Making Things Happen

18 March 2013

I was very honored to speak at the first Making Things Happen conference last week, and I wanted to tell you just a little bit about it. If you’ve never experienced MTH, it’s a bit hard to describe, but if I had to sum it up in one sentence, I’d say Making Things Happen is about inspiring people to take bold, positive action toward aligning their lives with their core values so that all of their effort is channeled toward furthering their life’s mission, whatever that may be. It attracts a lot of creative entrepreneurs, especially ones who are looking for a better work-life balance.

For this year’s two-day conference, Lara, Emily, and Gina welcomed 100 guests and five speakers (including me!) for the traditional MTH “curriculum” on day one, and more directly-applicable business lessons on day two. Since Em for Marvelous is my side business, I’m not that used to speaking publicly about it, but it was a joy to sit down and really analyze why I do what I do in preparation for my talks. I’m still mulling over some of the things I heard, goals I set, and truths I uncovered, but there was one activity that really resonated with me, and so I wanted to share a little snippet with y’all. We were asked to brainstorm on what our brand believes, and these are just a few of the things I wrote down:

A marvelous life

What do you think? Does this list resonate with you? Anything you’d add? I’m hoping to make a more official version to post, and if I do, I will let you know!

P.S. It was such a pleasure to meet so many of you! Thank you SO much for coming up and introducing yourselves!!

P.P.S. I was humbled to be in such great company among my fellow guest speakers: Nancy, Stefanie, Michelle, and Amber. Go check these ladies out!

Subscribe
Notify of

9 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
March 18, 2013 8:54 pm

It was so great to meet you, again!

I love your list (similar to mine) and would like to add some of mine:

*Waking up early
*Dressing up
*Loving with all of your heart
*Giving everyday your all
*Being absolutely in love with the South.

Anna
March 18, 2013 10:55 pm

Congrats on such an amazing experience!

I think I would add that Em for Marvelous is about seeing the beauty in everyday life. I know that is something that I have learned from you since your very first inspiration board! :)

March 19, 2013 9:15 am

I attended Making Things Happen in 2011, right after my wedding and my time blogging as Mrs. Brooch on Weddingbee. Not long after I ran a marathon and started a blog I’m hoping will one day become a full-time job. MTH is awesome! We didn’t do any branding exercises, but I can totally see the benefit of this! I’m going to work on this type of list for my new “brand,” which I think will be very helpful going forward. Thank you for sharing this, Em!!!

March 19, 2013 9:16 am

I love this! It perfectly fits your brand. If I had to add anything for Em For Marvelous, I would say you believe in appreciating/highlighting the little things in life. That ties into everything you sell in your Etsy shop, your obsession with mini foods, and your regular features about small things that bring you joy! (IE: your latest Easter Egg post!)

Looking forward to hearing your final summary of beliefs! I’m sure it will be worded beautifully.

(PS. My favorite : Good Grammar!)

March 19, 2013 9:51 am

This list is very you! I think I’ll take advantage of the snow day and brainstorm a list for M&M and MP – thanks for the inspiration, Em!

March 19, 2013 10:32 am

TAKE ALL YOUR VACAY DAYS! Preach, sister!

March 19, 2013 4:59 pm

I loved when you posted this on IG!:) It made me grab paper and write what my brand (Isle of View) believes in immediately! Wish I could have heard you!!:) Sounded like such a great few days!

The only thing I can see adding to your list is something about meaningful decisions. Everything you post/do seems so meaningful and well-planned

March 20, 2013 1:54 pm

This is so great! What a fabulous way to think about your business. I’m definitely going to have to keep this in mind while I’m writing the manifesto for my brand. :)

Ellie
March 22, 2013 3:02 pm

I love this exercise!! I was inspired to write one out myself :)