As Seen in Forbes: 5 Dames-Approved Questions to Ask Before Joining a Peer-to-Peer Group
They say it’s the company you keep that determines how far you’ll go. In business, that’s not just a saying, it’s a survival strategy.
Back in 2015, Meghann Conter discovered a stat that lit a fire under her: only 2% of women-led businesses ever reach seven figures. And just 10–15% (in the US) even make it to six.
Her response? Not hustle. Not shrinkage. (Definitely not more spreadsheets.) But to create The Dames: the first international business accelerator where women running 6–8 figure companies scale with joy, strategy, and radical collaboration.
Finding the right group is rocket fuel.
But the wrong group? It’s just an ungodly stack of forgotten frayed business cards.
That’s exactly what Meghann shared when she was featured in Forbes: the right peer-to-peer group is rocket fuel, the wrong one is just another pile of business cards collecting dust.
5 Dames-Approved Questions to Ask Before Joining Any Peer-to-Peer Group
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What’s your real goal?
If you’re just “looking for networking,” stop. What do you actually want? Thought partners? Collaborators? A board seat? Without clarity, you’ll end up in the wrong room (next to someone reaching out about your car’s extended warranty).
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Who’s in the room?
Don’t settle for vague answers like “business owners.” Ask: Are these six-figure women? Seven? Eight? If the answer is basically ‘whoever wandered in,’ shake off your heels and sprint.
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How’s it structured?
If the “plan” is tossing you into a Zoom and wishing you luck, that’s a hard pass. An influential group creates intentional pathways so you meet the right people, not just whoever sits next to you.
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Will they intentionally connect you?
Pro tip: tell the leader your goals and see if they’ll introduce you directly to the women you need to know. Bonus: ask a longtime member why they’ve stuck around. If they light up talking about it, congrats! That’s your golden ticket, opening doors sweeter than any chocolate factory could.
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Does the culture make you feel alive?
Every community has a vibe. Some are buttoned-up and transactional. The Dames? Fun, reciprocity, radical collaboration—and yes, plenty of belly laughs. If you can’t picture yourself laughing mid-mastermind, it’s not your room.
The Bottom Line
Whatever group you join, commitment is non-negotiable.
As Meghann puts it:
“If your plan is to join for two months to ‘see how it goes,’ don’t bother. You don’t get married on your first or second date; professional relationship building is no different. It takes commitment and consistency.”
As she told Forbes, it’s not about joining “just any” group—it’s about committing to the right one. One with clarity, culture, and collaboration baked in.
The right peer-to-peer group grows you. It challenges you, supports you, and keeps you far away from the hamster wheel of hustle culture.
Ready to ditch the dusty business cards and rise with women who’ve got your back? Explore The Dames today.
