We all know the power of a strong network. It can open doors to opportunities, provide invaluable resources, and offer a sense of camaraderie and support. While this is true for all genders, in honor of Women’s History Month in March (and International Women’s Day), we’re focusing on support systems for chamber women and women in business in this article.
As chamber pros, you’re involved in nurturing and assisting the growth of two sets of individuals—your chamber peers and women in business in your community. Chamber pros know that building a supportive network goes beyond exchanging business cards at networking events. You want to cultivate meaningful connections with individuals who can empower you, share your journey, and act as your professional village.
You are uniquely positioned to leverage your extensive network. Women in your community face unique challenges. As a chamber leader, you can help address underrepresentation in leadership roles because you have seen that kind of change in your profession. According to Chris Mead author of The Magicians of Main Street, women are becoming the majority in chamber leadership. In 1986, 41 percent of chamber leaders were women. In 2019, that number rose to 63 percent and it’s occurring at all sizes of chambers. Mead explained that this change “… Seems to have welled up from the smallest chambers first.”
This grassroots growth can be empowering and is a great topic for Women’s History Month. While we’re trying to make inroads in corporate leadership, women are already leading the very organization that is the voice of business within communities. That’s a very important role.
If you’re ready to leverage your platform on behalf of other women in business, here’s how you can ramp up your efforts:
Seek Out Partnerships
The chamber is the voice of business and business professionals—all business professionals. But just as Valentine’s Day reminds us to express love or Thanksgiving impresses upon us the importance of gratitude, March reminds us of the contributions women have made to the world.
In your community, in addition to the chamber, there are likely many women’s organizations. Consider how partnering with them might bring a focus to women’s empowerment. It’s easy to bypass these organizations and consider them the “competition.” But if the ultimate goal is helping women achieve their business dreams, you might find a powerful commonality that can be leveraged for the greater good.
Consider community groups for women as well as industry-specific organizations, college-level women’s groups, women’s business associations, non-profits, educational institutions, online forums, and local women’s business groups. These organizations offer a space to connect with other women who want to help, share experiences, and learn from each other’s successes and setbacks. Collaborative efforts can amplify the chamber’s impact and reach a broader audience of women entrepreneurs and professionals. Additionally, partnering with them on an event or a program, or even bringing in a special speaker can go a long way in showing that business is not a “boy’s club.”
Identify Mentors and Sponsors
Mentors offer guidance and advice. At your chamber, you can use mentorship programs in a variety of ways. For instance, you can host an “ask me anything” program. Create a panel of established women in business. Invite newbies to ask the panel anything. This is an ideal format for women because it’s a way to get past the superficial and talk about things that impact people’s lives.
You can also create a formal mentorship program between seasoned professionals and your emerging leaders. Additionally, you can host a standing event with “speed mentoring” sessions based on specific needs or advice.
Look for ways to connect interested women with mentors. Finding the right fit is crucial. Consider their experience, values, and personality, and be clear about your expectations for the relationship and the program.
Additionally, if you host a leadership academy or something with a cost (like bringing in a well-known speaker) consider offering this opportunity as a sponsorship. Many companies are looking for ways to expand their DEI initiatives. You can help by allowing them to sponsor someone.
Build Reciprocal Relationships
Sometimes women know what they want to do but aren’t sure how to do it. Women are brought up to seek advice and feedback. Consider how you might offer your support and expertise to others. Encourage your network to do the same. This is not a formalized mentorship but a way to share resources, provide feedback, or lend an ear. Someone in your community may be very close to achieving their dream. Perhaps they just need a friendly person to listen.
Embrace Different Forms of Support
Some women who need support won’t be able to attend your mentor event, teas, or programs. Consider how you might leverage an online community to provide support and encouragement and act as a sounding board for those who can’t get away during the day or early evening. You might also consider livestreaming your events and creating a resource library for women to peruse on their own time.
Additionally, some co-working spaces offer childcare. You could partner with one for a chamber event to ensure that caring for children doesn’t hold women back from attending.
Invest in Your Network
Building a network of helping women takes time and effort. Work to make your women-in-business events about conversations, exchanges, and meaningful connections. Create a way for members to stay connected in between events. Connection activities could include a regularly scheduled call or online resources.
Host Educational Workshops and Training
Offer workshops, seminars, conferences, and/or training sessions focused on developing skills relevant to women in business, such as negotiation, leadership, financial management, and digital literacy. These programs can help women enhance their capabilities and confidence in navigating the business world.
An interesting event is a “he does/she does” feedback session. While men and women are created equal, how we are raised, or treated, deeply impacts what we bring to the boardroom. A session discussing, illustrating, or exchanging examples of these differences can be illuminating. Role-playing the executive decision-making process (and what goes into it/how it differs) for men and women is enlightening.
Check out the Howard County Chamber’s upcoming 2024 Women’s Leadership Conference or view their 2023 video:
Advocate for Policy Initiatives
The chamber can advocate for policies and initiatives that support gender equality and women’s economic empowerment at the local, state, and national levels. Use the chamber’s influence to support legislative efforts aimed at addressing barriers to women’s advancement in the workforce and business community. Use your chamber foundation to raise funds for programs that will help with these ventures.
Recognize and Celebrate Women
Recognize and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and leaders through awards and recognition programs. Highlighting success stories can inspire other women and demonstrate the value of female leadership in driving business innovation and growth.
Create Resource Sharing and Access
Provide access to resources and information to support women in starting and growing their businesses, such as funding opportunities, market research, and business development resources. This can include creating an online portal, directory, or directory designation specifically curated for women-owned businesses.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion
Foster a culture of diversity and inclusion within the chamber and its member businesses. Encourage companies to adopt policies and practices that promote gender diversity in their leadership teams and workforce.
Launch a Community Engagement Campaign or Outreach
Engage with the local community to raise awareness about women’s issues and promote gender equality. Participate in events and initiatives that support women’s empowerment, such as Women’s History Month activities, gender equality conferences, and volunteer opportunities. Highlight them in your marketing efforts, social media posts, and in your newsletter.
Finally, if you’re doing something for women that you’re really proud of, share it with other chamber pros. They can benefit from what you’ve learned and what you’ve had success with.
As a chamber pro, you are uniquely positioned as a community leader and connected to private and public entities and individuals. As your network evolves, additional opportunities and connections may surface to assist you in meeting the needs of other hopeful women in business. Keep leading the way for a brighter future for all of us.
