80 marieclaire.com.au
- KNOW THAT YOUR NETWORK
IS YOUR NET WORTH
When launching a business, the most
powerful thing you have is your network;
don’t ever undervalue who you know.
I had little idea what I was doing when I
started my plus-size fashion business, Hear
Us Roar. I often talked to my friends and
family about all the problems I was facing.
When something was outside the scope
of my direct network, magic happened;
someone would always know someone
who could help me. I’ve had thousands
of dollars’ worth of free advice because
I simply reached out to my network. - ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS
Most people are deathly afraid of asking
for help or guidance, but business is
essentially about finding solutions to
other people’s problems. My theory is
that if you don’t ask the question, you’re
automatically receiving a no. If you ask and
don’t get the answer you wanted, you’ve
still got more info than you had before.- BUILD LASTING CONNECTIONS
There’s no expiry date on a connection.
I once had a guy message me two months
after I pitched my idea to him saying he
would love to help me out. So reach out,
even if it’s been a while. Remind them
where you met. Often you’ll meet the
right people at the wrong time, but it’s
never too late to reconnect. When
How to network like
A BOSS
Blaise McCann, founder of digital fashion empire Hear
+D(@2CE2=<D]?5:?8J@FCEC:36:?E96DE2CEFA4@>>F?:EJsomebody cares about you and your
passion, they’ll find time for you. It might
not be right away, but they will make time.- JOIN A GANG
When I felt like I’d exhausted my own
network, I knew I needed to expand my
reach. I joined the Tech Ready Women
(TRW) program to leverage connections
to further develop my business acumen
and get answers to the questions whirling
around in my head. The program helped
connect me to the right people. The most
profound moment was when an investor
decided not to invest for personal reasons.
I wanted to quit, but Christie [Whitehill],
the founder of TRW, found me a fashion
tech guru who sat down and breathed
life back into me. I will never forget
that moment – it was so significant
in the business’ journey. - PICK UP THE PHONE
If your extended network can’t help
you, you’ll need to unleash your inner
hustler. Suck it up and be humble in
your approach. Reach out to people
you don’t know via LinkedIn, Facebook
business groups and networking events.
Do your research and make sure you have
a clear idea about why you’re reaching out.
Time is one of an entrepreneur’s most
valuable assets so don’t waste it when
someone ofers it to you. People love to
help those starting out – it’s encouraged
in the start-up world. Make the most of it.
Find your own tribe at the marie claire x
Tech Ready Women start-up masterclass on
May 25 and 26; marieclaire.com.au/events.IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
BUSINESS ADVICE, DON’T ADD
SOMEONE ON FACEBOOK.
TRY LINKEDIN OR TWITTER.H O T
TIP