Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Alepin

Hi Sara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I began my career as a passionate photography teacher, igniting creativity in countless students. My “summer job” as a photographer was a labor of love. However, a shocking attack by a student abruptly ended my teaching career.

Faced with uncertainty, I decided to pivot to full-time photography. But my injury limited my capacity, and I couldn’t turn away potential clients without having another photographer to send them to. I yearned for a supportive network of photographers who could collaborate and uplift each other.

As I ventured into the world of networking, I encountered a disheartening reality: a scarcity mindset that stifled connection and growth. Undeterred, I took matters into my own hands and hosted my own networking event, inviting like-minded entrepreneurs who shared my aversion to traditional networking and desire for meaningful connections.

The response was overwhelming. People craved a safe, welcoming space to connect authentically. And so, District Bliss was born.

Today, District Bliss is more than just a networking group; it’s a thriving community. We host regular District Bliss Networking Socials, inspiring workshops, insightful roundtable discussions, and countless other opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and thrive.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

As a passionate educator turned photographer, I found myself navigating a challenging landscape. The sudden end to my teaching career due to a traumatic event forced me to adapt and reimagine my professional path.

One of the biggest hurdles I faced was the overwhelming nature of traditional networking. I found myself dreading events that were more about superficial connections than genuine relationships. The lack of a supportive community where I could openly discuss business challenges and celebrate successes was disheartening. I yearned for a space where honest conversations could flourish without fear of judgment or competition.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about District Bliss?

Imagine stepping into a vibrant tapestry of ambition and camaraderie. That’s the world we craft every day through District Bliss. Forget shallow handshakes and vanishing business cards; here, connections blossom into long-term collaborations, fueled by my uncanny ability to see the spark between souls.

District Bliss isn’t just a network – it’s a launchpad. Entrepreneurs with fire in their bellies find fertile ground to share insights, resources, and unwavering support. Whether it’s a member roundtable discussion buzzing with ideas or a bespoke workshop igniting new skills, we orchestrate the stage for your business to flourish.

I’m not just a connector; I’m a catalyst. With a sixth sense for synergy, I weave personalized introductions that spark conversations destined to change destinies. “What an excellent way to network with a bunch of strong, energetic women!” gushes one member. “Sara has created a community that builds businesses and empowers women!” echoes another.

Beyond introductions, District Bliss nurtures growth with an ever-evolving repertoire of resources. From practical education opportunities to intimate business-building roundtables, our community thrives on collaboration and mutual upliftment. This is a space where vulnerability meets opportunity, where challenges morph into triumphs, and where the tapestry of success is woven, thread by thread, through our unwavering support.

So, if you’re an entrepreneur ready to shed the solopreneur skin and join a vibrant web of ambition and support, step into District Bliss. We can’t wait to weave your thread into the grand tapestry of success.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

Great question! I love talking about making connections and building relationships through networking.

First, a networking event is quite literally any situation where you are interacting with people. You might be attending a Chamber of Commerce event or a District Bliss Networking Social or you might be in the bathroom line at a sporting event.

Networking is simply connecting with other humans!

While we’re at it, let’s bust a myth: the truth is you don’t have to be an extrovert to successfully network. And, you don’t have to be an extrovert to enjoy networking. You just have to find the right space for you.

There’s a lot of strategy that goes into finding the right-fit event for you and I could go on about it for days. Start here: would your people attend this type of event?

Now, let’s dive into my networking tips!

1. Get clear on your goals. What are you hoping to gain from this networking event? Hint: it’s not just “get clients”. Are you looking for someone who can help you build a course? Great, maybe you’ll meet that person or someone who has a connection for you! Are you curious about what other entrepreneurs have been doing to generate income and convert clients this year? Awesome, bring it up and have a chat about it! Maybe your goal is to find other like-minded entrepreneurs, like mine was when I founded District Bliss, where you can have ongoing conversations, generate referrals for one another, share knowledge and resources, and support each other. Perfect!

Now that we know your goals, let’s find your people!

2. Come from a place of generosity. Rather than focus solely on getting clients, focus on supporting the people you will meet at the networking event. This creates long-term, mutually beneficial relationships built on trust and respect.

3. Ask questions. Think of networking as relationship building. Gone are the days of vanishing business cards (at least at District Bliss). Don’t dive right in with your elevator pitch, ask about the other person.

4. Follow up! You’ve attended a networking event *throws confetti* Hooray! Now, nurture your new connections. Sometimes that looks like sending an email and suggesting a coffee date. Other times, it might be sending a resource that you discussed or an intro email you promised. It could even look like following each other on social media (if you go this route, be sure to interact with their posts).

If networking is relationship building, then not continuing the conversation is ghosting them.

Pro tip: Always be prepared.

If you’re attending in person, either take your business card or you can make a free QR code (there are a ton of sites that do this for free). I like to direct the QR code to my social media account because they can get to my website, email, and connect with me on Instagram. It just removes barrier when you’re trying to continue the conversation.

If you’re attending virtually, I like to have my elevator pitch, along with all of the links that I might be able to drop in the chat (with host permission) in a google document. I have a template that you can grab for free here: https://districtbliss.myflodesk.com/virtual-business-card

Having a positive approach to networking makes a huge difference. Being prepared helps alleviate some of the anxiety we might feel prior to networking events.

You’ve got this!

Pricing:

• District Bliss Membership starts at just $39/month
• District Bliss Networking Social ticket: $25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://districtbliss.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/districtblissevents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DistrictBlissEvents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraalepin/
• Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/DistrictBlissEvents
• Other: https://districtbliss.com/membership

Image Credits

Chris Ferenzi Photography: https://www.chrisferenzi.com/
Shelly Pate Photography: https://shellypatephotography.com/
Lauren Louise Collective: https://www.laurenlouisecollective.com/
Rudney Novaes: https://rudneynovaes.com/