Happy Hour Hustle

To AI or not to AI. Are we using it, just to say we're using it? Is it actually helping or hurting? We tackle these hard hitting questions and dig into why Kim threatened ChatGPT with bodily harm.

We get asked this question a lot: What does it take to land the internship?  We know it's competitive and overwhelming. But if you're willing to put the work in, businesses will reward you for that. And your dream job probably already told you what they're looking for.  In this episode, Maddie talks with former 8THIRTYFOUR Associate (because interns deserve a real title) Emily Feikema about what goes into preparing for interviews, and everything else that makes you stand out.  

When lawmakers become disconnected from real community needs, it often falls to visionary business leaders to create practical solutions. That's exactly what Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, did when he established The SOURCE 20 years ago in Grand Rapids. Kim got the chance to sit down with Mark to talk about the nonprofit, which began as a manufacturer's solution to childcare challenges affecting workplace productivity. It has since evolved into a comprehensive support system connecting community organizations, government resources, and private businesses. You can read more about the creation of the nonprofit in Mark's book The SOURCE. You can also check out The Retention Trap, which challenges leaders of small and mid-sized businesses to break free from a cycle that prioritizes costly wages and benefits without addressing the deeper issues that lead to employee turnover.     

The Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) has been a huge focus (and problem) for Michigan business owners as they work to ensure they are compliant with the new law by February 21. But with uncertainty and changes still happening with ESTA by the minute, a lot of business owners have more questions than answers.  To help, we brought in an expert. Lisa Cooper of Cooper People Group joined Kim and Maddie to discuss ESTA and what small business owners need to do NOW to comply. Lisa also provides some incredible resources for those who need help getting compliant before the deadline.

How is it already mid-way through January?! Maddie and Ashley sit down to talk about planning for 2025 (hopefully you already got started). They discuss the dos and don'ts of keeping everyone on track and why project management systems can be key to success. 

From Gen X to Gen Z, there has been a lot of conversation in recent years about how to best manage multigenerational workplaces.  We brought in Jennifer Maxson, of Jennifer Maxson & Associates, to talk about strategies to approach different generations, the differences she's seen in her training, and what we all have in common.

Rosalynn Carter famously said: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." That's what this episode is all about.  We are currently facing a growing caregiver crisis - with more and more families filling this crucial role amid a shortage of people to do that work.  Sarah Milanowski, with LifeCircles PACE, joins Maddie to talk about what they are seeing on the front lines, why it's happening and what we can all do about it. 

We are excited to introduce you to our incredible graphic designer Hannah Cline - who makes all of our shit look good.  Hannah and Maddie talk about agency life, how she comes up with designs, and the next big thing in the industry.  

We are back this week with part two of our conversation with Jen VanSkiver of Special Olympics Michigan - this time, making the economic case for inclusion in the workforce and beyond.  Jen, Kim and Maddie talk about some of the startling statistics behind the issue, how people with disabilities are currently treated as they look to enter the work force, and how Special Olympics Michigan is hoping to change things with its new Unified Sports & Inclusion Center.

When it comes to inclusivity, it's so important we do more than just talking. That's why Kim and Maddie sat down with Jen VanSkiver of Special Olympics Michigan. The nonprofit is changing the game in inclusivity and empowering athletes far beyond sports.  In part one of their conversation, Jen dives into her journey as a parent of a child with a cognitive disability, and how the systems built to accommodate those with intellectual disabilities need to do a hell of a lot better. 

We are deep in the heart of event season right now, which is both a fun and crazy time for 8THIRTYFOUR. As we head out on yet another flight, Kim and Maddie sit down to talk about the importance of showing up - and why it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your business. 

At 8THIRTYFOUR, we are lucky to have an incredible network of freelancers and contractors we work with to get the job done. But how do you best work with someone who isn't on your staff full-time?  Maddie sat down with Jenna Brooks, a freelancer and Graphic Design BA from Calvin University, to talk about how she manages those relationships, her client's expectations and what advice she has for anybody who wants to work with a freelancer in the future.   

As a woman-owned business, we put a lot of stake in supporting other women as they work to grow their careers. This week on Happy Hour Hustle, we sit down with Shannon Burkel and Kaitlyn Olson of Axios HR to talk about women in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and so so much more.

Small businesses already deal with enough, and now this. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) forces small businesses to provide their personal information to the federal government or face fines and even imprisonment if they don't.  We've written about it before, but there is still a lot at stake. That's why Kim brought in Kelli Saunders, Vice President of Policy and Engagement for the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). They are one of several groups across the country fighting to put an end to the CTA. Kim and Kelli touch on what the law means for small businesses, why it's so detrimental and what we all can do to help.

It's no secret that the local news world has been changing, from how journalists connect with the community to how they combat misinformation online (which is no easy task). Maddie and Alayna are once again joined by Lauren Kummer, a reporter and anchor at FOX 17, to talk about how her station and other local reporters are working through the changing social media landscape, building relationships with viewers, and much more.

Happy Olympics, Hustlers! This week we got the chance to talk to real-life Olympian, Ben Jefferies, and his coach, Scott Barnes. We asked them about what it takes to get to that level, what they are looking forward to the most, and advice for anybody else who wants to compete on the world's largest stage.

Maddie and Alayna sit down with Lauren Kummer, a reporter and anchor at FOX 17 in West Michigan, to talk about all the do's, don'ts and the definitely don'ts of pitching. Lauren gives advice to PR pros on how they can best grab the attention of a TV journalist. They also discuss the importance of relationships when dealing with reporters.   

Kim and Maddie sit down with Renee Bauer, author of She Who Wins and owner of Happy Even After Family Law. They talk about leadership, strength and what it takes to ditch your inner 'good girl.'

Are you up to date with Google's latest rollout? How is your business using AI? Did you hear what LinkedIn is doing now?  The digital team at 8THIRTYFOUR walks through the latest in the Digital Marketing space. 

Big or small, every company faces a crisis at some point. How you handle it could mean the difference between irreparable reputation damage and moving forward. Kim and Maddie talk about what it takes to manage a crisis, who's done it well and the importance of making a plan.