Starting your business can be exciting. Meeting new and interesting people, setting your hours, and being in control of realistic targets and deadlines. But most of all, it means doing something you are passionate about that brings you joy.
What’s not so exciting? Wearing all the hats in the business! Business planning, accounting, marketing, you name it — you’ve got to do it. Because of this, you have to be everywhere at once, 24/7. It’s hard work, and it is isolating, with no water cooler gossip and office camaraderie to break up the work day.
And no, the cat does not count!
So, as a new business owner, making connections and networking is even more vital for your business growth, social skills, and mental health. It has to be an integral part of your business plan and marketing strategy.
1230 The Women’s Company and podcast
Becoming a member of 1230 The Women’s Company was thus a no-brainer for me. Jackie Groundsell, the co-founder of 1230TWC, is a consummate host and a natural people person. It’s no wonder she is affectionately known as the ‘connection queen’. The meetings are informal, and a great place for businesswomen to make connections, and share the triumphs and the pitfalls in a safe space.
Jackie runs a weekly Podcast, which I was excited to be invited to as a guest.
The 1230 Business Beat Podcast is broadcast live from love da beat radio in Penge, South East London. It airs every Monday between 2pm and 4pm GMT. The podcast focuses on introducing entrepreneurial businesswomen, giving them a platform to share their career journeys, valuable insights, and tips.
Listen to the episode here where I talk about storytelling and writing family biographies:
While discussing how my career transitioned, from architecture to copywriter and biographer, I felt lucky to share the airwaves with the lovely Denise Meade-Hill. Denise is a Career Coach with loads of experience as a Learning & Development Consultant and coaches many people on their career journeys. ‘We should all have a plan’, she says while referencing her book ‘Career Planner…take your next steps with Confidence’
There is something cathartic about talking on air. It feels intimate, with only your host, and her guests. Throw in a few fabulous tunes and it turns into a wonderful conversation with new friends in a cosy space.
And like any new experience, there are learning curves.
What is my top tip following this talk? ( FYI, this applies to your career journey too)
Never be afraid to get it wrong
Mistakes are the best tools to help you become better and improve yourself and your craft. With my first time on air, I would inevitably make a few. So I am going to highlight some key takeaways from this session.
- Speak louder and clearer — because being understood is vital.
- Less of the Umming and Ahhing! — Firstly, it sounds hesitant and secondly, it breaks up the flow of conversation.
- Talk directly into the ‘side’ of the mic — because that is what you do!
- Be ready to improvise — Swerve and weave. And if you’re thrown in the deep end…swim! During the podcast, we were asked to announce a few events, and it helped to loosen up and brake the ice.
- And by all means…Do NOT get distracted by anything else — for example, a persistent squeaky chair! Ignore it, and stay in the moment.
Preparation is key
Think about your story or message. Write it down. Include both the positives and the negatives, but always finish with the benefits. Summarise it with bullet points and likewise, use flashcards if that works for you. It will make it easier to improvise on the spot. You are LIVE, after all, so keep the conversation flowing. This will help to make better connections.
It is inspiring to meet these wonderful women entrepreneurs at these networking events. Their invaluable insight and advice have not only helped me navigate my journey of running my business, they have also given me the confidence and courage to feel the joy of learning and experiencing something new every day.