They were all her competitors – but they were the ones who helped her build up her business.
Tamar Schreiber studied architecture and interior decorating. After school, she landed a job working for a contractor. She’d plan and draw the changes each buyer wanted, and accompany them until the apartment was completed.
After three years, she opened her own business, while continuing to work for the contractor as a freelancer. However, she wanted to work in a more female environment so she dropped her primary source of income.
“At this point, I had joined a Temech networking group,” Tamar says. “It was comprised entirely of architects.
“I decided to specialize in measurements. It sounds easy, but getting accurate measurements is both a science and an art. It’s the step many architects dislike, and too often, mistakes creep in.
Tamar wasn’t sure how the group would react. While the work pays well, it’s considered less prestigious than other aspects of the field, and she was afraid they’d look down on her for “settling.”
“I didn’t need to worry – the group was so supportive. Not only did they encourage me, they also sent so many clients my way.
“That’s how this group works. Even though we’re all in the same field, we live in different cities and have different specialties, and we constantly refer to each other.
“A neighbor wanted to build a shul, so I sent him to another group member who specializes in shuls. My parents were doing renovations and needed help getting a specific permit. There’s someone else in my group who was great at that.
“And they return the favor. Ninety percent of my clients have come through referrals from my Temech networking group!
“I’m not cheap, I do good work, and take good money, and because the group members were so helpful and generous, I’m now well-known in professional religious circles.”
The group finished their official meeting a year ago but the women are still in touch.
“We have a Google group, and it’s active every single day,” Tamar shares. “And last week, we met up just for fun.
“I spent 12,000 NIS on a business coach, but the best investment I ever made in my business was the 900 NIS I spent joining the Temech networking group.”
