By: Kathy Kent Toney, CEO & Founder of Kent Business Solutions

Wow, it's hard to believe it's a New Year! Where did last year go?

Looking back on 2023, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the fun times I experienced. I'm even thankful for the challenges I encountered because growing opportunities would be few and far between without them.

I hope this New Year brings you a wealth of new opportunities--in both business and your personal life. May this be a year of new beginnings and the making of fond memories and unforgettable experiences that will enrich your life!

P.S And here's to my wish of spending more of my life on the beach! 

By: Kathy Kent Toney, CEO & Founder of Kent Business Solutions

​Instead of my typical blog format, I'd like to make today's newsletter short and sweet.
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First, I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read my blogs throughout this year. It means a lot to me! I also want to wish you a joyful Christmas surrounded by loved ones. May this season bring warmth and happiness to you and your families.

Cheers!

​Kathy

By: Kathy Kent Toney, CEO & Founder of Kent Business Solutions

Life seems to be abundant with transitions lately, doesn't it? We've all experienced challenging changes, some by our choice, others thrust upon us. Sometimes it may feel like our career is going up in flames!

There are those departures from places we wished to stay, be it a job or a physical relocation, where circumstances nudged us away. Then, there are instances where bridges burned around us, urging us to bail out quickly!

Either way, it’s not fun, but how you handle these situations can make all the difference in the world. For example, you can:

• Identify and prevent scenarios where bridges burn before they ignite
• Opt to depart situations, whether good or bad, both intentionally and graciously

By doing so, you can exit with integrity, self-respect, and goodwill. Here are three approaches to consider:

1. Recognize the Right Time to Move On

It might seem obvious, but amid life's chaos, it's challenging to identify when it's time to leave. Consider this: how often have we overstayed in a job that yielded unsatisfactory results? I've been there too many times! Here's one instance:

I moved to Kansas City, knew no one, and took any job available—an admin role at a reputable company. I admire admins, but it wasn't my forte. Despite a good boss, signs were clear: 
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• Internal conflict increased
• Dissatisfaction grew
• A longing for more opportunity surfaced

From this, I've learned to spot these signs and act accordingly.

Advice: Once you recognize these cues, weigh your options. If you stay, think about why you feel the way you do and seek resolution.

2. Prevent Bridges from Burning Down

In a similar job scenario, tensions rose with new leadership, and they were firing employees at will--those who didn't fit into their good 'ol boy club. I saw the writing on the wall. Luckily, I secured a better job before they got around to firing me.

Upon resigning, I chose not to confirm their negative perceptions. I documented procedures for my role, though not requested. Throughout, I remained respectful. Surprisingly, it made an impact! Management accepted my notice and granted an early exit with pay—a win!

Advice: In such moments, rise above your situation; retaliation won't help. Preserve bridges--you might need them later.

3. Ensure a Smooth Transition

Do something like what I did (create desktop procedures). That way, the new person will more likely adjust to their role more seamlessly. 

Advice: Support the next person taking on your role. If you are in a spot like I was, doing so might even reshape perceptions of difficult leaders about you.

 
Tips like these only scratch the surface. Leaving with intention and grace fosters satisfaction, respect, and integrity—qualities we would do well to embrace.

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On the subject of burnt bridges, many firms feel scorched by failed IT projects, hesitant to venture there again. If that’s you, I’d love for you to check Michael Cantu’s and my book, No-Nonsense Digital Transformation! We wrote it with these rightfully cautious leaders in mind.

If you’d like to learn how to successfully plan for and execute IT projects, then click the button below!

​One of my favorite types of blogs I create is about leadership quotes. They are bite-sized nuggets of wisdom that are quick to digest and apply to our lives. I hope you'll find this selection as inspiring as I do!

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You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand. --Woodrow Wilson

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A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. --Douglas MacArthur

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Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of being. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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There are no office hours for leaders. --Cardinal J. Gibbons

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The important thing is this: to be able to give up in any given moment all that we are for what we can become. –DeSeaux

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Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. --Eleanor Roosevelt

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Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple and it is also that difficult. --Warren Bennis

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There exist limitless opportunities in every industry. Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier. --Charles F. Kettering

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The highest of distinctions is service to others. --King George VI

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Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. --Harold R. McAlindon

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Average leaders raise the bar on themselves; good leaders raise the bar for others; great leaders inspire others to raise their own bar. --Orrin Woodward

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This last quote echoes my passion for helping organizations raise their bar of excellence, and here’s proof! I once asked a client what sets me apart from other consultants. He said that I ensure my clients can stand on their own two feet after I'm done, giving them all the tools they need to thrive.

Some might say that's not great for my business, but I see it differently. My goal is to empower my clients to be the best they can be, and building self-sufficiency is a big part of that.

Want to dive deeper into how I can do this for your business? I specialize in jump-starting and managing long-standing projects, improving processes and automating them, or sprucing up your marketing and sales capabilities. 

If that's you, I'm offering a FREE 30-minute consultation. Hit the button below to book some time on our calendars!

Wow, it's hard to believe the holidays are already upon us! Where did the year go?

For a lot of people, they look forward to this time of year. But for many, it’s often the worst of times. The first Christmas song on the radio can cause a sense of dread in the bravest hearts of some people.

As we all know, the holiday season can magnify family issues during get-togethers. Others don’t have loving families or friends to surround them, and they feel lonely and isolated. Some may feel stressed because of so many added activities to their plates. And when you throw in work responsibilities, it can be a lot to handle.

So, what’s a person to do to successfully navigate the holidays without losing their mind?  Here are three tips to help you do just that:

1. Permit Yourself to Carve Out Some “Me” Time

This idea works great for those who feel stressed with too many responsibilities or have strained relationships. It's easier said than done!

Sometimes, the root issue is that we believe it's an unattainable luxury. In those instances, the solution can be as simple as permitting ourselves to carve out this time and then actually doing it. Doing so looks different for each person. It could involve a run through a park or reading a book at a coffee shop.

I suggest you arrange with your family members, significant other, etc., to do this and follow through.

2. Breathe Deep

I recently ran across the power of coherent breathing to reduce stress. It's allowed me to fall asleep faster, which is a welcome benefit to calm my sometimes overactive brain.
Here's a quick primer on how to do it:

1. Notice your natural breath pattern.
2. Get comfortable and place a hand on your stomach.
3. Breathe in and out for four seconds for a minute.
4. Increase breath duration to five, then six seconds.

As you go through this exercise, avoid forcing or trying to take in more air; as you lengthen your breaths, it will naturally adjust. Finally, keeping your hand on your stomach will help ensure you breathe deeply from your diaphragm, not shallowly from your chest. 

3. Practice an Attitude of Gratitude

This approach is helpful for everyone, especially those who fall into the feeling-isolated category. Since I'm single, I've found that being grateful for the little things, even the lonely times, can help me better navigate difficult times.

Notice I said "practice." It's not easy to be thankful amid challenges, but if you can practice being grateful, it can transform your outlook into a more positive one.

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I hope these tips can help you in some way, whether you fall into the stressed out, isolated, or both categories. And if things in your business are stressing you out, I'd love to chat with you! Click the button below to get something on our calendars.

In any case, I wish you the best holiday season, be it Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa!