When I first embarked on my foodie roarior journey, I actually did have a 9-5. Well it was more like a 9 to whenever. As the catering opportunities came, they motivated me to really push even more, and I realized there was no way, I could grow my business(at least the way I wanted to) fully on a part time basis. Hence, I made the leap.

But over the years I’ve come to realize that my 9-5 was very instrumental to the growth of my current business. Whether it’s by providing networking opportunities or other resources, your 9-5 can be the start of your thriving own business.

Check out how you too can leverage your 9-5 to start your business

Every time I stand in a room and I tell people I’m an introvert they are super shocked. Today is Memorial Day and I decided to come into the office to work because there would be hardly anyone around. I’m not shy. Which is why I think people get confused when I say I’m an introvert.

But crowds drain me and small talk make me want to pull out my hair. When I started my business in 2003 I learned quickly however, connections and networking are vital to business growth.

Building meaningful relationships (I still struggle, don’t be fooled), is hard work. It takes time and a real love of what you want to accomplish to continuously develop.

If you are just started out on your entrepreneurial journey, below are some tips on how you can effectively network for better results. Check out this video below!

The other day, I hired someone to perform a service for me. Later she contacted me after seeing my post and asking why I did not tag her. I was shocked. Cause I reached out, she quoted me, and I paid her quoted price. I felt I owed no tag. (Sometimes I still tag business people that I love even I’ve paid for the service. But it’s my choice)

As someone who is on both sides of the giving away (people reach out to me to speak, donate catering services, or provide coaching workshops for free) and receiving (I’m often gifted clothing items, paid to mention a product or post something, I try to be mindful on all directions.

The rules of engagement on social media can be a tad blurred and none more so in the area of when to give away freebies, if you should give away freebies and what to expect from a freebie.

If as a business you are struggling to understand what a freebie is and if/when you should give it away, check out this video below!