Extreme Spring Workshop Coming Soon!
PREPARATION! Know what you stand for and how to live it out!
by Pat Grant on 01/22/18Congratulations to all my second semester girls who have happily found their sorority home! If you are a young woman in high school who is considering taking part in sorority recruitment, when you attend college, my one word of advice is PREPARATION! Preparation is key to the process! Please consider letting Rushbiddies help you navigate the process of dos and don'ts. Look for our Spring workshop coming soon!
I believe in second chances!! !
by Pat Grant on 09/16/17
Spring has sprung? Change is in the air!
by Pat Grant on 03/25/17
Life is nothing if it is not in a constant state of flux! Right? That is a philosophy I try to live by! It can be a challenge! Change is inevitable! Our seasons predictably change, but the weather it brings, especially in the South, can be quite unpredictable! So we take comfort in knowing with spring the flowers will bloom! However, we also know with spring, the tornados can come too! We embrace the good and prepare for the bad! Still, at the same time wanting to believe that life is only and always good!
We humans are creatures of habit! I will be the first to admit, routine can be comforting. However, isn't life to be embraced as an adventure? How can an adventure be predictable? This 'spring-is-in-the-air-change-is-coming' feeling makes me think of all of the senior girls [soon to be PNMs (Potential New Members)] getting ready to graduate from high school; preparing to start a new college, make new friends, find a new living environment, the cusp of new adventures! Lots of changes!
Embrace the change sweet girls, but take the lessons learned from home with you! Our past experiences can only help us embrace the changes that are going to happen, whether we want them to or not! Don't spend valuable energy trying to resist change, we can stagnant very quickly that way! Use your energy wisely sweet girls! Prepare for the changes that are coming! Give it your best shot to embrace these new experiences with wise insight!
And of course, I invite you to use the knowledge, experience, and insight of the Rushbiddies in preparing for your sorority recruitment! Our one and only "Extreme" Spring workshop is Sunday afternoon, April 2nd, 3:00-5:00 at the Emmett O'Neal library. Let us help you to embrace the next stage in your life!
You may email or PM Rushbiddies if you have questions or concerns!
Happy Spring and Happy Adventure! Blessings! Pat
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Happiness is a busy fall!
by Pat Grant on 10/11/16
Positive Mindfulness!
by Pat Grant on 03/13/16
SPRING 'EXTREME' WORKSHOP MARCH 15, 2015
by Pat Grant on 02/23/15
I get hopeful this time of the year! (Even with the ice and snow still gathering!) Preview Saturday is coming up this weekend, February the 28th at the University of Alabama! My Bama girls are getting excited and filled with anticipation! To Bama's credit, this is a wonderful tool and introduction to the college sorority recruitment process! It helps the girls, just a bit, to demystify the expectations and recruitment procedures. Plus, it helps Moms and Dads to understand, a little better, about what is expected. This is why I feel our Spring workshops are so valuable! They aid and serve as a good follow-up to Preview weekend for the Bama girls! Plus, our workshops are invaluable to our girls heading off to other college campuses, (without a preview weekend). Our workshoppers start getting their minds around the prepartion necessary and needed for their specific campus sorority recruitment!
Sorority recruitment takes commitment on several levels! First impressions really count...on every level! Our EXTREME workshop is spot-on in addressing where to begin in this process. After all these years, we have fine-tuned our materials to address the biggest questions and most pressing concerns! If you were not able to attend our Fall "Early Bird" workshop, you certainly do not want to miss this Spring's EXTREME workshop! There is much to do and preparation takes time! Come join us and bring us your concerns! We can't wait to see you all! Spring flowerbuds are on the cusp and so is your sorority recruitment! You have a chance to make this work for you -- make it count and let us help you 'cover' eveything! Don't just wait on the sunshine of success! Let us help make it happen for you! All the best!
Fall and "Early Bird" on the Horizon!!
by Pat Grant on 10/11/14
It seems that everything revolves around the weather! We in the south can probably attribute that mind-set to the agrarian roots most native families share! Perhaps even many generations back! Late summer and early fall have rapidly expired! I am just waiting for the elusive "cool snap" to show up again! This is the winding down of my busiest time of the year! Thankfully, most of our Rushbiddies' girls have gotten placed. If they did not find their "spot" in formal recruitment, it seems that COB (continuous open bidding) has been a great option! Now they are all focused on football and all the campus activities involved! What a great time in their lives!!
I know here in the south everyone is enjoying their SEC football! What a conference! I specifically plan my one and only fall "Early Bird" workshop to not conflict with football! After all, we are located in the deep South and the heart of the SEC. So many young ladies have come to southern schools to enjoy the traditions, the excitement, and the loyal fan-base so evident in the SEC! I completely understand the attraction!
I am looking forward tomorrow's workshop! I always love meeting new Moms and daughters! They come so eager to get started with their recruitment prep and process! And in some cases, a bit anxious for the unknown! It is a wonderful chance to inform and build up the sweet young hearts of these beautiful young ladies! Plus help the endearing Moms acquire the tools they will both need to navigate the recruitment process! It is never too soon to start!
The next "Open" group workshop will be our EXTREME Workshop in spring 2015! More about that later! In the mean time, I smile thinking about tomorrow!
On the threshold of...
by Pat Grant on 05/28/14
April 6th workshop - Last Organized Workshop with "Miss Spring" 2014!
by Pat Grant on 03/27/14
Well "Miss Spring" seems to be full of mood swings this year! My camellias have already turned brown on the stem! Too cold in Alabama for the early blooms to survive! I keep thinking the weather is finally going to be spring-like and then we have frost! Too bizarre for my thin Southern blood! However, the mood swings are not keeping the sunshine away! I am waiting on the warmth to prevail!!
Sadly, our organized Spring group workshops are coming to a close! The last one is coming up on April the 6th. This workshop is ideal for any Mother/daughter duo who has attended any of our previous workshops. This is a more personalized workshop and will be limited to 12 (or 6 Mom/daughter couples). We will be more intensely involved in the preparations for Recruitment week! I am really excited about this workshop!
Twelve will be the ideal number to really get personal and address specific issues, which often come up after attending an initial workshop with us! We will discuss insights, and what works for each girl! I must mention the kindness of Angie Holder, owner/photog of MomenTaker Photography. We are meeting at her newly renovated studio space on Forest Run! Thank you Angie! Angie has been a vital asset in helping our clients present their best "self" in a photo image!
However, don't fret if you can't meet the criteria in signing up for this workshop! We are happy to conduct a private session between now and April the 6th, if you want to qualify? Regardless, we are always willing to help meet your needs to prepare for this most exciting time of sorority recruitment! Just drop us an email!
In the mean time, enjoy the spring sunshine, but don't forget that jacket on the way out!
Stay warm! Hugs! Pat
Preview Day, Spring Workshop March the 16th, and Detractors!
by Pat Grant on 03/10/14
March, so far, has been a fun and busy 'almost' spring month! Our weather in Alabama has been so lovely the last few days, we are lulled into believing that finally spring has arrived! All the experts say winter is not over, but Mother Nature appears to be contradicting the experts! With the landscape starting to bloom evey where, it is hard not to believe that spring has sprung! Even as unpredictable as March can traditionally be in our state, luckily this past Saturday graced us with another gorgeous and sunny day.
Saturday was Preview Day for Potential New Memebers (PNMs) at the Univeristy of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. It was a lovely day to enjoy walking from sorority house to sorority house! I secretly suspect the increase rate in placement for PNMs going through Sorority Recruitmen at the U of AL is significantly influenced by Preview, a miniature glimpse into the recruitment process. This little foretaste of knowledge and insight seems to be serving the U of A Panhellenic well. Congratulations on a job well done ladies!
We had the pleasure of meeting with several of our Bama-bound RB clients before and after Preview Day. I enjoyed sharing insights and answering questions, while Paige was occupied digging around in local PNM's closets and local stores, all in an effort to help answer the age old question of "what do I wear?" It is always fun and rewarding to spend time with our RB clients! Congratulations to you too ladies, this was an experience worth going through to aid in your preparation for Bama's fall recruitment! I really wish more campuses, especially larger campuses with 30,000+ students, would consider hosting a "Preview Day." I believe it really helps everyone, sororities, PNMs, and especially the parents!
Of course, something else that can help PNMs is attending our workshops! We have our only spring open group EXTREME workshop coming up this Sunday, March the 16th. We will be at the Emmet O'Neal library in the Crestline section of Birmingham. The address for you GPSers is 50 Oak Street, Birmingham, AL 35213. Our workshop is in the community meeting room. You can't miss us! Look for the hot pink! We hope we see you, but if you can't make this workshop, check out our website for other options.
Those options include, our PERSONALIZED workshop on April the 6th, This is limited to 12 people (or 6 Mom/daughter couples) and we only have 4 spots left. The ideal candidate for this workshop will have attended at least one other Rushbiddies workshop, or had at least one private 'mini' session with us. If you are interested in any of our services, please do not hesitate to sign our guest book or email us and let us hear from you!
Private 'mini' sessions are always available. We do evaluate and tailor them for what your specific needs are for your sorority recruitment and preparation. As always, we only want to help our clients succeed. I truly do believe knowledge is power, so don't remain powerless and uninformed. Get informed! ,
And speaking of uninformed, of course, like anything that people don't understand, we always have our detractors. That doesn't bother me one bit, they are just uninformed! I always find it intriguing that most of the detractors are men! lol! I always hope people will be open-minded enough to try to understand the process, especially before they make judgments. However, maybe it is a little like this psuedo-spring weather. We hope, with time and knowledge, it will eventually evolve into understanding the real thing! Blessings sweet friends, Pat
Spring 2014 Changes and Renewals!
by Pat Grant on 02/13/14
As we enter the spring of this fourth year of workshops and consulting, it is a time of change and renewal! First the current change, I am happy to have my daughter Paige Grant to step in for Rushbiddies! As a recent college graduate, and having held multiple EC offices in her college sorority, Paige brings a young and fresh insight to the whole sorority recruitment preparation. One of her fortes is helping a client dig around in her closet to help her merge the old with the new. Paige has a wonderful eye for fashion and what is current on any college campus! Plus Paige has added insight to the recruitment process! (I think you can tell I am proud of her accomplishments!) We are having a great adventure as Mother and Daughter connecting with other Mothers and Daughters!
Further change regretfully comes in the form of my dear and precious friend, and original Rushbiddies partner, Marlea Foster. Marlea has realized she needs to close the door on her involvement with Rushbiddies. It seems the demands of her family, near and far, are needing her undivided attention at this stage in her life. Marlea will always be a wonderful friend! We will continue to share our lives, celebrate birthdays, and have delicious dinners out together! Marlea it takes a lot of wisdom to know when it is time to re-focus and adjust your priorities! I will always admire your insight, and will always appreciate your generosity in letting me have your time to help promote Rushbiddies! This is not good-bye dear friend, just see you later under different circumstances.
And of course Spring is a time of renewal! This comes to us in the form of looking at new opportunities to strengthen our process! With the help of new technology and some interesting contacts, we continue to reach way beyond our own back yard! Paige and I take great pleasure in meeting Moms and daughters from all over our great country! Our thankfulness is extended to you all for acknowledging that sorority recruitment is the first step in networking a life well spent! As we dig out from winter's drifted snow, may you always find the promise of that first spring blossom! Peace and blessings to you all! Pat
Success Or Not? What is next?
by Pat Grant on 10/12/13
I get a bit melancholy this time of year! Summer has come and gone -- and fall is in full swing! By now, all of the fall formal recruitments are over! (Ole Miss just completed theirs, which is the last campus to do Fall Sorority Recruitment in the Southeast.) Now is the time I like to hear from our RB girls! The photos snapped on bid day are always a great reward for me! I love seeing the smiling faces in front of their new sorority home! It pleases me when our girls have found their official "spot" -- I think of the great times a head of them in the next four years! Some of the 'selfies' are too funny, but I love seeing them too! Typically, the 'selfie' will portray a new member with a new-found sister, taken too closely, with some poignant head-gear appropriate for the group! The pictures seem to always possess some touch of whimsy, which I always find so endearing with all of the activities of bid day!
However, lately it seems I am hearing more and more from sophomore girls. Girls who didn't come to us initially, or girls who didn't know about us, before their freshman year of sorority recruitment. Girls, who for some reason, did not have guidance and direction in helping them navigate the sorority recruitment process. Too often they come disappointed or discouraged.
The good news is: more and more campuses are incorporating an "upper-classmen" policy. This is simply a rule that allows a sorority to offer bids to girls who are either sophomore-level or above in college placement, and their numbers are not to be counted against the "quota" amount allowed in formal recruitment pledge classes. This is a good thing! More girls can find their spot!
However, one thing I have noticed about these girls. They are either really wounded or deeply hurt over their initial experience. Often to the point of giving up on even trying again. Young women let me encourage you right now! Yes, ideally everyone goes through their Sorority Recruitment and finds their spot! However, the reality is, I am hearing from these girls that did not have a good first experience! It is not personal! Let us help you understand this process and TRY AGAIN! If you want to be a part of Greek life, you owe it to yourself to try again! I truly believe it can work for you!
I was seeking ways to help instill a new found determination into these discouraged young women! All of this got me thinking about successful people and what makes them successful? What gives them the fortitude to persevere? In investigating this aspect, I came across an article by Ilya Pozin called "12 Things All Successful People Do." Guess what was #1 on the list? You got it! #1 Boldly Fail!! It seems that successful people understand "the reality of failure" -- it will happen. Pozin goes on to state: "The most successful people understand the reality of failure and its importance in finding success. While you may want to run and hide after you fail, you must learn from your mistakes to ensure you don't fail in the same way the second time around." Thank you Pozin!
By the way -- #2 on that list was "Set goals." I love how this is going! Tomorrow I get to facilitate our "Early Bird" Workshop! Goal Setting is on our list too! Let Experience and Insight guide you! All the best! Pat
Fall Recruitment Weeks Start! Bring on the Emotions!
by Pat Grant on 08/08/13
When this time of year finally rolls around, I have lately been reminded of the signs I see everywhere. You know the ones that say, "Keep Calm and ... " you fill in the appropriate comment, (i.e. ... carry on... put on your big girl panties...) you get the idea! For most of our young ladies, Mom and/or Dad are packing them up, sending them away from home for the first year of college.
Needless to say, this is fertile ground for a plethora of emotions, for all parties involved: excitement for a new experience; stress in making sure every little thing one girl could possibly need was procured; sadness because one stage of life is ending and another one is beginning; fear of navigating this new stage in life...shall I go on? There are many more emotions we could explore.
However, with this wellspring of emotions lying beneath the surface, the time has come! It is finally here! That week you have been preparing for and looking forward to all year long! For you incoming freshmen and those of you who are moving them to campus for the first time, many of you may think you have some idea about what to expect! However, as I have stated many times before now, there is no way to explain the freshman experience and Sorority Recruitment Week (or as we like to call it in the vernacular "Rush"), until you go through the process yourself!!
This should be an exciting and wonderful time for you to meet tons of new people! My final word of advice! Enjoy!!! You have worked diligently to prepare, and hopefully with our guidance and insight, nothing was left on the table to discuss! You have done your prep work! Now use it to the best of your ability and knowledge!
Walk into your first party, on the first day of recruitment, and know that you have done everything you possibly could to control any given situation! It is up to you to make this the best possible experience for yourself! Be open and leave behind any preconceived ideas! We want to hear from you! We always get so attached to our RB Moms and daughters! The achieving of every success is what we aim for you! Let us know how things are going! And of course, if you have any last minute concerns or questions, you know how to get in touch with us!
My prayer for you is always: May only good and positive things, from Heaven above, come to you in this process. Knowing that God is good always, and may He be in the mix of every decision you make, and those made about you! Blessings bestowed upon you all! Amen!
Many best wishes and hugs to you all, as your recruitment week unveils the many surprises that await you! Remember to "Keep Calm and Carry On"...God bless! Pat
Eventful Spring and the Summer of Lists!!
by Pat Grant on 05/22/13
Hi Ladies!! We have loved helping you all through the Spring Workshops, as well as the plethora of private "mini" sessions too! We hope you have found the workshops and "mini" sessions useful and informative! Our goal is to always present the most current and insightful information available to enlighten our clients! We want you all to achieve every success! We have certainly enjoyed presenting our workshops to you! Needless to say, it has been an eventful spring for us! We are truly thankful, especially for making and meeting new friends! Once we have had the pleasure to work with you, and get to know so many great Moms and daughters, we think of you as friends! It has been great expanding our circle of friends!
Marlea and I are spending the summer helping our private clients, and are enjoying the one-on-one time with each of them! We have a busy summer coming up, and since my newly graduated daughter Paige wil be home, we will be utilizing her sorority experience and insight as well! Paige will be a vital asset to our PNMs, haviing just left the campus environment herself!
Also, I want to remind those of you preparing to head off to college and Sorority Recruitment this Fall, don't forget about the "lists" of things you need to accomplish! If you attended our workshops this spring, you will remember this discussion. So be sure and get those lists going and completed! Lots to do!! And this is just the beginning! If you need our insight or opinion in this regard, don't hestiate to contact us! We want to be availabe to our clients all summer!
We looking forward to this productive summer, and are expecting to make some smart and fun changes in venues coming up this Fall! So be on the lookout!
All the best, with warmest regards from Marlea and Me! Pat
Road Trip to Atlanta for our EXTREME Workshop -- Saturday, April the 27th!!
by Pat Grant on 04/25/13
OK Chicks! We have had a fun and eventful Spring Workshop season! We are finishing the season of our Group Workshops this coming Saturday in Atlanta! Thank you Donna Holden for getting us booked into Atlanta at the Chastain Clubhouse! (Find the address on our "links" tab of our website.) Come join us if you can!
Of course, we will still be booking private "mini" sessions all summer long! We welcome any and all inquiries! Our goal, always, is to share our insight and knowledge! We want the absolute best possible Recruitment experience for all of our PNMs! We continue to welcome new clients, but what we love best is establishing all the new friendships with each of you! We are so honored that you have welcomed us at this fun-time in your lives!
We are also deeply grateful for the ongoing and continued support of our wonderful Spring assoicates! Thank you for your help Angie Holder of MomenTaker Photography (and for sponsoring our refreshments this Spring), Miriam Stone of MyRush books, Tracy James of ChicMadeSimple, Sherry Corey of DormSuiteDorm/SewSherry, and Teala Stewart of Monograms Plus!
A special nod of thanks for past help goes to Megan LaRussa of SouthernFemme, and much happiness on your upcoming marriage! Also, a very special thank you to Susan Hurst, not only for her cosmetics insight, but for booking us at Cahaba Bend! We love all the wonderful insight and help that you both have provided for us from the very beginning!
We are so touched by the generosity of so many! We are amazed at the wonderful ongoing encouragement from you all --- and so many others! Our cup runneth over...May God bless each of you!
Next Workshop in Birmingham and a Change in the Venue for the Atlanta Workshop!
by Pat Grant on 03/27/13
Sunday afternoon 3-5 p.m.
and Monday evening 6-8 p.m.
in the Board of Education Bldg.
Birmingham, Alabama
Group Workshops, and Private "Mini" Workshops
by Pat Grant on 03/17/13
Hi all!! We had our first Spring workshop last weekend! We are always happy to get to know new folks and help with all of their questions and concerns! Mark your calendars for our second group workshop coming April 14th and 15th! Pre-register by sending us an email to confirm your interest. We will contact you back!
Also, several of our clients are more comfortable participating in our private "mini" workshops. You may inquire more about those by emailing us as well!
Our email is: Rushbiddies@aol.com
Spring is right around the corner!! Happy Spring everyone!
Hugs from Marlea and me! Pat
Spring Workshops for 2013! (And other things!)
by Pat Grant on 03/03/13
Hi gang! It seems that technology has a learning curve for me! After a bit of a delay, we are back and full of anticipation for presenting our Spring 2013 workshops! Hopefully you have kept up with us on Facebook! If you haven't "liked" us yet, please do! Check out our new FB button on our website!
Our website is still an ongoing venture! Thank you for sticking with us! We hope to continue to improve the usefulness of our website, as well as our services! We really appreciate our clients verbalizing their needs! We are all about meeting your needs with our services. Our "mini" workshops are an effort to address and personalize our services! If you are interested in our package deals, just drop us an email!
As for our Spring Workshops, we have three group workshops this year! We are so excited! Our first one is coming up this month! This is the first time we are headed to Pelham/Helena -- just south of Birmingham. We can't wait! March the 10th and 11th we will be presenting our 2-Day Intensive workshop at the The Church at Cahaba Bend (we have directions on our "links" tab of our website). Please note a bit of a difference in the time! That Sunday afternoon (the 10th) we will be presenting "All about the paper" from 2-4 p.m. and Monday night (the 11th) we will be presenting "All about the party" from 6-8 p.m. You don't want to miss this one! This is early, (before everyone's Spring Break), so you are adding some much needed time to get your plans organized! Pre-register quickly because space is limited! We look forward to seeing you all there!
Our second Spring Workshop is April the 14th and 15th! We will be back at the Mtn. Brook Community Education Room in the Mtn. Brook Board of Education building. This is also our 2-Day Intensive! Pre-register now because this session is promising to be packed! We will be back to our usual time of 3-5 p.m. that Sunday the 14th, and again, that Monday the 15th 6-8 p.m. This workshop has gotten to be a favorite! Do pre-register early via our guest book on our website!
And our third and final group workshop for this Spring is in Atlanta! We are so excited to be road tripping over to our Georgia neighbors! We are doing a marathon Extreme workshop for our clients in Atlanta! We can't wait! The date is Saturday, April 27th, from 1-5 p.m. (We promise we will give you breaks!!) We can't wait to meet you Georgia peaches! Come ready with all of your questions and concerns! Do pre-register on our website's "workshop" tab and sign the guestbook!
One last little tidbit! Check out your March Southern Living Magazine, (page 92, #28 of the "Social Graces") -- we are cited for our advice in writing a letter of recommendation! We are honored to be noted in a tribute to "Southern Charm." For us, we are Southern traditionalist in the sense that the process of Recruitment is a time honored tradition. For us personally, it is all about connecting and helping our clients understand the process of Greek Recruitment! Every girls deserves her spot! However, after a workshop or a private session, I always feel like I have made a new friend! I know for Marlea and me, it is alway about giving insight and knowledge! We understand and we care deeply!
May you all be blessed sweet friends and clients!
One final personal note, let me thank you all for your words and expressions of sympathy in the recent loss of my Dad. I am so touched by your kindness. May you all be blessed with the peace that surpasses all understanding! Hugs -- Pat
The Summer of the New York Times article!
by Pat Grant on 08/21/12
Topics will include prep timelines, resumes, recommendations, thank you notes, Facebook pages, and more.
Select one of these convenient times to attend:
Sunday, October 21st @ 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. or
Monday, October 22nd @ 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
in the Mountain Brook Community Education Classroom (32 Vine Street).
Cost is $75 per person or $100 for both mom and daughter. For more information or to pre-register you may email Rushbiddies@aol.com.
Thanks! With Warmest Regards from Marlea and Me! Pat
Rushbiddies 2-Day Intensive Workshop April 15th and 16th!
by Pat Grant on 02/26/12
You need to attend our 2-Day Intensive Workshop if you are attending Greek Recruitment as a PNM on your campus this Fall 2012 or Winter 2013!