From humble beginnings in 2008 with volunteers helping her run local networking events in the Hills, to this year expanding nationally, Natalie’s is one local story to be celebrated this International Women’s Day on March 7.
At age 25, Natalie was at a career crossroads. With a marketing degree from the University of Western Sydney and a few years of experience, she started her own consultancy. She worked relentlessly for five years to build up her business.
“As a young female I took rejection very personally and sometimes I wasn’t taken seriously because of my age. This knocked my confidence,” she said.
“My determination was there but I needed to market myself and increase my client base, so I joined a networking group. But I found it very rigid and more sales orientated rather than an opportunity to connect with local businesspeople.
That’s when Natalie decided to inspire change. She started a local women’s only networking group in the Hills and called it the Success Women’s Network.
“We started with volunteers helping to run networking events and averaged around 100 women at each event.
“I never thought I’d be running this business full-time. I just saw a need and wanted to help businesswomen like me have a network of support. Women network differently to men – our main focus is on building relationships and offering support. For many women starting your own business is daunting and it takes courage and self-belief.”
Since the Global Financial Crisis in 2007, the number of women business owners has escalated and the Success Women’s Network has played an important role in helping women achieve business success across NSW.
International Women’s Day 2014 marks two milestones for the Success Women’s Network – its sixth birthday and expansion interstate.
SWN QLD will launch this year under the new management of licensee, Belinda Dolan, with communities on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Plans are also underway for expansions into South Australia and Victoria this year.
To celebrate the success of hundreds of like-minded women, Success Women’s Network will be hosting an International Women’s Day networking event on March 7 in Northmead and all businesswomen are invited to attend.
The guest speaker will be International Business Woman - Belinda Dolan, owner of Success Women’s Network QLD and Business Success Associates. With 16 years of international experience, Belinda is passionate about supporting businesses and organisations in their mission to grow and succeed through successfully identifying and assessing their business needs. Belinda’s current PhD focuses on international business and women in business.
Date: Friday March 7, 2014
Time: 12pm - 2pm
Venue: Northmead Bowling Club, 166 Windsor Rd, Northmead.
Cost: $60 for Non-SWN members
Register: www.successwomensnetwork.com.au
