Hey Everyone!
I just want to say… wow. You all showed up today. The energy in the room was real, the conversation flowed, and the honesty and support around the table reminded me exactly why this space exists. Whether you came to share, to listen, or just to be in good company, thank you for being part of it.
T: Tips & Tricks
- This week’s theme: growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. If there’s something uncomfortable that you know will move you forward, go ahead and rip the Band-Aid off.
- We also talked about the “Let Them” book, which is all about letting people do what they’re going to do without letting it derail your energy. Highly recommend if you’re working on boundaries or detachment.
- Camille reminded us your library card is basically a cheat code. Free audiobooks, weekly museum passes, it’s all there and most people don’t even know it.
- Tammy shared a great reminder. If you’re going to thank a customer publicly (like on social), get their permission first. It’s a small thing but it protects relationships and privacy.
- And finally, we touched on conflict and communication styles. Fighting right looks different for everyone depending on personality type. Knowing how you respond and how others do can make tough conversations a whole lot more productive.
Biggest takeaway? Talk less about what you’re going to do and just do it. Then follow up with clear summaries and follow-through.
A: Actions & Achievements
- Blue Brick brought on Tina, and Hydrus hired Ella.
- Tammy Alumbaugh, Primerica, Is officially a published author with RGA! Check out her chapter in “Networking Isn’t a Dirty Word”
- Chloe won a whole mattress (yes, really).
- Ryan, of Hydrus Connect, officially launched his CRM project.
- Team Coco took home the Leader’s Choice Award.
- Doodle Noodle is up for “Best Ramen” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay!
- Blue Brick Title is also nominated for “best Title Company”!
- Camille Hebting shared that her and her team at NAMI helped over 8,500 individuals las year, and almost half of them were new to their company.
- Kendall helped someone shift their mindset, and honestly, that’s huge.
- Camille and some of the Blue Brick ladies helped Hannah-Lynn lead an amazing Back-to-School event at the Greenwood Rec Center.
- Happy Anniversary & Birthday to Ryan Phelan and his wife!
Vote for Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay Here: Best of the Bay 2025 Vote
B: Bitchin’ & Botherin’
Today we wanted to know: Does Cold Emailing work? Here’s some of the response we got:
- Cold emails can still work! But they do best when they’re short, human, and to the point. (Unless it’s The Table recap, you guys better be reading this whole email!)
- Everyone’s tired of emails that look like AI wrote them. If you’re going to use tools, at least sound like you.
- Subject lines are make-or-break. You’ve got a split second to earn attention.
- Nobody likes a weird-looking email layout. Clean and clear wins.
Some other notes we had:
- Credit card fees are annoying, many wish businesses would just build that fee into the pricing
- Oh, and those service fees restaurants sneak in? Ask where they actually go—because it’s not always to your server.
- Final note: you don’t need to tear anyone down to stand out. Promote your value, not your ego.
L: Legal and… Legal!
This month’s legal chatter brought a mix of “Wait, what?” and “Okay, good to know.” Here are a few standouts:
- You’re not allowed to place tracking devices on people or their stuff without consent. Yes, even if you’re “just curious.”
- If a drone is spying on you, you can report it. But no, you cannot take it down with a slingshot or a shoe.
- Florida public schools can no longer start before 8:00 AM (middle) and 8:30 AM (high school). Sleep wins.
- Students are officially banned from using phones in class.
- Pets are now legally classified as property
- Electronic notices (like HOA updates, etc.) are now valid and legally binding.
- Florida now recognizes silver and gold as legal currency. Do with that what you will.
- Farm products involved in legislation no longer have to be edible.
- Minimum wage is increasing again. If you’re a business owner, you may be thinking about adjusting pricing and wages.
- And just to clear it up: service charges at restaurants aren’t tips. They’re considered wages and do have to be reported.
*Please do your own research. This is not legal advice! The full bill is attached for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!*
E: Education & Events
There’s a full slate of events coming up, so mark your calendars!
Tomorrow
Broker’s Open – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
3817 W San Nicholas St, Tampa, FL 33629
Thursday, July 31
- Amplify Clearwater: White Sand Salon Ribbon Cutting
Starts at 3:30 PM, ribbon cuts at 4:30 PM
- Amplify Clearwater: Young Professionals Summer Social
Starts at 5:30 PM
Tuesday, August 2
- Chicken Salad Chick Ribbon Cutting
10:00 AM
Thursday, August 7
- The Tidy Society Ribbon Cutting
4:30 PM
Wednesday, August 13
- Amplify Clearwater: Business Circles Master Minds
12:00 PM
Thursday, August 14
- Amplify Clearwater: AchieveHERs Signature Luncheon
11:00 AM
- Amplify Clearwater: Clearwater Brewing Company Ribbon Cutting
6:00 PM, ribbon cuts at 6:45 PM
- Amplify Clearwater: Networking con AMPLIFY
6:00 PM
Tuesday, August 19
- Amplify Clearwater: IGNITE Entrepreneurship Center Workshop
11:30 AM
Wednesday, August 20
- Amplify Clearwater: AchieveHERs Energize HER Hour
9:30 AM
- Amplify Clearwater: Post-Legislative Reception
5:30 PM
Thursday, August 21
- Amplify Clearwater: Chamber on Tap
5:00 PM
Wednesday, August 27
- The Table (that’s us!)
9:00 AM networking, 9:30 AM roundtable
- Joyce Smith’s (Sommer’s Title) Class: How to Better Use Our Phones
2:00–3:00 PM at BayFirst Bank (Indian Rocks Rd)
- Amplify Clearwater: Business Circles Mix & Mingle
4:30 PM
(If you are interested in Amplify Clearwater events and would like more information, feel free to email Meegan at meegan@amplifyclearweater.com for more details!)
The magic of The Table isn’t just in what we talk about. It’s in who’s sitting around it. Thanks for being open, curious, and committed to showing up for each other. I hope you left feeling inspired, encouraged, and maybe even a little more grounded.
We’ll meet again on August 27th. Same time, same place. Can’t wait to do it all again.
Until then!
