The importance of networks and why they help us succeed?
The Importance of networks and why networks help us succeed
We set up Nurture Network, almost a year ago and its growth has surpassed our wildest dreams with over 500 amazing women in the group.
Our objective is to support and help all women get a seat at the table.
Often we are asked why a network? And what can a network do to help women succeed?
Principally, we are social people and two plus years of working from home has thrown into relief the lack of opportunities for people to meet and share experiences – the classic water cooler moment.
For women, having a network where you can share your experiences, get advice, and simply be heard is a powerful thing.
We ask all our members for their feedback and the most common response is around the idea that Nurture Network events are a “safe space that we could all be open – giving you the ability to talk openly about pressing issues with other like minded women.”
For us, we want to celebrate and promote the brilliant women who are often overlooked in business and entrepreneurship.
The aim is to provide a platform and give voice and to creatively share their stories and their path into business & leadership. The promotion of excellence will have a knock-on effect to inspire others as to the possibilities within the world of business.
With Nurture Network, it was incredibly important for us to create a space that was open to all women, regardless of background, location and that the networking and content aspects were free to access.
There are many networks that are limited to a particular type of profile – same job level, same location and are paid for – which in our opinion closes off the discussion and excludes the very people that would most benefit. This open to all, across all sectors and industries allows for further cross fertilization of ideas and can often make the impossible happen.
It’s a network run by women for women and it’s really great to see how our members support and inspire each other.
With Nurture Network, it was incredibly important for us to create a space that was open to all women, regardless of background, location and that the networking and content aspects were free to access.
There are many networks that are limited to a particular type of profile – same job level, same location and are paid for – which in our opinion closes off the discussion and excludes the very people that would most benefit. This open to all, across all sectors and industries allows for further cross fertilization of ideas and can often make the impossible happen.
It’s a network run by women for women and it’s really great to see how our members support and inspire each other. We know that men and women network differently. Numerous studies and most recently one by the Natural Academy of Sciences found that where men benefit most from building broad networks, the most successful women have both a broad network and a smaller inner network of women that they’re close with. And so women’s networks are crucial for equality. They provide close connections to other women who might encounter similar struggles while still creating a diverse enough environment for personal and professional growth. “[the study] suggests that women face a greater challenge in networking to find professional opportunities – they, more than men, need to maintain both wide networks and informative inner circles in order to land the best positions.”
why we need more women’s networks…?
We are aware of the skills gap and the lack of diversity and inclusivity within entrepreneurship and business.
We’ve all heard the stats –
- 17% of business owners are women,
- By closing the UK gender employment gap, the UK economy could grow by over 2%.
- Female founders raised only 3% of VC funding in 2021 Black female entrepreneurs got only 0.02% of funding
So we know that the support and space is needed to help women and in particular female entrepreneurs, those marginalised disadvantaged and black entrepreneurs succeed and to inspire and be inspired.
What makes Nurture Network special?
We have had job offers, tailored business advice, business deals , some tears and a lot of laughter during our events.
Our members are able to bounce ideas off each other and know that it is a safe space – we don’t record our events and everything that is said is in confidence.
Without giving too much information away, at a recent event, one of our members was explaining a challenge that she was having with stakeholders at her company and around whether she should confront the everyday sexism that she was experiencing.
The participants around the table all had different takes and experiences which they shared and it made for a really rich and nuanced discussion.
That bouncing of ideas is only really possible when you are in a room with like minded people who share professional interests. And whose only agenda is to help and share.
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Our members also once connected help and support each other outside the network too, whether ist further asking for advice or help within their careers or business.
People have limited space in the calendar for career development, and making genuine connections with other professionals takes time. With professional groups focused on women, you can fast-forward to connection because a lot of the challenges are universal to that group.
But we’d love to hear from you. Tell us about why networks are important to you. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
We also urge you to join – come along, why not sign up to one of our monthly intimate events and hear from women maybe in the same industry as you, or not, in the same role or not or more experience as you or less. The Nurture Network – giving all women in business a seat at the table.
Email me Kelly@lemonquarters.com or to become a corporate partner please contact us here to join.
