Entrepreneurship has made some people stone-cold and cutthroat.
We get it. When you’re looking to level up, any lead can feel like a limited resource. You don’t network, you don’t seek help, and you don’t make connections because you want to defend your business from … what, exactly? Scrutiny? Plagiarists?
It’s a noble effort, but the truth is – one of the best ways to get growing is by getting connected.
We are in the era of the brand collaboration.
Mcdonald’s and Mariah Carey. Chipotle and E.l.f Cosmetics. Crocs and Pringles. Believe it or not, back in April, KFC collaborated with HiSmile to create a fried chicken flavored toothpaste!
The main act needs a killer opener and every great entree requires a complementary side. So, how can you find yours? Let’s break it down into three simple steps!
#1 – Master the Art of the Business Card
These days, you can carry a whole billboard in your pocket.
Apps like Canva make it super simple to design striking, authentic, and effective business cards that get delivered right to your door.
If you’ve got a website, you can add a QR Code that will take potential collaborators to your page in seconds. No website? No problem! Just link them to a social media page or email instead. (And check out this article from our June Newsletter for tips on building your authentic website!)
The best part about having a business card it that it can be distributed just about anywhere. Drop a few in a crowded waiting room, a bustling community center, or near the computer station at your local library and trust that they’ll make an impact on a wandering soul.
There are also several cafés and restaurants that allow you to easily add a business card to a community bulletin board. Be sure to take a good look at that board, you might come across a perfect, like-minded business owner that’s down to collaborate with you.
#2 – Nail Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a pithy and persuasive speech formulated to tell someone who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for in a matter of seconds.
The “Three C’s” of an effective elevator pitch are clarity, conciseness, and confidence.
A good rule of thumb is to ensure your pitch can be understood by anyone, regardless of their background or expertise. You want to avoid using convoluted jargon or delving into hypotheticals.
It can also be helpful to come up with ways your business helps others. Get comfortable asking leading questions that guide a potential collaborator toward identifying a problem that your business can solve.
Work on your elevator pitch with a family member or trusted friend and ask for their honest feedback. We encourage you to get as many reps in as possible. Preparation is key!
If you need an idea of where to start for your first draft, check out Taylor’s Introduction Video on our Launch Stories page! Taylor does an incredible job of addressing a pain, offering a solution, and selling her expertise – all while maintaining her unique voice!
#3 – Make a Habit of Attending Networking Events
Networking events are happening everywhere, all the time.
Don’t believe us? Take a break to type “Networking Events Near Me” in your search engine. It’s incredible! Entrepreneurs are always looking to expand their circle, why shouldn’t you get in on the fun?
We know how intimidating it can be to attend a networking event, especially as a woman. The fear of being misheard, rejected or flat-out ignored can be enough to keep you locked up in the house. We invite you to practice with our creator team!
Soul Seed Academy is constantly holding space for female entrepreneurs to safely build their toolbox and empower one another.
Register for a monthly Mini-Workshop, attend an upcoming Business Breakthrough Retreat, or join us for the first ever Alumni Retreat this September!
If you’re a graduate of Soul Seed Academy, this one-of-a-kind, cozy, joy-filled weekend is the perfect place to network and collaborate with your fellow Soul Seed Sisters!
Join us at the beautiful Aspenwood Manor in Provo, Utah from September 18th – September 21st to form alliances that reconnect and re-root you with your purpose. It’ll be a potluck of brilliance and care complete with incredible company, great food, and fun games!
When you register, we’ll invite you to teach, inspire, and serve your fellow alumni. Your contribution is so welcome, but completely optional! From a mini-yoga session to a gourmet breakfast – come as you are, bring what you can, and share what you love.
Check out the registration form for more details on dates, pricing, and contributing!
