Here it is - your first lesson in what to actually do as an entrepreneur!

As a friend and mentor of mine, Jimmy Fasig, says: “Your Network is Your Net Worth”.

What an important lesson…but what does it mean? 

Who you surround yourself with, do business with, align with morally and ethically, and who you hang with is what you will be perceived as.

The bigger, wiser, smarter, and more enlightened your network is, the better of a chance you have to grow into a more successful entrepreneur.

When I began my glassware business, I knew that I did not have a lot to put in financially.

I knew that I did not have many connections in Tallahassee or people to call for opportunities or advice.

This was where I learned that building a network was going to be the most valuable thing I could do for my business.

I knew that what I had to offer was knowledge to other business owners, genuine care and desire to collaborate, and the ability to show up for myself and others in business. 

The first piece of advice I give entrepreneurs when building a network is to speak to the leaders in the rooms, respectfully.

What I mean by that is that a majority of people that have been successful in the entrepreneurial world are impressed when new business owners take initiative to talk about their business, ask for advice, or simply introduce themselves.

The corner seats in the room are not for the next successful business owners.

It was my experience that to make a name for yourself, you have to do just that…get up, speak up and make a name for yourself.

In my first year of business, I went from having no network to building a large network by attending events, offering support, volunteering, and sharing my journey.

Taking the steps to promote and treat your business like an established part of the community is not the easiest thing to do.

This is especially true if you feel like your business is not adequately producing results yet.

There is something that can not be disregarded from believing before you see.

Believing in yourself and your business is the foundation of going out and being able to build the network that you will need to succeed.

Will it work for you? Spoiler Alert: Yes!

Another important dynamic when it comes to building your network is to remember quality over quantity.

It is far more important to have genuine people that want to do fair and ethical business with you and the community in your network, than just “knowing” a lot of people or having “wealthy” connections.

Staying true to your values should always be the uppermost priority when it comes to building your network.

Align yourself in close working relationships with people of dignity and grace.

Greed and corruption are a slippery slope - people usually do not fall into it quickly, but slowly over time with small decisions of who they are aligning with.

Keep your moral compass centered and always look for ways you can add value to your community.

What’s next?

Just get to NetWORKing!

Kara Michelle Self is the owner of Inspired Events, by K. Michelle and the business developer and Market Manager at the New Rabbit Creek Market. Kara has a passion for helping Women achieve success in the entrepreneurial world, which has led her to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Entrepreneurship.

Inspired Events has led Kara to work with Women Wednesdays as coordinator of the “Her Business is Blooming” campaign.

Kara is in the Entrepreneurship Incubation Program at Domi Station. To feel you can not accomplish something or do not have the means, only means you should have a seat next to Kara to hear more of her story and the power of overcoming and making a way for yourself.