WHY START A WOMEN'S NETWORKING GROUP
Why start a women’s networking group
Creating a women’s networking group can be one of the most fulfilling accomplishments for women looking to create community for other women and leverage the role to place a spotlight on their own leadership. Perhaps you have thought about starting your own women's networking group but you’re not really certain how it can help you, help others, and if it would be worth your time.
Here are 5 reasons why you might want to start a women’s networking group.
Catalyst for others: One of the best feelings in the world is to help another person achieve their goals and dreams. It’s been factually proven that being a part of something greater than yourself increases your happiness level, and this can take part when you’re a part of another person's journey. When we inspire, motivate or make a big, positive difference in the lives of others, we feel their happiness, joy and gratitude. Starting a women's networking group can serve you in ways that fill your cup, give you the joy in being a part of someone else’s success, and elevate your overall happiness level.
Leverage the role to place the spotlight on yourself: When you start a women’s networking group, you are in essence creating a stage for yourself and your leadership skills. It’s the ultimate stage of networking and you are the fiber that connects everyone to come together and network, refer and grow business together. The light fundamentally shines on you, your leadership and integrity. If done successfully, it will lead you to an abundance of opportunity as well through referrals of your own and speaking gigs.
Media coverage: Starting a women’s networking group gives you a reason to pitch local and national publications that will feature your name, business and your positive impact in the community. Many women that lead networking groups for women have been quoted in local glossy magazines, the traditional newspaper, and popular blogs. It gets your name out there exponentially which also helps your brand and business awareness.
Make a difference: Starting a women’s networking group gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and in your community. Many years later, women will remember how you helped them launch a business or obtain referrals. Your impact on their lives and business will be remembered, and your actions of creating a women’s networking group will leave a legacy imprint on all those in your group.
Grow your influence: Starting a women’s networking group will grow your influence radically and your book of business will soar. You may not gain a million followers on Instagram, but you will gain an increase in event invites, panel discussions and the opening of new businesses.
Before you sign up to start your own women’s networking group, a few other notes to make on taking on this role.
Get comfortable with inviting women to attend. Personal invites are always best versus just randomly posting on social media. You’re going to have to invite women you barely know to get things started, and you may hear some no’s.
Be a person of integrity and commit to at least running it for a year. Many networking groups for women fizzle out after a few months because it’s not easy and you have to nurture the group just like you would any new project you create.
Keep the passion and energy positive, even if you are having a bad day. You may recall how I mentioned it would be your own stage to shine with your leadership. Be on the stage, smile, prepare and create a space for others to flourish. You will flourish too.
Be professional while you are running your women’s networking group by showing up on time, having an agenda ready, and being respectful of others and their time.
Focus on the service of others and give them the equal spotlight so everyone shines. The greatest leaders are great because they create and inspire others to lead as well. Give your group the platform to share, connect and have the spotlight along with you. We all rise together, and as one lifts a bit higher, we need to be there to help others get there too.
Violette de Ayala is the Founder and CEO of FemCity, a women's networking organization that infuses gratitude, positivity, purpose and soul through local gatherings, virtual networking and online connectivity. Violette is a spiritual self-help international best seller and the author of "The Self-Guided Guru, Life Lessons for the Everyday Human". She is also a motivational speaker, business advisor, investor and entrepreneur. Violette's been quoted in Forbes, Success, Entrepreneur, Fast Company and CNBC as a business expert. She has been seen in Parade, US News and World Reports, MarieClaire, BareMinerals "Women we love", People and InStyle publications and campaigns. FemCity has been seen in AP, Vogue, Gilt, Fast Company. Connect with her on IG, FB, Twitter : @violettedeayala