Let's talk about LinkedIn! It is most definitely one of my favorite social media apps, but many people still aren't privy to all that's available on the website/mobile application and its benefits. Essentially, LinkedIn is a professional resource that is geared towards business and employment. There is the opportunity for individuals to set up their personal profile, which really views as an online resume, where you're able to list your employment history, education, volunteer experience, etc. There is also the opportunity to create a business profile, where you can highlight the details of your business such as its purpose, company size, location, and you're even able to post jobs to seek qualified applicants.

Now you may be thinking, I'm perfectly happy at my job and make decent money so I don't need to build a LinkedIn profile. To that I would say, that's awesome that you've found a job that you like that pays you well, but it still would be wise to create a profile. 2020 reminded us that life has many twists and turns and although you may be perfectly happy in your current job, life can happen. The time to start networking is before you actually need to tap into your network! Remember that advice. 

Did you know that Girl Scouts sell more than cookies? I didn't know either until I worked for Girl Scouts Hornets' Nest Council a few years ago, and I was pleasantly surprised! I live for the fruit slices and the chocolate covered raisins!! I've listed the products that are currently being sold below in the article, but first let's discuss why supporting their sales helps our girls to build courage, confidence, and character. ​

When I was 13 years old, I was afforded the opportunity to write an article in the Charlotte Observer. Back in the day, haha, the Charlotte Bobcats (now Charlotte Hornets) held an annual Cool School Field Trip where they invited thousands of Charlotte area middle school students to a preseason basketball game. My eighth-grade year as a student at Quail Hollow Middle School, the Charlotte Observer selected 5 students from my yearbook class to cover the game. Super exciting! I can't remember the exact process for being selected, but I'm sure knowing me that I fought to have a seat at the table, per my usual. 

​Many of you know Dereck Whittenburg from the 1982-1983 North Carolina State University (NCSU) Men’s Basketball team and his notorious, shall we say “pass” to Lorenzo Charles that defined their 1983 NCAA championship win and cemented his place in college basketball history. Coached by the beloved Jimmy Valvano, Whittenburg has continued to keep Valvano’s legacy alive through his involvement with the V Foundation and the 30 for 30: Survive and Advance special on ESPN, though it’s important to note Whittenburg has established a strong legacy of his own.  

So, you get to work from home? The thought of working from home is different for everyone. Some employees are ready to jump up and down with glee knowing they’re provided additional flexibility, and will be able to get their work done with less office distractions. Well, given that you don’t have a full house of children, pets, or a spouse. Other employees aren’t as pleased knowing that they will now have to work solely from a laptop or tablet with a keyboard, and are separated from their fancy computer with dual screens. Some managers are on edge, especially those who typically micromanage, knowing that they now are not able to constantly watch over their employees. In my head, I picture a plethora of managers doubtful that their employees are truly working, and assume they’re taking personal vacation days, solely because they aren’t in the office. Therefore, they’re overcompensating through countless emails and phone calls and tirelessly awaiting a response from their employees in moments, simply as a test. 

​Scouts honor. I’m so happy that I can finally say these words and they have an ounce of legitimacy! I never was a girl scout as a child, though it was my first full time job (with benefits). Happy Girl Scout Week! This week just so happens to fall within Women’s History Month, and I think it’s important to recognize the power that is Girl Scouts. The organization is so much more than having girls sell cookies during the winter, though that skill is nothing to be discounted. The act of initiating a sale takes courage and confidence, and requires girls to formulate public speaking skills at a young age. 

Most of us know the Jay-Z lyrics, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business man," from his verse on Kanye West's song titled Sierra Leone. That's the level of realness that I aspire for my career - so I hereby deem this page, "Becoming a Business - Woman." All jokes aside, I've always liked keeping myself busy as it relates to education and my working career. In high school, I took advanced placement courses and community college courses, simultaneously, while working 20 hours a week on the weekend. Throughout college, I double majored with a double concentration and graduated on time with two Bachelor of Arts degrees within four years, while also holding down jobs and internships. These days, I keep thinking to myself, why let up now?! Answer: I won't  . . . this is only the start. 

There were so many gems dropped in the book, #Influencer Building Your Personal Brand In The Age Of Social Media by Brittany Hennessy. This book is a wealth of knowledge for those like me who are embarking on the journey to build a brand and need a blueprint to help you get started. #Influencer informs you of the ins and outs from naming your brand to obtaining an agent to helping you secure partnerships for your brand.

If you are like me, and just getting started, you may be more interested in the basics. This blog post is dedicated to you!