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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 J U N E 2 7 , 2 0 2 2 'Activating' advisors and building networks As the founder of two businesses — Portland-based digital marketing agency iBec Creative and craft tote brand Wildwood Oyster Co. — Becky McKinnell relies on advisors from professional and personal con- nections to paid consultants. "Whether it's mentorships or support groups of networking, it helps you see where your blind spots are and shines a light on things that maybe you haven't thought of from a certain angle," she says. "It's just really nice to always know you have options." She's worked with one consul- tant, for example, for several years who's helped iBec Creative in areas from cash flow to human resources challenges. She also recalls the time she got her first big wholesale order for Wildwood Oyster, and was introduced by a neighbor to a retired handbag-industry executive she turned to for guidance. To an entrepreneur looking for an advisor, McKinnell has this to say: "Be specific about what you're looking for and who you want to be intro- duced to. e more crystal clear you are in terms of what type of expertise you're looking for, the easier it will be to find someone who can introduce you to your perfect match." Another founder, Amy VanHaren of breastfeeding support app Pumpspotting, says, "Only activate people who lessen your load — be it by mental energy, time or connec- tions straight to an investor or sale. With so much always on your plate, you want advisors and mentors that give you back time, not take more time out of your days." Tackling the 'tech talent war' With its $50,000 prize money from Gorham Savings Bank LaunchPad business-pitch contest in 2021, Portland-based industrial soft- ware startup HighByte invested in recruitment. "We improved our compensa- tion packages for open positions and pulled some roles forward that we were not planning to recruit for until later in the fiscal year," says co-founder and chief marketing officer Torey Penrod-Cambra, who referenced the "tech talent war" in her winning pitch. is year alone, the company has grown from 12 employees to 20, with plans to reach 27 by year's end. Nevertheless, Penrod-Cambra says that the position of techni- cal seller is a hard one to fill, given strong demand and the field's high compensation packages. To anyone interested in work- ing for a tech startup in Maine, she recommends speaking to people currently working at start- ups to understand the opportuni- ties and challenges. Another hint for potential applicants: "Educate yourself in stock options and equity — and apply!" Renee Cordes, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at rcordes @ mainebiz.biz and @ rscordes S TA R T U P S — M A R S H A L L I N G TA L E N T P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R F O C U S Torey Penrod-Cambra is co- founder and chief marketing officer of HighByte.