Did you know 75 percent of women who are in high-ranking roles maintain a female-dominated inner circle?
A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that women who have a strong circle of friends are more likely to get executive positions with higher pay. “Women who were in the top quartile of centrality and had a female-dominated inner circle of 1-3 women landed leadership positions that were 2.5 times higher in authority and pay than those of their female peers lacking this combination,” Brian Uzzi writes in the Harvard Business Review.
Has this ever happened to you?
You leave your 9-5, take the big, bold plunge of starting your own business because you know without a shadow of a doubt that the 9-5 was no longer meant for you and you share this new professional move with family and friends expecting them to be happy for you only to detect that you are the ONLY person who’s really excited in the room?
Or …
You’ve been in business for quite some time, but somehow you know there is another level you can step into, but there is no one around really to talk to about it – no one who really gets you or fully understands where you could take your business to if you just had the right support services and professional network around you?
Or …
You’ve just closed a big contract, or hit that 6 or 7 figure milestone, or your programs and products are finally creating the type of impact you’ve always dreamed and imagined but when you look around you realize you don’t have a solid support system?
If any of this sounds familiar to you it’s time for you to switch gears and STOP networking with people who aren’t on your level.
If you want exponential growth in your business, you need to surround yourself with EXPONENTIAL THINKERS.
One of the most important things you can do as an entrepreneur or businesswoman is to surround yourself with like-minded people who are READY to help you, support you, push you to the next level and not allow you to settle for LESS THAN THE BEST.
Here’s the caveat …
I know you believe that your spouse, children, close family members and friends will jump onboard.
Don’t count on it.
Here’s what most women climbing the entrepreneurial ladder experience when the first challenge arises.
Instead of encouraging and inspirational words. They receive the complete opposite.
“I knew it wouldn’t work.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Bad idea …”
“Leaving your “secure job” to pursue your dreams is/was a bad idea (depending on where they’re at in the process).”
I don’t care how strong you or your level of unapologetic conviction. This is dream shattering behavior.
You’re probably nodding your head. Yes!
If this has ever happened to you …
First, do not try to PROVE YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT PATH, it is NOT their calling, it’s yours. It is NOT for someone else to “get it” no matter how close they are to you. That is solely for you. While you would want them to and almost feel as though it is their friendly or familial responsibility to be happy for you and support you, the absolute hard truth is that it is NOT their duty or responsibility and they DO NOT have to.
Second, most of the time, while it may not seem that way, your friends and family really do want the best for you, but unlike you with your visionary, next level, Million Dollar state of mind, they are on the perpetual cycle of thinking small. They live in their “comfort zone”, completely averse to risks and would rather live life settling for safe and mediocre. With this kind of mentality, they want you to stay “safe” too. So, their lack of support, as crazy as it seems, is their show of love and to shield you from any hardships on the horizon.
Third, it is up to YOU to find THE RIGHT PEOPLE who will nurture and support you.
Remember what Oprah said, “People will support you until you exceed their expectations of you.”
Proximity matters and being around people who are where you are in your business and even further along the entrepreneurial or business journey than you is a must.
They understand you, provide a safe space for you, are willing to open doors and mention your name in a room full of opportunities.
When the road to the top gets lonely, there is no price you wouldn’t pay to have this type of support around you.
Every day women just like you are stepping out on their own and unleashing their financial power.
The 6% that hit 6 + 7 figures in annual revenues are leveraging and monetizing their network to create sums of money they never thought was possible a few years ago!
That can be YOU!
When you share space with a powerful, fierce set of women who are LEADING people towards you and encouraging them to buy your products & services …
CHALLENGING YOUR THINKING and pushing you outside your comfort zone …
CREATING the space to amplify your message and your mission …
There is NO place else to go but to scale new heights and soar to the top of your industry.
So, the next time you find yourself tearing up, PI$$ED OFF or getting defensive about the fact that there really isn’t anyone in your corner who’s COMMITTED to seeing you win and celebrating you when you do, – remember you have a choice to bow out gracefully and not follow the CROWD.
“If your circle doesn’t promote you, invest in you or give you referrals. They don’t support you. No matter what they say.”
Here are a few action steps:
- STOP talking to the wrong people
- Add money making conversations to your “Accomplished List”
- Find a Girls’ Club that is 100% supportive of YOU + YOUR WORK in the world
If you’re ready and would like to learn more about our “Girls’ Club”, book a call today and meet us live on Zoom at our next “Networthing Extravaganza”.
#IConnectWomen
Thanks a TRILLION,
Ungenita
Ungenita Prevost is an Award Winning Feminine Leadership Expert. She is the founder of SellingINStilettos®, FEMME 500 and host of the podcast BILLION DOLLAR ROLODEX. She helps “socially bankrupt” women build social capital and monetize their networks.
Join her LinkedIn community and the #1 Business Networking Event for women, Networking IN STILETTOS. She can be contacted through Direct Messenger on LinkedIn or through her website by clicking here!
