Reset, Refresh, Rebrand....2024 is almost here!

I always take November and December to sloooooow down, especially after a summer full of client work, socializing and travel. I will take on one or two small projects, afterall I still have bills to pay, but mostly I take the time to reflect and reset for the new year. It’s when I’ll meet with prospective clients, map out my plan for the new year and do a check on what worked and what didn’t this year.

It’s also an opportunity to see where I can grow my business. Last year, I launched my second company, FKB Media Productions Inc. and I’m currently working on my first documentary, the story of Maestro Fresh Wes, a Canadian hip hop legend. One business idea that’s always been nesting in my brain is a speakers bureau. Many years ago when I was on maternity leave with my first child, I applied to an enterpreneurship program that was being offered to people receiving E.I benefits or maternity leave benefits. Although I was gainfully employed with Citytv at the time, I was always working on that side hustle. The program offered a bit of seed money (I think it was $3000), a few business start-up classes and mentorship. I put together my application for a speakers bureau that showcased diverse voices (this was waaay before diversity was a buzzword). The gentlemen that interviewed me loved my business idea, however he doubted my ability to get prominent names to join my speakers bureau. He didn’t believe some of the names I was dropping would be interested in joining this young Black pregnant women’s bureau. I didn’t get into the program and I put the idea on the backburner. Over the years, I saw speakers bureaus popping up and slowly realizing the value and draw of diverse voices. I watched with great interest. Until now.

We have had great success with our Find An Expert portal. We get media calls for our experts and many of them have benefited from their appearances on local and national media platorms, a couple have even become regular paid contributors to shows. The natural transition: Find A Speaker, of course. The nudge to make this buried thought a reality came from my good friend and previous client, Mitzie Hunter. Following her exit from politics, she was looking for new ventures and also had been receiving a lot of speaking requests. She needed help managing them and reached out to me. Everything moved quickly from there, with others reaching out to me about joining as well.

I was also in the process of refreshing my website, so it made sense to add this new page, which gave added value to the rebrand. You’ll also notice the other change to my website and social media platforms - new photos! One of my business resources from day one when I launched FKB Media Solutions has been the Business Advisory Centre Durham. Every year in November and December, they hold their Do It In Durham campaign with various workshops and offerings for small to medium business owners. I always try to attend a couple of workshops or support the businesses. Elaine Dickson caught my eye with her brand package offering and stunning photos. I decided to take a few new photos, and you see the fabulous results on my site and social media profiles.

I’m feeling good about how 2023 is ending. I am resting, refreshing and resetting for the new year. 2024 is going to be BIG….I can feel it already!