When we’re stuck, it’s natural to want to turn to a manager, mentor, or director and ask, “How should we move forward?” or “How do you want this handled?” But here’s the thing: if you’re always asking for direction without bringing any ideas to the table, you’re putting all the weight of problem-solving on the other person.

Coming in with possible solutions, no matter how rough your ideas are.

A client of mine shared a mood board for an event we’re planning later this year. What I loved most wasn’t just the beautiful imagery, colors, and vibe they wanted to create…which I’m a total sucker for. It was the list of what they didn’t want the event to be.

Getting crystal clear on what it isn’t brings even greater clarity than simply what it is. 

And it’s about more than events alone.

It reminded me of my grandfather, who in his eighties walked to the grocery store every single day. At the time, I didn’t understand why he would go every day, why not bulk up, buy what you needed for the week or at least every few days?

Until I went with him.

That’s the power of differentiation. Price doesn’t always need to be the thing you’re known for, or even the very best product – a brand can also be how you make people feel.

There’s something seductive about jumping into event planning. You picture the lights, the energy, the name tags, the drinks clinking. You want the moment.

But before you pick a theme or build your guest list, pause. A smart event doesn’t start with logistics—it starts with intention.

Here are three questions to ask before you plan your next business event—whether it’s a client dinner, a product launch, or a full-blown conference.

At age 6, my son attended his first wedding. 

He had just learned to give a speech at school and was eager to take every opportunity to get back in front of the mic. 

What happened next was adorable and an interesting nod to the power of who holds the mic. He commanded the room simply be being sweet, little, and genuine. Our customers may be full grown but what makes reviews and testimonials so powerful is they are genuine, they come from experience in working with your company. 

And did you know, your best customers have a powerful attraction for new customers just like them?

Why do some sales feel effortless?

I met Janine because she was looking for an event coordinator on the day of her celebration. She knew hiring a coordinator would be helpful but I could still hear some hesitation in her voice when we spoke on the phone.

To be honest, I may have wondered the same thing, what would I need an event coordinator for if I’d planned everything already?

What I did next closed the deal.

Read the blog to learn what that was and how you could apply this strategy to close more business.

If you’re doing any of your own design work, you’re likely using Canva - the design software for non-designers. It’s my top choice for creating designs and graphics from flyers and business cards to Instagram Reels.

Recently, Canva added a new update that has a massive impact on productivity: you can have and edit multiple file types within the same design.

Checkout this week’s blog to see how this could impact your productivity - and how to edit video within the same Canva design.

It started at my very first trade show—and it’s shaped how I lead and connect ever since.

This show—this energy—took me right back to my very first event years ago. I was green, setting up my first booth, and lucky enough to be mentored by a legend in the business.

She gave me one piece of advice I’ve never forgotten. And to this day, I still share it with everyone I mentor.

This week’s blog is about where connection really starts—and how it shows up in the way we lead, collaborate, and build brands that actually matter.

If I could rewind the clock and hand my younger self a cheat sheet for showing up stronger in work, in life, in everything—these five truths would be on it. They’re not flashy hacks or rigid rules. They’re anchors. The kind that help you build real stamina, mental sharpness, and grounded confidence in a world that pulls you in a thousand directions.

Some lessons take time to land. These? I wish I’d known them sooner.

People connect with people—not just professionals.

Yes, your listings matter. Yes, your market insights are valuable. But what really makes people remember and trust you is you—your story, your personality, your perspective.

Most of your audience isn’t buying or selling today—but they will eventually. Or their sister will. Or their neighbor will.

Your job? Stay top of mind until that moment comes. And that doesn’t happen with robotic, templated content.

It happens with you.

How do you priorities rest?

Want to crush a tough workout? Nail a client pitch? Be a halfway-decent parent who doesn’t lose it over a DIY slime covered counter and missing shoes? You’re gonna need some rest for that.

Real rest.
The kind you plan for—like an important project that actually needs time, not just good intentions.

Spring is in the air.

Spring is all about energy in motion: new growth, clearing clutter, planting seeds. It’s the perfect time to breathe new life into ideas that have been sitting dormant. Whether you’re launching a seasonal campaign, dusting off a stalled project, or finally tackling that “someday” strategy, this is your sign to start.

Let’s talk about pitch decks.
They’re more than slides. They’re your strategic story.

A way to clearly communicate what your company offers, the results you deliver, what sets you apart. The best pitch decks create a fear of missing out, should they decide to walk away.

Features and benefits are the stuff product marketing teams highlight, but if you haven’t established a “what’s in it for me” or “why I should care” for the audience, you’ve already lost them, even with the coolest video, most beautiful graphics, if your audience can’t see themselves in it, it’s a losing game before you publish.

It’s a pain point, but not just some annoying thing, it’s detrimental to the business, enough that a solution, positioned in the right way, has business owners opening their wallets, ready to jump in head first to solve that problem.

The best businesses I’ve seen aren’t drowning in extras—they’re built on clarity. They know what works, and they double down on it.

What’s actually driving results? What’s just stuff? What’s working so well that it’s worth a rinse and repeat—even if it feels a little boring? Find time to focus there. Double down on what’s getting results.