Kristy-Lee Johnston runs The Footprint Group, a consultancy business that works with businesses to improve their performance and operational efficiencies by providing recruitment strategies and services. After discovering a gap in the market for a locally based professional services recruiter, Kristy-Lee established the first Footprint Recruitment Office at East Gosford in 2006. Working within a regional community had its challenges, though. The presence of a local ‘boys club’ made tapping into existing business networks extremely challenging. Establishing her professional credibility as a “serious player in the business community” and not just a “mum with a hobby business” was crucial. By maintaining a confident and approachable attitude towards business contacts, and even hiding her first pregnancy from clients, she was able to demonstrate her intention to become a long-term business operator in the region. Kristy-Lee also aligned herself with professional local businesswomen’s network and national affiliates such as the Australian Businesswomen’s Network (ABN), to build her confidence and business contacts. As a member of the ABN, Kristy-Lee has access to a range of resources, including webinars and tutorials, and networking opportunities to grow her business further. It has also given her “the opportunity to build my confidence and skills within a supportive and nurturing environment.” Working from a regional area has also meant greater dependence on technology to compensate for the distance barrier. In fact, the business is re-locating its offices to better access online technologies made difficult on the Coast. She relies largely on email, cloud programs, webinar formats and mobile technologies to manage the business. Kristy-Lee enjoys the autonomy of making her own decisions and the opportunity to build her own empire however small or large she desires. It is this liberty to do as she sees fit that is one of her favourite aspects of running her own business. She also enjoys working with people with similar values and motivations, and inspiring others to work towards a common goal. Her advice for those just starting out in a regional or remote community is:
“Do something you love and are passionate about, and that you know you’re good at. If you truly believe something is possible, go for it and don’t let the doubters get in your way. Pursue everything with passion, energy, commitment and confidence, and don’t give up.”
Kristy-Lee Johnston was interviewed as part of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network’s ‘Beyond the City’ initiative, which highlights the achievements of women in regional and rural Australia. You can read more profiles here. And, for more information on you can connect, learn and grow, regardless of your location, learn more about the benefits of membership.
