Clubs: should you join one?
A rundown of the networking business
In a word; ABSOLUTELY
Right, I said I would do a rundown of networks, groups, communities, organisations; the benefits, limitations and the rationale for joining.
But to start, why?
Why would or should you join a networking group? First off, let’s do away with the word “networking”. I spied a pithy post on Threads recently that subverted that narrative - networking is essentially about making friends.
It’s about sharing knowledge, contacts, resources, pain points, struggles and opportunities - but if you strip that all away, it’s about “finding your people”.
You can be a freelancer, contractor, solopreneur, creator or you can be someone who’s trying to level up, change industries, pivot. You can be looking for contacts, sales, talent. You can be looking for exposure, profile and brand awareness.
All of these needs can be met through a network if you utilise them properly.
And that is the lynchpin. Networks are active; if you want action, you need to be an active participant.
Going for Growth
This is a programme founded and ran by Paula Fitzsimons. The umbrella title is Going for Growth, but it contains 3 strands, dependent on the stage of business - Starting Strong, Going for Growth and Continuing the Momentum. The key point of difference with Going for Growth is that it’s a structured programme to scale the business - it’s about nurturing the ambition of the founder, the business and the market opportunity. It’s a 6 month programme consisting of monthly workshops, facilitated by a “lead” entrepreneur. Each month represents a different topic and a chance to set goals and discuss them with a group of peers. And therein lies the beauty; the lead entrepreneur curates a table, aiming for a blend of industries, experience and shared visions. So the programme is equally about the structured learning and the unstructured bonds of support.
Marissa Carter was my lead entrepreneur and our table encompassed a premium dog food company, a curly haircare brand, an outdoor clothing brand, a sustainability consultancy, a gender pay-gap reporting tool and a premium natural skincare brand. And me - a hectic blend of ecommerce, marketing, brand-building e-learning. And the tie that bonded us together? Our ethics. Our principles. Our vision for business. The way we conducted ourselves. The way we positioned our customers. The way we shared our supports, knowledge, resources and clients with each other.
We shared an openness, a willingness, a determination in the face of the unknown and ultimately a commitment to do bigger and better.
Marissa drove us forward with a commercial acumen and a type of empathy that confirms you can lead with kindness and achieve great things.
We have spent the last 6 months together and will attend a special overnight with the wider Going for Growth group in September which will officially close the 2024 programme. We started with a single application form and we will close with a deep network of colleagues, clients, customers, supporters, connectors and friends.
And that is what you get from a programme like Going for Growth; a community fueled by each other’s success.
Cost: No cost, but selection is based upon competitive application
The Club Women’s Network
Disclaimer: I was asked to join the Board of The Club back in January; but here’s why…Sian Horn had a mission to create a new form of networking.
It’s a “come as you are” environment where the focus is on participation over pitching.
This means that each meet-up is actively facilitated to ensure that everyone gets to discuss their business. It’s informal, laid-back, friendly - it aims to meet you wherever you are in your business journey. Alongside regular expert topics on specific business issues, led by members of the Club, the overarching theme of the Club is to encourage women to do business with each other. And The Club recognises the importance of distributing it’s reach nationally, so there’s strongholds in Cork, Clare, Kildare and soon-to-be Westmeath and more. Membership covers monthly business clinics, monthly online member spotlights, monthly online specialist workshops and in-person events. There’s a huge body of work being done at the moment on a rebrand and strategic roll out of services and events from September - so watch this space.
Cost: €350 per the annual year
Image Business Club
I joined the Image Business Club earlier this year. The programme of activities consists of approximating 6 co-working days in the Iconic Offices in Dublin and a number of evening events in the Westbury, access to mentoring and an exclusive portal for business members online. Under the steerage of Editorial Director Dominique McMullan and the Image Magazine events team, the Business Club has grown exponentially in the last year.
I attended the first co-working day (unfortunately missed the morning) where the group will start doing a mini introduction across the room. You then grab a table with 4-5 people and can work on your own or start having the chats across the table. There’s a break for lunch and then a panel discussion hosted by Dominique who is a passionate promoter of working motherhood and women in business. I got to listen to Tech & Luxury Expert Ashley McDonnell and Shana Chu of Tailr (a platform built to reduce excessive waste in the garment industry) talk about their career trajectories and views on raising finance.
The only drawback of the Business Club is that tickets are limited across the board and done on a first-come, first-served basis, which can make it a little tricky to plan out the year of events. Much of the activity is Dublin-based - although they did do a gorgeous event in Cork - so there is a bit more logistical planning if you’re outside Dublin. I will admit that this is one programme where I haven’t been able to commit as much I would have liked; but I intend to change that as we approach September. I know for a fact that many collaborations and partnerships and work referrals have evolved out of the co-working days - this is a mighty club to be a part of.
Cost: €299 + some co-working day costs and event costs
Network Ireland
I am not a member of Network Ireland, but here’s what I know: the women who are members of the various Dublin branches are evangelical about them.
One of the key aspects of Network Ireland is the National Conference and Business Woman of the Year awards; multiple categories, and high visibility both regionally and nationally. Each regional group curates bespoke events, mentoring and meet-ups and it seems to be a highly active organisation. And I would consider joining it.
Costs: €195 per year + costs to attend annual conference and annual awards
Others to Explore:
Chamber of Commerce (join local chapters)
IAPI (advertising and marketing)
IIBN (Irish International Business Network)
A Note on Networking…
The most important thread running through any membership or community is that you genuinely get out what you put in
Be clear about what you’re expecting from a community (sales, clients, brand awareness, partnerships, camaraderie, support) - and go after it!
If you’re curious, reach out to someone who’s a member and get their take
Attend one of the events as a non-member to get a vibe-check and see if these are “your people”
All of these clubs and networks are open to suggestions, recommendations and feedback - if there’s anything you feel is missing, bring forth your proposal
Most of these clubs will have speaking opportunities, interview opportunities, press activations and more - if you want to build some brand awareness, put yourself forward
Everyone in a club is looking for a connection; make yours felt
Costs for investing in a club or network should be offset in your business expenses - I would suggest joining them all and
Some Newsworthy Bits
Brown Thomas Create 2024 is live and running until mid-August. Located on the 3rd floor, it houses 26 Irish designers who’s depth and breath of creativity is awe-inspiring. This is your opportunity to get access to some of our most talented designers and creators and a chance to support our creative industries
The Entrepreneur Experience is a 24 hour entrepreneurship event in Ballymaloe in October. It was recommended to me by Tammy Darcy of the Shona Project and the applications for 2024 are open now. I think I might apply - so maybe see you there?
Designer Cleo Prickett has moved into a new studio and is hosting an opening launch for her studio/ salon on July 27th. Cleo is a master tailor and works exclusively with sustainable, artisan-made fabrics and her ethos is to fuse modernity with tradition. I have one of her blazers and it is the best-fitting cut I have ever come across.
If you have any news you’d like me to share, drop me a DM on Instagram xx