Meet Trailblazer Linda Barbour

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Barbour.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Flourish was created out of the frustration of status quo networking, i.e. “cliques”, aggressive selling tactics and competitiveness. We’ve created a save loving atmosphere for women to come and FLOURISH both personally and professionally.

Has it been a smooth road?
Within Flourish, we purpose to do things differently on purpose for a purpose. In doing so, some of the challenges have been that people don’t always understand that it’s OK to step outside of the box of the “norm” when it comes to having a networking organization that doesn’t flow as most do.

I built Flourish to be different on purpose and that is what has been the driving force behind our organization and it’s success. Our network has grown organically; meaning its all been by word of mouth and not infringing upon other networking groups to build and gather people. I’m a firm believer that you attract natrually that which is to be connected with you. Therefore, we provide the atmosphere for women to come and flourish and they come. Sometimes, we chuckle when we ask women how they found our organization and they repsond, you know I don’t know, I think so and so told me about it. Or… it popped up in my email where someone sent me the info.

I would like to encourage anyone that’s starting out on their journey in business to be authentically you, and not be concerned about what others think, or trying to make yourself fit into a box. Be you… build your business on what you know inwardly that you are called to do. And… it’s OK to go against the grain because that’s what sets you apart and will cause you to flourish.

We’d love to hear more about Flourish (The Flourish Network – Flourish Networking for Women).
I love seeing others FLOURISH! As a business coach and motivational speaker, I am passionate about motivating and inspiring women and seeing them reach their full potential. I am proud of the fact that we have an organization that gives women a place to come and grow! To Flourish means to “Grow Well and Prosper”, and that’s exactly what we do… we are a catalyst to help propel those that attend our meet-ups, and events flourish to their maximum potential, as they build some amazing friendships and buisness relationships along the way.

I love what I do, and what we have to offer women. We are an organization of integrity, and we also have a philanthropic side to us as well. Not only do the women that attend our meet-ups and larger events flourish, but we also ensure that women and children that need a hand up are impacted by what we do, so we assist in seeing that we make a difference so that others may also flourish as well.

We are more than “just networking”, there’s a true purpose and calling behind what we do!

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The biggest barrier that I see is the need to aggressively compete and oversell when it comes to networking. There’s a stigma that is associated with networking as being hardcore and aggressive, and if honest that turns so many people off that may not fit into that mold of doing business, or that doesn’t have the mindset or have a personality for it.

I often say that sometimes, one can be so busy looking for the sparkle that they miss the diamond. I say that because not everyone is cut out for aggressive networking! Sadly, many times those individuals that are not cut out for it are some of the best connections and the true diamonds that have so much to offer both personally and in business. Yet, they can’t FLOURISH in an environment that works opposite of how they are made up to flow.

That’s why I prefer to offer an alternative where women and come and truly flourish and be themselves without feeling the need to have to measure up or be silenced by the aggressive behaviors that have been taught and adopted in the networking arena.

Pricing:

• $15.00 per meet-up (non-membership)

Contact Info:

• Address: The Flourish Network
  1720 Mars Hill Road 8-238
  Acworth, GA 30101
• Website: www.comeflourish.com
• Phone: 770-405-9550
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishnetworkingforwomen

Image Credit:
Laruen Kress

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