CEO & Founder Criya – Empowering women to turn their side business into a thriving business.
In a world where the scales are largely tipped against women in business, eg. less than 2.3% moving from venture capital funding to female-led startups, collaboration is the only way to break the ceiling. And this applies not only to venture capital-funded startups, but also to getting ahead as a business owner – from launches; building strategic partnerships, mentorships and connections with people of influence; and opportunities to grow and forge your own influence as an entrepreneur.
Being a founder is a lot about developing a female founder mentality, which I talk about a lot on Criya’s blog. This comes with time, experience and being surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs who have experienced what you have and made their way over the hurdles. I have summarized a 5 step approach for: female founders to build their brand reputation and expand their referral network.
1. Online Networking: Not everyone is thrilled when they hear they have to attend another networking event. Especially since Covid, there are few in-person events and the number of virtual zoom-based events has taken over Eventbrite significantly. This is a happy shift for those who understand the value of networking. People are much more open to encounters, setting up 1:1 sessions and building relationships because the threshold to attend is lower. Once you build a real connection, you think of them whether you met them online or in person.
2. Conferences: While online events can take you to events across the country via Zoom, nothing beats an in-person trade show or conference. The smaller the conference, I noticed, the more powerful the connection. With fewer distractions, fixed agendas and conference tracks, you can mingle with those who are on a similar journey to you and learn to develop the relationship through Zoom after the event.
3. Local Branches: Register with local small business chapters, such as the Chamber of Commerce. Not only are you invited to resources and events related to your business, but these forums are built for serious referrals. Those who attend these events attend with the same intention as you, and the opportunity to expand your network with like-minded entrepreneurs is significantly more powerful when you become a locally known figure through these forums.
4. Collaborate with Influencers: Much of what we see large companies doing today is leveraging influencers’ influence on social media. It is not only to boost sales, but also to build brand awareness. Likewise, I would encourage you to reach out to influencers in your space and build a relationship with them. If you can provide them with value through your service, they will be willing to be your advocate and automatically send referrals to your side.
5. Build a System: Everything in a company works well when it’s built into a system. Outside sources can play a huge role in not only setting up founders with their own services and back office tools, but also providing a lead and contact management system so that you can stay on top of everyone you’ve come into contact with. worked or those who discovered you and sought out your services. These are your strongest allies, and it’s critical to have a clear way of knowing who they are, how you’ve engaged them, and how you can continue to add value to them.
Bonus: End any conversation with a warm invitation to be a part of your phenomenal journey.
Many of us hesitate because we don’t know where to start – and a lot of it is about the right tools and processes, but more often than not the right mindset. Don’t be discouraged by these stats I’ve shared. For women everywhere, we have all the skills, resources and mindset to change the story for entrepreneurs around the world.
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Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.