Why I've Been a Boston Business Women Member Since 2024 (And Why I Don't Plan on Leaving Anytime Soon)
If you've spent any amount of time in my world, you've probably heard me mention Boston Business Women more than once, and it's not by accident!
I don't recommend communities, memberships, or business investments lightly because I know that where you choose to spend your time, energy, and money matters.
Every community has a different culture, and the people you surround yourself with have a big influence on the way you experience entrepreneurship.
I've been a paid member of Boston Business Women since 2024, and I can honestly say I have no intention of leaving anytime soon, because I genuinely love being in the community.
Community Has Always Been One of My Greatest Business Strategies
I'm an introvert by nature and let’s be honest — I work from my home in rural Maine, spend my days designing websites, creating marketing strategies, coaching clients, recording podcasts, and juggling life with three kids from my kitchen counter. Most days, I'm not walking into a co-working space or spending hours at networking events.
Because of that, I've become incredibly intentional about the communities I choose to be part of.
I don't need hundreds of networking opportunities and I keep my community growth super intentional.
I’ve determined that having 1-2 places where I know the conversations are meaningful, where women are generous with referrals, where collaboration feels natural, and where showing up consistently actually leads to relationships is the sweet spot.
Boston Business Women has been that place for me.
The Relationships Have Been Worth Every Penny
One of the biggest reasons I continue renewing my membership year after year has nothing to do with a specific event, resource, or benefit.
It's the people inside BBW that make this one of the biggest ROIs in my business.
Over the past couple of years, I've personally worked with a handful of women I've met through the Boston Business Women community. Some have become website design clients. Others have hired me for branding, strategy, or marketing support. Some have referred incredible women into my business, and others have become trusted colleagues that I'm always excited to support whenever I can.
Those relationships weren't built overnight, but they were built by showing up consistently, participating in conversations, attending events, introducing myself, celebrating other women, and becoming part of the community instead of simply watching from the sidelines.
That's how real networking works!
Networking Isn't About Collecting Business Cards
One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that it's supposed to generate immediate sales, but I don't think that's the point. For me, the best networking creates familiarity.
It creates trust and brand recognition.
It creates opportunities for people to get to know who you are before they ever need your services.
When someone eventually says, "Do you know someone who designs Squarespace websites?" or "I'm looking for a business strategist," your name naturally comes to mind because you've already built the relationship. That’s why I’m always getting tagged in the comments section of BBW.
That's exactly how so much of my business has grown over the years. I’m not constantly relying on cold pitching or chasing strangers.
My business has been built on genuine connection.
Why It Aligns So Well With My Business Philosophy
If you've worked with me before, you know how often I talk about organic marketing. I believe businesses grow through relationships way more sustainably than they grow through constant hustle.
Referrals, collaborations, word of mouth, strategic partnerships and communities where people know, like, and trust one another are the most valuable thing you can spend your time on.
Boston Business Women supports that philosophy beautifully because it creates opportunities for those relationships to naturally develop over time.
Instead of feeling transactional, it feels like you're building a network of women who genuinely want to see one another succeed.
It's Not Just About Getting Clients
Of course, meeting potential clients is wonderful.
But honestly? Some of the greatest value I've received has had nothing to do with direct sales.
I've found podcast guests, discovered service providers, made referral connections and I’ve learned from incredibly talented women.
I've celebrated wins alongside other entrepreneurs who understand exactly what this journey looks like.
Sometimes the biggest return on investment is in relationships that change the trajectory of your business years later.
You'll Get Out of It What You Put Into It
I think it's important to say this because it's true of almost every business investment.
Joining a community doesn't automatically change your business, but actually showing up does.
Introducing yourself, being curious about other people's businesses, offering support before expecting anything in return, building genuine relationships — those build change over time.
Like anything worthwhile, the magic happens through consistency.
Why I Continue Recommending BBW
People ask me all the time where they should spend their networking budget or which business communities are actually worth joining.
Boston Business Women continues to be one of my first recommendations because it's one of the few communities I've personally invested in, remained part of for years, and continue to find value in.
That recommendation is based on lived experience.
I've watched relationships turn into collaborations.
I've watched introductions turn into referrals.
I've watched conversations turn into clients.
And I've built friendships with women I'm incredibly grateful to know.
Thinking About Joining?
If you're looking for a community of ambitious, supportive women who genuinely believe there's enough success to go around, I would absolutely encourage you to explore Boston Business Women.
I've been proud to call myself a member since 2024, and I truly don't see that changing anytime soon.
If you decide to join, I'd love for you to use my referral link.
Not only does it support me, but it also lets me know you're joining the community so I can personally reach out, welcome you, introduce you to other members, and help you start making connections from day one!
Because that's really what this is all about. Business is so much more enjoyable when you don't have to build it alone.
