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.

Every January I sit down and write up our growth strategy for the coming year – it keeps us on track with milestones and goals to reach. I take a few hours, pour myself a glass of cabernet and get to work. Everything is more fun with wine.

There are a ton of books, blogs and articles out there that outline the proper steps to develop a strategy, vision statement, mission, etc. You can quickly become overwhelmed and feel like everyone else is much better prepared and organized than you. Do you need to set goals and determine how you measure success? Obviously – but here is the best part. YOU get to determine how you want to write it up and communicate it to your team.

If you spend all your time writing, you won’t be doing and you definitely won’t have any time for wine. Not to mention, you will be more confused then when you started.

There is no need for a long drawn out strategy that no one will read and is so full of buzzwords (cause it follows the template you downloaded off the internet) that you are more confused after you wrote it than before you started.

Here is what works for 834:

• Elevator pitch: Has this changed? Is everyone on the same page? I update as needed.
• SWOT: Yes this is an oldie, but looking at the business and identifying our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats is a great way to start thinking strategically for the coming year.
• Goals: What the hell do we want to accomplish in 2016? For me this is super detailed – such as 1) Revenue 2) Money in the bank 3) Salaries. Then I map out what will the results be if we hit these goals – bonuses? A staff retreat?
• Metrics: Along with goals, I map out how we measure success. Is it client retention? Conversion rate?
• Target Customers: This can change from year to year for us, so it is important that I redefine each year to ensure our messaging and communication stays on point.
• Industry Snapshot: How is the industry doing? I look at the geographic region and where our clients currently are. Should we expand?
• Competitor Analysis: Who are our major competitors? Have they changed in the last year? What are they doing well that we aren’t?
• Marketing Plan: How will we communicate our value and continue to dominate in the field of integrated communications? This includes – blogging, contributing to publications, networking, etc.
• Financial Projections: What is our monthly budget?  Gross revenue goals? How do we determine project success?
• Org Chart: Do I see us needing any additional staff members? Have jobs changed at all? Sometimes laying this out in a chart helps you identify where any holes might be.

This is what works for me, there may be a better format for you – there is no right or wrong.

After I write the strategy, which is 2 or 3 pages at the most, I discuss with the team. I ask for their input, thoughts and goals for the next year. If you don’t have buy-in from everyone then it will be impossible to meet goals.

Take my advice – be brief, to the point and make it simple! Now go reward yourself with a glass of wine or 3.

~The unicorn is part of the world of nature and part of the world of dreams–and completely of the heart. In many ways, it is a symbol of our longing for the mysterious and the unattainable~

A few weeks ago I attended the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Leadership Council conference. It was incredibly humbling and energizing to be in a room with other small business owners that share the same pain points, challenges and failures. In a lot of ways small businesses are unicorns, we pour our heart and soul into pursuing what most consider unattainable.

Small businesses are magical, they are by far the most beneficial to our economy on a statewide and nationwide level. There are a lot of small businesses out there, yet it would seem we don’t truly understand the power of being small.

Here are some interesting small biz stats for you on a statewide level (2012-2013 – is the latest data from youreconomy.org):

• 99.90% of all businesses in Michigan are considered *small.
• Small Business equates for 80.13% of total sales in the state. How about that for buying power.
• Growth of the number of small businesses over the last 10 years is approximately 5%.

Did you know that small businesses account for 99.7 percent of all of the employers in the U.S.? The Small Business Administration reports that from 2005 to 2008, small businesses were responsible for creating 81.4 percent of the net new jobs in the U.S. As we all  know, job growth is imperative for the continued growth of the U.S. economy, and small businesses meet those needs with new jobs being created all the time.

So what can you do as a small business?

• Well for one, join www.sbam.org (and no this is not a paid commercial), I wouldn’t recommend it if 834 didn’t receive significant benefit from it. SBAM had a pivotal role in ending the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) as well as the Personal Property Tax (PPT). They are one of the largest state based associations in the country with 25,000 members and put on the largest peer to peer small business summits with over 800 companies and over 360 buyer opportunities.
• Support other small businesses. Shop small on November 28th for Small Business Saturday and show the country just how significant buying local is. Frankly any day of the week, supporting small businesses should be part of your everyday routine.
• Educate yourself. Understand your state’s agenda as it relates to small businesses. Familiarize yourself with legislators working on your behalf and become actively involved.

It was refreshing to be around other business owners that understand their value and how it translates on an economic level for Michigan. We have a long way to go to but we are lucky to be represented by an organization such as SBAM that advocates on behalf of small businesses.

There is power in numbers.

*Small business for these stats is considered 499 employees or less (SBA standards).

Sources: www.sba.gov, www.sbam.org, www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small

For the first time in my 36 years (I know…it took me that long), I traveled overseas to spend 2 weeks in a foreign country. The country of choice? Spain. The trip was full of a lot of firsts for me and I can’t help but compare everything I do back to 834 and running a business.

Here are my takeaways from my whirlwind of a trip, besides the amazing cheese and sangria.

1. Understand your customer. Understand their behaviors, needs and schedule. Prior to arriving in Spain, I did a lot of research on the history, culture and attractions…I apparently missed the information about the country shutting down for a siesta. Depending on what city we were in, this meant from 2 or 3:00 p.m to 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. the ENTIRE community shuts down. Now before you lecture me on being culturally appropriate…keep in mind that the majority of places we visited were larger cities or tourist attractions – this is how they make their money. Hotel bars, shops, restaurants, town bars, tours and everything else closed. Compare it to Mackinac Island shutting down for 3 to 5 hours. How would a tourist respond? As a business owner or brand, it is important to cater to your customer or client…and that means communicating with them based on their needs and wants…not what works for you.
2. Communicate. This seems like an obvious…but many of the places we chose to visit in Spain, whether it was a restaurant or an attraction did not have websites, updated Facebook or social media channels. This reminded me of the often stagnant Facebook pages or websites that brands will throw out there with no maintenance or messaging strategy. Why aren’t you blogging? It is your job to make yourself accessible with important information, like contact info & hours. It is also your opportunity to educate your target audience – if the content is there…they will read it. Once you frustrate a customer…they won’t easily reengage.
3. Be memorable. While we were in Barcelona, we came upon this little restaurant in a long row of restaurants…there was nothing exceptional about it. The menu was ok, the location fine…but the human factor was what blew us away. The host and more than likely owner, made us feel like we were the most important people in the establishment. He was funny, engaging and attentive. We chose that restaurant because he stood outside the patio and chatted with us and I really liked him. It was our best dining experience in Spain and it wasn’t because of the food, it was because of the experience. Companies need to create a personality for their brand and carry it through a customer’s entire interaction. Be memorable and they will keep coming back.

Spain was full of learning experiences. Perhaps the most important for me was learning to appreciate another culture, traditions and people.

Spain taught me to relax, slow down and take a deep breath. Life moves at a different pace there and being able to reflect was perhaps the greatest gift Spain could have given me. I still think the siesta makes no sense, perhaps if just one bar was open…I would have been able to adapt.

In case you ever need to order red wine with ice in it: Vino tinto con hielo. That’s right folks, I brought some serious class to Spain.

I remember thinking, just last week, I wish someone had a small business handbook that gave you step by step instructions on running your company.

When I started 834 back in 2006 or 2007, it was on the premise that there was a better way to run an agency and serve clients. When you are in the throes of innovating, you don’t think about the actual running of the business.

Anyone that tells you that running a business is easy, is a liar. You should probably stop hanging out with them.  Admitting you don’t know what the hell you are doing is incredibly powerful and freeing. I dream about 834, stress about it and wake up every day thinking…how the hell did I get here? That is my normal and I have a sneaking suspicion that I am not alone.

Here are the 5 things I do to retain my sanity (sort of) while running a small business.

1. Wine (this list is not in any particular order…maybe it is). I am not just talking about the consuming part but also the social aspect. Once or twice a month, I get together with a group of professionals that are willing to give advice, feedback and will weigh in on any current issue or situation I may be struggling with. These folks are brutally honest and will tell me to pull my head out of you know where if needed. Bluntness is a small business owner’s best friend.
2. Mentor. The best decision I ever made was to talk with another small business owner.  Sue Tellier of JetCo Solutions is not only a friend, but one hell of a business owner. She gave advice and guidance on financial planning, strategy, growth and more. Don’t be afraid to approach someone, it is okay to admit you don’t know where to start.
3. Outsource. This isn’t always an option when you are first starting out, but it is definitely worth the investment. Spending time on tasks that you are not qualified for and frankly don’t understand is a horrible use of your time. It was a hard decision to hire professionals when I could be putting that money in the bank. Running payroll, sending out 1099s and managing employee benefits takes you away from growing the business. You are the face of the company, at least starting out, and you need to be out in the community focused on growing your business not screaming at Quickbooks.
4. Give back. Being a part of the community is what gave you the ability to start your business. It is your civic responsibility to support other local businesses, causes and young professionals. Make this part of your overall strategy, a certain percentage of what you make each year needs to be reinvested into the city in which you work and live.
5. Have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously. If you can’t laugh about it and learn from it then you are going to burn out and rage out. Take time to write, teach and learn. There are a lot of great business books out there, such asPurple Cow by Seth Godin or Work Simply by Carson Tate. I learn something new every day from the people that work for me, the clients I work for and the professionals that I interact with.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Small businesses our huge drivers of our economy and there are a lot them out there. Reach out to one today and ask them how they have achieved their success or how they started out. I guarantee their stories will start out very similar and they will all admit they are still learning as they go.

Embrace the crazy, you are a small business owner and you should be damn proud of that.