The Magic of Meaningful Networking and other Fun Stuff!

Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!

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💡Aha! Moment

You know I always keep it real with you, right? Well, last week was a wild ride, and I've got an aha moment to share that I think you'll appreciate!

As an extroverted introvert (yep, that's totally me!), last week pushed me to my limits. I headed to Milwaukee for Connect Marketplace 2024—a massive gathering of go-getters from the hospitality and travel industry. Picture this: early mornings, late nights, non-stop networking, and endless energy. It was an absolute whirlwind of meetings, learning sessions, and events, including a Brewers game!

But the real craziness hit on Wednesday and Thursday. I had 46 back-to-back 10-minute appointments with reps from Convention and visitor Centers, hotels, and Convention Centers. Every 10 minutes, a new face popped up at my table, eager to share why they're the best. Talk about exhausting! But honestly, it was also a ton of fun.

Here's where my aha moment hit. Amidst all the chaos, I realized these meetings weren't just about making quick connections or gathering leads. Every conversation had the potential for something deeper—unique insights, valuable relationships, and a new way to understand our work and world.

I took a mental step back (because physically, there was no time!) and shifted my approach. These weren't just casual conversations or networking opportunities—they were about really understanding people's needs, goals, and stories. It reminded me that everything we do, from social media posts to coaching sessions, should be meaningful and purpose-driven.

So, my big takeaway? Networking isn't just about growing your follower count or getting leads (though those are nice). It's about building real, valuable connections that matter. Whether through my work with HelmsBriscoe or in my coaching, I'm ensuring every interaction brings purpose and value to everyone involved.

Next time you're in a whirlwind of meetings, take a second to pause and find the magic in the connection. Trust me, that's where the real impact happens.

1️⃣One Thing I...

🏫 Learned - For the first time in my life, my sciatic nerve has been making its presence known—and let me tell you, it's not fun! That nagging pain led me to research, and I learned just how crucial this nerve is. It's the longest nerve, running from the lower back, through the hips, and down each leg. It provides sensation to the skin of the foot and lower leg and helps control certain muscles.

When the sciatic nerve gets irritated or compressed, it causes sciatica—pain that radiates down the nerve's path, typically on one side. The pain can range from mild to severe, often with tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.

So, I've been doing extra stretching, making sure I move more, and working to take off a few pounds to help ease the pain. If you have any advice or suggestions, I'm all ears! Taking care of this sciatic nerve has become a priority, and I'm open to anything that can help keep it in check!

📖 Read - Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans has worked at McDonald's at some point in their lives? From musicians and astronauts to entrepreneurs and business leaders, so many people share that common experience. It's crazy to think how working at McDonald's has shaped the careers of so many.

What makes this fact even more interesting is how it highlights the valuable skills learned along the way—teamwork, customer service, time management—all lessons that stick with you. McDonald's even created a "1 in 8" community for former employees to share their stories and connect over their experiences. It's a reminder of how these moments can lead to personal growth and foster a sense of camaraderie, no matter where life takes you.

I loved my time working at McDonald's when I was in college, and I have shared my story in the "1 in 8" community, but here are the top five lessons I took with me:

1. Every person you lead is different. McDonald's was a melting pot of people. I learned to communicate and motivate a variety of personalities—from Steve, the Fry Guy, who had special needs, to Bobby, the maintenance guy, to high school students working their first job, and full-time employees who saw it as a career. Understanding what made each person tick helped me lead more effectively later in life.
2. Training is crucial. McDonald's taught me the importance of standard operating procedures. Having everything documented and organized made training smoother and ensured consistency across the board.
3. The value of consistency. McDonald's is famous for consistency—no matter where you go, you know what to expect. That reliability stems from consistency in training, expectations, and service. It's a principle that translates into growing any business.
4. Flexibility matters. One of the best things I learned was the power of flexibility. If you're flexible with your employees, especially around schedules, they'll give you more in return. It's about give and take.
5. Relationships & teamwork. When you enjoy the people you work with, the job becomes more than work. At McDonald's, we had fun, and that made a world of difference. The relationships and sense of teamwork I built there were key to creating a positive work environment throughout my career.

👀 Watched - I recently came across a heartwarming story about Wally the Walrus, who became an unexpected traveler across Western Europe. Originally from the Arctic, Wally found his way to Ireland and decided to take a solo vacation—lounging on random boats along the way. The problem? His size often caused these boats to sink!

But instead of forcing him to move along, the local communities did something unique. They teamed up to create special floats just for Wally, giving him a safe place to rest while he continued his journey back to the Arctic. Groups like the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and Seal Rescue Ireland came up with creative solutions, like a floating couch and a custom pontoon, to keep him comfortable.

Watching Wally's story unfold was a great reminder of what we can accomplish when we lead with compassion. It's proof that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact—on both animals and the world around us.

✔️ Accomplished - This week, I had the pleasure of attending Connect Marketplace, and wow, what an experience! For those who don't know, Connect Marketplace is a huge event that brings together professionals from the meetings, events, travel, and tourism industries. It was the perfect opportunity to network, learn, and spark new business ideas.

I attended fantastic sessions, had great conversations, and connected with industry leaders and peers. One of the best parts? Learning about the latest trends and innovations—from cutting-edge event tech to creative destination marketing strategies. I walked away feeling inspired, energized, and ready to apply these new insights to my work.

Attending Connect Marketplace reminded me just how important it is to keep learning and growing. Moments like these make me grateful to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking community!

🤔Insight for the Week

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Albert Schweitzer

❓Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from the state of New Jersey!

Q: Hi Kristen, I'm planning a corporate retreat for my team, but I'm overwhelmed by the choices and logistics. Where do I start

A: First, kudos for taking the initiative to give your team a fabulous retreat! It's a wonderful opportunity to cultivate stronger relationships and foster innovative thinking. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you move from 'overwhelmed' to 'wow!'

1. Define Your Objectives: What are the goals of the retreat? Team building? Strategic planning? Relaxation? This will help you determine the right location and activities.
2. Budget, Budget, Budget: Clearly outline what you can afford. This will narrow down your list of potential venues and activities.
3. Location & Venue: Consider what atmosphere will benefit your objectives—beachy relaxation or mountain tranquility? I can help you sift through options to find the perfect spot! Through my work at HelmsBriscoe, I have access to a world of venues and can even negotiate the best deals for you.
4. Engaging Activities: From cooking classes to scavenger hunts, the activities should align with your objectives. Want some inspiration? Connect with me for unique and customized ideas that will leave your team inspired and energized!
5. Logistics & Details: Transportation, accommodation, meal plans—organizing these can be daunting. Rest easy; I can help guide you to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Remember, there are people like me who can help you find, source, and contract the hotel/resort! Not only do I have the skills to make this retreat unforgettable, but my coaching background also allows me to add an extra layer of team-building fun. Let's make it an event they'll never forget!

Feeling more at ease already? I'm just a message away for more personalized tips and support. Let's turn that overwhelm into excitement and bring your vision to life!