What we’re about
Welcome to the Austin Networking and Small Business Strategies Meetup Group! This group is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals looking to expand their network and exchange strategies for success. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this group offers a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain practical insights, and build lasting relationships. Join us for monthly meetups featuring expert speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities to help you grow your business and achieve your goals. Let's come together, collaborate, and thrive in Austin's vibrant business community!
Featured event
LeadHERship Circle: Storytelling Night for Powerful Women Leaders
LeadHERship Circle is a place where you can be seen, heard, and be enough.
In a world of overflowing calendars and constant pressure to do more, it’s easy to lose touch with what really matters: your confidence, your story, your presence, your power.
LeadHERship Circle isn’t just another networking event. It’s a monthly movement for bold, brilliant women leaders who are ready to show up with authenticity, courage, and community.
Whether you’re building a company, leading a team, launching a vision, or finding your voice, this is your space to rise unapologetically, playfully, and together.
OCTOBER HIGHLIGHT: THE STORYTELLING WORKSHOP
This month, we’ll focus on one of the most powerful leadership skills: how to tell people who you are and what you do with confidence and clarity.
In this interactive workshop, we’ll practice the art of authentic storytelling:
- How to share your story in a way that captivates, not confuses.
- How to introduce yourself with power and presence.
- How to “sell without selling”, inviting connection and opportunity without ever feeling pushy.
You’ll walk away with a story you can use immediately in networking, interviews, meetings, and beyond, and the confidence to own it.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
"Before working with INNW, I was stuck in tactics like LinkedIn strategy without a bigger story to guide me. Wen helped me connect the dots, shape a compelling narrative, and show up authentically with clients, which has transformed both my clarity and impact." - Tasha B. | Blackman Digital
"Wen introduced a storytelling structure that completely changed how I present. It gave me a powerful way to communicate what my company truly stands for." - ShiftBio
"Our technical pitch used to sound too “geeky,” but Wen helped us rebuild it into a clear, engaging story. With her process, our pitch deck now feels fresh, confident, and ready to win over investors." - Rick V.
"As an engineer, I struggled to choose which story to tell, until Wen showed me how to craft it from the investor’s perspective. With her guidance, we simplified our message, gained confidence, and went on to win the $75k Tie Women Global Pitch Competition." - Neha J. | ZeroCircle
LAUGH. LEAD. CONNECT
Each month, we practice the skills that truly matter: presence, confidence, and authentic connection, all while building powerful relationships with women who get it.
WHAT TO EXPECT
5:00–5:15 PM – Check-in & Mingle
Arrive, settle in, and start connecting with other women in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
5:15–5:30 PM – Community Circle
We begin with presence, not pretense. Each woman shares a short 30-second story from the heart. No titles. No pitches. Just truth and authenticity.
5:30–6:30 PM – Storytelling Workshop: The 30-Second YES
Guided by Wen, we’ll dive into storytelling exercises that help you:
- Clarify your voice and story.
- Practice introducing yourself with impact.
- Learn how to connect without the “salesy” feel.
- Craft and master your 30-second YES (the story that gets people leaning in.)
6:30–6:40 PM – Community Share
We close the circle with reflection: What was your “aha” moment? What story do you want to carry forward?
6:40–7:00 PM – Picture Time & Open Networking
Capture the energy, continue conversations, and walk away with new allies.
Each month, we host an immersive, interactive workshop designed to help you strengthen your voice, grow your visibility, and step fully into your power as a leader.
You’ll leave with tangible tools, deeper confidence, and a room full of allies cheering you on.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
You’ll feel right at home if you are a:
- Founder or entrepreneur building something meaningful
- Corporate leader or executive seeking authentic visibility
- Speaker, coach, or consultant ready to amplify your voice
- Creative or innovator navigating leadership on your own terms
- Emerging leader stepping into your next level of impact
- Woman who’s done playing small, and ready to take up space
WHY JOIN?
Because your story deserves to be heard.
Because your voice deserves to lead.
Because powerful women don’t rise alone, we rise in community.
Here, we don’t just network; we nurture.
We don’t just perform; we lead with presence.
We don’t just meet; we make magic together.
UPCOMING THEMES
Every month we’ll explore a new theme. Topics will include:
- Storytelling
- Visibility
- Embodiment
- Thought Leadership
- And more…
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Wen Zhang, Founder - INNW Marketing & Executive Leadership Coach
Wen Zhang is a globally recognized speaker, executive coach, and founder of INNW Institute, a nonprofit and marketing firm dedicated to helping leaders be seen, heard, and funded through the power of strategic storytelling. She is also the creator of the LeadHERship™ Circle, a global initiative designed to elevate women’s voices and help them lead from within.
Over the past 15 years, Wen has launched revenue-driving initiatives as Chief Marketing Officer at InternshipDesk, scaled international partnerships at Evention LLC, and led product strategy at Dell Technologies, where she oversaw a $320M portfolio and a 400+ person sales team. Through INNW Marketing, she has directly advised over 200+ founders and leaders, helping them raise more than $55M+ in combined capital and revenue growth. Wen is a sought-after speaker and has spoken on global stages including TEDx talk and SXSW.
She holds a Master’s degree in Advertising & Marketing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from Duke University. Connect with Wen on LinkedIn here and Instagram here.
QUESTIONS?
Email us at jennifer@ifnotnowwen.com or team@ifnotnowwen.com
Join our newsletter & Slack channel here
Upcoming events
1
- $12.00
LeadHERship Circle: Storytelling Night for Powerful Women Leaders
Capital Factory, 701 Brazos St, 8th Floor, Austin, TX, USLeadHERship Circle is a place where you can be seen, heard, and be enough.
In a world of overflowing calendars and constant pressure to do more, it’s easy to lose touch with what really matters: your confidence, your story, your presence, your power.
LeadHERship Circle isn’t just another networking event. It’s a monthly movement for bold, brilliant women leaders who are ready to show up with authenticity, courage, and community.
Whether you’re building a company, leading a team, launching a vision, or finding your voice, this is your space to rise unapologetically, playfully, and together.OCTOBER HIGHLIGHT: THE STORYTELLING WORKSHOP
This month, we’ll focus on one of the most powerful leadership skills: how to tell people who you are and what you do with confidence and clarity.In this interactive workshop, we’ll practice the art of authentic storytelling:
- How to share your story in a way that captivates, not confuses.
- How to introduce yourself with power and presence.
- How to “sell without selling”, inviting connection and opportunity without ever feeling pushy.
You’ll walk away with a story you can use immediately in networking, interviews, meetings, and beyond, and the confidence to own it.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
"Before working with INNW, I was stuck in tactics like LinkedIn strategy without a bigger story to guide me. Wen helped me connect the dots, shape a compelling narrative, and show up authentically with clients, which has transformed both my clarity and impact." - Tasha B. | Blackman Digital"Wen introduced a storytelling structure that completely changed how I present. It gave me a powerful way to communicate what my company truly stands for." - ShiftBio
"Our technical pitch used to sound too “geeky,” but Wen helped us rebuild it into a clear, engaging story. With her process, our pitch deck now feels fresh, confident, and ready to win over investors." - Rick V.
"As an engineer, I struggled to choose which story to tell, until Wen showed me how to craft it from the investor’s perspective. With her guidance, we simplified our message, gained confidence, and went on to win the $75k Tie Women Global Pitch Competition." - Neha J. | ZeroCircle
LAUGH. LEAD. CONNECT
Each month, we practice the skills that truly matter: presence, confidence, and authentic connection, all while building powerful relationships with women who get it.WHAT TO EXPECT
5:00–5:15 PM – Check-in & Mingle
Arrive, settle in, and start connecting with other women in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
5:15–5:30 PM – Community Circle
We begin with presence, not pretense. Each woman shares a short 30-second story from the heart. No titles. No pitches. Just truth and authenticity.
5:30–6:30 PM – Storytelling Workshop: The 30-Second YES
Guided by Wen, we’ll dive into storytelling exercises that help you:- Clarify your voice and story.
- Practice introducing yourself with impact.
- Learn how to connect without the “salesy” feel.
- Craft and master your 30-second YES (the story that gets people leaning in.)
6:30–6:40 PM – Community Share
We close the circle with reflection: What was your “aha” moment? What story do you want to carry forward?
6:40–7:00 PM – Picture Time & Open Networking
Capture the energy, continue conversations, and walk away with new allies.Each month, we host an immersive, interactive workshop designed to help you strengthen your voice, grow your visibility, and step fully into your power as a leader.
You’ll leave with tangible tools, deeper confidence, and a room full of allies cheering you on.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
You’ll feel right at home if you are a:- Founder or entrepreneur building something meaningful
- Corporate leader or executive seeking authentic visibility
- Speaker, coach, or consultant ready to amplify your voice
- Creative or innovator navigating leadership on your own terms
- Emerging leader stepping into your next level of impact
- Woman who’s done playing small, and ready to take up space
WHY JOIN?
Because your story deserves to be heard.
Because your voice deserves to lead.
Because powerful women don’t rise alone, we rise in community.
Here, we don’t just network; we nurture.
We don’t just perform; we lead with presence.
We don’t just meet; we make magic together.UPCOMING THEMES
Every month we’ll explore a new theme. Topics will include:- Storytelling
- Visibility
- Embodiment
- Thought Leadership
- And more…
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Wen Zhang, Founder - INNW Marketing & Executive Leadership CoachWen Zhang is a globally recognized speaker, executive coach, and founder of INNW Institute, a nonprofit and marketing firm dedicated to helping leaders be seen, heard, and funded through the power of strategic storytelling. She is also the creator of the LeadHERship™ Circle, a global initiative designed to elevate women’s voices and help them lead from within.
Over the past 15 years, Wen has launched revenue-driving initiatives as Chief Marketing Officer at InternshipDesk, scaled international partnerships at Evention LLC, and led product strategy at Dell Technologies, where she oversaw a $320M portfolio and a 400+ person sales team. Through INNW Marketing, she has directly advised over 200+ founders and leaders, helping them raise more than $55M+ in combined capital and revenue growth. Wen is a sought-after speaker and has spoken on global stages including TEDx talk and SXSW.
She holds a Master’s degree in Advertising & Marketing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from Duke University. Connect with Wen on LinkedIn here and Instagram here.
QUESTIONS?
Email us at jennifer@ifnotnowwen.com or team@ifnotnowwen.com
Join our newsletter & Slack channel here2 attendees
Past events
11
