Mindful Business

Wondering how to lead through these times?

Executive Summary:

Five tips for leading through turbulent times. Beth Bell is the executive director for the SalemRoanoke County Chamber of Commerce and helped found FemCity Roanoke, a business networking community for women. Contact her at bethboydbell@gmail.com. FemCity is a members only women’s networking group, founded on a mission to create a new kind of networking for women based on community, collaboration and supportive spirit. Founder, Violette de Ayala, has been showing its thousands of members what that means in current COVID times, having chosen to take the group 100% virtual to continue supporting every woman in the group with resources, programs and connection opportunities to help their small businesses continue to thrive through the pandemic in every way possible.

FiftyCentLove Photographie

MINDFUL BUSINESS

By Beth Bell

In non-COVID times, FemCity Roanoke, like all other chapters across the U.S. and Canada, thrived by offering highly attended events 1-3 times per month. “It’s been critical move for us to go completely virtual and continue to serve our thousands of members as a platform here to help women connect, network and build opportunities together,” says de Ayala. “While in-person events are something we are all so much looking forward to when the time is right, we are grateful we can continue providing the online programming to help our members still thrive with their creative launches and small businesses in such uncertain times.”

As part of the new initiatives included in the membership, FemCity has added: weekly virtual networking for members to participate in, completely free online group coaching and mentorship, plus a live class series with various industry experts every week that can

all be accessed through the safety and comfort of a home office. As the President of the Roanoke Chapter, I’ve been blown away by the sheer volume of classes, networking and coaching opportunities offered by FemCity. Our local chapter has also continued our 3 monthly events virtually. At a recent meeting, it was noted how no other “Zoom” feels like a FemCity Zoom.

DeAyala offered these five tips for leading through turbulent times during a recent interview with Charlie Katz, published

on Medium. 1. Show compassion and empathy 2. Lead with purpose. 3. Give gratitude to others and put them on the stage. When we praise others for the work they have done and we do so in front of others, it motivates, inspires and lifts the work ethic of others. 4. Be a person of your word. Do what you say you will do.

This will go a very long way and makes leaders stand out. 5. Think of what more you can do to help your clients. // Go beyond the expectation and the promise you gave even if just a little bit.

Leading in the service of others is the key to getting through difficult times.