Connecting with Kevin - Ed. 3

I can't believe we're already in Thanksgiving week. When I started this newsletter with a goal of every two weeks, I didn't fully grasp how quickly time would fly. Yet, here we are, and it's time to sit down and write again. I'm beginning to look forward to this time on a Sunday afternoon where I can place my fingertips on the keys, put on some music, and flow.

In this edition, we talk about networking events, my thoughts on Thanksgiving, and a surprise to everyone.

It is more than THANKSgiving

In a mere three-days, God-willing, many of us will gather with our families to celebrate Thanksgiving. I think the holiday means different things to different people. To some, it might be their favorite meal of the year. To others, it might be the only time they see certain family members. To someone who recently lost a loved one, it might evoke a feeling of dread. I know that feeling, though it gets better every year.

As I consider what the holiday means to me, the word that keeps bubbling to the surface is "grateful". To me, grateful means something different than thankful. I'm almost more than thankful. I'm emotion-filled, deep-breath inducing G-R-A-T-E-F-U-L.

I'll borrow a phrase that's often tossed around casually but holds true for me. I'm living my best life right now, and I'm grateful for that. My family is on their unique journeys, navigating the challenges life throws their way. As a father, son, and husband, my goal is to provide energy and inspiration to their journey rather than roadblocks and hassles. I hope I'm living up to that goal.

I have the greatest friends. All of them are people for which there is no hiding my eccentricities. They know, and they love me, as I do them. I'm grateful for other men who ask me the questions previous generations of men avoided. I'm hoping Generation X is some day known as a generation that helped to lower the suicide rate among men in their 40's. No one is asking men to push aside their masculine ways to feel those feelings, we're only asking to also feel those feelings. You can hunt a 16-point buck and also discuss feelings of sadness or hopelessness – it can, and must, be done. I share this commonality with my male friends, and it's not by accident.

I'm grateful for the little things. Tailgating. Purdue University. Bourbon. Sports. Fall foliage. Technology. Coffee on a cold morning. Music. Travel. Golf. I'm grateful for vibes this life creates through other people, experiences, and places.

I'm grateful you're reading this right now. Thank you!

Entrepreneurs and Networking

This past week, I was fortunate to attend an "Innovator Call-Out" here in Valparaiso, Indiana. The event was put on in part by Wade Breitzke of +WeCreate Media and the team at NEXT Studios . The invite promised to ignite entrepreneurial spirits during Global Entrepreneurial Week. Essentially, it encapsulated everything I've been obsessing over in my 40s.

For the past 20 years, many of the networking events that spoke to me were held in Chicago. To attend such an inspiring event ten minutes from my house was so refreshing, and it didn't disappoint.

As it is with most networking events, I was very anxious. Many people don't know this about me, but I have social anxiety about small talk. In fact, I have anxiety about any surface level interaction with other human beings. If I sense there isn't a way to break down your walls, I will typically acknowledge "these aren't my people", and move on. I found a funny meme the other day that put into words what I've always felt.

The people that have spent enough time with me just chuckled, as they know this is how it is with me. It is why I end up being awkward at networking events, and why I avoid many of them. The more people there are, the less likely I'll attend. It is more probable to ask you if you've ever punched someone in the face than I am to ask you where you live. I care where you live, but I'll learn that by asking you about your morning routine, your way to disconnect from the "busy", or asking what keeps you awake at night. That is where "life" happens, and that's what I get up for in the morning. Otherwise, what are we even doing here?

Luckily for me, three of my very best friends were at this event. The networking part of the event was fun because two of those friends are like me, right down to the anxiety. It allowed all of us to have a safe home-base if we needed it. I was very grateful for that.

I met some really inspiring people, and enjoyed a presentation from John McDonald from NEXT Studios . One thing that struck me about his presentation was the importance of having a support team around you during the entrepreneur journey.

I'm grateful for the people that have been there for me during the last two years. People like Craig Levy ?? . I'm grateful for Craig and his continued guidance. People like Ewa Wlaszczyk who pushed on me hard to make SME&U happen. I could write 15 newsletters about all the help I've had from so many people. Cynthia Hicks alone could get her own book about what she's done behind the scenes to make my dreams a reality. I'm grateful for her.

The event really fanned my already scorching flames of creativity and innovation. What else can I do to create a unique experience? My industry isn't new. The end goal is the same, but the experience is where I like to differentiate myself.

The story I always like to tell about that experience happened several years ago.

I met a client for lunch, and I hadn't seen her in a few years. We sat down and started talking, and before we even ordered, she blurted out that I had "saved her marriage!", and she wanted to thank me. After the initial shock wore off, she explained that one of our earlier meetings (years before), I had told her about the book, "The Five Love Languages". What I consider to be the bible of relationships. I successfully provided her the services she needed as a business, but she remembered the "life stuff". My purpose defined.

CWK's Origins

For those unfamiliar, "Connecting with Kevin" evolved from the original show I started in 2018, Commuting With Kevin (CWK). CWK was a labor of love, where I wore multiple hats – the creative brain, the camera crew, the actor, the editor, and the social media manager. The hardest part was the creative side. My standards don't allow me to post just anything; I like to think as my audience would think. "Is this material valuable? Did I laugh? Did I learn anything? Was I inspired?" All these questions must have a yes for me to film.

Luckily, the small computer in my egg-shaped head is finally starting to generate some topics, and I was so excited to post a new CWK last week, with more in the hopper. You can expect to see me again after the holiday to talk about the pitfalls of written corporate communications and how to avoid them.

Until then, learn why you should be allowing yourself some grace on your journey to self-improvement. Better will always be more attainable than perfect.

Until next time, enjoy your food, football, and family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Kevin