It’s been a week since Netwerk To Networth Event in Chicago happened. In case you didn’t know Netwerk To Networth is an event series where women connect and create opportunities for collaboration. The women behind Netwerk To Networth is Fatou Barry and Rachel Jordan. These two women are incredibly talented and gifted. I still don’t know how they do it all with all of our cities, but their hard work, passion, and dedication is remarkable.

Since the beginning of this year, I was recruited by Fatou Barry one of the co-founders of Netwerk To Network to join her team to help push all these series events we have going on in different cities. We legit have been working on all these event series since the beginning of this year (The behind the scenes work).

It still amazes me how I am learning so many things about myself lately by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Never, did I ever think I would be in charge of helping push out an event much less be a coordinator for my central city Chicago to hold a conference event with powerful businesswomen in the digital/public relations business industry. But I did which I’m very proud of myself. It goes to show that when an opportunity comes your way and you have a good gut feeling take a chance. Fatou not only believed in me, but she also challenged me in ways I never have been. It has been an unforgettable experience, and I am forever grateful.

Now let’s get into the event details!

Founders:

Fatou Barry — I mean not only do I have a pretty cool amazing boss, but she is the woman I aspire to be within this industry. I admire her hard work, the late night calls, and everything in between those lines. She also has her own business called AB Media Group, and she is the woman behind PR Girl Manifesto.

Rachel Gordon — Co-founder of Netwerk To Network, and her own business called Personally Rachel Group. I’ve been learning all the ropes when it comes to hitting a goal/deadline on time thanks to her.  

Background on our speakers:

Our Moderator: 

Christian Byshe — A Beauty Brand & Marketing Consultant. She is also the co-founder of Studio Maxwell along with her husband. I have been obsessed with her ever since I saw her being a panelist for Cliquish and speaking about her journey to create her own business. I’m so glad I reached out to her, and she became our Chicago moderator.

Speakers:

Shirley Yang — She is the founder and CEO of Muses. Muses is a network app for entrepreneurs and freelancers make sure to check it out. One thing I learned from this fantastic boss babe is that when you are starting a business be slow to hire (Note taken literally).

Alex Ott — CEO and Founder Chrome City Chicago and Chrome City California. Talk about real and rawness that’s what you expect from this boss lady! Not only does she remind me of Kelly Cutrone, but Alex’s work ethic is impeccable, and no one can compare to what she brings to the table. I’m obsessed with her, and she is major inspiration.

Farissa Knox — CEO and Founder of RLM Media and WhatRUWearing Productions. Crosby Noricks Founder of  PR Couture introduced me to Farissa and her company. Her company focuses on content creation, podcast, and video content.

Taylar Barrington — CEO and Founder of Cliquish. I am a big fan of her work because not only have I connected with her multiple times on social media, but her business Cliquish aims to educate all content creators on how to monetize and grow within themselves. She is the cutest and most bubbly person you could ever meet.

Thankful For Our Venues & Sponsors That Partnered Up For Our Event:

• Our Venues: WeWork & Evolve Her
• Our Sponsors: Samsung, Zenni Optical + Lil Epic Design, Boxed Water, BomboBar, Sumptuous Spirits Bartending, Petal, Maison de Grand Esprit, Coquetel Spirits Co, Maelle Beauty, Cle Cosmetics, Miss Jessie’s Unicreamer, & Mixed Sprinkles.

So, why is it essential to attend a networking event?

It’s important to put yourself out there and do your research within the industry you see yourself working in. You never know who you might meet and what opportunities could arise for you. Trust me when I went to my first networking event. I felt anxious to the fullest luckily to keep me at ease. I went with my best friend, Bianca. Networking helped me realize that we are all in this together. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to a CEO you admire, a journalist who’s storytelling is relatable, or a blogger whose content inspires you. It all starts with you and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

What people don’t really know about working in Public Relations, Social Media, Brands & Events industry…

What people don’t understand about PR, Social Media, Brands, & Events.. is that there is so much hard work behind the scenes… it’s more than attending events & having cocktails. Some people get the perspective “oh your career it’s so cool you get to go all these events” it’s more than that. You have to be on your phone and laptop all the time it comes with the job. Sometimes your family and friends will not understand it. You are either running into meetings, catching a flight for work purposes and it’s not a typical 9-5 job. And again emails + conference calls are endless. If it’s a brand you’re either creating a relationship by helping to bring brand awareness, reaching out to media outlets to secure placement, or a client you need to help represent, and so much more. Please understand that working in this industry is stressful yet so rewarding there is a lot of behind the scenes work that people don’t see or acknowledge.

So remember the next time you think someone’s job looks “easy” make sure you know all the behind-the-scenes work that no one sees. No task is easy; if I have learned one thing throughout the different industries, I have had the pleasure of working for. It’s that each job and industry comes with its pros and cons + hard work. Nothing is given or handed to you. It takes real hard work, dedication, and passion for following your dreams.

I wish you all a great upcoming week and may you continue to strive in what you love doing.

Love Always,
Yessi Bause