Maximized Power

Last Saturday (1/20/18), I had the distinct privilege of attending the "Beauties in Business Brunch" in Camp Springs, Maryland at the Hampton Inn & Suites. When I arrived at the venue, I was warmly greeted by the two hosts of the event, Timea G. and Ashlee K. and presented with a beautiful rose at the door. As soon as I entered the event space, there was a refreshing sense of positive vibes that seemed to fill the room.  I instantly felt a sense of belonging even though this was my very first time attending this event.  The event was beautifully catered, with a variety of food from which to choose: chicken skewers, scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, vegetarian options, an assortment of bread, gourmet cupcakes and chilled drinks.  On the tables, each guest received a goodie-bag and personalized "Beauties in Business Brunch" packages with a pen, a mini notepad, and mints inside.  I was so impressed with the thoughtfulness of the hostesses and  marketing materials they provided for the attendees.

​The theme of this year's event was, "Social Media vs. Reality."  Once guests had their plates, Timea and Ashlee, introduced the panelists for the day, Lilian Prince Mitchell, Author of 10 Dates Later..., ​Matt Rand, Founder of DMV Network, and Chardelle Moore, News Anchor, on Fox 45 Baltimore TV.  ​ Hostess, Ashlee K. mentioned in a later interview with Simply Ari Media, that this was the first year that "Beauties in Business Brunch" had a male panelist, saying that "we wanted to offer a different perspective." ​ The first discussion was entitled, "Visibility vs. Value";  The idea here being that society often times likes to lump these two terms together, but as the panelists and event curators suggested, Visibility and Value are not synonymous.  My take away from the first discussion, was that our value as individuals, and as business owners should not be based on the instant gratification that is offered to us by social media platform (through likes and followers), because so often, those moments are fleeting, what sustains us is knowing first Whose we are, knowing and understanding our calling, and recognizing that as Jonathan McReynolds so eloquently put it, "we will always be relevant to those we are called to be relevant to." I believe that a good measure of value, in life and in business, is the lasting impact that we strive to make on the audience we desire to reach.  We can be impactful from the front or behind the scenes. God can use us where we are, if we allow Him. 

​The second discussion was entitled, "#ThirstTrapping." This particular topic really go guests riled up and many conversations stemmed from it.  Timea and Ashlee first asked the panelists to define for themselves what "being thirsty" meant. Though each panelist offered different examples, the general idea was the same. Being "Thirsty", is a term used to describe a disingenuous approach of gaining attention, at the expense of one's own self-worth, to satisfy a need to feel wanted and accepted.  

​The conversations that ensued, touched on what Timea G. described as "The Copy-Cat Syndrome", where a person, or a brand begins to blatantly take the ideas of another and offer those ideas to their audience as their own.  To this point, Timea said, "Own your lane. You will not be misguided, or detoured from what you have been called to do."  ​In essence, there is no need to copy, God has placed something special inside of each of us to exude and offer to the world. Once we align ourselves with that gifting, there is no stopping us.  Remember, no one can do you like you. Know your worth!

​After having a chance to speak with people around the room from the curators, to the panelists, to the attendees, what I gathered was that this event was really about empowering and celebrating the uniqueness of the individuals in that room, and offering an unforced opportunity to network and seed into the lives of those in attendance through word and if so led, through a monetary gift.  I came in with a plan of how I thought my afternoon was going to go, but the Lord superseded my expectations.  I came away with so much more! 

​Quotable Moments:
 
​"You are a representation of the content you create." Timea G.
​"As a creator, you are an innovator. You create culture, and culture gravitates toward you." Timea G.
​"There is power in partnership." Ashlee K.
​"God Blesses Unity."
​"A bad attitude will block your blessing." Chardrelle Moore
​"Real recognizes real, for REAL." Timea G. 
​"When your business becomes your lifestyle, then they [people] will buy it."
​"You can't direct people to where you were, if you want their business now." Ashlee K.

​To learn more about Timea G., Love Life Media,  Ashlee K., The Ashlee Agency, Beauties In Business Brunch or the panelists Lillian Prince Mitchell, Matt Rand, and Chardelle Moore, be sure to follow them on IG! 
​
​Timea G-  @llm_lovelife
Ashlee K- @theashleeagency
​Beauties In Business- @beautiesnbusinessbrunch
Lillian Prince Mitchell- @10dateslater
​Matt Rand- @dmvnetwork
​Chardelle Moore- @chardellemoore
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