'Tis the Season: 5 Out-Of-Office Replies For Business Owners to Copy & Paste

[ short answer ]

What should a business owner put in an out-of-office reply?

Skip the plain "I am out of office." A good out-of-office reply gives your return date, sets clear boundaries, and shows some personality. It also points people somewhere useful while you're away, like a freebie, a checklist, your best social account or an upcoming event. This post has five holiday scripts you can copy and paste.

Coming up with something witty, enlightening (or useful to mention) in your out-of-office reply can be daunting.

Hence the reason, many of us use the default vacation response: "I am out of office. Returning Jan. 4th". How boring...how uninspiring...how uncreative.

You just missed the opportunity to let potential or existing clients in on upcoming projects, an exclusive freebie or just your good ol' charming personality. Show them you have a life outside of work! You do, don't you? Instead of going the ho-hum route, take a little extra time to treat the people thinking of you over the holidays —with extra special care.

WORDS...they can mean a helluva lot when given some thought. I've reimagined these copy & paste scripts for the quarantine year we've been having. Let me know how it works out for you.

How To Use These Scripts:

1. Copy & paste the desired script into your email message

2. Insert your name into the <Your Name> brackets

3. Swap out *she* to match your pronoun, if not applicable

4. Be charming and sassy all in one but make it your own! (These scripts are not set in stone)

1. An Out-Of-Office Reply For When You Want to Show Your Personality & Professionalism:

Happy Holidays from me to you.

I'll be away from <date> to <date> enjoying rum punch and everything else that brings me cheer. And I wish you cheesy traditions on a full belly too.

Upon my return, we can re-sync our schedules and re-initiate our plans over Zoom.

Joy to the world,

<Signature>

2. An Out-Of-Office Reply For Business Owners Who Have Strict Holidays Boundaries: 

Deck the halls...

Thank you for your email buuut I’m out of the office.

Don't worry, I'm only gone for the holidays and will be back <Date of Return>. During my much-needed break, I will have private island access to email.

For immediate assistance please contact me in the New Year, as I too, follow an after-Christmas return policy.

Feliz Navidad,

<Signature>

 

3. An Out-Of-Office Reply For The Christmas Tree Huggers Managing The Quarantine:

You've reached the inbox of <your name>'s Elves.

We're filling in for a while, as *she's* stepped out to prepare for the holidays. Well...salvage what's left of a 2020 quarantine one.

Between you and I, the Christmas tree is yet to go up! Try again <date> in the new year. By then, it will be 2021 and some sense of order restored.

Signed <your name> Elves.

For when outside re-opens: 

You've reached the inbox of <your name>'s Elves.

We're filling in for awhile, as *she's* stepped out to prepare for the holidays. *Her* family is coming over and *she* hasn't done a thing. Between me and you, *her* mother-in-law wasn't impressed last year.

Try again <date> in the new year. By then, the resolution would be to stop hosting family gatherings.

Signed <your name> Elves.

4. An Out-Of-Office Reply That Packs a Pitch: 

Hey, Youuu...

This message is automated FYI because I've gone on a binge eating fest. I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS! I'll be back by <Return Date> though.

Did you email me about <What You Do>? Lucky guess, here is my latest <Freebie/Checklist/Book> to help you out in the meantime. It's the least I can do.

Happy Holidays and bingeing to you too,

<Signature>

5. An Out-Of-Office Reply To Show Your Expertise and Promote Your Social Media Links via an Autoresponder Bot:

Guess who's got email duties today? This Autoresponder Bot.

That means <your name> gets the holidays off! If you want to see what *she’s* up to your best bet is to snoop *her* <your best social media> or <2nd best social media>. Don't tell *her* I sent you, as *she* usually has email responding duties, <what you spend your time doing for work> and other admin stuff.

Fun Fact: <your name> and I are never on at the same time (MIND BLOWN, right?!)

Which means, I get to step in when <your name> is hosting/running <upcoming event or signature program you want to promote>. Giving my life a purpose, you know...

Anyways, thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!

- AB (the autoresponder bot for <your name>)

*Here's how to set-up your Gmail for: out of office reply or vacation response. UPDATED: Dec 2020

* I’ve put together the exact words you should say when a client’s invoice has gone beyond your mortgage due date, the words that get trapped when you’re at the follow-up pitch stage and how to respond when someone questions your expertise or why you’re better than *insert so-and-so name*. COLLECT YOUR CHEQUE, THE SCRIPTS

---

"How Do We Do This Quarantine Marketing Thing!?"

Throw your current marketing & messaging playbook in the rinse cycle!

At least for the next 8 to 12 months.

At least until we get through this pandemic.

At least until we have a clearer picture and the dust has settled.

We’re in a pandemic, people…give yourself GRACE.

None of us know how this is going to go.

Now, having to move in-person events to virtual experiences —it’s tricky.

Here’s a sobering thought, you’re not alone in this odd time of uncertainty. And that’s validating and comforting —no matter how awkwardly unusual that sounds.

I am especially speaking to the companies that pump out self-centred content vs audience centred content. At this time, they need to reconsider their strategy. As the Harvard Business Review laid out, communication pieces that inspire are the go-to pieces of content of all times (ok, maybe not of all times but it's front row).

None of us were prepared for the massive shift that we’re currently experiencing. And for businesses everywhere, our marketing and messaging got clobbered.

What do you post so that you’re not promoting "COVID Coupons"?! It’s not a thing. Don’t make it a thing.

Here are some ways you can take immediate action:

1) Pause & Pivot All Scheduled Posts

Your previously planned rollout is no longer relevant and therefore, it’s better to be silent yet intentional than loud and tone-deaf during this time.

"Do you need to reduce how often you post?"

Hop back into your automated scheduler and with a fine-tooth comb replace messaging that no longer applies. And in its place add content that supports your audience's current situation.

2) Prepare to Strategize

Now’s the time to redesign and realign your online goals.

"What's your core message?"

Don’t use this as an opportunity to force-feed content or capitalize on a crisis. 

Be mindful of imagery containing crowds and language like “get in touch” or “work hand in hand”. Physical distancing is in full effect.

Adding value should be the top priority right now —not multiplying the online noise. You can do this by injecting humour, storytelling and informative visuals into your marketing.

3) Support a Cause or Start Your Own Campaign

This is a great time to showcase the causes your business supports (show the human side) or even start your own online campaign by using a designated hashtag like the #IStayHome that launched on TikTok.

#IStayHome Challenge

You can get extremely creative here. There's no rule book, remember?

Everyone is experiencing this for the first time. Your business could set an example of how it should be done. From how you promote the causes you support via an Instagram carousel of candid quotes of how people are finding joy in disfunction. Or tag the businesses that complement your own —what are they doing to boost the communities and healthcare workers.

We're in this together, even if we're 6 feet apart.

4) Educate AND Entertain

This one by far is my favorite on the quarantine marketing & messaging list.

It simultaneously highlights your expertise and builds audience engagement for now and future tomorrows. See how these companies, WHO & Canva pivoted in their marketing.

View fullsize

World Health Organization: WHO Can Relate

View fullsize

Canva Helping Us With Our Zoom Backgrounds

Stay informed on topics relevant to your audience.

This allows you to add to the conversation (via an infographic) not disrupt.

Share your business’ crisis preparedness.

This positions you as a leader with a contingency plan.

All of the above is just as important as creating entertaining distractions like inspirational videos or funny memes.

We are bogged down with enough COVID reports from the media and news outlets. Keep it light, just as much as you stay informed.

Balance.

5) Optimize Your Marketing Material: Website, Blog Posts and Collateral (OHkay, fine)

Where else can you put your attention right now...other than social media to stand out online after COVID?

Did someone say, rebrand? Show your website some l-o-v-e.

• Rethink your current content: does it represent the evolution of my brand? Does it highlight your core message? Do you present yourself as approachable, personable and an industry leader? Ponder on that for a minute.

Rewrite your blog posts with updated keywords (👀SEO)

• I'm no SEO wizard but it doesn't take one to know, you probably could show up better in search results if you send a bit more time on what keywords help you show up: how you want and for who you want.

Capture new headshots (i.e. smartphone photoshoot!) or a bio refresh, maybe? 

• Don't underestimate the power of looking like 2020 you, instead of 2010's past (*guilty). And that bio that you use to pitch is sitting in isolation on your website. This time around —include qualitative data & quantitative numbers.

Turn up the brag meter and name the fortune 500 companies you've partnered with.

These are just a few ways to get your biz organized and back on track as the comeback kid. Resilient and powerful.

Be safe, stay healthy!

---

You Can Quit Entrepreneurship...The Dirty Little Secret I Kept to Myself

[ short answer ]

Is it okay to quit entrepreneurship and go back to a job?

Yes. Going back to a job isn't failure. It's choosing what works for your growth right now. Tennile Cooper returned to full-time work after five years of self-employment. To make the move: track every application, upgrade your skills, ask recruiters for advice, script your answers (especially "tell me about yourself"), customize every application, and get your mindset right.

[And how I re-entered the workforce after 5 years of hustle and grind as an entrepreneur]

"I quit my job!" is often celebrated.

It signifies freedom from the 9 to 5 shackles. Which to be honest had been a sentiment I shared when I ended my full-time job after 10 years in the social service sector.

Whispers, "I quit entrepreneurship"...now that's a statement that is burdened with shame of failing to make self-employment work. However, for me, it signified the freedom to manage my mental health.

At the time though —quitting entrepreneurship —was the dirty little secret I kept to myself.

Anybody who has ever worked for themselves knows —your brain nags you about everything you could be doing in your business instead. Even at social events, you're thinking about sending out a contract or how you're going to respond to an email.

That being said, let me start from the beginning, where my business launched and what led me to quit entrepreneurship.

Have you ever felt like, you're supposed to do something with your life but yet to figure out what? I felt like this —the majority of my twenties.

Following the path set out by my Caribbean parents: Go to college, get a good job with benefits then retire 35 years later. Well, what if you complete the mission in less time and still feel lost?! I did what was laid out for me and still felt a void.

That sent me on a tailspin of seeking and searching for more.

When I was in a permanent full-time job, I took a contract Communications role (something I didn't go to college for). This well-intended plan was to force me into starting a business 1 year later. The unexplainable feeling I had earlier that made me feel empty inside morphed into: "Start a business, but what?"

Since I went to college for social work with a minor in Psychology, it made perfect sense to become a life coach, right? Sure. That's what I did for the first quarter of my leap out of the workforce. I didn't make any money in my coaching business for 6 months.

No steady income...while in school...and not making a single dime from this "business" I decided to start —just call me loco…my co-workers did!

In my zig —when I should have zagged, I noticed not only myself but other coaches struggled to express what they did in their business. I also spent the majority of my time on marketing and messaging than actually coaching anybody, anyway. So I pivoted.

That's when my true journey of entrepreneurship began in copywriting.

At the time, I didn't even know what copywriting was. What I did know is I could write —mainly poetry but writing nonetheless. Never once did I imagine I could trade writing for money. This led me to write my first online publication without securing one red cent but I was being featured in outlets like the Huffington Post, so that added to my online credibility I told myself.

However, when I eventually found out how to get paid for said writing, I also learned I was in an industry that is known for prolonging payments to writers. How can one live off compensation uncertainty when bills show-up like clockwork?! It was an unsustainable endeavour for me, so I pivoted again.

That's when I stumbled onto a woman online making a significant amount of coin by writing for entrepreneurs. Remember that zig when I should have zagged?

Coaching should have led me down this route instead but when you come from a background of not seeing what is possible —possibilities can look out of focus.

When my vision did eventually align, I began my own copywriting business, for real this time. Still not 100% knowing what area of focus or direction I wanted to go (i.e. B2B or B2C) but I dived in with all ten toes because I could effortlessly combine my gift to identify a message unique to a business and make it marketable. I didn't know it was a gift then —I just knew others couldn't do it, so I ran with it. Which eventually landed me my first contract with a Fortune 500 company and running a content marketing workshop at the Microsoft Store.

Yet, entrepreneurship is hard.

This is what I've learned running a business full-time for the last 5 years.

• The highs are high: the amount of money you can make in one month compared to in a year, securing opportunities you're not trained for but are named for, and the incredible people you have access to.

• On the flip side: the lows are low when you don't fully understand the ebbs and flows of your business and then go broke for 4 months. And TAXES! Ugh, my Achilles heel and arch-nemesis.

I did finally find my rhythm but not until I returned back to a 9-5 and realized established businesses struggle too! This newfound perspective, yo-yo'd me back into my copywriting business full-time only to realize AGAIN, entrepreneurship —it's still hard.

There is a steep learning curve when you work for yourself.

You need to know when it's the right time to hire a team, lean on experts in your area of weakness and properly plan for the high and low periods in self-employment. Which takes a full plate of guts, instinct, and a side of discipline when sometimes all you want to do is work and collect a paycheque.

So here I am, back in full-time employment after applying to 108 communication & marketing jobs and showing up to 13 interviews within the course of a year. See also; putting my lessons into practice, continuing to work on my craft and digging deeper into my field of expertise.

There were a few things I did to re-enter the workforce, after 5 years of F/T self-employment and being asked the eye-twitching interview question multiple times, "Why do you want to return to a job after working for yourself?"

1 ) I Tracked Every Single Job I Applied And Interviewed At

This allowed me to properly follow-up with recruiters and hiring managers when I sent “Thank You” emails after the interview or after rejection and how often they put out positions to gauge culture fit (also to simply remember the employer. Sometimes jobs contact you 2-8 weeks later).

2) I Upgraded My Skills

I am an avid learner. So that meant, I increased my skills from writing classes to a marketing and sales course to certify myself as an expert. I found out from the roles I wanted —what they wanted from an ideal candidate.

3) I Sought Advice From Friends And Associates Who Worked in the Recruitment Industry (And Also Hiring Networking Events)

This did two things: gave me insider insight (i.e. The Star Interview method) and put myself on their radar to send jobs that were a match for my skills. Cha-ching!

4) I Wrote Scripts

Applying to jobs via ATS, sending follow-up “Thank You” emails (snail mail and e-mail), follow-up rejection script for collecting feedback, a script to do cold outreach to hiring managers on LinkedIn and even for the popular opener interview question "So, tell me about yourself?" Don't wing this question, this is an opportunity to set the tone for the entire interview. Learn how to articulate your value as it relates to the role via storytelling.

5) I Submitted a Customized Cover Letter, Resume and Portfolio for Every Position I Applied

Yup. Don't overlook this step. It's time-consuming —yes, but most people like to hop over it and that's how you stand out. I've heard back from hiring managers that because I took the extra effort to do this they were curious to learn more about me (3 out of 12 job rejections turned into contract roles for my business) 🙏🏾.

6) I Got My Mind Right

Uh...this was the hardest part. I had to do a lot of pep talk to remind myself I wasn't a failure for not making it as a full-time entrepreneur. I had to put other things as a priority, investing in myself (and that meant time, grace and the ability to take a break). My business didn't allow room for that, I was always hustling...and so, being back in a job provides the balance that I require to thrive even further.

*I am sure there are a few more tidbits I could share but maybe in another blog post, we’re creeping up to 1500 words now.

This once upon a time feeling of shame "failing at being an entrepreneur" and returning to a job, has now transformed into me (finally and) fully understanding there is no failure —only what works for your growth.

And working full-time while running my business on the side is most ideal for my growth (at this moment). Considering what entrepreneurship has beaten me over the head with: nothing is certain only how creative you can be with possibilities.

Are you returning back to a job after entrepreneuring? What’s your story?…

---

Your Best Employees Will Quit! Here's How They Become Evangelists Instead

[ short answer ]

How do you turn employees into brand advocates?

Value them and give them a platform. Feature employees as experts in your content, give them the tools to share company news with their own networks, and invest in their growth through training, flexible work and support for outside projects. Feeling unappreciated is a top reason people quit (79%, Forbes 2018). Engaged employees stay and attract more great hires.

That’s me in the picture above giving my 5 min Ted talk on how Employee Engagement = Content Marketing at Woman and Color. Then I made it into an article because I am a writer, first and furthermore, SEO but at some point, this will be a reference guide for companies who have learned to market smarter —not harder. ​​Keep reading…

---

We’ve all had at least one or two jobs we’ve absolutely loved.

Like the crush, you’ve been crushing on for so long — now is crushing on you — and you don’t know where it will lead — but you’re completely on board — and your confidence is through the roof — type of love.

Don’t you just love that reciprocal type of love?!

Fortunately for me, I’ve had 2 and more jobs I’ve loved and they reciprocated the same. Only this type of love also came with a paycheck.

One, in particular — matched my expertise, allowed autonomy in my role (after I passed the 3-month probationary period of course) and they hooked me up with my very own Mac computer.

For my design/techie nerds — you know the level of importance of having premium tools to execute your job to its highest standard. Now any place I apply to I request a Mac computer…most will probably deny it, and I’ll deal, but it would be a bonus. *Employers are you writing this down?*

As a result, in the first 3–6 months, I brought in noteworthy wins. I increased client numbers and engagement exponentially, marketed and promoted two sold-out events then slam-dunked the organization into a major publication feature.

I was on fire.

The team and I were jellying.

In a nutshell, I was in my element and becoming a significant asset to the company. However, something was still off.

Uh-oh, the honeymoon phase was fizzling out.

I didn’t feel my efforts were valued. No matter how much I was helping to raise the organization’s profile, my manager, still made me feel disposable.

Instead of allowing my feelings to decrease my productivity, I arranged a meeting to address my concerns.

Let’s PAUSE here.

You’re the employer, and you have a high-performing player, like myself *pops collar*.

Do you:

A) Pile on the responsibility

B) Carry on business as usual

C) Provide professional development opportunities

In the world of high employee engagement C) Provide professional development opportunities is always the answer.

However, it’s not the case in most workplaces.

Let’s hit PLAY on my little story.

I entered the meeting feeling confident that my work ethic and the results I was bringing to the boardroom would make it a smooth conversation.

Sorta like this: “How can we best support you?” “What do you need to keep performing at this level?” “Do you need another Mac computer?.”

What happened next — I was not expecting.

Instead, I was met with disappointment.

More responsibilities were dumped in my lap (along with a few of my colleague’s tasks), my requests were blocked as well as my professional development and business — it carried on as usual.

A couple of months later, when I was offered to extend on my contract — it was a no brainer for me to decline. Especially with no plans on my employer’s end to bend in our stalemate negotiation.

In most cases, employees in my position would not quit — they’d tough it out and hope it got better. They’d tried their darndest not to harbour resentment or worst become disgruntled.

We know how this story goes though, employees who are not heard usually become bitter and the workplace slowly becomes toxic. And toxicity can become cancerous to an organization’s growth.

Employees are the Biggest Asset to a Company’s Brand.

Global studies reveal that 79 percent of people who quit their jobs cite ‘lack of appreciation’ as their reason for leaving. (FORBES. 2018)

Now, here’s how they become evangelists instead.

MAKE THEM YOUR THOUGHT-LEADERS AND IT WILL BOOST YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION

Every single employee that walks through the door is an expert.

By creating content that pulls from the vast experience and expertise of the team — it builds a rock-solid online presence.

By getting employees involved with what they’d like to see the company highlight, it unleashes their professional knowledge to produce whitepapers, articles (like this), infographics, video series, case studies, interviews, checklist etc.

The content ideas are endless, and this ensures a positive online reputation.

MAKE THEM YOUR BIGGEST BADDEST ADVOCATES AND YOU’LL RECRUIT IN OLYMPIC-RECORD TIME

When companies provide the social tools & resources employees need to do their job well, it cuts down on inefficiency costs and recruiting new hires isn’t a chore.

Being able to tap into an employees’ social media network is invaluable. On average, employee networks have 10 times as many connections as a company’s Profile Page of followers. (LINKEDIN. 2017)

It’s no longer a faceless organizational logo promoting initiatives, events or job openings on Twitter. The team now becomes an army, and the know-like-trust factor of the brand explodes.

MAKE THEM HAPPY AND THEY’LL STAY

When employees are valued and appreciated, they put a ring on it and are committed.

Companies should not hesitate to provide professional development opportunities, offer flex work environments or encourage external endeavours and advancement in their careers.

That includes outside passions and side-hustles. 

An engaged employee is a high-performing one, and that only attracts more high-performing players to the team.

Companies like Hootsuite, Google and LinkedIn, put employee engagement as a top priority —by featuring them in their online publications and supporting their employees’ creative and innovative pursuits.

Something any true diverse and inclusive organization should aspire to attain.

In the end, you get to decide how your brand shows up online — but more importantly, you get to have a reciprocal type of love.

---

*Interested in a communications consultant that can train the team and help you form the social media policy at your organization? Download the free report and let’s see how I can help!

---

I Mentored 45 Young Entrepreneurs in 2.5 years 👀: Here's What They Taught ME

Before I take you down memory lane, let's open this blog post with WHY mentorship is not only for the young.

I feel as we get older, we lose room to make mistakes, ask open-ended questions and look silly. Being mentored allows space for all of this, but adult mentorship is as rare as Chef Gordon Ramsay using his indoor voice.

Maturity doesn't immune us from bucking our toe at various stages in life.

We still require someone to support or sponsor our work and character to help propel us to the next level. I recently read a gem-packed article which touched on the importance of side to side mentorship via Media Mogul, Necole Kane of XONecole —you should skim through it once we're finished here. Mmmkay!

Now, WHY I decided to become a trusted advisor to 45 young entrepreneurs in the first place?!

Long answer: People have shown up for me at different ages of my life from recess to student loans. All unrequested but a blessing of direction, can I get an AMEN! The kind of sage direction that led me to my first dream job and to an all-expense-paid trip to Ghana, Africa. Yes, THAT happened, and it was one of the best experiences for my soul.

Short Answer: I'm paying it forward.

It was spring 2017 when I pitched my workshop services to different companies around the city. Although I didn't secure a project at the time, I eventually partnered with The Summer Company to become one of their mentors instead.

I pondered about the offer for 24 hrs.

1. Would I have the time to commit?

After-all I am running a full-time Copywriting business here, and It's a 12-week program with bi-weekly meetings.

2. Would what I have to share be beneficial?

Hello, imposter syndrome. Anything I undertake, I must add value. No matter how many courses, experience or education you possess —you still want to know "Am I the right fit for this?".

Survey says —I was.

Not because I was the only woman and youngest mentor in the room, I was also the only black one too. More than anything else, representation matters on all fronts because I didn't get to see —what I could be —when I was growing up. Had I did, I probably would have been a black Bill Gates in the making.

So what did these budding entrepreneurs teach me, you ask?

Figure Hard Stuff Out (Because Everything is Figure-out-able)

A round of speed mentoring was underway, where each mentee had an opportunity to talk with the mentors about their business.

This one girl shared with me her education path of studying to be a Computer Engineer (shoutout to girls who code). Building upon the rapport, I shared my journey, "That was the path I would have taken as well if math wasn't a prerequisite." I said. So I took the beaten path of social work instead.

She responded, "You could have gotten a tutor, as I did. It's not an easy program."

It made total sense.

Now, as a full-blown adult that figures hard stuff out all of the time, not as the 17-year-old who wanted things easy. Hands down, this oversight on my journey stunted my professional growth. It's incredibly vital to know/see anybody who took the road less travelled and can show you it would have been worth it.

Hello, future of technology, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WORTH IT.

Where are you currently stuck? It could be as simple as hiring help.

Shamelessly Ask For Help, Especially When Stuck

There has been a lot of keen and ambitious mentees throughout the program; however, one stood out to me more by how persistent he was on pursuing solutions to a problem.

He had the best questions:

• How do I build awareness of my business to a target market outside of my reach? (READ or READ)

• Should I charge by project or by the hour? (READ)

• What should I outline in project contracts as a freelancer? (SEE)

• How do I follow-up with customers without being annoying? (Download these scripts)

He knew what to ask to get him to the next stage. And that folks —is a skill!

Old footage of me playing Monopoly with my sister.

Asking the right questions to pass GO and collect $200, in the game of Monopoly and life. Which, full disclosure, I hated that game because my sister always won. She would scoop up every property she landed on and own the block.

So what I'm saying is this, it's a good strategy for life and business.

Can you shamelessly ask for help when you get stuck?

Bet on Yourself, FIRST

I'm not going to lie to you, not every entrepreneur mentored went on to create a successful business —a few decided to win instead.

The most successful rising star I mentored came in knowing her niche, target audience, and the platform to reach them on. She hosted fashion-focused pop-ups in the city as a meet & greet to attract new customers and engage with existing ones. The best position I could play as her mentor was to be the biggest baddest cheerleader. In my rich Kris Jenner momager voice, "You're doing amazing, sweetie!"

Her game plan was to make contemporary fashion history accessible in Toronto. She did intense customer research, studied eBay engagement, minimized her shipping fees and, even took a flight to Japan to spark ideas of how to curate a full collection of rare and obscure fashion pieces.

BEFORE the validation, co-sign or recognition of her mission.

How often do you bet on yourself, first?

These young entrepreneurs became my Mr. Miyagi and taught me some valuable lessons —that ambition, determination and drive are only a slice of the entrepreneur pizza pie.

You also need to embrace the lesson in everything and adjust as you pass GO.

---

3 Reasons Women Need Venture Capital to Turn The Tables And The Links To Do It

"Women are less willing to take risks than men" and as a result lose out on securing VC funding.

We're more risk-averse, so they say, "Am I hiring the right person?" or "How will 'this' decision impact my business’ reputation?" are our go-to inner critic line of questioning. Our attention is directed to our social place in the world rather than the economic growth the business could gain.

However, it's not necessarily our fault…AHA!

A study analyzed TechCrunch Disrupt New York, (an annual startup funding competition) video transcripts of Q&A sessions done by Venture Capitalists, showing the different sets of questions posed to male vs. female entrepreneurs. Which highlighted leading questions that played on risk-averse scenarios for women to answer.

Source: Harvard Business Review, “Male and Female Entrepreneurs Get Asked Different Questions by VCs — and It Affects How Much Funding They Get”

We're also unaware of available funding options that are out here for the taking. Which puts us at a major disadvantage. It's also the reason we're vastly under-represented and under-funded in the Venture Capital "boys club". And that's just the tip of the iceberg after doing light research.

If you needed any more reasons to go after your share of the VC pie, I've listed them below.

1. Access to Cash-Money

Stat. Only 2.2% of the overall $130 billion of venture capital raised by companies in 2018 went to female founders — despite us owning 38% of the businesses in the country.

This is absolutely depressing. Even with the 7% female venture capitalists at the table, we're still falling short.

"Could I have a glass of wine with them?"

Let’s face it, the reason why it remains a boys club, most male Venture Capitalist decisions are influenced on the basis of “Could I have a beer with them?”. If there were not only more women but diverse women seated in executive roles, holders of the purse strings at these venture firms, female founders access to capital would increase.

Representation can be a domino effect.

Until then…here is the access pass to cash-money pitch events.

⚡Local Canadian Pitch Events: Telus, Startup Canada, TEF, Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business

⚡Global Pitch Events: https://www.growthmentor.com/blog/startup-pitch-competitions/

⚡Tips For Securing Small Business Grants: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/small-business-grants-in-canada-2948494

2. Access to Invaluable Mentoring

Angel investors can offer you more than a duffle bag of cash.

You can lean on the expertise and experience from entrepreneurs who have launched a successful company similar to yours. They already know the pitfalls ahead and can help guide you away from the land mines. Usually, the mentors that invested tend to stay involved. That means, continuity in the guidance you get and a willingness to help you wade through difficult decisions.

Mentoring can come in the form of incubators, accelerator programs, co-working spaces and Small Business Development Centres.

New funding opportunity launched for women-led tech companies in Canada. @thebigpushca + @DisruptionVC have joined forces to provide $2 million in seed funding to technology #startups at their early stages. https://t.co/EF7KCqcELx pic.twitter.com/xQzBqrQaKT

— She Is Epic (@sheisepic) May 13, 2019

⚡Canadian Resources That Support Women Entrepreneurs: https://canadabusiness.ca/starting/checklists-and-guides-for-starting-a-business/women-entrepreneurs/

⚡Global Venture Capital Firms That Specifically Help Women Entrepreneurs (It’s about damn time!): https://www.inc.com/magazine/201810/kimberly-weisul/female-founders-funding-guide.html

3. Access to Relationship Capital

This is an undervalued resource when you pitch your startup/business to investors —THE GOLDMINE OF RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOPED.

Building your LinkedIn Rolodex of contacts that can either support your goals or introduce you to someone who could. The networking opportunities are countless from access to potential suppliers to potential customers for your business.

Now, that you know the benefits to secure VC funding, here's how I can help you position yourself as a serious entrepreneur via your Pitch Deck. Click to Apply.

*This free offer expires May 31st, 2019

---

7 Low-Key Networking Goldmines That Don’t Require Your VistaPrint Business Card

[ short answer ]

How can you network without going to boring networking events?

Try seven low-key options: join a board, volunteer your professional skills, sit on an event committee, become an official mentor, host your own event, run a workshop, or go only to paid networking events, where people tend to be more engaged. Each one lets people see how you work, instead of just collecting your business card.

View video at end of post.

If you're anything like me, then you would rather be a contestant on Fear Factor than go to another boring & basic networking event.

You'd rather sing the "Baby Shark" song for your audition at American Idol.

You’d rather become a Nun and join a covenant.

You get it...now, shifting tangent gears. 

Why do networking events matter when you want to stand out online —you ask? In a nutshell, online and offline endeavours should work in conjunction, as they reflect the brand you're building no matter the platform.

When done effectively, it enhances your overall social presence. However, you'd be pressed to find one that doesn't bore you out of your moisturized skin.

That said, try these 7 networking activities are goldmines. They also help you build relationships, gain clients and do good for the world minus the drag or the drain on your energy (even if you’re an introvert, extrovert or an ambivert...networking events are exhausting for all personality types).

1. Join a Board

This is a low-key goldmine for the simple fact; you're around the table with other business owners/company representatives in a meaningful and productive way. This is a real opportunity to be of value to valuable people and missions.

Choose the rooms you want to be in wisely.

Try: your local government, non-profit organizations, start-ups, or art councils.

2. Volunteer

Hear me out.

Volunteering is one of the lightning round ways to get on someone's radar without overly pitching your services. They will see how you operate by working with you in their environment. Volunteer to do the thing you do in your business, that why you build upon your experience, skills and network. It's also portfolio-worthy.

Try: Hop on time-bound projects and events.

3. Sit on an Event Committee

Similar to joining a board; however, this has a project end date if you can't commit to the one to three-year timeframe boards require. This is where you show off your ability to lead, bring resources to the table and promote to your network. This adds to your social presence clout. It also bestows several references you can tap into for LinkedIn recommendations.

Try: Either business related (In your network, who’s hosting an event? Ask to help) or unrelated (i.e. road safety committee).

4. Become an Official Mentor

Becoming an Official Mentor —automatically puts you in a circle of trust. Apply to become a mentor at an organization so that your time mentoring is structured and documented. As a result, you're usually selected first for speaking engagements and workshops you can host at the organization. This kind of do-gooder spirit allows you to not only be among other mentors but tomorrow’s business leaders from the mentees in the program.

Try: Your city/region organizations, local community agencies.

5. Host an Event

Bring the people to you by having them connect online via a one-off hosted occasion. Give to get —the network you want in front of you. You’re automatically viewed as a thought-leader, and there is a power dynamic shift that happens when you go this route.

Try: Have an interview panel session or live podcast.

6. Run a Workshop

Similar to hosting an event but running a workshop can be an on-going saga, which will build upon the relationship you're growing. Collect emails to follow-up and announce future projects you're working on. Stay in their inbox!

Try: Teach an under-rated skill in your industry, run a walk-through presentation with an in-person Q&A.

7. Attend Only Paid Networking Events

There's a higher return on time/investment at paid networking events.

Since people put their money into being in attendance, they're more likely to seek out quality conversations and material. Free events are not awful but they're not remarkable regarding ROI. Folks at paid events are more in-tuned and engaged and rarely do they shove their business card in your face. Yuck.

Try: Use the event's hashtag to drum-up attention from other attendees.

That's it!

If you know of another networking goldmine I didn't mention above, PLEASE, let me know. I can't take these low-level basic networking events anymore.

Comment on a networking goldmine I didn't mention above.

---