New & Prospective Members

How BUILD IT! Grows Your Business

In this 15-minute audio, founder Lisa Daly shares what makes BUILD IT! different—and how to make the most of your membership.

00:00 / 14:57

Want to read instead? Below, you’ll find Lisa’s full answers from the orientation audio—divided by topic for easy reference. Expand any section to read the transcript or revisit what matters most.

Have more questions? Dive deeper in the FAQs just below.

ABOUT BUILD IT!

00:26 — What makes BUILD IT! different from other women’s networking groups?

Summary: BUILD IT! is unapologetically business-focused. Members leave events with Power Partners, real leads, and client appointments—not just encouragement or inspiration. Transcript: Terri Yeh: How is BUILD IT! different from other women's networking groups? Can you tell us more about that? Lisa Daly: That's a great question, Terri. I get asked all the time. And you know what, there's some wonderful women's groups out there and they're excellent, for a lot of different support groups and things that is needed. We are basically, different we are a women's network group and a referral group. We leave our events with leads, referrals, appointments. Also, what has been effective is Power Partners. That's what's been growing our business for the past three years into a great momentum that we're excited to continue. Terri Yeh: So it sounds like the primary differentiator is BUILD IT! is really focused on helping members grow their business. Lisa Daly: That's right. Thank you Terri, for saying that. 'cause yes, we are here to grow our businesses unapologetically in a good way. And our time is valuable. So when we do our 45 minutes of magnificence virtuals. They do a wonderful commercial and they leave with Power Partners and appointments and most of the times bookings.

01:43 — How does BUILD IT! help me grow my business?

Summary: You're expected to ask for appointments, leads, and referrals. The culture is built for women to confidently grow their business with support, structure, and intention. Transcript: Terri Yeh: BUILD IT! helps facilitate a couple of things that help members grow their business. Can you say more about that? How would BUILD IT! help me grow my business? Lisa Daly: One of the things that I've seen throughout my 45 years of sales and business in the entrepreneurial world and also in the corporate world, that it's really important for women to know that it's okay. It's okay to ask for the sale. It's okay to ask for the appointment. It's okay, in BUILD IT!. This is what we're here for, to support each other. We have one category per chapter, which makes it extremely effective, and that they know that hey, they've got that right person that they can go ahead and reach out and share from others. That's how the growth is. Plus the fact that we've got our strong Power Partner system that's been working very well. Terri Yeh: Amazing. So at every event , there is not only expectation, but acceptance that it is completely normal and expected to ask for appointments, ask for leads and referrals, and you're gonna leave with Power Partners from BUILD IT!. Lisa Daly: Yes, absolutely. That's what we value and that's what we're there for. We keep it very focused and we are all about helping build the economy, which is definitely needed, especially in these times. And there's a lot of other great groups out there that are focusing on a lot of others. But this is where we differentiate and we are very excited about. You're definitely highly encouraged to meet everybody. Nothing's worse than leaving events and not understanding what just happened. Terri Yeh: Yeah, leaving with no business cards and not sure who to reach out to. Lisa Daly: Yes, yes.

03:20 — What are Power Partners and how do they work?

Summary: Power Partners are short, 1:1 intentional conversations that spark mutual referrals. They take the pressure off selling and focus on relationship-building. Transcript: Terri Yeh: So most people would know what leads and referrals are, but I think Power Partners might be a new concept for a lot of people. Can you say more about what Power Partners are in BUILD IT!'s context? Lisa Daly: I have not been able to really explain that into full context, but I think the simplest way is that it takes the shyness or the not sure, or them feeling pushy or feeling, like, I don't wanna be that salesy person, but that's kind of outta style these days. A lot of people do wanna learn how to sell and they wanna learn how to sell with proper etiquette. And just being supportive. We basically focus on give and receive. Give and receive. So if you reach out to a couple of Power Partners, that's not something that's long term. It's something that just a few minutes of their time, finding out more about what they offer and then finding out a little bit more what you offer and how long they've been in business and vice versa. And that's what starts the good business relationship. You'll be able to Power Partner with everybody in BUILD IT!. There's a lot of people in BUILD IT! now, that way you at least Power Up with one or two people, some Power Up with everybody. Why not? But it takes the excuse out of going up and I'm here to Power Partner. I'd like to find out more about your business and what you offer. Just a simple question. Yeah. It's just being brilliantly simple and effective on a different mindset. Terri Yeh: So not only is there safety and expectations for members to leave with referrals and leads from all these events that you have every month. It's also built into how you're running the events that people will leave with one-on-one connections with other members as well. And you're calling that Power Partners. Lisa Daly: Yes. Absolutely.

ATTENDING EVENTS

05:10 — What can I expect at a BUILD IT! event? (Virtual vs. In-Person)

Summary: In-person events are 2 hours with speakers, lunch, and time to connect. Virtuals are 45 minutes of momentum—with fast-paced intros and Power Partner matching. Transcript: Terri Yeh: So it sounds like a lot are happening at Build It! events. As a visitor what can I expect at a chapter event? This could be either a virtual or an in-person. If they're different, would be good to know where they're different as well. Lisa Daly: Well, sure. Our live events are two hours. They're from 2: 30 to 4: 30. We're usually done by 4 10, 4 15. And then they go into the Power Partners so that they leave with leads and referrals and appointments And then but when they come, they sign in the guests and visitors usually sit by each other so they can just check it out and see what's happening. 'cause we are different than a lot of other business groups and women's groups. We have lunch, have a bite to eat. And then we have two 10 minute featured speaker, and then everyone else will have their 30 second commercials. Sometimes we have raffles at these events. We've got a BUILD IT! Foundation fund that is going to the young entrepreneurs and also small business owners that need more, that also need to look effective at their appointments. So some of this money once in a while does go to a BUILD IT! member that needs even just a nice pair of new shoes to get to those clients. So we're building 'em up from the ground up, or else we're building 'em from the corporate to the stronger corporate higher end. A lot of people are coming to these events now, and I love the fact that it's one category per person, per chapter, sorry. And it's been very effective that way and it's just been a good growth for everybody. The virtuals are different. Those are 45 minutes of magnificence. We do have a featured speaker from 10 to 10 10, and then we do our commercials and then we leave the same thing with Power Partners and a lot of smiles from these women when they leave. That's for sure.

06:57 — What are “commercials” and how do I make the most of mine?

Summary: You’ll get 30–45 seconds to give a business-focused elevator pitch. Keep it crisp. Members take notes and follow up with the ones they want to partner with. Transcript: Terri Yeh: You talked about doing a commercial. Can you say more about what that looks like, how do I make the most of it for my business? Lisa Daly: The commercials is basically that good old fashioned elevator pitch. I do work with our BUILD IT! members if needed. If I can see they need help or if they wanna ask me for help, but otherwise most of the women, they come to these events and they're like, Hey, these women are all about business. And they're able to just sit down and start working it because it's something that they're watching the other members. No one's critical, no one is judgmental. I make sure that everyone feels comfortable. So there's no right or wrong with the commercials, but they do get a 30 second or a 45. It's important that they stop at the end of their 30 or 45 second commercial, depending on what's at each event, so that everyone gets a chance. Terri Yeh: So, it sounds like the commercials are like you said, elevator pitches and it's very crisp and fast, so everybody gets to go and the members in attendance get the opportunity to jot down like, oh, that sounds interesting and I can go talk to this person to find out more as a Power Partner and that sort of thing.

08:05 — How many events are there each month, and what kinds?

Summary: Each chapter holds 1 in-person and 2 virtual events monthly, plus optional mixers and large events throughout the year—so there are many ways to connect and grow. Transcript: There are both virtual and in person events. Can you say more about how many events there are each month? If I join as a member, what can I expect? Lisa Daly: Yes. Per chapter, you have one live event that's one Sunday a month, and then our two virtuals. That's one chapter. And then we also do some fun events. We just did a speed networking events. And also too, we did a women's corporate scavenger hunt that was very successful. We also do once or twice a year the big, big events, and there's usually about 150 women at these ones. We did have a wait list at the last one, but the next one I'll make sure that we open it up to more like 200 and more. Every year we're growing. We've got different types of events, but the main thing that I've really seen in the business world, especially for women, consistency has been key. These women are very true to their calendars. So we've got things scheduled out at least a month to two months ahead. Going forward it'll be more, but on our website now under events, and they've always got the calendar ready to go. Terri Yeh: Sounds like there's plenty of opportunities to connect with members to generate new leads. Multiple touch points a month for each chapter.

GETTING RESULTS & REFERRALS

09:26 — What can guests do at events before they join?

Summary: Guests are welcomed fully—they can pitch, network, and eat lunch. You’ll get a full experience before deciding to join, and often leave with real opportunities. Transcript: What are the expectations for guests? What are they invited to do versus waiting till they become members? Lisa Daly: This is something that we've had to set some boundaries because so many leads and referrals are going through these virtuals and live events . So they are able to come, they're able to do their commercial or elevator pitch. They'll have their 30 45 second commercial, they have lunch with us. They'll get to see what's happening. They'll get to hear the news, what's happening in Build It!, Once they come to an event, most of them just go ahead and join BUILD it!. 'Cause they understand how that just being simple and effective, but with a brilliant mindset, a lot of things can happen. So basically, you have to come to the event and see what we're about and understand that, okay, this is a whole different crowd of women. These are women that have made decisions to move their businesses out of the small business mindset and into the larger business mindsets. Terri Yeh: So as a guest when they attend, they get to participate in almost everything, right? They get to have lunch with people, meet the entire chapter. They even get to give their elevator pitch or their commercial. And then at which point, that's a really nice sampler of what BUILD IT! is about, and they can make a decision on whether or not they want to join the group. Lisa Daly: Sure. And a lot of 'em have found that a lot of the members come up to them, Hey, are you a member yet? 'cause they're waiting. 'cause some of them have sales and appointments that they wanna give them right away too, because with the women that are coming in, they're usually a category that's needed. So it's been very effective both ways. Yes. Terri Yeh: And you said 57 Power Partners were made in one of the recent virtual event. Lisa Daly: Yes. That was this morning. Yes. It's a newer chapter that's growing very quickly out in San Fernando and this is very needed. Very needed. Terri Yeh: Based on the reception and how enthusiastically everyone has embraced it. I'm sure this is so needed everywhere. Lisa Daly: That's what I'm hearing so far.

11:30 — How do I give and receive high-quality referrals as a member?

Summary: It starts with showing up consistently, listening actively, and giving generously. The group values character, follow-through, and real business alignment. Transcript: Terri Yeh: The last question I have for you, Lisa, is if I'm thinking about becoming a member, what can I do to make sure I'm both giving and receiving high quality leads and referrals from Build It! So I can grow my business and help other women grow theirs? Lisa Daly: Terri it's a question I get asked over and over and I think the most, in fact, I know the most important thing is women wanna see the true character and the fact that everything's so quick these days. The true character pretty much shows right away at our events because I try my best to bring out the category, what they have to offer, and we celebrate that so that they're able to share what they have. So the give and receive, let me go back to that: it's showing a little empathy these days because there's these solid salespeople that are excellent, but there's a deeper level that goes on at these events. It's, Hey, I wanna get to know this person. You know? I like how they presented themselves. They showed up on time. They seemed like they really cared about what I had to share. We keep focused on the business side to where when you do one thing and you do one thing right, big things happen. That's pretty much the way I've always seen it, and keeping it consistent. That way when you come, you're gonna see how it's run and you'll just fall into place. It's very simple. Terri Yeh: I love that and it sounds like a great balance of we are business focused, but we are also humans. There's a level of genuine connection and care for the group, even if we're all there to grow our businesses.

13:12 — Who is BUILD IT! for, and what makes this community special?

Summary: BUILD IT! is for women of all ages, stages, and backgrounds—committed to growth, generosity, and economic impact. We build up businesses and people. Transcript: Lisa Daly: Absolutely. And the fact that I think is really important, Terri, maybe for me, when I founded this, I was very, very clear and adamant that I wanted to have all ages at least from 15 up to, you know, all the way up to a hundred. And also diversity has always been very, very important to me. I've, I kind of grieve on some of these groups that just kinda wanna stay to one culture. That's okay. But you know what I say this lovingly... they're losing money. So why not learn to get along with everybody and give and receive, and let's build the economy and let's get this going. We had a 15-year-old that came in. She's been in build it for three years now. She's 18 now. But boy, she has really, really, really given some guidance to a lot of the kids and teens that were her age. And then we've got older clients that don't wanna retire. Some people can't afford to retire. Some people have been laid off a big corporate job and they're bored, but they wanna start something else. So that's where we want to, we wanna be that kind of, we are here for you mindset and build it. Terri Yeh: Do business with everybody, care for everybody. And everyone is welcome. Lisa Daly: Yes, absolutely. And I think that they just see the give and receive there, and it happens at our events. It's kind of hard to explain, but I think that I would suggest to come and visit . Terri Yeh: That's the perfect invitation, right? And this is the essence of what BUILD IT! is about, it's something to be experienced at our next event. And I think that's the perfect place to wrap. Lisa Daly: I think so too, Terri.

FAQ

How will BUILD IT! help me get leads, referrals, and brand awareness to build my business?

BUILD IT! provides a variety of tools to enhance your business growth. Through our local chapters, you’ll connect with other professionals for valuable leads and referrals. Our networking events, live virtual meetings and workshops are designed to increase your brand visibility and credibility. Additionally, you’ll benefit from collaborative opportunities and mentorship that can help you refine your strategies and expand your reach.
Can I still join if my desired category and chapter are already full?

Yes, you can join our California/USA virtual events! These are available to anyone in the US, regardless of category, chapter or location.
I’m not a BUILD IT! member. How can I find out if it’s a good fit for me?

Non-members are welcome to join a free live or virtual event to experience what BUILD IT! has to offer. This is a great way to see if our network aligns with your business goals and interests!
How do I join BUILD IT! women's business network?

To join BUILD IT!, contact Lisa at 714-213-3711 to check availability in a chapter near you. Note that each chapter has one category spot per chapter - so availability is limited.
What is BUILD IT! Women's Business Network?

BUILD IT! Women's Business Network is a dynamic community dedicated to empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals. Our network spans multiple cities with exclusive chapters, each offering tailored resources and opportunities specific to their local market. Members benefit from networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs designed to foster business growth and personal development. Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, BUILD IT! provides the tools and community support you need to succeed.