O2 the official sponsors are giving you the chance to win an exclusive lunch with the 6 finalists of Britain’s Best Connected Woman. Last month the IOD announced their shortlist of the best-connected women in British business. After an incredible response from voters all over the world, they revealed the talented, respected and brilliantly connected women who made it to the final six. This is a great opportunity to get to know them on a more personal level and pick their brains on how they became successful.
Read on to find out more about the finalists..
Winner! Carole Stone, chairman, YouGovStone
Not only is Carole Stone the best connected (she has the numbers indexed to prove it) but she does the most with those connections. She is a tour de force and makes incredible things happen. She says:
“Good networking is making the most of the people you meet to your mutual advantage. There’s no question that being well connected has helped my business grow, bringing new opportunities to bid for work, or learn about ideas that help me expand my horizons.”
Polly Gowers, founder, Everyclick.com
Polly Gowers has remained focused on achieving her business goals with a concept that was at the time, and remains to some extent, unique. Like any early-stage and growing business it has had to survive in exacting times that has pushed even the most experienced of us to the limit. Polly recognises that connections are very important in business at whatever level and can be invaluable in maximising opportunities as well as helping when times are tough. She has never been afraid to ask.
Lynne Franks, founder of SEED (Sustainable Enterprise and Empowerment Dynamics)
Lynne Franks has a strong network and contacts book but there’s a difference between knowing people who might help you in some way and creating a network that interacts successfully and abundantly. Lynne supports women on a global basis – from those under violent threat to those with commercial ambitions. She encourages every business concept to nurture its own community and ecological impact. This is the true sense of being connected.
Bindi Karia, VC/Emerging Business Lead, Microsoft BizSpark
Bindi Karia is a fabulously well-connected woman who has used her clout for the good of everyone around her in the emerging technology industry in the UK (and further afield, too). Her deep and excellent network has made a terrific difference to dozens of young companies, within and outside of her Microsoft portfolio. She’s a real hero and someone who deserves to be rewarded for giving back.
Lucy Marcus, founder, Marcus Venture Consulting
Lucy Marcus is a major contributor in the world of corporate social responsibility and board governance. She is a key adviser to CSRwire leadership and our readers around the world depend upon her advice.
Shaa Wasmund, founder, Smarta.com
Shaa Wasmund should make the cut. She is all about connecting people, building networks and supporting new businesses. Shaa is a down-to-earth person who represents how business should be done: honestly and openly while reaching out to others and helping them in their journey. She’s an inspiration.
For a chance to win and take your networking to an elite level, all you have to do is simply tell us why you should win in the box below. The competition closes at midnight GMT on Monday 14th November and we will choose our favourite answer on Tuesday 15th November 2011. The winner will be notified by email with further details of the date, location and information. All entries must be 18 years or over. Good luck!