My 4 favourite small business memberships and others you could try

If you want to find out more about my favourite 4 small business memberships you can listen to me and some of my small business pals talk about them in the podcast episode below. In this blog post you will find a bit of information about each of them - but also a list of other memberships that I have heard good things about or had recommendations for.

First, let's talk about what we mean by small business communities. These are groups of individuals who share a common interest in supporting each other and growing their small businesses. Now they might be centered around a theme and there is usually someone leading or managing the group that has particular expertise. They can take many forms, from online forums and social media groups to physical meet ups and networking events.

So, why is being a part of these communities so important for us as small business owners? Well, for starters, they provide a support system. Running a small business can be a lonely and challenging journey, but being part of a community of like-minded individuals can help alleviate some of the stress and provide a sounding board for ideas and concerns.

Another benefit of small business communities is access to resources. Members often share their knowledge and expertise with one another, offering advice and guidance on everything from marketing to finances. Additionally, these communities can provide opportunities to connect with potential customers or clients.

Now I am no fan of the word networking, but it is also a really valuable benefit of being part of small business communities. You never know who you might meet at a networking event or in an online group. It could be someone who can offer you advice, collaborate with you on a project, or become a loyal customer. It actually doesn’t feel like networking at all because it happens so naturally and organically because as I mentioned before you are all I guess, united in this common goal or the thing that you have in common. I have definitely experienced this personally and have worked with various clients who have found me in a small business community that I was apart of and often they have been the perfect sort of client for me - really aligned with the sort of person I am looking to work with. 

Now beyond these practical benefits, being part of a small business community can also be incredibly fulfilling. There's a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that comes with being part of a group of people who are all striving to succeed in their respective businesses.

So, how do you go about finding and joining these communities? Start by doing some research online. Look for groups or forums that cater to your specific industry or niche. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook can also be great places to find and join small business communities. But often the best way is word of mouth - ask around - ask on social media, ask your small biz pals if there are any they would recommend. 

Another option is to attend local networking events or workshops. These can be a great way to meet other business owners in your area and start building relationships.

Of course, it's important to remember that being part of a small business community or membership isn't just about what you can get out of it. It's also about what you can give back. For it to work well you need to be an active participant in the group, offering your own expertise and support to other members.

Here are my four favourite memberships that are featured in the podcast episode above

Doing it For The Kids

Doing it for the Kids – DIFTK is a community for freelance parents trying to make flexible working work.  The community is about connection and is a safe corner of the internet to chat about the everyday practicalities of running a business around your kids.

Studio Cotton Clubhouse

For your website support Aime of Studio Cotton shares heaps of advice with small businesses who want good websites. The Studio Cotton clubhouse membership is housed in slack and is a community workspace where you will receive monthly support as well as Chatrooms about ecommerce, blogs, opportunities, recommendations and more.

The Best 90 Days Ever

The Best 90 Days Ever is for you if you know you need to promote your business, but you don't have time, ideas or know where to start. You will receive a daily 10-minute task which can be easily managed around the rest of your work. As well as the tasks there will be marketing tips, content ideas, prompts, tutorials, challenges, videos, sessions to work along together, and a chance to connect and stay accountable.

Life Aligned Community

The Life Aligned Community is founded using natural cycles and offers support and connection as you build your business in line with your values and energy. The values and passion of the community for cyclical living goes beyond paying attention to our own ebbs and flows, and expand into environmental care, community care, gentle activism and together, taking steps to a softer, more attentive world.

And here are memberships that I have either been a part of in the past or heard good things about, in case you would like more options!

The Step Up Club

The Step Up Club helps women overcome work challenges and take their careers and businesses to new heights. Founded by Alice Olins, the Step Up Club houses an expert coaching network, a hub of support and new skills, and a space to create meaningful relationships across all sorts of amazing women.  

Being Freelance

Being Freelance is a podcast, course, directory and community with the goal of showing that you are not alone being freelance. Through all the above and The Non Employee of the Week awards, this community provides support and advice for being freelance.

Found and Flourish

Found and Flourish is a business network for women and non-binary people. Through a online network, events and brand partnerships the goal is to support purpose driven founders and freelancers to achieve impact, profit and joy.

Lizzy’s Online Business Club

Lizzy is an online business strategist that creates courses and trainings to help online business owners. Lizzy helps clients do business the easy fun and profitable way, simplifying plans for minimum effort/maximum success.

The Resilient Retail Club

Catherine Erdly will support your retail business to grow your sales and profits to create a business that lasts. The Resilient Retail Club gives essential training, advice and a supportive community.

The Dream Business Club

The Dream Business Club is an online business building membership and community, for business owners who want to build a successful business that they love and gives them the life they dream of!