Wired to be different

AN ENTREPRENEUR, A FASHION DESIGNER AND A HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST ON NOT TOEING THE DOTTED LINE OF ACTION

On hOw tO build platfOrms fOr wOmen entrepreneurs 1 Find and encourage rough, uncut diamonds

While it is great to have successful and well-known individuals on entrepreneurial platforms, it is crucial to find those aspiring women who are making different choices and flourishing.

2 Pick a theme, curate content accordingly

The takeaways from an event are stronger when topics of different sessions are interconnected. This allows both the speakers and audience to form a connection and engage in mutually beneficial discussion.

3 Collaboration is key

When building high-impact platforms, partner with relevant organisations that will help in furthering the cause. Create a winwin situation with partners with similar objectives. Competition is irrelevant when you are solving a problem that is faced by millions of women across borders. Sita Pallacholla Founder, The Angel Hub, Platform for women leaders 31, hyderabad

4 Talk about failures

It is important for speakers to talk about the challenges and failures they overcame in their professional journeys. As a society, we place far too much importance on success and avoid talking about failure and rejection. It is, in fact, the first thing we need to address on entrepreneurship platforms.

5 Measuring inspiration and impact

Inspiration should always be backed by measurable impact. We need to have a network of industry leaders willing to either share time or resources with aspiring entrepreneurs.

6 Visibility and networking

Create an encouraging environment where women are given a stage to present their ideas. Plan an event which includes a well-organised networking segment. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey for most and meeting like-minded individuals can prove to be an opportunity for exchange of ideas and resources which promote peer mentoring.