Female entrepreneurs are taking over it seems, and gender equality has a voice as more women supporting women roar.
It is a great time to be a woman in business, however in the online space it can be a little overwhelming picking exactly who to seek business advice from.
I am often asked as a Sales Coach what would be the key factors when seeking out a business women network that incorporates not just strategy and financial results, but offers access to female role models with a diverse range of real world skills and values.
Women that are innovative, brave and most definitely not just about the vanity metrics on social media.
Targeted marketing sells you the dream that you can be, do, have and create anything you want, but having such a wide range of virtual coaches and mentors at your fingertips can have you running away with the next shiny course or programme.
Support for Business Women
From my experience, there are huge advantages to taking the time in choosing wisely and I am a great advocate for investing in expanding your business network to get the support you need.
Getting visible to gain new business is a great strategy, but there are some precautions you might want to consider before you make any rash decisions when choosing a network to commit to.
Often women I have worked with mention they are left out in the cold by the big-name so-called gurus and admit they had assumed a large following equalled credibility, but sadly this is just not so.
I came online a few years ago and felt like a small voice in a very noisy sea. My client and friend Lisa Johnson experienced this too and we have both heard from many of our clients, students and community members who also express the resounding opinion of feeling like just a number. Especially after joining busy, popular paid memberships for business women.
Women seeking help to grow their brand and profits are needing advice from an approachable mentor, and sadly this is not always the reality when there is a huge intake of sign ups and one to one connections are lost.
How to Find the Right Business Women Network?
At a time where automation is very popular, women crave a real human, a leader that takes the time to consider their individual needs.
Lisa Johnson should know, she recently spoke to Forbes about her own success in launching a six figure passive income strategy including offering courses and memberships to her community.
So how do you find the right business women networks and not risk putting time, energy and money into superficial, conveyor belt type programmes where one size fits all?
1. Know Your Business Objectives
Firstly, getting clear on your current business objectives is key.
Knowing who does what and making a list of potential networks that can help your SPECIFIC objectives, can move you forwards logically without getting caught up in the latest blueprint or magic pill.
Check out some networking events to meet in person and get a real life feel for people you follow online, for example I mentor for Virgin in the UK and entrepreneurs attending these sessions can come and chat to me, ask questions and get some advice surrounding their business growth.
2. Look for a Business Women Network That Gives You Value
Secondly, avoid the pushy pushy popular gangs, this ain’t school and we are not in the playground. If at any point you feel it’s “all about the money”, walk away.
3. Ask Fellow Business Women for Advice
Lastly, check out what others have to say about who is on your radar. Being a part of the right women in business network can transform your visibility, collaborative opportunities, confidence and sales.
It is a great time for business women to come together and create waves. Lisa Johnson and I have done this many times in the past. Check out some of our Wave Mastermind adventures here:
Jade *