Grit and grind are what we are all about in this episode.

"We don't sink", a phrase that we felt very deeply as Steph Mazanowski, of Mazter Mindz Media, spoke about her venture into entrepreneurship as a marketer, photographer and community connector and her take on making her business work for her, rather than her working for her business. Let's work hard to play hard!

Best Tip: Networking and utilizing LinkedIn!

On this episode we talk with our first business DUO! Kristin Booth and Amy Gammelgard of CO+LAB: Community Lab, LLC. What started as a fun way to connect people all over Facebook with the Love It List Group has become an exciting adventure of highlighting and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs of ALL ages!

Enjoy this episode as we learn the tips, tricks, stumbles and successes that make CO+LAB a supportive community of small businesses!

Special Bonus: We learn about a great event right here in Bloomington-Normal that helps our youngest entrepreneurs learn the business know-how! Check out: www.YEMBN.com to learn more about the Young Entrepreneur Market, happening this spring!

Facebook: The Love It List

Facebook: Co+Lab Event Consultants

Instagram: @colab.llc

Website: Co+Lab

Best Tip: Canva

This episode is talking all about teams... from sports to business and high school to corporate. Barb Smith, CEO of Find My Team and Courtside Leadership talks to us all about how she found her team, her place and how she has used her coaching skills to be the best CEO and her business skills to be the best coach.

Where to find Barb:

www.findmyteam.com

www.courtsideleadership.com

Book- Beyond the Talent: Profile of a Winning Team

Upcoming Event: May 19, 2024, Champion Choices- The ultimate college recruiting workshop for aspiring student athletes and their parents.

On this episode we will be talking with Amanda Jones, Owner of EatLocalBN and OMNIA.

Amanda Jones has over 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising and sales. In addition to Eat Local, she is the owner of OMINA which partners with local small businesses on their marketing efforts. Originally from the Plainfield, Illinois area, she moved to Bloomington-Normal over 25 years ago to attend college at Illinois State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Amanda is an active members of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and is serving her third year as a Chamber Ambassador. She also serves on the board of the Child Protection Network and is a member of the Central Illinois Communication Association.

Contact Information:

[email protected] or [email protected]

www.EatLocalBN.com

Favorite Resource Right Now: ClickUp

Karen Grotbo comes to us as a licensed Spanish teacher in Illinois, who saw a different path after having a family, and opened The Language Spot in 2021 as she embarked on her small business adventure.  She has many years of experience teaching Spanish at all levels and to all ages as you as 4! Having taught Spanish in public schools for 5 years and continuing to teach Spanish through the Continuing Education Department at Heartland Community College and private lessons while she was able stay home with her three children!

Karen loves sharing this important skill with others. Growing up right here in Bloomington-Normal, Karen began learning Spanish in the 7th grade, and has been fortunate enough to have studied in Granada, Spain for a semester during college and has traveled to several Spanish speaking countries where she has been able to utilize her skill and gift. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in the Teaching of Spanish from University of Illinois, as well as a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Illinois State University.

We are fortunate to learn all about Karen Grotbo and The Language Spot, a wonderful resource here in McLean County.

Website: www.thelanguagespotbn.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelanguagespotbn

Instagram: @languagespotbn

Teresa Klokkenga Photography is a Family and Business Brand Photographer serving the Bloomington-Normal and surrounding area. 

Teresa has been professionally behind the camera for over ten years, and even after all this time she still jumps up and down at every opportunity to capture who YOU are - as a business owner making magic happen, as a family connecting with one another or as a graduate heading off on your next great adventure. It’s no secret that each of us show up in the world in our own unique way, and whether you’re seeking imagery to help you level up your business, capture your family’s bond, or celebrate your accomplishments, Teresa Klokkenga Photography is ready to make you stand out! 

On today's podcast, we meet Crystal Larkin of Crystal Clear Professional Organizing.