What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Mallory Contois, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, has founded the Old Girls Club, a subscription-based membership community aimed at career-focused women. The club, which started as a small Slack group, has grown to over 2,300 paying members, generating more than $28,000 monthly. Contois, who also serves as vice president at Maven, an online learning startup, created the club to provide a networking space for women in senior roles. The club's ethos is inspired by the 'old boys' club' concept, promoting informal, reciprocal networking among women. Contois began charging a subscription fee in March 2022 to sustain the club and compensate herself for her efforts.
Why It's Important?
The Old Girls Club addresses a significant gap in professional networking for women, particularly those in senior roles. By fostering a community where women can engage in informal networking, the club challenges traditional gender norms that often hinder women's professional advancement. The success of the club, evidenced by its substantial membership and revenue, highlights the demand for such spaces. It also underscores the importance of creating environments where women can connect without the pressure to perform, potentially influencing broader workplace culture and gender dynamics.
What's Next?
Contois plans to continue bootstrapping the Old Girls Club to ensure its sustainability and maintain control over its direction. The club's growth may lead to further expansion and the introduction of new features or services to enhance member engagement. As the club gains more visibility, it could attract partnerships or collaborations with other organizations focused on women's professional development. The ongoing success of the club may inspire similar initiatives, contributing to a shift in how professional networking is approached for women.
Beyond the Headlines
The Old Girls Club's model challenges the traditional notion that professional networking must be formal and performance-driven. By prioritizing authenticity and low-pressure interactions, the club offers a unique approach that could influence how networking communities are structured in the future. Additionally, the club's success may prompt discussions on the value of informal networks and their role in career advancement, potentially leading to broader changes in workplace culture and networking practices.
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