Meet Jean Evans: Networking Jean
Jean Evans of #networkingjean is an expert on all things networking. As President of Network Ireland’s Wicklow Branch, Chair of the Citywest B2B in the South Dublin Chamber as well as chair of two groups in the Venture Business Network, our founder Sharon often refers to Jean as ‘Wonder Woman’. We are thrilled to have Jean share her story of networking with us below.
This week, with International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, we are celebrating all things feminine. As such a fierce supporter of other women, we knew Jean would be the perfect person to share her top tips on how to support other women…
KOKORO: You’ve described yourself as an introvert, so we have to ask: what made you fall in love with the subject of Networking?
Absolutely, and I'm a shy introvert at that! I love networking because I see the value it has brought me over time and what it can do for people, be they self-employed or employed. It has the power to grow confidence, to create clarity, conviction, to grow businesses, to help people achieve their goals and ambitions, to get that promotion, to learn to put their hand up and ask for more - whatever more means to them. It's also super Interesting. I love getting to know people and learning to see how I can help them or connect them Into someone who can make a difference!
KOKORO: Did networking always come easy? If not, what are some mistakes you made that you would suggest avoiding?
In my corporate days, I networked but didn't realise I was networking. When I got out into the general business world, that's where I started to network for business. I had a mindset of wanting to get business and of referring people too quickly. I wanted to go to a few networks, see what worked and then cull in order to concentrate on one…but over time I joined more and then I had an epiphany. I realised over time, I was so much more confident in myself, in my ability to speak and get my message across and I had to dig deep into my soul to become more self-aware and understand who I am and what I stand for.
A mistake that I find people often make is to judge. So what I say is: don't judge people on their title, job, the company they work for or what they do. This may become relevant over time, e.g. If you are looking to get a new supplier or hire someone, but at the start it's about getting to know another human being across from you. Learn how to help them. Learn who they are connected with and build a relationship so that they deep dive into their network to help you when the time comes.
It's so important to learn about people as reputation matters. If values aren't aligned and you recommend someone in who doesn't stand up for your values, then it can damage your reputation. Reputation matters so mind it!
Another mistake is assuming that networking is a quick win, but I liken it to compound interest on your pension - it only works with time, so be ready to invest 12/18 months before expecting a return.
KOKORO: The past year has shown us how important being a part of a community can be. What is the first step to take when looking to join a new community?
Start with the intention of giving and learn how to give without the expectation of receiving. Get to know people in the community. Spend time with them and learn how to give in a way that is appropriate and that matters to the individual in question. Giving is personal and subjective and you can only give with intention and be authentic when you know the 'why'. I'd have a lot to say on this, but that's certainly a good first step to consider.
KOKORO: With International Women’s Day around the corner, what are some ways we can support women in our own networks and how can we support those outside of our own network?
Spending time with them and getting to know the women is critical - as it is for all aspects of networking. I find that women lack a lot more confidence when it comes to getting out there and promoting themselves. There is a sense of being 'less than' and suffering from Imposter syndrome. But I see so much courage in women who change from a corporate career to start a business or see a gap in the market and want to develop a business. I think they are awesome and part of what I love about networking is having the honour and opportunity to connect with these lovely ladies and to help bring them on a journey of networking. By learning to network and doing so with intention you can maximise your impact and influence.
KOKORO: What is one challenge that women face in networking?
Confidence. Every time. Confidence. Not believing that they are valid, that their business is valid, the feeling of imposter syndrome, the feeling of being 'less than'. And I want to be a part of changing that narrative and encouraging these position to believe in themselves, to grow in confidence and realise that they can spread their wings and fly high - as high as they want to go - no judgment.
KOKORO: Who is another woman that inspires you?
There are so many women who inspire me…both on the international stage and much closer to home, within my networks and my family. I see courage and determination, ability and passion and the will to make a change and to leave a better world for our kids. I see women who are learning to lead themselves and are choosing to challenge the status quo, be it around childcare, women in the workforce, women in leadership positions. Each woman who steps out and pushes us forward is a hero. Each woman who supports another woman excel is my hero and inspires me. I want to see women grow in confidence so that they can fulfill their potential and if I can encourage and influence in any small way, then I feel, for my part, that's my difference and my purpose.
KOKORO: You have been described by our founder Sharon as ‘Wonder Woman’. Do you have any advice for other women who might be struggling to balance both the personal and professional sides of life?
My first piece of advice is be kind to yourself. No one can do it all. No one does it all. The people the look like they can - they have an army of support and teams around them to make things happen. So don't compare yourself - that's the first thing.
Make sure you take time out for yourself. If we spend all our time investing in others and giving to others, we are not taking time to look after our own physical and mental wellbeing. This can lead to resentment, so take time out to do something for you. This might be getting up earlier, before the kids are up, having your coffee, getting ready and ready your book - whatever it is, do it for you and it'll set you up for the day.
If, like me, you set deadlines for projects and you can't achieve them for whatever reason, push the deadlines out. I was in this very situation a while back. I wasn't get the work done, I was super frustrated and feeling overwhelmed by my lack of productivity - and then someone said 'who set the deadlines?'. To which I answered -'Me'. 'What's stopping you moving those deadlines?', I was then asked - to which I had to answer 'Nothing'. So I moved them and a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Not a lot has gone straight forwardly for many of us in the last year, between schools being out, home schooling, lockdowns, level 5 restrictions, but I do look at my kids and see that they are happy (most of the time) and they are loving spending more time with us as parents - and that's good, to be embraced…and for my professional side of things - well, it's moving forward, more slowly than I would have planned, but I'm at peace with that…I know I'm going in the right direction and even if I only move the dial forward 1% In a day, It's 1% in the right direction, so I know it'll all come good In time. Moving 1% forward each day will have a compound effect - a bit like networking - it works with time!
KOKORO: How do you find your ‘Zen’?
I can't say I'm the best at finding my Zen and Covid has made this an even bigger challenge for me. As an Introvert, I need to have plenty of alone time and time to ponder and reflect. With having being at home for months and having had 3 young kids here all the time, this has meant virtually no silence and alone time. But the one thing that was sacrosanct for me is getting out for my daily walk. I am doing #100daysofwalking and I'm super lucky to live by the sea In Greystones, so this is a staple in my day…to smell the fresh sea air and just breathe so that I can clear my head a little bit!
