Why, "Mommy need a Minute"; the connection between intentional networking and time management.

There's a LOT going on in the world right now.

Lot's of disagreements are leading to what we call, "being exposed".

Right. Wrong. Indifferent. Relationships end.

It's a part of life. There's always going to be three sides to every single story.

The right side. The left side. The Truth.

Sometimes they align, most often they don't. Each piece is relevant.

It tells a story. It ties neatly into overall relationship and time management

"Make sure the people you’re bragging about, are bragging about you…..

Make sure the people you THINK you SHOULD KNOW, are worth knowing…..

There’s a lot of one sided relationships on social media, in life -

There’s a lot of fame/popularity chasing -

Folks are attracted to what people REPRESENT.

Folks aren’t checking for what they actually produce.

There’s more to life than making money; anyone can make money.

How they are doing what they do, matters!

Make sure that their REPRESENTATIVE is actually their AUTHENTICITY….."

This is a snippet of a larger FB post that I authored last week, this is why we're reading this edition today.

"Mommy need a Minute" started as "Mother's Day isn't just in May" (#MDIJIM) in 2018. I've shared in interviews that I never wanted to found a 501c3; I especially never wanted the additional responsibility that comes along with volunteering as an Executive Director tasked with identifying resources that respond to existing needs including building relationships across countless organizations to deliver these holistic career development resources to others. "To date, we have hosted over 20 events, touched over 3,000 households and raised over $50,000 in corporate, financial and individual support."

In it's infancy, "Mother's Day isn't just in May" (#MDIJIM) hosted every 2nd Saturday in October, offered?mother’s the opportunity to feel celebrated outside of Mother’s Day as they enjoyed?wellness activities, music, comedy, food and spirits while shopping with vendors. The uniqueness of this event wasn’t centered on it solely being dedicated to mothers,?to be a featured vendor, the business had to?be a female owned entity, ideally a “Mom-Preneur” shop providing services that cater to women.?

Today, this named event is a Disruptive INC piloted workforce development program that’s focused on helping reduce recidivism via STEM Career Development and Job Placement resources in black/brown communities (specifically single parent homes) by (1) introducing STEM Certificate Sponsorship via Career Circle to post – release mothers and (2) providing holistic career development wraparound resources.

That's a long way from where it started and what it intended to be, and that's okay.

As I navigated my own development journey, was being intentional about my networking and managing my time effectively, I learned what worked/didn't, when to pivot/quit, and who was willing to support me in the capacities that I required.

I learned to identify, articulate and connect with the things that I need.

#MDIJIM conceptually needed to exist; the honor that it paid to mother's who more often than not never are able to enjoy the one day (Mother's Day) dedicated to celebrating them absent their input, planning and execution needed to be highlighted. But, not traditionally.

Tradition created Mother's Day in it's current state.

We needed something intentional and specific that speaks to the core as well as helps repair generations of undertones.

I love Father's. Every career and workforce development resource that we share is equitably as effective for them. I'm not a father though.

I can't speak as intently and passionately about my parenting experiences, as a Father; I'm a mother.

We rooted the naming of the series of networking events in what we know Mother's need.

The primary need is a break. Not just any break, a break that results in their being able to identify, articulate and connect with the things they need.

Women tend to manage so many things that they fail to prioritize the things they need, including time. There's a consistent sacrifice of self that is historically known to exist for the sake of insert whatever greater good. It's expected.

Insert intentional networking and managing time effectively; welcome to the "Mommy need a Minute" series of events.

Fast forward to present day - Mommy need a Minute is a series of small networking events hosted locally in the Chicagoland area where parents looking to connect with like minds gather in the name of social responsibility and a good time. Each event is hosted on/near a parenting related holiday and consists of networking with impact, personal and career development related gift bags, mimosas and great food!

More importantly, we embed a prompted networking activity that helps participants identify and articulate their needs/value adds while connecting to others who can empathize or support.

Do you have your tickets?

Equally as important, have you connected the dots?

Who we spend our time with is equitably as important as how we spend out time.

AND, relationship building is not something that you can escape if you intend on being successful, at anything.

Through this event series, we subtly address -

• Efficiency in Time Management: through the timed, prompted intentional networking activity, participants can create space for engaging with others and expanding their network.
• How Relationship Building Enhances Networking: through the timed, prompted intentional networking activity, individuals invest time in building meaningful connections with others, they often gain access to valuable networking opportunities through referrals, introductions, and collaborations.
• How Networking Facilitates Time Management: through the timed, prompted intentional networking activity, individuals may learn about parenting tips across generations, career navigating and time-saving tools, techniques, or strategies from peers or mentors.
• Balancing Time Commitments: through the timed, prompted intentional networking activity, participants allocate time for both professional networking and personal relationship-building without neglecting their primary duties.

Do you have your tickets?

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