Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Owens.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Some people have a defining characteristic that others use to describe them. As a kid growing up in the suburbs of North Jersey, I could be defined by one word: timid. All throughout school, I was picked on constantly for my stutter and shy, compliant nature. I was active in sports but really kept to myself. But by the time I got to high school, I decided enough was enough. I forced myself to take public speaking and theater classes just to learn how to act in front of my peers. I took a risk and auditioned for the school play, just to get out of my comfort zone. I unexpectedly landed the lead and from then on, I began to find my voice.
After college, right at the height of the 2008 crash, I held many jobs mostly in the entertainment industry, eventually making my way out to New York City and nabbing the inevitable position as an assistant to a well-known actress and then several C Suite level executives. This was the type of experience where my limitations and values were heavily tested, where I was treated inexcusably but learned the value of time management and getting things done quickly and efficiently. However, I was burnt out and exhausted so I headed back to New Jersey, feeling like I had failed in an industry that I had a passion for. I had absolutely no direction, sense of worth, or voice.
I took a job as a waitress in a restaurant in New Jersey, and my life changed. Two businessmen I served saw something in the way I sold them a burger was compelling enough that they asked for my resume. Within weeks I was offered a sales position at their company. I was provided with guidance and structure and through that initial experience and subsequent job, I found my voice. I slowly realized how my genuine, enthusiastic personality and the way I naturally communicate with people were invaluable tools I possessed that could be harnessed to help others find their voice and be valuable in business.
After moving to Philadelphia, I had obtained several wonderful positions that went from customer service to account management to business development, which unfortunately had unavoidable mergers, acquisitions, budget cuts, layoffs, etc. I found that my role was constantly changing, not due to performance but the inevitable nature of business. I realized that having my future depicted by others was no longer an option.
With the support from my network and the strategic partners I trusted, I set out to be the leader in my story rather than the follower. I start my own business as a personal networking concierge. While interacting with clients, I have the ability to adapt and manage different personalities, environments, and ever-changing situations at the drop of a hat. It’s my job to be your advocate in business and remind you why you started. I am fascinated by people’s stories, their journey, and what gives them their voice. I know what it’s like to not have a voice, so it my mission to help you find yours.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a networking concierge, I work as a strategic partner, attending events with professionals as an extension and champion of them at local events and conferences. Starting my career as a personal and executive assistant to two celebrities in NYC, my experience in networking grew as I had obtained positions in customer service, business analytics, and account management. I have grown my business into something I could have NEVER dreamed of. I am a host of two digital TV talk shows on RVNTV and This is it TV, speaking, and interviewing on the topic of tactical networking. I have taken over 700 introduction phone calls with business professionals looking to grow their network, and have given close to 1,000 introductions.
I have spoken to over 80 networking groups, organizations, companies, and conferences, including the coveted Pennsylvania Conference for Women. I have been interviewed on the Mel Robbins Show on CBS, produces and hosts a podcast talking to entrepreneurs and their screw-ups, raises over thousands of dollars for local nonprofits that she partners with at her Cocktails and Conversation networking event, have over 185 referral partners, owns equity in two other startup companies and has been flying around the country as a keynote speaker.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Going to softball tournaments on the weekends and learning how to work as a team, connecting with the right players personally and achieving the ultimate goal of winning a tournament. I learned how to build relationships as a community.
Pricing:
- Networking Audit – $350 / session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleyassists.com
- Phone: 484-681-2568
- Email: ashley@ashleyassists.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyassists/
- Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashowens/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyFVSA7ucMGSyeqTeFPTQHg
Image Credit:
Connect To Success – RVNTV
HARDI Conference
Jason Ranalli Photography
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