STRATEGIC EDGE X FELICIA FORD & CO®

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

FALL/WINTER 2023

STRATEGIC EDGE

WWW.FELICIAFORDANDCO.COM

INTERVIEWS WE PROFILE 5 CEOS

the art of strategic connections

© FELICIA FORD & CO.®

Money

WHERE THERE IS A LINE WITH TEXT - THERE IS A LINK. AS YOU READ PAGES 6 AND BEYOND, CLICK THE LINKS TO ACCESS MORE INFORMATION.

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SIMPLIFY OPERATIONS

HOLIDAY BUNDLE

HEARTBEAT OF HUMANITY

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THRIVING AT THE TOP

MONEY - MASTERING WEALTH

CTRL+ALT+CHLOE

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2024 PREDICTIONS

PR & YOUR EXPANSION ERA

YOUR NEXT BEST SELF

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STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS

BEYOND BOARDROOMS

AB CIRCUIT

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FAITH

BOOK BUFFET

CHAMPAGNE SQUARES

STRATEGIC EDGE POWER MOVES FOR BUSINESSES + NONPROFITS

Editor-in-Chief Felicia A. Ford

Contributors Chloe Montanez Grace Tsekpo Renea Jones Hudson Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown Shelly Parks

EDITORIAL OFFICE 110 Coliseum Crossing, #5538, Hampton, VA 23666 @feliciafordandco | hello@feliciafordandco.com Strategic Edge Power Moves is published by Felicia Ford & Co. ® 110 Coliseum Crossing, #5538, Hampton, VA 23666 www.feliciafordandco.com Felicia Ford & Co. equips Creatives, Leaders, + Change-Makers with the strategy, sequences, and systems to connect with and nurture their communities, build capacity for growth, and navigate into their seasons of expansion.

“And the Lord answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER All photos that aren’t taken by Felicia Ford & Co. ® are believed to be in the public domain and readily available on the Internet (published according to the U.S. Copyright Fair Use Act, title 17, U.S. Code). Felicia Ford & Co. ® reserves the right to remove, replace, or move any images or content without prior announcement.

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER This digital magazine contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links at no additional cost to you.

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EDITOR’S NOTE Hi there ChangeMaker!

This issue includes interviews from five CEOs, operations insights, tools, and gift options for you and your leader friends. It’s also perfect for loved ones of business owners and leaders to gift from. Here’s to small businesses, big impact, and growth by design!

Contact: hello@feliciafordandco.com @feliciafordandco @friendscallmefe

FELICIA FORD & CO.®

LEAVING A MARK: FOCUSED SIMPLICITY. HOW TO SIMPLIFY YOUR OPERATIONS Change-Makers have a rewarding and fulfilling role -- not just to be noticed, but to be remembered. Picture this: a strategic blueprint as your secret sauce, revealing the core values to drive your brand forward.

Brands that leave a mark are those that can simplify their operations without compromising efficiency.

Imagine, though, navigating through a plethora of distractions – that's when you return to basics. Rediscover your "why," declutter your processes, and trim the excess.

It's a journey back to the roots, where simplicity is king.

Crafting a message that echoes with impact requires more than words; it demands precision, passion, and a profound connection.

To cut through the noise, your message must not only be visible but also engaging and undeniably valuable.

By leading with your vision and values, you make your message more than memorable – it’s then irresistible to your people. How? By embracing the power of focused simplicity.

This isn't just a strategy; it's a superpower.

You’re sending a message and creating an experience - one that causes a ripple of change in your industry.

So, what’s your focused simplicity strategy?

Share your story with us! In a world saturated with complexity, simplicity isn’t just a choice; it’ a revolution waiting to happen. Join the movement.

Email: hello@feliciafordandco.com

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 07

YOUR HOLIDAY BUNDLE Let's make your life a little easier, Change-Maker.

Whether you're flying solo or you have a small team, we've got the perfect gift that will help you all year round. Shop now by clicking the boxes below or underlined text throughout the magazine.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 08

PRIMARY TOOLS

01

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MEDIA MADE EASY 04 SOCIAL Pixistock cracked the code with content creation, content planning, and social media templates. Alicia is amazing to work with and it’s so easy to use this calendar!

YOUR LEAD MAGNET 05 CREATE Design and create an ebook in less 5 minutes using Designrr. Leadmagnets help you solve a problem for your audience and begins or deepens the customer/business relationship.

MANAGEMENT 06 CONTRACT/INVOICE Share contracts, collect information, share invoices, and more with Honeybook.

Just for you!

ChangeMaker!

THE DEETS:

I pulled together some of the tools I use in my business and nonprofit.

Outside of my legal teams, CFO and accountant, I usually balance with one support person in the nonprofit, two in the business, one researcher, and additional consultants for large projects. It’s beneficial for me to have a tech and creative VA and I’ll sometimes hire a copywriter, OBM and customer service support.

Otherwise, this automates my process. I spend time creating guided content but it’s my love language! Think of these tools as a part of your support team. Click the underlined text, and see some full descriptions throughout the magazine.

Email your questions to hello@feliciafordandco.com.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 09

#GIVINGTUESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2023 The whole world comes together to give back in many different ways: through acts of kindness, gifts of voice, time, talent, or treasure. Felicia Ford & Co. encourages you to support Giving Tuesday this year. How can we serve together?

Nonprofits address and contribute to societal needs and issues, focusing on the betterment of communities and the world at large.They strive to influence policies, promote change, and educate the public on important matters.

LEARN MORE

THE HEARTBEAT OF HUMANITY I often marvel at the power and sometimes quiet influence of nonprofits and their impact. In my role as a nonprofit executive director and philanthropic advisor, I sat with three others who hold similar roles about a month ago to decide how we will be approaching strategic planning for a region on the east coast of the US. The somewhat mind-blowing part is that this isn’t the only space I’m in where a handful

of people are making decisions for millions. Thankfully, the spaces I choose to be in are vetted and grounded in ethical practices. I also witness this happening from this mountaintop perspective, and you do too. You’re responsible for congregations, communities, teams, operations around the globe. There are many who could use insight into what nonprofit work means. You’re the heartbeat... Read Grow Northic’s latest post.

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Outdream Yourself

MOUNTAINTOP MOVES™ Growth Strategy for Creatives, Leaders + Change-Makers WWW.FELICIAFORDANDCO.COM

Thriving at the Top

The Power of Prioritizing Self-Care in the C-Suite An interview with Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown, Psychologist, Educator, Author, Speaker, Womens Wellness Consultant Dr. Rikesha and I were connected by a mutual colleague centered around our work on behalf of Black girls. Her primary research focuses on the psychological and social implications of mediated images for African American women. Co-founder and clinician of the Kindred Family Wellness Group, she specialized in working with children and families.

Felicia Ford: Share with us what led you to this work.

I have been in the field of psychology for over 20 years. I started in psychology wanting to be an educator. I was in the classroom for seven years, did some counseling, did a master’s program and realized how much I enjoy the one on one work and the groups. As a Black woman in this field, I realized the intersectionality of the therapeutic benefits of sharing this on a larger scale. While it’s not therapy, it is a therapeutic space. I do; however encourage everyone to participate in therapy.

In consideration of how your career and business has matriculated, and the roles that you have, what would you say is something that you’re seeing among people who also hold multiple roles?

From the people I work with specifically, too many of us are burning the candle at both ends.

We have conditioned Black women, women in general, to hold up struggle and strength as a badge of honor - that we can do that and still produce. And it’s time the message shifts into self-love, self-care, and self preservation. We can still be productive, useful members of society and still take care of ourselves. We are losing people far too often and far too early because we are giving, giving, giving and not taking back.

I’m seeing a desire for the narrative to change but a lack of information and an understanding of what is required to change. So, I’m assisting women in taking the steps to care for themselves in a way that doesn’t take away from the things they value.

Who do you think has created this expectation?

Men. I think we live in a patriarchal society [in the US] and the standards of patriarchy have been engrained and ingratiated in men and women. The original standards were set and established by men, but unfortunately and realistically, women perpetuate these stereotypes as well. Too many of us have rooted our identities in the values and expectations in the society in which we live. I won’t say there is any one person - we’re all guilty of it, but I think it started with the ideals of patriarchy.

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FEATURE

Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown @DrRikesha TikTok @Dr.Rikesha Instagram @DrRikesha Facebook

Why do you think we still ascribe to that school of thought?

I think because we’ve never been presented with another option.

There is a shift that is happening where we, as women; some have taken the opportunity or seen others and felt that has given them permission to give themselves the opportunity to stop. To rest. To breathe. Some have been forced to [take a break because of] - a health challenge of some sort.

“People are realizing they can be fruitful and healthy. It doesn't have to be one over the other.”

When they see the walls will still stand and the world will keep turning, people are realizing they can be fruitful and healthy.

It doesn't have to be one over the other.

That’s really good. For those who see “self-care” as a buzz word, share with us what self care really involves.

Self care is holistic. On my platform I talk about the six domains of self care emotional self-care, intellectual self-care, physical self-care, social and relational self-care, spiritual self-care.

When we talk about self-care in terms of the “buzz word” it’s more than just pampering.

Self-care is holistically looking at the things that make you well; the things that bring you joy, promote peace in your life and things that will help you heal from the day-to-day perils of life. It requires turning the lens inward and shifting into the thought of, “How can I

make a difference for me?” The same benefit and impact you have on the world, the thought is, “I want to also have the same kind of benefit and impact on myself.” So my selfcare has to be just as intentional as the work I do in the world.

I love that. So for the business owners and noprofit leaders responsible for the mission, cause, the bottom line, also having personal life roles. What might you say to the Change-Maker who isn’t aware they can have the fruit and the health.

We hear all the time about “being the change you want to see in the world.”

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It’s like the heart of the nonprofit world. It doesn’t stop at your work’s mission. Lead by example and do the same thing for you. While it’s cliche, it’s true. If you pour everything out, you’ll have nothing left. That change can start in your heart, in your house, in your bed, in your mirror. You’ll be that much more fruitful.

What should someone do to start shifting into that direction?

They can connect with me on my platform.

Take baby steps and realize it only requires intentionality - when you start with five minutes and feel that benefit. You might find that you want to go for more time as you build the habit. And then you can find an hour; schedule a day, a weekend. It starts with small, meaningful acts. If you really enjoy that cup of tea or coffee, try enjoying it in the quiet and only enjoying that. It doesn’t require huge changes because that is usually not sustainable.

That sounds like practicing patience and being present. So tell us, what is it like working with you and where can we find you?

but encourage you to do all of the things you’ve been saying you’re going to do but haven’t been making time for yourself.

You can find me @DrRikesha on TikTok, @Dr.Rikesha on Instagram and @DrRikesha on Facebook. I am excited, ready and willing to work with anyone ready to dive into a self-care journey. You won’t need me long because it is self-care, but I can help you get started.

Before we go, what advice might you give to the leader who is watching their team burn out and struggle with the balance of life and work?

Give them a break. Institute a self-care policy. Pizza parties and lunches aren’t the break - particularly when they become working lunches or working parties. You really want to offer people a respite.

Perhaps people can come in an hour late or have a longer lunch break so it is still productive time, but it is productive time focused on the individuals and that can become a part of the routine.

Working with me is like having a friend who is going to call you out on your stuff, tell you when you’re wrong, STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 16

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Money

MASTERING WEALTH: THE POWER OF MONEY MINDSET FOR CHANGE-MAKERS and TEAMS

By Felicia A. Ford

Cultural Background and Childhood Money Experiences

Exploring the Wealth Gap in the US and its Systemic Causes

The way you view and handle money is largely dependent on your upbringing and location. While the intricacies of global economics are extensive, you - as a ChangeMaker - have the power to positively influence wealth creation in your community. By managing your finances responsibly, you can transform the financial landscape for your household, team, and the ecosystem in which you operate.

Remember that every dollar (or other currency) spent can make a significant difference.

Danny Navarro, Head of Marketing for Google for Startups offered “ Black and other minority founders have [limited] networks, they often lack access to capital from family and friends, and most don’t have relationships with venture capitalists and angel investors. They also have fewer mentors they can turn to. That’s what we are working to change.”

For the sake of time and ease of explaining, we’ll stick with observing the relationship between wealth and entrepreneurs and nonprofits in the United States. The federal government’s cash injection of PPP and EIDL loans and grants were issued for many reasons, but ultimately, to trigger spending.

In response to the culture shift brought about by the murder of George Floyd and the nation’s focus on diversity, large corporations began responding to capacity building for micro and small minority business owners. From Amazon to NASDAQ, the Small Business Administration, Verizon, to Google, and more, they created accelerators, offer grants, mentoring, free courses, workshops, coaching and in-kind access to services with attorneys, marketing, and technology giving minority entrepreneurs a kickstart or boost in their entrepreneurial journey.

There are various reasons why the wealth gap exists in the US, and it's important to understand them. While I can't speak to what it took for corporations to restructure their organizational culture to develop and implement these programs, it does bring up a valid question. Can micro, small businesses, and nonprofits benefit from adopting strategies that promote wealth capacity for their teams?

Change-Makers balance operating, overseeing and engaging with innovation, creating and monitoring. New leaders may struggle with everything Danny Navarro mentioned. They may also experience challenges with financial management processes and what it looks like and is required for scaling and navigating growth.

But even some mid-stage to later stage leaders may hesitate to invest in long term ROI tools and resources like professional development, software, team building or staff training. It's essential to explore the root causes of operational challenges and consider what could be keeping an organization "stuck."

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...CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT YOUR TEAM IN DEFINING SUCCESS”.

UNDERSTANDING MONEY MINDSET As a Change-Maker, you understand the importance of a positive mindset when it comes to achieving goals. The same can be said for money. A positive money mindset offers benefits financially and as equally, triggers a ripple effect on mental and physical health, and other aspects of life and work. But what exactly is a money mindset?

At its core, money mindset is the collection of beliefs and attitudes an individual holds about wealth and financial success. Whether conscious or subconscious, these beliefs shape behavior, influencing how one earns, spends, and manages money. For businesses and nonprofits, fostering a positive money mindset is not only beneficial for individual team members but also essential for overall organizational success.

The Power of Money Mindset Exercises for Personal and Professional Growth Money mindset exercises have proven to be some of the most transformative activities for both my team and clients. Addressing limiting beliefs, reframing perceptions of money, and healing financial stories, makes room for momentum and productivity. These exercises also foster trust, reduce stress over financial worries, and instill confidence, which can have a profound impact on personal and professional lives.

The Impact on Business + Nonprofits A positive money mindset can lead to innovative problem-solving, courage for risk-taking, and a proactive approach to financial opportunities.

On the other hand, a negative money mindset can result in fear of failure, reluctance to invest, and a general sense of financial scarcity. By sharing the principles of a positive money mindset with teams, you can cultivate a culture of financial empowerment.

Identifying the Impact of Money Mindset Have you ever considered how your money mindset influences your actions? Here are some areas where it can manifest: Pricing your services, determining the worth of your time, skills, and experience.

Having conversations regarding budgets.

Overextending; feeling the need to offer discounts, or failing to respect other's price, services, and time boundaries.

Setting goals outside your comfort zone.

Working beyond contracted hours.

During fundraising efforts.

Feeling guilty for having wealth.

Accepting misaligned clients/donors for the sake of the sale or donation.

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Money mindset also manifests as a result of the gender pay gap. New research published by the Journal of Applied Psychology suggests unconscious bias against women asking for what they want is responsible for the challenges women face when negotiating.

Previous research blamed women for being ill-equipped in negotiations.

This speaks to money mindset and more on both sides, a perspective that invites more conversation around an evaluation of negotiation practices and how leaders can “leverage to reconfigure the playing field-- for themselves and others,” Aine Doris.

Developing a Positive Money Mindset A successful organization requires an optimistic attitude towards money whether you’re running a fundraising campaign or a promo for your business. It can help you meet your targets while remaining true to your organization's values.

Rather than seeing money as a dirty word, view it as a tool to create positive change in the world. Remember, fundraising and marketing are both opportunities to connect with others who share your vision and are eager to do business with you. Believe in the abundance of resources available to support your mission, and approach your work from a place of abundance, not scarcity or discomfort. This approach can help you attract the right donors, the right clients and the right team.

"I ncome sel dom exceeds personal devel opment. " — Ji m Rohn. . .

Implementing A Mindset Practice “When it comes to transforming your relationship with money, working with a money mindset coach can be an invaluable resource,” says Caroline Rou. Money mindset is the prelude to financial literacy, budgeting or financial operations. It's just as effective at the “I”m just getting started phase,” as it is to the “this isn’t my first million phase.” Why? Money mindset is about belief and behavior. If it were only about dollars, white collar crimes of embezzlement, insider trading and money laundering wouldn’t exist.

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As a leader, implementing your money mindset practice begins with exploring your purpose and values, remembering that money is a tool, and creating vision -aligned goals rather than money as the goal. How many decisions do you make daily based on money? If the only goal is “more money,” when does the goal ever stop moving?

To go deeper, explore money mindset activities or hiring a money mindset coach.

Money Mindset Practice Activities to get you started: Become aware of your money story and determine if your sentiments towards money in your life and business are positive or negative.

Determine your money goals and the why behind them.

Understand the principles of how money works (outside of your relationship with it).

Hire a money mindset coach to guide you.

What to look for when hiring a coach: It make take some time to find the right money mindset coach for you and your organization, and for good reason. Choosing the right coach is just as important as choosing a spiritual or financial advisor.

Here are things to consider when choosing a coach: Set the intention for what you want out of the experience.

Go by referral from someone you know.

Get in circles where there are abundant conversations around money.

Observe their work, testimonials Vet the coaches by reviewing their work, testimonials and requesting a consultation.

MONEY MINDSET READS Click the book images to see more.

THERE IS NO FINISH LINE. THERE ARE ONLY MILE MARKERS. ~MICHAEL VENTURA

FEATURES

CTRL+ALT+CHLOE Thousands of miles away, but closer than anyone else to leaders across the US in their work, is this brilliant and kind soul, Chloe.

Chloe is an Online Business Manager, Executive Assistant, and so much more.

Felicia Ford: What does a day in the life look like for you?

You know how artists just On any given day, I’m preparing the kids for want to create ...That’s school. I’ll listen to a funny podcast, work plan, and then check emails and Slack. I where I come in. I’m the batch tasks so I separate my admin from my left brain to their right creative work. I listen to my body and I sleep when I need sleep. I don’t need to work, but I brain. love what I do.

I help run the backend of businesses and

nonprofits so they can be more client facing.

I used to write previews for videos and I have It takes quite a bit of skill and discipline

been assisting artists ever since. You know how

to operate in that way. At what point did

artists just want to create and not do the social

you realize this is what you wanted to do?

media, the admin? That’s where I come in. I’m the left brain to their right brain.

When I first started in 2017, I needed to find work that didn’t take me away from my

I point to myself. *Laughter* Absolutely I do.

child. I didn’t have WiFi and I was connecting to my neighbor’s. I had friends

I was introduced to the world of nonprofits and I

who worked in freelancing, so between them

really want to work with environmental advocates

and what I saw, I discovered this world.

- someone doing clean ups.

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What has been the most exciting part about

And if they have a bad experience, just like any

growing into this?

other job, learn from your mistake, consider what went wrong in that relationship and do better next

When I discovered my purpose. This came

time.

naturally to me. I really enjoy it. But I initially doubted myself and wondered if I was mediocre.

Wise words, Chlo!! Any last words?

But as I continued, my artist clients complimented my work and that helped me

If someone is looking to hire a virtual support team,

realize I had found my one thing. And when you

it’s like dating.

recommended the book, Leading from the Second Chair, it brought a lot of clarity. I figured

You have a right to be choosy.

out there was a need for me and then I looked

Check your network first. That’s how I expanded,

for others. Alex, one of my first clients, referred

all of my clients knew each other. They trusted

me to his friends and that helped grow my

me because someone they knew referred me to

network.

them.

Dedicate the first few months to getting to know

I really like that you figured it out. You attack,

one another.

and deliver. That’s my kind of rhythm. What

Set expectations and community transparently.

advice would you give to Change-Makers who

Build trust.

haven’t yet explored virtual administrative support?

I’m not accepting clients right now, but I welcome the opportunity to connect.

It’s so much more than “assistance,” it’s really essential.

I think some people are afraid of delegating because they’re worried about the quality of the work. Some don’t know how to work with an OBM or VA or EA. That’s where SOPs come in place. They also have accept that the first person may not be the right person for them.

Chloe STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 25

2024 BUSINESS TREND PREDICTIONS

BY FELICIA A. FORD It’s true that in leading an organization, that strategic planning is a science, a sequenced system of decisions and performance measures to achieve or surpass a goal. Growth strategies, through strategic planning can certainly set the stage for great proposals, impact reports, and even media attention for what is planned. But has becoming better strategists taught us to become, better?

SETTING THE STAGE Are we closing the gap with hiring quality team members? Are we less likely to overwork contributing to burnout culture? Get more time enjoying the fruits of our labor?

Experience the benefits of legacy we’re building during our lifetime?

Each time I’ve led my team or worked individually with a solo entrepreneur, business or nonprofit in creating and deploying their Growth Strategy, I am compelled to dig deeper into the knowing, understanding and supporting the leader as a whole person - how they think, how they behave, and even, exploring their spiritual practice.

Some of the challenges plaguing servicebased organizations isn’t linearly business strategy, but has more to do with culture - the beliefs and behaviors of the people within the organization.

“I AM COMPELLED TO... SUPPORTING THE WHOLE PERSON...”

It’s the textbook definition of the field of I/O Psychology, the study of human behavior in the workplace, one I discovered while pursuing a PhD, and the one that gave structure to my work.

To understand why an organization is or isn’t growing, you find more answers in understanding the beliefs and behaviors of its people deeper than analyzing its written documents. Strategies and plans do have a purpose. Strategies can be a dime a dozen, but human behavior doesn’t always work that way.

It’s the actual execution that makes the difference.

The business trends for 2024 can be powerful for you when you combine your operations strategy with remembering the beliefs and behaviors approach.

For example, I can shout from the rooftops how a resource has been intstrumental in my business. I can share about tripling my income, or connecting with people globally, but if you don’t desire any of that, haven’t considered it as realistic or even need that, my excitement for you means nothing.

“...EXECUTION MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.” STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 27

In theory, before starting a business or nonprofit, you begin with your branding, then you devise other c o mp o n e n t s o f y o u r s t r a t e g y - d e c i d e o n a b u s i n e s s mo d e l , c r e a t e y o u r ma r k e t i n g s t r a t e g y , p r i c i n g s t r a t e g y , p r o d u c t d e v e l o p me n t a n d a l l o f t h e intricacies. Then you figure out how y o u ’ l l r a i s e c a p i t a l , h i r i n g a t e a m, w h a t operations will look like, decide on a launch. But that’s not how it happens in reality.

I n my e x p e r i e n c e o f b u i l d i n g businesses, working at and with n o n p r o f i t s , a n d s ma l l b u s i n e s s e s , i t u s u a l l y h a p p e n s w i t h s o me o n e b e i n g mo t i v a t e d b y a n u mb e r o f r e a s o n s t o l e a v e a p l a c e o f e mp l o y me n t , t o me e t the need of a critical problem in the c o mmu n i t y , o r f o r l o n g s t a n d i n g f a mi l y b u s i n e s s e s , i t w a s s i mp l y t h e w a y o f life that grew into a corporation.

From behavioral health providers, to p e r f o r mi n g a n d v i s u a l a r t i s t s , t o coaches, authors, and speakers, to nonprofits, shoe designers, specialty services, churches, event planners, and business service agencies, the results are in. It’s a representation of about 1 0 0 , b u t t h e mo t i v a t i o n b e h i n d starting a business or nonprofit and t h e s u c c e s s y o u mi g h t s e e i n t h e beginning is all dependent on when you started, why you started, and who was with you along the way.

C o n s i d e r i n g f o r ma l r e s e a r c h , a s o f 2020, the nonprofit sector grew 20%.

Wh y ? A c c o r d i n g t o t h i s s t u d y , i t w a s because people were leaving their jobs to work at nonprofits. It’s not to say that businesses aren’t growing. The S B A r e p o r t e d 3 0 . 2 mi l l i o n s ma l l businesses operating in 2022. A study in 2023 showed that a 60 year old was

t h r e e t i me s a s l i k e l y t o b u i l d a s u c c e s s f u l s t a r t u p i n c o mp a r i s o n t o a 30 year old. The differences in how and why you start even while s i mi l a r , i n c l u d e e x t r e me g a p s i n d i f f e r e n c e s . Wh i l e t h r o u g h F e l i c i a Ford & Co., I often group Creatives, L e a d e r s + C h a n g e - Ma k e r s i n my me s s a g i n g , t h e r e a r e s o me d i s t i n c t differences in what you do for capital, when and where you’ll pitch and how you engage your target audience.

Mi s r e a d i n g ma r k e t d e ma n d i s t h e n u mb e r o n e r e a s o n w h y s t a r t u p s fail according to a 2018 study. In consideration of the speed of t e c h n o l o g y a d v a n c e me n t s , s h i f t s i n c o n s u me r b e h a v i o r , a n d t h e w a y s o c i a l me d i a h a s c h a n g e d h u ma n behavior, it sets the stage for us to explore 2024 business trends.

...when, why, [and where] you started...

Before we get there, we can’t leave mo n e y o u t o f t h e e q u a t i o n . L e t ’ s n o t f o r g e t t h e S ma l l B u s i n e s s A s s o c i a t i o n d e f i n e s s ma l l businesses as those with less than 5 0 0 e mp l o y e e s a n d a n y w h e r e f r o m $ 1 - 4 0 mi l l i o n i n r e v e n u e . Mi c r o businesses are classified as those w i t h 1 0 e mp l o y e e s o r l e s s .

Beyond when and why you started, who was with you, there are two mo r e t h i n g s t o c o n s i d e r : a c c e s s t o a n d b e l i e f s a b o u t mo n e y , a n d access to and beliefs about the skillset of running an organization.

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Culture eats strategy for breakfast...

Every aspiring and established business and nonprofit leader will have different experiences influencing their decision-making, their frame of reference. Quite frankly, their decision or frame of reference may be wrong, but it is what they know.

I personally remember expensive decisions and moments of revelation when working with paid business services. I can’t tell you how many aha moments I’ve had while working with my accountant. (I experienced a “bad one” before I met the best one).

While I cannot always grasp the reason why some business and nonprofit leaders are resistant to processes or go against professional opinions for hired professional services, I can imagine it has something to do with their belief system. (The same may explain what happens if you encounter staff resistant to change).

These differences also explain how we arrive to the end of a year with not only this moment to reflect on, but also in consideration of the temporary, lingering and forever changed ways we are now connecting, marketing, producing, thinking, behaving and operating since 2020.

My 2024 business trend predictions follow.

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2024 BUSINESS TREND PREDICTIONS

01

02

03

Culture houses strategy.

It’s sets the rules and boundaries for how you operate. At a granular level, culture is built from your beliefs and habits. Its foundation is within your mission, vision and values and its progress is determined by how you lead, who you hire, and what your organization feels like from the perception of your internal (team members) and external stakeholders (clients and community).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility + Belonging aren’t buzz words, but real components to weave into the fabric of your culture. Taking a stance as an anti-racist organization, cultivating spaces to address conflict and bias are practices every organization should include in their people management. As some of the world remains in a mental health crisis, wellness and balance can no longer be separated from “life and work.”

Leaving an inedible mark is about simplicity and sustaining agility through innovation and creativity.

Consider who on your team or who you have access to that abounds in creative spaces.

Think brainstorming sessions, idea generation through an advisory council, market research via loyal customers, creative sessions with leadership teams, colleagues or networking groups. While you may have an age group of a target audience, consider the benefits of an intergenerational and culturally diverse approach to creating.

You are in the perfect position to design wellness options, flexible schedules and people engagement plans and individual development plans.

Get out of the office or your usual workspace. Creativity requires room to breathe and grow. Explore adventures with your creative team before diving into solving a problem and watch the ideas flow.

CULTURE

PEOPLE

Culture is reigning supreme with the increase of the freelancer economy, controversy between return to office or remote work, and changing dynamics in marketing.

CREATIVITY

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 30

2024 BUSINESS TREND PREDICTIONS

05

04 PACE

TECH + AI

AI has dramatically changed the speed at which businesses can compete. Just as fashion trends determine what households will look like and what clothing options we’ll have, certain industries dominate workplace expectations and it eventually trickles down. This phenomenon is known as the “expectation transfer.” Get ahead and remain in control of your responses to these changes by planning and building in systems to sustain the pace that works for you, your team, and your workplace culture.

From Chat GPT to Canva’s Magic Write, to Midjourney, Dale, and more, AI has been here, but is now more accessible and is here to stay. Outside of pure resistance to it, consider what tools can support you in outlining, planning, brainstorming, and saving you time and helping you cut costs on expenses. AI can be used for sales, scheduling meetings, analyze data, forecasting, content creation, data collection, and market research.

The rise of productivity tools to adjust to being understaffed with the same workload.

Prompt Engineers are helpful, but most important is your team’s ability to carve out time for brainstorming and exploring root causes.

06

POSITIONING

While some are predicting changes in influencer marketing, as it stands today, you still have access to grow your audience and connect more people with your message than ever before. You can do this organically with free platforms, paid ads, and a PR strategy. Once you hit certain milestones on certain platforms, it becomes easier to boost your visibility, and with a Visibility Strategy, you’ll grow a larger community over time.

Consumer behavior is creating perfect conditions for loyalty programs based on their needs. Listen even more to your customers and give them access to you in the ways they need.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 31

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FEATURE

Grace Tsekpo Founder & Lead Publicist Excellence Communications

PR & Your Expansion Era In today's crowded market, it's more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. With the right PR strategies, your small business or nonprofit can get the attention it deserves. Whether you're looking to increase sales, gain more volunteers, or simply raise awareness, these PR tactics can help you achieve your goals. Grace and I connected in a networking group and from the beginning, I am always jotting down

copious notes. Grace is full of knowledge and passionate about her work. Meet Grace Tsekpo, Founder & Lead Publicist at international PR agency, Excellence Communications.

Felicia Ford: Grace, let’s dig in share with us. What do business owners and nonprofits need to know about public relations (PR)?

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Stronger Community “...as long as you’re dealing with people, you want to make sure you’re tailoring that communication between your brand and your audiences... If you don’t sell your story, someone else will.” with the new system. That’s an example of why having a publicist can save you time and money. We test the waters in figuring out what your audience wants and needs and create a strategy for you from there.

Some people assume that PR is not for them, but as long as you’re dealing with people, you want to make sure you’re tailoring that communication between your brand and your audiences. In PR, we call them “publics.” Your team members are a public, your clients, your donors.

PR helps you to connect deeper. For example, in my part of the world, an NGO wanted to provide drinking water to the village. They built the access but the village people were still walking miles to access water in their old way. The NGO brought in another group to find out why and what they uncovered was that the village’s adults relied on the time the children were out of the house going to get the water. It had nothing to do

That is an incredible story! Tell us more about the relationship between a publicist and a brand.

If you don’t sell your story the way you want, someone else will. I just signed a podcasting client and she was surprised at who her podcast was targeting. She didn’t think she was targeting them, but it turns out her podcast it quite popular in Iran. This happens - you think your audience is defined as one way, and it’s completely different.

There are thousands of businesses in the market and you want to control the narrative of communicating your mission, vision and core values.

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Why PR Matters for Every Business

completely different. There are thousands of businesses in the market and you want to control the narrative of communicating your mission, vision and core values.

And what about internally?

Explain how PR supports brands and their teams.

Bigger organizations typically have internal PR. It’s a different branch.

You might also see internal PR in political spaces. PR curates the narrative. This is all determined during a free consultation where I’ll get to know a brand. If during that time I see you’ll also need an internal communications strategy, it will be included in your plan.

I’ve seen the need for internal communications plan when organizations are rebranding or changing directions. I’ve seen that done really well and I’ve also seen where it’s been detrimental. Share with us why you got started in this work.

I have always been fascinated by why people do what they do - why do they choose to be loyal to a brand? What informs that decision?

So many people haven’t changed their soap in years and I wonder why conditions them to do that.

For me, I was talking to a friend and their feedback for me was if I was so interested in why people do what they do that I should explore communications. And I did, but I also wanted to learn how to share the message. It just made sense for me to do communications as my first degree.

PR has changed so much - digital PR is now its own branch. But I am still fascinated about the things people say, the stories they tell and how it touches people. We watch movies and we know that they are fictional characters and yet we still cry or laugh or have some kind of strong emotion because the story has been told so well. It’s an art.

I met a visual storyteller today and fell in love with one of her pieces.

What you just described to me is that you too are a storyteller and an artist, but instead, it’s through your words and relationship building.

What else are you seeing that is changing in your industry?

A lot of businesses think they can dothis on their own. Your publicist has a specific skill set - there’s the relationship building, the networking, the strategy, the trusted network. I connect your brand voice with your specific subset of your audience.

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People are now able to do research more quickly and have quicker access to newer trends. They’re using chat AI to brainstorm. You may be able to research and learn things about the industry quicker with some of these tools, and it may help you write a press release, but it doesn’t have the human element of capturing brand voice and the relationship of sharing it with a person to make it work for you. This AI is a great tool, but it doesn’t replace the human connection that is required in our work.

What does it look like to work with you?

How does an organization prepare?

To work effectively with a publicist, you need to be clear about your goals and vision for your brand. This involves having the capacity to manage the overflow and structure for receiving media attention.

Usually, product based businesses want to be featured on the news and have ads placements, but my question is, “do you have the capacity to receive?

An example of this is the brand Coco Asante. [Ella] is from [Ghana]. I had so much respect for her because when Keith Lee reviewed her, she handled it so well. In the aftermath, she immediately set up pre-orders and she kept things going.

Yes* I saw that and I had so much respect for her and her work. I tried making 20 specialty chocolates for my birthday one year and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. *Laughter* When people hear your story and they like it, you want to be prepared.

Make sure you have the structure to handle the overflow.

[Leaders] also want to think about if they are really ready to trust their publicist to do what they need. It can be a hindrance to have a client who tries to micromanage everything.

When working with me, you have access to unlimited emails with me, frequent meetings where you receive updates and feedback on pitches. If you say you want to hire a publicist, let them do what they know to do.

How can people connect with you? www.excellencecommunications.net It’s important for them to know PR is a long game. There might be months where you’re in front of the camera every 10 days and then there also might be months when there isn’t anything. Some clients think if there’s nothing, nothing is happening, but PR doesn’t work that way.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 37

It’s strategic, it’s consistent work and it has a long term ROI. But if you have someone who doesn’t get any results, that’s a different conversation.

So the regrame is that it’s going to take at least six months and for organizations to consider the concept of building like, know trust. It’s a big responsibility. Trust is huge.

Exactly - think about it - the larger corporations wouldn’t have entire departments dedicated to PR if it weren’t as important as it is. It’s an ongoing relationship that requires dedicated attention. There are so many publics that need relationship management.

One of my favorite journalists is Paulina Reed. One of the things she says is that businesses say they want to be in Forbes and Vogue and she asks, “does your neighbor know what you do? Your neighbor, your city, your state shoudl know what you do. There are so many grassroots things small businesses miss -there are people right there where you are who are interested. It doesn’t have to be national coverage. Consider where you are - whether you are in year 1, 5, 10 or more.

Transparently, that’s so convicting for me, Grace, but moreso because I exclude certain markets to avoid conflict of interest. As always, I learn so much when we speak. Thank you. Is there anything else you would like to share?

Some people think that if someone is doing well, or better than them that it takes away from their experience. It doesn’t. You might see this at varying levels of success but I really want to emphasize that this scarcity mindset can prohibit growth, opportunities, progress, new relationships, everything.

There is an abundance. There is room and success is available to everyone.

I created my business as an international PR agency. I had experiences where clients tried to justify offering me less pay because of my geographic location, but that is irrelevant. I bring the same skills, the same knowledge, the same expertise.

I was at a conference earlier this year and there were so many brands who do amazing work. The expert craftsmanship in the designs and the clothes - you would be amazed! I don’t know if it’s fear, but sometimes people limit themselves to their environment. They’ve given themselves a ceiling they don’t know they can break through. I am passionate about sharing that you can be a household name. It’s should be so impossible that you don’t build the right foundations on the way up. You build the foundations now so that you don’t crumble.

You build your business to last. You make sure you’re doing all of the ground work. You work it as if your brand is Tiffany’s, or Zara’s. Because it is possible. To all - especially my small business owners - build it as if the world is about to learn something.

Grace, I get so excited whenever I hear you speak. If you’re at a conference, or something, please let me know.

I

BUILD IT AS IF THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO LEARN SOMETHING.

Grace Tsekpo Founder & Lead Publicist Excellence Communications

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STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 40

RENEA JONESHUDSON

YOUR EMPOWERED LIFE

YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEEDTO BE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BE...

FEATURE

YOUR NEXT BEST SELF

CPT(R) Renea Jones-Hudson Empowerment Coach for Transitioning Military and Veteran Women Your Empowered Life

Meeting Renea has been a breath of fresh air. She’s one of the most genuine, passionate, determined women I’ve ever met. She has a smile to light up a room, story to captivate and motivate, and is a leading a movement in becoming Your Next Best Self for military and veteran women. Renea’s impact reaches wide.

Felicia Ford: Renea, share with us how this phase of your life started.

I really didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do when I retired from the military. I knew what I was good at - physical fitness was one of those things and so I opened a boutique fitness studio called Island Jam Fitness. I served men and women, but I only serviced professionals.

I did that 2016-2020 until I had to shut down because of the lock down.

I relocated to Georgia and I started shifting gears. As I was training my clients, I realized I was doing more coaching and talking to them about longevity and how to be healthy holistically. The physical fitness important, but is only a part of it.

An hour after fitness training session, they were still here.

Sometimes, they weren't getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating right or other things were taking up space. There was a physical release for them, but it was just a bandaid to a much bigger problem.

www.reneajoneshudson.com

stop. I didn’t take a break when I transitioned from the military. We kept it moving. The pandemic put a pause on the things that were keeping me going and that caused me shift into this new awareness.

When was that moment and what was it like for you to realize “here is something else?”

My first coach was Chris Goodman.

I was interviewed and featured in Strong Fitness, Fit Figure, I wrote for Nutrishop and several others.

When I was working with Chris, he was the first person to encourage me and plant the seed to consider coaching. It was unfamiliar territory for me but I explored it more. I continued in personal training and then incorporated the coaching because I prefer a holistic approach to supporting my clients.

I didn’t realize then what coaching was as its defined by the industry.

Now that I know, I can say, I was coaching my entire military career.

For me, the pandemic forced me to

I’m so glad you had that experience! What advice might you give to a business owner who is also at a crossroad of shifting as an owner?

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I knew how to lead, manage, how to think and plan, but that doesn’t completely translate into running a business. I had that moment of “okay!

I’ve gone as far as I can take it, now what?”

I was stuck. That was the first time for me in being aware of feelings I had initially in 2016. I would first say you don’t have to feel alone or stuck - there are people who are positioned to help you navigate that. I would challenge the business owner’s perception there is help but it’s usually outside of your immediate circle. I advocate for coaching because it supported me in not giving up. I’ve met so many business owners who are further along.

I have resources now that I can tap into. I didn’t have that starting out.

I was going off what I knew from my time in the military. I knew how to lead, manage, how to think and plan, but that doesn’t completely translate into running a business. I had that moment of “okay! I’ve gone as far as I can take it, now what?”

That’s when you start inserting yourself into new spaces. You have to be open to new spaces, new people being more of a sponge than a repellent. I’ve had great experiences where people will share. There are others who genuinely want to see you succeed, but you have to be open to receiving all of that.

What do you think contributes to ones ability to being reciprocal in business relationships?

For me, it wasn’t until I met people freely willing to support that my mindset changed.

I did run into some people who weren’t supportive or that weren’t genuine. I’ve experienced people who don’t follow up.

With the reciprocity, it’s one of those things when you’re testing the waters to find who’s genuine. You model that.

What I learned about myself was that I had no problem showing up, but with this new awareness, I wasn’t showing up fully. Once you reach that place, I’ve found, the disingenuous people start to fade away. I found people who had a mindset of community. They are good at what they do and you’re good at what you do and you can coexist with this care and wanting to see each other win.

What advice you give to the military or veteran woman who’s also in a similar place?

One of the biggest challenges for us is that we leave this huge community [of the military] and now as a civilian, it’s so different. She might feel alone.

We’re already resilient. We’re so accustomed to figuring it out. We sometimes can’t recognize we need help. The help we need can only be greatly understood by someoen who’s walked those shoes. Sometimes that’s difficult to find. I would tell her to look for groups and a community of people who can relate. From there, it can become easier to navigate the waters.

Find your tribe. It makes it so much easier to have someone who understands.

I’d share with her there’s more to you.

There’s room for you to become Your Next Best Self!

Thank you for the transparency, Renae. Is there anything else you’d like to share? If someone is looking to work with you for coaching or fitness, where can they find you?

I really want to encourage them to be open to the possibilities. I believe most of us have this deep knowing but sometimes expectations or our belief about expectations steer us away. I knew I wanted to own my own business because I wasn’t interested in going to a traditional 9 to 5. I’m sharing for you to pursue your desires and the thing that’s pulling at you deep inside. I want to encourage women out there whatever you desire - whether it’s a SAHM, to open a franchise, or work for corporate - follow that because success is defined by you.

The two MOST POWERFUL WARRIORS

are

PATIENCE AND TIME. Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace

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NET//WISE NAVIGATOR:THE ART OF STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS I created this sheet to help you brainstorm building and deepening connections (left column).

On the right are benchmarks you may aspire to at different intervals. Need help walking through it? Schedule a time to meet with me over a quick chat.

CREATIVES AUTHORS, SPEAKERS, PERFORMERS, ARTISTS + MORE Connect + collaborate with other Creatives

2024 GOALS

Use videos on social media

Bookings per month

Solidify your brand

Podcast interviews per quarter

Prepare an EPK

Videos per month

Network at industry events

Content creation per week

Host your own or partner host events

Connections per week

Work with a booking agent/agency

Follow ups per week

LEADERS NONPROFIT + BUSINESS, 9-5'ERS + MORE SCORE Personal development per quarter SBA

Networking per month

Minority Business Council

Collaborations per year

Chamber of Commerce

Social cause per three years (or more)

Industry conferfence/convention

Customer Loyalty Program

CHANGE-MAKERS NONPROFIT, SOCIAL JUSTICE, ADVOCATES + MORE Community Foundation

KPI Measurements/Outcomes

Private Foundation

Videos per week

Chamber of Commerce

Blog posts per month

Local/Regional/National Business

Podcasts per month

Network

Networking events per month

FOR ALL

Ask your attorney/accountant

Social media content creation per week

Ask your mentor

Strategic planning each quarter

Get visible on LinkedIn

Leadership retreat each year

Claim your knowledge panel on Google

Cross industry network twice/year

Ask a complimentary business owner/leader

Local/regional/national blitz Capture client testimonials

LET’S CHAT

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 45

FEATURES/TRAVEL

Take a trip...

BEYOND BOARDROOMS An interview with Shelly Parks, CEO, PoshLife Enterprises, LLC PoshLife365 Travel Group PoshLife365 Giving Circle

The way an entrepreneur’s brain works - you just have to stop. Breathe. And just do it.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 46

TRAVEL

PoshLife365

Travel Experience I likely met Shelly in a travel group, but in all transparency, I don’t remember. What I can remember about when we first met is that she posted a selfie everyday on social media. Shelly is the kind of person you don’t forget - she’s genuine, wise, a lover of all people, and has a sense of humor that will keep you folded over with laughter.

Anyone who knows Shelly will tell you - she has a huge heart, and not only that - Shelly means business. In the industry for over 30 years, she’s cultivated a luxury domestic and international travel brand that stands for excellence, cultural immersion and having a great time with friends that feel like family.

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY “WE TRAVEL BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR COMFORT ZONES THAT WE MIGHT FIND THE EXTRAORDINARY THAT AWAITS”

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 47

Shelly’s View of

PoshLife365 Felicia Ford: What inspired you to lead in this work?

I starting doing singles trips and events about 30 years ago. I’ve always attracted groups of people. I started off renting venues, then began supporting them by taking my groups to them. Our first group trip was to Chetola Resort, North Carolina. I’ve rebranded from Travel Life to Catch Flights, Not Feelings, and it's just grown from there.

What keeps people coming back for more?

It’s the relationships. I’m big into culture immersion. When we traveled to other countries, I wanted to explore others’ lives and ways of living. Someone said Posh Life 365 is the best group of strangers you’ll ever meet. That’s what I cultivate. It’s an expectation of me and for me.

Most of the people on my trips are traveling solo, but once they walk in, there are genuine bonds and friendships created.

Tell me about the exclusivity and this bonded culture you’ve created: Anyone can join us in the PoshLife365 [Facebook] group.

When we’re traveling, we’re eating together, in the pool from morning ‘til night, and cooking together.

One of the things I love about you is that ever since I’ve known you, you show up as Shelly you’re you in the group, you’re you right now.

I’ve noticed that you don’t have to do a ton of marketing. You show up, you announce the trip and “here we go!” Let’s go, and you go! How are you growing as a business right now?

I’ve focused on building a sense of family whereas you don’t have to love each other, but there has to be a dynamic of respect in the group. People know that when we go places it’s going to go well. They feel safe, it’s a deep level of trust, and if something does go outside of our plans, they know it’ll be handled and handled well. I’ve traveled with other groups and people didn’t like each other or there was conflict and tense feelings once back home. We don’t have that here. It’s not just me, it’s my team to...someone just mentioned from our Aruba trip, how as soon as you walk in the room, we just welcome each other.

And what about the venues? Tell us what it’s life to have a PoshLife365 Experience: The properties are generally luxury villas, chalets, multimillion dollar properties. It’s a lot of risk on my part. Any damages could be thousands of dollars. But the people traveling with us are police officers, business owners, every type of career professional you could imagine. They are people who have a certain level of expectation and a high level of professionalism and certain level of decorum.

It is such a blessing! We certainly shifted and were grounded for a few months when the world was on lock down and then started back up again. We have that exclusivity as a part of maintaining the intimacy of the group since we’re spending so much time together while traveling. But I’m also planning for the next phase which will require me to do marketing in a totally different way.

Even since lockdown, a lot of us shifted away from social media. My group now, because they’re professionals, and they don’t have a lot of time to be in the Facebook Group as they were - there’s also the consideration that seeing people suffer and having so much access to that - it just became too much. So it’s definitely going to be different going forward.

Right, tell me about brunch!

Brunch is one of the ways. We’re doing brunch all across the US, looking for hostesses and hosts. It gives me an opportunity to get to know people and for them to know us. People realize that I really am who I am on social media. People reach a comfort level and an understanding of the dynamic of the group when they come to brunch. Every brunch, we book more trips.

Brunches are done right now in Atlanta, Charlotte and Phoenix and we are about to add DC, Dallas, Houston and New York City. They have to have a strong group of people that can attend and then I invite Posh Life. People can reach out to me or reach out in the group. It’s really simple for them to complete the contact form and then we have a vetting process and handle registration. They just have to know the city and have an established network. We do the rest.

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What would you say to the business owner and nonprofit leader who has never done this before?

With this second leg of my business, it’s mostly international. I started because I simply wanted to host trips with and for people who liked each other and who were interested in immersing themselves in cultures.

When it started to grow, I had to form a business. This is something that God set into motion. I initially started my first business with a business plan. I sat down...but this time, I’m just using prior knowledge and it became so popular.

If you’re starting from scratch, I’d say to be intentional. Pace yourself. Allow yourself to grow. Give yourself realistic goals for 1 year, 3 years and when you don’t reach those goals, give yourself grace and tweak things. I’m doing that now with my marketing. Because my groups are exclusive, I can’t just do an ad. So you then have to think about what revising it looks like. You have to be so focused and so flexible.

And what would you say to the business owner or nonprofit leader who hasn’t yet given themselves permission to enjoy life like this as they’re growing their business?

Everyone that’s in Posh Life has likely shared at some point how much they work. I’ve been that person that would work all day at my 9 to 5, 6, 7, or 8 and then work on Posh Life until 2 or 3am. Realize that stopping doesn’t mean that you’re going to lose money. Someone I know is struggling between retiring and doing in the business and I’ve encouraged them to consider hiring someone else to do it. Find people who can help you. There are a lot of resources everywhere. Sometimes it's small things. And then, cut time out for yourself - without guilt, without thought. There’s no formula to it. The way an entrepreneur’s brain works, you have to just force yourself to stop. Breathe and do it.

This has been incredible, Shelly. What trips and events do you have coming up? How can people connect with you?

Anyone can join PoshLife365 [Facebook Group] or Instagram and if they’re interested in booking, they can reach out to me that way. We have an automated process for booking and I’ll share that.

July 18-23, 2024 - Costa Rica 2 rooms left in villa 1 Villa 2 is SOLD OUT September 3 - 9, 2024 Greece DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED THIS WEEK!

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24,2023 #NATIVEHERITAGE

Your Go to

FESTIVE TEAM ACTIVITIES SEND HOLIDAY CARE PACKAGES CONSIDER PUTTING TOGETHER A HOLIDAY CARE PACKAGE FOR YOUR TEAM MEMBERS THAT INCLUDES ITEMS LIKE HOT COCOA, CANDLES, AND OTHER SEASONAL TREATS.

ORGANIZE A VOLUNTEER DAY THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. CONSIDER ORGANIZING A VOLUNTEER DAY WHERE YOUR TEAM CAN DONATE THEIR TIME TO A LOCAL CHARITY OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

HOST A HOLIDAY BAKING COMPETITION EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD BAKING COMPETITION! HAVE YOUR TEAM MEMBERS SUBMIT THEIR BEST HOLIDAY TREAT RECIPES AND THEN HAVE A VIRTUAL TASTE TEST TO DETERMINE THE WINNER.

CREATE A HOLIDAY PLAYLIST MUSIC IS A GREAT WAY TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT. HAVE YOUR TEAM MEMBERS SUBMIT THEIR FAVORITE HOLIDAY SONGS AND THEN CREATE A PLAYLIST THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY.

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CLEAN, EASY, TIME SAVING

TYPEFORM

Typeform is a great tool in our nonprofit because it allows me to collect and analyze our outcomes. This helps me to measure our impact. It’s also been helpful in supporting nonprofit leaders with processing applications, registration forms, client feedback surveys and more. While I do sometimes use Google forms, or Honeybook, I like that Typeform allows adding photos and videos, includes logic to segment questions and answers, and if using integrations of other applications, I can do so much more.

Gather user experience feedback

Create applications and forms

Find out how you’re doing. Create a feedback survey to share with your clients or your team.

Save time. Create applications, registrations and more with a Typeform. Embed it, share a QR code, or a link.

Create client or team centric quizzes

Create a booking form

Consider using Typeform to create a branded quiz, survey, signup form or more for your organization.

If you’re a speaker, caterer, DJ, vocalist, or other business/nonprofit that relies on people requesting you, Typeform combined with Calendly is a great option to consider.

GET TYPEFORM

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STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 00

➡️

Photography by James Patrick

RENEA JONESHUDSON

Retired Army Captain, ISSA Certified Master Fitness Trainer and Empowerment Coach Specializes in Bodybuilding, Fitness Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning and Exercise Therapy

15 MINUTE AB CIRCUIT

By Renea Jones-Hudson; originally published in FitFigures Summer/Fall 2021

Prisoner Squat w/ Oblique Crunch

Place hands behind head; tighten core, lift chest and stabilize back. Stand with feet slighty wider than hips, with feet parallel. Pull elbows back, Perform a squat by bending at the hips, be sure to drive heels into the ground, lower body keeping hands behind your head and stand back up and repeat.

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Side to Side Kick-Outs

Sit on the floor, pull knees to chest, kick to the left, pull knees to the chest, then kick to the right and repeat.

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Situp Punches

Lie flat on your back with knees slightly bent. Raise your upper body, tightening your core, while in the sit-up position, punch left, then right, lower and repeat.

Side plank reach unders

Lie on your side with one elbow on the floor. Raise your hips off the ground, your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your feet. Raise the other arm to the side, arm should be pointing to the ceiling. From this position reach under the chest and past your hips with your top hand, then repeat and return to the start position.

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Plank knees to elbows

Position your body in the low plank position, elbows on the ground, while in this position, bring right knee to right elbow and left knew to left elbow and repeat.

Seated in and outs

Sit on the floor, pull knees to chest, kick feet out directly in front and repeat.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 59

Plank Side to Side

From the low plank position drop left hip to the ground, return to center, then drop right hip, return to center and repeat.

YOUR NEXT BEST SELF

RENEA JONES-HUDSON RENEAJONESHUDSON.COM

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 60

How I’m Living

BY FAITH 01

Daily Devotional If you’re faith-based, your daily practice may not intersect with your work. For me, it’s how I lead myself, my days, and how I am able to create space for the work that we do. I respect your beliefs; some of my clients prefer not to include faith in conversation, but for those who do - I start my days with a devotional. Here are two of my favorites:

Faith Tabernacle

02

03

Purpose Driven Life

Being Still - PAUSE This journal is an invitation for you to press PAUSE. on the craziness of life. It's a space for you to take twenty minutes each week to curl up to recalibrate. A place to think, reflect, appreciate, remember, feel and celebrate your life - every wild minute of it! It’s heavy, pretty, worth it. I just haven’t made time to completely slow down in that way yet. I still give it 5 stars and recommend it.

Worship If you knew me 10 years ago, you’d know how instrumental music was (is) in my life. It still is, but more so in my home. I have a wide variety of genres that are on my playlist and while I probably haven’t changed much in years, this is what’s often on my speakers. Each symbol has a different playlist. What do you recommend?

04

Gifts If you’re curious about spiritual gifts and how it intersects with your work, check out this blog from Lifeway or this series from Rick Warren.

THROUGH THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LENS: STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023 7:00PM - 9:30PM FREE; REGISTRATION REQUIRED GET TICKETS OR REGISTER

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE, SMITHSONIAN © OPRAH WINFREY THEATER - SERIES SEATING ©

Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams brings Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s New York Times bestseller to the screen with Stamped From the Beginning.

Published in 2016, Dr. Kendi’s National Book Award winner chronicles the entire story of anti-Black racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history. Williams’ documentary adaptation uses an innovative animation process that blends live action with the art of the era to illuminate figures and moments both well-known and obscure, both historical and contemporary.

Leading female academics and activists such as Dr. Angela Davis, Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Dr. Jennifer L. Morgan, and Dr. Kendi guide viewers through a searing account of how racist tropes and imagery were developed and enshrined in American culture.

A panel discussion featuring Dr. Kendi, Williams, executive producer Mara Brock Akil, and others will follow the screening.

The panel discussion will be livestreamed

Book buffet, anyone?

Timeless Reads 01

The Geek Way: The Radical Mindset that Drives Extraordinary Results In this "handbook for disruptors" (Eric Schmidt), The Geek Way reveals a new way to get big things done. It will change the way you think about work, teams, projects, and culture, and give you the insight and tools you need to harness our human superpowers of learning and cooperation. $25.00 on Amazon

02 Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America Based on the African American Women's Voices Project, Shifting reveals that a large number of African American women feel pressure to compromise their true selves as they navigate America's racial and gender bigotry. Black women "shift" by altering the expectations they have for themselves or their outer appearance. They modify their speech....With deeply moving interviews, poignantly revealed on each page, Shifting is a muchneeded, clear, and comprehensive portrait of the reality of African American women's lives today.

03

Managing to Change the World: The Nonprofit Manager's Guide to Getting Results Managing to Change the World is designed to teach new and experienced nonprofit managers the fundamental skills of effective management, including: managing specific tasks and broader responsibilities; setting clear goals and holding people accountable to them; creating a results-oriented culture; hiring, developing, and retaining a staff of superstars.

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What I’m listening to

Earbuds + Commute Ready 01

Side Hustle Pro w/ Nicalia Matthews Okome Side Hustle Pro is the podcast to spotlight bold, Black women entrepreneurs who have scaled from side hustle to profitable business. Tune in every week for inspiring episodes where Black women entrepreneurs share their stories of resilience, success, and valuable insights.

Sales Maven Podcast w/ Nikki

02 Rausch

You can create sales success without feeling pushy and without fear of rejection. Nikki Rausch will tell you how. She is a sales strategist and coach with more than 25 years of sales experience and is master certified in NeuroLinguistic Programming — this a radically different approach to selling.

Woman Evolve Podcast w/ 03 Sarah Jakes Roberts The Woman Evolve Podcast Network is a sisterhood of podcasts that hold space for authentic conversations that allow us all to feel seen as we vulnerably navigate real-life experiences rooted in faith, mental wellness, and good ol’ girl time!

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®| Page 65

CHAMPAGNE JELLO SQUARES PHOTO BY SUGAR & CLOTH 2023 ©

CHAMPAGNE JELLO SQUARES Chill Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours Course: Cocktails or Mocktails

Sometimes, you just want to celebrate the season. Easy Champagne Jello Squares are festive and bright.

EQUIPMENT Cocktail shaker Medium saucepan Loaf pan Parchment paper Paint brush only use one dedicated for food use Knife a thin knife like a boning knife works best INGREDIENTS

CHAMPAGNE JELLO SQUARES PHOTO BY SUGAR & CLOTH 2023 ©

PROCEDURE Combine the simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Then, pour the mixture into a medium saucepan.

Sprinkle in the gelatin. Allow the gelatin to soak for 2 minutes. Then, heat over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved (about 2-5 minutes).

Remove from heat and add the gin and champagne (or mocktail substitutes), stirring well to blend. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a loaf pan in plastic wrap. Then, pour the jello

8 oz champagne or cava (Tost for mocktail)

mixture in the loaf pan. Chill until fully set and

4 oz gin or vodka (Ginger beer for mocktail)

firm for several hours (minimum of 2) or

2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice 2 oz simple syrup

overnight.

Turn out the firm gelatin onto parchment paper.

Then, slice carefully into rectangles or squares.

2 tbsp gelatin 2 packets

Garnish with edible gold leaf using a

Edible gold leaf optional for garnishing

paintbrush.

CHAMPAGNE JELLO SQUARES RECIPE ADOPTED FROM SUGAR & CLOTH 2023 ©

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“BE UNDENIABLY GOOD. NO MARKETING EFFORT OR SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZWORD CAN BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR THAT.” ANTHONY VOLODKIN, FOUNDER OF HYPE MACHINE

As we wrap up another incredible year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of working with dynamic businesses and nonprofits like yours.

To creating space for the growth available to you, for ease, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for allowing Felicia Ford & Co. to be a part of your journey.

My prayer for you in this season is your days are filled with joy, your hearts with warmth and your endeavors with success. As you reflect on the past year, I hope you find even more inspiration to continue forward in 2024.

Cheers to strategic excellence and the happiest of holidays!

Here’s to celebrating the power moves that have propelled your organization forward, to new friends, new relationships, new experiences and new opportunities.

All the best, Felicia Ford Owner + Growth Strategist Felicia Ford & Co.®

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

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