If you are or have ever been a business owner you know that it can be a lonely place to be. There are decisions that have to be made daily, often on your own, and without someone to bounce ideas off of (or even just vent to every once in a while), it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
I’ve been a business owner since the age of 29 and throughout my career I have tried to surround myself with other business owners – something that I believe has been crucial to my success. Connecting with others allows me to share ideas, encourage others (and get some encouragement in return), and develop my skills in ways I otherwise wouldn’t. Not only that but talking to other business owners energizes me and makes me feel like I can do anything.
Women Leaders in Business
Over the years, I’ve joined several networking and business groups, but I’ve found one that checks all the boxes for me: Women Leaders in Business here in Bakersfield, CA.
In their own words, they are “a group of women who want to grow personally and professionally while giving back to the community we call home.” These efforts are achieved by twice-monthly lunches where we talk about our businesses, have fun, and strategize about how we can make an impact in our local community.
Here are some of the organizations we’ve helped:
- Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault
- Assistance League
- The Mission
- Magdalene Hope
- Homeless Center
Some of our smaller efforts & contributions have been…
- The Blessing Corner
- Homeless Sleeping Bag Drive
- Homeless Hygiene Items Drive
- Adopt-a-Home Christmas
- Human Trafficking Street Work
- Paint Night benefitting charity
Each year we take on two non-profits selected by a vote of our membership. We then get behind the project collectively and raise much needed funds to further their efforts.
How You Can Join
If what I’ve described is something that interests you, I encourage you to CLICK HERE and check out the membership criteria for Women Leaders in Business.
For me, this has been a lifeline as we genuinely support one another while we navigate our business and family lives. If you’re a business owner, you know that there are endless decisions to be made and constant changes happening; I find it makes my life so much easier when I share my experiences with someone else – especially other like-minded, community-focused women.
Have questions about this organization? Feel free to send me an email or visit www.WomenLeadersinBusiness.com.
Debbie Charpentier has been serving clients since 1989 by using a holistic, comprehensive approach that helps clients create the life they value and the legacy they envision. Charpentier Wealth Strategies is a Bakersfield, CA Financial Planning practice that offers fee-based financial planning services. To contact Debbie, email Debbie.Charpentier@LFG.com. http://charpentierwealth.com/ Debbie Charpentier is a registered representative offering securities and investment advisory services through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., (Member SIPC). Charpentier Wealth Strategies is a marketing name for registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors. CRN-3579978-050521