Connection, Camaraderie, and a Community with Common Ground

Are you ready to Connect The Dots?

What is

Connect the Dots Collective?

If you’re a female  business owner who prizes authenticity, community, and vulnerability, we should talk.  

We are circles of women entrepreneurs who feel the same way you do. Who know that the ways we relate to each other can be deeper and richer.

This isn’t traditional networking. We don’t pass business cards or pitch products. We celebrate and commiserate together. We support each other, learn from each other,  and create friendships with like-minded women who steer their own ships.  

Partner with other professional and entrepreneurial women who can help you "connect the dots".

Membership is by invitation only
- and completely FREE

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.

  • You need relationship-based micro-communities of businesswomen that are curated to foster deep, genuine friendships and a true support system.

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 in a supportive environment to bring the group closer to its 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

Far West Suburbs

First Tuesdays
12:00 pm

Virtual (a.m.)

First Thursdays
10:30 am

Aurora

Second Mondays
12:00 pm

Virtual (p.m.)

Second Wednesdays
7 pm

Plainfield

Second Thursdays
12:00 pm

Naperville

Fourth Mondays
8:30 am

Lisle

Fourth Thursdays
12:00 pm

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 listing of the CTD Collective Guiding Principles can be found HERE and inside of the Membership Application

FAQs

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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"!

  • 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.