Professional Networking Essentials – Advice – Part 6

·         Sophie Laurenson - Embrace Uniqueness and Network

·         Nicole Jensen - Community and Collaboration

·         Abigail Aruna - Share, Network, Seek Support

·         Amy Langfield - Find a Mentor and Explore Funding

·         Laura Reilly - Find a Mentor for Success

·         Jessica Campbell - Networking is Key, Build a Strong Reputation

·         Jennifer Bolding - Build a Strong Foundation and Network

·         Neha Garg - Believe, Educate, Network, Embrace Failure

·         Anisha Singh - Embrace Resilience, Build a Supportive Network

Embrace Uniqueness and Network

To female entrepreneurs: Embrace your unique perspective and strengths. Build credibility by getting the best qualifications possible and keep them updated by adding new skills to your portfolio as the industry shifts. Build a strong support network of peers and allies who champion your vision. Advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the industry, paving the way for future generations. Don't give up too early. Building sustainable, impactful businesses takes time and often several iterations.

Sophie Laurenson, Founder, Limeburners Bay International AG

Community and Collaboration

Community and collaboration are everything.  Find people that uplift you and that you can also uplift.  Non-profit work and mentorship are invaluable tools for young leaders looking to grow their networks and skills while also adding further purpose and passion to their work and mission.

Nicole Jensen, Founder, Hopscotch

Share, Network, Seek Support

Young women entrepreneurs can share experiences and gain support through networking events, entrepreneurial communities, online platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, mentorship programs, women-focused entrepreneurship networks, and business incubators or accelerators. Engaging in these avenues provides valuable resources, guidance, and connections to help them succeed.

Abigail Aruna, Founder, Clean Team Ghana Limited

Find a Mentor and Explore Funding

The advice I would give is to find a mentor, listen to inspiring business podcasts, explore Innovate UK for funding opportunities and believe in yourself and don't try to fit into the mold of a generic person in business.

Amy Langfield, Founder, Grow with Iris (Plant Powered Babies Ltd)

Find a Mentor for Success

Find a good mentor!  I will always believe this is the key to success.  You could have a great idea, but not necessarily know how to bring it to life and market yourself.  It’s not necessarily what you do, it’s how you do it, and that’s where having expertise from someone who has ideally been there and done it before can be invaluable, so you can learn from their mistakes instead of making them yourself.

Laura Reilly, Founder, Taurus HR Solutions Ltd

Networking is Key, Build a Strong Reputation

There is so much advice I'd love to share with women entrepreneurs. One of the biggest lessons I'd share is this: In terms of the importance of networking, everyone will tell you "It's all about who you know". I think that statement is not fully correct, I view it as "It's all about who knows you" Here's what I mean:

1. Your work should speak for itself. If you are doing what you are supposed to be doing you will have your name / brand on the lips and minds of the right people.

2. Your reputation is your protection. If you have a strong network of people who truly know you, your character, your resume, it is important to have references and a support system to back you up.

3. People should be able to recommend you and speak highly of you even when you're not in the room. This comes from 'who knows you' Your network is everything!! Start building it as soon as possible!!

Jessica Campbell, Founder, PO3 Agency

Build a Strong Foundation and Network

Build your foundation! I was in the corporate world for 20 years before I started my own business. Be sure to get a college education and consider going to graduate school. Pay your dues in corporate America in order to learn the secrets of thriving in the workplace - hone your networking skills, find a trustworthy mentor, and learn the critical business skills from the ground up that will be required in your field. Once you've built a solid foundation and have a strong network of trusted professionals that you can rely on, it's time to soar. Take a risk and start your own business.

Jennifer Bolding, Founder, Bold Consulting, Inc.

Believe, Educate, Network, Embrace Failure

Believe in yourself and stay confident; keep learning and growing your skills; build a supportive network of mentors and peers; embrace failure as a learning opportunity; stay resilient and persistent through challenges; take calculated risks based on informed decisions; prioritize self-care and balance; celebrate your achievements; stay true to your values and integrity; and continuously evolve by staying open to new ideas.

Neha Garg, Founder, Red Kite Consulting Private Limited

Embrace Resilience, Build a Supportive Network

Embrace resilience and cultivate a supportive network of fellow female entrepreneurs.

Anisha Singh, Founder, She Capital