Pushing Buttons - September 2026 (LinkedIn Official)

I went LinkedIn official with Curated Buttons, posting about my button side hustle to my professional network. It was something that I mused about – and put off – for several months.

In my day job (I still call it that), I advise CEOs on their personal brand and reputation. There’s a lot of work that sits under that vague umbrella, but the north star is making sure that my clients’ reputations are strong and consistent.

‘Consistent’ is important, because consistency is a trust builder.

My pause on whether to share to tell current and potential reputation clients that I also play with buttons was anchored on the question of whether they would continue to see me as a serious person. I’ve spent a long time being seen as a Serious Person, and it’s probably held me back. (Lots to unpack there, better done by a therapist someday.)

Playing with buttons is me embracing joy. But Curated Buttons is part of a larger life plan, to move from work that pays for my time and expertise towards a scalable business that can fit into the cracks of a post-retirement calendar of travel and training for races I won’t win. The button business itself is not a path to riches; rather, it’s a means to learn about online retail, with little risk, and did I mention that I get to play with buttons?

The Shopify app’s cash register sound has rung in my ear while I was out for a run, while I was sleeping, while I was talking to serious people. The cha-ching sound is far more exciting for me than I can explain.

There is no clear pattern yet on what will sell best or whether I've got the product mix right. What I do know so far is that people buy buttons on Sunday night.

Wait until next month, when I wade into the wild world of how to price a button.