Text Blaze Chrome Extension: This is my most frequently used Google Chrome browser extension by far. It allows you to create little snippets that, when typed, are replaced by a longer bit of text. I have about two dozen shortcuts that I've made over time and use regularly to easily be able to drop in text like my mailing address, my LinkedIn profile URL, my Calendly link, my bio, etc. It's free, which makes it even better.
If you have to lead presentations or speak in public: This resource from my Hanul is helpful and straightforward. Whether it’s a big presentation, a client pitch, or even just sharing an idea in a meeting, many of us freeze up. Our minds go blank, our hearts race… and we walk away thinking, “Ugh. I wish I had said that better.” She’s a former news anchor and a public speaking coach (and a fellow working mom!) who specializes in helping awkward speakers communicate with clarity and confidence.
Join me in standing up for our neighbors: Doing nothing in the face of attacks on so many of our neighbors and institutions is just a recipe for feeling worse. Taking action allows you to make an impact and feel much better (trust me on this). Will you join me in sending 5 or 20 letters to voters (I've set a goal for this community to send 200)? Or show up for an hour tomorrow at one of the thousands of No Kings events across the country (find one near you here).
Did you know that you can opt to receive fewer or more emails from me? Scroll down to the "Manage Your Profile" link in the footer below. You can get really specific about the types of emails you want from me since we've got Friday Five, Tuesday Tips, a monthly newsletter just for managers at work, emails just for small business owners like me, and emails just for parents. You decide!
Making money through sharing your opinion: I've had two close friends laid off from their jobs in the last week. I also recently spoke with a friend whose high schooler has been finding ways to earn money so she can buy what she wants. Those convos inspired me to write a blog about one small way to earn some low-effort money, which is taking online surveys. There are links to the most reputable companies (such as Nielsen) in the post, which may be helpful if a little extra money is needed for you or someone you know right now.
Bonus Sponsor Resource - Butcherbox: Many years ago I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer because I wanted to make a thoughtful decision about eating meat (great book, by the way!). I finished the book having decided that for me the right choice was to continue eating meat, but prioritize eating sustainably-farmed meat for a host of reasons (health, ethics, the environment, etc.). The company I've bought my meat from for many years now is ButcherBox. Right now, they have a great deal with free steak tips or chicken breasts for a year or free ground beef for life (!!). It's worth trying out a box - it's really delicious (get the meatballs!). They have gift boxes too (might be good for any friends you have impacted by the government shutdown). This resource is from one of our Friday Five sponsors - thank you to them for keeping this newsletter free for readers!
Last Friday's Most-Clicked Link:Tangle News, the best email newsletter I've ever signed up to get.