WELCOME TO THE SISTERHOOD

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a new leader, or transitioning in your career, a women-only community seems to be the answer to fostering genuine connections, and a source of prescriptive advice for your personal and professional growth. Is it worth diving in?

- Karishma Tulsidas

In the past year since setting up a content consultancy, I have joined a couple of women's only communities to meet like-minded business owners, expand my network, and learn how to build a scalable brand.

One of the first events I attended was a panel discussion by Launchpad by Honeycombers (not technically a women's club, but 95 per cent of its members are female), and I remember feeling inspired and rejuvenated post-event. It was like I had walked into a room full of positive cheerleaders - the women were friendly, supportive, and happy to share experiences, challenges, failures, and successes.

I felt empowered. The next day, I connected with some of them via Whatsapp: "Let's catch up for coffee." "You mentioned you wanted to work with a content consultant, can I help?"

Cue vague responses and empty promises to schedule a catch-up.

That was my induction to a women's community, and I wondered if I had made a misstep. At the risk of sounding naive to the realities of networking, I expected more, especially since these clubs place such emphasis on support, authenticity and non-judgement.

I had paid about $500 (it was a discounted rate) for a year's membership, which promised in-person and virtual events, including masterclasses, weekly calls with other members, and group mentoring sessions. The most value I'd gotten from the network is undoubtedly the active Whatsapp group chat, where you can find word-of-mouth recommendations about anything and everything, from lawyers specialising in IP to social media hacks.

In a way, I do acknowledge that more can be done on my part to get to know the 300-strong community better. Founder Chris Edwards signs off her e-mails with "Remember - you only get out what you put in!" (no pressure, I know). Life has gotten in the way of me joining the events, weekly calls or masterclasses.