Finding Your Community Through A Professional Women’s Resource Group
By Mel McCarthy
Having a community of women that hold my goals, experiences, triumphs, and failures in a safe space is invaluable. The advice and diversity of thought around the table provides perspective, help, resources, and some days – much needed grounding and support. Joining a professional businesswoman’s resource group can provide a wide range of advantages for growth, development, and overarching career goals.
I have been a member of various resource groups – all dependent on what I needed for that season of my career.
In a corporate setting, I was a founding member of a Professional Women’s Resource Group. It was a great way to build new relationships across the company at multiple levels. Being a mentor and finding mentors was invaluable as we all sought to better ourselves and achieve our organization’s business strategy simultaneously. In 2023, as a new solopreneur, I knew that there would be challenges building a business from scratch, creating and staying focused on meaningful goals, and getting out of my head/out my own way on a regular basis.
I’m thrilled that I found the Women’s Resource Group this year through New Sage Strategies.
Here are some key benefits:
1. Networking and Relationship Building: Professional business women's groups offer valuable networking opportunities. Building relationships through these networks can lead to new career opportunities, business clients, partnerships, and new connections.
2. Access to Coaching and Guidance: This women's group has an optional coaching program in addition to the resource group. Having a coach can provide valuable guidance, share insights, and offer advice based on their own experiences. This support can help you navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and accelerate your professional growth.
3. Skill Development and Continuous Learning: Many groups offer more formal learning - programs cover a wide range of topics such as leadership, negotiation, strategic planning, conflict management, and professional development. By participating in these initiatives, you can acquire new skills, enhance existing ones, and stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
4. Empowerment and Support: Sharing experiences, triumphs, and challenges with peers can boost your confidence, provide emotional support, and inspire personal and professional growth. Being part of a supportive network can help you navigate the business world with resilience and determination.
5. Advocacy and Representation: Many business women's groups often advocate for ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to come to the table and be successful at work. By joining these groups, you have the opportunity to contribute to these important conversations and be part of initiatives aimed at creating more inclusive work environments. You can become a champion for change and help shape a more equitable business landscape.
In summary, being part of a professional business women's group can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Through networking, mentorship, skill development, access to resources, empowerment, and advocacy, you can enhance your leadership abilities, gain visibility, and make a positive impact in your industry, company, and community.
Find your community and join the New Sage Strategies Women’s Resource Group with new groups becoming available in January 2024. Whether you're a seasoned CEO or an emerging leader on the rise, there's a New Sage Strategies Women’s Resource Group tailored just for you. To keep the setting intimate and impactful, we keep the group size up to 10 women so that you can get the most out of your time. This ensures that every moment you invest is packed with value and meaningful connections. Secure your spot on the waitlist today to be among the first to know when registration opens.
About Mel McCarthy
Mel McCarthy is the principal consultant and owner of New Day Rising, an organizational effectiveness and executive coaching firm. She also serves as an Executive Coach and facilitator for the Center for Exceptional Leadership at St. Norbert College.
Throughout her 25+ year corporate career, she has been a change agent and leader in organizations small and large. Most recent roles include VP of Digital Experience, Sales Consultant, Director of Learning and Leadership Development, and Manager of R & D. Mel holds a Master of Science degree in Training and Human Resource Development from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.