Aisling Owens Nash: Welcome to today's episode of Mindset, Marketing, and Motherhood, the MIB International Networking Community podcast. My name is Aisling Owens Nash, and I'm your host today. I am joined by the lovely Laura Staunton. Laura, would you like to introduce yourself to the listeners today and then we'll get into it?
Laura Staunton: Yeah, thank you so much for having me. I'm delighted to be here. My name is Laura. I run Progress Digital, where I work with people in business who want an easier life. I do that by identifying challenges in branding, marketing, or sales to help people grow online. My mission is to make online growth as accessible, actionable, and simple as possible for as many people as possible. I am literally on a mission.
I'm a mom to a 14-year-old, almost 15, who thinks he's 21. He's like my shadow and my best friend. Time flies! I grew up in family businesses and worked in retail. I went back to college for a business degree when my son was in second class, because I had him when I was 19. It felt like the right time to do something for myself. After college, I worked in a marketing agency for four years, starting with social media and SEO, and working my way up to CMO. Last year, I took the plunge to start my own business, and it's been a whirlwind since.
Aisling Owens Nash: That sounds like a baptism of fire! So, you mentioned your history and being a mom to a teen. How do you balance the demands of running a business and being a mother while also finding time to network?
Laura Staunton: That's a good question. Honestly, it's day by day. I'm blessed with a great relationship with my son. He's supportive and independent, which helps a lot. If he were younger, my schedule would be very different. I've always had a busy work schedule, and he's grown up seeing that, so he's used to it. I just take things day by day, fitting everything in as I go.
Aisling Owens Nash: There are many moms in business who feel overwhelmed by networking events. What advice would you give for overcoming those feelings so they can confidently engage in networking opportunities?
Laura Staunton: I joined the MIB community last October, and it was daunting at first. I had imposter syndrome and worried I wouldn't fit in. But once I got there, I met so many lovely people. The atmosphere was inspiring, with no competition or pretentiousness. My advice is to just go. If you're nervous, reach out to the organizer or a speaker beforehand. People are usually very welcoming. And if anyone sees me at an event, feel free to come up to me—we can stick together!
Aisling Owens Nash: That's fantastic advice. Networking involves initiating and maintaining relationships. What strategies would you suggest for nurturing connections over time?
Laura Staunton: Connect with people genuinely. Like their posts, reply to their stories, and champion them as you would in person. For example, I met someone at the first event, Mel, and we now have a great working relationship. Don't view it as following up on leads, but rather as building connections and friendships. Everything else will fall into place naturally.
I couldn't agree more. It's great that you touched on social media, as it's become a powerful tool for networking. How would you suggest moms leverage that opportunity to connect with other professionals and potential clients while still managing their time effectively?
**Laura Staunton:**
Social media is fantastic for networking. Interact with others by liking, commenting, and sharing their content. It doesn't have to be a big task; just engage with people as you naturally would. Online events are also a great option, especially if in-person events feel overwhelming. They save time on travel and allow you to connect with people from all over. The MIB online networking events have the same supportive energy as the in-person ones, so they're a great place to start.
**Aisling Owens Nash:**
You're ahead of me! That was actually my next question. You've given us so much valuable advice already. I just want to thank you for your time today. I hope our listeners are getting a lot from this conversation. Before we wrap up, can you let people know how they can find you?
**Laura Staunton:**
Absolutely. I recently launched my website, progressdigital.ie. You can also find me on Instagram at progress.digital. On Facebook, I use my professional profile, so you can find me under Laura Staunton. Look for the red hair!
**Aisling Owens Nash:**
Perfect! Thank you so much, Laura. It's been a pleasure chatting with you. And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in. We'll talk to you all next time.
