Choose to Chamber: Female leaders share wisdom on International Women 's Day
The owner of a Sutton Coldfield creative agency is marking International Women 's Day by challenging fellow female Chamber members to share advice they would give to their younger selves.
Anna Plotnek, managing director of PLOTT Creative, has come up with the initiative to encourage more women to set up in business.
The campaign coincides with International Women 's Day on Monday 8 March.
With only 3 per cent of creative agencies in the UK run by women in the UK, Anna is among a select group.
She is passionate about the power of networking for success.
She said: “My top tip to my younger self would be to surround yourself with the right people.
“My wider network has been key to success; everyone needs a strong support team. Networking isn 't just about new business.
“A good network is a team to lean on. It 's a base to bounce ideas off. A opportunity for collaboration. A group of ready-made mentors.
“A strong network helps you win business but it 's equally important for friendship and a beer! For me, the Chamber of Commerce is one of those networks. ”
In recognition of the Chamber 's support, which has been key for PLOTT 's success, Anna looked to fellow Chamber members for their top tips and is hoping these will inspire other women across the region.
Deborah Leary, vice president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, advises: “Be brave - the answer to everything you will ever face, lies within you. ”
Clare Whalley, of Meta4 Business Coaching and vice-president of the Sutton Chamber, said: “You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to achieving. Make the decision, take the leap (no matter how scary it feels) and take one step at a time. Have as much fun as you can along the way and you WILL get there. ”
Katie Hale, Halestorm Marketing and previous Sutton Chamber president said self-belief is key.
She said: “I 've been given a few amazing opportunities throughout my career - ones I thought were 'out of my reach '.
“Surely I wasn 't good enough or ready... My advice is believe what other people see in you. Believe in yourself, but don 't get cocky! ”
Anita Ellis, of Lexicomm copywriting and communications, says it 's important to think big.
She said: “Always focus on the big things. The main goal. The stuff that makes the biggest difference.
“Everything else really will fall into place. And if it doesn 't? It wasn 't important. ”
Kate Curry, owner of the Curry Design Studio, said: “You 'll never learn so much, so quickly, when you launch your business.
“Keep investing and believing in yourself, and stay true to your own core values - you are the USP! ”
Pictured: Anna Plotnek (top left), Katie Hale (top right), Deb Leary (bottom left) and Anita Ellis (bottom right)