Sonabank P.O.W.E.R. Plug Podcast for Women in Business

Is networking really working to grow your business? Does it feel awkward and inauthentic? Has networking become boring or routine? Time to refresh, regroup, and re-energize your networking with a new approach!

In this episode, host Mary Foley taps into the power networking strategies of Kathy Eckhardt, the Dream Big Now coach. Kathy first learned leveraged these networking strategies to earn her way into the top 1% of all Mary Kay Sales Directors and into the driver's seat of 14 pink Cadillacs. Since then she has dedicated herself to showing other entrepreneurs how to do the same as a 6 Figure Business Coach and founder of The Solopreneur Success Connection of more than 400 savvy entrepreneurs.

Listen and learn:

• The invisible sign everyone is wearing that powerful networkers see and respond
• 3 of the biggest networking mistakes most people make
• Go-to questions to start conversations
• What to do if you are uncomfortable or intimidated by a room full of strangers
• What you must do within 48 hours after making a new connection
• How the role of networking changes as your business grows

Plus, get more inspiration and ideas from Kathy in her "7 Step Quick Start Guide to Living Your Biggest, Boldest Dream Right Now!" at www.biggestboldestdream.com

Do you know your intellectual property rights and risks as a small business owner? Whether it's securing your company's trademark, protecting your brand, or knowing copyright common law, being unaware or unprotected could cost you thousands or even your business! In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Pam Gavin, founder and owner of Gavin Law Offices. She and her team provide nationally ranked, award-winning intellectual property services and legal counsel to businesses and individuals around the world or just down the street in Richmond, VA. Listen and learn: - Why you may be unknowingly setting yourself up for a potential law suit because of your company name or brand - Why searching the US Patent & Trademark Office database or a Google is not enough to determine your trademark or brand name is in the clear - The key times in your business' growth that you need to consider doing a trademark search, even if you've done one in the past - How much you can expect to pay for a due diligence trademark search - What's the difference between a trademark, copyright and patent - Recommend actions every small business owner should consider regarding copyright - A common copyright mistake business owners make regarding work performed by a contractor, consultant, or third-party expert that could cost you thousands Plus, take a deeper dives on what we discussed with two helpful articles by Pam's team on https://evbpower.com/power-podcasts/

When it comes to upping your social media smarts, wouldn't you love to talk with a millennial who grew up on it? And since they are so familiar with communicating this way, how can you be smart about setting expectations with millennial and all employees regarding social media during work hours and beyond? In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Lauren Portlock, Marketing Coordinator for EVB, who breaks the common stereotype of a slacker millennial. For the last 2 plus years she's been the right hand gal for EVB's Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Hastings Simon. In addition to offering her millennial perspective on the company's social media strategy, she makes sure this podcast is up and that you know it's available. Listen and learn: - Whether Millennial or Boomer, professional or business owner, how important is it to have a digital footprint? - Are millennials so used to social media that they don't think it applies to them? - If you find a less than flattering image of yourself on social media or a website, how can you get rid of it? - What should you do if a friend posts a photo you don't want to become public? - Is it okay to have a social media account where you can say whatever you want? - Are there any topics or subjects you recommend to avoid on social media? - As a business owner with employees, what do I need to consider for creating a social media policy? Plus, get even more social media smart tips by downloading these PDFs provided by Lauren: Pointers for creating a standout LinkedIn profile Steps to Delete Negative Images of Yourself that You Find Online

Authenticity is critical for creating a powerful personal brand. But, how can you truly capture and communicate your authenticity, especially online? What's the real impact of one-of-a-kind images on your business – as well as your confidence? Get ready for some answers!

In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Kim Brundage, a photographer in Richmond, VA who specializes in personal branding sessions for women entrepreneurs and professionals. Her unique approach is designed to remove the awkwardness of a photo session so you can capture what your best customers and clients really want – the real, authentic you.

Listen and learn:

• Why creating a powerful personal brand is critical for every business owner and professional
• Why authenticity is a big deal in today's market place
• How to have personal branding consistency without being boring
• Kim's unique personal branding process for capturing your essence and authenticity
• The impact of unique personal branding images on your business and your confidence

See for yourself the impact of a personal branding session! Click to see 3 examples of personal branding sessions by Kim Brundage.

Client Chef Tammy Brawley

Client Shanna Kabatznick

Client Mary Foley

Whether it's changing regulations or new funding options, obtaining a loan for your business can feel like a mystery. It's time to pull back the curtain and demystify commercial lending. In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Chris Layne, Senior Vice-President and Director of Commercial Banking at EVB. For over 10 years Chris has been helping local small business owners get the funds they need to operate, expand, and grow their business. He's also made an impact on his hometown of Huntington, WV as a co-founder of TeamKRL, a non-profit organization that provides life skills to middle school and high-school students. Listen and learn: - The most common reasons business owners need a loan - What's the difference between a business loan and a line of credit - The most important aspect to getting a loan that most business owners overlook - Why you should be wary of unsolicited commercial loans from unfamiliar institutions - What steps to expect in the commercial loan process - Who ultimately decides if your business loan gets approved - How you can benefit even if your loan isn't approved

Your business is growing, you need more room, and you've found the perfect space! In all your excitement (and relief), don't sign on the dotted line until you fully understand the leasing agreement and negotiate what you want. Today's guest reveals her pro tips to negotiate a commercial leasing agreement so you avoid common pitfalls and get the best terms.

In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Katherine Watson, President of Manakins Farms, a real estate and development company, and Co-Founder of Office Alternatives, a co-working space, both in Richmond, VA. A big part of her day is spent leasing space to tenants. So, we tapped into Katherine's expertise about what to do and what to avoid to set yourself up for the best commercial leasing agreement possible.

Listen and learn:

• The biggest mistake most make when entering into a commercial leasing agreement
• Exactly when you should hire an attorney to review your lease
• What should be included in a Letter of Intent (LOI)
• The savvy question that will reveal hidden Common Area Maintenance (CAM) fees
• How to turn landlord funds for Tenant Improvements (TI) into your rent abatement
• How to avoid being stuck with HVAC repairs that can blow your budget
• A big mistake tenants assume regarding water, sewer and utility costs

LinkedIn is one of the largest social media platforms in the world – and it's changing. How will the new platform design affect you? How can you use LinkedIn to actively grow your business?

In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Cheryl Matt, owner of CBM Business Consulting in Richmond, VA. Cheryl implements practical tools and strategies for business owners and professionals to get more done in less time. With four proven strategies, her clients save 2 to 10 hours or more per week – and become more profitable.

Listen and learn:

• How LinkedIn has changed and what to expect from the new platform
• The number one reason why every business owner should be on LinkedIn
• Savvy ways to use LinkedIn to identify new prospects
• Three essentials every business owner must have for a powerful Personal Profile
• What is a Company Page and how to leverage it to showcase your business
• Practical ways to make LinkedIn part of your daily routine

Want to spend less time at the bank and more time growing your business? Love the idea of the cash in your account making you money while you sleep? Ever had someone try to cash your check with extra zeros? In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Barry Almond, Senior VP and Director of Treasury Management at EVB. You might be thinking "Treasury what?" Treasury Management at EVB is all about helping business owners just like you save time, save money, make money and protect your hard-earned money. From one-person businesses to organizations with dozens of employees, Treasury Management can help savvy business owners at every level. Listen and learn: - How to easily manage your business banking while you're on the go - Two simple, quick ways to deposit checks without going to a bank branch - What are bank "sweeps" that have nothing to do with a broom, but offer a possible way to "clean up" - How to make money overnight with the cash in a business checking account - Several electronic payment options that trim costs and save time - The smart way to hold on to your hard-earned money by verifying checks in real-time

You work hard all year for your money. So make sure you don't miss the most overlooked small business deductions when filing your taxes. And make sure you document them in a way the IRS likes! In this episode, host Mary Foley talks with Donna Barwick, President and CEO of Barwick & Associates, a certified public accounting firm in Colonial Heights, VA. Donna shares frequently missed and often misunderstood write offs from over 30 years working with small business owners. Plus, she gives great tips about how your business structure can save you taxes and strategic ways your accountant can help you run a better business. Listen and learn: - What is the best small business entity to reduce my taxes and risk? - What are the most overlooked small business tax deductions? - How do I legally write off meals as a business expense? - What is the home office Safe Harbor deduction and should I take it? - What real difference does it make if my personal and business expenses are in the same bank accounts? - 3 ways an accountant can help me improve my business beyond filing taxes

Today there are more ways than ever to create a big marketing impact on a small budget. But how do you figure out the right marketing strategy and plan for your business so you aren't throwing away precious time and money? Host Mary Foley talks with Michelle Hastings Simon, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at EVB and co-founder of the P.O.W.E.R program. Michelle's creative brain never stops, which is one reason why she's been so successful. Another is that her positive energy is contagious. She's loaned her talents to agencies like Charles Ryan and financial institutions including Bank of VA, First Community Bank, Cap One and now EVB. One of her biggest strengths is moving easily from vision and strategy to implementation, problem-solving and follow through. Now we get to pick her brain! Listen and learn: - Why a marketing strategy is so important - 4 steps to develop a successful marketing plan on a small (or large!) budget - One common mistake when creating your marketing plan and how to avoid it - How to know what your customers really want so you can truly connect - Practical ways to stretch your budget and produce results - How the EVB P.O.W.E.R. program can help you develop your plan and promote your business