

- 8 min
Truth Telling From The Trenches With Brand Strategist and Founder of Red Slice Maria Ross
Maria believes that empathy will save our marriages, our economy, our country, and the world. (Along with laughter, fresh air, and maybe a n


- 4 min
Truth Telling From The Trenches With Financial Advisor Karen Koenig
I love to work hard because I know I like to play hard as well! You get what you put into your business and you should be rewarded for the


- 5 min
The Art of the Email Introduction
I love connecting people in business! I love the moment where someone I meet MUST know someone in my world. I love seeing someone with a need and having a solid and trusted resource for them to connect to for the solution they seek. I pride myself in making powerful and purposeful introductions. It came from a series of experiences early on my entrepreneurial journey where introductions were made for me that left me wondering, “What was the introducer thinking?” Here’s my alw


- 5 min
12 Way to Maximize Your Conference Experience
“In this world you are either growing, or dying…so get busy and get growing.” Lou Holtz I think Coach would lend me some latitude and allow this, “in this world you are either learning or dying….” Whether you are attending a networking event, a half or full day workshop, or traveling to a different city for an industry conference; budgeting time and dollars for personal and professional development will sustain you and open doors on your path to success. As a business coach f


- 3 min
If You Don't Have Something Nice To Say
Look it's happened to us all. We are frustrated, dismayed, annoyed or even pi**ed off, and we say that thing about someone else. It’s happened to me. It’s happened to you. It happened to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last week. In a CNN interview she called Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, “a faker who makes things up as he goes along.” Immediately, people I know and respect who are RBG supporters disagreed with her statements. The next day, she apologized for


- 4 min
A Reluctant Networking Story
This week I taught a class on the Benefits of Networking for the SBA here in Seattle. If you had said to me 9 years ago that I would be teaching networking to business owners through the SBA, and that I would lead one of the most prominent women’s professional networking groups and become internationally recognized for that work, I would have laughed in your face. Yet, it is all true. I was always a reluctant networker. In fact up until 2007, I couldn’t even stand the though


- 3 min
Your Fortune Is In The Follow Up
At a recent event I met a couple of individuals who really impressed me. They both were product providers. Products that I clearly indicated a curiosity about – both for myself and possibly clients. Both conversations were positive and ended with me saying, “This sounds really interesting – I’d like to learn more – can we connect in the next week or so?” Both replies were to the effect of ‘absolutely’. It’s been over two weeks. Neither individual has followed up. I know wh


- 6 min
Networking Etiquette 5 Tips That Will Never Fail
Networking is the lifeblood of ALL successful business owners and professionals. From multimillion dollar enterprises to itty bitty idea startups – each one – at least the wise ones – will say – their best opportunities have come as a result of their network...what about you? Know how to curate relationships and nurture them in a way that is win win for you both – and the sky is the limit! Violate trust and break the spoken and unspoken rules of networking and you could find


- 2 min
Who the heck are you and why should I accept your LinkedIn request?
I continue to be amazed at the number of requests I get on different social channels from people who make no effort to introduce themselves and identify what it was that compelled them to send a request. I get that you can’t do much advance conversations on Facebook as an example, otherwise you end up in the “other” category with Saudi Princes who are “greatfull to meat” you. And while Twitter does allow you to send a message, the platform is designed for people to follow wi


- 3 min
Preparing For A Conference/Event/Seminar
Being committed to personal and professional development is critical to your success. “In this world you are either growing, or dying…so get busy and get growing.” Lou Holtz I think Coach would lend me some latitude and allow this, “in this world you are either learning or dying….” Whether you are attending a networking event, a half or full day workshop, or traveling to a different city for an industry conference; budgeting time and dollars for your development will sustain