As we step into a new year, I decided to begin with something close to my heart — connection. This solo episode is all about how we can start 2026 by building and strengthening R.E.A.L. relationships: those built on trust, appreciation, and genuine human care.

A personal story from my husband’s recent surgery reminded me that kindness and connection show up in unexpected ways, and that people remember how we make them feel. From that experience grew this reflection on the R.E.A.L. Connection System, the framework I teach to help people and businesses stay connected in meaningful ways:

Refresh. Engage. Appreciate. Leverage.

In this episode, I walk through each of these pillars and how they show up in real life, from refreshing your LinkedIn presence, to engaging intentionally online and offline, to showing appreciation in ways that leave a lasting impression.

Key Takeaways

1. Refresh your presence so your online identity reflects who you are today, not who you were years ago.
2. Engage with intention — show up where your people are and participate meaningfully.
3. Appreciate authentically — small gestures can create emotional anchors that last for years.
4. Leverage relationships — trust creates opportunity, and every introduction or referral begins with connection.
5. Choose one pillar to focus on this year — start simple and stay consistent.

When you build your business from a place of genuine care, everything else unfolds more naturally.

I’d love to hear how you’re applying the R.E.A.L. principles in your business. Connect with me and share one small way you’re refreshing, engaging, appreciating, or leveraging relationships this month and if you’d like to explore how to implement the R.E.A.L. Connection System in your business, please reach out. I’m here to support you.

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

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Do you

Every so often, we need a reminder that personal growth isn’t just about what we add to our lives—but what we’re willing to shift, release, and redefine.

That’s why I’m bringing back this powerful conversation with Mary Kominska—entrepreneur, mindset coach, and creator of the T.E.A. system. Mary shares how setting boundaries, managing our thoughts, and prioritizing self-care can transform the way we lead ourselves—and the way we show up for others.

If you’re feeling stretched thin or stuck in old patterns, this episode will inspire you to reclaim your energy, reframe your mindset, and step into the version of yourself you were truly meant to be.

Let’s revisit this inspiring conversation with Mary Kominska.

Personal growth isn’t just about learning new skills—it’s about challenging old patterns, setting boundaries, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Mary Kominska, an entrepreneur, mindset coach, and creator of the T.E.A. course, knows firsthand how transformational that journey can be. After years in corporate life and direct sales, she discovered that real change starts with shifting thoughts, emotions, and actions. Her experiences with personal struggles led her to develop a system that helps others take control of their lives with clarity and purpose.

From learning to set boundaries that actually stick to embracing self-care as a necessity rather than a luxury, Mary shares the powerful lessons that reshaped her relationships and career. Managing yourself—not just your time—becomes a game-changer when you balance multiple roles with intention. Her story is filled with resilience, reinvention, and the mindset shifts that turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth.

Highlights:

1. Learn how to set and enforce boundaries that improve your relationships and protect your energy.
2. Discover why self-care is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity for long-term success.
3. Gain insights into how managing yourself, not just your schedule, leads to greater productivity and fulfillment.
4. Explore how curiosity and asking better questions can open new doors in business and life.
5. Understand the power of shifting your mindset to break free from old habits and create meaningful change.

Connect with Mary

Website: https://bestandbeautifulyou.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykominska/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestandbeautifulyou/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestandbeautifulyou

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to

No matter what time of year it is, it’s always worth checking in with a big question:

Am I really charging what I’m worth?

That’s why I’m bringing back this standout conversation with John Ray—business advisor, pricing strategist, and author of The Generosity Mindset. John breaks down the emotional side of pricing, how generosity and confidence go hand-in-hand, and why most of us are selling ourselves short—sometimes without even realizing it.

If you’re a coach, consultant, or service-based business owner who struggles with pricing, value conversations, or feeling awkward about “selling,” this episode will change the way you think—and charge—for your work.

Let’s revisit this insightful episode with John Ray.

Most people undercharge not because they’re greedy, but because they underestimate their true value.

I had such an eye-opening conversation with John Ray—business advisor, pricing strategist, and author of The Generosity Mindset. We talked about why pricing is way more emotional than most people admit, and how confidence, perceived value, and intentional generosity all shape the way your business grows. John breaks down the common pricing traps entrepreneurs fall into (like hourly billing or selling from your own wallet), and how asking better questions can shift everything about how you show up and get paid.

Whether you are a coach, consultant, or creative service provider, this episode will make you think differently about how you price your work and position your value. John's generous insights (true to his brand!) help you feel more confident charging what you're worth—and building relationships that actually last.

Highlights:

1. Why your clients usually see more value in you than you see in yourself.
2. How generosity, when done with intention, leads to better pricing and deeper trust.
3. A new way to think about pricing based on transformation, not time.
4. What it really means to have a “value conversation” with clients.
5. Simple mindset shifts that make selling feel less awkward and more authentic.

Connect with John:

Website: https://www.johnray.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnray1/

Podcast: https://www.johnray.co/podcast-price-and-value-journey

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com