I decided to join two networking organizations (but left).
I took my last work trip in February of 2020 and… let me tell you… those in person work events are demanding and require stamina. Whether it’s back-to-back client meetings, client happy hours, dinners and/or a conference, it’s hard to keep that smile on your face, eyes engaged and topics interesting. Over the last two years, my circle of like-minded individuals has stayed pretty small due to the world hiding under this pandemic.
My network only grew by 3% but after having reviewed my year, networking was a strong GOAL that just stood out more. I made the decision in 2022 in order for us to SCALE (word of the year), we would need to expand our circles.
What does it mean to be part of BNI?
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BNI is more than just helping you grow your business it is helping you build your network.
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We have developed relationships with colleagues who become part of our family.
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This positive and supportive group of people will help you go through any crisis because you-cannot-do-this-alone.
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Building trusted relationships is what we are all about. BNI believes in its core value – Givers Gain®.
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A convenient way to meet, connect and grow from the comfort of your home or office
Based on an experienced, proven referral system in action.
People just like you work together, helping each other grow their businesses and improve their business skills.
What does it mean to be part of Mom 2 Mom Biz?
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Making connections is easy!
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The Business Directory brings together exceptional female-run businesses, from the emerging to the well-established.
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Expand our online visibility, reach customers, and elevate our brand recognition
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Giving back to the community through collective power through clothing and food drives, silent auctions, fundraisers.
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Read my listing directory HERE
This is how we plan on ensuring we have achieved what we are here to do and you can also adopt these practices. At your next mixer, keep these conversation starters in your back pocket
Cut to the ‘big talk’ aka questions that spark authentic conversation.
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“Tell me how about your last 2 years. What was surprising for you? Challenging?”
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“How did you end up in the job you are in today? What was your journey to get there?”
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“Life seems a bit crazy lately, how can I be helpful for you?”
Update: January 2023
I gave it my all. I attended events, logged in weekly, and made weekly calls; they did not lead anywhere. I connected with some great people who have tried to be part of my life still, and I will be part of theirs.
Mom2Mom Biz is a great community, and I appreciate the woman who belongs to this group. But I feel there was not much value I gained. Above the membership fee, I continued to pay for the events which ranged from $45 and up. Nothing new or exciting was being generated. No discussion of the struggles and how we can help each other improve in their businesses or positions.
As for BNI, my honest opinion, it did not work for me as a person or my lifestyle, beliefs and values. I signed in weekly for our Zoom calls, which quickly became mundane. I would not have signed up if I knew it was scripted and painfully repeated every single week. The regular check-in with the same people who eventually formed my “power team” became more of a quick call to get those numbers up. Numbers? I mean those “Palm Reports.” It felt like I was in school, given a demerit if I was late coming to class, and my test results being viewed by all to make me less insignificant for not working harder. We all have a life outside BNI, where BNI falls short as there is no sympathy, empathy or care if we cannot attend.
I have since left both networking groups and have found alternative ways of connecting with people, like in-person door-to-door, new events being held by different industries, co-working spaces and attending community events. I am much happier networking without a harness or collar.
