Research shows that women need support from each other to achieve maximum success – and I’ve experienced this firsthand. Here’s how.

Women’s History Month takes place every March, and this 12 months it made me reflect on my relationships with other successful women. There’s a town saying that suggests, “There’s a place in hell for women who don’t support each other.” But why is this so? Should women be obligated to help other women just because of their gender? NO.

However, they need to support each other if they have the opportunity, motivation and desire to develop – and if other women can provide solutions similar to mentoring and connections.

The reality is that there are many official and unofficial “boys’ clubs” and social perceptions that make it difficult for women to access capital, advance or break the glass ceiling. AND test A study by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management professors Brian Uzzi and Yang Yang and Nitesh Chawla of the University of Notre Dame found that successful women maintain close circles of female connections, which leads to leadership positions with authority and pay levels of two.5 times higher than their peers due to the lack of such networks.

Conversely, women who mirror the networks of successful men often occupy lower positions. Other test highlights how formal women’s business networks (FWBNs) – organized groups that support and empower women entrepreneurs – significantly support them by providing the obligatory resources and opportunities. Particularly in the face of challenges similar to the pandemic, FWBNs are proving to be essential platforms for networking, shared interests and access to resources, underscoring the need for further evaluation and support.

This research only reinforces why I manage my networks the way I do. I belong to each women’s and women’s circles, and I have the honor of being a part of several distinguished and influential circles of women entrepreneurs in various countries. Here’s what I’ve learned about being a part of successful women’s circles and how they essentially develop into the secret weapon to mutual achievement – each socially and professionally.

1. We build a culture of support

What I like most about women’s circles is the fact that we have created a secure space where we sincerely compliment, appreciate and support each other’s development. We openly acknowledge each other’s achievements, discuss the latest news articles and share personal experiences – similar to when one of our members’ potential clients expressed doubts about her business opportunities simply because she has three children – and we turn to the group for advice on how to cope with such situations. We also share invaluable resources and suggestions, including AI hacks that improve our work. The heart of those communities is celebrating each other. The culture we have built is based on acceptance and support, so we fastidiously select women who share these values ​​to maintain the integrity of the group.

If you belong to such women’s groups or want to start one, promote values ​​similar to acceptance, support and openness about struggles and failures. To build such a culture in your circle, all it takes is one woman to be radically honest and open, which normally makes the rest feel comfortable to do the same.

2. We can open the door to success for each other

As they say, “People do business with people,” and this holds true in women’s circles, where deeper connections lead to greater support. Being a part of a circle of women allows us to strengthen collective and individual relationships. This deeper connection helps us learn about each other’s strengths and what we are working on, which regularly leads to opening doors for each other.

For example, as an advisor to the UN-NGO External Committee, I have had the honor of inviting outstanding women who I felt could contribute to our meetings. I consider it is essential that qualified people are able to make the most of the opportunities I have access to. A colleague at a large tech company began using the services offered by several members of our group after connecting with them through our circle. My advice is to think about where you may open doors for others – think of a qualified woman you know who may gain advantage from similar opportunities. Use your influence and support your network.

3. We have abandoned the concept of competition

Unless you reside in a small village and run an offline business with a limited variety of clients, there are at all times loads of opportunities for abundance in business. Remember that customers select you over others because of your unique differentiation in the market. Sometimes you might end up in a group of women offering services similar to yours. This might be a great opportunity, but only if each parties have the right attitude. In one circle I belong to, there are 4 women who offer the same services I specialize in. Instead of competing and gossiping, we focus on openness. We share differences in our approaches, learn from each other, publicly acknowledge each other’s strengths, and even collaborate by offering each other work when we are unavailable. This perspective on competition is refreshing, and I encourage all women to adopt the same mindset.

4. When obligatory, we develop into a pride of lionesses

Another hallmark of the circles I belong to is our refusal to stand idly by when faced with injustices towards other women or essential causes. We have an unwritten rule that we should always set an example and as women in our thirties and forties we would like to pave the way for the younger generation. If one member initiates a project to solve a problem, the others support it by offering their time, resources, network access, social media presence, and more.

One of the group’s members initiated a campaign against women’s sexual abuse, and the group quickly turned into a functioning business: a PR expert took over the role of disseminating information about the cause to the media, a designer contributed her skills, and a salesperson found donations. Suddenly, several women in the group supported this project. We recognize our responsibility to other women by using our collective power and unity to arise for what is right for our sisters.

Returning to the research outlined on the impact of women’s circles, you may now see how invaluable participating in women’s circles might be to fulfill and develop yourself personally and professionally.

If you do not already belong to one, consider joining these groups by asking your folks about the Facebook groups, women’s communities, and WhatsApp groups they belong to (there are many of them, each official and unofficial). — or consider creating your individual. Advantage? You can shape the values ​​and character of the group and invite the right women who will create this amazing effect of influence, joy and a unique bond.

Additionally, if you would like to learn more about how successful women entrepreneurs communicate and achieve their goals, I invite you to watch the webinar I hosted here with Entrepreneur.com in honor of Women’s History Month.