"When building your network or social following, focus on quality not quantity" - Cameka Smith

In today's conversation, Cameka and I discuss the power of networking and building relationships. She shares why she launched her business, and how she developed a business strategy to monetize her brand and grow her business.

Speaker, trainer and award-winning entrepreneur - these are just a few words that describe Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network, a community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online engagement and event-based networking. Working towards one simple goal, BOSS® is “Bringing Out Successful Sisters” to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women.

Under Cameka’s leadership, The BOSS Network has become one of the fastest-growing women business communities, garnering several accolades such as a Top 50 Website for Entrepreneurs (Inc. Magazine), 10 Best Career Sites for Women (Forbes.com) and one of 9 Twitter Accounts to Enhance Your College Experience (BlackEnterprise.com). In recognition of her achievements, Cameka was listed in Jet Magazine as a 40 under 40 Entrepreneur, named one of the Top 40 Chicago Game Changers by Ariel Investments, The Network Journal listed her one of their 2016, 40 under 40 Business Leaders, and she was presented with a Rising Brand Star award by the Adweek in 2017.

Connect with Cameka:

• TheBossNetwork.org
• Instagram: @iamcameka @thebossnetwork
• Twitter: @iamcameka @thebossnetwork
• Facebook: /iamcameka /thebossnetwork

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Cozette White
• In the Morning: Lyrics of Love and Laughter
• Crucial Conversations by Stephen Covey
• The Tipping Point by Malco
• Build Your Biz Relationships: "7 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network"

A few of the questions I asked Cameka:

• Who are some of the women in your life that you're grateful to have around you and those who have really inspired you?
• What would people who you know today find surprising about you as a teenager growing up in Chicago?
• What did you have to give up to glow up? Did you have to shift your mindset, let go of people?
• What are some of the lessons you've learned about building relationships?
• How important is networking and social media to building and nurturing these relationships and an individual's personal brand?

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