We also understand the obstacles and pressure some women face in meeting those networking obligations - from COVID pressures and time issues to lack of confidence.
“In my experience, most women don’t like networking, or they don’t think they do. They see it as false and artificial, particularly the introverts among us,” says WOB mentor Maree Taylor. Her tip is to treat it like a task. “Put it in your plan, diarise it as an action and commit to it monthly or bimonthly. Even if you don’t like doing it, recognise its importance.”
Luckily for WOB members, we have plenty of WOB-facilitated networking events throughout the year - both virtual and face-to-face - which are free for Full, Premium and Corporate Members to attend. These include our WOBMeet and WOBChat events.
For those of you who are new to WOB or need a refresher (with COVID it’s been a long time), here’s a guide to the different types of member-only WOB networking events and how members can benefit from them.
WOBMeet
WOBMeet is a networking and drinks function designed for members to meet each other so they can network, share and learn.
“The WOB network is amazingly generous, and our gracious members are always keen to help one another wherever possible. Guests range from new members thinking about a board role, to those with high level ASX experience - the full spectrum,” says WOB COO Nicole Donegan.
WOBMeet starts at 5.30pm and finishes between 7-7.30pm. Your price includes a drink on arrival (you’ll be given a token) and finger food.
“For the first thirty minutes there’s informal networking while everyone arrives and quenches their thirst. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, so don’t feel daunted if you don’t know anyone. We then kick off with the host, who welcomes new members and celebrates recent successes,” says Nicole.
“Sometimes we even create a safe space where members can practice their pitch in small groups and receive informal feedback. The guest speaker shares their journey and key learnings and answers questions. This is a great way to see what has worked for other members and to get inspired.”
If you haven’t attended a WOBMeet it’s time to dust off your going-out shoes and take the next step in a safe, warm and nurturing environment.
WOBMeets are being held in Melbourne and Brisbane on 24 May, Sydney 8 June, Adelaide 9 June and Perth 23 August.
WOBChat
WOBChat is a virtual one-hour session held fortnightly, except in school holidays. Held over Zoom, the facilitated session provides members with the opportunity to connect, share stories and discuss issues arising from informal presentations on a diverse range of topics.
Recent WOBChat guests have included leading lady and public speaking coach Mariette Rupps-Donnelly, D&I specialist Heather Price, economist Taleen Shamlian and top Australian law expert Claire Bibby.
Coming up we have WOBChats with representatives from the Australian Institute of Clinical Governance (AICG) for a special Clinical Governance WOBChat on 18 May around how board members can meet their clinical governance responsibilities. We will discuss the importance of Directors & Officers Liability Insurance on 27 July with D&O experts Henry Clark and Dennis Moens of Honan.
On 10 August, Anna Leibel and Claire Pales, founders of the boutique advisory firm The Secure Board and leading experts in cyber security and technology will join us for WOBChat on Surviving a Cyber Attack on 10 August.
WOBMeet and WOBChat events are free of charge for Full, Premium, Corporate or Champion members.
For more details of WOBMeet and WOBCheck events check out our events page.
For more information on Member-only Benefits click HERE