Weak Ties/Strong Bonds

They say behind every great woman is… a squad of other great women making big things happen. ???? This?#InternationalWomensDay, we're toasting to the power of weak ties. The unexpected, expansive, and game-changing relationships that open doors, spark ideas, and turn into strong bonds that create real impact. When women come together, we don’t just change our own lives. We change the world. ?? Tag a woman who’s been a powerful connection in your life.

As a womxn entrepreneur, consultant or freelancer, you know that building a successful business isn't just about strategy and hard work - it's also about the connections you make along the way. In today's digital age, the value of IRL interactions is greater than ever, offering unique opportunities for growth, collaboration, and inspiration. Research shows the huge benefits of intimate, face-to-face gatherings: ?? ?Deeper Connections:?IRL interactions facilitate deeper conversations, fostering trust and stronger relationships. Non-verbal cues and spontaneous exchanges enrich these connections, making collaborations more authentic and effective. ?? ?Enhanced Business Growth:?Women entrepreneurs with robust networks (created, in part, by these authentic in-person connections) often experience increased revenue and business expansion. ?? ?Access to Opportunities:?Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities, from partnerships to new clients, as many of our members can attest! The WT/SB?community?has driven more than 6 figures in additional revenue for our members (and we're aiming for 7 figures in 2025!). ?? ?Supportive Community:?Engaging in small group settings fosters a sense of community, builds confidence, and provides valuable advice, resources, and mentorship. At Weak Ties/Strong Bonds,?we see first-hand the transformative power of these connections cultivated over dinner. Our members and guests consistently share that our dinners leave them feeling inspired, invigorated, and equipped with actionable insights to propel their businesses forward. Sound interesting? ?? Join us for our next?Signature Dinner on March 12 in NYC. Get your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/eV9W8GST

As a business owner or solopreneur, you’re constantly generating ideas—whether it’s refining your offer, creating new revenue streams, or solving a challenge in your business. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the ideas just don’t flow. Creative brainstorming is one of our favorite ways to break through the blocks and spark new thinking. The key? Using the right techniques. Here are 3 that we love: ?? Constraint-Based Brainstorming Instead of starting with an open-ended prompt, introduce deliberate limitations to force creative problem-solving. Ask questions like "What if I had to launch this in 24 hours?" or "How would I solve this without social media?" Once you have ideas, loosen the constraint and refine them. ? Why it works: Constraints push your brain to think more creatively and lead to unexpected solutions. ??? Mind Mapping Start with a central idea and branch out into related concepts, creating a visual web of connections. ? Why it works: Mimics how the brain naturally organizes information, making it easier to see new possibilities. ?? The Worst Idea Technique Instead of aiming for the best idea, deliberately brainstorm the worst ideas possible. Then, flip them into viable solutions. ? Why it works: Removes fear of failure and often leads to unexpectedly brilliant ideas. While these techniques can be used solo, research shows that the best brainstorming happens in two phases: individual ideation first, then group collaboration. Studies reveal that when people brainstorm alone before sharing with a group, they generate more original and higher-quality ideas compared to traditional group brainstorming. And that’s exactly what we’ll be doing in our virtual Out of the Box Brainstorming Workshop on March 5. Come with your biggest brainstorming challenge. You’ll get a structured process, expert facilitation, and a community of brilliant minds to help you unlock ideas and move forward with clarity. ?? Reserve your spot now at the link in the comments ?? (This event is FREE for WT/SB members!) Your next big idea is waiting—let’s find it together.

Working is more fun with friends. Join us Thursday, February 20 at TALEA Beer Co. West Village for our free monthly Work With Day! You can expect: ?? Strong Wifi ? Strong Coffee ?? Good company Come and go whenever suits you! We’re on location for 4-5 hours, but you're welcome to come for just an hour or two, or to work the day away with us.

?? ?Connection > Couch???? Lately, all we’ve wanted to do is snuggle up under a blanket and stay on the couch (winter has to be over soon, right? Right?). But we know that real growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones—and into a room filled with smart, thoughtful, and strategic womxn entrepreneurs. That’s exactly what our Weak Ties/Strong Bonds?Signature Dinners are all about - and the next one is coming up! Join us for an evening of deep conversations, meaningful connections, and the kind of support that helps you grow—both personally and professionally. ??? Tuesday, February 11 from 6:30 - 9:00pm ??? Gottino Enoteca (West Village) ???? Reserve Your Seat: https://lnkd.in/gA2zsYK9 Or, if you know a womxn entrepreneur who could use a little push (or just a really good meal with inspiring company), gift them a seat at the table! ???Give a Signature Dinner Gift Card: https://lnkd.in/gWCCacyN We can’t wait to welcome you. Because growth starts with showing up.

Is there anything more important to a freelancer than the perfect coffee shop? ? You need strong wifi and even stronger coffee. Weak Ties/Strong Bonds co-founders Lauren Karasek and Laura Maurer created a guide to the 20 best coffee shops to work from in NYC, plus a map with 80+ places they love. Get the fully buzzed list at the link in the comments, and let us know any that we missed. (We couldn't resist at least one freshly brewed pun.)

Nothing makes networking better than good food, good wine, and good people. If you're a womxn business owner with big goals for 2025, we'd love for you to grab a seat at the WT/SB dinner table. This month's curated gathering will be Tuesday, February 11 in New York City. We hope you leave with your stomaches and hearts proverbially and physically full as we tackle the new year. What makes these Signature Dinners so special? ?? Connect with like-minded womxn entrepreneurs who truly get what you're going through. ?? Share your goals, challenges, and ideas in an environment that’s all about collaboration—not competition. ?? Walk away with fresh insights, meaningful connections, and the motivation to tackle your next big move. ? Great food and unlimited wine in a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re a long-time WT/SB community member or a new face, this is the perfect chance to experience what makes these gatherings so meaningful. ?? When: February 11, 2025 | 6:30 - 9:00(ish) ?? Where: Gottino Enoteca in the West Village Spots fill up quickly, so grab your seat here: https://lnkd.in/gA2zsYK9

Your personal brand is your superpower ? Feeling stuck when it comes to defining your personal brand? Unsure how to tell your story authentically and attract the opportunities you know you deserve? We’ve got you covered. Join us for Branding Yourself for Entrepreneurial Success, a panel discussion with personal branding experts from the Weak Ties/Strong Bonds community, moderated by WT/SB Co-Founder?Laura Maurer. ?? When: February 4, 2025 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM ET ?? Where: Bedford Studios In this panel discussion, we’ll explore key topics like: ?? How to define and balance brand authenticity with appeal ?? The most important considerations when developing your brand strategy ?? Actionable steps for building your personal brand from scratch—and aligning it with your career or business goals ?? Strategies to effectively share your story and overcome the fear of self-promotion ?? How to measure the success of your personal branding efforts Join our panelists: -?Lauren Karasek, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Seamless Brand Consulting -?Kit Huffman, Founder and Executive Ghostwriter, SENECA Agency - Sisi Recht, Founder and Brand Designer and Illustrator, Studio Sisi Whether you’re an entrepreneur, consultant, or freelancer, this session is designed to help you level up your brand and unlock your next big move. ??? Get your ticket: https://lnkd.in/gvKQx4yX

We’ll keep this brief because we’re only three weeks into January, but?wow—it’s already been a loooong year. When we’re feeling tired, uncertain, or just stuck in the grind, there’s one thing that never fails to lift our spirits: being in community with other womxn. Here’s how you can connect with the WT/SB?community in the coming weeks: ?? ?Dressing the Part: Style & Strategy for the New Year ?? ?January 28 | 6:00-8:30 PM ?? M.M.LaFleur Bryant Park Join us for an evening of style, strategy, and connection. Sip, snack, and shop with expert stylists while diving into curated conversations with womxn entrepreneurs. ??? Reserve Your Spot: https://lnkd.in/eDvW98ms ?*** ?Branding Yourself for Entrepreneurial Success ??? February 4 | 6:30 -8:30 PM ET ?? Bedford Studio + Online Your personal brand is your superpower. Join us for this panel discussion with personal branding experts from the Weak Ties/Strong Bonds?community, where we’ll discuss how to successfully define your personal brand to tell your story authentically and attract the opportunities you want in 2025. ??? Save Your Seat: https://lnkd.in/gvKQx4yX ?*** ? ?? February Signature Dinner ???February 11 | 6:30-9:00 PM ?? Gottino Enoteca Join us for an intimate evening of meaningful conversations, great food, and inspiring connections with like-minded womxn entrepreneurs. ??? Grab Your Ticket: https://lnkd.in/gA2zsYK9 ?*** When we come together, we don’t just feel better—we build better (and we make the world a better place at a time when it really needs it). We’d love to see you at one (or all!) of these events. Let’s start 2025 with connection, collaboration, and community.

Today I'm wishing Melanie Ensign - one of the smartest, most genuine, and most fearless people I know - a very happy birthday. This isn't a friends-from-day-one story. The first time I talked to Melanie - now more than a decade ago - I wanted to kill her. (Don't worry, she thought I was an idiot, the frustration was mutual.) But I quickly realized that the very thing that was annoying me was Melanie's and my similar conviction not to do stupid shit just to check a box. I just wasn't used to having to prove that the thing I wanted to do wasn't stupid. Melanie has stuck to her principles, brought her whole self to work, and refused to compromise on either before that was a trendy thing for consultants to write about in white papers. Now, with her own consultancy, she not only does truly meaningful work for her clients - work that makes the internet a better and safer place for all of us - but she's building the kind of company where people can be their true selves and bring that talent to their work. She's also putting real action and dollars behind her equity principles. I'm just really fucking proud to know her and to get to watch her (and sometimes participate) as she builds a genuinely impactful company. As Laura Maurer and I build Weak Ties/Strong Bonds, we've been, dare I say, flattered to have Melanie's support and participation as a Founding Member, and featured her in our inaugural Member Spotlight. Excerpt below, but read even more about how friggin' cool my friend is here: https://lnkd.in/eTiPZ_in Happy birthday, Melanie! If I know you, you mostly hated this gushing. <3