Group making networking a less scary concept

Q&A talks about networking and support systems with Marie McNamara, regional director of B.I.G and leader of the West Hartford chapter of the women’s business group.

Q: Quickly explain what B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) is and who should be involved in this personal and professional development group.

A: B.I.G. is a women’s support, education and networking organization. We strive to facilitate safe and supportive environments that further our members’ business dreams and goals. B.I.G. is for any woman, who asks herself, “What am I going to do next in my life?” Our members consist of women who are looking to re-engage with the professional side of their life; entrepreneurs who may feel stuck; women seeking to transition out of the corporate world; small business owners looking for fresh ideas or even women who just want to be in the company of other smart women. Our ultimate goal is to help women feel validated and experience fulfillment at any stage of their professional life, so that they can move ahead.

Q: What has driven your group’s success? Is it more people interested in establishing new careers or improving existing careers?

A: It comes from the cumulative power that occurs when women with a common purpose come together — both in person and online — in a supportive environment to share their ideas, information and resources. We embrace women’s natural abilities to build nurturing relationships and genuine desire to help one another and put it in a professional context. B.I.G. seems to fill a gap that has been missing in the business world for women. By bringing smart women together, under one umbrella — whether it is those exploring a good idea, seasoned entrepreneurs or transitioning corporate executives — the result is almost always an empowering, energized, inspiring and productive environment. And that’s always good for business. We offer solutions for both groups of women. We provide tangible support and resources to those seeking to start their own businesses and now, through our comprehensive Career Reinvention Center Program, we assist women looking to re-enter or transition within the corporate world.

Q: Your group recently held a discussion on why the word “networking” makes a lot of people cringe. OK, why does that word make people shudder?

A: Our members tell us that when they envision “networking events,” they see a conference room full of people with “their game face on,” wearing name tags and holding stacks of business cards in their hands, getting ready to “work the room.” It’s often perceived as a “take” environment filled with sharks and guppies. Not everyone is cut out to do this, and it can be intimidating. However, if you redefine “networking” opportunities as “relationship building” opportunities, walls seem to drop. By making this simple change, the cringe and shudder factors begin to diminish. At B.I.G., we continuously promote the “know, like, trust” concept as the path to good business. People do business with, and give jobs to, those they know, like and trust. So while networking is a necessary part of successful business, approaching it with a fresh mindset can make all the difference.

Q: Part of the discussion was focused on how to make your efforts count, and stop wasting your time on those that don’t. What suggestions came out of the session that others might find helpful?

A: We agreed that any situation can be a networking opportunity — facilitated or not. But changing our view of networking from “getting” to “giving,” by developing quality relationships, listening, asking thoughtful questions and remaining authentic is the key. We did an exercise where we wrote down the top “connections” we have made, thinking of people we have met that made the biggest difference in our business. Then we traced them back to where we met them. Some answers given were: “The head of the charity where I volunteer my services,” “A speaker I met at a B.I.G. meeting,” and “My insurance agent is this amazing man who gives help more than he sells his business — a true “connector” and he has been invaluable to my business. And to me.”

Q: Another discussion recently held focused on social media. Has social media helped or hindered the development of groups like yours? Could they thrive without it?

A: Social media is a wonderful tool we fully embrace. It has greatly enhanced our efforts, particularly in the area of daily communication. With Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter apps sitting on most of our smart phones, our members are able to keep in contact with each other, anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Our greatest power comes from women sharing B.I.G. with other women in their lives and coming to our in-person monthly community meetings. B.I.G. monthly meetings are held in West Hartford, Glastonbury, Fairfield and coming soon to Hartford and Danbury in the fall. All meeting dates and locations can be found in the calendar section at www.justthinkbig.us.