The FrauenNetzwerk Bau is a networking community for women in the construction industry.
Through Socie, members have a safe space to share experiences, discuss problems and make contacts.
We spoke to Konrad Köthke-Toussaint and Katharina Wagenhaus about their experiences with Socie.
They run the app together and ensure that it remains relevant and continues to grow.
“We wanted to avoid our exchanges taking place on a large platform where posts and news would get lost among the many other voices. The app gives us a protected space where we can really share without hundreds of other people directly reading along.”
Can you tell me a bit more about your community?
The FrauenNetzwerk Bau brings together committed women from the construction industry.
From students to construction managers, everyone is represented.
The aim of our network is to offer women in this industry a platform where they can get to know each other, exchange ideas and help each other.
Why did you decide to provide an app?
We were looking for a tool that could be easily integrated into everyday life.
An app makes it easy to reach everyone.
We also wanted to create a channel that was exclusive to our community.
We didn’t want our exchanges to take place on a large platform where posts and news would get lost among the many other voices.
The app gives us a protected space where we can really share without hundreds of other people reading along.
What do you use the app for?
We mainly use the app to inform members about group activities, such as our lunch talks, and other events.
The app is also designed to help connect with other women in the industry.
Although the network is run from Berlin, we want it to be used regionally.
To this end, we have created groups for each federal state in which, for example, events can be created specifically for the region or information can be shared that is of particular interest to these groups.
In this way, the network can be further structured and the information is even more relevant for individual members.
“We have created groups for each federal state in which, for example, events can be created specifically for the region or information can be shared that is of particular interest to these groups.”
How did the setup of the app go?
Setting up the app was very straightforward and largely self-explanatory.
Katharina also took part in the free Socie workshop.
This enabled us to answer any outstanding questions and do even more with the app.
How did the launch of the app go?
We simply attacked the members of our network with the app – we have an internal member database and an e-mail distribution list.
We used these to inform existing members about the new app.
They could then easily register for the app by scanning a QR code.
New members now receive an email informing them about the app directly after they have registered for our community.
They can then register directly.
Around half of the women accept the app.
The first to join the network were also the first in the app.
There is no particular group that is more likely to accept the app – all age groups are involved.
Even now, we keep showing the QR code for app registration at events.
That’s how we keep adding a few more members.
“The first to join the network were also the first in the app.
There is no particular group that is more likely to accept the app – all age groups are involved.”
What were the initial reactions to the app?
The reactions have been very positive.
We announced the app via the mailing list and the app has been well received as a separate channel.
We have received a good response from the network itself and now have the opportunity to exchange ideas in a protected space.
Who manages the app?
I (Konrad) mainly manage the app.
Katharina does the substitution.
Who uses the Socie app?
The FrauenNetzwerk Bau currently has around 700 members, of which just over 300 women from all age groups use the app.
What are you doing to keep the app relevant?
We regularly post new content, such as new events.
We have also recently added regional groups where women from each state have their place.
We also regularly update pictures and graphics.
This keeps everything up to date and we build recognition value.
How do you and your members like using the app so far?
We like the app.
It has given us a new way to be in contact with each other.
We are pleased that the app exists.
What added value does the Socie app offer?
The greatest added value for us is that it offers a protected communication space.
Only members of our network are really in this space, and all the posts and updates you see are relevant.
You don’t get distracted by other posts that have nothing to do with the topic.
No one wants to sell a “solve your business problems in 30 days” program, and none of your office colleagues are sharing their life wisdom in the same feed, as is so often the case on LinkedIn.
What do you think are the app’s most useful functions?
The most useful function for us is that events can be planned with confirmation of participation. This means we always know exactly how many participants we can expect. In addition, links, documents etc. relating to the topic of the event can also be attached directly to the event. So we have all the important information in one place. This also allows us to add information and documents after the event. This is useful, for example, if questions arise during the event that we can then answer.
“The most useful function for us is that events can be planned with confirmation of participation. (…) In addition, links, documents etc. relating to the topic of the event can also be attached directly to the event. So we have all the important information in one place.”
What are you doing to attract new members?
When a woman joins the network, she receives an email inviting her to the app.
They cannot join the app without being a member of the FrauenNetzwerk Bau.
We also keep informing members about the app and share the QR code that can be used to join the app, for example at events.
Would you recommend the Socie app to other communities?
If a community is anything like ours, and especially if it is looking for an exclusive space that not everyone has access to, definitely.
One of our colleagues is actually already using the app for his team in the office.
Unlike a Microsoft Teams team, the app really encourages community, which is an advantage.
“One of our colleagues is actually already using the app for his team in the office.”
