Meet Ashley Owens

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Owens. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Hi Ashley , thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.
Overcoming my layoffs were a transformative experience for me. Growing up timid in North Jersey, I was often picked on for my stutter and shyness. Determined to change, I embraced public speaking and theater in high school, which helped me find my voice.

After college, I entered the entertainment industry in New York City, working as an assistant to a well-known actress. The job was tough and ended abruptly, leaving me without direction and questioning my worth. But everything changed when I took a waitress job in New Jersey. Serving two businessmen, they saw potential in me and offered me a sales position, which reignited my confidence and communication skills.

Despite later facing unavoidable layoffs and changes in my roles in Philadelphia, I realized I couldn’t let others control my future. With support from my network, I started my own business as a personal networking concierge. Now, I use my experiences and adaptability to help others find their voice in business, fulfilling my mission to support those who, like me once, felt voiceless.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As the premier Networking Concierge, I have the unique privilege of helping individuals and businesses expand their networks with intention and strategy. My role is all about connecting people and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. What excites me most is seeing the tangible results that come from effective networking — whether it’s a new business partnership, a breakthrough idea, or a career advancement. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of someone’s success story.

My work spans various domains, including training, coaching, and public speaking, where I share my expertise in tactical networking and personal branding. I’m also the host of three digital TV talk shows — RVNTV, This is it TV, and Closers Coffee — where I interview entrepreneurs and business leaders, delving into their experiences and insights on business and networking. With over 1300 introductions and hundreds of meetings under my belt, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge that I love to share with others.

I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to over 300 networking groups, organizations, companies, and conferences, and my insights have been featured in numerous media outlets. I also bring my passion for networking and personal branding to the classroom at Temple University, where I teach advertising sales and personal branding. In addition, I serve as the President of the Personal Injury Mastermind Conference, further expanding my influence and connections in the professional world.

I’m excited about several upcoming events and projects. I’m particularly thrilled about the launch of my E-Course called, “How To Not Suck at Networking,” my 72-page e-book and workshops designed to enhance networking skills and personal branding. These resources are tailored to meet the evolving needs of professionals in a dynamic business environment. My aim is to empower more people to navigate their networks confidently and purposefully.

To anyone looking to enhance their network, grow their brand, or simply learn from a seasoned expert, I’m here to help. My journey is about making meaningful connections and I’m excited to share this passion and expertise with others who are eager to take their careers to new heights.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities that have driven my success are resilience, effective communication, and a deep understanding of networking.

Resilience has been crucial. My career in the entertainment industry, particularly the challenging experience as an assistant in New York City, taught me the importance of bouncing back from setbacks. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s essential to learn from every experience, no matter how tough, and to keep moving forward with determination.

Effective communication has been another key to my success. From overcoming my timidity and stutter as a child to becoming a host of digital TV talk shows, my ability to communicate has opened numerous doors. To develop this skill, I suggest actively seeking opportunities to speak in public, whether it’s in small group settings or larger forums. Also, listen actively – communication is as much about listening and understanding others as it is about conveying your own ideas.

Finally, a deep understanding of networking has been invaluable. My role as a Networking Concierge has not just been about making connections, but about making the right connections. For those starting out, my advice is to network with intention. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting contacts. Be strategic about whom you connect with and always think about how you can add value to your connections.

To those early in their journey, remember that personal and professional growth is a continuous process. Always be open to learning and adapting, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. This is where true growth happens.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
In my journey, I’ve found it more effective to focus on my strengths rather than trying to overcome every weakness. This approach became clear to me early on. Despite my timid nature and stutter in my youth, I discovered my strength in connecting with people. For instance, my natural communication skills led to a pivotal opportunity in sales when I was working as a waitress, highlighting the importance of leveraging my innate abilities.

In networking, my ability to genuinely connect and communicate has been crucial. By concentrating on these strengths, I’ve been able to grow my business significantly. My advice to others is to identify and nurture their core strengths. While it’s important to be aware of weaknesses, focusing on your unique strengths can set you apart and drive your success. Remember, it’s often what you’re best at that enables you to make the most impactful contributions in your field.

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