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Networking in-person over coffee and conferences has been a staple of meeting people and building business relationships. Then suddenly, due to COVID-19, it wasn’t. More than 6-months later, we know that virtual networking is here to stay, even when in-person events resume. Have you truly honed your virtual networking skills? Do you have a strategy to identify and connect with new prospects? What do you need to do differently for productive virtual networking? That’s what today’s podcast is all about! Host Mary Foley speaks with Dawne Brooks Gulla and Shanna Kabatznick, two queens of face-to-face and virtual networking and connecting. Dawn is the Executive Director and Chief Networking Officer of BNI Central Virginia with over 34 chapters. Business Networking International or BNI is the largest and most successful business networking organization in the world. As a top producer in her field, Shanna Kabatznick was the rare Latina in the Million Dollar Round Table, Women's Leader Symposium, and other leadership conferences. She continuously broke records in sales and customer engagements, once she realized effective networking was the key to her success. It led her to be the founder and CEO of FABWOMEN, an international community of over 120 women who laugh, learn, connect, and do a lot of business together. Listen and learn: The art of staying connected to your existing network Apps that make your contacting connections simple What to do when a client or member needs assistance How to make new virtual connections Strategies and methods for virtual networking events How virtual networking saves small businesses money Transform a social media connection into a personal conversation Guidelines for communicating with new business connections How virtual networking can expand your business’s geographic footprint Trends in the virtual networking space   Business Network International — Central Virginia FAB Women Shanna@FABWomen.me Dawne@BNIVA.com

In January 2020, were you excited and ready to implement your business vision for the year? And, when COVID took hold did it force you to reassess your strategies or change the course of your business model? Real women entrepreneurs and small business owners were faced with uncertainty for an undetermined length of time. So, now that we are months into the pandemic, how did you pivot to keep your business afloat? Did some non-traditional areas of your business grow due to your expanded focus?  Host Mary Foley speaks with Gwen Hurt and Leah Coleman, two women entrepreneurs who were uncertain what would happen to their small businesses when the pandemic began. During this episode, these inspiring women share details about the inventive ways they shifted and pivoted to keep a steady ship, and in some cases increased brand awareness through non-traditional growth avenues during these uncertain times. Gwen Hurt is the founder and owner of Shoe Crazy Wine and along with her daughter, she works with the best vineyards in California to offer unique wine blends to customers through specialty stores and big-box retailers. Leah Coleman is an entrepreneur who offers residential, commercial, and investment properties to women in Virginia. In addition, she offers encouragement and support through her Boss Babes RVA virtual community.   Listen and learn: Advice on how to respond to change and shift your business The importance of taking time to assess the new business landscape Ways to increase social media followers and virtual brand Tips for non-traditional ways to increase revenue Recognizing alternative markets for products and services How checking website analytics offers client insights Making the best use of any additional time in your schedule Working to get as much free press as you can How to strategically use your advertising dollars Why keeping cash is key during uncertain times Shoe Crazy Wine Shoe Crazy Wine on Facebook & @shoecrazywine on Instagram Leah Coleman Website Boss Babes RVA

Due to the pandemic, virtual meetings have Zoom-ed into your everyday life. But, have you taken the time to consider how this technology will help you increase revenue, lower costs, and reduce your environmental footprint when face-to-face interactions are back in style? What could if you create your own virtual events? How can virtual events change the game for entrepreneurs and women in business? This is what we explore today! In this episode, host Mary Foley speaks with Amy Garelick, owner of Power Up Video and Virtual Events. Amy and her team are creative video storytellers who conceptualize, write, edit, and deliver social media marketing videos, website videos, or host virtual events. They help organizations and individual business owners create consistent content and host virtual events that are polished, compelling, and authentic. Amy shares tips for making the most of your virtual events. Plus, she shares common virtual meeting mistakes you may not realize you are making, and how you can realize additional revenue by integrating virtual events into your business. Listen and learn: How to access unrealized revenue streams by utilizing virtual events Advantages of quick, professional, reliable virtual connections The measurable data virtual meetings provide How to avoid common mistakes with virtual events   What needs to work to make your event a success When it’s time to hire a team of virtual event professionals How virtual events will evolve   Power Up Video & Virtual Events Amy@PowerUpVideo.com Power Up Video on Facebook

As reopening happens, chances are you are considering what you need to do for customers and clients to hire you or buy from you again. Or, you might be thinking about launching a new product or service or maybe some new positioning or pricing. You truly want to hit the mark, but you are not quite sure what is the best decision. Market research is the key to knowing what your consumers want and what they are willing to pay for it. If an established market research firm seems out of reach to you, this podcast includes important information that is especially relevant as we begin reopening our businesses. In this episode, host Mary Foley speaks with Stacy Thomas, President of Good Run Research of Richmond Virginia. As experienced market researchers, Stacy and her team help new brands build presence, and established brands maintain relevance. Getting to know a clients' customers is their passion. They are seriously good at translating a customer's actions into marketing insights, and those insights help clients make business decisions with confidence. During a run ten years ago, Stacy had the vision to create a marketing firm that maintains the integrity of research science but also embraces the spirit of humanity. That idea is still the central motivation of Good Run Research. Listen and learn: Market research: What it is and how your business can benefit from it The shifts in purchasing caused by the pandemic The risks associated with not adjusting to changing market drivers How market research helps business owners set business goals How small businesses can do market research without a big budget Market research best practices for small business owners Common mistakes business owners make when it comes to market research   Good Run Research Stacy@goodrunresearch.com

Research reveals that self-doubt is the number one emotion we all have in common. When we unconsciously criticize, judge, or talk harshly to ourselves we do more harm than good. So, if beating ourselves up isn’t the answer what is? How do we become aware of our dragons of self-doubt, effectively slay them and keep them from rearing their ugly heads? If you are ready to slay what is holding you back from getting the life you want, this podcast is for you.    In this episode for performance-driven women, Host Mary Foley speaks with Katherine Wintsch, CEO and Founder of Mom Complex and author of the life-changing book, Slay Like a Mother: How You Can Destroy What’s Holding You Back So You Can Live the Life You Want. Katherine left a position at a nationally recognized ad agency to do her own thing. Today, she dedicates her life to making the lives of mothers easier by working alongside Fortune 500 companies to help them develop better products and better services for mothers. Katherine has been awarded the ‘Working Mother of the Year Award’ by the Advertising Women of New York and earned the title of "Woman of the Decade' from the Women's Economic Forum in India. Listen and learn:   Listen and learn:   How to become aware of what is holding you back Why it’s important to take time for yourself Tips on how to be more kind to yourself How to reassure, not criticize yourself Ideas about how to reframe self-doubt How to say no to others who ask too much of your time Insights on accepting yourself for who you are Mom Complex Website Slay Like a Mother Website Slay Like a Mother on Facebook Slay Like a Mother on Instagram

We all are experiencing a dramatic and sudden charge to our personal and professional lives because of the Coronavirus. First, we want you to stay safe, stay positive and we’re here to help you stay POWERful.   Because of the crisis, it’s likely you are working from home and figuring out how to help clients, as well as connect with prospects. Currently, there are no in-person networking meetings or events. Which means now more than ever, you need to do virtual networking and do it well.   In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with four leaders of women’s networking groups about how they are helping their members stay connected and growing using virtual networking:   Lisa Shapiro is the CEO and Founder of DCFempreneur, a community supporting female entrepreneurs in Washington, DC.   Lee Ann Pond is the President of NAWBO Richmond, as well as Founder and CEO of Engaging Leadership where she helps companies develop their leadership.   Theresa White is the Managing Director of the eWomen Network chapter of Northern Virginia, in addition to her role as a Financial Planner at MassMutual Capitol District.   Shanna Kabatznick is the CEO and Founder of FABWOMEN, a community of fabulous women in business in the Richmond, VA region. She is also a bilingual trainer, speaker and consultant helping people break down barriers and authentically engage with one another.   Listen and learn:   Why it’s important to stay connected virtually, especially during a crisis Creative ways to replace in-person meeting and events using online tools Advice about what to do and what not to do to make new connections in a virtual world How virtual networking impacts introverts, extraverted, and ambiverts differently Hidden opportunities with virtual networking because of the Coronavirus crisis The biggest mistakes a woman in business could make right now with virtual networking   Lisa Shapiro https://dcfempreneur.com/   Lee Ann Pond http://nawborichmond.org/ https://engaging-leadership.com/   Theresa White https://www.ewomennetwork.com/ https://capitoldistrict.massmutual.com/   Shanna Kabatznick https://fabwomen.me/ https://shannak.com/

Only 17% of the US population is using a financial advisor, says a 2019 CNBC study. So, why aren’t more people investing time in retirement planning or using a financial advisor, especially women who are more likely to be in charge of household finances? Successful women aren’t likely to focus on investments or financial goals because they haven’t found an advisor they trust or one who listens to them. Women face unique challenges their male counterparts may not understand and it creates a lack of confidence in male advisors.    As we grow our businesses and generate profit how can we be smart and savvy about taking care of our personal financial goals and wellbeing?   Host Mary Foley speaks with Emily Robbins, Account Vice President at Virginia Asset Group and Financial Advisor at Infinex Investments, about how successful women can integrate all aspects of their lives into their long and short term financial goals. Emily has over 10 years of experience in the Banking and Finance Industry, and she works with individual investors and corporate clients to achieve their financial goals. Emily became a financial advisor to help her banking clients who felt they were not being listened to. When she's not helping her clients she can be found spending time with her husband and children, in Chesapeake VA.    Listen and learn:   The financial challenges women face in retirement planning and investments The reasons women procrastinate about addressing their financial plans How to create your individual retirement goals The importance of estimating a retirement budget The risks of not working with a qualified financial advisor How to quantify your future goals    Virginia Asset Group erobbins@virginiaassetgroup.com

Venture capital is a term you may associate with the TV show Shark Tank or as the primary funding source behind big companies like Facebook, Starbucks, and Uber. But what is venture capital funding and how can you use it as part of your business growth strategy? When it comes to financially supporting your business, can you use venture capital to expand when a traditional loan is out of reach? And, how do you know if your business has the high-level metrics, market traction, and scalability private equity investors are looking for?    To break down venture capital into bite-sized, easily digestible pieces, host Mary Foley speaks with Liz Doerr, co-founder and fractional CFO of Sandbox. Sandbox is an outcome-focused team of finance, operations, and employee consultants helping companies launch, grow, and monetize their emerging businesses. Liz co-founded the company because she is passionate about helping entrepreneurs get the funding they need to become successful.   After hosting an event for women investors where the number of women who attended was more than double what she expected, Liz co-founded Virginia Women in Venture with a group of her mentors. She finds inspiration in helping women find their place in the venture capital and private equity space.   Listen and learn:   Venture capital basics The difference between public and private companies When to turn to venture capital investment over traditional loans What venture capitalists look for when deciding to invest in a business How small business owners can utilize venture capital investments Examples of businesses who successfully secured venture capital funding Timelines and options of private equity funding How likely women are to receive venture capital funding Opportunities for women to invest in private companies Diversity issues that exist in the private equity space Work Hard Play Nice - Sandbox Website Liz Doerr on Linkedin Virginia Women in Venture

When you started your business, did you pick a bank based on convenience because a bank is a bank is a bank, just a place to store money and pay bills? What if there was a bank leading a movement for women entrepreneurs and all women in business with an entrepreneurial spirit? Would that make a difference?   According to a 2017 study published by American Express, women are opening 1.5 times the number of businesses than men. Over the past 20 years, the number of women owned business has grown 114% and there are an estimated 11.6 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. Sonabank noticed this powerful trend and decided these women deserved more from a bank.   Host Mary Foley speaks with Joe Shearin, CEO of Sonabank, about how the idea for the P.O.W.E.R. program came about, why it’s become a movement of entrepreneurial-minded women, and the impact of the most powerful woman in his life.   Listen and learn:   - How P.O.W.E.R. got started - The role of the bank’s Board of Directors in launching and continuing to support P.O.W.E.R. - The program’s key benefits that make of P.O.W.E.R. make than a bank - Why P.O.W.E.R. has become a movement of women entrepreneurs and all women in business with an entrepreneurial spirit - What the future of P.O.W.E.R. looks like - 6 tips on making your business successful from 38 years of banking experience - The financial measurement for your business that matters more than revenue growth - The most powerful woman in Joe’s life and the impact she’s made   Sonabankpower.com

Many small business owners and entrepreneurs find business or personal travel planning a stressful endeavor. There are a multitude of components that go into having a great travel experience. Circumstances arise when logistics change, online offers expire, travel companions need separate arrangements, or a client mandates an alternative meeting time. Utilizing the services of a Travel Advisor can make your travel more productive, more affordable, and help you grow your business.   Plus, travel incentives are the best way to demonstrate how much you appreciate your high-performers and get team members out of the office in a diverse and fun environment.   Host Mary Foley speaks with the CEO of Tour Plan International, Stella Capocelli Carter about the exciting world of business and personal travel. Stella has been a travel industry insider since 1982. During this episode, she shares the top travel tips rarely shared by the travel industry, how organizations can save big money on group excursions, and inventive ways companies can use incentive travel to build relationships between nationwide teams and to retain valuable employe. Listen and learn:   The questions you should be asking yourself before you make your travel plans How to manage your travel spending How to be savvy and smart when traveling The difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor Top 5 reasons to use a travel advisor Why it is important to build a relationship with a travel advisor you can trust How to use travel to grow your business How incentive travel programs work Key benefits of using a travel advisor How to use incentive travel to motivate your workforce and increase customer satisfaction and brand loyalty   Tour Plan International Website

As a small business owner chances are you have a website, are doing some social media, and maybe even consistently post a blog or videos. But, is that enough? What else should you be doing? What are the digital marketing trends you need to know? How can you figure out if any digital marketing really works for your business?   In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with two women who are a powerhouse of ideas and expertise on digital marketing. Michelle Simon is the Chief Marketing Officer of Sonabank in Virginia and Maryland and co-founder of the original P.O.W.E.R. Program. Tammy O’Shea the Chief Marketing Officer of Fidelity Bank who brought the P.O.W.E.R. Program to New Orleans.   Both are successful bank marketers. Both are on the American Bankers Association Marketing Advisory Board. Both are letting us tap into their big brains and even bigger hearts to learn how you can get smarter about your own digital marketing efforts!   Listen and learn:   Between website marketing, SEO, email marketing, social media marketing, blogs, videos, apps, and more (phew!), exactly what is digital marketing   The most important digital marketing trends you need to know   How organic reach is dying and why Facebook isn’t “Freebook”   How much you should spend on digital marketing   When videos for your business should be professionally produced or created on the fly   Why being real and authentic is more important than perfect messaging   How to inspire others to freely and enthusiastically get involved in your digital marketing efforts

Do you want to scale your business for bigger revenue and growth? How do you know if you are truly ready? Even more, how do you truly scale not just any business but YOUR business? How will you figure that out?   In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Tracey Wiley and Rita Ricks. Tracey is the Executive Director of the Small Business Supplier Diversity agency (SBSD) for the State of Virginia, which has a whole bunch of resources to grow your business, including their signature program called Scaling4Growth. Rita Ricks is a seasoned spiritual business coach who has contracted with the SBSD to lead this powerful, six-month program.   Listen and learn:   What Virginia’s Small Business Supplier Diversity agency (SBSD) provides that’s so much more than certifications   Who the Scaling4Growth program is designed for and why it’s totally free (surprise!) for Virginia small business owners   Knowing when it’s time to scale your business and what it truly takes to make it happen   The four essential topics that make up Scaling4Growth and the intense process business owners take to apply them   The big tangible take-away every small business owner gains by participating in the Scaling4Growth program   The difference Scaling4Growth has made in real revenue and new jobs for real Virginia small business owners   How to apply to be part of the next Scaling4Growth program

Think your small business is too small to be at risk of a cyber security attack? Think again. The frequency and cost of a single cyber attack is staggering. If you’re feeling a little anxious about staying secure in our digital world, you’re not alone. It can be scary, but today’s guest will share how to keep your businesses safe and thriving!   In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Cody Sheflett, Chief Information Officer of Sonabank about cyber security. If he can keep a bank cyber secure, imagine what advice he can offer for your small business! Listen and learn:   The shocking frequency and average financial loss of a cyber attack on small business   Why your business is not too small to be attacked by cyber criminals   What a cyber security threat often looks like   The first thing you need to do when you identify a cyber security threat   6 practical tips to keep your small business from cyber secure   What needs to be in a cyber security plan for your business   Plus! Cody recommends these resources to help you create a cyber security plan for your small business!   Click here for “Stop. Think. Connect.” from the department of Homeland Security   Click here for “Start with Security” guide and videos from the Federal Trade Commission   Click here for the “Small Firm Business Continuity Plan” template from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Have too much to do and not enough time to do it? Like every day? Better time management skills are here to save the day! Or, maybe not. Today’s guests say our approach to time management is all wrong and share what really works to bring sanity to our schedules and lives. In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Dr. Sherri Yoder and Crystel Smith, pioneers of the You-centered movement. Through coaching, keynote speaking, workshops, writing and more, Dr. Yoder and Crystel are dedicated to helping individuals discover, develop and deliver their talents and transform their organizations. Listen and learn: Why you can’t manage time Whether the phrase “Life got in the way” is a reality or an excuse What we do to increase our stress about managing our time 3 some practical ways we can align our values with our calendars A simple tip to plan your schedule before your schedule plans you One question that will make saying “no” a lot easier

Chances are you have joined a Facebook group for a personal interest or to learn a new business skill, but have you seriously considered how to leverage Facebook groups to grow your business? It may be easier – and smarter – than you think! Today’s guest will explain!   In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Sharvette Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Productions, who is a social media coach, web designer, speaker and host of a 10-year running radio show. She helps female entrepreneurs who struggle with attracting attention and exposure for their brand to build their online platform and make money, including using Facebook groups. Listen and learn:   Why Facebook groups are an important part of a smart marketing strategy The types of Facebook groups and when to use each The difference between a Facebook group and business page and why you need both 3 specific strategies to leverage Facebook groups to build your business The biggest mistakes small business owners make when it comes to Facebook groups

Just how important is social media marketing for your small business? Which social media platforms are the best for connecting with prospects and promoting your business? Should you use paid advertising on social media or is it a waste of time and money? Get answers to these questions and more as you consider creating a social media marketing strategy for your business.   In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Shannon Loy, owner of The Social Ginger, a social media consultant who understands that as a small business owner you may not have time to eat your lunch, much less create sparkling content to post on social media every day. That’s why she and her team do social media strategy, management, advertising, and training for small business owners. Listen and learn:   Startling research that reveals just how much time people spend on social media Which social media platforms you should seriously consider for marketing your business If you or should not separate your personal and business life on social media The best number of social media platforms to be on to promote your business The biggest social media marketing mistakes that small business owners make Why Facebook advertising is so popular and what to know before you get started

As a small business owner competing for talent, making smart decisions about employee benefits is strategic. What benefits do employees want most? How can you use benefits to attract, retain and keep employees engaged? What are the trends in employee benefits that go beyond traditional medical, dental or vision coverage? In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Shanita Byrd, Senior Vice-President and Chief Human Capital Officer at Sonabank. A key aspect of Shanita’s role is attracting, engaging and retaining the very best people. Today we tap into her expertise on one topic that every potential employee is interested in – employee benefits. Listen and learn: What small business owners need to consider before setting up an employee benefits plan How many employees is enough to consider offering medical, dental, or vision benefits How to determine what benefits employees want most What benefits small business owners can offer even if the cost of offering a medical, dental, or vision benefits are prohibitive Surprising trends in employee benefits to attract and engage great talent The 3 big mistakes small business owners make creating employee benefit plans

Whether it’s your first employee or your tenth, hiring people to grow your business can feel daunting, especially in a competitive talent marketplace. What is the very first step to hiring the right person for the right job? What can do during the interview to make sure the candidate is a good fit? What are the hiring best practices of success small business owners? In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Mindy Flanigan, Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspiring HR where she and her team specialize in employee management basics for small business. Her service model HR-SURE® says it all: Human Resources that is Simple, Understandable, Relevant and Empowering. Listen and learn: The latest job pool and employment trends impacting hiring employees The #1 thing you need to do before talking with anyone about any position What you need to know about yourself as a business owner to effectively hire and retain Millennials 5 essential hiring best practices of successful small business owners How to use the 70/30 Rule during an interview to truly assess a job candidate

If you could place yourself in an environment where you could work, interact with other entrepreneurs, and immediately tap into expert advice that could dramatically increase your success without breaking the bank, would you do it? Then you need to join a business incubator! What is a business incubator? How does it work? And, more importantly, why should you care? Listen in to find out. In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Gisele Stolz, Director of the Business Incubator at the Mason Enterprise Center affiliated with George Mason University. Located in Fairfax, Leesburg and Warrenton, VA, the mission of this powerful community resource is to provide the infrastructure, support, training and expertise for emerging, growth businesses to succeed. Well, rock, actually! Listen and learn: 4 powerful trends impacting every business The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when they first start their business 3 critical factors that directly influence your entrepreneurial success How a business incubator can bump your business survival rate to 90%! Why all incubators are not the same and what to consider when choosing one

When you’re ready to grow your business to the next level and need an influx of capital to do it, a great option to consider is a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. However, too often small business owners believe that the SBA lending is confusing, difficult, and shrouded in mystery. Well, no more! We’re going to find out the real deal so you can determine if this is a resource for you – now or in the future.   In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Marie Taylor Leibson, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending for Sonabank who is responsible for a full range of lending options including government lending programs including the Small Business Administration (SBA). She teaches workshops and seminars to educate, inform and inspire small business owners about lending. In 2014 Marie was the SBA Richmond District office Financial Services Champion of the Year!   Listen and learn:   The most common reasons small business owners need a loan to grow their business The essential differences between a Small Business Administration (SBA) government loan and a conventional bank loan The different types of SBA loans and which one is the most common Three key assessment areas you need to have in place before applying for a SBA loan The biggest mistakes and misconceptions small business owners make when applying for a SBA loan What every small business owner and entrepreneur can do today to make themselves credit worthy for a loan in the future