From Start-Up to Grown-Up

#76: Susan McPherson, Founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies — Investing in dormant ties, networking superpowers, and converting nerves into strength

Sep 24, 2024

Susan McPherson, founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, is a seasoned connector and angel investor with over 30 years in corporate responsibility. She shares her wisdom on the importance of reigniting dormant ties and the long-term benefits of networking. Susan discusses overcoming outreach fears and emphasizes that proactive networking, such as hosting events, can transform relationships. With practical tips and personal anecdotes, she encourages a selfless, empathetic approach to building connections that empower others.

41:19

Episode guests

Susan McPherson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Building strong business relationships requires genuine interest in others and an emphasis on active listening during conversations.

Reconnecting with dormant ties can unveil significant opportunities, making it vital to regularly maintain these relationships for future support.

Deep dives

The Art of Connection

Building effective business relationships starts with a focus on the other person rather than oneself. Successful networking hinges on demonstrating genuine interest in the other party and actively listening to their needs. Researching the individuals or organizations before engaging can significantly enhance the likelihood of forming productive connections. Additionally, limiting one's own speaking time encourages a more meaningful exchange, highlighting the importance of being an attentive listener in relationship building.

Intro

2min

Navigating Relationships: The Art of Listening and Overcoming Outreach Fears

2min

Reactivating Dormant Connections: A Daily Practice for Networking Success

3min

Networking as a Long-Term Investment

7min

Reviving Dormant Connections

4min

The Art of Proactive Networking

17min

Navigating Highs and Lows in Entrepreneurship

6min

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. As the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on brands and social impact, she brings over 30 years of experience in marketing, PR, and sustainability communications. Susan is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting and a sought-after speaker at major events like the Massachusetts Conference for Women and Techonomy. She has contributed to outlets like Harvard Business Review and Fast Company and has appeared in NPR, CNN, and USA Today. Susan invests in and advises women-led startups and is involved in several boards and advisory groups, including The 19th News and Just Capital.

This episode of From Start-Up to Grown-Up dives into the world of networking and relationship-building with Susan McPherson – a “super connector” who leverages her extensive network to help others and grow her own business, McPherson Strategies!

Susan shares her insights on the significance of rekindling dormant ties, the benefits of dormant connections, and the importance of proactive outreach in networking.

Susan started her company at the bold age of 48, reaching out to a staggering 500 people in her network, demonstrating the power of asking for help and the value in promoting others. She's full of practical tips - including hosting your own events collaboratively and keeping the conversation focused on what others need. We'll also hear about her smart approach to follow-up after events, employing the "ten touches rule" to keep her contacts engaged.

Prepare to be inspired as Susan discusses her entrepreneurial journey, overcoming personal and professional low points, and the joy she finds in team growth and recognition.

Stay tuned as we learn that it's never too late to start, it’s okay to be afraid of failure, and that, at times, success is serendipitous – often resulting from seeds we plant long before they bear fruit.

Learn more about Susan | Website
https://www.susanmcp.com/

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