills do it yourself, so why would you EVER think you can create a succession plan yourself? As far as I am concerned, this is one of the most important items you need to ensure longevity.
2. Research it. Business owners need to understand that succession planning is not a form or product.  According to my lawyer, Nick Reister of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, It is a process that should be developed around the unique traits, challenges and circumstances of you and your business.  Sometimes it can take a couple of months to start, other times it may take years.  The best plans are regularly (monthly, annually or every few years) reviewed and updated.
3. Analyze your assets. You need to be realistic in estimating your financial needs after you leave the business. Maybe you want to change careers, or travel the world, or launch a business knitting hats for kittens. Whatever you decide, you need to talk to your lawyer to ensure you are planning for it.
4. Determine business worth. Before you leave, sell the business or take on a partner you need to understand the value of what you own. You can also increase the value of the business before stepping away. Nick counsels: The value may be increased by developing and retaining key employees, by reducing the company’s dependance on the owner, or by securing longer term contracts and relationships with customers, etc.
5. Appoint a head honcho. This gives me the heebie jeebies – I hold business finances very close to the chest and that means I don’t tell anyone ANYTHING but guess what…when your business grows bigger than you, it isn’t about YOU anymore. If you care about your employees and want them to be taken care of after you hand in your dance card, then you have to find someone you trust and you have to groom them to run the business.

The fact is, you need a well-developed plan that includes an estate plan with will, trust (sounds so important), business governance documents, and any other documents that are needed for the business’ circumstances, constraints and objectives.

Dear Graduate,

What an exciting time for you! This past weekend you graduated, celebrated with friends and family and toasted the accomplishment of receiving a degree. After a 4.5 hour ceremony you walked across that stage, shook the hands of lots of people wearing robes and weird hats and took your diploma and entered into the real world.

Now that you have ‘officially’ entered the real world, let me give you some real world advice. If you decided to wait until the Monday after graduation to look for a job and are suddenly filled with a sense of desperation and terror…well, you are an idiot. Your sense of urgency and lack of planning does not constitute an emergency for anyone else.

Please take the below nuggets of advice to heart, once you are done crying to your parents about how mean that one lady was on the internet you can go out and be semi-successful

• 4. That is how many years ago you should have been setting up internships, reaching out to potential mentors and researching the industry you hope to some day be a part of.
• 2. That is the minimum of internships you should have done in college….and if you expected payment and a ribbon for doing what you absolutely need to do to succeed…well real life is going to be hella hard on you.
• 1. The site you should have set up that showcases your writing, experience, references and blogging capabilities.
• 3. The number of student orgs you should be involved in to build a personal network that will support you through career searches and moves.
• 1. The length of time (1 year) that you should begin searching for a job, reaching out to local companies and sitting down with local leaders.
• 1.5 mil. The amount of thank you notes you will write over your  years in college. Thank you notes better be your norm, because the world doesn’t exist to serve you.

I hope you take this to heart, dear graduate. I am a small business owner and if you expect me to find time to chat with you about wanting to join my team then you should know my company is 834, not 854, 438 and my name is Kim, not Jill or To Whom It May Concern.

You were taught research skills in college, use them or expect life to be very, very hard.

Sincerely,

The person that won’t return your calls, answer your emails or respond to your mailed resume and portfolio.

My sister-in-law contacted me the other day to ask me about an individual, marketing themselves as a social media guru that promised her for $247 she could increase her Instagram following. She asked me if it was worth it.

I saw red, and not because of my sister-in-law, because there are idiots out there that fool people into thinking they actually know what they are talking about. This so-called-expert says she can “help you be the best version of yourself” – really? Besides the fact that is completely cliche, it is also insulting.

Growing your audience, engagement and success on social media is not a magic formula. It takes consistency, hard work and time. Anyone that tells you to pay them a lump sum of money to make you the “better version of yourself”, is more than likely buying followers – which is probably why they have 90k on Instagram in the first place. This individual also said that Facebook is ineffective due to all of its changes and Instagram is the only network that matters. Translation: This person, who is a fashion blogger, is confused by Facebook and can’t figure out how to use it effectively.

I polled some other social media managers/coordinators or strategists (who don’t declare themselves experts) to see what they think of these self-professed “gurus”.

1. Jordan, recent grad working at a marketing agency: There is a stark difference between someone who will go out and “get you followers” and someone who is honestly interested in helping you earn them in the right places for the right reasons. Relationships are not something that are “got” in my opinion. They are earned, built and fostered in-person and/or in the digital space. Someone who is looking to give you the quick fix of getting followers for the sake of getting followers already has something wrong with their process and overall strategy. If they are making these rookie mistakes, then we already have an issue with the title they are giving themselves and we haven’t even started digging.
2. Rebecca, 20+ years experience in digital: A notable “title” or reputation for something like that is earned, as is a solid following and strong connections. It’s like that old quote – if you have to say you’re a lady, you probably are not.
3. Lindsay, social media manager for communication agency, managing 10+ accounts: You earn that title, you don’t give yourself that title. And that is how I feel about THAT.
4. Lauren, strategist and project manager: I think of anyone who markets themselves as a guru is most definitely not. They should refer to themselves as enthusiasts

There is no replacement for working hard and taking the right steps to be successful. Read up below:

1. Mastering social media
2. Show don’t tell
3. More isn’t better
4. Social media 101

Have you run into one of these “experts” – share your experience with us below.

Camping is my ultimate relaxation – can you tell.

This past weekend, I felt immense guilt for sitting around and chillaxing (as I like to call it), which may or may not have involved watching Hallmark movies…but probably not.

I realize that as business owners or busy professionals we feel like we always have to go, go, go. What my epiphany was this weekend, after I texted multiple people to let them know I am lazy and sitting around (I needed validation that it was ok), is that it is OK to not do ANYTHING.

I mean, why do we feel this immense sense of guilt for allowing ourselves a day to not work, or think about work? We are of no use to our staff, clients or colleagues if we are burned out and on edge.

Here is why you need to allow yourself a day to not shower, brush your teeth, or put on real clothes:

1. Attitude. Fact is at some point your going to be a dick if you are sleep-deprived and over-worked. Guess who that effects? Everyone. Probably doesn’t do a lot for staff morale when you are snapping at them or locking yourself in your office to avoid human interaction.
2. Health. Sitting around all day might seem the opposite of healthy, but it isn’t just physical health we need to think of. You need to focus on your mental health and emotional wellbeing to actually be a contributing member of society. If you are so rundown and tired that you can’t even come up with the word “brussel sprouts” (this may or may not have happened to me the other day), then how are you going to add value to a client account? I bet brainstorming sessions would be super creative.
3. Balance. According to ABC News, Americans work more than anyone in the industrialized world. Oh…and Americans take less vacation, work longer days, and retire later, too. Man, we are fun. Here is the deal, most of us have families, some of us have kids, dogs, dolls…or whatever. I think balance is bullshit – there is no clear line between professional and personal anymore, but we do need to allow ourselves to unplug, enjoy people we like (maybe those are your kids) and give ourselves 24 hours to do NOTHING.

I don’t often say this, but maybe you need to turn off your electronic devices and knit, play Yahtzee or just drink a bottle of wine.

My point in all of this, is if you can’t be selfish enough to take time for yourself then you are useless to everyone else.

Last week, I announced a new blog series called #GirlBoss. This series is meant to educate and offer hope to women bosses, entrepreneurs, business owners and general badasses. The hardest thing we face as professionals is feelings of despair and loneliness, thinking you are the only one facing certain challenges and hardships.

I met Valerie Martinelli, through the Twitterverse (thanks PoshonPennies) and immediately starting spying on her. I mean, could she really be that successful? Not only is she the Director of The Center for Economic & Policy Development, Inc. she also the founder of Innovate 50/50.  

You don’t often meet other women that make it their mission to support other females as we strive for equal opportunities.

Find out why Valerie Martinelli is such a badass. I encourage you to reach out to her through Twitter,@ValerieAnne3330 and pick this woman’s brilliant brain.

Q. Name, job description, business?  

A. Valerie Martinelli, MPA, Director of The Center for Economic & Policy Development, Inc.  I report to the CEO/ Chairman, however, I am responsible for overall strategic and operational functions, including programs, initiatives, growth, and execution of mission. I am committed to our leadership and management, communications, planning, and new business as well as partnership and project development, facilitating a broad range of stakeholders, and an unwavering commitment to quality business planning. The Center is a nonprofit that is committed to empowerment. This foundation is important because it is the basis for positive growth individually, locally, and nationally.

Q. How would others describe you?

A. Sweet, Kind, Friendly, Thoughtful, Funny, Brilliant, and Dedicated

Q. How would you describe yourself?

A. A Woman Who Knows What She Wants, Hard-working, Giving, Crazy Sense of Humor, Understanding, and Smart

Q. What are you most proud of in your career?

A. I am most proud of creating Innovate 50/50. It is incredible to have an opportunity to positively impact women so much. The response has been so positive and welcoming that I know it’s going to make a difference. I am looking forward to doing big things and helping women well into the future.  

Q. What has been your biggest struggle?

A. I have just recently started opening up about my struggles so this is a bit of a new world to me. My biggest struggle is my anxiety that stems from my childhood. I was robbed of my sense of self and it didn’t allow me to let good things or people into my life because I didn’t fully understand the value. Learning that value is beneficial because I believe that when you let good things and people into your life, positivity ensues and progresses.

Q. Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

A. Picking one is difficult because there have been for many different reasons, however, women are my influencers. We all have been fighting difficult battles for different reasons for many years. I channeled these female struggles into Innovate 50/50 because we deserve the opportunity to be equal, successful, and prosperous.

Q. What is your badass moment? What do you look back on and think, I fucking ‘killed’ that?

A. My dissertation was definitely a badass moment. I was so nervous because my entire graduate school career was hanging in the balance and I had worked so hard. I call that a badass moment because I still felt out of my element and I wasn’t sure I was ready to acknowledge my own bad-assness even though I knew I needed to. I worked well under pressure- I owned it and aced it. At the end, my professor called me a whiz because he thought I was ready before everyone else. Once I heard that, I knew I had the capability to take on big things and accomplish them.

Q. What advice, words of wisdom would you pass on to other women?

A. Don’t fear your power! We have so much that we can give to this world but we can’t be afraid of who we are and what we can do. So be who and what you are- badass, intelligent, kind, funny, quirky, or bitchy- whatever makes you special, wonderful, and authentic is what the world needs. Don’t give into stereotypes. You’re here to do amazing things and we’re here to lift each other up.

Q. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing women today?

A. Gender inequality is the biggest challenge currently facing women but that breaks down into many different aspects. For example, it affects us how we are treated in the workplace, in our homes, our relationships, employment qualifications, gender-based violence, how we learn and achieve, how much we earn, social and political views, and in every single facet of our lives.

Q. What can we do about it?

A. Knowledge is power. We need to educate ourselves how we are the most personally impacted. Make your voice heard by voting and contacting your elected officials. Each of us have the power to make a difference in our own personal way as well. This is one of the reasons why I created  Innovate 50/50. We are seeking to mentor 1,000 women. By doing so, we are empowering them to continue to pay it forward by becoming mentors themselves in the future. Through this vision, we can make a huge impact on gender inequality, educating women on using their power, and giving them the skills and tools to improve their lives while boosting the economy.

Do you have additional questions for Valerie? Drop them in the comment box below.

As professional, career-driven individuals we work hard and often, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for self-learning. We all understand the importance of it, but in a 12 to 14 hour day, how the hell do you fit it in?

The fact is if you don’t stay on top of industry news and trends you are no longer relevant and that can make it pretty hard to earn a living. Regardless of what you do for a living, you need to continually educate yourself on what is happening in the world as we are constantly pressed for knowledge wherever we go.

So how do you do it? Since not sleeping isn’t an option, I mapped out some other alternatives.

1. Utilize tools. Set up a Feedly account and categorize your news in folders and set aside 30 minutes a day to peruse news and stay up-to-date on your industry and the world. I have my news categorized by marketing, public relations, social media, business news and inspiration. Digesting information in 30 minute increments, once a day is completely doable.
2. Podcasts. Podcast audiences are growing, and at a rapid rate. Americans spend about 2 percent of their daily share of audio consumption listening to podcasts, according to a study by Edison. This has likely increased since this study. Podcasts are available on any electronic device, I listen through iTunes and have just started making my way down this Inc. magazine list.
3. Read. I know so old-school, who has time for that? Perhaps I am an old soul, but there is nothing more satisfying to me than really consuming a book and highlighting the passages that speak to you. In fact, right now, I have Jeffery Gitomer’s Little Red Book of Selling in my bag. It is a good reminder to me on keeping the relationship in selling. Some of my other favorites are Purple Cow by Seth Godin, Linchpin by Seth Godin, Smart Networking by Liz Lynch and anything by Malcolm Gladwell. These books sit on my shelf in my office and when I need some inspiration I grab one and flip to one of the passages I previously marked.
4. Webinars.  Just the other day, my team and I sat down and participated in a pitching webinar put on by Cision. It was an hour, over lunch that we spent learning and discussing (and eating). There were a lot of resources and tips shared and we were able to engage with other participants via Twitter. Ragan.com has a lot of great webcasts and webinars and you can watch on your own time.
5. Twitter Chat. I have to admit, I don’t do this on a regular basis but the ones I do participate in have connected me to individuals that I can continue to learn from. Looking for the right Twitter Chat for you? TweetReport.com has a comprehensive list broken down by weekday, topic, host, etc. If you find chats overwhelming, use a tool like TweetChat.com to help you manage and engage.

There is so many other ways to pursue knowledge, whether it is a conference, breakfast speaker series, luncheon event, etc. It all takes time, and you have to find what works for you. Maybe that is getting up 30 minutes earlier in the morning or setting 30 minutes aside before you tuck yourself in for the night…the important thing is that you do it.

Have other ideas? Tools? I would love to hear from you. Drop you comment below or shoot me an email at kim@834design.com.

In an effort to further support women in business and share their stories of success, failures and triumphs; I am excited to announce a new blog series called #GirlBoss.

This series is meant to educate and offer hope to those women bosses, entrepreneurs, business owners and badasses. The hardest thing to overcome are feelings of despair and loneliness, thinking you are the only one facing these challenges and hardships.

My hope, is that through this series, you will see women that have been there, picked themselves up and conquered or just moved forward and past it.

If you have a badass woman professional woman in your life, I want to hear from you. Send her bio, contact info and a quick 2 to 3 sentences on why she inspires you.

Let’s spread the love and raise each other up.

In the last week it occurred to me what a terrible job professionals do marketing themselves. Developing your personal brand and communicating your value proposition is key to success. Everything we do is tied back to sales, whether it is convincing your signifiant other to go to a steakhouse vs. an Italian restaurant or convincing your boss that you are worth a raise.

Don’t just take my word for it, here is what people much smarter than me have to say:

If you want to build a relationship, if you want to get referrals, you have to become known…

– Jeffrey Gitomer

Big companies understand the importance of brands. Today, in the Age of the Individual, you have to be your own brand.

– Tom Peters, Fast Company

Here is the deal, if you want to grow your client base and sales, you have to be a known expert source, be top of mind and to do that you have to be visible and it can’t be about you.

So how the hell do you do that? Lucky for you, I compiled the below suggestions.

1. Blog. Whether you start your own personal blog, write for your business’ blog or write for a local publication, you need to make your voice heard and it should be often. This gives you visibility within your industry and positions you as a resource. The content you share must be relevant and address or solve a problem within your industry.
2. Network. Get out and get out often. No one ever made a name for themselves sitting on their ass and hiding behind a computer. Look at professional organizations, networking groups, nonprofits in need of volunteers and GO. If you are terrified of networking, you probably should consider a change in career. Read Liz Lynch’s Smart Networking, you can thank me later.
3. Speak. When I started out in my professional career, it wasn’t like I was in high demand…in fact, no one wanted me. So where was my very first speaking engagement? A local assisted living center, I went in and chatted with the residents and gave a formal presentation , powerpoint and all. I then stayed around and spent time answering their questions and further explaining the world of marketing to them. The fact is, it doesn’t matter where you go to speak but do it and do it often. Eventually you will land those very desirable opportunities but treat every engagement as if it is the most important thing you have to do. And to the gentleman who fell asleep and was snoring through my presentation…I salute you.
4. Social. Your networking, speaking and writing game may be strong but if you aren’t actively engaged in social media, then how are you promoting yourself? Every time you go some place, check in via Facebook, send a few tweets about the event (obviously tag the host or company), snap some photos and share over Instagram and be sure to use the event hashtag through all mediums.
5. Give. Give of your time, talent and money. If you want the community and business community to embrace you and hire you, then you need to give back. Join a nonprofit board (and not as a resume builder), but to really lend your talents, take on a pro bono project, become a mentor and support causes in the community. I am telling you, being a good person really does pay off.
6. Say yes. You read all of these articles about the power of ‘no’ but I am hear to tell you there is much more value in ‘yes’. When you are just starting out building your network, then you need to say yes to EVERYTHING. Eventually you will have the luxury to be more strategic with where you put your time and talent, but in the beginning you have to give, give, give. When I started out, I joined every board, committee and volunteer opportunity that would ask me.
7. Time. You have to work, not werk. You are always on, always. That means when you are working to build a network it takes time. You need to continue to educate yourself on the community, industry and spend time writing, networking, facebooking, tweeting, instagramming…you get the idea. Quite frankly,  you get to sleep – otherwise you better be working.

Owning a small business is hard work, being a professional in a competitive industry is tough…but it isn’t impossible. Become the chief salesperson of you. Follow these tips consistently for 6 months and you will see results. Would I lie to you?

You are only as smart as the people you surround yourself with, this refers to staff, friends, mentors, colleagues and more. We may not be able to choose our family, but we sure as hell can choose our tribe.

The formal definition of tribe is listed below.

Everyone has their own tribe, mine consists of badass women that aren’t afraid of risks, failure or other women. Instead of seeing women as threats, they see them as mentors, collaborators and friends. Being a lone wolf is only going to get you so far and your success is not built on you alone.

Take my advice, build a fucking tribe. Here are 5 ways to go about it.

1. Research. What women do you respect in your local community? When I started building my tribe, I looked for successful small business owners that were women. I figured, hell – they clearly got it right and since I have no idea what I am doing…I should reach out to them. Selfishly, I knew these women could teach me something and in return I and my business would benefit. A word of advice – leave your ego at the door. If you are going to be threatened by every strong woman that walks in the room then you aren’t interested in a tribe you are looking for a squad.
2. Stalk. I don’t mean this in the literal sense. Don’t sit outside a person’s house and take photos of them – that’s just creepy, leave that tactic for your celebrity crushes. Follow them on social media, read their blogs, become familiar with them and then reach out and ask for their advice, thoughts or better yet – feature them on your own blog then their advice lives on through the wild, wild web.
3. Ask. Know what you are asking for before bothering these kickass women. Understand what your weaknesses are as a leader, business owner, human being…or whatever. What can you learn from this individual? What have they done in their career or life that you want to mimic?
4. Mutual. This is a big one, if you are asking for a person’s time and advice, then give back. Find a way to thank them – whether it is a handwritten note or you shoot them a gift certificate to their favorite watering hole. Understand the value of a person’s time.
5. Convene. Part of having a tribe is taking time to connect with them on a regular basis. That means emails, texts, dinner, happy hour, phone calls (I hate talking on the phone – I am so awkward) and best of all trips. Get the fuck out of your head and your city and convene at central city and just hang out.

If I hadn’t had a tribe, 834 would’ve tanked…just having someone to call and say “what the fuck is this bill from the government?” saved my ass numerous times. Then there are the pizza roll and wine trips where we talk business, life and aspirations. Pizza rolls are really key in that equation.

I want to hear about your tribe. What ways do you connect?

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, networking is a necessary evil, unless of course you work in a cave and are required to stay in said cave and never leave. Most of us in the professional world need to attend lunches, evening soirees and breakfast events to grow our network and to build mutually beneficial relationships, this is also referred to as business development.  It isn’t that hard right? You just show up, have a couple drinks, make conversation, and BOOM-a great relationship is born. Wouldn’t it be great if it was really that easy?

For most of us, not anyone at 834 of course, attending a networking event takes you away from your to-do list and almost always includes some sort of awkward interaction, avoidance of that person you forgot to call back and the handing out of a lot of business cards.

Here are a few tips to prepare you for that next breakfast, lunch, dinner, program, baseball game, etc.

1. Get a clue (or at least a business card)

Ask yourself this: what is the point of these events? What do you want to get out of it? Do you want to meet new people? Business develop? Make connections with people in your industry? Or do you want to hold up the bar on the far side of the room? Not that we are against an adult beverage or two at a networking event, but if you are going to go, then talk to people. Do some research and don’t be lazy about it. Check the Facebook event, who is going? Connect with them before the event and share via your social networks that you will be attending and are ready to mingle. Also, don’t show up to networking events without your business cards. These are one of your main tools, along with your personality, for people to remember you. You want others to follow up and connect with you after the event, so hand these bad boys out like candy at a parade, just be sure not to throw them at people.

2. Hello, may name is…Slim Shady?

We get it. It’s not always easy to approach people you don’t know, everyone feels like an idiot approaching a perfect stranger and saying ‘hello, my name is…’ Honestly who wouldn’t prefer to be at home in their sweats catching up on the latest Breaking Bad? The good news is that you’re not alone. Believe it or not, there are many others who share the same anxiety, some of them are probably at the same exact networking event as you (check the bar). Here is what works for us 1) If alcohol is available, get a drink. Then buy the person next to you  a drink…boom you just started a convo; 2) Bring a friend, approach groups together and introduce yourself and your ‘colleague’; 3) If you are running solo, walk up to a group and say ‘hello, my name is such and such and I like unicorns or turtles’ (okay, that last one is a joke but say something memorable or funny – does anyone remember the turtle kid? : – ). Everyone is at an event to make new connections, so don’t stand there staring at a wall.

3. Get a drink or two; not 10 

Often times there is an open bar at networking events (the evening ones, that is…although who wouldn’t want a screwdriver or mimosa at 7:00 a.m.) as they often take place after 5 p.m. and people are winding down after a long day of work. It’s totally kosher to casually have a few drinks and be social, but be conscious of how much alcohol you ingest; no one wants to be ‘that guy’. If you don’t feel like drinking, that’s fine too…grab a club soda on the rocks with a lemon or lime garnish and you will still “fit in” without the alcohol factor.

4. Just shut-up already

When meeting new people, you want to talk about yourself a little bit, but don’t over do it. Balance out the conversation and let everyone around you talk, too. Show a sincere interest in what others are talking about by asking questions, even if you really don’t care what they are saying…fake it.  Refrain from being a ‘one-upper’, you know the guy that has to top everything the guy before him said. That guy is annoying, don’t do that. Listen, say something funny, listen some more, hand out your card and then walk away.

5. “Stalk”

Want to avoid the awkward? Get in a little “stalking” before the event you plan to attend. Find out who RSVP’d via Facebook, EventBrite and connect with them on LinkedIn. Send them a message and let them know you are going to be at the event and look forward to meeting them. Now, you know someone. Do that multiple times and you have multiple people to talk to. It is like a good math problem, one + one + one = multiple connections.

6. It is called mutually beneficial

We thrive off of mutually beneficial relationships at 834. I mean, if you do something nice for someone else (it is called the golden rule), such as connecting them with someone, or inviting them to attend a lunch with you or just sending them a thank-you note…they will often return the favor. Be helpful, humble, and giving. Believe it or not; it feels good to help others and nice people finish first…at least in the 834 book.

7. Don’t over think it

I know we provided you with multiple tips to consider before going to a networking event; but our best advice is to not over think it. Know where you are going (kind of key), purpose of the event; then grab a drink or a cup of coffee and approach someone. If you are uncomfortable, open with – “Hey, this is my first time at one of these things; so I am awkwardly approaching people and saying hello. Hello.” Be funny, it is your best offense.

It really is all about who you know. So know people. Lots of people.