Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Dabney.
Hi Kirsten, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
From 2016- 2022 I had a podcast with my Bestfriend called Never Not Extra on The Good News Radio. We put on a lot of live shows and events where we were able to meet some great individuals and people from many different industries that allotted us a lot of great opportunities, to the point where we became the individuals that can give opportunities to others as well! As we started to share our opportunities with others, I noticed that people were always shocked and appalled that we would share such things or be helpful to them. I finally decided to start asking these individuals why they would think that way, and across the board, they all said that there are a lot of gatekeepers and people that don’t want to help others because of being in the same industry or just simply not wanting to share their connections. This led me to start The Group Chat Network LLC (which I started in Oct.2022)! At The Group Chat Network, we provide vibrant spaces to network, gain support, foster friendships/partnerships, and promote a prosperous community. I’ve learned that if you want to see change, you have to make change! With that being said, my goal for The Group Chat Network has been to be an example and show people that it’s okay to reach across, it’s okay to do the same thing that someone is doing and still be successful, it’s okay to partner, and it’s okay to support others. To date, I have successfully thrown 18 networking events under The Group Chat Network (that include Taco Tuesdays, Vibrational Resets with sound bowl therapy, Karaoke Nights, Game Nights, & a Yacht Party), opened up my Event Space, partnered with other entrepreneurs, partnered with brands (MrsFields cookies & Krispy Kreme Donuts), built friendships, and witnessed relationships/partnerships be created with the people that attend my events. It’s really a dream come true!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can honestly say that for the most part, things have been pretty smooth. I have been extremely blessed to have the right friends and people around me and supporting me and my events during this journey! The only struggles that I face from time to time is making sure that I keep up with everything that I put out. Luckily, my parents both invested in me in the beginning to help get me started, which I am extremely grateful for. Outside of that, I fund my business out of my own pocket… like building my event space and all of the entertainment/upgrades that I add to it, to the gifts that I purchase for raffles and giveaways, the tools I pay for to create my flyers, and paying for events that are outside of my event space.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my personal life, I am a Human Resources Professional, and I specialize in Recruiting and Career Branding. I would say I am known for being a natural servant. As a professional and as a friend to my peers, I have put so many people in great careers/opportunities. I would say that I am most proud of always finding a way to work/push through any obstacles that are thrown my way, and always going for any goal that I have no matter how crazy it seems to others. What I believe sets me apart from others is my unwavering genuineness, my natural leadership personality, and me just being able to be unapologetically myself at all times.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When looking to find a mentor or in a space of networking, my advice would be to be in space where you are ready to be serious about whatever your goals are. When people take the time to mentor you or connect you with the right people, the best way to show your appreciation would be to be serious about what you want, be a sponge, and really try your best to excel at all times. What has worked for me in regard to finding a mentor is just leaning on my close-knit friends.The friends that keep me grounded, pour into me, support me, and hold me accountable. In regard to networking for me, it has a lot to do with the energy that I feel from the individual(s) that I am networking with, but also seeing the type of drive and passion that they have about their goals. That is what intrigues me when it comes to networking with others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatnwk/?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-group-chat-network-los-angeles?uid=qXgS5GEOJqGYfN2ICrSaCg&utm_source=ishare
