Creating relationships, sharing passions called cornerstones of entrepreneurship

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This article was published 25/11/2023 (717 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Budding entrepreneurs must have the ability to create good relationships and personal branding before starting their businesses, Create Marketing owner Ashleigh Hamm said at the Brandon University Business Conference 2023 in the Evans Theatre on Friday.

“Your personal branding is also key because it follows you where you are now all the way through your life, and it’s important to present yourself in a way that you want people to interact with you,” Hamm told the Sun.

Hamm stressed the importance of personal branding from an early stage, pointing out how one’s professional persona extends beyond immediate business interactions. Personal branding, she added, is not solely confined to the business realm but extends into everyday life, influencing how individuals are perceived and interacted with in various spheres.

Fostering genuine connections and maintaining consistent personal branding, she said, are instrumental in building a network of support and trust — crucial components for sustained success in entrepreneurship.

Other speakers at the lightning session at the conference were Chez Angela general manager James Chambers, The Green Spot Home and Garden owner Bernie Whetter, Section 6 Brewing Company co-owner Sid Stevenson, and Century 21 independent contractor Kim Vandaele.

Chambers said the essence of storytelling is also important for every potential entrepreneur. Storytelling, he said, guides business owners in embracing their passions and building a collective narrative within the community.

“The essence lies in embracing what you strongly believe in and are passionate about, then sharing these beliefs with others,” he told the Sun. “This action encourages them to advocate and propagate your stories too.”

Whetter underscored the necessity of mentorship and knowledge-sharing among experienced entrepreneurs and aspiring business enthusiasts.

“We, as business owners, have an obligation to impart our knowledge to those aspiring to enter the business world,” he said.

He elaborated on potential business pitfalls such as HR, finance, and relationships, emphasizing their critical role in entrepreneurial ventures.

Stevenson stressed adaptability and perseverance as fundamental traits for budding entrepreneurs.

Confront challenges with resilience, he said. “Being flexible, continuously learning, and remaining steadfast in your beliefs while handling challenges reflect your values.”

Vandaele, who is also a real estate agent, urged the students to forge their paths based on passion and determination.

“Create your own direction based on your passions and derive satisfaction from pursuing what truly drives you,” she said. She emphasized the importance of education in significant life decisions such as purchasing a home.

On the event’s purpose, BU business department co-chair Prof. Lindsay McLachlan said the aim of the school is to expose students to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurship, provide resources, share success stories, and extract valuable lessons for their future endeavours.

The conference, she said, stood as a testament to BU’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit among students.

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