I debated posting this because I remember when I first got married, living on 38th & California, and I was "broke" financially — but not mentally. That said, at that time I needed to get on my feet. I wasn't a great target audience for any offer that wasn't going to help me get back up for free or at extremely low cost. I purchased books, but I wasn't coaching-ready, and that's okay. I have a rule: I give to organizations that support those in need, but I don't market to them. I'm not a payday loan store. I remember needing a payday loan store, needing food stamps, and needing help affording things — but at that time I didn't need high-end consulting services. 🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️ Somewhere along the way we've lost the plot. In the name of "don't count their pockets" we're accepting any and everyone as clients — and it's not the way to go. You can't tell an adult what to do, but you can be clear in your marketing about who you work best with and for… Build a business that allows you to give back, but don't sell to those in need unless you're selling a necessity. The one exception is if you can have an organization pay for your services. But even then, your buyer would have resources while the audience would not. That's okay, and that can work. Make sure your language attracts the right people. You need your customers to have longevity in order to stay in business. Nothing wrong with giving back, but give it. Don't risk your company's future on an audience that can't pay you for your services. 🔗 Join the waitlist NOW → https://www.blackwomensellevent.com?el=skool

That used to be me. I’d wake up early and go to bed late— thinking if I could just push a little harder, I’d earn my rest. Several years ago, I hit a wall. Not physically, but emotionally. I was producing, launching, speaking, showing up— but still felt overwhelmed. I loved the work, but I hated how it was running me. So I stepped back. Fully. Took a sabbatical. And here’s the wild part… Everything kept going. The business didn’t collapse. God showed me— I was never the one holding it up in the first place. Now? My output has gone up. Our revenue has grown. But I don’t carry the same weight. My nervous system is regulated. My peace isn’t optional—it’s scheduled. That shift didn’t come from a new planner or productivity tool. It came from renewing my mind. I had to ask: Why do I feel guilty when I’m not grinding? Who told me my worth was tied to my work? What would happen if I truly trusted that rest is holy? Science backs it up— strategic rest improves decision-making, lowers cortisol, boosts creativity. But long before Harvard said it, God said it: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 So if you feel the pressure to prove, perform, and push… Maybe it’s time to pause. Not just to recharge— but to remember you were never built to carry it all. Rest well today.

You’ve just joined the #1 community for experts who want to land five- and six-figure corporate contracts and scale their businesses strategically. Here at SPEAK Your Way To Cash®, we’ve built a reputation for excellence: we’re the 14th fastest-growing privately held company in Georgia and ranked 370th in the U.S. We don’t just teach sales—we create transformations. I’m Ashley Kirkwood, founder and CEO of SPEAK Your Way To Cash®. I left a $300,000 partner-track attorney job to build my own law firm and SPEAK Your Way To Cash®! Since then, I’ve personally closed five- and six-figure contracts with corporations and helped countless others do the same. If you’re here, it’s because you’re ready to take action and build a thriving business by selling your expertise at the highest level. This community isn’t just a group—it’s a movement of experts ready to unlock their full potential. We’re here to share strategies, celebrate wins, and challenge each other to scale bigger and faster than ever before. 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘: To unlock the best this community has to offer, complete these three steps in the next 7 days (and within 30 days, you must reach Level 2 to stay active—this is a space for action-takers): 1️⃣ Introduce yourself: Drop your introduction below! Share who you are, what you do, and what your goals are. 2️⃣ Engage with 5 other members: Comment, ask questions, or show support. Building connections is key. 3️⃣ Make a post: Share a quick win, a challenge, or a question to spark conversation. 𝐖𝐇𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: This isn’t a spectator sport. The most successful members are the ones who show up, connect, and contribute. This community thrives when YOU show up boldly. 🔥 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒: • 𝐍𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: Keep the focus on collaboration, not self-promotion. • 𝐁𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥: We’re here to build each other up. • 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲: This is a space for doers—not passive scrollers. When you’ve completed your first steps, keep the momentum going by:

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.