I have to be honest. It’s been a tough start to the year financially. I’m not consistently making enough to cover my expenses, and I’ve had to take a hard look at what needs to change if this business is going to last. I’m building something I genuinely believe in—coaching, courses, content, systems, a whole little ecosystem—but belief alone doesn’t make it financially sustainable. Guessing my way through funding, grants, and positioning isn’t the move anymore. So I’m asking for help. I’m looking to do a coaching swap with you guys! The format is simple: 60 minutes total 30 minutes you coach me 30 minutes I coach you If it’s a good fit, we can repeat the format. What I’d love support with: Feedback on my business plan (what’s strong vs. what’s still fuzzy) Turning ideas into a clear, compelling slide deck Accountability (because solo founders desperately need mirrors) Feedback on grant submissions (Amber Grant, etc.) Light marketing strategy: where I’m actually a strong fit—and how to say that clearly on my site 👉 If you’re interested in learning or practicing grant writing, this is an especially good opportunity. What I offer in return: Business & website clarity: what you’re really selling, what’s missing, what’s confusing, what could convert better Brand messaging: tightening your positioning so people “get it” fast Gamification & learning design: frameworks, structure, and engagement systems for courses or programs Sound like a match? Let’s do this together. 🤝

With ChatGPT. I know some people might love the new 5.2., but honestly, it’s polishing posts far too much. I shouted at it. HOW DO I STOP YOU DOING THIS? And it gave me an editing prompt. Which I could put into a gpt or just pdf it. Will probably share it as a mini lead magnet. Was wondering if anyone here would like to play with it? Probably removes about 60% of AI and marketing speak from posts, but doesn’t rewrite.

Hey everyone — happy New Year! 🎉 I wanted to share a little January update and say how grateful I am to be part of this community. A few interesting things happened over the holidays that genuinely surprised me. First… I had a LinkedIn post go unexpectedly viral.Over 300 reactions and 34,000+ impressions 🤯 It’s surprising the people it connected me with — folks I never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise. If you’re curious, here’s the link— it really seemed to resonate during the holidays. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/makethegradewithjade_makethegradewithjade-christmas-holiday-activity-7409593714521681920-dV0z?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAACT-BWYBan-Zjd1lUT72_H5NkVP-VEgjC5A&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=copy_link I have this GPT to thank for the help: https://chatgpt.com/c/69598083-4944-832e-b676-0f900e1f995c I also have several calls lined up this week that could lead to opportunities (trying not to get ahead of myself, but cautiously optimistic). One of them is with a founder connected to a foreign language academy here in Tennessee. I pitched myself, showed value, created a slide deck, and now I’m having a real conversation for potential online consulting — and that feels like growth in itself. Another small but meaningful win: I met with a potential client who actively showed interest in working with me. That doesn’t happen often for me, so it meant a lot. They’re improving their English and want to move into gaming… which is very much my sweet spot. On the cohort side: my Maven program starts Monday. Only two people signed up, and I did lower the price, but I also asked for honest written and video testimonials if they find it valuable. It’s a start. I’ll use what I learn from this run to improve February, and I’ll likely try again in March (April will be lighter since I’m heading to North Carolina — a little gift I found under the tree this year 🎄).

Seriously! I don't know if you're familiar with Chris Donnelly. Apparently, he's the co-founder of Searchable.com. Well anyways, he gave away these free GPTs for algorithms, and the Scroll Stopping Hook Generator was the one that stood out to me: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69286671265c8191b426db611ed206cb-the-scroll-stopping-hook-generator I basically ask it to choose the best hook for my post, then rewrite my post. The spacing changes, the language is more professional, and it's easier to read through. My impressions did go up this week after using, no images needed. I'm really surprised, actually. I wanted to share it with you guys if you want to try it out. I hope you get similar results!

Hey everyone, My uncle passed suddenly on Saturday and we're in the process of funeral arrangements right now so I just wanted to update you all. As things stand, we will still have our 2nd workshop tomorrow where we'll evaluate your strategies, celebrate your progress and look at what we can build on for this week. Wednesday's sprint may need to be moved to Thursday (or you can run it without me) as I an 90% sure the service will be that day. I will keep you all in the loop, and hopefully see you tomorrow. If you need my eyes on any of your DMs, offers or anything else, please message me today so I can move you forward. ~Kev