Anything is possible...

I am now LIVE!

Ok, I was earlier.

I actually stuck to my plan and launched my brand spanking new LinkedIn Live Show > Talk the Talk.

In my first event, I welcomed good friend and LinkedIn legend, Ashley Leeds.

You probably know a lot about Ashley from attending his workshops, reading his content or listening to his guest features on popular podcasts. He is a fantastic public speaker, and his story gets me every time.

But this wasn't necessarily the same kind of narrative.

We talked about how you launch a business when you have a "do not compete" clause, how plans sometimes change overnight and how you explain "all those Zoom calls" to someone who has never been self employed.

I'm still working on that one...

Talk the Talk is about the honest journey of the humble business owner.

From facing the tunnel, to moving through it, and from out of the other side.

Because let's face it, this platform is noisy.

There is so much content from so-called experts who dish out top tips like they're friggin' Beyonce.

Now, it's time to peel back the layers and find the real treasure - a chance to reveal the business owners who have the skills, experience (and the wrinkles) to prove their pedigree!

So each guest will be sharing the things they've learned, when they got burned and the lessons we all wish we'd known sooner.

We'll wade into the fear of failure, feeling lonely, imposter syndrome and simply taking the leap.

This is the stuff we've been lapping up from celebrities and influencers, but we actually just really need to hear it from our peers.

Real people, real challenges, real triumphs.

A hugely valuable resource when you're on the cusp of taking the leap yourself or you've been struggling to adjust to working alone.

If you'd like to catch up, you can find the live here.

If you'd like to be a future guest, please let me know by dropping a DM.

If you have suggestions for good questions, also let me know!

Of course at this point, I'd like to say a big thank you to new business owner, Darren, who made the background graphics for the show. Thank you!

In other news...

LinkedIn appears to have removed the "quick connect" option.

Remember when you hovered over someone's name and it summarised their profile with a quick link to "Follow" or "Connect"?

I don't seem to have that anymore! I now have to read through profiles before sending a request. Hopefully, this cuts down on all the spam requests, so have you noticed a difference?

We're also no longer curious.

A few people have reported no longer having the curious reaction. It had raised a few eyebrows to be honest...

I've been looking for a business coach/strategist...

This year, the plan is to invest in taking my business to where I want it to go and sometimes, you need a bit of help!

It's been so hard to choose, having met so many inspiring individuals, but I think I have found THE ONE! ??

I'd be keen to know who has ever invested in one for their business, and how they found the experience. Let me know in the comments or DM.

Captions are now native - so are your videos still going without?

After being several millennia behind the other social platforms, LinkedIn now have in app captions for video content. I know! It's about time!

So...are you using it?

This is your friendly prompt to consider making your content more accessible to a greater audience. By allowing viewers the opportunity to enjoy your content, even without the sound on, it becomes easier to do whilst on the move, or if they have a disability and/or impairment.

"We need to get this conversation out there"

That was a comment made at a recent All4Inclusion Networking event, organised by Scott Whitney. The group is full of business owners working in the inclusion, diversity and accessibility space, but they often struggle to get their point across and have their issues heard. If you're looking to get better educated in this area of running a business, why not join the next event? You can find the details here.

It's honestly one of the most positive, uplifting and educational online events I attend for networking, so make sure you buy yourself a ticket for the next one!

Are you based in the Southwest?

Join me and Ashley at our next LinkedIn Local - based in Sidmouth. Click the image for the Eventbrite link and let us know in the comments if you'll be coming so we can welcome you on the day.

Thanks again for taking the time to read the newsletter. I look forward to catching up with you in the next edition!

If you'd like to book in a 121 to say hi, discuss effective networking or talk about content marketing, you can find the Calendly link in my profile's "featured" section. Just let me know what you'd like to get out of our call.