Business Networking: my awkward encounters with them (and why I want to create an alternative)

Networking, business networking, it’s one of these things that people tell you you have to do when you set up a business. It’s a must, you need to go to these events and network, get yourself known out there. Like what does that even mean? I guess the whole purpose of networking events comes from a place where you meet other people in business and through these relationships opportunities emerge. In other words, meet people and hope you can do business with them. Sounds like a reasonably sound idea?

I have been to a few different networking events in Ireland on both sides of the country. Some mixed gender, others women only and I just can’t get to grips with them. I find them overwhelming, anxiety inducing spaces to be honest. You sign in at the door and then walk into a room with groups of people all chatting to each other. You are expected to go and get your tea and then join a group and ‘Network’, ta da, that's it!  It’s an introverts worst nightmare to be honest. Walking up to a gang all having a jolly good time feels like a combination of the schoolyard and speed-dating. You then listen to a motivational speaker of some sorts (which can be helpful) followed by more awkward networking and perhaps a cringey swapping of business cards. I usually leave the evening vowing to never do that to myself again.

I fully accept that to many people these events are enjoyable, lively spaces where they get a lot out of them and business deals are made. The people who organise them are genuinely there to help people in business and a lot of work goes into organising them. I have to say that I HAVE met some really interesting business women at these events but it’s the process and setup that I dislike.  For some of us they are actually a bit of a triggering nightmare. I get that I may be in the minority here, yet I’d like to create something that feels a little more supportive and nourishing.

I want to create a regular Women in Business event for those of us who don't fit into the standard mould.

It will be a small group aiming to meet every 6-8 weeks in the Galway region. We will be meeting in cosy intimate venues.  We will have scones and coffee. We will sit in circle. You will be brought in and introduced to the other members of the group. The session will be facilitated. The main aim of the group is to SUPPORT each other, not to sell.

Being in business we are expected to be expert in everything from accounting to marketing to sales and human psychology. We don’t need to do it alone. Let’s help each other out.  If business opportunities or collaborations come out of this, that’s super but it’s not our main aim. We are not in competition with each other. You can speak as much or as little as you feel like on that particular day. You can bring and issue you are stuck with in your business and let’s try and help you resolve it.

I am gathering the level of interest for this right now and hope to have it up and running very soon. Shoot me a DM or an email sara@spacebetween.ie  if you think you may be interested. And please share with others!