Hey, there-
Is it just me, or did June vanish in a blink? One minute it was finally spring, the next, we’re halfway through the year.
We just wrapped up Think and Grow Rich in the Book League last night, and I had a lot of feelings about this one. Honestly? At first, I hated it. It felt way too “testosteroney” for my taste. I’ve spent enough years forcing things and “making them happen” to know that sometimes life just doesn’t work that way—sometimes external forces shape the outcome, no matter how much you hustle. Plus, I think there was exactly one woman’s story in the whole thing, and the dated views on women were a struggle, to say the least.
But, sticking with it paid off. Digging into Hill’s Self-Analysis Questions in the final chapter with the group turned out to be a game-changer. We pulled out some genuine, actionable reflections that, frankly, made the whole read worth it.
The coolest part about this group isn’t just the book—it’s what happens after the discussion.
Seriously, the momentum this community builds is wild. When we did The 12-Week Year, members launched their own accountability group. For The Success Principles, we ended up with a “Future Party” at The Lexington in St. Paul, a member-led workbook initiative, and a dedicated email thread to keep us on track.
And now? We’re keeping the Think and Grow Rich energy alive. We’re reconvening in December/January to tackle the internal annual inventory from Chapter 7, and I’m inviting every member—past and present—to join.
This isn’t a passive book club. Because these discussions are so member-driven and honestly special, I’m keeping our sessions capped at eight people to make sure everyone gets a seat at the table.
Our next read is The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life.
If you want in, grab your spot soon—these eight seats won’t last long.
I hope your mid-year is shaping up to match those big January hopes and dreams. Let’s keep pushing forward.
Keep going,
#TheBookLeague | Q3: The Elephant in the Brain
What if your biggest business insights came from understanding what really motivates people?
Why Join the Book League?
✔ We break the book into three manageable sections—perfect for busy entrepreneurs.
✔ You’ll connect with fellow business owners who enjoy meaningful conversations and learning together.
✔ You’ll gain fresh ideas you can apply to your business, leadership, and everyday decision-making.
✔ It’s relaxed, interactive, and always filled with great conversations (and a few laughs along the way).
Q3 Session Dates:
📚 Wednesday, July 29
📚 Wednesday, August 26
📚 Wednesday, September 30
Online Happy Hour (drinks optional!) Discussion Time: 4 PM – 5:30 PM CST
If you’re looking for a community that loves learning, challenging ideas, and growing together, we’d love to have you join us. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your favorite beverage, we’ll take care of the conversation.
#BizHack | AI Tools Worth Exploring For Your Biz
AI isn’t coming for your business. But business owners who know how to use AI? Yeah… they might.
Right now, AI is helping entrepreneurs save time, spark better ideas, automate repetitive tasks, create content faster, and stop staring blankly at Canva captions for 47 minutes straight. (We’ve all been there.)
But here’s the thing: AI isn’t magic. It’s a tool. And like any good business tool, it works best when you know what problem you’re trying to solve.
Whether you’re trying to write social posts faster, brainstorm offers, organize workflows, improve customer communication, or finally create that email campaign that’s been sitting in your brain for six months — AI can help you move faster without losing your voice.
So instead of getting overwhelmed by the 9,000 new AI tools launching every Tuesday, we pulled together a simple cheat sheet of platforms worth exploring right now.
Pro Tip from the Biz Lab
Don’t fall into the trap of trying every shiny AI tool on the internet like it’s Pokémon.
Start with ONE bottleneck in your business:
Writing captions?
Creating emails?
Organizing ideas?
Repurposing content?
Research?
Video editing?
Customer communication?
Then pick the AI tool designed to solve THAT problem first.
The businesses getting the biggest wins with AI aren’t necessarily the most “techy.” They’re the ones using AI consistently to save time, reduce decision fatigue, and free up brain space for the stuff only humans can do — relationship building, creativity, strategy, and showing up #BIZOUTLOUD.
And remember: AI should sound like YOU on your best, most caffeinated day… not like a corporate robot who just discovered LinkedIn.
#WhereInTheWorldIsSarah
Ultimate Leadership
Monday, July 13th – Friday, July 17th
Location: Santa Ana, California
Details and register HERE
Business Advisor Exchange (BAE)
Wednesday, August 12; 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: The Coven, Eau Claire, WI
Email kelly@secondstagegrowth.com for details
Network & Nourish
Wednesday, August 19th; 4 PM – 6 PM
Location: Minneapolis
(Women and invite-only; ask me for an invite)
I won’t be at these, but I do personally endorse them:
Networking Event: My Favorite Mistake
Thursday, July 30th; 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: The Coven, Eau Claire, WI
Details HERE
Off Camera Flash The Easy Way- Photography Lunch & Learn Webinar Series
Friday, August 14th; noon
Virtual
Details & register HERE
Do you know of a hot networking event in the Twin Cities or Eau Claire areas that I should be at? Let me know!
