When women business owners get together in small groups in informal settings, something magical happens. The stiffness goes away, the “gotta-make-a-sale” drive lessons and they are able to develop deeper relationships. Ironically, it’s these deeper relationships that lead to business alliances and new clients and customers. So why don’t we do it more often?
There’s a drive during networking that is left over from the male model — he who has the most business cards wins! It’s a model that you see show up in social marketing with people who want to collect the most friends, followers, fans, etc. If you’re selling lots of widgets, it might work, but for many women business owners, relationships are what builds the sales, particularly in service and large solution companies.
Women figured this out a long time ago. Think about all the “party plans,” Tupperwear, Mary Kay, Cookie Lee, etc. We need to take what we know works as women business owners and bring it into our larger businesses.
A few times a year, I try to get my clients and a few of their friends together to experience an intimate setting where they get to know each other better, and perhaps do business. I’m extremely fortunate with my clients — they are amazing women. And, of course, meeting their friends expands my networking circle as well.
This month we went to a private gathering sponsored by Gioia Company. Gioia Company provides beautiful hand-crafted Italian artwork, most of which
is imported from Italy. Owner Kathy Winkelman and her partner provided a setting that was conducive to good conversation and relaxation. It’s a different way to do business, and one that works well for Kathy as part of her marketing effort. After all, who can resist beautiful art after delicious food and good wine provided by Wine Shop at Home.
Where can you hold intimate gatherings with your potential clients and business partners? How can you make them feel the “joy” of women networking? If you can do this, you will find that you will build solid business relationships that will lead to business prosperity.
Let me know what you do in the comment field below!
