We asked some of the brightest and most thoughtful entrepreneurs, artists and creatives in the community to tell us about something they believe that most people in their space disagree with and we’ve shared highlights below.

Justine Beauregard

There’s a right and wrong way to sell. The wrong way is the “old school” way. Lots of pushiness. Lots of bullying. Lots of fear tactics. Lots of empty promises. It’s all been very logical. You have a problem, we have a solution, so buy it. Very A+B=C. No more! The market demands a higher EQ way of selling. One where we can understand the WHY behind the what. It’s got to be more buyer-focused. You have a problem. Why? You have clear needs. What are they? You desire something specific. Tell me more. Read more>>

Christina Kenney

If you took a moment to imagine an Economic Development meeting, I am sure a very specific image and energy comes to mind *side-eye*. The majority of the time, I am the only creative in the room, and I have to advocate the importance of creativity in my field. Some belief systems I have been met with: 1) Creativity is only for artists and designers. 2) Economic development is purely a numbers game. Read more>>

Sharon Kim

Most people in my industry will tell you not to quit your 9-to-5 job until your dream takes off. I think that’s some of the worst advice you can give someone on their entrepreneurial journey. The common argument is, “Passion doesn’t pay the bills.” But that mindset is flawed. When you hold on to a 9-to-5, you’re spending at least 40 hours a week feeding someone else’s dream, while giving your own dream scraps of time—maybe 10-12 hours on weekends. Time is currency when you’re building something for yourself, and the more of it you invest in your dream, the faster it can grow. Read more>>

Erin Wiliis

Being in the hospitality industry is not only hard but also very tricky. I’ve been in this business for over 30 years and I’ve seen it all when it comes to customers. Firstly, the good outweigh the bad however the bad leave lasting impressions as well as ruin a day of service instantly. The customer is not always right. This “notion” has only intensified since COVID. Entitled customers who think that they are beyond the expected treatment within a restaurant, hotel, etc. Most customers who fit this description are the ones who not only complain to their server, don’t ask for a manager and/or run to Yelp to hide behind a keyboard to vent their frustrations over something that could have ben handled upfront. And, most of the time, it’s something so menial that sets them off. Read more>>