Women’s History Month
THRIVING AS A WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER
Interview with the ConnectPoint Search Group President, Traci Cetraro
ConnectPoint Search Group
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we interviewed the ConnectPoint Search Group owner and President, Traci Cetraro. Deep dive with us to get an inside peek of how Traci is making her mark through her journey, thriving as a woman business owner, and how she flourishes in today’s business climate…
Tell us about your business:
“ConnectPoint Search Group specializes in Direct-Hire Search and Contract Staffing solutions in the fields of Accounting & Finance, Information Technology, Administrative, and Human Resources. We are locally rooted in the Sacramento region and, with over twenty years of industry experience, are built on a team of expert matchmakers who are passionate about connecting talented professionals with exceptional companies! CPSG is also a proud member of the Sanford Rose Associates network of offices, allowing our network to reach across the nation. We will be celebrating 15 years in business this April!”
I may be the President of CPSG, but I love what I do and find great joy in working alongside my team. Therefore, I still run a very busy full desk as the director of our Accounting & Finance and Business Services practice group.”
Learn more about ConnectPoint Search Group here and read Traci’s full bio.
What does it mean to you to be a woman business owner?
“I am proud to be a woman business owner! Since I was young, I have always been about Girl Power… girls should be encouraged to shoot for whatever it is they want to do! I want women and girls to be inspired and know that they can rely on themselves. This is especially important to me with my own daughter; I have always ensured that she knows that she can do and be what she wants and can rely on herself.”
Is there a woman that you feel has inspired you to follow the path of a woman business owner, someone that you look up to or admire?
“Throughout my career, I have worked with so many wonderful women and have been fortunate to have role models and mentors everywhere I turn. Lil Roy of Sanford Rose Associates is the woman that comes to my mind first, though; she has been my most inspiring mentor. She is a pro in the search industry and someone who I respect immensely. I have had the opportunity to work with her in a mentorship capacity since 2002 and she has assisted greatly in my journey of thriving as a woman business owner.”
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
“I believe that it is very important to do what you love and love what you do. I feel very fortunate that I have found something that I thoroughly enjoy and am good at and have been able to make a lifelong career of it. Further, being a part of the Sacramento community is certainly fulfilling; this is our home, and it is important to me that CPSG supports our local community.”
“Do what you love, love what you do.”
What do you do to stay motivated?
“In short, I love what I do so it is easy to stay motivated and positive! Above all, I stay motivated because of and for my team and those we get to serve. Likewise, keeping CPSG competitive in the marketplace is very motivating, as well.”
Do you have a favorite book, podcast, or speaker that you are inspired by?
“I really thrive in a one-on-one learning environment and have had the opportunity to attend several amazing events that have expanded my industry and business knowledge. Additionally, I make sure to allow for time to collaborate and connect with other business owners; networking is such a valuable resource!”
What do you do for fun and relaxation?
“It is very important that I shut work off and spend time with my family and friends. I have childhood friendships that are still a major part of my life and those connections are priceless. I also LOVE a good crime show and spending a quiet weekend reading; it refuels me before the next busy week begins. Do not forget time with my fur babies; Tucker and Tanner are with me the whole time!”
This past year has proven challenging for business owners; how have you helped your team cope with the isolation that can come with working from home?
“We had no choice but to instantly adapt to the changes. We have a very malleable and positive team that took all the changes in stride, allowing us to pivot quickly. Additionally, positive company culture is very important to me and having fun together is one of my top priorities in the business, so we have worked very hard to weave that into our remote culture. Consequently, we have as many non-work-focused Zoom calls as necessary and dedicate time to just connect and have fun as a team. One of our favorite things has been to deliver food to the team so we can still enjoy lunches together via Zoom.
It has also been important to allow my team to show up as they are; no need for anyone to fake a smile or pretend all is well. We share honestly and openly about the struggles and that has brought us closer together than ever.”
What is your #1 business goal that you plan to accomplish over the next year?
“Honestly, it is working to get our team back to the office by responsibly responding to the new state of in-office requirements. Meanwhile, my goal is to continue to improve how we manage as a remote office since this is ongoing. During this time, we have continued to grow and expand our team, which is very exciting for everyone at the company.”
What advice would you like to share with women who are considering starting their own business?
“Anyone can do anything that they want. Find something that you love and go for it! People will support you. As you venture through the journey, believe in yourself, take chances, adapt, and never give up! Trying is the only way you will ever know.”
“Believe in yourself, take chances, adapt, and never give up!”
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
“I feel very fortunate to be in the position that I am and am grateful to all the people that have supported me and my business, both personally and professionally. I am also so thankful to the Sacramento community for standing by us for the past 15 years! We look forward to many more to come!
I really love this quote; it resonates with me and is something I keep front of mind: ‘Here’s to strong women… may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.’”
Women’s History Month
March 2021 commemorates the 40th celebration of Women’s History Month and ‘encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.’ Learn more about Women’s History Month here.