Before moving to France I was an avid networker. Living and working in Brighton, the digital hub of the south outside London, meant lots of networking. BNI breakfasts, lunchtimes and evenings, I was networking probably 6 times a month if not more. Not to mention 'coffee' meetings. Being self employed meant having some strict boundaries around getting work done!
Since moving to France the lack of opportunity to network on a mass scale was bit of a culture shock for me. I love meeting new people, I love talking to people about their business. Not one to be defeated I joined some online groups and built relationships through my use of social media, which once established were able to be brought offline... and onto long distance coffee meetings!
One of those online groups was Ladies In France Together - a private Facebook group for ladies only, but nonetheless very busy and it didn't take long to feel part of group. Over time I saw some of these ladies out and about at vide greniers and markets and when I organised a small walk/run for Cancer Support France this year, was delighted to meet even more ladies from the LIFT group.
I have also joined an association aimed at supporting female business owners in rural France - Les Dames de FER. The great thing is that some of these ladies I have 'met' online through LIFT, it is always nice to meet people in person. Online is great for nurturing relationships but there comes a time when it should or could be taken offline. After all, put a group of females together and there's no stopping us.
Les Dames de FER is a very young association and is growing fast and one of the great things is that we can each learn from each other. I have attended a few workshops and hosted one myself. Working for yourself can be quite a lonely existence sometimes. Take for instance the work that I do. A large chunk of my day is online, which is great, I love what I do - but my work and much of my relationship building is online. So I will be making the most of my membership at Les Dames de FER.
In fact there is an opportunity for other ladies to meet the team and members on Sunday 15th September as they will be hosting their first Foire Commerciale at Lessac [16500]. Please click the image to be taken directly to the website for more detailed information. To whet your appetite Les Dames members will be showcasing their wares and products and there will be plenty of activities for all of the family plus refreshments on site during the day.
Since moving to France the lack of opportunity to network on a mass scale was bit of a culture shock for me. I love meeting new people, I love talking to people about their business. Not one to be defeated I joined some online groups and built relationships through my use of social media, which once established were able to be brought offline... and onto long distance coffee meetings!
One of those online groups was Ladies In France Together - a private Facebook group for ladies only, but nonetheless very busy and it didn't take long to feel part of group. Over time I saw some of these ladies out and about at vide greniers and markets and when I organised a small walk/run for Cancer Support France this year, was delighted to meet even more ladies from the LIFT group.
I have also joined an association aimed at supporting female business owners in rural France - Les Dames de FER. The great thing is that some of these ladies I have 'met' online through LIFT, it is always nice to meet people in person. Online is great for nurturing relationships but there comes a time when it should or could be taken offline. After all, put a group of females together and there's no stopping us.
Les Dames de FER is a very young association and is growing fast and one of the great things is that we can each learn from each other. I have attended a few workshops and hosted one myself. Working for yourself can be quite a lonely existence sometimes. Take for instance the work that I do. A large chunk of my day is online, which is great, I love what I do - but my work and much of my relationship building is online. So I will be making the most of my membership at Les Dames de FER.
In fact there is an opportunity for other ladies to meet the team and members on Sunday 15th September as they will be hosting their first Foire Commerciale at Lessac [16500]. Please click the image to be taken directly to the website for more detailed information. To whet your appetite Les Dames members will be showcasing their wares and products and there will be plenty of activities for all of the family plus refreshments on site during the day.
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