When Liska Wilson was laid off last fall, she knew that even with a degree in marketing management from Siena College, getting someone to hire her would be an uphill battle. So, she took matters into her own hands.
“I figured I’m unemployed, I might as well make use of my time and make my own experience,” said Wilson, 23, of Schenectady.
Her plan was to not only help herself, but to help other young women just like her find their own entrepreneurial spirit.
Enter She’s a Boss. The “hybrid nonprofit” encourages women to embrace entrepreneurship and self-employment as a way to reach personal, career and life goals by providing educational opportunities, knowledge from successful businesswomen and empowerment.
Wilson’s first official event is a speed mentoring event on Wednesday, June 20, at the Delaware Branch of the Albany Public Library. Just like speed dating, where singles spend a small slot of time getting to know one another, attendees will get between eight and 15 minutes with mentors to ask questions, network, get advice or receive feedback on their own business plans and ideas.
“I hope to do more of these types of events where students or people who are interested in starting their own business can talk to older professionals who have started their own business and get a real world view on it,” said Wilson.
She’s a Boss doesn’t just organize networking events to put recent graduates in front of potential mentors. Wilson created an email newsletter and started a blog called the “Golden Briefcase” where she gives tips on everything from building up self confidence to creating the perfect makeup look for work to providing short interviews with inspiring women in the community.
“I break it down into four areas: skills, knowledge, experience and connections,” said Wilson.
She also has a Facebook page she said has been helpful in getting She’s a Boss recognized.
“Facebook has been huge for me. … I’ve connected to entrepreneurial women all over the country,” said Wilson.
She’s a Boss is still young —she launched it in November— but she’s already learned a lot.
“A lot has been trial and error. I’ve done some stuff I think about now I should have gone about a different way or approached slower,” said Wilson. “It’s been a learning process.”
One thing she’s hoping to add to the organization once it’s officially registered with the state is to collaborate with local colleges to help students get a handle on their future before graduation.
“Really get women when they’re thinking about their career before they get into it so they can plan for it,” said Wilson. “I’m trying to work with Siena … trying to get a presence on the Siena campus and hopefully form some type of partnership where I’d be doing regular events and from there go on to different colleges and do the same thing.”
Wilson’s plan right after graduation was to be an event planner and start her own company. Nurturing She’s a Boss and following the advice she doles out at shesabossnetworks.blogspot.com has changed her vision. She won’t call herself a businesswoman just yet, but Wilson has one piece of advice for young women looking to make their dreams a reality.
“Do your research, prepare for it, and once you’re ready just go for it. Don’t make excuses,” said Wilson.
The speed networking event starts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at the Delaware Library Branch at 331 Delaware Ave., Albany. There will be five experienced women entrepreneurs and business professionals on hand, and refreshments will be served. Registration opens Friday, June 1, at shesabossnetworks.blogspot.com.
