Starting a women's networking group can be a great way to connect with other women who own their own businesses or are professionals. The purpose of a networking group is to share information, resources, and ideas with each other, as well as build relationships.

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In this article, we will take a closer look at what makes a successful networking group. Plus we will provide tips on how to start a networking group, especially for women entrepreneurs and business owners in Australia.

What is a networking group?

A business networking group as the name suggests is a group of people who share common interests and meet regularly to discuss business-related topics, promote their businesses, or just socialise. That is the simple definition of a business networking group. But is that all?

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The more comprehensive definition of a networking group is that it is an organised system of individuals who come together to exchange information, ideas and contacts. The goal of a women's networking group is to build relationships, share knowledge and experience, and get advice.

Benefits of women's networking groups

Networking has been around for centuries, and women’s networking groups have become an important tool for women entrepreneurs and business owners in Australia. It has the power to help women in business gain access to resources, build strategic partnerships and collaborate with like-minded women.

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Women networking groups can have a big impact on feeling supported in their careers. It's not just about having people to talk to but finding people who understand the challenges faced by women in business.

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Although there are many networking groups out there for different demographics, women's networking groups have unique benefits that regular networking groups don't always offer.

For example, women's networking groups provide a space for women to connect with other women who understand the challenges faced by women in business. This type of support can be crucial for women as they work to build their businesses.

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You might say there are not enough supporting groups for women in your area. That could be true, but that's not a reason to stop women from networking. Women can create their own women's networking groups and reap the benefits of being part of a women's networking group.

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Now let's look at how to start a women's network group.

How the best women's networking groups are created

So in order to start a networking group for women, the first step is to decide what type of women's networking group you want it to be. Will it be open to all women or professional females, or mothers? Will it be local, regional, national or international?

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It is important to understand who the niche community you would like to attract to your women's networking group. So you need to have a purpose to bring all these women together and what will they have in common. For example, women entrepreneurs in Sydney or women who are interested in online businesses.

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Once you have decided who your women's networking group is for, the next step is to find women who are interested in joining. The networking starts right here! You can use social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn to advertise your women's networking group, or you can also attend local events and connect with women who might be interested in joining.

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The first place to start is your own social circle. Yes, start with your network and work your way out to greater acquaintances and extended communities and networks of women. You can also reach out to women who have an influence in your industry and ask them to join the women's networking group. A shoutout from an influencer would help you reach out to more women.

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Remember, your purpose and values are important so you can enrol other women based on them. It is also important to have an agenda for each meeting, so women know what to expect and can plan ahead. So when you have some interest, organise the first meeting and speakers.

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With the help of social media platforms, you can create events and get an idea of how many will attend and create a plan that works.

What should you include in the first event?

At the first women's networking event, you should focus on introducing yourself and your women's networking group. Tell women what the purpose of the group is, what women can expect from the group and how they can benefit from being a part of it.

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You should also focus on building relationships. This is a great opportunity for women to meet each other and build their networks. You can have break-out sessions, roundtables, and other activities to help women connect.

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Invite guest speakers to the women's networking event. Ask women in your community who are experts in their fields to share their knowledge and experiences with the group. This will help women learn and grow.

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Also, make sure to take the time to listen to women's stories and experiences. This shows that you are invested in women's success and that you are forming a safe and supportive space for women to network.

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At the end of the event, it is important to follow up with women who attended and those who are interested in joining. Send out a survey to get women's feedback on the event and their thoughts about the women's networking group.

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Keep in touch with women who have joined and make sure to inform them about upcoming events. You can do this through newsletters, email updates or social media posts.

How to choose women's networking group names

This is totally up to you, but make sure it is catchy and memorable! It should also be something that women can relate to. Some examples of women's networking group names are "Women in Business", "Powerful Females Network" and even something like "Sisterhood of Success".

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Again, this is based on the vibes and core of your networking group. The women's networking group name should be something that portrays what you're all about.

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More importantly it is to start the project and gather women together to get it going. The women's networking group is the beginning of women helping women and bringing out the best in each other.

Mums & Co is a movement for women in business 

We are Mums & Co! You can call it a movement, a support group, or a network for empowering women, especially mums in business.

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We understand that women are often the ones juggling multiple roles - at home, in their business and as mothers. We want women to take control of their lives and have the support of women who understand. Mums & Co is all about women supporting women, through challenging times and creating a positive and uplifting environment to help women thrive.

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Our goal is to create an online and offline community of mums in business, offering support and advice, and empowering women to set realistic goals and business plans. We also want to create events, workshops and other activities for women in business to come together

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Hope this article helps women entrepreneurs and business owners to start their own women's networking group. If you have any questions or ideas on how to create a successful women's networking group, let us know! Keeping women motivated and empowered is our mission and we are here to help you out.

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