Meet Lola Sims: The Socialite

By: Bu'Ji Magazine

It's not what you know, it's who you know," may sound cliché, but for people who have strong networking skills like Lola Sims, this approach to life has broadened her horizons and given her the exposure and resources needed to launch a successful career as a publicist and journalist. Instead of depending on a dual degree in English and Print Journalism from Duquesne University to take her career to the next level, this self-proclaimed "Social Butterfly" used her confidence and experience with building relationships with people to make her dreams come true.

Bu'Ji Magazine: What does it mean to network and why is it important?
Lola Sims: To network means to get out there and mingle with people who are either in the same business as you or are in a business you are trying to break into.  Networking though doesn't mean you always talk to only the important people.  You have to talk to everybody because you never know when something big can come from something small. 

Bu'Ji Magazine: Describe the moment when you realized you were a "social butterfly?"
 
Lola Sims: I really don't know when I broke out of my shy mode as a kid, but I do know I would talk to a tree if it were there.  I loved meeting new people and always tried to make sure everybody knew my name.

Bu'Ji Magazine: How has networking helped you establish and build your business? 

Lola Sims: A lot of my business comes [from] referrals and often times from people I don't even know that well.  This all stems from how I treat [people] when I first meet them.  I usually say something funny or they start off the conversation with a famous Lola song like "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets" or "Her name was Lola she was a showgirl." But like good news travels fast, bad news travels even faster.  So, you have to make sure you value your reputation and always do good business.

Bu'Ji Magazine: "It's not what you know, but who you know." What does that phrase mean to you?

Lola Sims: It's definitely the story of my life.  As a publicist, getting something done fast or effectively takes you knowing the right person.  It can be the difference between a yes and no, a money shot or a blooper, or something hitting the press that shouldn't.  When you do good business and treat people the right way your reputation will speak for it.  People talk and its always better for them to say good things rather than bad.

Bu'Ji Magazine: What advice would you give to someone who is shy and has difficulty communicating and meeting new people?

Lola Sims: Bring somebody with you.  Sometimes its good to have a wingman or wing woman to get the party started.  Make sure though you bring the right person.  Often times [people] can have different goals then you and unbeknownst to them they can hinder your chances at progression. First impressions set the tone for a lot of business relationships so they are important [too].

For more information on Lola Sims follow her on twitter: www.twitter.com/lolasims

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