5 Ways to Build a Female Cast
Your network should reflect your future goals. Whatever that is for you. Your next step should be armed with a network that is purposeful and aligned with principles. Part of your principles should definitely be enamored with the idea of helping other women thrive.
This is the business of building relationships. This business intensifies when it comes to women supporting women. We need each other to pave the way, we need understanding comrades on the journey.
Finding an all female cast was extremely challenging for me but once I found my sistas’ everything changed. Watch this video on how an invitation to 10 women transformed my business and life.
Building a new network wasn't easy but it was necessary. It was also uncomfortable, it might be for you too but do it anyway (you’ll send me tea and chocolate later :) )
I built that group of 10 about nine years ago. As a group, we did not meet 10-strong again. It was a one-time hit. It was never promised that we would. In my case, these women came together to support me, that was my request. It was not an on-going networking circle for all of the women. I continued to network with a few of them one-on-one. Some networks fade with time and that’s OK. People get busy, they retire, lose interest or life just happens. All of that is OK.
You will need to decide what type of sisterhood you most need: join a group that is supporting each other or build a circle around your specific needs.
Either way, you’ll benefit.
Five Benefits Of Building An All Female Cast:
Leadership Strengthener: You will sharpen many skills through building and guiding your network. Empower her!
Integrity Grinder: Be the person you expect them to be, keep your word. Show up for her!
Network Expansion: Each person in your circle, comes with her own network. You’ll likely lean on her squad (and vice versa) once trust has been solidified. Share with her!
Tongue Sharpener: My grandmother always told me “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” Learn to get fed. Ask her!
Trash Scarcity Myths: Like grains of sand, there is enough for all of us! One by one we are destroying myths. Women do support each other. Share with her!
BONUS #6 : You’re going to make lasting friendships that will forever change your heart and life. Love her!
You can start building right now, here are a few tips to add to your networking toolbox:
5 Ways to Build Your Circle of Sisterhood
Intimidation Invitation: Invite someone whose credentials scare you a bit. Someone that has reached a pinnacle in her career that you admire. She may be busy, so be prepared to meet with her less. And remember, when you reach this level in your career to pay it forward. Never be too big or too busy to pour into an upcoming leader.
Unfamiliar Invites: Make your group diverse. This is business, not happy hour. Make your network look like the world you want to impact. This will challenge your norm and create extraordinary listening skills. Tell your squad the truth, that you absolutely and purposefully want a diverse network. Inform them that you want to build bridges and learn how to communicate through our differences. If people don’t get your intention or they’re insulted, politely move on.
Make it Results Driven: Know what you want out of your network and have a clear understanding of how to give to others. What does supporting other women mean to you and how can you execute on that action?
Quality Over Quantity - My goal of building that group of 10 was aggressive and it took a lot of work to arrange that initial meeting. Please focus on quality instead of quantity.
Be Interested: Beyond work, learn about the women in your corner. What was her childhood like? Her favorite rock or R&B group? Biggest obstacle in high school? What she thinks of the world today?
BONUS #6- Deep Dive Would you be interested in attending my Masterclass on Building a Women Supporting Women Network, a session dedicated to exploring your career / business needs and how to build a network around those unique specifications? If yes, send me a note (this is not a commitment but an inquiry only) to RaquelEatmon@Gmail.com
Raquel Eatmon is a Be Bold Accomplice, Keynote Speaker and Author of Beyond Enough How to Lead with Your Whole Self. For over a decade she has produced the Woman of Power Leadership Conference for high potentials. She is challenging audiences to live and lead bolder lives through strategic risk taking rituals. Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn