Upcoming Event: Let's Do Brunch! Philly - December 11th

The year has flown by so fast! Join us for an enlightening afternoon of information and knowledge sharing over brunch. Meet new people and connect with like minds.

What to Do When You're Tired of Building a 'Brand'

There comes a point in our journey where we may begin to feel a bit weary. When we question why we even bother with what we're doing? This is the perfect time to remember you WHY!

Why did you start your business?
Who do you want to help?
What legacy do you want to create for your family?
How do you want to spend your days?

I may have a few ideas per day that I write down and sometimes I just question why do I even have them lol. I know it sounds crazy or maybe you understand and have that thought as well. I've come to learn that:

Your gifts aren't about you!

Yup, that's right.

Your purpose involves helping others. And in giving you get what you need.

You don't need to 'build a brand' to do that.

It starts with being who you are and having the desire to keep learning and growing. Eventually buzzwords such as 'branding' fall to the wayside, but you need to keep evolving and stepping into your greatness.

We all get tired, but the object is to keep moving forward.

If you need to take time for yourself, please do. You don't do yourself or anyone you want to serve a favor by suffering from any type of exhaustion: physical, mental, or emotional.


- Jamillah Y. Johnson

Do You!


Recap: #100BusinessGirls NYC Fall Meetup

In this Picture: Nzinga Basir, Jamillah Johnson, Denisha Choice, Tamika Rose, and Brandon Slaughter

This past Sunday, October 2, we hosted our Let's Do Brunch! NYC meetup at Clyde Frazier's Wine + Dine (485 10th Ave). Our Business Girl Topic of the Day was "The Rules for Life + Business" and our special guest was Brandon Slaughter, who spoke about his The Rules 4 Life project. The Rules 4 Life is part social game, part collaborative scrapbook that allows you to write down thoughts on various topics. The book can also be passed around to others so they can include their take on life.

It was great to share our stories about the rules we've learned along the way.

Here are the topic questions that were discussed for you to think about:

What are some golden rules you live by?
What rules have you learned during your entrepreneurial and/or professional journey?
What do you wish you could tell your younger self about life?


Learn more about The Rules 4 Life  or The Rules for Marriage 



Nzinga Basir ~ Blue Mystique Fashion
Tamika Rose ~  Girls in Ballet School - The Bodysuit Specialist
Denisha Choice ~ Black Diamond Getaways

Drive Your Business


Necole Kane (@JustNecole) Breaks Down the Real on Her Transition from NecoleBitchie to xoNecole

Are You Sick + Tired of Networking Events? This One is for You

Do you feel like you're not getting anything out of your networking efforts? Do you attend events and leave without meeting anyone you would want to keep in contact with? Have you completely given up even attending networking events?

Well this is for you. I know you're sick and tired. I've been there and this is how I got out of my rut.
One major thing I did was create my own networking group that catered to my needs and the needs of so many other women. But if you're not up for going that route, I know it can be a lot to take on, here are some keys to getting out of that "I don't like networking" rut.

1. Attend Events That Speak to You
Sometimes you just have to trust your gut and not bother attending every single event that doesn't fit in to what you want to accomplish. Find a meetup group and be active. Groups cannot survive without your support.

2.  Arrive Early
Arriving early to an event gives you the opportunity to possibly meet the host and see who's who coming into the event. You can get a jumpstart on your conversations and connections.

3. Bring Business Cards
But talk to people first before giving them out. Make sure there is a connection before just giving them out.

4. Initiate Conversation
If you're someone that hates small talk, one great lead in question after introducing "How did you hear about the event?" that always leads into more conversation. Don't open with "Hi I'm Michelle, what do you?" Being nice helps. Ask "How are you?" Don't be afraid of feeling awkward, everybody feels awkward. It's okay to feel uncomfortable.

5. Follow Up
If you ask someone for their email address, be sure to follow up. And if someone sends you an email be kind and respond. Following up doesn't have to consist of a lunch or coffee invite. If you have a question you want to ask, save time and ask it in your email.

6. Lower Your Expectations
Every event you attend is a new experience. Some will be unorganized and some will exceed your expectations. Be open to the possibilities.

7. Invest When Necessary
Some events are worth the financial investment of who will be in the room. You have a higher chance of meeting people like you who are willing to invest in themselves.

8. Travel
Get out of your hometown and attend events in other cities. This can be a nice refresh if you find yourself attending events and running to the same people.


Jamillah Y. Johnson
jamillah@100businessgirls.com
For more great tips get your copy of 70 Tips for Women in Business (Click Here)!