08/18/25 - Wakie Wakie 4:44

Welcome to Your 444 Newsletter!

Where connection, opportunity, and real conversations collide.

Today’s topic?

The power of being in the room.

If I hosted a local "business owner only" meet-up in Cleveland next week, would you show up?

That one decision, yes or no, says a lot about how you approach growth.

Because sometimes the biggest breakthroughs do not come from books, podcasts, or even emails like this one.

They come from the people sitting across the table.

4 Thoughts to Reflect On

1. Being around business owners is different.
   The conversations are sharper, the problems are familiar, and the solutions come faster.

2. You do not grow in isolation.
   Every breakthrough you have had was connected to someone else.

3. Rooms matter more than routines.
   You can work hard every day and still stay stuck if you are in the wrong circle.

4. Proximity accelerates everything.
   The right handshake can shortcut years of trial and error.

4 Lessons I’ve Learned

1. Local connections create leverage.
   Sometimes the person who can solve your biggest problem lives five minutes away.

2. Face to face creates clarity.
   A single conversation in person can unlock what months of thinking alone never could.

3. Not everyone belongs in the room.
   That is why it matters who gets the invite. Quality over quantity.

4. Opportunities do not wait.
   If you hesitate too long, you will miss the chance to sit at the table.

4 Challenges for You This Week

1. Ask yourself: Would you say yes to a room like this? Why or why not?

2. Think about the last five people you talked business with. Did those conversations move you forward?

3. Write down one challenge you would bring to a room like this if you walked in tomorrow.

4. Hit reply and tell me: YES or NO. Would you show up in Cleveland?

The room matters.
The people matter.
The choice is yours.

Hit reply and let me know. Yes or no?

Mark Evans DM