What if the secret to growing your business isn’t selling harder — but connecting better? In this episode of River City Podcast, Jess sits down with Anna Sothen, founder of RVA Connected, publisher with Best Version Media, entrepreneur, community builder, and the woman who has earned the nickname “The Human Rolodex.” Anna has built her business — and much of her life — around one simple idea: when someone says, “I need…,” she wants to be the person who knows exactly who can help. Anna shares how she went from being a health coach, yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner to becoming a publisher and one of Richmond’s most recognizable connectors. She and Jess dive into what good networking actually looks like, why walking into a room trying to sell is usually the wrong approach, how to make yourself memorable, the importance (and challenge!) of following up, and why your competitors can sometimes become your greatest assets. They also talk about RVA Connected, Anna’s work with Best Version Media, the power of community-based marketing, and why businesses that genuinely invest in the communities they serve can build stronger, more lasting brands. Plus, Anna and Jess discover they may have more in common than either realized — including a love of high-energy networking, an aversion to administrative work, and the need for a little structure to keep their “floaty” entrepreneurial personalities on track. In this episode: • Why Anna calls herself a “human Rolodex” • How RVA Connected grew out of her publishing business • The biggest mistakes people make at networking events • Why networking should be about helping, not pitching • How to make genuine connections people remember • Why competitors can actually be valuable business allies • The importance of follow-up — even when you’re terrible at it • How community involvement builds brand recognition and goodwill • How Best Version Media connects businesses with Richmond-area neighborhoods • Anna’s philosophy on leadership, relationships, and finding harmony instead of “balance” Connect with Anna Sothen: Website: RVA Connected Facebook: Search Anna Sothen / RVA Connected Instagram: instagram.com/annasothenrvaconnected LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annasothenrvaconnected Anna’s advice if you’re new to Richmond, growing a business, or simply want to become better connected? Call her. She’ll connect you. Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit River City Podcast online!
