Lucky To Have You

In March of this year, SheSays Mpls was set to kick off our first event of the year called “Lucky To Have You: Finding and Building the Network You Need.”

Broadhead was set to host.

A wonderful panel of speakers were on board.

The event sold out.

And then came the Coronavirus.

As our world has become more remote and isolated, the topic of establishing a network is more relevant than ever. SheSays Mpls checked in with our panelists to see how their network and been impacted, how they’re working through it, and their advice to all of you.

SHESAYS: Tell us a bit about the network you created.

WENDY WIESMAN:

A more formal development of my network started well over 8 years ago. While a job search initially led me to see the value in developing connections, the work I’ve done over time created value that lasted far longer. My most recent work (Ready. Set. Pivot.) is the direct result of having had the experience of meeting and connecting with people over all of these years.

LAURA BEST:

Passion Collective is the community for women who are making positive change happen, for themselves and others. Our “Passionados” are seeking something more in life — more meaning in their work, more genuine friendship, more creativity. We started more than five years ago, and are now almost 800 strong, with Passionados across the US, and also in the UK and as far away as Dubai. We recently created our new home, Passion Collective On Demand, which is our private members community.

JUNITA FLOWERS:

I have always been skilled at making connections…I think that comes from being a storyteller at heart. When I meet people, I always hear their story, and hearing stories leads to meaningful connections.

As an entrepreneur leading a mission-driven snack company, the business journey can often feel lonely and isolating, so building a network of people who understand this journey is vital to survival and growth. I ask questions, I read business related publications, I research options and through those things, I’ve learned who the ecosystem builders are and I’ve made connections that have lead to additional opportunities.

How has your network been impacted by all of the events of this year?

WENDY: In some ways, I would say that as a result of Covid, my network is stronger. It’s a more deliberate act to connect 1:1 when you can’t ‘just go have coffee.’ Not to mention, people seem to be more open to an agenda and reason for meeting.

The other thing I’ve noticed as of late of course is how much my network lacks diversity. It’s too female, too white and too regional. While I’ve begun to connect with those outside of the Twin Cities, it’s not broad enough to be outside of a “MN mindset.” The formal community (Ready. Set. Pivot.) I’ve created in partnership with 5 other women, designed to help guide women thru mid-life change, has the opportunity to grow in a way that is more thoughtful and representative of the world we live in. That’s a goal I have for its future growth and my personal development as an individual and leader too. Ironically, we’ve been able to grow this community (in numbers) more quickly than I believe we would have in a pre-Covid environment. Not because the idea of a ‘pivot’ is implied, but because people are really showing up when they’re getting value from a connection. Being virtual has given us the opportunity to keep the conversation strong and fluid, because honestly, we can meet more often than we would have in a live and in-person environment.

LAURA: Before Covid-19, we had more of a traditional model, of in-person events and content. We had wanted to evolve for some time into a digital community that also held local events, so the lockdown gave us the chance to try that out with free “Mini Buzz” workshops. The response was so positive that we decided to launch “Passion Collective On Demand” as quickly as we could. So, on June 8, a week following the civil unrest in Minnesota, we went live, because we felt that we all needed community more than ever, and that’s definitely proven to be true. A month later, we now have almost 50 women signed up and are loving the flexibility and intimacy of the new platform!

JUNITA: I’ve heard the saying so many times; “your network determines your net-worth” and I’ve found that the phrase rings true during stressful and unprecedented times of uncertainty. When starting out and building a network, it is formed by basic connections and understanding the people and systems within your industry. Now, my network is all about creating opportunities for an exchange and asking myself how can I add value to the connections within my circle and which relationships should I prioritize to receive value within my network. My connections have a deeper meaning and my overall network has become more purpose-filled.

Where do you see your network in 5 years?

WENDY: In 5 years, I hope to be in a position to be able to say my connections have really gone farther to help others, more than they have myself. A lot of that has come to fruition related to that for me this year. It’s felt good to be able to connect someone with another awesome individual who can help them fill a void, answer a question or simply provide perspective on something they’re exploring. That’s a big part of what we’re trying to do with Ready. Set. Pivot. (RSP). It’s not about connecting people for the sake of connecting, but doing so in a way that helps get them to their next best thing in life (whatever that may be) based on what we already know about them. Unlike most other pathways in our life, ie., selecting a higher education path, pursuing our career passions, finding a partner, etc., there’s really no one to lead us thru life transition post our initial ‘climb up the ladder’ or having raised kids and seen them off on their own journey. Yes, there’s life coaching, but there’s more to it than that. There’s an entire tribe of us who want and need for more and we’re on a mission — in part thru our collective networks — to help then do just that.

LAURA: We’ve always seen Passion Collective as a global community, because the themes we explore and help each other with ARE global — rediscovering purpose, finding our courage, creating new friendships, exploring the things that light us up, navigating careers, juggling modern life, wanting to make a difference but also wanting balance…..we want to welcome as many women as we can, because the more “Passionados” we have, the more we can help each other. We are a “collective”, so this isn’t about Laura Best preaching to the world, it’s about women helping each other.

JUNITA: Starting out in business, you cast a wide net of supporters and connections, looking for the opportunities for acknowledgement, engagement and collaboration.

Over the next five years, I expect my network to be more focused on relationships that expand my business mission and growth. As my business platform grows, I expect my network to expand from primarily local connections to stronger national connections, including peer-to-peer relationships of leaders advancing systems change.

As we continue to work remotely, and with the opportunity to remain remote a possibility, what advice do you have for others to find their network?

WENDY: Start now. Start in bits and pieces. Meaning, don’t let the intimidation of what you think networking IS keep you from doing it. Just ask for your first next meeting with someone and don’t overthink it. It gets to be very second nature once you do it again and again and again. Eventually you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

LAURA: Decide what you need from “connection”. Networks tend to be more transactional — they help us get to where we need to be. They are essential, but we can also have many networks. The challenge with “networking” is that it can leave us feeling empty if we’re looking for shared values or deeper connection. That’s where you need to find a community, in addition (or instead of, maybe?) a network. A community is where you show up with generosity saying, yes! I believe in these same things, and I want to help, and then you build with others. It requires more investment, but it is so worth it.

JUNITA: My advice is to build upon the efficiencies technology offers, while being keenly aware of the heightened potential of isolation.

Increased physical distancing has become the required norm, but self-care, both physically and mentally, must also become the required norm. Maximize the benefits a remote world offers while simultaneously prioritizing your intimate circle of connections for meaningful human interaction.

Let’s say someone wants to build a new network community? What are three things they should first consider, keep in mind, or take action on?

WENDY:

1. Get really clear about your goals for this new community. Why and what are you aiming to accomplish? Identifying and being clear about this out of the shoot will make the second and third things to consider as you go about meeting and making new connections, make more sense.
2. Keep in mind, networking is a two-way street. Plan to give more than what you’re looking to get. Being of service demonstrates your respect for the individual you’re meeting with from the get go. And honestly, it’s just about being a good human first.
3. Be respectful of people’s time. This is a big one for me. Meeting just to meet is, well, a waste of time. And while everyone is often well-intentioned, recognizing that today more than ever people have 80 million priorities is key — you’ll likely not one of them. And while MNNice might get you the meeting, you’ll get a lot more if you announce your intention for the request to meet and then show up with an agenda for that meeting. Yes, an agenda. A plan. An approach. Don’t have one? Not ready? Don’t meet. It’s cool. Cancel it and come back to it when you are.

LAURA:

1. Decide if you are seeking a network, a community or both, then research or be involved accordingly
2. Get clear on what you believe in — you’ll need this if you’re seeking a community
3. Always show up with generosity and starting with “how can I help” vs “what can this person give me?”

JUNITA:

How will the relationship/connection help you…

1) Pursue your purpose or desired goal.

2) Create a desired change.

3) Make a positive impact within your area of interest and/or community.

Any shout outs or plugs to mention in closing?

WENDY:

You betcha (MN style — wink, wink)! A shout out to SheSays & you Jen. When we first met you shared your appreciation and respect for the work that I was doing (in creating DineAround) and at that time it gave me added confidence in that concept. You GOT it. And THAT’S the magic thing about networking, when we least expect it we run into someone who gets it or us, or our idea and more often than not when it’s a brand new connection, that feedback can be some of the most impactful stuff. Mostly because it’s authentic and real. There’s not an ulterior motive in that moment. And that’s just the motivation and confidence we didn’t know we needed to keep on going. And even take it to the next level. It’s pretty cool stuff. So thanks.

LAURA:

We only have 50 “Maven” memberships remaining for “On Demand”, so if you want to get in early with special pricing (and have the satisfaction of saying you’re the first..::) then go to https://passion-collective.mn.co/. You’ll get a free month!

JUNITA:

I would love for your readers to joins and be a part of our #HopeMunchesOn movement. Follow along on social media, engage with us in conversation and support us with you purchases. Together, we can change the stats!

Thanks to our wonderful panelists for sharing their perspective on building a network! Shout out to Melisse Treptow for the invite design, and to Broadhead for their support of SheSays Mpls.

As always, SheSays topics are created by the interests of our community. Tell us what you want to know more about or what’s on your mind these days at SheSays.mpls@gmail.com.

ABOUT OUR PANELISTS:

WENDY WIESMAN is the co-founder of Wiesman Experiences (W.E.), LLC. W.E. is changing the way experiences are designed, starting with the belief that brilliant content begins with the audience. Through the curation of original offerings like DineAround & RSP, in addition to new partnerships, W.E. creates happier humans with its one part you, one part us formula — together you’ll make magic happen! Connect with her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyswiesman/

LAURA BEST is President of Best + Co,, which brings together expertise to deliver class-leading, high-performance brand experiences for purpose-driven brands. As the founder of Passion Collective, she is building a community of women that supports each other in their discovery and creation of new paths. Learn more at: www.passioncollective.co

JUNITA FLOWERS is purveyor of Hope|Founder, Junita’s Jar, a mission-driven cookie company committed to ending relationship violence, one cookie at a time, by spreading a message of hope. #HopeMunchesOn. Learn more at www.junitasjar.com