Women are extraordinary, powerful, and capable to say the least. Imagine what we could achieve if we joined forces with one another to build our businesses. Just because we are capable, does not mean we should go it alone. On that note, I’d like to share some of the ways mentorship and networking go hand in hand and the benefits of being a part of such a community. For starters, networking can lead to mentorship and vice versa. There are countless reasons to participate in mentorship and networking but I’ll simply highlight a few that are near and dear to me, such as guidance and support, knowledge transfer, opportunities, resource sharing, and growth. I am incredibly passionate about both mentorship and networking because I am of the belief that we need people; we need each other in life, and business is no different.
Mentorship is a space that can be both give and take. Seasons change and there will be times when you are the teacher and times when you are the student. Be open to the possibility of being in both positions separately or simultaneously. Networking is also a very fluid concept because you could begin engaging as a student or part of an assignment, but the more you rub elbows with others you may realize you have lots to offer someone and end up as a mentor. Positions (mentor or mentee) and perspectives as they pertain to your industry are relative and may vary based on specific factors. For example, networking may be considered successful based on the nature of the interactions.
According to Linked In, the benefits of mentorship and networking are an accelerated learning curve (learning from other people’s mistakes), personalized guidance (mentorship), increased confidence, access to experience, an expanded professional network (networking), and the joy of giving back (reciprocity). All in all mentorship and networking are important and beneficial when it comes to marketing and advertising. Let’s explore why.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Mentorship and Support
In the film, The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy the main character was on a mission to find the Wizard of Oz; along the way she met a few friends. Throughout their journey, they encountered challenges and discovered things about themselves. They ultimately achieved their goal of reaching the wizard by doing it together and encouraging each other.
Likewise in business and as women of color we should glean from one another and garner support in the areas we need it most. We should always be willing to provide guidance when needed and offer support freely as we simply never know when we will need it next. As business professionals and women of color, we don’t have to have it all figured out. Leaning on the community lightens the load.
Allowing others to point you in the right direction can help take some of the guesswork out of building your business. This may look like constructive criticism, feedback, pointers, or brainstorming. While building a business we need all the help we can get. There will undoubtedly be challenges along the way. Keep in mind that going through challenges is most useful when we turn them into teachable moments not only for ourselves but for others who may be traveling a similar road. Taking the guesswork out can prove as a shortcut if you will, boosting others to reach their goals faster than they might have without your guidance or support. Whatever you do, don’t be a hater; point someone in the direction of their “yellow brick road.”
Iron Sharpens Iron: Knowledge Transfer
The phrase “iron sharpens iron” refers to the idea that people can be refined through interaction. We are capable of learning from each other so long as people are willing to share, in this case knowledge. Sharing knowledge is priceless because it is the one thing that is not tangible and usually stems from one’s own personal experiences. These experiences are unique to each individual but may still manage to overlap with another person’s story in some way. Knowledge transfer which is simply sharing knowledge, promotes engagement and innovation, and creates a culture of learning from one another. This ensures the varying perspectives are represented and explored, which could in turn increase motivation and productivity. All of these “buzzwords” are beneficial for building one’s business.
Knowledge transfer can also be beneficial for creating streamlined and consistent processes in a business. For example, ensure that customers receive the same quality service and product each time they patronize your business. Onboarding, training, and workshops can assist in this area to ensure everyone is on the same page. When a business achieves consistency, a loyal customer base is almost a guarantee, but that doesn’t come without expectations. Loyal customers come to expect a certain level of customer service, presentation, and product.
Additionally, mentorship is a great avenue to promote knowledge sharing because it is personalized information that involves taking the time to get to know someone, their interests, and goals in order to guide them properly, or to be guided. One-on-one mentorship and peer review are two types of mentorship that can foster engagement and encourage growth via feedback and constructive criticism.
Internal newsletters may also be helpful for sharing info and can include information such as weekly updates and best practices. The more communication that is available the more knowledge transfer is inevitable. There are countless ways to share knowledge but the goal is meaningful and purposeful transference of information to help our businesses grow.
Level Up: Opportunities
Mentorship and networking can easily lead to employment or career opportunities. Networking, meeting new people, and finding out more about them, their business, or their background could lead you to your “next big thing.” As we network, it is possible to encounter newfound interests and broaden our horizons or even our appetites for our own business. Opportunities may arise to level up or expand an idea or propel something that’s already in motion. Other types of opportunities that could arise are collaborations. In the age of social media marketing, collaborations are incredibly popular and increasingly the norm. An example of one of my favorite brand collaborations is Target X Tabitha Brown. Tabitha Brown was slowly but surely becoming a household name, but her collaboration with Target upped the ante quite a bit, and in my opinion, accelerated her process of becoming a household name. While networking, you could meet other like-minded individuals and pursue further business, thus building your networking community.
Sharing is Caring: Resource Sharing
I mentioned earlier about sharing knowledge, but more importantly, is the sharing of resources. Resources can be tangible things such as extra materials that are left over from a prior event but it can also be referring someone to a vendor you previously connected with and recommended. I consider resource-sharing going the extra mile and it's beneficial when done correctly. According to Forbes, resource sharing strengthens partnerships.
As women of color it is important to collaborate with other women of color to build our businesses individually and collectively. While business building is serious business I think it helps to incorporate something fun when considering ways to collaborate, such as content creation or inclusive networking events. Resource sharing can also assist with finding your “tribe” and those that will be essential in helping your business grow and thrive. It’s true what they say “It matters who you know. When resource sharing, make yourself useful, collaborate with others, and pool your resources so that no one feels bogged down by the weight of building their brand.
Time Waits For No One: Growth
Success is often gauged by growth. Goals are totally a thing, and should be considered often, short and long term. Success can be measured by the progress we make from one goal to the next. Personal growth and growth in business are essential. I think it’s safe to say that no one expects to be in the same place as time passes. Learning, failure, and most of all maturity are expected to take place along the journey. When I think growth, I think plants. Plants grow as a result of the way they are nurtured: by water, food, or sunlight. In the same manner, we may thrive by networking; different people will contribute different things to help our business grow.
Allow your collaborations with other women of color to plant seeds (new ideas), to nurture what you’ve got already going for yourself (sew into you, by word or deed), to put you on display, and highlight your progress (affirm you). Let your tribe be a part of your growth story. Let them keep you accountable to ensure forward movement and progress. They will be the witnesses and give testimony to your journey, your failures, and your successes.
Ultimately, growth is evidence that you are moving and excelling. This may look like increased brand awareness, product personalization, economic increase, innovation, and expansion. Reaching periodic goals we put in place can help us monitor our “growth timeline.”
Building a brand is a journey; take advantage of the tips and tools provided in order to take your brand to the next level. Join hundreds of savvy women entrepreneurs and small business owners who receive exclusive digital marketing insights delivered straight to their inbox every month by joining our mailing list! Share your story, connect with us, and start building your support system today.
Comentários