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3 Surprising Benefits of Networking

3 Surprising Benefits of Networking

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Written by Avery Thatcher

There are many different ways you can grow your business, but nothing quite compares to the power of networking. 

That being said, I’m really not a fan of transactional networking. I don’t enjoy feeling like I’m pushing my services onto people who are just looking for their ideal client so they can do the same for them. Networking can be so much more than registering for a meet up group and trying to find your ideal client in the room so you can sell to them.

This is where referral marketing changes the game.

With referral-based marketing, the networking events are geared towards connecting you with referral and momentum partners which leverage word-of-mouth marketing because, as my friend Scott King says all the time “relationships reduce risk”.  

Here’s how it works:If you were looking for a new yoga studio and a friend of yours recommended one that they go to and love – you wouldn’t think twice about it before registering for a class at that studio to try it out. So you see, networking, when it’s not about selling to the people in the room (virtual or otherwise) actually creates a lot of opportunity for this powerful word-of-mouth referral style of marketing. 

However, there are many benefits to networking beyond “just” growing your business.

Networking reduces isolation

 

Life as an entrepreneur can be very lonely and isolating especially when you don’t have friends or family members that are on the same small business path. This is especially true for solopreneurs, which is how many of us start out.

You don’t always have access to someone you can ask that tech question to about why your WordPress website just isn’t doing what you want it to do. Or how to set up email automations in your CRM tool. Or to figure out the ever changing Instagram algorithm to break through the noise and connect with your ideal client.

Growing your network gives you access to an abundant knowledge base as everyone operates within their zone of genius. The give-more-than-you-get mentality starts to work almost immediately, and then you will be top-of-mind and be seen as a go-to resource and recommendation for your network. Win-win.

Another way that networking reduces isolation is that it brings you and other likeminded people together on a regular basis to catch up, connect, have fun, learn and cheer each other on. There’s nothing quite like a Zoom Room celebrating your achievements with you!

Networking heals the stress damage at the DNA level

 

Entrepreneurs self-report the highest levels of stress amongst all working groups. There are a number of reasons for this, such as the emotional investment we all have in our businesses, the financial investments we may have made, and this deep desire to prove to ourselves that we can make a living doing what we love.

This increased stress, along with the typical modern day stressors that we experience, can cause damage to our body over time. In fact, this is the top reason why I started building my business in the first place. As a former ICU Registered Nurse, while I was working in the ICU I noticed that the majority of the reasons that adults found themselves in the ICU were because of illnesses and diseases that could be linked to chronic stress. 

The pace at which we push ourselves, especially in the first few years of growing our business, is a recipe for burnout and for the chronic stress to take a toll on our health.

The solution? 

Connecting with people who understand what you’re going through.

There was a study done with a group of mothers of children with special needs (which comes with it’s own unique set of stressors) and they brought the group together to talk, connect, and just feel less isolated in their experiences raising their special needs children. There was no program, no facilitated discussion, just a group of women talking about what was happening in their day-to-day life.

What the study revealed was truly profound, but in order for me to blow your mind with what it discovered, I have to give you a little science lesson first.

Our DNA strands are wound up in little helixes and each strand of healthy DNA has a little hat on each end called a telomere. At the beginning of the study, they looked at the DNA of the participants and noticed that the telomeres on some of the DNA strands had worn down or worn off completely, leaving the DNA strand unravelled and which puts us at risk for certain diseases like cancer.

After 8 weeks of the participants meeting with one another, the researchers looked at the DNA again and saw that the DNA and healed itself! It had wound back up and the telomeres (the little hats) had reformed.

Fascinating right?

Just by talking with a group of people who understand us and know what we’re going through and what our goals are, our body can heal itself from some of the damage chronic stress can cause.

Need one more reason to sign up for a networking event? I’ve got you covered.

 

Networking creates opportunities for collaboration

 

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “collaboration over competition” and “there’s enough clients for everyone” and nothing makes that more clear than with networking. Through networking, I have created many opportunities to grow my podcast referral network where I recommend new podcast guests for the podcasts I am interviewed on, and my podcast referral network does the same. I met my summit co-organizer through a networking event, have referred people to book authoring collaboration opportunities that are in alignment for their business, booked speaking engagements and so much more.

The key is to find the right referral partners so that your collaboration opportunities really benefit both of you.

Take a moment to think of your ideal client.

Now think about who else they might be working with besides you. Those people that they’d be working with? Those are your ideal referral partners.

Here’s what I mean:

A legal firm that helps entrepreneurs set up their LLC would have great referral partners in accountants, business coaches, and marketing agencies. None of these other businesses are in direct competition with that legal firm, but they all service similar clients.

For my business teaching stress management strategies, burnout recovery and prevention, and habit optimization to high-achievers, my ideal client also works with therapists, dieticians, business coaches, leadership coaches, and HR directors looking to create corporate wellness programs for their staff.

See how it works? 

Who else would your ideal client be working with, speaking with, or connecting with? 

Once you have those people identified, absolutely you can refer clients to each other, but it also opens up the opportunities to work together.

So you see, networking can be so much more powerful than just looking for ways to sell to the people in the room. As an introvert myself, I can tell you that there is no reason why you can’t make the most out of your networking opportunities. Anyone and everyone can benefit from growing and nurtuing their network – so when are you going to get started?

Find Avery here:

Find Avery here:

Website |  Instagram

Bio:

Avery Thatcher is the CEO and founder of the Inner Stillness Outer Chaos Podcast and the Flow State Membership. When she started her career as a Registered Nurse working in the ICU she noticed that the majority of the reasons people found themselves in the ICU were because of illnesses and diseases that could be linked to chronic stress. She decided to get out of the reactive side of medicine and now helps highly sensitive high achievers prevent burnout and reverse the negative health effects of stress.

After experiencing a significant change of health in 2018, Avery had to learn to redefine her identity and grieve the loss of who she used to be. Now she shares her story openly to help others realize that they are not alone in their struggles, and talks about the strategies that helped her heal along the way.

We Value Collaboration

We Value Collaboration

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We know being an entrepreneur is no joke. It’s a full-time job and then some, but we’re here to empower you out with the best tools, information and network, so that you can feel confident as you move forward and grow. A big part of that support springs from our core values, and you’ll hear us talk about them ALL the time.

We recently shared a bit of an overview – a brief introduction if you will – to our five main core values, but we want to dive into each of them a little further. Today we want to talk about collaboration.

There are so many ways to collaborate as an entrepreneur in this day and age – clubhouse, facebook, instagram, podcasts, blog swaps, influencer marketing, co-launching products and courses, and the list goes on and on!

Here at the LBI Backstage pass we believe that there is more to collaboration that just opportunities to join forces with others. When we took the time to get specific and intentional with what collaboration looks like inside of the LBI Backstage Pass, we came up with our own definition.

Inside the LBI Backstage Pass Collaboration is…

Expansive – pushing past out comfort zones, even when it’s a little scary. Builds connections. Creates a contagious energy and synergy that inspires and transforms. Momentum that becomes unstoppable.

Inclusive – We want a community/space/platform that includes all humans that are down for the feminine glow up. Collaboration includes accessibility, open programing, translates and welcomes globally. We are open to modalities and ideas.

A Variety of Perspectives – We want this aspect of collaboration to show up in how we create and run our community – you’re included and your voice/opinion matters! So we poll the audience, do market research, plan with intention and put the CO in community. This space allows people to be and feel seen and empowered.

Evolving – The collaborative community we aspire to create is a work in progress. Supports varying perspectives, doesn’t shy away from the opportunity to change and leans into exploring all opinions – even when we may not disagree. We’re ever changing and so is our opportunity to collaborate.

Community Driven – What we’re building is about more than just one person. We want to share our power collectively, as a community. And we definitely want to create “buzz” and excitement through community driven initiatives and ideas, with open hands and open hearts.

Ultra-Feminine – We are all about saying goodbye to the patriarchy and amplifying the feminine glow up! Looking at things with our unique view – soft, kind, supportive, divine and inviting.

Empowering – In the space we’re creating we believe in passing the mic, making room for all, sharing the stage, encouraging diverse opinions and and prioritizing diversity.

Inspiring – Our community is designed and being built to make sure that everyone feels seen, can feel and experience the change we’re making in the world, and that we embody hope. We’re leading by example.

This is just a small peek into our core value of collaboration and how we see our community being built on this piece of our foundation!

Collaboration, as it’s typically defined, is simply working together with others to achieve a common goal. But that definition isn’t nearly enough for the challenges we face today or the mission that the LBI Backstage Pass is on. We need more than just collaboration–we need community, and all that it entails, too.

So how do you collaborate? What does collaboration in action look like to you? Share your thoughts below!

Practical Ways to Connect with Other Women in Business: Resources and Communities for Solopreneurs

Practical Ways to Connect with Other Women in Business: Resources and Communities for Solopreneurs

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There are a lot of women in business these days, and many of us work from home. It can be easy to feel isolated or alone when you’re self-employed, but that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact that’s one of the main reasons Ladyboss International and the LBI Backstage Pass were created! So that solopreneurs, ladybosses, and women business owners don’t have to feel so secluded!

Today we want to talk about the diverse options for resources and communities available to help you succeed, specifically when it comes to connecting with other women in business. Whether you need advice or just want to feel connected to others who understand your challenges, these resources will help!

How to Connect with Other Woman in Business:

Some of these ideas won’t be new, or surprising, but they are worth mentioning as we have this discussion about building connections –

The first step is to find your community. There are women in business groups and communities for every industry, size, and type of business out there. You can find them online or offline, big or small. Obviously we recommend the LBI Backstage Pass – this is our inclusive and diverse community that is all about collaborating, elevating and inspiring other women!

We’ve seen so many amazing partnerships, friendships and collaborations happening because of our community platform and we’d love for you to join!

And of course there are so many other amazing, like-minded communities you can be a part of! (Feel free to mention your favorites in the comments below!)

Attend events! There are women in business conferences and events happening all the time. This is a great way to network and connect with other women who might be able to help you in your business journey.

We often host virtual AND in-person events as a part of the LBI Backstage Pass, these are open to anyone to attend! You can also find other, local events on sites like meetup.com or your local business associations.

Get involved with social media. There are tons of active women in business Facebook groups, Twitter chats, and LinkedIn groups where you can engage with others on a daily basis. There are even whats app groups and slack channels you can be added to for support and encouragement, you’ve just got to look around for them!

Look for mentorships and coaching opportunities. These relationships can be invaluable when it comes to advice, guidance, and support in business. You can find women in business mentors in your personal and professional networks, or you can seek out programs specifically for mentorship. We’ve got some very talented coaches inside the Backstage Pass and they love to support and connect with ladybosses that need their wisdom!

Many times women in business are more than willing to help other women succeed – so don’t be afraid to ask!

Online networking calls: Something that’s become more and more popular over the last few months is online networking events! Typically they take place via zoom, and you get to “e-meet” these talented and passionate women in business. You’ll find these opportunities happening inside of the LBI Backstage Pass, as well as other women run communities and groups.

These virtual meetings are a great way to get comfortable on camera, talking about your business, and making connections that could lead to great relationships for your business!

Don’t forget that you are never alone in your business journey! There are women in business all around the world, just like you, seeking out advice and guidance. These tips will help you get started on finding your community and connecting with other women who can help support you on your path to success!

Do you have any favorite resources or communities for women in business? We’d love to hear about them below!

And if you’re not already a part of our LBI Backstage Pass community, we would love to have you join us! You can learn more and sign up here. See you inside!

How to Go From Frazzled to Freedom

How to Go From Frazzled to Freedom

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Article written by Kylie Clark

Do you feel like you are constantly teetering between the role of CEO and Employee in your business?

I can feel your head shake from here.

As entrepreneurs we are very passionate about our business. We have broken the mindset of the 9-5 mentality and found a better way!

We have created the thing that we are passionate about, I mean, do we even call it work!?

And then comes the things we aren’t so passionate about.

The must haves that come with owning a business that you REALLY don’t want to do but seem to pop up on the daily.

Those are the ones that you hire out for first!

It has been engrained in us women as children that delegating is a cop out. We are supposed to take on all the new while keeping up with the old while standing on our heads and doing it all with a smile.

How many times have we had conversations specifically about being overwhelmed, over-tired, burned out, READY TO BURN IT ALL DOWN!!

All because we feel like we are failing if we delegate the things that drain us. We wear our overpacked, over-demanding, never-ending to-dos and schedules like a badge of honor. Until we can’t, until we wake the heck up and realize that we are doing it all wrong. This is not how we pictured our life or our business. Matter of fact, we literally started our business with visions of some R&R, some girl time, vacations, more time with our family.

So, what do we do? We hire a team and take a deep breath and wait for all that extra time and money to make its arrival! That’s how it works right? We see it on social media all the time! It works for everyone else… why not you?

But now you find yourself even more overwhelmed. You have people waiting for you to give them direction, you are answering questions from multiple people.

How do you want these tasks completed?

When do you want them completed?

Can you help me with XYZ?

And the list goes on and on.

What do we do?

It’s fine, I’ll handle it! Before you know it, you are right back to doing the things you don’t want to do, and you have added Team Lead, Project Manager, and Fire (putter outer) < totally a word! To your job description.

This is usually where I make my grand entrance (Insert Applause here!).

Hey there!

My Name is Kylie Clark, I am a Certified Director of Operations and Founder of Frazzled to Freedom Consulting.

I have made it my life’s mission to drag successful women like yourself out of the everlasting loop of the CEO/Employee teetering and giving them the time and financial planning that you so desperately want.

I come from a long line of strong-minded women who have built very successful businesses and names for themselves.

Even watching the entrepreneurs and business owners in my family, I never once considered that I may join the club one day.

Until the night before I started my online business that is.

I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up…. Matter of fact, I avoided the question like the plague!

I never knew how to respond and would just rattle off something that I felt may appease the person asking. I have always been multi-passionate to an extent (runs in the family), my problem was being put in society’s box of “how” to perform that profession and “what” was expected when entering it.

I didn’t want to live on someone else’s schedule or get paid someone else’s opinion of what my skill and time was worth or to have to ask for a day off in my own dang life!

What I wanted was to be FREE.

I remember shortly after starting my online business I joined a networking event, and would you believe that “What did you want to be when you grew up?” was the Ice breaker question!?

My luck, right?

I panicked, the sweating started and of course we were picked at random which made the torment worse! Lol

My name was called… And I half shouted FREE!! I just wanted to be FREE!

Silence… complete SILENCE!!

Yep, that’s it… Business closed; I’m done.

And one of the ladies responded, I’m sorry. Did you say FREE?

Ummm… yes, I guess I did. (I’m just as surprised as you are!)

And everyone started responding with positive feedback. They had never heard my response before, which didn’t surprise me at all considering I hadn’t either!

Confidence slowly started creeping back in…

And, that my friends, is where I picked up and ran with Frazzled to Freedom!

I already offered business planning and strategy which I loved! But of course, there is always more that can be done!

So, I reached out to a biz bestie of mine (Shannon) and gave her the news of a new collaborative venture we were doing together! Lol I offer business strategy and planning and she offers financial planning. The same exact services that we have specialized in for years… just with a few added personal touches and perks that makes us just as happy to do as our clients are to receive them!

Frazzled to Freedom is for online service providers and coaches that are ready to move into that work less earn more lifestyle that we have daydreamed about for so long.

It starts with your vision, your goals, and what works for you and your business only! Cookie- cutter is not in our vocabulary. We create a plan around your life rather than try to fit “our” plan into your life.

We find solutions for your problems, break your ideas and goals into projects, we pull needs and options for future hires and then give you the step-by-step strategy and plan that gets you closer to your vision by giving you the clarity you need, the direction you lack, and the plan that’s going to get you there!

I’ll let Shannon give ya the deets on her financial plan process… but I can tell you that she actually takes a cringe worthy topic and turns it into something that makes you excited to talk about and dare I say, the future!

I have literally built my life around the vision that I had all those years ago working in the brick-and-mortar world- you know, the one I said I didn’t want to do?

It hits me almost daily while I take a break and lay in the pool, while I’m at a school event with my children, or while I spend the afternoons with my grandpa and dad. I once talked about this life every single day during lunch… or while staring out my office window. Back then it was a pipe dream.

Now it’s my reality!

And I’m not done yet! I’m bringing more women with me!

I’m a giver by nature. So, I can’t leave here without knowing you have some concrete value that you can take and implement (*cough*cough) have your team implement for you today that will make your life a little easier.

So here are a few small tweaks that can make a BIG Impact in your business and give you a little more FREEDOM in your business.

1. Make sure you have an SOP for everything. Update them often. And make sure that the SOP is up to your standards of service aka how you would do it yourself.

2. Make your project management tool (if you don’t have one, get one- you can thank me later) your central hub. This is where your business lives and where ALL communication should live. All client information, links, instructions/request, EVERYTHING should be here.

3. Get to know your team… Get your team to know each other… HAVE FUN, reward them, acknowledge the good they do for you! A team that feels valued and knows who they are working with is going to be just as excited for your goals as you are AND be more likely to come to you with any bottle necks or suggestions that can improve your business.

4. Remember tip 1 & 2? Do that x 100! OVER DOCUMENT everything. No task is too small. If your team member checked an email for a client- have them document that they checked an email for said client. It saves so much time for all involved.

Quick example of “how” it can save you time (a lotta panic).

Ex 1: You (or your Project Manager/Team Lead) are checking in on a team members progress on a clients task/project.

You get two versions

1. You see Notta… Zilch… Blank EMPTY page. (You panicked just reading that, didn’t you?) Just a lonely due date (which is close) and a client wanting an update. You reach out to your team member… dang! It’s outside their working hours and now you have to wait until tomorrow.

You either “do it yourself” or stress and get zero sleep until you get their response of… Oh, yes! It’s all done! Just haven’t hit complete in the PM tool yet!

And you say *JKH&ST%!$%^RYDGug* under your breath for wasting precious time.

And my personal favorite

2. You see a complete time stamped outline of each action taken to complete this task/project for this client. You see that everything is running like clockwork and the client is going to be ecstatic paying for your services again. You do not have to reach out to your team member because you see their last time stamped note of: Final walk through completed and task/project is now complete.

Did this hit a little too close to home? Do you have a lot of back-and-forth communication with your team daily to ask questions that could be answered with a simple timestamped update?

You think these are good? These aren’t even our main focus points in Frazzled to Freedom!

Just a couple of teeny tiny fixes to some major pain in the butt issues.

Let me know if any of these tips helped you in your business in the comments!

Find Kylie Here:

LinkedIn | Instagram
Facebook | Website

Hi! I’m Kylie. I am a Certified Director of Operations and Founder of Frazzled to Freedom. I help online service providers and coaches create the time and financial freedom they are looking for by being certified and licensed to deliver Strategic Mapping along with 15+ years experience in business strategy and planning. I help create the work less earn more lifestyle by giving the clarity you want, the direction you need, and the plan that tells you how you are going to get there. 

For Women in Business Collaboration is Not…

For Women in Business Collaboration is Not…

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We talked earlier this month about what collaboration is. We shared some great insights from some of the women in our community. This article is all about what collaboration is NOT and once again we called on our community for their views and opinions on what our theme for the month is not.

For Women in Business Collaboration is Not... [ image of 8 women in colorful professional wear]

I’ve always found it a useful practice to look at what something IS and then what it is NOT when I am trying to truly understand something that is broad or open to many interpretations. We share what collaboration IS earlier this month. This time we focus on all that it is NOT.

For women in business, collaboration is not…

From our community:

Shaina, the Business Mystic, started us off with “A one way street. A collaboration should be beneficial to both parties!”

Yes. Yes it should be! True collaboration is mutually beneficial and supportive to all participants.

Tiffany, the Body Love Alchemist, joined in with ” Collaboration is not a one-size fits all.”

There are so many ways to collaborate successfully. Assuming that there is a right or wrong way to collaborate, especially in the world we live in today.

Marisol from Sol Reflections added a couple of great points to the conversation: “Collaboration is NOT power struggles and competition. It’s not suppressing your genius. It is NOT passive.”

There is definitely a lot of truth to each of these points from Marisol. Collaboration is not about asserting dominance or control over someone or something else. If it becomes that, then it’s not true collaboration. It’s not about playing it safe and not contributing your brilliance and gifts.

Community member Abi added “If you and your audience don’t learn, it’s not collaboration”

This is so important! When collaborating, both parties should walk away with something new, whether that be new knowledge or a new connection.

It’s safe to say we have a great understanding of what collaboration is NOT, especially for women in business. If you’re curious to read about our view of what collaboration IS, I invite you to check out this blog post too 🙂

I’d love to hear from you about what collaboration is NOT to you! Drop us a comment below.

Servant Leadership: Using Your Business to Lead and Inspire Others

Servant Leadership: Using Your Business to Lead and Inspire Others

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Article Writen by Kelly Harris

What differentiates a good leader from a bad? 

Think about it. We can all clearly distinguish a good leader from a bad. Is it the demands a bad boss makes of our time that places him squarely in the bad leader category? Is it the unmet expectations or is it the promise of a raise and then the letdown of a good review versus a great review? What about a good leader? Is it their willingness to help others grow into leaders that makes them a good leader? Is it their willingness to listen? Perhaps it’s their ability to help you become the person that you want to be? My question to you is, What category do you fall into as a leader? 

Several months ago I was blessed to be in a leadership class that altered my perspective on leadership for the better. This class focused on servant leadership and has since become the foundation that I model within my own company. 

Principles of Servant Leadership:

“Servant-leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win. In that situation, they don’t work for you, you work for them.”

Ken Blanchard

Servant leadership is the idea that you flip the traditional leadership model on its head. For generations, leaders have been expected to provide guidance, direction and support to their staff, while keeping motivation high. The cornerstone of servant leadership is the emphasis on service. Servant leaders focus on their team, rather than the entire company. 

Many believe that focusing on the people in the company helps produce skilled employees who are experts in their field. This focus also helps employees to feel motivated, making it more likely to help improve operations and management. 

Servant leadership requires leaders to be ethical in their choices and lead by example.  It allows for diversity of thought and encourages all ideas. The final product is often a collaboration of many gifted individuals.

Servant leaders are coaches

Servant leaders are often guided by their personal mission, vision and values. This attracts people who are in alignment with the leader and builds a sense of trust. As a servant leader, you must have a clear understanding that it’s not about you. It never was and it never will be.

Adopting an attitude of  “It’s all about us!” creates a safe culture for risk taking.  That risk taking leads to out of the box thinking and ultimately to innovative products and ideas. 

Servant leaders take on the role of a coach rather than a boss. They don’t boss people around because their people already have the skills and motivation to take on the projects and be successful. 

Servant leaders look for Obstructions within a Project, and work to remove them

Research suggests that employees are the most fulfilled when they are making progress in their business. Servant leaders establish daily check- ins with their team, identify blocks and obstacles and then brainstorm with the team ways to remove the blocks and move forward. Essentially, servant leaders work to build their team into leaders. 

A great example of a servant leader is George Washington. As the story goes, on a rainy day during the Revolutionary War, George Washington was out riding when he came upon a group of soldiers attempting, without success, to get a huge log beam into position. All the while their commander shouted words of encouragement  from atop his horse. After watching for a moment, Washington dismounted, rolled up his sleeves and went to work with the soldiers.  When he finished, all wet and tired from the work, he told his soldiers, “If you should need help again, call on Washington, your commander-in-chief, and I will come” (Maxwell, 2011).  This story was told from soldier to soldier and many historians believe that this was why his soldiers were so loyal to him and willing to follow him into battle. 

Leading from the back to build leaders

Servant leaders build leaders of tomorrow. Service to others is their motto and they work to empower their people to lead. Service leaders are enablers, supporting and guiding rather than dictating and demanding. Servant leaders set guidelines and teach their team to work for the greater  good of the company.  As a team, servant leaders trust that their team has the skills and expertise to support the project and get it done. 

Inspiring Change

Change comes from new ideas. New ideas lead to innovation. Servant leaders inspire change by being open to the new ideas that their team brings to the table through their diversity or experiences and ideas.  When leaders focus on inspiring others through service, all the other pieces click into place. What changes can you inspire in your organization?

So, I’ll ask you this, what kind of leader do you aspire to be?

Find Kelly Here:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

References

Blanchard, Ken. Leadership Quote on Servant Leadership. Written November 17 2019. Accessed on  December 9 2021. Retrieved from http://www.leancxscore.com/leadership-quote-ken-blanchard-on-servant-leadership/

Hayzlett, Jeffrey. 4 Principles of Servant Leadership. Written on October 16 2019.  Accessed on  December 9 2021. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/340791

Penn State Leadership Psych 485 Blog. George Washington as an example of Servant Leadership. Written November 20 2021. Accessed on  December 9 2021. Retrieved from https://sites.psu.edu/leadership/2012/11/20/george-washington-as-an-example-of-servant-leadership/

Tait, Brian. Traditional leadership Vs. Servant Leadership. Written on March 11 2020. Accessed on December 9 2021. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/03/11/traditional-leadership-vs-servant-leadership/?sh=78c57de4451e

Tarallo, Mark. The Art of Servant Leadership. Written May 17 2018. © 2021 SHRM. Accessed on  December 9 2021. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/organizational-and-employee-development/pages/the-art-of-servant-leadership.aspx

How Collaboration Saved My Life

How Collaboration Saved My Life

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Article written by Kerri Lewis

As the second oldest in a family of six children, collaboration started at an early age for me. Given the fact that my family was so big, there was always cleaning to do. Saturday mornings were often spent discussing tasks needing completion and collaborating with my siblings on best ways to minimize cleaning time and maximize the time we had to play. Man, we were smart kids. Looking back, never could I have imagined back then that what often felt like annoying, time consuming conversations would help set the stage for my future success.

After all, had I not learned to ask for help as a child, would it have come so easily in adulthood? Considering that oftentimes the narrative is, asking for help is a sign of weakness, I think not. Funny how things work out! 

Due to life and the way things sometimes shake out, at the ripe old age of 14 I found myself navigating life with little direction or guidance. Due to the lack of parental oversight, I often found myself in precarious situations forcing me to reach out to friends for help. While more often than not, the suggestions offered were misguided, I always knew I had a couple of friends that I could bounce ideas off of and who would give me honest feedback about the choices I was making. 

I mean hey, when you are young, dumb and have little parental oversight, collaborating with friends on how to make money, get something to eat or find shelter means the difference between a night spent afraid or a night spent in safety. As I reminisce on these years, I can’t help but thank god for good friends. 

Now, despite alluding to making some pretty poor life choices as a teen, and I did, I also had work ethic! Something my parents instilled in me for as far back as I can remember. So despite causing trouble and doing things I cringe thinking about today, I can proudly say that I never went without steady employment. Because of my time running on the streets and because I fell second in my family’s pecking order, leading came naturally to me and so at the age of 17, I landed a job as assistant manager for a gas station. Talk about stepping into a crash course on getting people’s byon and soliciting ideas from others. Man, when you are in charge of people three times your age, you learn real quick the importance of collaboration. From having a tough conversation, to scheduling, delegation and communication, if I wanted to succeed, I had to ask for help. 

Yup, I said it, the word help. Something many fear asking for because they have been conditioned to believe that to ask for help makes them appear incompetent or worse yet weak. Fortunately for me in order to survive, I didn’t have the luxury of worrying how people viewed me. I just needed to make things happen. And that is exactly what I did.

As I gained confidence in my leadership skills and ability to run successful businesses, I started to work my way up the corporate ladder, first for Starbucks. and then for Nordstrom. Both careers required me to collaborate with diverse groups of people to ensure the community in which we were doing business was represented. And by represented, I mean a strong understanding of who our customer was and how to best communicate with and serve them. Additionally, it was through the art of collaboration that I was able to learn and grow as a leader. Rather than assuming I had it all figured out, I stayed curious, asked leaders and mentors for advice and feedback about my performance so that I could continuously develop both personally and professionally. And grow, I did! 

Despite only having a tenth grade education, my willingness to remain open to new ideas, to try new things and to remain receptive to both positive and critical feedback set the stage for me to be hired as part of a team of 36 to help open a start-up cannabis company. Whoop whoop! Not too shabby for a girl from Worcester MA who never even made it to college. 

Now despite having an extensive experience in collaborating with others to ensure the success of the businesses I was hired to run, stepping into building a startup in a new industry created an even greater need for collaborative efforts. Because the cannabis industry was so new in MA,  things were constantly changing, technology was being built on the fly and one never knew when the commission was going to add some additional regulation that inevitably would change the way the company needed to operate.

Through the unwavering focus on making sure things were done right, the willingness of many to remain open to new possibilities and new ways of doing things and the relentless pursuit of excellence I can proudly say, I was part of building a successful company that not only scored in the top of it’s class for service but also had a strong focus on it’s people.

While I had every intention of staying with the company I helped build long term, Covid hit the world and I watched in horror as my employees and customers’ mental health took a sharp nose dive. Working in the cannabis space gave me a birds eye view of just how many people did not have the tools necessary to handle the inevitable ups and downs of life. I saw employees and customers alike increase their cannabis consumption as a means to manage the overwhelming emotions that inevitably came with a life changing event such as a pandemic.

What I realized as I continued to observe emotional upheaval all around me was that my 28 year love affair with studying all things related Psychology, Theology and Stoicism had helped me develop a deep reservoir of tools and skills that kept my own mental health from spiraling despite what was happening in the world. Because of my deep love of all people, I knew I needed to share the wisdom I had acquired with others so that they too could gain control over their mental health. With hope and a prayer, I stepped out of the corporate arena and into the world of personal and business coaching, also known as self employed with no guarantee of an income. Wow, was this scary. 

Now you might be asking, how does going into business for yourself lend to the topic of collaborating with others. While on the surface this appears like a valid question, the reality is stepping into new, no matter what that new is requires a great deal of collaboration.

From learning how to market my business, to getting help dialing in my ideal client, to figuring out this whole social media thing (still a work in progress) there has not been a day that has gone by since starting this endeavor that I have not had to reach out to many people and ask for help, for creative ideas and on occasion, even the bartering of services all to ensure the success of my business. Dang, as I type these words, I’m grinning ear to ear! Realizing that it has been and still is the collective efforts of many that have made my business the success that it is today. 

As I continue to hone my skills as a coach, build my knowledge as an entrepreneur and continue to do my own inner work so that I can continue to become the best expression of me possible, I acknowledge that it is through the efforts of many that I will continue to rise. Whether it’s a tough conversation about how I manage my schedule or a book suggestion that will help me with some area of my business, I know I’m only as successful as the kindness and feedback I’m willing to remain open to receiving. It’s not lost upon me just how lucky I am. Or am I? 

While I see the narrative changing around asking for help, being in the business I’m in, it’s clear we have a long way to go before people can easily pick up the phone and say “hey, I’m stuck, can you give me a hand” without feeling mass amounts of guilt or shame. My hope for you all in reading a bit about me is that I inspire you to be brave. Inspire you to set aside the worry in your head that someone will judge you and reach out and ask for help. The reality is, not only can we not emotionally and physically afford to do it alone, we were never meant to. It is through connection, community and the collaborative efforts of many that create the greatest impact.

And so in conclusion I’ll leave with a quote from Alexander Graham Bell “Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds” and ask you this, if collaboration saved my life all those years ago, just imagine what it can do for you, your business or the world? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Find Kerri Here:

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For Women in Business Collaboration Is…

For Women in Business Collaboration Is…

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There are so many ways to define collaboration. This month we’re going to be talking about what it is, what it isn’t, how it impacts your business. There are just so many ways to view and utilize collaboration as women in business!

To start the conversation this month I wanted to take a deeper look at what collaboration is. So I reached reached out to a number of my fellow entrepreneurs and LBI Backstage Pass members for their perspective.

2 women back to back with happy smiles. Text says For "Women in Business Collaboration Is"

Let’s look at what collaboration is:

Working together to reach a common goal.

The saying goes that “two heads are better than one” – this is especially true in my experience. When you’re teaming up with another women you’ll find a cheerleader, accountability partner, and brainstorming resource.

Charissa, from TruProsperity added, ” Collaboration is working together to reach a common goal while utilizing individual zones of genius”

When you join forces with a collaboration partner you can each tap into the things that make you special and unique. You’re also tapping into the skills and brilliance of your collaborator. I’ve found this to significantly impact momentum and success of projects I’ve been a collaborator on! When women join forces with each other, there is an undeniable power. 

Synergy at work.

And this is so true! When you join forces and intentionally focus in a collaborative way, synergy takes place.

Erica from Erica Rice Digital Consulting, shared “Collaboration is combining your magic with another’s to create something greater than you ever could on your own”

There is a certain kind of magical energy generated by a brilliant collaboration. The momentum and life that it can breathe into your work is oh so delicious when its right.

About the End Result.

While there can be many phases and components to a collaborative project, everything is done with the end in mind. This requires us to intentionally and strategically organize our vision and plan to be sure we’re on track and that the resulting product is as best as it can possibly be.

It also requires that we take our own ego’s out of the equation. If we make the mistake of thinking about ourselves and our own needs too much when trying to collaborate with other women in business, we may find ourselves with more time, energy, and power wasted than actually produced. And we might even completely derail the project we were so excited about.

Essential for Success.

Versions of this point came from several of my women in business friends, and I absolutely agree with their perspective.

One of my favorite insights came from Lindsay of Small Leaps Coaching, “It’s working together to build each other up for growth and essential for success.”

I can easily say that one of my favorite aspects of collaboration is having someone to give me a pep talk when I am struggling or a kick in the pants if I need it. Investing in your collaborative partners is investing in your own success.

Jess Wilson, of J Wilson Pix, has a perspective that fits perfectly here: “A meeting of minds and mutual intention for the purpose of growth and support.” And she is SO right!

Today women make up a large percentage of entrepreneurs in North America, and women-owned businesses contribute significantly to the economy. When we collaborate, when we join forces around a shared goal, when we invest in each other’s success, women everywhere win.

The reality is that our world has changed, and we need to change with it. We owe it to ourselves and the next generation of women in business to make sure we are doing everything possible for their futures. Collaboration can be a powerful tool when used correctly. When you collaborate on meaningful projects with other like-minded individuals, everyone wins! Join us by taking some time today to reflect on how your collaboration efforts have made an impact in your life or someone else’s life around you. What does collaboration mean for you?

7 Quotes About Collaboration

7 Quotes About Collaboration

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At Ladyboss International, we’re BIG believers in collaborating — and we embrace this as one of our core values, and intentionally walk it out at every opportunity!

Today we wanted to share these powerful women spoken (with one exception) quotes that align with our core philosophy of collaboration!

"We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women's voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored." Sheryl Sandberg

“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”

Sheryl Sandberg
"I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own." Audre Lorde

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”

Audre Lorde
“Don’t just stand for the success of other women – insist on it.” – Gail Blanke

“Don’t just stand for the success of other women – insist on it.”

Gail Blanke
“Your value will be not what you know; it will be what you share.”― Ginni Rometty

“Your value will be not what you know; it will be what you share.”

Ginni Rometty
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." – African Proverb

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

African Proverb
"It takes two flints to make a fire." – Louisa May Alcott

“It takes two flints to make a fire.”

Louisa May Alcott

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Helen Keller

Personally, I think the quote from Gail Blanke is my favorite of this collection. It speaks right to the heart of to our core value of collaboration. We insist that success for every women be our reality. And as such, we are making spaces for that to happen!

What form of collaboration do you love most? If you’re on clubhouse we’d love for you to join us on Tuesdays at 2pm est for our Ladybosses Collab room! It’s an inclusive and diverse space where we are sharing opportunities and wants that are all about collaborating and networking with intention! We’d love to see you there 🙂

Do you have a collaborative idea you’d like LBI to be a part of? We’re open to just about anything! Reach out to us and pitch your idea!

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quotes about collaboration
Persistance: The Not So Secret Ingredient to Success

Persistance: The Not So Secret Ingredient to Success

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Article written by Jennifer Jayne

Persistence. It’s a character trait that is pretty important when it comes to being a Ladyboss. 

Persistent people are more likely to achieve their goals, even if they don’t always look like it on the surface. If you’re struggling with hitting your next milestone and want better results for your business, take a deep breath and get ready to tap into your inner persistence! 

What is persistence? According to Mirriam-Webster.com it is “the quality or state of being persistent” or persevering (continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition). Not exactly a character trait that get’s talked about a lot when you’re trying to get your solopreneur business launched… but it’s a pretty important one!

Persistance The Not So Secret Ingredient to Success

Persistent people are always after their goals and will not be deterred by anything. They keep going until they get what they want, which is a quality that makes for staying power in the entrepreneurial world. If you’re feeling like your persistence has been lacking lately, try making the change today – it can make all of the difference in achieving success in your business.

When you’re lacking motivation or momentum, and the tasks ahead of you feel daunting, it’s time to remind yourself just HOW BADLY you want to make this (business) work for you.

What is your why??

Knowing, and keeping at the forefront, your reason for starting your entrepreneurial journey in the first place, is a pretty important element of being successfully persistent. Having this piece of the puzzle is a critical piece that will help bring your success that much closer.

Persistence plays out differently depending on what somebody wants to accomplish, but one thing we know for sure: If people really want it badly enough then there’s nothing that could stop them from getting exactly what they wanted by doing whatever was necessary no matter

Success is never measured by the destination. It’s all about how you get there and your willingness to keep going once you have started walking down that road, or in this case building momentum into long term success!

When it comes to life skills and character traits, persistence is pretty valuable! It can be beneficial to almost every area of your life, from relationships, to your business to health and personal fulfillment.

So I’ll pose this question to you: What does it really mean to you to be persistent?

Is it simply never giving up? Or are there other elements or qualities that are needed when it comes to persistently going after the things that matter most to you? Sound off in the comments! I’d love to hear your feedback!

Find Jennifer Here:

Instagram | Facebook | Clubhouse

Jennifer is the marketing strategist and biz foundations coach behind Jennifer Jayne Coaching. She helps passionate entrepreneurs monetize their content and create magnetic messaging with their core values. Turning core values into the foundation from which entrepreneurs can build and scale their dream business from is her specialty.

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