When is a network not a network
When is a network not a network
We all know that people buy from people and that’s why at Unique Ladies we make more of an emphasis on building relationships.
How many times have you been to a meeting and feel like you’re being talked at or sold to? It’s no different to someone knocking on your door selling something from a suitcase, it can be disconcerting and the natural reaction is to shut the door. Those who are forceful in their demands don’t connect well, people won’t want a follow up meeting on a one on one basis because they expect to be sold to yet again!
We certainly don’t encourage this at Unique Ladies. Being a woman in business especially in a sole operator position can put you in a very lonely and daunting place. Many others have experienced this during lockdown whilst working from home, missing those vital connections with colleagues, having that daily banter or someone to air grievances with or talk through business issues. Welcome to the club! Meeting up with other ladies in similar positions on a regular basis can help. Not only will you connect at the monthly meetings but once you’ve made those connections there will no doubt always be someone available for a quick chat or even to meet up for coffee or lunch when needed.
Traditional networking can be stressful for many ladies who may lack confidence in walking into a room of strangers and the thought of standing up and speaking in front of a group can cause anxious feelings. That’s why we format our meetings into smaller groups so the conversations can be more personal and each of the ladies on the table can engage in greater depth with one another. There are of course opportunities to stand up and address the group but only if someone is comfortable doing so.
Although regularly attending meetings helps build up relationships more quickly, there’s no pressure to come every time. With a pay as you go approach, you’re not paying hidden membership costs, there’s no extra contribution to food you may not eat, just a nice warm brew included in your ticket price ready to welcome you on arrival.
