Does it help to join business groups?

[OmnivoreInk]

I know we've had a couple of discussions on women joining organizations and networking, thought I'd start up another thread about it and share news articles on women in business groups and how they've helped.


http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/08 ... 524938.txt

Q-C business women's chapter marks 50th anniversary
When Shirley Schmidt began working in the 1950s, many things were different.

Milk cost 30 cents a gallon, a postage stamp was 4 cents, minimum wage was $1 an hour and Schmidt’s monthly paycheck was about $150 a month.

Schmidt also was one of a small number of women who worked in management at Davenport’s Nestle Purina Corporation.

So, when the young accountant was asked to join a new chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, she jumped at the chance to meet and network with other women.
See link for complete article

[TheRainmaker]

Hi Barb,
I think its a great idea to keep this conversation going. What is hard is the amount of actual groups out there now. How do you know which ones to join and get involved with.

For me, I like to visit them a few times and see what develops. I also understand how to really network and build connections so people need to look at their expectations of a group - before they spend their time and money.

What do you think??

[JBunion]

The hardest thing to do (men or women) is to network and gain meaningful contacts. Further, developing relationships with these contacts can be cumbersome at best. Joining business groups is a fantastic way to push yourself ahead, gain some motivation, and learn from others. I would say it most definitely helps to join business groups. For very involved businesswomen, sometimes these kinds of 'social events' are what they need to relax and step away from their business for some down time. Try it out, I'm confident you will not be ashamed you did!

[Jennifer Lamb]

I hope to benefit from joining a business group. I'm not sure what to expect. I read NAWBO's website the other day and signed up for my local chapter. I just received my first call from their membership coordinator and am looking forward to what lies ahead. Is anyone a member of NAWBO that could tell me what to expect in terms of meetings etc? I saw that they have a yearly conference in June, I couldn't tell from the website how often they meet outside of that or what the topics generally are.

thanks for any information you might have.

[PeterP]

IMO it really helps entrepreneurs. By joining business groups/online business sites can benefit you in myriad ways. You can connect with thousands of people and their ideas. Also keep you update on the latest trends and statistics with businesses in your area. You can also meet and trade ideas with others in business, just like you.

[guidemesingapore]

I personally feel it definitely helps to join business groups. Nowadays any small business needs good contacts to succeed. I feel the more you network and get to know people, not only are your marketing yourself but you never know what new opportunity knocks on your door.

[abeja_reina_1989]

I think it does help, yes, because you get extra tips and learn important things that you wouldn't know otherwise. Most people don't understand business like those of us who do it, so it's nice to have those discussions with people who deal with it on a day-to-day basis.

[JMelillo Coaching]

Different groups can have a very different feel to them, so it's good to try out several.

I was in a lunch group for a while that was very formal, and a bit expensive as you had to purchase the event ticket and the lunch. It was a small group, and they knew each other well. They were nice people, but there was really no opportunity for us to help each other -- more of a social thing really.

I've also done chamber of commerce, or women's entrepreneur events. I always have a good time, but I haven't found many business leads that way -- most of the newer entrepreneurs often don't have the financial resources to hire others (at first anyway). I did get one big job back when I was a freelance writer from one of these events, however.

I've met more clients through regular socializing surprisingly! Knowing a person through friends can make others feel more comfortable it seems.

[coachmaria]

I used to just randomly go to groups. Maybe I was invited, maybe it was a new group I found, maybe, maybe.

Then when I created my ideal client profile I stopped all that. Now I attend meetings where a) the majority of the members are my ideal clients b) a majority of the members know my ideal clients.

It cuts down my networking time, the costs involved in networking, and I have a better chance of being recommended to others because I'm hanging out with the right people.

I do visit new groups from time to time; but usually call first to get a better idea of whom the members are.

[GT Bulmer]

Hi, Maria:

Your perspective and experience are beneficial to all entrepreneurs. Our lives are so busy, with so many demands and distractions, there is value in identifying areas and practices where we can streamline our efforts, or eliminate activities that don't serve our ultimate goals. Thanks for the inspiration!

GT

[MichelleABeitzel]

There have been so many great comments here. I like the point made of being really clear for your reason for joining any business group: Is it to get clients, partnerships, or support in building a business. Maybe you'd like some "down" time and just be in the company of others who understand what you are working so hard at. Having that clarity first will allow you to avoid frustration later.

Employing many of the suggested questions in assessing a group would be a great next step.

I think that for women finding a group is especially difficult. I've been doing a lot of research lately on how women succeed (yes, it has to do with my own business), but the biggest thing that I have found is that women need deep connections - no matter if it is business or personal. And thankfully, business in general is shifting to that of relationship nurturing (the "N" word) rather than surface relationships.

My biggest suggestion in joining a group would be to reiterate "what do you want and need from it?" and then: "Does it meet those wants and needs?" Ask others who are already a part of the group, don't be afraid, afterall it is your time and energy invested.

Ideally, you want a group that infuses you with motivation, energy, confidence. Peer feedback, group collaboration (promoting each others' work), brainstorming support, cutting-edge research and information on business-building, expert guidance and above all ladies: space to work on self!

Not that anyone wants to ever admit that they get in their own way, but we do. These are things I would want in a group and I personally assess a potential group like I do a bra: great support, attractive and up to date, makes me feel good, and after gentle wearing, it doesn't fall apart.

Women in general, do everything more intimately - even build businesses more intimately, so why not assess everything you become a part of just the same?

I use the following acronym to remind myself of what I need and want (maybe it will help you):
P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S.
Patient
Real (real people, not just business faces)
Open
Growing (opposite of stagnant)
Respectful
Energetic
Supportive
Success-Bound (Do they know where they are going?)

Okay - so I'm off to join my Chamber of Commerce since I've recently moved and am in need of totally new groups - think they'll mind my bra assessment?

Great Topic,
Michelle A. Beitzel
http://www.thesoulstrategist.com
http://www.my-success-circle.com

[MelJames]

I think so, yes, if you can join the right group, then it can be beneficial. Meeting other entrepreneurs in various fields and industries, some are long-time entrepreneurs, others have just started, each one can learn something from the other. Business groups are great platform to get support too, especially if you want to raise a particular question. Forums like these make it easier to get help and at the same time, contribute your own insights for others. It's a give and take thing:)

[GT Bulmer]

Different groups have different personalities and I always feel the most comfortable in a group that is open, friendly, supportive and encouraging. I've seen social and business groups both online and off line where the members seem to have an air of superiority and seem to be a little intolerant or short with people who are not as experienced or talented as they are. I prefer the groups who are understanding and supportive. An aspiring entrepreneur can really benefit from 'mentors' who want to see them improve and succeed.

GT

[MelJames]

GT,

well said... and this looks like a forum where such reinforcement and support can be found.

Different groups have different personalities and I always feel the most comfortable in a group that is open, friendly, supportive and encouraging. I've seen social and business groups both online and off line where the members seem to have an air of superiority and seem to be a little intolerant or short with people who are not as experienced or talented as they are. I prefer the groups who are understanding and supportive. An aspiring entrepreneur can really benefit from 'mentors' who want to see them improve and succeed.

GT