What I’ve learned after hosting my first two Ladies Lifestyle Network events and how it can translate into growing a business.

When we were in training, Kacey made it very clear that you will have to be the follow up queen and understand that the opportunities we have aren’t for everyone. It’s also harder in the beginning… probably harder than most realize. 

My first event was great! Three vendors, the non-profit was there, and really great women joined us.  We had an excellent speaker, Beth, who brought a craft to do with us which was memorable. The room filled with laughter and connection.  Exactly what I had hoped for. 

My second event was smaller, but just as powerful. It brought my first sponsor and 5 new women who hadn’t experienced LLN before. Alyssa, our speaker, really made everyone in the room think about how we show up online, not just as a business, but as a representing ourselves as a brand, not just a business.  I was told several times “She gave me something to think about!”

Here’s the thing though, BOTH events I sent out well over 50 emails about sponsorships, vendors, and other opportunities to be featured during our meeting. That’s actually probably underestimating it a little bit. I’m in a lot of networking groups on Facebook, so it’s likely much more. I had a low conversion rate, something I am not used to. 

I know, I know, you’re like “girl, get to the point!”

Your business may be unique like mine, (a Fractional COO serving functional health professionals).  It’s not something everyone needs or even knows what it is.  It’s going to take education to share who I am and what I do in order to grow my business.

Additionally, while it’s true not everyone knows what LLN is, it takes time to establish yourself and build your messaging, leads, and followers. Or, in the case of business, customers.  You can’t expect to scale a business, or grow a group, without putting in the effort, fine tuning your messaging, and, (maybe most importantly), believing in the power of what you’re doing.  

A lot of people take on these opportunities to build their business, and while I don’t disagree with that take, it’s not the reason I decided to lead the Raleigh LLN.  I believe in building community. In fact, I talk about the importance of this within my business, too. Especially since I spent years trying to rebuild mine after moving from Florida.  It was more of a goal for me than scaling my business. 

Also, following up didn’t necessarily grow my list of vendors or sponsors, but it did bring me a few new members to the community and that made me so ecstatic! I know the power of LLN meetings as someone who was attending them previously and now leading them.  They’re different and powerful.  Probably just like you and your business. 

Ok, my lesson summarized: Be prepared to put in the work, follow up with leads, and not get the outcomes you’d like for your business to grow.  Most importantly, know that your opportunity may not be for everyone, but it’s for the right person and you can’t afford to hold that back from those who need it. 

Go out, be bold, and show up brave.  Someone out there needs what you’re bringing to the table and they won’t get it if you don’t serve it up.