A Million Ideas (2025)

02/01/2025

You know what's wild? Sometimes the best business decisions start with personal revelations. After diving into "Buying Back Your Time" (thanks, Dan Martell!), I've been rethinking how I approach, well... everything. So here's what's changing in 2025:

Embracing my "Blue Stripe Energy" even more. Yes, I'm that person who coordinates her wardrobe with her brand - and you know what? It works! When you find something that feels authentically you, double down on it. My love for blue and stripes isn't just a fashion choice anymore - it's become part of my business identity.

Setting boundaries around my daily "Drinking and Drawing" time. Having A Million Ideas is great most of the time, but I'm continuously learning that not every idea needs my immediate attention. So, I'm being conscious and blocking out specific times for creative thinking and strategy sessions. The rest of the time? I'm thinking some of my ideas will just have to wait their turn.
Getting ruthless about my priorities. Between running ERN groups, client work, and speaking engagements, something's gotta give. This year, if it's not a "hell yes," it's a "no." And I'm not feeling guilty about it.

Making space for learning AND doing. Sure, these business books aren't going to read themselves...but really, it's the implementation of what I'm learning that is where the magic happens! Basically, I'm scheduling both learning time and action time this year - because knowledge without action is just expensive entertainment. 😬

Strengthening connections, not just collecting them. Sure, I could focus on growing ERN even bigger, but this year is about deepening the relationships we already have. Quality over quantity, always.

Here's the thing - running a business is rarely only about spreadsheets and strategy sessions. It's about creating a life that energizes you instead of draining you. Sometimes that means wearing your favorite blue shoes to an important meeting, or blocking off your calendar for an afternoon of reading and strategizing.

What are you all choosing to do differently this year? Drop a comment below - I'd love to hear your plans!

And if you're looking to clarify your own vision for 2025, well... there might be a certain retreat coming up that could help with that... 😉

13/12/2024

Ever wonder why I'm always in blue and stripes? It's more than just a love affair with color – it's actually a plot twist in my entrepreneurial story! 💙🖤🤍

Let me take you back a bit to a time before A Million Ideas became what it is today, and I had a different kind of 'million ideas' – they were all about what to buy next. I was stuck in a cycle of stress shopping, filling my closet with random pieces that never quite felt right. (Anyone else been there?)

Then I had what I now call my 'Blue Epiphany.' 💡

It happened when I made a simple rule for myself: if it wasn't blue, black, or white, it wouldn't come home with me. Suddenly, shopping wasn't about escaping anymore – it became intentional, focused, and (surprise!) even helpful for my business!

But here's the plot twist: This wasn't just about cleaning up my closet. It became a powerful branding strategy that I never planned. When you see blue and stripes now, you think of A Million Ideas. That's not an accident – it's what happens when your personal growth aligns with your business vision. 🌟

I do want to give a quick reality check here though: First of all, there's absolutely NO rule saying you need to become a walking billboard for your brand. The key is finding what works for YOU. Your signature element might be a particular accessory, a color that energizes you, or simply a style that helps you show up as your best self.

The beautiful thing about building a business is that YOU get to define what your version of professionalism looks like. Whether that's power suits or creative casual, the only real rule is authenticity.

Tell me: Assuming you can do whatever you want, what would your signature style element be? Still finding it? Ask yourself what makes you feel most confident when meeting clients as a place to start...

11/12/2024

Hey fellow introverted networkers - let's talk about one of the best secret weapons you already have in your arsenal: your ability to listen (and listen well!)

While extroverts are fantastic at working the room, the introverts have mastered the art of meaningful one-on-one conversation. And guess what? That's actually very much-needed networking gold.

Here's why: People remember how you made them feel, not how many business cards you handed out. When you truly listen and engage deeply with one person, you're not just making a connection - you're building a relationship that could last years.

My favorite strategy for emphasizing the ability to listen well to your networking counterpart? Schedule one or two coffee chats per week. But start with just one. Make it 30 minutes, come prepared with thoughtful questions, and then listen to the answers. No pressure to "work the room" or maintain high energy for hours. Just one genuine conversation.

(Don't forget to nap when you get home to recover and recharge! Figuring out how long you need to recover after an event will help you be even more productive with your whole life.)

But, trust me - I've built a networking organization, now with over 110 members, and some of my strongest business relationships started with exactly this kind of quiet, focused connection.

P.S. If you see me at networking events taking a quick breather in the hallway, come say 'Hi.' 👋 The introverted networkers need to stick together!

09/12/2024

December update from your favorite blue-wearing, communication-obsessed business owner!
November was... interesting. Let's talk about why...

First, the good stuff: Made it to Secret Office Studio's Session 1 event in Orlando (hello, quarterly travel goal ✓)! Similar to our Scaling Success event in Omaha, it was all about learning from other markets. Big takeaway? My LinkedIn game needs some serious attention - stay tuned for that journey!

One of my favorite moments last month was at RISE, a local women's networking event, where I got to do what I love most - connect people! There's nothing quite like watching a new business owner's eyes light up when you introduce them to exactly the right person in the room.

Speaking of connections, I started working with an amazing childcare center on their communication strategy. We tackled their parent handbook first - and let me tell you, sometimes all you need is a fresh pair of eyes and a change of scenery (my dining room table for the win!).

I also got to stuff bags with VisionaryYouth for their Thanksgiving drive - 1,200 bags of food for families in need. Talk about perspective-shifting work!

But here's the real twist: I got knocked down by a brutal illness for two weeks. As a solopreneur, this was... challenging, to put it mildly. I had to work really hard to practice what I preach about clear communication while letting clients know deadlines needed to shift. Maybe this was the universe's way of suggesting I need to think about building a team in 2025?

P.S. There's something powerful about sharing both wins and struggles. What's been your biggest challenge-turned-learning-moment lately?

06/12/2024

Let's talk about why I'm obsessed with blue (beyond just loving the color) and why your brand's colors matter more than you think. 🤔

When I was building A Million Ideas, I knew I wanted my brand to feel creative yet trustworthy, innovative yet stable. Guess what color naturally embodies all of those qualities? You got it - blue.

But here's where it gets fascinating: Color psychology isn't just about picking pretty shades. It's about understanding the silent conversation your brand is having with your audience before you even say a word.

Think about how Netflix's red creates urgency, or how LinkedIn's blue puts you in professional mode. These aren't random choices – they're strategic decisions based on how color influences emotion and behavior.

What's really interesting? These color associations change across cultures. The same blue that says 'corporate trustworthiness' here might mean something completely different elsewhere in the world.

Share in the comments: What's the primary color in your brand, and what message do you hope it's sending to your audience?

P.S. Ironically, blue is one of the rarest colors found in nature - which might explain why it catches our attention so well in marketing.

04/12/2024

Want to know the secret sauce to getting your message heard loud and far both on social media and in person? Hint: It's not about being the smartest person in the room – it's about being the most relatable.

I have been doing this for years, helping businesses communicate their ideas and developing messaging that connects with audiences and potential clients.

Here's the number one thing that I've learned: The moment you start speaking your audience's language, something happens. They lean in. They engage. They trust you.

Think about it: When was the last time you fell in love with a business because they used complex jargon? (I'll wait... 😂)

The truth is, breaking down complex ideas into bite-sized, relatable chunks isn't just good communication – it's good business. When you take the time to translate your expertise into terms your audience actually uses, you're not dumbing things down. You're opening doors.

Here's what happens when you simplify your messaging and wording to meet your audience where they are.
Your audience feels understood ➡️ Your message gets heard ➡️ You build trust naturally ➡️ Your connections deepen ➡️ Your business grows continuously

Need to test if your message is truly getting across? Try explaining what you do to a ten-year-old. If they get it, your clients will too.

Share it below: What's one complex thing in your business that you've struggled to explain simply? I'll hop in and help you workshop it because sometimes a fresh perspective is all we need!

02/12/2024

There's something powerful about putting down the audiobook and stepping into a room full of real-life, breathing entrepreneurs just like you.

Don't get me wrong - I love my business books and my digital learning morning routine (currently diving into Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg)! But in my opinion, the magic happens when you take that knowledge and connect it with real people facing real challenges.

At The Organization and CommunityLNK meetings, I'm constantly amazed by how a simple conversation can spark new ideas or solve problems. Whether it's hearing how someone tackled their pricing strategy or getting feedback on a new service offering, there's no replacement for face-to-face learning with fellow business owners.

I'd love to help you step out of your learning bubble and join a group or check out a meeting with real-life-changing entrepreneurs.

If you're up for it, then just ask and I'll give you the details to get to the meeting!

29/11/2024

You know what I love the most about entrepreneurs?
We're always looking for the "right" way to do things.

But after years of building businesses and helping others do the same, here's what I know for sure:
🪄 The magic happens when you stop trying to fit into someone else's formula and start building a brand that feels authentically YOU.

Think about it 🤔
⭐️ Your unique story matters more than following trends
⭐️ Your consistent presence beats perfect aesthetics
⭐️ Your genuine connections are more important than your follower count
⭐️ Your real personality is more memorable than polished corporate speak

Here's what I wish someone had told me earlier: Those "quirks" you're trying to tone down? They're probably your superpower. (Who knew my obsession with blue and stripes would become part of my brand recognition?)

The businesses that stand out aren't the ones doing everything "right" - they're the ones doing everything authentically.

Start there. The rest will follow.
And remember: You don't have to figure it all out alone. That's what having a supportive community is for!

27/11/2024

Let's have a real talk about your content strategy - you know, that thing keeping you up at night wondering "Am I posting too much?" or "Am I posting enough?"

Here's what I've learned after years of helping businesses with their communication:
⭐️ Worried about posting too much? Probably don't be. In today's fast-moving feeds, consistency isn't just nice - it's necessary. Unless you're dropping the same exact post 12 times a day (please don't), you're likely not overwhelming anyone.

⭐️ The real question isn't about quantity - it's about value. Are you teaching your audience something new? Are you helping them solve problems? Are you making them think, laugh, or feel understood?

But...if you're sitting there thinking "Well, I barely post at all..." - yeah, we might need to talk about that. 😉

💡 Remember: Your expertise is valuable. Your insights matter. And somewhere out there, someone needs to hear exactly what you have to share.

25/11/2024

This morning it hit me! It was 6am, I'm sitting here with my coffee, doodling in my notebook, and listening to a business audiobook - every single successful post I've ever written started with a story.

And no, not the "once upon a time" kind. I'm talking about those real, sometimes messy, totally relatable moments that make your audience nod and think "YES, that's exactly how I feel!"

Maybe it's sharing how I accidentally wore two different shoes to a networking event, or how I figured out my signature blue-and-stripes style wasn't just a fashion choice - it was part of my brand story.

These moments? They're gold. 🏆

Because when we share our real experiences, we're not just posting content - we're creating connections. We're showing our audience they're not alone in their entrepreneurial journey.

That's the magic of storytelling in business - it transforms your message from another post in the feed to a moment of genuine connection.

What story could you share today that would make someone else feel seen?

22/11/2024

After working with hundreds of businesses on their communication strategies (and making plenty of mistakes in my own journey!), I've noticed some clear signs that it's time for a communication refresh. Swipe through the images to do a quick health check on your business's communication needs!

Here's the truth bomb: Most businesses don't need a complete communication overhaul. Sometimes it's just about finding the right strategy to amplify what's already working.

Little known fact: As a Fractional CCO, I often discover that businesses already have amazing content - they just need help organizing and optimizing it!

Ready for a communication glow-up? Leave a comment below if you've spotted any of these signs in your business and let's chat about turning those communication challenges into opportunities!

20/11/2024

Let me tell you a secret about networking that took me years to figure out: The hardest part isn't the small talk or the 60-second commercial - it's simply showing up. But here's the cool part no one tells you...it gets easier every. single. time.

Think of it like a workout routine (but with less sweating and MUCH more coffee ☕️):

The first few times you go your heart's racing, you're wondering if you're in the right place, everyone seems to already to know each other and not you, and you're even considering making a break for it!

But then something magical happens! The next few times you go, familiar faces start to appear, people start expecting to see you each week, you become part of the group's makeup, and suddenly, you're the person newcomers look to for guidance!

Now, after 6+ years of running networking groups and growing the ecosystem to over 130 members, I've learned that consistency is like a business superpower. It's not about being perfect - it's about being present.

Here's why this works:
⭐️ Momentum builds naturally (showing up gets easier when it's just part of your routine)
⭐️ You develop real relationships (hello, fellow introverts - this makes networking WAY less scary!)
⭐️ People start counting on you (which, let's be honest, is great motivation to keep showing up)
⭐️ Your network grows organically (because consistent presence breeds trust)

And let's talk about how the skill of showing up consistently applies to EVERYTHING in business...It works with content creation, your social media presence, your client meetings, and your overall community engagement, too!

Remember: You don't have to be everywhere all the time, but do choose to be consistent wherever you choose to show up.

18/11/2024

Ready for an honest conversation about being a mom and running multiple businesses? Not the Instagram-perfect version - the real deal. And definitely not the "balance it all" myth!

Here's my not-so-secret perspective as a mom of a teenager: Every phase of parenthood brings different challenges and freedoms. Right now? I'm in the "my kid has his own car and never wants to leave his room" phase!

To all the parents still managing daycare schedules and constant activities - it gets easier!
Soon they'll be driving themselves, making their own meals, and probably avoiding family time like it's their job (hello, teenager life!).

But, hold on, here's some real talk about how I've approached parenting my kid:
➡️ I taught independence early (started with laundry at age 5!)
➡️ I stock the cabinets with food he'll eat and let him handle the rest
➡️ We do mandatory monthly dinner dates (he hates it when I call them that 😆)
➡️ I've learned to work around his extremely independent nature (classic Scorpio!)

Here's something we don't talk about enough: IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP!
Want to attend networking events? Ask friends to watch your kids. Having trusted adults in your children's lives is POWERFUL. They need to see different communication styles, different ways of doing things, different perspectives.

Funny story: My son thought my excited "business idea" voice was arguing because he never saw disagreement at home! Sometimes protecting our kids too much means they miss out on seeing how others navigate life.

Truth bomb: While I "do it all," my parenting demands are different from others. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to balancing business and family. We need to give each other grace and support to manage life and business in our own ways.

Fellow parent entrepreneurs - how do you handle the juggle? And what trusted adults have made a difference in your kids' lives? Share below!

15/11/2024

[Virtually] Walk with me here: It's a typical Tuesday, and you're facing a business challenge. Who do you turn to? If you're like me, you've got a whole community of fellow entrepreneurs ready to brainstorm, support, and maybe even share a much-needed laugh.

But this isn't just about having business besties who've got your back (though that's a pretty awesome perk). It's about creating a powerful ecosystem for your business to thrive.

Here's why I recommend this to everyone I encounter both in a business and personal setting:

🤝 It Gives you a Backup Squad: Just like you need people in your corner, your business does too. These are the folks who'll cheer your wins, help troubleshoot your challenges, and maybe even become your next collaboration partners.

✍🏻 They'll Be Your Referral Rockstars: Let's get real - referrals can make or break a local business. When you've got a strong community, you've got a network of people who know, like, and trust you enough to recommend your services! It's like having a close-knit team of brand ambassadors!

📣 Boost Your Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Forget expensive ads or algorithm-chasing social media strategies. Nothing beats good old-fashioned word-of-mouth marketing. And guess what fuels that? You got it - a strong community.

🧠 Foster Collective Wisdom: Need advice on a new tool? Wondering about the best local printer? Your community is a goldmine of practical, been-there-done-that wisdom.

👏 They're Your Motivation Station, Too!: Some days, entrepreneurship can feel lonely. Having a community reminds you that you're part of something bigger - and that can be incredibly motivating.

Building this kind of community doesn't happen overnight, but it's worth every coffee meeting, every networking event, and every genuine connection you make.

So, here's my challenge to you: What's one thing you can do THIS week to strengthen your business community?

14/11/2024

Okay friends, I have to talk about this subject because in 24 hours I had two different people come up to me to talk about it and it's on my mind and heart (because I understand my introverted friends better than most!)

What I encountered today was an entrepreneur struggling with the idea of how to build a community for their business, or even in general, but they feel scared and stuck because they're not naturally a "people person." In other words, they feel like being introverted is holding them back from building a community around themselves and their services. And, I felt that in my soul!

First of all, I want to call this mindset out because no, you don't have to be an extrovert to be a natural "people person" and you don't have to be an extrovert in order to build strong, committed communities. Sure, maybe it makes some of the leg work easier upfront but in the long run, it's just as possible and doable. So let's jump off from there!

Second, you do not have to be the loudest voice in the room to build an amazing community around your business. More often than not, the best community builders are the ones who understand the power of a strong, quiet connection. That's what a tight-knit community thrives on.

I have been building communities since 2018 (both online and in-person), and want to let you in on a secret: the number one most important trait of people building successful communities is their ability to be authentic and also a little strategic at least.

➡️ In order to grow your business you may want to lean on a community of people who genuinely get excited about your products and services--people who are ready to support your journey and eager to spread the word about what you do. And, I also understand how overwhelming it might feel to do that when leading people isn't your main comfort zone.

Now, let me tell you how I could potentially help you craft this amazing community and draw people to it...

I created my Fractional CCO service for moments like this! I think of my work in this arena as having a community-building partner who gets both the strategic AND the human side of connection. Someone who can help you build authentic relationships while allowing you to show up when you're capable of doing so, and as a result, honoring your natural communication style.

Want to build a community that feels authentic to YOU?

I'm offering you the chance to hop on a free Zoom call with me where we can discuss your target audience's sweet spot, explore your unique products and services, and also develop engagement strategies that work for YOUR personality. We can also talk about content that connects without draining you, making your communication feel more natural, not forced.

Drop a comment below if you're feeling ready to build a community on your own terms!

13/11/2024

Let's be honest, friends: Time is our most precious resource.

As someone who is juggling multiple businesses and a vibrant network and is a mom of a teenager, I've had to get really creative with my communication and networking strategies. Here are my top hacks for staying connected without losing your mind 🤪:

⭐️ Plan Ahead: Don't wait until Wednesday to figure out your networking game plan. At the start of each week, I map out my networking to-do list. It's like meal prepping but for business relationships!

🤝 Buddy System: Remember how much fun field trips were with a buddy? Apply this to networking! Ask a friend to be your "accountability partner" for events. You're more likely to show up, and you'll have more fun too.

🧖🏻‍♀️ Self-Care > Work Events: This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. If you're torn between a work event and some much-needed self-care, choose the self-care. Trust me, the long-term benefits to your productivity and creativity are worth it.

🎙️ Voice Messages: When you're too busy for a call but an email feels too impersonal, send a quick voice message. It's personal, efficient, and lets people hear your enthusiasm.

🖥️ Content Batching: Set aside a couple of hours each week to create multiple social media posts or email newsletters. It's a game-changer for consistent communication.

Remember, effective communication isn't about being available 24/7. It's about being intentional and authentic when you do connect.

What's your favorite communication hack? Share below and let's learn from each other!

11/11/2024

☕️ Picture this: It's early morning, I'm sipping my coffee, listening to an audiobook, and doodling away in my notepad. (No, I have not jumped back into kindergarten - this is actually my secret weapon for entrepreneurial growth!)

And you know this is true about me if you've ever watched my stories on this account or my personal one. I try to always start my mornings with an audiobook and doodles! ➡️ Currently I'm listening to "You Are A Bad Ass at Making Money" by Jen Sincero. I've listened to this book like 6 times already, but it hits different every time because of the progress I am making in my life!

Let me break down my routine for you:
📼 An Audiobook: My brain's breakfast. Currently, I'm feeding it [Insert current audiobook title].
✍🏻 Doodling: Not just scribbles! It's like Miracle-Gro for information absorption.
☕️ Coffee: Well, that's just survival juice. We all need it, right?

This little routine isn't just a pleasant way to start the day. It's a powerhouse for learning retention and creative thinking. As I listen and draw, those business insights seep into my subconscious, ready to pop up when I need them most.

But here's the real kicker: This habit of continuous learning? It's not just about collecting facts. It's about staying adaptable, curious, and innovative in a world that never stops changing.

Whether it's a new marketing strategy I heard about or a leadership principle I doodled, these morning sessions constantly feed into my work at A Million Ideas and The Community LNK.

So, here's my challenge to you: What's your learning routine? How are you feeding your entrepreneurial mind?

Share your favorite learning routines and habits below! And if you don't have one yet, why not try my coffee-book-doodle combo? Your business (and your brain) will thank you! 🧠

08/11/2024

You have definitely heard about my obsession with the color blue and Black and White striped designs! If you haven't, you might be new here!

Hello, I'm Christina Krivolavek and my favorite color is blue!

Now, let's jump into it...
While you might think that my ability to stick to a color scheme is just just a fashion statement - it's not. It's a strategic branding move.
But before you rush to overhaul your closet, let's chat about personal style and brand alignment.

⭐️ First things first: There's no rule that says you have to dress like a walking version of your brand's mood board. (Thank goodness, right?) Your expertise and personality are what truly matter.

Still, there's something powerful about visually connecting yourself to your brand on a deeper level. When I show up in my signature blue and stripes, my clients instantly associate me with A Million Ideas. It's like a visual shorthand for all the creativity and connection we bring to the table.

So, how can you align your style with your brand without going overboard?
1️⃣ Choose one signature element (like my stripes)
2️⃣ Incorporate your brand colors subtly (accessories are great for this)
3️⃣ Reflect your brand's vibe in your overall look (polished for corporate, relaxed for creative, etc.)

Remember, this isn't about changing who you are. It's about amplifying your authentic self in a way that resonates with your brand.

What's one small way you could align your personal style more closely with your business's brand? I'd love to hear all your ideas on this one!

A Million Ideas