This week I had the opportunity to attend a work at home or working mom networking groups.
It was the second one I have been to recently, although they were very different.
Each had perks and downfalls.
In this post I will share my thoughts on these two, as well as some information on other similar groups out there.
Table of Contents
K&K Networking
A woman focused networking group focused on supporting career women and entrepreneurs.
Goal:
To help members succeed through referrals and raise funds for charity.
Pros:
- It is a small organization. Getting to know others is easy.
- Low-key, no pressure.
- Meets monthly with low costs, including breakfast, paid each time you attend.
- No yearly fees.
- No requirement to attend or send a stand-in.
- Support for mommy issues too!
Cons:
- Very small group.
- New and evolving (which can also be a pro).
- Currently meets only in Langley, BC
This would this work great for:
- Realtors, brokers, cleaning companies, roofing companies, accountants, retailers, seamstresses, independent consultants.
Who this may not work for:
- Men or women who are not parents.
- Those living outside the lower mainland of BC.
BNI (Business Networking International)
This is the largest networking organization in Canada and the world.
Goal:
To help members succeed through business advice and support and especially word-of-mouth advertising.
Pros:
- It’s a large organization, but each chapter is run differently.
- You will likely be able to find your place in one of their chapters.
- National and international, many locations.
- Has been around for over two decades.
- Run very efficiently.
- Occurs weekly.
Cons:
- High fees (over $400/year, plus fees every week of $20 including lunch)
- Some groups, but not the one I attended, are high pressure.
- Some require you to bring a guest each week and pressure you to make referrals each week to another member.
- Must attend weekly, or send someone in your place
This would this work great for:
- Women or men who rely heavily on word of mouth referrals.
- Business people who can commit to weekly meetings.
- Realtors, brokers, cleaning companies, roofing companies, accountants.
Who this may not work for:
- Retailers, seamstresses, independent consultants
Heart Link Network
*please note I have not attended a Heart Link function, and I am sharing what I have learned from research*
Goal:
The Heart Link Network® is dedicated to touching the lives of small business women professionals in dramatic and positive ways as it nurtures, supports, respects and unites women in all areas of their lives.
Pros:
- It’s a large organization with over 220 chapters internationally
- They have a business directory
- It is for women only.
- You get 3 minutes to showcase your business each meeting
- Fees can be monthly, or yearly.
- Industry exclusivity.
Cons:
- High fees (over $240/year.) Approx $25/event.
- There is no guest speaker.
This would this work great for:
- Women who rely heavily on word of mouth referrals.
- Business people who can’t commit to weekly meetings
- Realtors, brokers, cleaning companies, accountants.
Checkout these articles; What you Need to know about Networking, Vintage Social Networking and 5 Ways to Stay Organized as a Blogger.
I joined a local chapter of women entrepreneurs for a year. The annual fees were a little too high, but I did connect with some other local womenpreneurs, provided an opportunity to introduce my micro biz, led to a couple of sales, give-aways which as a ‘marketing on air’ opportunity and connected me with a great plumber. I see the URL box is not operational here on your blog, so I hope it is OK to leave http://www.hideaheart.com in the comment box. See you on FB.