Inspirational Women – Ronke Lawal – CEO of Islington Chamber of Commerce

The Islington Chamber of Commerce appointed New Chief Executive – Ronke Lawal.
Ronke joined the Chamber in early January after spending 5 years running her own business as an advisor to small businesses, mainly on business development, marketing, events and PR.
With a good knowledge of the Borough, having studied for her A levels at City and Islington College she will be instigating a number of exciting new changes which will strengthen its place as an esteemed Business Membership organisation. With her passion for business, Ronke has a vision for growth and revitalisation for the Chamber that will see it reach new heights in 2010.

We managed to find time with Ronke to ask her a few questions…

What made you decide work for the Chamber of Commerce?

I’ve been working in my own business since I was 23 so I understand the necessity of business support, business incubation and business encouragement.  An organisation like the ICoC encapsulated all these things which excited me.  It looked like a challenge; an organisation that I could really exercise my skills in leadership, management, marketing and business development whilst utilising my genuine passion for enterprise.  There is probably no better place to do business or to establish useful business referrals than a membership organisation like a chamber of commerce.  I had always said that I would never return to an organisation to “work” i.e. become employed again, unless it would challenge and motivate me. Being the CEO of the chamber certainly achieves that and more.

I make sure that every penny goes to something which will be for the greater good of the chamber and its members

What have been your biggest challenges so far in the company?
The Islington Chamber of Commerce has been running since 1929.  Its survived though the 2^nd World War, international disasters, different monarchs and yet in the dawn of 2010 it looked like it wouldn’t survive the economic crisis and the pressures of financial squeeze.  I have had to change the perception of the chamber from being, for some, an old boys network to a vibrant and relevant business membership organisation.  This meant re-branding the chamber with a new logo which transmitted a message of classic modernity.  We had to improve all of its core communication channels and update its online media streams.  I had to also encourage more activity within the chamber; highlighting the need for business to business trade, interaction and relationship building and so developed a more rigorous events calendar. I have also had to continually review our budget and overall financial strategy in order to plan for the growth of the chamber, this has been difficult in the current economic climate but I’m quite protective of the chamber’s pot.  I make sure that every penny goes to something which will be for the greater good of the chamber and its members; if it can’t be justified in that manner then I won’t approve it.

If there was one thing that you could say was a great success, what would it be?

I would say that seeing the changes in the chamber in just under 9 months has been exhilarating.  So many people who have known the chamber or worked with the chamber have commented on the new level of vibrancy that we’re developing.  Every time a new member signs up based on the belief they have in the chamber; the confidence they have that the chamber is worth something makes everything up to this point worth it.  So a little like having a baby (though I’ve not had that milestone yet) I’ve gone through all the stages and feel excited that within the 9 months I’ve been at the chamber (since Jan 2010) a real change has been made, something is amazing has been born…so to speak!

If you could rewind your career back would there be anything you would like to change?

I took a big risk becoming self employed so early though I don’t regret it, I would definitely have taken even BIGGER risks.  Looking back now through all that I have managed to survive in my business career; I wonder why I didn’t seek more investment, why I didn’t join a business organisation like a local chamber, why I didn’t take on a business mentor or coach sooner…  There are a lot of things that I would have changed but I think that, without sounding too clichéd, these things happen for a reason and they have made my role as the CE of the chamber a lot richer.  I can understand our members journeys more and relate as well as network with the larger organisations with confidence.

Networking is working and it works!

What is your view on Social Media Networking?  How does it help you?

Social Media is an invaluable part of the marketing mix.  It goes beyond a leisure pursuit that many people may categorise the sites which use it as, it’s a beneficial marketing resource.  Its also an affordable and effective way to network and get your business message out to the masses if used correctly.  Its important that it is used correctly and like many things in like it takes time but its worth it.  It helps the chamber to market its events, news and information to a wide scope of people; giving them the opportunity to interact with our business community without having to attend each and every event. So we’re on almost all the main social media sites – Linked In, Facebook, Twitter and soon You Tube; the chamber even has a blog.  All these media platforms are essential and they work.

What to you is the value of Networking with like minded individuals?

Networking is working and it works! I remember many years ago attending my very first networking event armed with my cards; a bit of confidence (not much) and a smile.  I was ready to listen and engage with people and I was hooked.  No one trained me at university though I really think this should be an essential part of university level training, an extracurricular course “post-degree etiquette in professional and business scenarios” (I would be more than happy to teach that at a local university).  I have met a whole host of characters over the years and I would say that the real value comes not necessarily from the event itself but from the relationships built after the event.  I’m not in the business of collecting business cards so unless individuals, business owner and representatives are willing to engage in long term communication or at least respond to the odd email now and then I do a business card spring clean.  I love referring business particularly within the chamber; seeing networking actual serve its purpose is a crucial part of the work that we do.

How do you see the market performing in the next 12-18 months?

Things are picking up. I think that its important to maintain a sense of optimism in the current economic climate. Its still difficult I know but its not impossible to achieve growth in the right markets and with the right attitude. I think there will be more lending as pressure on banks and the government increases.  There will be more investment in long term growth and the entrepreneurs who tap into niche markets will win big.  But I must stress the importance of taking calculated risks; I’ve seen a huge influx in “get rich quick schemes” (one sector which never seems to bare the brunt of a recession) and I’d say steer clear of anything that sounds just a little too good to be true.  The real “getting rich” over the next 12-18 months will be for those who have worked hard and been adaptable in their business plan.

When and if you get the time, what do you like to do in obtain a life balance?

I love to eat! Working in Islington and living in Hackney does not help my insatiable appetite. Thankfully I can cook so I can happily spend time in the kitchen cooking myself and storm.  But I adore eating out; one day I’m going to go into food, be it through investing in a food business or becoming some kind of food critic.   I also love to travel and explore new places.  I’m quite snap-happy so the invention of the digital camera really helps (considering I only stopped using my film camera 2 years ago), I’m never going to be the next David Bailey but perhaps one day take a professional photography course just for fun.  Friends help maintain that work life balance; I’ve maintained friends from nursery school and made plenty of new ones in business and in the chamber.  I think maintaining friendship and having a healthy social life is crucial in a good work life balance – work is great but without fun its meaningless, a little like trying to eat soup with a fork…make no sense!

Can you share any tips for any members wishing to progress further into their career?

I’d say follow your passion and stay focused.  Make sure you actively network in your business and professional life and engage with the right people.  If you can get a mentor or at least surround yourself with a positive and powerful circle of people who will champion you in your career journey.  Seek continual business development through training and seminars; education is important but only if used actively. So any education gain use it wisely as part of your long term professional strategy. Most important be courageous; a member of the chamber’s tagline is “I go where there is courage” – I think this should be everyone’s tagline.  Be brave in your career and don’t ponder on mistakes for too long, learn from them and move on. You can reach anywhere in your career if you so wish – don’t let anyone hold you back.

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