by Karen Eck
I recently held my first online masterclass and to my surprise we zoomed through the allocated two hours so quickly that I had to ask permission to continue.
“Shall we keep going?” I asked.
“Yes, please, we have time,” they said.
Having more time is one upside of self-isolating at home.
The Power of Visibility Masterclass aims to give women the tools to boost their career opportunities by building their profiles and attracting more professional recognition. This inaugural session was tailored to members of Dame Changer, an organisation which advances women in the screen industry.
We started brainstorming in the old-fashioned way – with pen and paper. I posed these questions: ‘what would it mean if you had a higher profile?’ and ‘what are your biggest barriers to boosting your profile?’
Our virtual room went quiet as 10 women took time to think and reflect. When ready, they bravely shared their revelations with the other strangers in the online group.
The masterclass was aimed at helping each of the participants recognise their impressive skills, achievements and knowledge and to increase their confidence in putting themselves forward.
They agreed that having a higher profile would give them access to broader networks, presenting them with increased opportunities: meaning they would have more choices in accepting new gigs and roles.
My aim is to work with individuals to break down barriers. They may lack the skills or know-how to achieve brand cut through. Perhaps they feel invisible, or awkward about putting themselves forward.
So in the masterclass, we workshopped ways to overcome those personal barriers. We brainstormed how to build a personal brand, supported by a mission, materials and with a touch of mojo.
Throughout the afternoon, I was impressed at the way they so openly shared their views, ideas and generously helped one another; collaboration is something women generally do well.
I wanted each participant to complete the masterclass with at least two or three ideas they could immediately start working on. This is the first step in building inner brand confidence.
When it comes to practical support, I recognise that it’s all very well creating a shopping list of things to achieve, but without an ongoing positive coaching environment, many plans will stay just that. This is a long-term process, taking perhaps six to 12 months.
My new goal is to enable these women to access the resources they need (at no cost to them) as well as a follow-up program that will help bring all their branding needs together. It’s important that they can check in with each other, remain accountable and keep the light burning… or at least flickering, ever so gently.
When the world reopens for business, these women will be ready to show the world what they’ve got to offer by stepping comfortably into the spotlight.
Watch this space!
When it all seems too overwhelming, it’s good to remind each other that it’s perfectly acceptable – indeed highly recommended – to eat the elephant one bite at a time.
Time, after all, is something we all have right now.
Join the next Power of Visibility Online Masterclass (2pm – 4pm over two Saturdays, May 16 & 23 )
