How 90 Minutes a Month Builds Real Local Influence

Southaven Business Beat sits down with Lindsey Grace Darby to spotlight DeSoto County Business Women, a long-standing network helping women connect, learn, and give back. You will hear what the group does, who should join, how meetings work, costs, scholarships, and real outcomes members see. If you do business in DeSoto County, this is for you.

What you’ll learn
• How a 1990s-era group rebuilt momentum after the pandemic
• Membership model that runs August to May, first Wednesdays, lunch format
• Why the mix of veterans and newcomers works
• Exact costs, guest options, and what dues fund
• How the Ole Miss DeSoto scholarship supports nontraditional students
• Simple first step to try a meeting before joining

Why watch
You get practical details, clear pricing, and real stories. You will know how to plug in quickly.

How to get involved
• Attend the next first-Wednesday luncheon as a guest.
• Connect on Facebook: search “DeSoto County Business Women.”
• Explore membership info on the group’s website.
• Bring a colleague who needs a network that actually meets and adds value.

Support mentioned in this episode
• Southaven Chamber of Commerce, ongoing partner
• Venue note: meetings currently at the Ranger Center at Northwest (per transcript)
• Scholarship partner: Community Foundation of Mississippi; awards for Ole Miss DeSoto business students on nontraditional paths

Sponsor messages in the episode
• Pure Focus Media: strategy to production, video that grows your brand. Visit purefocus.media to schedule a strategy call.
• Wisdom Integrators: workflow automation and digital transformation that helps you work smarter. Visit wisdomintegrators.com to schedule a consultation.

Calls to action
Subscribe so you never miss local business insights.
Comment with a question you want us to ask future guests.
Share this with a business owner or leader who should join the next luncheon.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro, what is DeSoto County Business Women
00:54 Quick subscribe message
01:19 Guest intro, roles, and today’s focus
01:46 History, early 90s roots and legacy leaders
02:38 Who can join, live or work clause explained
02:38–03:53 Lindsay’s path from homeschool mom to real estate
04:15 All in mindset and family context
04:43 How the group operates, August to May cadence
05:09 First-Wednesday luncheon format and current location
05:53 Speaker planning and intentional programming
06:39 Networking value and after-hours socials
07:31 Rebuilding after the pandemic, growth story
08:59 Why the small-room start helped new members
09:26 Who joins, veterans and newcomers mix
10:26 Industry breadth and ongoing participation
12:01 Southaven Chamber mid-roll and Pure Focus Media sponsor
12:49 How to start, website and Facebook, guest access
14:27 Membership cost explained, where dues go
15:39 Member vs guest pricing
16:03 Easiest first step, come to a meeting
16:33 Biggest challenge, balancing service and work
17:35 Leadership pipeline and lessons learned
18:25 Scholarship and community outreach overview
18:51 Scholarship criteria, who qualifies at Ole Miss DeSoto
20:28 Additional scholarships noted by partners
21:27 Relationship wins that go beyond business
23:11 Chamber partnership and cross-community ties
25:11 Top reasons to attend the next meeting
26:10 Relationships, impact, and easy on-ramp
26:39 Closing remarks and invite to engage locally
27:18 Wisdom Integrators sponsor and final subscribe

KEY DETAILS AT A GLANCE
• Membership: $125 per year, August to May
• Luncheons: First Wednesday, about 90 minutes, curated speakers
• Pricing to attend: Members $25, Guests $35
• Guests welcome anytime, no attendance minimums
• Scholarship: for nontraditional women in business at Ole Miss DeSoto
• Socials: periodic after-hours for added networking