Lawyer Lema Khorshid of Fuksa Khorshid LLC, along with Ania Jablonowski, founder of First Generation American and Eitorial Director of REVIA Magazine, will co-chair the 10th annual BizOver™ event at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue on Wednesday February 24 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Before her current position she has worked for a private equity company, then as a clerk for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences- The Grammy’s. We chatted with Ms. Khorshid about BizOver’s milestone anniversary, her advice for entrepreneurs, the importance of polished appearance and more.
SociaLifeChicago: How did BizOver get started?
Lema Khorshid: It’s essentially an initiative as a way to give back to the entrepreneurial community
SLC: When you initially started, what was your vision? How has it changed over time as your vision grew and the event became a bit more known from when you first started?
LK: In terms of my original vision, it was to connect entrepreneurs and it continues to do that over the years. The difference now is that it has gained much more notoriety and the net is more expansive. The original vision was to be a connector of entrepreneurs and to highlight some of the things that entrepreneurs were doing and to bring them together under the same roof together. The difference between working for a corporation versus being a small business is that you don’t have that social support network; the event is designed to remind people that you can get things done in an island. The social interaction aspects of it is the thing that I always wanted from the beginning and I think we’ve been able to carry that too over the years but with a bigger audience.
SLC: What five tools would you recommend for someone jumping into entrepreneurship and not so seasoned in the entrepreneur life?
LK: They are not necessarily tools but perspectives. 1) An adaptive perspective and openness too. I think you have to be open to change; being dynamic. Cultivating difference skill sets. As an entrepreneur you’re trying to build your business. 2) An advisory team; surrounding yourself with people that can add value to the journey. 3) Knowledge, information gathering. Most entrepreneurs have the willingness to do anything and everything and they automatically go at it, like they know everything. I think it’s really important to be humble, to approach to it like you know nothing so you’re constantly learning and engaging. 4) Networking. Most people once they get the idea just want to sit in their office and work on their business but it’s all about introductions and being inspired by people; having dialogue for them. I feel like that’s underrated and so critical.
5) Patience. With anything that’s great, it takes time and you have to be willing to put in your time and willing to endure because it’s a very lonely journey. If you want to be great at what you do, it’s a lot of hard work.
SLC: Though Biz Over is geared towards entrepreneurs. Are people that are not necessarily entrepreneurs looking to network with entrepreneurs or to network in general welcome at this?
LK: Yes, absolutely! We will never turn anyone away. It’s geared towards business owners but the point is to encourage dialogue and conversation. I would never turn anyone away. It’s all about being inclusive.
SLC: This event, BizOver, is about beauty and networking. With the recent calls for equal pay for women in the workforce and the reality that people judge you based on first initial appearance, Why is it advisable to have a more polished/presentable canvas so that when you approach a potential client they don’t judge you on initial look?
LK: That’s such a great question. I think a lot of people attribute it to being superficial but really it’s about presentation. When you are polished and you look good, you genuinely feel good about yourself. Looking good is so subjective but the point is that most entrepreneurs get so focused on their business and putting it first, they forgot to take care of themselves. The event’s main component is to focus on yourself, which shifts your perspective. We live in a world where you are judged. Why do people where suits or business clothing when they are trying to get an important client or go to a meeting? You have to look the part. It is all about presentation. It is about being able to play that part to some extent.
SLC: What are some closet must haves for an entrepreneurial woman?
LK: For me wardrobe building is about being classic. I think neutrals are so underrated but they’re so perfect; your blacks, beiges, grays are so versatile. I will always build a wardrobe based on those colors and some variations. Black and nude pumps are a given. My biggest tip though is, don’t buy a lot but buy quality items. I’m a big fan of neutral cashmeres sweaters and pencil skirts which are timeless. You can still have fun with neutrals, with skins and other textures. Depending on your taste level. You can do so much with a black suit. It’s your basic fundamental wardrobe building; build a wardrobe that way and add splashes of color depending on what the trends are.
SLC: What would you tell someone to consider before establishing their business entity?
LK: You have to start out with a business plan. Depending on how you intend to raise money and fund the venture, what your tax planning looks, like the entity you have available will change. Without that plan and knowing where the cash is coming from, it will be really hard to go into the right entity even if you have the best lawyer. What I always advise my clients is before you spend the time and effort to set up an entity, it’s pretty critical to draft that plan and think about where you’re heading.
SLC: Contracts and copyrights. For those people looking to just pull legal from a website or legal docs, what would your advise be for that?
LK: Don’t! Everyone is a content creator. I’m a big believer of karma, “Do onto others as you would want them to do onto you.” Things like that are really risky. But once you get a cease and desist and someone threatens to sue you, or pursue legal action then the amount of time and money will make you feel bad about what you did but will also be an out of pocket expense. Just do the right thing in business. Your reputation precedes you.
BizOver brings together male and female professionals and entrepreneurs to indulge in an evening of pampering, networking, style coaching, cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres. There’s an opportunity for the entrepreneurs to get their complimentary head shots taken. Female guests will receive BizOver™ makeovers and mini manicures, while male guests will receive skin consultations, hair styling, and fragrance sampling. It’s a great way to open up your circles; It’s a really cool time where an entrepreneur can take some time off for themselves but still make really great contacts. More info and details HERE
