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I had just read Terri Lonier’s brilliantly precise methodology for connecting colleagues and friends online in her weekly newsletter and wanted to share it with my readers. Then, I received the following email and thought, “Another great example of how social media is working!” [My editorial thoughts are inserted throughout.]
Good Morning Jane,
Your blog [I'm already feeling flattered] came to my attention through a Google Alert [If you don't already use these, here's the perfect example of how to]. Besides the jewelry connection, which I’ll explain in a moment, your blog resonated with me because of your mission and vision boards. [I had written that Oprah was in my jewelry box, but the word 'resonated' kept me reading. I'm a sucker for flattery.] I wrote a presentation…discussing the power of vision boards.
Back to the jewelry…I am a statement jewelry designer and etailer whose mission is to help women to define themselves by cohesively bonding their internal and external selves. [She's got me now! I love someone who can so clearly define her mission.] Although jewelry might not be an obvious path to this journey, identifying your style and asking yourself “who you are” really digs deep. At any rate, my site offer exclusive tools to help women make the best selections, shop smartly and give back to others. When you have a moment, please peruse www.stylefoliojewelry.com for more information. [I did. It's fabulous!]
Please understand that the intent of my email is to connect. Perhaps being on each others radar can lead to expanding our positive and proactive contributions [here's the WIIFM] for all the things we desire to manifest individually and collectively.
Regards,
Yvette Craddock – Founder + Style Director – www.stylefoliojewelry.com
Yvette and I have been in touch back and forth several times now, joined each others networks and communicated via email. I definitely feel connected. Last week I’d never heard of her, and now we’re promoting each other based on our mutual missions.
Finally, late last week my friend Leigh called to ask if I would introduce her to one of my colleagues who might help her make some valuable connections in the world of academia. It feels like I was just taught by two masters so that I could pass it on. I hope you will as well.
Thirty-five women filled Artifact Design Gallery Wednesday night–my 3rd Remarkable Women Networking event. The place was abuzz with the energy and enthusiasm of these amazing women. Photo – Owner Elizabeth Clark (right) above with ASID-CT Past President and remarkable woman Terry Scarborough both in attendance.
The recipe for success is simple and straightforward.
- I open the event to my database
- Find a woman-owned business location
- Provide light food and beverages
- Keep a tightly focused agenda for strategic networking.
Each person has the opportunity to introduce herself to the group as a whole. We then break up into smaller groups for ’speed networking.’ After each of the women in those groups has had her time to share and get feedback, we rotate groups. By the end of the night, every attendee has interacted on a personal level with at least six other women.
I came home that night thoroughly exhausted. I was so tired that I canceled plans for an early morning beach walk thinking I’d never get up. Without the aid of my alarm clock, I naturally woke up before 5AM and was filled with excitement and energy.
Paradoxically, the more energy I use doing what I love, the more energy is restored to me. Help me out on who said this (I’m thinking Maya Angelou, but couldn’t find the quote on google)–I want God to use me up. I am so clear that my purpose here on earth is to empower women, particularly women who are following their passions. I am serving that cause with every fiber of my being. While I may get tired (standing on line at Stew Leonard’s to pick up the catering order and schlepping bottles of Pellegrino from my car to Artifact), I am fully restored by the rewards of this work.
When Meredith signed up for my Transformations through Transitions group this spring her goal was to bring her breast cancer story to the public’s attention.
She talked about creating an advisory board–more like a support posse–which stimulated Meredith’s drive to get help and share the journey. But the bigger challenge, the one she really wanted to be held accountable for, was to create a trailer for the documentary she’s having filmed throughout her experience.
Since I teach people how to set realistic goals, Meredith knew she was stretching the limits considering that she was still showing up at commercial photography shoots to do her styling work, plus continuing with her chemo treatments which are a job in themselves. Was it really realistic to also edit down the hours and hours of video footage to create this marketing tool?
Meredith walked into our session last Thursday on fire. She had the trailer completed! She showed it to our group. Watch it! It’s amazing! Not only that, Meredith has speaking engagements lined up, too, and networking events where she can meet others interested in publicizing this disease.
In addition, Meredith is putting out requests for others help and support. I offered to assist her in that endeavor. Here’s what you can do:
- Meredith will be speaking at a Relay for Life in Westport, CT on Friday, June 26.
- Watch the trailer. Click any of the highlighted trailer links in this post.
- Pass the trailer onto any and all interested parties.
- Send your healing prayers and thoughts to Meredith on June 18 when she will be undergoing her final chemo treatment. For three days after she experiences such toxicity in her body that she is only able to lie in the fetal position, closely watched by her favorite animals, and allows time to pass.
My daughter and I went to J. Crew a few weeks back where an old acquaintance recognized me and said hello. I couldn’t identify her at first–that’s how long it’s been–but as soon as she re-introduced herself I had an immediate internal feeling that was a tad queasy. Here comes that trust-your-gut advice again…
She is one of those super-friendly people who shows incredible interest in you and is ultra-gracious. You know the kind. They make you feel like you walk on water and you just want to be around their worshiping words. This woman asked all about what I was doing. When I told her, she was so impressed she immediately offered to have her husband contact me. “You’d be perfect to speak to his university classes. It’s so hard for him to find great women entrepreneurs to talk to his students! And,” she said, “I need a coach and would love to work with you. Do you have a card?”
As my wise and wonderful daughter and I walked back to the parking lot she turned to me and said, “You’ll never hear from her.” Of course, she was right. That was a month ago. The old queasy feeling I had was based on past experience with this same woman. I remembered that a couple of decades ago this ‘friend’ filled my calendar with lunch dates and other tempting plans, then canceled each one as they came up. She taught me to not trust her word.
It’s taken me a long time in business to sort through the false gods promising a quick buck or instant success. In the midst of writing this entry I had an email exchange with a long-time client who has been on hiatus for a few months. Within an hour we worked out how she would move forward in the fall, what dates she wanted and a payment plan. No empty promises or false hopes. I’ll fill my buckets with the less flashy and more dependable sources I’ve been cultivating, not the ones whose words and actions don’t match.
The New England Women Business Owners (NEWBO) honored me this week with its Woman of Distinction Award. I received the call from Gretje Ferguson–a member of the nominating committee– back in the dark, cold days of February. It wasn’t something I’d applied for or even known about. It was a gift from the Universe and lit up the rest of my New England winter. “You’re a voice for entrepreneurial women,” Gretje said when she told me why I’d been chosen.
As soon as I figure out how to download the video from my Lumix digital camera I’ll make a youtube clip and post it. Meanwhile, here’s my acceptance speech:
“I want to share my very first reaction when Gretje called me to describe this award and my selection. After hanging up the phone I took a really deep breath in and thought, ‘Ah, recognition for all I’ve done. What great publicity this will generate! I bet I can raise my fees.’
And then I exhaled…
and thought, ‘What will I wear? What if no one shows up? Who did they ask before me?!’
And that pretty much typifies the life of a woman business owner, right? Those ecstatic highs and dramatics lows–all in the same breath?
At my first meeting of women entrepreneurs, like this, I had on a name tag that read: An Egg by Jane. I was in my late 30’s, had school age kids and a home-based business that was about 10 years old. I didn’t know there was anyone else out there running her own entrepreneurial enterprise. I was completely isolated and thought I’d struck gold when I attended that first luncheon filled with so many other women like me.
You asked me questions like, ‘What IS an Egg by Jane?’ You wanted to see my stuff, hear what I offered. And, oh God, you asked me for my marketing materials! You gave me the opportunity to repeat over and over again what I did so that I could get clarity myself. I listened to you, watched what you did and learned from that.
I got to re-invent myself in the shelter of other women business owners as I went from egg decorator to author to textile designer (that lasted about 10 minutes) to professional speaker and coach, each time trying out my new 30-second commercial and offerings in front of you.
Where else can you go where your primary identity is woman business owner? Not the local PTA, not your sports club or fitness center, not your extended family, and not, unfortunately, the Chamber of Commerce or Rotary which are still predominantly male.
What’s so special about NEWBO is that here is where you can let your hair down and find others like you. You can brag about closing a deal–and you get it. You can cry about losing a deal–and you get it. You can laugh about not being LinkedIn to 1000 other people–and you get it. And you can ask for help…and get it.
I was so thrilled the first time I was asked to speak at a NEWBO meeting. I’ve loved being connected to you and receiving your feedback all these years. Your support and appreciation have kept me fueled to continue carrying my message.
In rooms like this I met a woman who taught me the skills of time management and goal-setting. I’ve since kept daily, monthly and annual goals and also a ‘bucket-type’ list of 100 things I’d love to accomplish.
In preparation for this talk I pulled out the list which resides in my December tickler file and read through it. Something I’ve wanted for many years (#76) is to attend the Oscars. Well, actually, I wanted to win one, but knew that wasn’t realistic. I mean, who wouldn’t want to win an Oscar? Get all dressed up? Meet Meryl Streep (#60 on my list) and be recognized by your peers.
I’m going to check that one off when I get home, because this is even better. YOU are my Academy. We get each other. And your recognition means everything to me. For that, I thank you.
Malene Barnett raved about the PR person who recently helped her define the right market niche and figure out which media to pursue. Malene was so excited and motivated that I wanted to discover more about this wondrous resource. She provided me with an email address, and I promptly wrote to Susan Harkavy who responded, “Yes, let’s meet.”
I love it when I reach out to someone, the mutuality of interests is clear and the response is positive and inviting. That is not always the case, so it’s sweet when it happens. Susan and I made a date to get together when I was next in Manhattan. That was last Friday.
It was instant rapport. Susan’s niche market is designers, something we share, although my coaching is not exclusive to that industry. Our businesses both grew up during the crafts renaissance of the late 70’s and 80’s. Susan had a Denyse Schmidt quilt adorning one wall of her office. Denyse has been a friend, colleague and client of mine for many years.
Susan promotes herself through her Guerilla Dispatches which are chock full of practical advice like these bullets from her Take Action edition:
- Choose parties on purpose.
- When you go, have a mission.
- The best way to start a conversation is with a big smile and direct eye contact.
- An almost surefire trick for sparking a conversation is to wear or carry something intriguing.
What we both left with at the end of our meeting was a sense of inspiration, a list of follow-up connections to make and a commitment to stay in touch.
Since last Monday I have gathered with twelve different groups, five of which I created. I call this walking my talk because I believe it’s vitally important to spend more time than ever in the midst of positive people. The group pictured above was taken Monday night at an Artsy Girls event. These are all women who have been nationally recognized for their creativity. Our hostess was Liz Ball who makes entertaining 30 women look easy.
In addition to this Artsy Girls dinner party I began two different sections of my new offering: Transformation through Transition. They were both exciting and energizing for me and the participants.
Last Thursday a group of 30 women gathered for a special networking program. I heard today from one of the attendees that she already has two follow-up appointments with people she met there that night. I love that!
Although these all take a lot of time and effort on my part, I come away feeling totally energized and satisfied. I hope I’m convincing you to create a gathering or two. It’s good for you and for your business.
I’m also curious to know what other kinds of offerings you’d like to see. One of my favorite clients (and friends) put in a request for a Mastermind Group for business partners to attend together. I love the idea. What would you like to see? Or, is there a better time or day for you to attend?
I held my first ever paid networking event last Thursday night, which was graciously hosted by Jill Jaysen of Center Stage Theatre Company in Westport. We were at capacity - 30 women business owners attending.
I have an exceptional database of entrepreneurial women to offer this to and who recognize the value of increasing their spheres of influence. What I provided was the recipe for success — an opportunity for them to have that access in a highly structured way.
What I find missing and frustrating about a lot of networking events is that although the people you want to meet may be in attendance, you aren’t able to get ‘face time’ in the brief two-hour period. At my program, each woman introduced herself to the group in a 45-second commercial so all could put a name and company to a face and voice. Everyone had the chance to identify each other and several occasions to interact. Then we broke up into small groups for more in-depth talk.
Here’s the exact recipe I used:
Ingredients:
- 30 women entrepreneurs
- a location that allows for seating 30 in a circle
- space to break into smaller groups
- light snacks and beverages
Method
- 30 minutes of an ice-breaking activity (networking bingo)
- 30 minutes of self-introductions
- 2 30-minute sessions of small group sharing — challenges/feedback
Jane’s Special Sauce: A database of remarkable women, a desire to share that resource plus a count-down timer and a velvet-gloved iron hand.
I walked the EWN Expo Monday night and felt the supercharged energy of the room as I strolled from vendor to vendor. The hotel meeting area was populated by women I’ve known, coached and socialized with, but this night was different. Here they were with their businesses on display and it was stunningly vibrant.
Pictured above is Catherine Avery who heard my 21 Results Driven Strategies talk for ASID (aka Things I’d Wished I’d Known When I Started My Business) last spring and subsequently enrolled in my Mastermind Group. There she stood with her freshly minted portfolio, website and marketing materials showing her design work off to its best advantage. Catherine is the perfect blend of talent, motivation and action. She looked beautiful that night, professional and calm.
I know the days and weeks it takes to create the pulled-together look Catherine presented. It’s getting the photographer lined up only after you’ve already created the breath-taking room design down to the last detail of perfection. It’s coming up with the budget, scheduling around your client’s hectic life to come in and disrupt their serenity for a day to create your marketing materials. Not to mention lining up Grandma and Grandpa to watch your 4-year old while you run out to buy the final tassel for the drawer pull. (Substitute your own punch list and you get the picture.)
All of that! Then, on Monday night, Catherine was the total pro, relaxed and eager to share her business expertise. So were all of the other magnificent women who had their work on display. Something happens when you visibly quantify your expertise for the world to see. The business owner gets transformed in the process and it’s magical.
I accidentally attended five different networking events last week. I say accidentally because they weren’t all labeled as such. Monday night was a birthday dinner for a friend and client. I met eight women I hadn’t known before. Friday night’s event was for the purpose of networking yet began with an hour of yoga which made it feel warmer and friendlier than just shaking hands. I put out my books, met many other women business owners and shared good food. Sunday afternoon I attended the opening of an art exhibit curated by another good friend and client. I bumped into several colleagues whom I hadn’t seen in months, years and even a decade.
The other two were purely networking events located at commercial venues. They didn’t work as well for me personally. After all these years in business, I’m still discovering what works and what doesn’t. The best place for me to check in with that is my heart. How do I feel? What’s the vibe? Are these my people? Is the atmosphere conducive to the conversations I want to have?
My commitment to myself and my business is to attend three networking events per month. I intentionally check my calendar to see if I’m accomplishing that. Then there’s the unintentional networking which happened at the birthday dinner and art gallery. Any time you show up in public, you’re networking. In fact, my thesis is that whenever you’re not home alone, you’re networking.
Bottom line–be who you are wherever you go and bring business cards.
