Powerful Women Rising - A Business Podcast for Female Entrepreneurs

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Networking doesn’t have to be awkward or overwhelming—it just needs a plan!

In this episode, I’m diving into how to create a networking strategy that feels authentic and actually works.  I’ll share why having a clear plan is the secret to building meaningful connections, staying consistent, and making the most out of your networking efforts.

You’ll learn:

• Why aimless networking is a waste of time (and how to fix it).
• The key components of a networking plan that works for you.
• How to personalize your follow-ups so they actually lead to results (and not just another ghosted email).
• Simple tools to keep track of warm leads and never let opportunities slip through the cracks.

Plus, I’ll introduce you to my Networking Planner — a game-changing tool to help you stay organized and intentional with your networking efforts. This planner has everything you need to track events, connections, and follow-ups, so you can network with confidence and ease.

Ready to take the stress and overwhelm out of networking?

Tune in now, and let’s build a plan that helps you grow your business, one genuine connection at a time!

Links & References:

Download my free Networking Planner here!

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!

Loved the episode? Here are four ways you can show your support:
1. Buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!
2. Leave a five-star review
3. DM me on Instagram and let me know
4. Share it with a friend!

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

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What if the key to a high-converting website isn’t selling—but connecting?

In this episode, I chat with Skylar Sustin, a web designer and branding wizard, about how to create a website that resonates with your ideal client and doesn’t just make sales but makes an impact. Skylar breaks down how using brand psychology, personal stories, and authentic design can transform your website into a space that builds trust and inspires your audience to buy—without sleazy sales tactics.

We explore:

• Why connection-focused websites are more effective in the long run
• How to align your design with your brand values
• Practical ways to make your website feel like a true reflection of you 

Skylar also shares her favorite strategies for creating emotional engagement that leades to conversions and why storytelling is the true "secret sauce" for standing out online.

Whether you’re refreshing your business website or starting from scratch, this episode is packed with insights to help you build an online presence that resonates, converts, and feels good to share with the world!

Links & References:

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!
• For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!
• Connect with Skylar via her website or on Instagram

Loved the episode? Here are four ways you can show your support:
1. Buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!
2. Leave a five-star review
3. DM me on Instagram and let me know
4. Share it with a friend!

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

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Did you get everything you wanted and needed out of your networking efforts last year?

You probably know how important it is to set SMART goals, evaluate your results and decide what you want to start, stop or keep as you move forward in business.  But how often do you do these thing with regards to your networking strategy?

In this episode, we’ll explore the importance of evaluating your networking efforts, and why it's essential to look beyond the referrals you got and the money you made.   

We'll discuss:
• Questions to assess past networking experiences
• Evaluating tangible vs. intangible outcomes in networking
• Importance of consistency and engagement in networking
• Mindset's role in effective networking
• Actionable steps to reshape networking for the new year

Links & References:

Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community!

Learn more about Emily Aborn's podcast bundle here:  https://emilyaborn.com/podcaster-bundles/

Loved the episode? Here are four ways you can show your support:
1. Buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!
2. Leave a five-star review
3. DM me on Instagram and let me know
4. Share it with a friend!

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards - it's about building real, sustainable relationships that will help you business thrive. 

In this episode, Helena Baker, founder of English Speaking Network, shares the  inspiring story of her move to Israel four years ago and how she couldn't find the community she was looking for, so she created it!

Fast-forward to today, Helena truly is a "Networking Queen" who understands what it means to network INTENTIONALLY without being a salesy weirdo.  In this epsiode, she shares practical strategies for maximizing your networking experiences - from setting the right goals and mastering follow-ups to crafting meaningful interactions at events, Helena lots of insights and some pro-tips you've probably never heard before!

This episode will leave you feeling empowered to up your networking game and integrate it seamlessly into your business growth strategy, while staying true to yourself.

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The Powerful Women Rising Virtual Speed Networking Event is the perfect place to put some of these tips into action!  

• Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

Learn more about becoming a member of the Powerful Women Rising Community here:  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/community/

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To connect with Helena Baker or learn more about English Speaking Network:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenabaker/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/networkwithhelena/

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

From mental and physical health benefits to resilience and positivity, gratitude has a profound impact on people's lives. But could embracing gratitude actually change the way you do business? 

In this episode, we'll explore the often-overlooked power of gratitude and how it can reshape your business relationships and fuel your success. 

We'll discuss how gratitude can foster trust and strengthen connections, what keeps us from expressing our gratitude out loud and how to make it easy for others to show their gratitude to you.

You'll also learn meaningful ways to express gratitude and create a reciprocal pattern of gratitude that not only celebrates others but also creates lasting success in your business.

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Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community here:  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/community/

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

Sometimes having a conversation is not as easy as it sounds.

If you've ever walked into a networking event where it seems like you're the ONLY one who doesn't know anyone, you know what I'm talking about. 

If you've ever had to have a difficult conversation with a loved one, you know how challenging it can be. 

If you've ever found yourself having a "coffee chat" with someone and it feels like pulling teeth to try to get them to share ANYTHING about themselves, you get it.

In today's episode of the Powerful Women Rising podcast, I had the honor if interviewing Tucker Miller, the brilliant mind behind the book "The First Four Words - A Fresh Approach to Starting Conversations with Ease and Confidence."

Her unique insights unravel the complex web of conversations, teaching us not only how to start them but also how to nurture them into meaningful exchanges that can profoundly impact our lives and businesses. 

This episode is a must-listen for those eager to shed self-doubt, embrace authenticity, and transform their approach to conversations, both professionally and personally.  You'll gain invaluable strategies to help you shift your communication style and make your voice heard with more confidence and ease.

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Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community here:  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/community/

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To connect with Tucker Miller and learn more:

www.jtuckermiller.com
www.onwardleadership.com

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

What even is "Thought Leadership"?

Is it actually important in growing a business or is it just another buzzword? 

In today's episode of the Powerful Women Rising podcast, I sit down with Melissa Ripp, the dynamic founder and CEO of Peapod Marketing and PR Consulting, to shed some light on what thought leadership is, why it matters in personal branding and how YOU (Yes, YOU!) can be a thought leader.

Thought leadership is not just for people with big, controversial ideas worthy of the TedX stage.  If you are an expert in your industry with a fresh perspective, Melissa will show you how to nurture your unique voice and integrate your personal stories to create more authority, authenticity and trust.

Embrace the power of your experiences and discover how your unique perspective can help you connect with your audience in meaningful ways.

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Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community here:  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/community/

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To connect with Melissa Ripp and learn more about Peapod Marketing and PR:

Website: https://workwithpeapod.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaripp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peapodmel 

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

In this eye-opening episode I'm gonna ruffle some feathers by confronting a challenge that many entrepreneurs face but seldom talk about — Shiny Object Syndrome.

Have you ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed and confused, thinking:

- I should start doing reels!
- I need to write a book!
- I should hire a video confidence coach!
- I'm going to start a podcast!

You're not alone.  As women in business, we encounter new ideas, tools, courses, etc. every day that promise quick success but actually end up being a waste of time and money.

In this episode, I share my personal journey of overcoming these distractions and the tools I use to help me decide what's a good idea and what's actually just another shiny object.  I'll also share some of the strategies I use that help me stay focused on what truly matters in business.

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Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community here:  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/community/

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Mentioned in This Episode:

- Episode #14 - Strategic Planning for Business Success With Connie Kercher

- To learn more about Jessica Millhiser's 12-Month Strategic Planning Program, check out her website or schedule a call with her HERE!

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

Whether you're a Canva-lover or just Canva-curious, this episode is an absolute must-listen!

In this interview, Kim Russo, Founder of On Brand Designs, breaks down Canva's  strengths and limitations.  Although we both agree it's an AWESOME tool for SO many things, Kim explains why Canva might not always be the best choice for your brand.  

While Canva offers great design possibilities at a lower cost, Kim explains how creating your brand in Canva can actually lead to costly problems down the road, like trademark issues and rebranding nightmares. She also explains how creating your brand without a professional's expertise can actually cost you sales and hurt your revenue.

If you want a memorable brand that stands out among the competition, inspires trust in potential clients and thrives for years to come, this conversation is pure gold!

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Join us at our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event!

Learn more about becoming a member of the Powerful Women Rising Community here:  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/community/

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Episode Highlights:

00:13:06    There's more to it than pretty colors and fonts!

00:26:23    Elevating your branding design process

00:31:37     Taking action on branding insights

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To Learn More and Connect With Kim Russo:  https://linktr.ee/onbranddesigns

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.

Send us Fan Mail

I have a love/hate relationship with being referred to as "The Networking Queen."

This phrase often conjures up images of someone super confident, outgoing and polished.  She's out every night and you see her at every event, working the room, making everyone feel like they are her best friend.  On social media, it seems like everyone knows her AND loves her.

So years ago, when I attended a business conference and heard one woman saying I was "not at all what she expected," it changed really changed my understanding of authenticity in networking.

In this episode, I'll share that story and some gentle reminders about the imporance of allowing other people to be human too.  Showing grace and empathy and remembering that your first impression may not always be the truth can go a long way in building your network with the right people.

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Our next PWR Virtual Speed Networking Event is the perfect place to practice showing up authentically AND allowing others to be human too!  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/events

For even deeper connections, check out the Powerful Women Rising Community here:  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/community/

Don't forget my free list of the Top Virtual Networking Events for Female Entreprenuers!  https://powerfulwomenrising.com/

Support the show

Connect with Your Host!

Melissa Snow is a Business Relationship Strategist and the founder of Powerful Women Rising - a business growth ecosystem for female entreprenuers who want to create real momentum through real relationships.

Inside the PWR Connect Network and the PWR Business Growth Mastermind, Melissa helps women in business get build relationships, increase visibility and get more referrals without pressure, perfection or performative networking.

She's on a mission to change the way women grow their businesses - proving that you can be authentic, values-driven and profitable at the same time.

Melissa lives in Colorado with two dogs (Peyton and Ally), three cats (Giorgio, Karma and Betty) and any number of foster kittens. She hates winter, seafood and feet.  She loves iced coffee, Taylor Swift, and buying books she'll never read.