Professional Networking Essentials – Advice – Part 5

·         Stephanie Cassimatis  - Building Confidence and Seeking Guidance

·         Victoria Showunmi - Personal and Professional Growth

·         Varsha Khatri - Network and Support

·         Sapana Bapat  - Sharing Expertise

·         Tiffany Walsh - Seeking Help and Networking

·         Jennifer Patterson - Embrace failure as a natural part of growth

·         Sarah Vachon - Well-Being and Networking

·         Heidi Bianchi - Building and Maintaining Connections

·         Rachel Winard - Importance of Mentorship

·         Melanie O'Neil - Build a Supportive Entrepreneurial Network

Building Confidence and Seeking Guidance

Confidence is key. Trust your abilities, embrace your strengths, and have faith in your vision. Believe that you have what it takes to succeed, even when faced with doubts or setbacks. Surround yourself with mentors and role models who can offer guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their own experiences. Learn from their successes and failures, and don't hesitate to ask for advice when needed.

Stephanie Cassimatis, Founder, Pink Caviar Events

Personal and Professional Growth

Running a successful business requires personal and leadership development, resilience and network of like-minded people. Business provides fulfillment and you are able to reach your financial goals faster and at your own pace. Your growth is limitless, and the rewards is long lasting.

Victoria Showunmi, Founder, Petra Home Care

Network and Support

For anyone who has a dream, I would advise you to keep going. Keep trying and there is always a way. Its not easy getting your business off the ground. I would encourage you to network. Yes, do tell your friends and family all about your business, but professional networking is that hidden gem that can elevate your business. Try out many different groups and stick with the ones that feel like your tribe. Because your tribe will always have your back and will support you in all that you do.

Varsha Khatri, Founder, Illuminated Health

Sharing Expertise

Share expertise with new comers

Sapana Bapat, Founder, Swiftyy Hygiene Solutions Pvt ltd

Seeking Help and Networking

Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Mentors are a huge help at every stage of your business. Developing a good business plan and pitch deck are crucial for raising money. Find a great team that have like aspirations to you and work together to grow the business. Don’t count your failures along the way, they are normal and you grow wiser because of them. Business contacts will benefit you in the moment or in the future, so try to find time to network and preserve those relationships.

Tiffany Walsh, Founder, Bluenose Labs Ltd.

Embrace failure as a natural part of growth

For young women venturing into entrepreneurship or already navigating the entrepreneurial path, I offer these guiding principles. Firstly, believe in yourself wholeheartedly and trust your instincts as you embark on this journey. Embrace failure as a natural part of growth, viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and evolve. Building a strong support network is crucial; seek mentors, advisors, and like-minded peers who can offer guidance and encouragement. Continuously invest in your personal and professional development, staying up to date on industry trends and honing your skills. Remember to prioritize self-care amidst the demands of entrepreneurship, maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Stay authentic to your values and principles, as authenticity fosters trust and credibility in your business endeavors. Be open to seizing opportunities and taking calculated risks, and don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and your worth. Finally, celebrate your achievements along the way, recognizing the progress you've made and using it as fuel to propel you forward on your entrepreneurial journey.

Jennifer Patterson, Founder, Patterson Consulting Group

Well-Being and Networking

I think young women today are so much more confident and empowered than before, so the whole “fake it ‘til you make it” doesn’t apply to them in the same ways as generations before. That said, you do have to look after yourself. This means your well-being, your health, your boundaries, as well as being the champion of your own vision. I’d also say get clued up on all the fundraise, investment, or just sustainable growth planning for your business as soon as possible. Build a network of other women who have done it and ask them questions. One of the best things I did at the start and continue to do now is have founder 1-to-1s. Coffee breaks, calls, or video chats where you share and learn together. So many recommendations for tools, decisions, and suppliers have come from these valuable discussions. A final note would be that kindness and generosity yields massive returns. If you can help other founders, particularly minority entrepreneurs and pay it forward, you'll help build a world more like the one you want to see—with diversity and equity around.

Sarah Vachon, PhD, LMFT, Founder, Citizens of Soil

Building and Maintaining Connections

I believe in sharing any opportunity I come across with my network, whether they are aspiring entrepreneurs or seasoned professionals. It's crucial for me to treat everyone involved in an event, from the cleaning staff to the CEO, with kindness and appreciation for their contributions. Moreover, I prioritize building and maintaining connections within my industry, actively supporting friends and colleagues. My approach is grounded in a genuine desire to be of assistance, devoid of any ego.

Heidi Bianchi, Founder, The Bridge Event Academy

Importance of Mentorship

Find a mentor, someone who is an expert in their field and who wants to see you succeed. Mentorship has been crucial to my success (both in business and personally), and is a concrete way to create and foster community.

Rachel Winard, Founder, Soapwalla Inc

Build a Supportive Entrepreneurial Network

Entrepreneurship is so rewarding and exciting.  Doors and introductions open that otherwise may not have been created for your.  However, it can be lonely and harder than anything you have experienced.  My advice is to build a village of fellow entrepreneurs who can relate, advise and challenge you to be better!

Melanie O'Neil, Founder, Rustic Marlin