What is
Membership is by invitation only
We create curated and category exclusive circles of women specifically chosen to bring out the best in all participants. We invest in personal and professional growth through in-person and remote mastermind and educational events.
Partner with other professional and entrepreneurial women who can help you "connect the dots".
What if I told you there was a better way?
Hi, I'm Denise Strong Schmidt and I've spent over
4 decades creating successful businesses and non-profit organizations. And I've learned three things that every woman in business needs to understand.
- It's not just what you know.
- It's not just who you know.
- It’s Connecting the Dots between who and what you know, plus surrounding yourself with women as committed to growth as you are, to propel yourself forward.
Can you relate?
?
WHAT you know
You're an expert in your field but getting people to do more than ask to "pick your brain" is getting impossible.
?
WHO you know
If you go to one more "networking meeting" that is a thinly veiled sales convention, you're going to scream.
?
You don't want to seem arrogant but...
The people you may be connecting with aren't really meeting you at the level you are looking for. They may not have similar business gravitas or face the same challenges you do.
is the collective FOR YOU?
No
You are just starting out in business and are not yet sure of your direction.
You are looking for a captive audience for sales or new presentations..
You want to be in an organization with others in your area of expertise to learn from their experiences.
YES
You are seeking a small CATEGORY EXCLUSIVE group of women who are looking to "level up" their businesses in all areas.
You are eager to share skills and experiences to invest in others in your circle.
You know that it's not just about business! Sometimes, laughing about the crazy client or the computer crash that made you scream is what you really need. The bonds between circle 'DOTS" make all the difference.
Every month, your circle will meet with
a specific presentation that is designed to
bring the group closer to it's goals.
- Each circle is comprised of 12 members that meet a minimum of once per month.
- Each member of the circle is responsible for bringing topics for discussion to the group.
- Membership is by invitation only and is valid for one calendar year. Should a member miss more than 2 meetings within a 6 month period without specific authorization, they will be removed from the Circle and their category is considered "open" .
- Each circle can decide if they wish to incorporate a meal, coffee or a bring your own lunch atmosphere. It will be completely up to the dynamic of that particular circle. The meeting itself will have a clear structure to facilitate an organized use of time.
- There is no membership fee. Your time and connection with other circle members is your only investment.
Current meeting schedule
Chicago Suburban
Date: April 12, 2023
- Location : Sweet Spot Bakery,
6470 College Rd, Lisle, IL 60532
- Time: 1:00pm
- Food and Beverage available for purchase onsite
PROGRAM:
Discussion of requirements for membership, planning for 2023 and potential upcoming events
Virtual
Date: April 12, 2023
- ZOOM Meeting
- Time: 7:00pm
PROGRAM:
Discussion of requirements for membership, planning for 2023 and potential upcoming events
Membership
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Connect The Dots Collective ,
please fill out the membership application linked below.
- Should a spot in your category be open in a current Circle, and your membership application meets our membership criteria, you will be contacted for the next steps.
- Please note that not every membership application will be accepted.
- Membership is by invitation only and covers a period of one calendar year. Renewal for the next year is predicated on the level of engagement in your current Circle.
- The mix of members within a specific Circle is of paramount importance to make sure that everyone gains in the experience of growth.
- New Circles will be opened when a specific geographic area or mix of participants is deemed optimal .
- A full copy of our Guiding Principals can be found HERE
Membership application
FAQ
What do you mean by "Category Exclusive"?
All members of an individual Circle are professionals in different fields. While the Circles are not required to have a specific type or number of business sectors represented, each will only have one of each type (ie: one financial professional, one sales trainer, etc)
So, can you just start a new Circle to encourage membership?
The short answer? No.
Circles are started based on multiple factors and are designed to be small, connected groups of women who invest in each other professionally and personally. If a position becomes vacant, another professional will be invited to join the circle as long as their business sector is not already represented
Do you have to commit to only being an exclusive member of The Collective?
Absolutely not !
If you are accepted in a Circle, it's because you are already well versed in being part of a group that impacts your business and want to dive deeper into relationships with other professional women. This is an exclusive opportunity but it's not One-Size-Fits-All. Other groups may meet other needs. If it's working, don't "fix it"!
How do I get to be a part of a Circle?
An application and interview is required to be considered for membership. Once completed, a vote of the Circle with an opening may take place to ascertain if there is a good fit. If approved, an invitation will be issued. If your application is approved but no current Circle has an immediate opening, it will be held on file until an appropriate fit opens for you.
Is it seriously free of charge to join The Collective?
Yes !
But that doesn't mean there isn't an investment. Your "membership fee" is paid in the time and connection you provide your Circle. If you don't create relationships or provide value to your group, your membership will be reevaluated by your Circle and group Administration.
Is this a type of LEADS Group? Will I be expected to provide business to other members?
This is the exact opposite of a Leads Group!
The professionals welcomed into a Circle already have business. If they meet a specific need you have for a provider, please work within your Circle and refer them if a situation fits. But you are not expected to meet a "minimum number of referrals" and you are discouraged from actively selling to other members. This group is about support and growth - not profit.
