Three years ago, a group of creative, young women came together in search of support, guidance and a helping hand. Some were just ending their educational studies and were in search of a professional career. Others were transitioning within their professional careers and were not sure of the next steps they should take. And still others were just looking for a place and group of people that could relate to them. Out of this small group, that met casually every month over pizza and drinks, developed B’more Creatives.
B'more Creatives is a free member-based networking group for female creative professionals in the Baltimore/Washington DC area. With the use of a social networking site, CollectiveX, and a full calendar of events and activities, B’more Creatives provides a relaxed and comfortable environment for creative women to come together and grow as professionals, creative individuals and leaders.
What started as a small group of 15 has blossomed over night into a membership of over 250 women in all stages of their careers and lives. The group stays connected and informed and continues to grow through their Groupsite.
All group matters are handled in a personal manner. Even though the group is private, each member has the opportunity to invite other women to join. All membership requests go through the Group Manager, Amy Hollomon. After Amy follows up personally with each membership request—through email or phone call—new members are welcomed to the group. In a follow up email, Amy encourages all new members to complete their profiles with information about themselves and a picture and then to introduce themselves to the whole group through an email blast. (Sample letters, below). This way, new members begin to get actively engaged in the group and older members learn how they can assist new members coming in.
Discussion forums divided into a variety of categories and a very full calendar of group and community related events keeps conversation on the site on a daily basis. All members are allowed to start discussions, add events to the calendar and upload items to the file cabinet. Once a month the site is cleaned up by a member and all old discussions and file cabinet items are archived, making space for new material. When time allows a B’more Creatives specific event is arranged and all members are invited to join. This event could be a simple happy hour or something more educationally driven. Either way it takes the group from the virtual world of the Groupsite and allows members to come face to face. In the past, members have participated in happy hours, gallery and studio tours and community and industry related events in the Baltimore/Washington area.
Even though the group is strictly female, members are allowed to post information about people who they think could benefit other members in the group in the Key Connections section. This has been helpful to many members without compromising the mission of the group.
What makes B’more Creatives work and continue to grow is the fact that it’s not a group just about one or two people. It’s a group about the entire collective whole. B’more Creatives is about finding individuals who are passionate about what they do and want to share that passion with others. It’s about putting in what you hope to get out and then getting more than you ever expected. B’more Creatives members put it best in some personal testimonials below:
”I would say that this group works for me because of three factors: quality, diversity and sincerity. Our members come from different, yet related fields. And, we are a talented, hardworking bunch that is forward thinking and focused on supporting each other. I find all three of those qualities evident with each posting and response.” – Sandy Smith
”B’More Creatives has been one of the most positive communities that I have been a part of. Prior to joining I was very new to online networking, hardly knew of other creatives outside of work, and could barely make my way around the city. This group was the foundation that changed all of that. Being a part of B’More has made me feel like I have a support group of professionals that I can go to for anything. The benefit is mutually exclusive, in that the more I give the more I receive. Furthermore, I have met some amazing people through B’More and I am building friendships that I know will last.
The possibilities are endless, and I am proud to be a part of it!” – Jessica Watson
”This group has been a great help a) meeting woman who were also interested in the design world b) networking and being able to start doing freelance design on the side c) having a personal support group when it came to design related subjects and d) great feedback on helping me find a job (which i got).” – Heather Norris
”I think this group is a great way for female professionals in the Baltimore area to feel empowered by connecting with other women. B’more Creatives offers a wide range of activities and resources, so that there is something for everyone. Plus, it’s casual. If there is something you want to do, or a question you have, you can post it and see if any one wants to join you or can help you out. There’s no pressure, and no need to be nervous about “putting yourself out there.” It’s a great resource! I think the Baltimore design community would be way less interesting without it. It’s become so common to meet another female designer and say, “Are you a part of B’more Creative?” and to have the answer be, “Yes!” – Stacy Ross
Want to try Amy’s approach? Below are sample letters to get you started:
Intro Letter:
Dear __,
Thank you for your interest in B’more Creatives. Before I accept your membership request, could you tell me a bit more about yourself and where you are in your professional and/or educational career?
Thank you,
Amy Hollomon
B’more Creatives Group Manager
Follow-up Letter:
Thank you __. We look forward to having you as a part of B’more Creatives. Now that your membership request has been approved, please comeplete your profile with information about yourself and a picture and go ahead and introduce yourself to the group through an email blast. I look forward to meeting you soon and having you as part of B’more Creatives.
Amy Hollomon
B’more Creatives Group Manager
Great job, Amy! B’more Creatives – Where the creatives go.