How do introduce what you do when you work with a population many feel shouldn't get help?

Last week, I posted asking for tips before my first BWSL event. Now that I've experienced the magic, I thought I'd jot down a few tips for next year while they're still fresh. DO WHAT THE EMAILS TELL YOU There were approximately 28387 emails before the event letting us know what time to register, and entry time based on ticket. The first day I showed up at 6:30am to get an early place in line even though doors didn't open until 8:40am for us. I used that time to get to know other attendees and network. You can leave a bag or placeholder and the community was great about respecting it. Someone even moved my bag for me when the line moved from inside to outside while I was off getting coffee. LUNCH Don't dally. I'm sure the set up will be different next year but most folks went to the CTR food court across the street and lollygagging meant long lines and a long wait. I didn't wait more than 3 people to order food, meaning I could eat, socialize and have plenty of time to get back to the ballroom on time. SELF CARE I haven't traveled at all this year until September and I forgot some basic best practices. Take care of your immune system, whatever that looks like for you. I came down with a cold on day two and was fairly miserable the rest of the conference. Folks were so supportive from the older Black women working the hotel coffee shop who gave me tea on the house, to the attendee who donated me a couple of Emergen-C packets. Between that and Day and Nyquil, I was able to participate in the full conference. MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN. Get on the mic! There are so many opportunities for Q&A, and sharing what you learned. I live in Portland, OR and I want to work with more Black women, so I picked seats as close to the mic as possible and didn't pass up any chance to get up and let the room know what I do. That resulted in around 30 people coming up to me and asking for my information and one sales conversation.

Honor those before us, those building with us, and those we leave a brighter tomorrow.

Every new day brings new possibilities, but it's what we choose to THINK, SPEAK, and DO that gives those possibilities life. Today, be intentional. Encourage someone, support a small business, share an opportunity, and remember that your smallest act of kindness can create someone's greatest breakthrough. What you give to life has a way of multiplying!