If #PoweringProsperity was the goal, these ladies nailed it!
Of course, the introvert in me walked into the building with the "I don't know anybody, this is awkward, am I being awkward? Duh, you have to have something in common you're all here together mindset." Needless to say, the experience was needed and I left with a new business network to keep the progress flowing.
Pages and pages of notes fill this gratitude journal! Here are some of my favorite gems from this session:
When Daniella Yacobovsky, co-founder of Baublebar kicked us off with:
- "Being a business owner takes grit, resolve and creative problem solving," I felt that! It was encouraging to be reminded that experiences are what you make it. It's not always all good, but it's never all bad. There are definitely fluctuations and waves throughout the journey - that's life.
- Strike a balance that includes self-care - emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Replenish yourself in order to keep you and your business growing.
- Do not forget to PAUSE and celebrate those wins! It's easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life, don't let that overshadow all the great things you've been accomplishing.
Hiring
This is such a big deal for us "independent, self-reliant, energy protecting, I got it, I can do it myself" individuals like myself. Here's what Daniella shared:
- Relationship Building takes work but it so necessary, build a culture that shares the same values, ideals, and principles.
- Be a culture carrier for your brand and what your business represents.
- Kindness goes a long way. Ask for help support and advice there are plenty of freelancers and consultants willing to develop businesses, collaborate to fill a need and desire in your market.
Summing it up with this memorable quote,
"you can't boil the ocean, take it one pot at a time."
Tiffanie Stanard, founder & CEO of Stimulus came through with a clear vision on what Financial Resources is missing and why diversity and inclusion is a priority, not the last option.
Tiffanie offered a little confidence building, encouraging you to "know what you know, and what you don't know." Everything is "figureoutable" (I made that up but, maybe you get it lol). The key to this is "Self Awareness." Understand that, everyone's version of success is different! We can be supportive of each other and achieve goals for the greater good!
Mentorship
There was a common theme on collaborating, here's what the remainder of the illustrious panel had to share:
- Establish a friendship advisory board - make this a tactical group to exchange resources and accountability. (Did you know RWD offers creative services for Content Management Support)
- Socialize with people who have the domain expertise and specialty in your area of interest.
- Ask for advice, don't ask for money - I chuckled at this but I dig it!
- Collaboration over the competition!
Mantras
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Breathe!
Work smarter, faster, better.
Trust the timing of your life! (one of my favs)
We make plans & God laughs.
Growing deep, not just wide. (this one too)
Financial Wellness
Kudos to Archna Sahay, a financial consultant tightening us up with the note that Leadership is a lonely business...know your worth! A few of us agreed that budgeting is boring but much needed. New term learned "burn rate" how much a month do you spend vs how much you make. Take care of those taxes and you should always see a professional accountant to help shape up your finances. A few more gems to note:
- Know your numbers! Know your audience! This creates better support for your pitching.
- Tap into resources like Angel investors, Etrade, Wealth Trade, and ETF if you have an interest in investing.
- Be authentic, give more than you get and peace of mind. Are all essential for growing your business and making good connections.
Branding & Marketing Strategies
- Be a fan of your brand - make it experiential, tailored to the sense - tactics include: verbal, non-verbal, written, social + digital, networking and media presence.
- Press Releases, media toolkits, founder and company stories are useful practices to keep propelling your businesses!
- Skai Blue Media a Philadelphia based media & marketing business can help you launch your platform or grow your press coverage and provide consistent messaging for your business!
Ok, so. A lot to unpack here. But I hope you find some of these gems useful. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. But your journey is your journey, sometimes sharing your story is enough to help someone out. I'll definitely be tapping into prosperous events - (pun intended) like this again. If you know of some please share! Beat me there or meet me there, I hope to see you bloom.
Wishing you the best in lessons & life,
RWD!