Kim Bode

Background

About Kim Bode

I run 8THIRTYFOUR, where I've spent 20 or so years dismantling outdated business practices, gender bias, and teaching business owners how to own a room. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 45, which explains a lot about how I operate - constant stream of thoughts, ideas, and why I can't sit still. Also explains why I color-code my closet and display my shoes on shelves. My work centers on small businesses because they have the power and know-how to change the world. They invest in our communities, institutions, people and rally for change. I consider myself a public relations Jedi master - I've landed our clients everywhere from Forbes and USA Today to Good Morning America and The Drew Barrymore Show, plus NPR, People Magazine, Entrepreneur, and dozens more outlets that matter. I also write for Entrepreneur, my blog Small Biz Musings, Huffington Post, and Thrive, covering everything from why most business advice is wrong to why the Gilmore Girls reboot hit different. I speak on personal branding, big deal energy, and marketing the face behind your business at events like Women in Defense National Conference, HubZone Contractors National Council, Women Impacting Public Policy ChallengeHER, and Michigan Celebrates Small Business Summit. Basically, anywhere they'll let me tell women to stop being polite and start taking up space. I've racked up some recognition - JEDI Communicator of the Year from West Michigan PRSA, DEI leadership recognition from Crain's Communication.= 8THIRTYFOUR became the only Michigan firm on Forbes' Top 200 PR Firms list, earned Michigan Women Owned Business of the Year from Michigan Celebrates Small Business, and was named one of the Michigan Top 50 Companies to Watch. But honestly, I'm more proud of the relationships we build and the clients who trust us with their stories.