When you think about a business networking group do you imagine a bland conference room with stick-on name tags, room temp white wine in plastic cups and beige suits?
Because I do.
Well, I did.
For a long time I had the idea that business networking was sort of a perfunctory and necessary evil. Something you SHOULD be doing to help your business grow but not something that would be all that influential.
That was until I found a networking group that blew my dreamed up version wide open. I realized that when done well, networking can be incredibly beneficial to more than just your bottom line.
When it comes to networking for business, it’s well documented that men have an easier time than women do. And that’s due in large part to the way our culture raises and encourages men to mix business with friendship and “take emotion out of it”.
Now I’m not saying that women are unable to do business this way, but at least for myself, it doesn’t feel all that comfortable or sustainable. So when I was looking for a networking group that was going to feel the best, I knew it was going to have to be a woman only organization.
After some searching, and time in a few different local and online groups, I found FemCity. This group has created so much opportunity, support and good vibes for me and my business…the gratitude is just enormous.
I’ve also learned exactly what business networking should and shouldn’t be.
Business networking should…
Provide resources
A high quality and well run networking group should be more than hand shaking and business cards swaps.
A group that provides valuable business resources – topic specific education, professional development info, mindset & personal growth work – is going to serve you and your business in a much more holistic way.
Can you come to the group with questions and find answers? Are there continuing education resources curated for members? Is your personal wellness just as important as your business wellness?
Think about those questions as you look for a networking group to support you.
Help make connections, develop collaborations and foster partnerships
Traditionally, business networking groups can be a sort of “Me first!” place. Focused on promoting, selling and building a client list, all with a bit of ego thrown in.
But this doesn’t have to be the rule.
A networking group that puts relationships ahead of profit is going to be a far more lucrative experience.
It’s important to be part of a group that values connection, collaboration and partnership. That sets you up for success by surrounding you with other entrepreneurs who want to support your business just as much as they support their own.
Think of a business introduction not as a “Hello” to that one person. When you make a connection, you’re connecting with their whole network too! And when you’re part of a group that values connection, this sort of expansion is a natural by-product.
That one person isn’t just thinking “Well, what’s in this for me?”, they’re immediately running down their own networking and thinking of the people in their circles who might benefit from an introduction with you.
They’re sharing the love while building networks.
Support you, guide you and show some love
I realize that using the word “love” when talking about business networking can seem a bit eye-rolly but stick with me.
The entrepreneurial world can be a really scary, lonely, overwhelming place, right?
Now imagine you had a group of people who not only supported you in business but provided a safe space to vent frustrations, celebrate wins and work through roadblocks – all without judgment or ego.
Sounds pretty ideal, doesn’t it?
What I’ve learned in my time in this wild world of entrepreneurship is that having a group of people who’ve been there, done it and are still in the thick of things is truly invaluable.
Knowing that you have a safe space to ask hard questions, gain valuable insights and celebrate big wins will make the road to business success a whole lot more manageable.
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So, have you found your business networking group? Interested in learning more about how FemCity can support you and your business? I could honestly talk about it all day, so shoot me a message or check out my link – FemCity Love Starts Here – to learn more.
