Before You Go – Networking for Almost Entrepreneurs

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By Sonya Stinson

Burned out in her corporate job, Terra Winston embarked on a journey of self-discovery that started with a sabbatical in Argentina and eventually led her to launch her own consulting business. Some of the insights she shared in her Friday afternoon session, Before You Go – Networking for Almost Entrepreneurs, came from thinking about the things she might have done differently while she was still working in corporate America.

Winston is principal of InTerract Consulting, a Chicago-based firm specializing in leadership and executive coaching. In a presentation that alternated between her speaking and individual groups engaging in their own discussion, she covered such topics as when to make the leap from employee to full time entrepreneur; how to introduce yourself and make connections; and how to ask for what you need to help your business take off.

Here’s a sampling of the advice she shared:

When you meet new people, start your introduction by telling what you do now, but add something about where you want to go. That lets them know what you need and how they might be able to help.

Use your current workplace to learn more about how a business runs. For example, volunteer for projects in areas where you don’t yet have experience. Talk to colleagues about the work they do.

Become a conference speaker while you’re still working at a household-name corporation, then leverage that experience and connection to help your own business.

Winston, who prefers to think of connecting rather than networking when considering how to build business relationships, told participants: "Every person that you meet is rich in resources."

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