Tell us a bit about your network
I (Mary Agbesanwa) started Now You’re Talking as I moved to London for work and wanted to connect with like-minded ambitious female professionals. The network started as a WhatsApp group of 30 of my friends working in the City in financial services, technology and the arts and has now grown to a community of over 300 women, run by myself and Lola Olaore as well as a small committed team of volunteers. What brings us together is that we all want to develop our soft skills such as negotiating and public speaking and also tap into our entrepreneurial spirits! This is not an easy task and the group provides members with the support network to be continually motivated and inspired.
Your network is your net worth and through Now You’re Talking, we connect millennial women, by sharing knowledge, resources and connections to achieve excellent outcomes.
Over the past two years, members in the group have got new jobs, started businesses, secured funding, received promotions and smashed other personal targets. The women of Now You’re Talking are hard-working millennials with side hustles and active social lives, determined to make it work.
What is your network’s prime objective?
Now You’re Talking exists to build a female millennial community and run events that are action-focused and tangible. We truly believe in everyone levelling up together and that no one who is part of the group should be in the same place they were last year. The group’s values are Ambition, Community & Empowerment.
How is your network helping women to progress in the workplace?
By running regular events such as our #LevelUp workshops on Promotions, Sponsorship and Strategic relationship building at work we help women progress in their personal and professional lives. The group provides resources, exclusive job opportunities, knowledge and advice to its members.
Tell us about your events?
In 2019 we have held a variety of events including our #LevelUp Careers Workshop series both online and IRL at WeWork and our Summer networking event. We also just had our Side Hustle Showcase, the UK’s first event exclusively showcasing and promoting side hustles owned by female millennials. See our events here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/now-youre-talking-team-18622205292
What should we expect if we join?
If you join, Now You’re Talking expect a great and welcoming community, action-focused events and useful resources.
How do our members join your network, is there a fee?
Joining Now You’re Talking is absolutely free! To join the WhatsApp group or wider mailing email us at [email protected]. This blog on why you should join should answer any questions you have: https://medium.com/now-youre-talking/come-join-now-youre-talking-c1812f2d31bd
What advice would you give to anyone who is joining a network for the first time?
Don’t be shy! Like most things, you get from it what you put in. We are a friendly bunch! Just have a look at our Instagram! 🙂
Any top tips for new networkers? Why is building your network important?
We have a whole blog on this topic, that’s how important it is to us. Networking can transform your career and having the right kind of people around you can massively impact your life. Overall, don’t be afraid – remember the person you are talking to is human so just be interesting and interested in what they say. Networking is great as it allows you to gain new perspectives, go to cool places as well as bounce ideas off of others. Loads more benefits of networking articulated in our blog here.
Finally, what’s next for your network?
Lots! We are constantly sharing interesting content on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. All the links in out LinkTree here: https://linktr.ee/nytnetwork
Hope to see you at one of our events soon!
