Hey Reader!

Welcome to Issue #18 of NGI Presents!

It's beautiful here in N. Michigan. The weather has belatedly started to cooperate, and it finally feels like spring! And then summer shows up in a few weeks. 😂

Virtual Classes

I've been booking more classes for my virtual workshops, and I have classes scheduled through 2026. My big class for RWA's Annual Conference was confirmed, and I'm also teaching a class for RWA's University (on-demand webinars for members).

Mr. Lisa began a class on cybersecurity for the rest of us, which I took over. I finished the deck and recorded 90% of it into small bite-sized videos. I completed everything and realized that I had missed a key component on something (VPNs) which I introduced but never explained. Now, if I'd shot the video in one continuous take, I'd be out of luck, but by recording the video in small bite-size pieces, sliding my missing components would not be treacherous.

I hope.

The Pivot of Opportunities

I've been attending local incubator meetings every week for the last few weeks. It's a super casual group of people who come together, network, and explore ways to support and help one another. So far, I seem to be the only one who does something with online content and management. Many of the people are, "I'm building a small company for tiny ponies to live the rest of their years out, and I need insurance help." (No, it's not a real thing, but it would be super cool if it were!)

I was super nervous at my first meeting, but everyone was nice and welcoming. I bring my business cards with me and hand them out as I meet with people.

I've made a lot of LinkedIn friends, and I'm being interviewed for a podcast! I'll send the link when the podcast is available.

What do you do, exactly?

This is a very good question!

I've been meeting with Erin to help define who I am and what I do. She's been instrumental in helping me explain what I do if it were an elevator pitch.

• “NGI takes disparate things and puts it together in cohesive form in concise brand voice.” (Profesh)
• “Here is what I see on your website, what's on your social media, why it’s confusing, and this is how I can fix it.” (Everyone else.)

But there is more to that, of course. Erin gave me homework to create personas to really narrow down my clientele. She's going to help me tweak the persona, and then I will post the survey everywhere to get responses to build get a clearer update on what I'm doing.

Upcoming for NGI

With the restructuring of how I present myself to the world, the website will also change, as well as the services I offer.

I have started a few things, such as disbanding NGI's social media presence and folding it into my personal one. For example, on IG, @msscarletwrites (my nom de plume), where I posted about my personal life is now @nrdgrlindustries. Your audience wants to see your personality, and mixing business with pleasure will do that.

I'm also rethinking how to approach content and management.

There's a lot coming up, and I'm excited to share it all with you!

Tech Tip

Tip: Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Why: MFA is a second line of defense when you're logging into your account, regardless of the website. For example, when I log into my Google account on a browser I've never used before, Google accepts my password and then asks me to open up my Gmail app on my phone or tablet to confirm that it is me. If I don't confirm, Google does not allow the login process to continue. Another example is using a MFA app. For instance, after putting in my email address and password in PayPal, it will ask me for the six-digit code generated by my MFA app. The codes are only good for a matter of seconds. If I don't input the code during that time, a new code will be given, and the countdown will begin again. As a result, I won't be able to log in without the new code.

At the very least, you should use MFA (sometimes referred to as 2FA) on your financial and business accounts, utility accounts (such as gas, electric, and cable), and email.

MFA comes in a variety of different ways, such as:

• Using a MFA app
• Confirmation on another device
• Code sent via text, email, or voice
• Using a backup code

MFA is important because it makes it more difficult for hackers to get access to your account, scam you, and steal your identity.

(You should also use a password with at least 16 characters and a combination of upper and lower case letters and special characters. We talked about creating strong passwords in Issue #17 of NGI Presents.)

When setting up your MFA account, always download the backup codes. These codes are generated once, and while they have no time limit, they can only be used once. These codes are good for one use only. The purpose of the codes is to use them if you're unable to use another form of MFA. Always keep your codes in a secure location.

Meme of the Week

Special Note: Out of Darkness Walk Fundraiser

Some of you may know that one of my very best friends in the world, Brendan McAdams, killed himself on January 10, 2025. His death has been hard on me and the grief is a struggle. Not a day goes past that I don't want to tell him something, make plans to see him, and basically love him.

I'm participating in a fundraiser walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in honor of Brendan. The walk is on September 14 in Grand Rapids. I've fundraised and walked in previous years since I tried to commit suicide when I was 17, and also my mom attempted twice. (She passed away from heart failure in 2017.)

My goal is to raise $1000 USD. I've got $950 more to go. I'll be posting this in every issue of every one of my newsletters until the day of the walk. If you can donate even $5, you would be an amazing human being.

See you in a few weeks!

Lisa. Mr. Lisa, and Thursday