Professional Networking Essentials – Advice – Part 8

·         Rev. Karla Fleshman, LCSW, MDiv, TCYM II - Seek Mentorship and Coaching

·         Vicki Nichols Goldstein - "Network and Learn from Leaders"

·         Nic Bryant - "Ask for Help and Join Networks"

·         Christine Krzyzanowski - Diversify Your Networking

·         Victoria McGlone - Find and Learn from Mentors

·         Debbie Beadle  - Surround Yourself with Positivity

·         Natalie Lambert - Leverage Your Network Effectively

·         Nicole Laird - Surround Yourself with Mentors

·         Alison Stine - Mentor and Delegate

·         Prerna Bhutani - Seek Mentorship, Embrace Learning

Seek Mentorship and Coaching

Seek out mentors/coaches to help you grow beyond your fears

Rev. Karla Fleshman, LCSW, MDiv, TCYM II, Founder, Transitions Delaware LLC

"Network and Learn from Leaders"

Don’t be intimidated – remember that we all started with a dream and in order to get where you want to be, you will be taking lots of baby steps. Spend time with people that you admire and understand where they came from and the various educational and career steps that they took. A great way to do this is to volunteer orintern with an organization or business you want to be a part of. Keep in mind that there are many leaders in organizations, agencies, and institutions, so don’t just look at the top tier.

Vicki Nichols Goldstein, Founder, Inland Ocean Coalition

"Ask for Help and Join Networks"

Don't be afraid to ask questions and reach out for help. Join networks and collectives where you can learn more about business development while contributing your advice so you can lift each other up. You can often find these groups on social media, industry meet ups and co-working spaces.

Nic Bryant,Founder,Lunch & Co

Diversify Your Networking

Networking is the key to entrepreneurship and life. Do NOT focus only networking with women put just as much intentional effort to network with men to help you achieve your goals and open new doors for you. From there make sure you pave the way for the next generation.

Christine Krzyzanowski, Founder, PLLAY Labs, Inc.

Find and Learn from Mentors

Surround yourself with strong, competent, female mentors. Spend time in the same rooms as them, learn from them and deliver value back in return. A mentor is the most valuable tool an entrpreneur can have in their life -  I highly recommend all young women to spend the time finding a mentor(s) who can have a positive impact on their life and career.

Victoria McGlone, Founder, Three Cliffs Inc

Surround Yourself with Positivity

Be a yes person and surround yourself with likeminded people.

Debbie Beadle, Founder, Cardiff Women's Aid

Leverage Your Network Effectively

In my journey as an entrepreneur, I've come to realize the profound impact of one's network. I firmly believe in the value I bring to the table, offering a unique perspective and expertise that can truly benefit marketing organizations in ways unmatched by others. However, while I excel in certain areas, sales has always been a bit outside my comfort zone. Recognizing this gap, I've leaned heavily on my network, comprised of both men and women, to navigate unfamiliar territory and forge vital connections. Their willingness to open doors and introduce me to key individuals has been instrumental in propelling my business forward. I've learned that there's immense power in reaching out to those who recognize your value and are willing to advocate for you. Despite the initial discomfort, the opportunities that have arisen from such collaborations have been nothing short of extraordinary. Initially, there was a misconception that I had to single-handedly tackle every aspect of my entrepreneurial journey to prove my capability. However, my greatest strides occurred when I embraced the support of my network, realizing that success isn't solely about individual prowess, but rather about leveraging the collective strength of those around you.

Natalie Lambert, Founder, GenEdge Consulting

Surround Yourself with Mentors

I would say to young women interested in becoming entrepreneurs to go for it and surround yourself with mentors. Then be sure to give back and be a mentor yourself. There is strength in community and finding support and being supportive has been crucial in my journey as an entrepreneur.  You should not do this alone and it can feel really lonely sometimes, so find like minded entrepreneurs and learn and grow together.

Nicole Laird, Founder, Hays County Physical Therapy and Wellness

Mentor and Delegate

Find a good mentor and peer group to share best practices and hold you accountable. An entrepreneur often is their own boss and doesn't always have those regular business reviews or strategic plans. Take time to work on your business instead of always in your business, find ways to delegate and focus on your true talents.

Alison Stine, Founder, Stine Wealth Management

Seek Mentorship, Embrace Learning

Whenever a problem comes up, start looking at it using a first principles approach - you will always find a path to a solution. Don't get bogged down - everything is solvable.

Prerna Bhutani, Founder, Zemé Fresh