In the last 10 years of running my businesses, it’s been a steep learning curve with a few twists and turns, expensive lessons and some rewarding wins and a good few G&T’s.
Networking Events: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Table of Contents
The Early Days of My Business Journey
If I look back at the times I felt I hadn’t made the headway I wanted, it was because I fell into the trap of working in my business rather than on it. This is a common pitfall many business owners face.
An old saying from the 1980s sums it up perfectly: “Are you a hairdresser or a salon owner?” At first, I didn’t fully grasp the meaning. Still, I later realised that if I continued the way I had been, I would only ever be cutting hair instead of growing a salon. My business was running me, and I wasn’t running my business.
I wanted to build a brand that could ultimately support me in retirement—something that could stand on its own and wouldn’t depend on me being part of the day-to-day operations to have value. My worth needed to be in my brand, not my employee role.
The Turning Point
It wasn’t until a few years ago that this really sank in. I took a step back and realised that, to move my business forward, I needed to focus on my goals, objectives, and long-term plans—not just the daily grind.
Of course, this was easier said than done. Getting the right advice and guidance felt overwhelming, especially in my market. When you’re on your own in your business, it’s tough to want to bounce ideas and problems off people or share the highs.
My market is very niche in an ever-evolving space, so finding great advice can be challenging for my sector. But seeing women with great business minds and navigating these crossroads of business decisions is invaluable.
The Challenges of Networking as a Woman in Business
Over the years, I attended countless networking events, and here’s what I learned:
- Options for women are often limited and low-level.
- Advice is frequently poor, delivered by underqualified but overly confident lifestyle business owners.
- Many events are inaccessible to small business owners unless you already have the right connections.
Finding valuable connections was exhausting. I had to rely on my network to secure invites to senior-level events, but separating the good from the bad was no easy task.
How I Found My Tribe
So, how did I change things? How did I sit at the table with people who truly knew their stuff?
The turning point happened in the most unexpected way—over a gin and tonic! A group of business owners sat together, chatting about shared challenges. In less than two hours, we realised we had the experience, insight, and “been there, done that” knowledge to solve most of our issues or introduce each other to those who did from our trusted network.
But here’s the frustrating part: It took me over five years to build this incredible network, which should have been abundant in the market. Throw in the fact that I had a child and had my networking hours restricted, and it closed so many doors for me as it does for so many women. Why are we still struggling to find credible women’s networks at the right level?
Starting Over in a New Area
In 2019, I moved to a brand-new area, leaving my hard-earned network behind. Once again, I found myself searching for my people, and again, being pregnant plus COVID-19 —well, it was tough.
After attending several events, I realised little had changed. Networking options for women were still scarce, and worse, I saw a trend of people giving advice to women who were not qualified to do so and selling courses to women with what I can only say was substandard advice.
I had to start from scratch to rebuild my connections and a network of driven, like-minded women, from new business owners leaving corporate to women who pivoted after children in careers and business to those climbing the corporate ladder. A network of driven women is worth more than its weight in gold and will see you through your career in the highs and lows.
Again, I had to take matters into my own hands. That’s how the Derbyshire MMB Network was started. Networking for women in business to connect and collaborate over lunch every quarter.
Conclusion
Networking and finding the right people can be game-changers for business growth and advancements. However, finding the right events and people isn’t always straightforward, especially for women. My journey has taught me that sometimes, when the options available don’t meet your needs, you must create something better.
My Top Tip For Creating Your Network
Reach out
Don’t be afraid to reach out to LinkedIn users in your area. Send a personalised note, not a generic message, and explain what you’re trying to do.
Pick the Phone Up
If you are reading about women doing great things in your region, pick up the phone and reach out to explain what you are doing.
Use Eventbrite
A great way to advertise your networking event to others in your region.
Network Your Network
People who love what you’re doing will tell their network about it. Ask your network if there is anyone they have heard about that would be a great fit.
Find A Regular Venue
If you’re starting out, you do not need to offer a two-course lunch; you can simply try coffee or drinks.