Business networking has long been a key factor in career advancement and building a business. But making connections is not the only benefit that networking offers.
Networking gives you the opportunity to surround yourself with the right people for you – people you can learn from, people who are like-minded, people who can help give you fresh perspectives, and navigate the challenges. And when it comes to being an entrepreneurial woman, these elements become more important than ever.
The challenges that women entrepreneurs face are unique to them and need correspondingly unique solutions. Want to build a strong business network? Check out these 10 networking groups.
Global Women Club
The Global Women Club’s tagline is ‘Empowering Locally, Connecting Globally’. If you’re looking to connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs, grow your business, make friends, and receive support, GWC is an excellent option. Each product and event is designed to empower members, share their stories and successes, provide informative content and resources, and aid them in career development. You can read some success stories here.
BNI – Business Network International
BNI is the biggest global networking group operating worldwide. Founded on the philosophy of “giver’s gain”, BNI believes that giving more referrals than you look to receive brings more business back to you. Only one person from each profession is allowed in a chapter, ensuring that there is no competition for you in the chapter you join. Find the nearest chapter to you here.
Meetup
Though Meetup is not technically a networking platform, it’s a fantastic way to meet other entrepreneurs – and without spending anything at all. Meetup allows anyone to create an event, so if you can’t find your ideal event for a meeting of entrepreneurs, you can always start one yourself. Find out more here.
Mastermind
Mastermind groups focus not just on networking, but on education, solutions, and most of all, accountability. Featured on numerous websites including Forbes.com, Entreprenuer.com, and promoted by the likes of Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy, Mastermind is spoken of very highly by its members. Find out the best Mastermind groups to join in 2021 here.
International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI)
IWFCI is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women’s growth. It offers opportunities for expansion through networking, and an environment where women can realize their potential as investors, business women, and policy influencers. Each national chapter enables the women in that region to cement their role as decision-makers, shaping their economic role and their contribution to their respective country’s GDP.
The Next Women
The Next Women is a global community of women entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors that aims to support women entrepreneurs. It does this through opportunities for networking, events, and summits, and by providing coaching, educational programs, mentoring, and even a funding program for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Ellevate
Ellevate is the ultimate ‘pay it forward’ network, with a mission to help women advance in the workplace. Programs provide support, advice and allow you to listen, learn, and engage with women+ who face similar challenges and questions. You can join virtual roundtables, attend webinars and workshops, sign up as a mentor or mentee, and join an Ellevate ‘Squad’ – a group in which you can give and receive advice and accountability.
We Are The City
We Are The City is all about supporting women in their careers. It runs conferences and events, connects job seekers to positions, provides access to online learning, and celebrates women’s achievements with Rising Stars and Tech Women 100 Awards. Connect with women who are leaders in their industries and learn new skills.
Women in Business
A platform that seeks to empower women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and walks of life to grow, thrive, and succeed in business. Women get access to training, online and in-person communities, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. WIB also hosts events, business retreats, summits, and digital and live conferences for its members.
LinkedIn Groups
If you’re on LinkedIn, you already know it to be an excellent platform for networking. What you might not know is that there are numerous groups perfect for entrepreneurs. From groups for startups to groups for LGBTQ+ professionals, women entrepreneur groups to young entrepreneur groups, there is something for everyone. Find a list of the 25 best LinkedIn groups for entrepreneurs here.
