In This Issue...

Reflections
Upcoming Workshops and Events
News/Announcements
Mini-Reflection Exercise
This Issue's Sponsor

Reflections

Gardeners are watching to see which plants are coming back, what is proliferating and can be divided and shared. They also decide which ones they need to give up on and add to the compost. They pull the weeds that are eager to take the energy away from the other plants. Some plants are moved to receive better growing conditions.

We don’t see gardeners nurturing dandelions or watering stone-dead plants. There is something to learn here. How often do we put our own time and resources into something that is either no longer growing or that takes away from what we really care about?

What do you want to be nurturing in your life’s garden this growing season?

Use the Mini-Reflection Exercise to help you tend to your own life “garden”.

On a personal note: When I set upon growing Purple Crayon Factory as a business, I used the metaphor of a vine as a business plan. Our children were very young and I determined that I couldn’t be a full-time “gardener” for this business. I set the intention that the business would grow slowly and that I’d let it grow where it wanted to go. I also set the intention that when it filled out, I would revisit the “vine” to see what was growing nicely, which areas needed to be pruned and which needed more light and support. I have now reached that point. I am also now tending another wonderful business in my garden with Women In Networking. Over the summer, I will be spending time cutting back some areas and determining what is needed to help Purple Crayon Factory grow its optimal foliage. You might notice changes as I tinker with the website and programs offered. I will also consider whether it’s time for me to bring a “master gardener” into the picture. Stay tuned!

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Marketing Jam Session: The Power of Collaboration

Thursday, May 22, 4:00-6:00pm
doors open at 3:30pm for check-in and informal networking

The Marketing Jam Session is much more than a networking event. Not only will you get brainstorming help from other professional women, but it's a unique opportunity to raise brand awareness, leave with valuable marketing insights and make meaningful connections for future business referrals. The Marketing Jams have been a successful format for three years and past attendees have been asking for another. So here it is:

In the Power of Collaboration Marketing Jam, we'll stretch our minds to find cooperative ways to market our businesses. You'll leave with your gears turning about how you can collaborate with the women you met at the Jam as well as other colleagues.

When was the last time you had a group focus on your business with pen in hand? The founders of BuildHer Dream and Purple Crayon Factory have created an amazing interactive session for your career and business growth. Bring your marketing materials for the information table. You're not going to want to miss this opportunity to meaningfully network and brainstorm with other women!

EVENT SPONSORS

WHERE

Macalester Alumni House
1644 Summit Ave
St. Paul, 55105

COST
$35 Click here to register

News/Announcements

• As Teresa settles into her dual role between PCF and Women In Networking (W.I.N.), she is examining the ways each organization can best serve its audience. W.I.N. is a perfect and exciting complement to PCF as Teresa’s values center around creating meaningful connections between people and possibilities. Don’t miss out on the opportunities available through W.I.N. visit www.mnwin.org to view upcoming networking events or to sign up for Connect, W.I.N.’s newsletter to be kept posted.

• Do you need the Connection Concierge? Whether you are too busy, reserved, new to the area, or just unsure of how to tap into networking that would specifically help your needs, Teresa will help you efficiently and easily receive the fresh ideas and connections you need without breaking the bank. Click to request information.

         
 “(The Connection Concierge) totally exceeded my expectations. What first drew me to this service was the opportunity to tap into Teresa’s vast network of contacts. However, not only did Teresa connect me with several valuable contacts - both individuals and organizations - she provided creative ideas for networking and marketing my event planning business.  Teresa is passionate about helping people and businesses grow, and I experienced first hand her commitment to going the extra mile on their behalf." -  Ann Nelson, Founder of Ann Plans LLC

Mini-Reflection Exercise

What do you want to be nurturing in your life’s garden this growing season? Using the garden metaphor, identify:

·       Which areas do you want to thrive and grow?

·       What pulls your energy away from these areas? Can any of this be weeded out?

·       Is there anything that you’ve been trying to revive but is now time to put into the compost?

·       What is going so well that you can share it with others?

·       How will you celebrate the bounty of your efforts?

This Issue's Sponsor

(Reach over 1,000 readers by featuring your business or event here. For details visit PCF's sponsorship page.)



        

Subscriber Information

Purple Crayon Factory's refreshing workshops, networking events and services support you to create the life you want with resources you have. We value creativity and facilitating meaningful connections between people and ideas. Whether you seek big transformation or simply inspiration, we have something for you or your organization.

Teresa Thomas-Carroll is the publisher of this newsletter and can be reached at 612-722-6931 or teresa@purplecrayonfactory.com.

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