Your Network is your Net Worth with Shannen Stewart

Bombshell Business Podcast with Amber Hurdle

We’ve all been there. Awkwardly standing around at an event trying to decide who to talk to first and what the heck to discuss. The weather? The latest sports story? Travis and Taylor? But (hopefully), we finally break the ice, get to know some new contacts, and feel like we really rocked this networking thing! What happens next? Maybe we connect on LinkedIn and send a short, “It was great to meet you,” but usually not much else.

You see, networking is more than just the part where you find people to grow your network, it is more about the truly hard part - maintaining it.

Today’s guest is here to help! Shannen Stewart is the Founder of Heels & Handshakes, an organization that fosters community through in-person events and digital experiences for entrepreneurs, women in business and their allies.

Key Takeaways

• Learn about the missing piece in business that led Shannen to create Heels & Handshakes.
• She explains, “networking is not checking a box, it is checking a pulse” - what you need to know once you make a professional connection and how to maintain that relationship.
• Shannen’s go-to CRM to utilize for following up with your contacts by providing value, not noise.
• The best tactics to optimize your time at an event.

Links & Mentioned Resources

COVVE: Shannen’s go to CRM app for taking notes on, and setting reminders to check in with her network.

About Shannen Stewart

Shannen created Heels & Handshakes in 2013 after returning to her hometown of Nashville and missing the community of women within the hospitality industry. She noticed the lack of opportunities to network. Shannen wanted to ensure that the women who made up the Greater Nashville workforce would all have positive and collaborative interactions to enrich their lives professionally and personally. What started as a ten- person meeting for cocktails and conversations has evolved to over 3,000 women and men in the Middle Tennessee community.

Since founding the organization, she has curated over 240 events for the Heels & Handshakes members. Shannen's event brand partnerships and collaborations include Kendra Scott, TEDx, Ballet Ball, Tiff's Treats, and the Nashville Young Leaders Council to execute thoughtful activations for the Heels & Handshakes community.

Her work in hospitality has received accolades and awards, including the 2021 Nashville Lifestyles Women in Business Recipient, The 2019 Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce NELA Awards Hospitality & Tourism Recipient, the 2019 Meeting Professionals International Tennessee Chapter Supplier of the Year and the 100 Leading Persons in Personal Services, Food and Hospitality in 2018. Shannen volunteers for Nashville-based organizations Thistle Farms and the YWCA in her spare time while serving on the TEDxNashville Committee.

Connect with Shannen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannen-stewart/

Instagram: /www.instagram.com/heelsandhandshakes

Website: www.heelsandhandshakes.com

Email: [e-mail]

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