I just dumped the trash.
But instead of walking back up to my apartment, I am taking a detour and walking through the forest so I can type this out because it is too important not to share.
I tracked my last 5 clients, and guess where every single one came from?
Relationships.
But not just any relationships, I'm talkin' getting to know these people beyond those one-off coffee chats that don't go anywhere. I either met them in real life, or had a call, but rather than a one-off call, we actually kept up.
And that is my friends, is key.
How do you network in a way that leads to new clients and referrals rather than acquaintances that get buried and collect dust deep in the DMS?
I’ll show you how with the same strategy I used back in High School to meet a crush.
I would pass him regularly in the halls, admiring those blue eyes, and that hideous mullet I was somehow attracted to.
He was a grade older than me and to him, I was invisible. I couldn't just walk up to him and say “Hi I’m Makenna” No, that would be weird.
I had to meet him in a natural way to reach the level of acquaintance so I could finally have an excuse to say hi to him in the halls.
So I talked to a friend I knew was his neighbor, I went with her to a neighborhood event and I MET him, and it worked! :)
The point of this is to show you that the best way to network is not to go to events just for the sake of meeting people, and then magically getting more clients, but instead to go to events to form that “Excuse to say hi in the halls” level of friendship.
Once you meet those people, the thing that will determine clients, and referrals all that jazz–is STAYING IN TOUCH.
Add them to a tracker if you have to, but make sure to keep in touch regularly!
Now that you know how to use networking, I am going to share the list I took hours compiling of the online networking events!
(I live in Germany so online events are my only option.)
10+ online networking groups for female business owners |
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This list took me hours to find and compile so I hope you use em sis! ;)
➡️ We Meet Wednesdays
Probably my favorite! I LOVE that they have speed networking, you can hop in for a half hour and meet like 10 people! $32/ month
https://wemeetwednesdays.thrivecart.com/wemeetwednesdaysig/
➡️ Boss Moms
Hosts 2 monthly mastermind/ networking calls. This also has its own app and built-in community off of socials. I am in it and it's great! $67 for a yearly membership!
https://boss-mom.com/
➡️ Entreprenista
I have heard fantastic things about this group, a friend of mine has found clients here. Aimed toward female founders, there are a lot of product-based business owner, and service providers. Their pricing is $997 but you can pay monthly.
https://theleague.entreprenista.com/join
➡️ Female Business Network
£45 pounds a month, most members in the UK but calls are virtual. https://femalebusinessnetwork.co.uk/female-business-club
➡️ Six Degree Society
I went to this and really enjoyed it! Emily is a fantastic host and you get a chance to meet the group and have break-out sessions with members. $60/month
https://sixdegreessociety.com/membership/
➡️ The Doers
Hosted by a marketer for celebrities. It is top on my list right now, but it's aimed toward online done for you service providers:
https://teamap.consulting/the-doers
➡️ Hello Seven
I have heard great things about this group. It's by the author of “We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers $97/ month
https://helloseven.co/club/
➡️ Wise Woman Mastermind
I joined this for a quarter and it was a really great place to get support and be around other female business owners. It is a mastermind so you get to ask your questions as well as give advice. All for $79/ month
https://www.aprilhiatt.com/
➡️ The Exchange
I haven't checked this one out yet but It's on my list. Stacy is awesome and a natural connector. I love how she uses it as a place to network, but also is a recruiter to help businesses find the perfect fit contractor.
https://www.stacypong.com/the-exchange
Free monthly networking calls I really loved:
Mariah is an SEO expert and a fantastic host, this was probably my favorite event the past month!
https://www.mariahmagazine.com/networking/
Elaine, this was such a great call, I loved the holistic focus where she included journaling and meditating.
https://www.instagram.com/elainetsung/ (Can’t find a link but you can reach out to her)
Others I have found but don’t know a lot about:
https://www.instagram.com/theli_st/
https://www.instagram.com/heymamaco/ Group for moms
https://womensbusinessleague.com/membership-options/ $49/ month
Annnnd other additional places you can go to find online networking events:
Event Brite, Meetup
Find ones that work for you and start attending them! But don't. forget, that's only the first step. The follow-up is where it's at. What's that expression the fortune is in the follow-up? lol.
Ps. No we didn't date or anything like that, my best friend actually ended up dating him years later and he was a bit of a tool.
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Hey Friend, I'm Makenna :)
Email & Website Copywriter, Toddler mom & American living in Germany. Need some help with your website or writing those pesky emails? let's chat!
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