Tori and I attended the Women’s Empowerment Expo where they had tons of vendors who were woman owned businesses, panelists focused on female entrepreneurship, and resources for female empowerment in business. So we were thinking about how important and impactful it is to build a supportive network as an entrepreneur, especially as a female of color, because sometimes entrepreneurship can feel lonely and scary if you are doing it all on your own. So today, we will cover why it’s important to build a supportive network, especially for female entrepreneurs of color, how you find it or build it, and how to ensure you set yourself up for a successful day of networking.
Why is finding a supportive system important?
Overcoming Unique Challenges: Female entrepreneurs of color often face unique challenges resulting from the intersection of their gender and racial identities. These challenges can include stereotypes, biases, and systemic barriers. A strong support system can provide the understanding and empathy necessary to help navigate these hurdles. Women’s powerful stories
Mentorship and Guidance: Having mentors who have overcome similar challenges can provide invaluable insights and guidance. Mentorship helps female entrepreneurs of color gain perspective, learn from others' experiences, and receive advice on decision-making.
Skill Enhancement: Support systems often provide access to workshops, training programs, and skill-building activities. These opportunities can enhance entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, and leadership abilities, contributing to long-term success.
Collaboration and Collective Growth: Collaborating with peers within the support system can lead to collective growth. By sharing experiences, lessons, and resources, entrepreneurs can collectively work towards dismantling barriers and creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Representation and Role Models: A strong support system introduces female entrepreneurs of color to others who have succeeded in similar ventures. This representation offers role models to look up to, fostering a sense of possibility and inspiring them to set ambitious goals.
How can you find it, if you don’t have one yet?
Eventbrite has been the resource that I've used to find networking events! You can filter by location, by networking goal, etc.
How do you show up?
So I know you might be thinking, so you want me to start going to networking events even though I have to be everywhere all at once to run this business in addition to trying to have a life??
I know attending networking events can seem energy sucking, but there are things that you can do to reframe the way you’re seeing these events so that they are energy giving.
Make sure you get good sleep, make sure you are nourished, make sure you give yourself adequate time to drive to get to your event so you’re not rushing. There are some things you can do to set yourself up for success to thrive at these events.
If you are living into your why and picturing your client after providing the service you do, gathering the time and energy to get yourself to these events to meet people should ADD to your cup rather than drain from your cup.
Also, I’m an ambiavert, somewhere in the middle between introvert and extrovert and I can say that these events do both drain me AND give me life at the same time. But we can do hard things!
Also, go with a friend or a business partner!
Ways to prepare for a networking event:
- Set a clear goal - what do you intend to give and what do you intend to receive.
- Elevator pitch - effectively communicating your business and your unique value proposition to your target market.
- Practice Active listening - be curious about others’ stories. Lead with empathy & seek organic connection. Be interested, not interesting.
- Follow Up: After the event, send personalized follow-up emails to the individuals you connected with. Mention something specific from your conversation to jog their memory.
- Stay Engaged: Stay engaged with your new connections by interacting on social media, attending follow-up events, or collaborating on projects.
Financial Tip:
Create a networking budget and stick to it!
Some of these events are free and some of them cost money.
Find the free ones to stick within your budget and commit to the ones that cost a bit more money if you really want to go!
Some of our favorite events have been:
- $15 for Female Founders Night at Benny Boy Brewing, which gets you a ticket to the event, plus a cider or a beer.
- $45 for The Women's Empowerment Expo, which gets you admission to the event.
- FREE Marketing Workshop & Networking by HerBrand&Co
Get out there and begin to build your network, or make it even stronger than it already is!