I was recently asked to do a “networking introduction” for a corporate Women’s Advisory Board on which I serve. Thinking through what I would say about my NAWBO involvement forced me to look at what it is that I really get out of being a member of NAWBO. The list is pretty long but here is what I discovered is my top reason: my NAWBO Mastermind group and the peer-to-peer relationships it has helped me build.

The biggest shock to me when I left corporate America 11 years ago to start my own business was the “it’s lonely at the top” syndrome. In corporate America I always had someone just down the hall with which to bounce ideas—two heads are better than one. Not only that, but I had a boss to talk to when there were tough calls to make, someone to share the “heat” if things didn’t go as we planned. Now, I’m the boss—the buck stops here. Enter my NAWBO MasterMind group, nine fellow women business owners—none of who are competitors—which serve as my company’s “advisory board”. We meet once a month and discuss issues that each of us need help thinking through. So, if I have a problem employee, or another issue that feels complicated or sensitive, I have a ready-made group to help me figure out what to do. Wow, what a relief—women to talk to who really understand what I’m dealing with and can offer good, concrete solutions for dealing with it. An added benefit I’ve discovered from my NAWBO MasterMind group is that I’ve made lots of new friends. It’s not hard to become friends with people who listen to what scares you to death and then help you fix it.

Our NAWBO chapter slogo is “NAWBO Creates Connections” and my president’s theme for this year is “Create Connections to Make a Difference”. Belonging to a Mastermind group and having a supportive group of women to help me solve my problems is a wonderful NAWBO connection. If you are not already in one of our Mastermind groups, contact our Chapter Director of Education and Masterminds, Dawn Brinson, at 972.788.9118 or dawn@brinsonbenefits.com to join one.

NAWBO Creates Connections. Create peer-to-peer connections by surrounding yourself with a support team that will help you run your business efficiently and effectively. Join a NAWBO Mastermind group today.

Diane McCartney
President, NAWBO Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter