As a woman and a business owner in the financial services industry, I'm frequently asked about the challenges I encounter managing it all. My husband, Doug Fritz, and I share family and work responsibilities equally, so we have to be very intentional where we place our energy.
This year, one of the first things that comes to mind is the delicate balancing act between developing and growing my professional brand, while staying true to my values by being present for my family. With two young boys at home, we're deeply committed to caring for them and being present for their lives and invested in their school communities.
However, I'm a high-performing female executive with a lot to give to my career and industry at large, which means my brand benefits significantly from attending conferences and engaging in various networking opportunities.
These two competing priorities can sometimes collide and create a sense of pressure to do it all. But the reality is there is only so much time in the day and year, which means that we need to be strategic.
Here are a handful of ideas that have helped me build a professional brand without having to attend every industry event or be in every room.
1. Be selective about which conferences to attend.
I usually only attend events where I can participate in the conversation in a meaningful way as a speaker, a sponsor, offer to host a roundtable or be an advocate for other colleagues on stage.
If you don't have a speaking role, be intentional to maximize the impact of the event.
Consider factors such as which conferences excel in post-event brand marketing, the potential for live interviews, the number and profile of attendees and the availability of diverse networking events that align with your professional needs and brand objectives.
2. You don't always need to go to weeklong events.
It's also important to remember that not all in-person events have to be weeklong conferences. If taking an entire workweek off is challenging due to business or personal commitments, consider attending one-night or one-day events that are local or easily accessible.
For example, when we lived in San Francisco, I spoke at Fintech is Femme, which provided access to an outstanding audience and community. The event's founder, Nicole Casperson, deserves credit for her exceptional marketing, as evidenced by numerous subsequent social posts featuring my name and face.
Again, it's all about being strategic, not about being everywhere at once. And because it was a local evening event, I was able to pick our boys up from school (some of our best conversations happen in the car coming home from school) and still make it out for this opportunity.
3. Maximize your time on the ground at in-person events.
Once you have decided which events will be the most beneficial for you, it's still important to try and create balance while on the ground, allowing for space to stay connected with family and to get the most out of your time there.
Resisting the pressure to attend every networking opportunity can be challenging. To strike a balance, I recommend choosing one or two events that align with your schedule and preferences.
For instance, if you are a morning person and a full day leaves you exhausted, consider options like wellness walks, morning yoga or breakfast gatherings. On the other hand, if your mornings are reserved for rest, family time or catching up on emails, an evening happy hour might suit you better.
