Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers and wondered how you’d ever find meaningful business connections? Unfortunately, this is the challenge we face as Menifee entrepreneurs and business owners.
However, once I discovered the local Alignable Networking Group, Riverside County Alliance, run by Gennifer Sloat, this monthly gathering has become one of the area’s most valuable (and welcoming) networking opportunities.
Recently, I attended the group’s meeting in Canyon Lake, hosted by Gennifer Sloat, owner of Gen B Happy Paws Pet Services. I got to witness firsthand what community relationship building looks like in action.
The best part? It’s completely free to join. No membership fees, no pressure to buy anything, just business owners coming together to support each other’s growth.
What Makes Alignable Different
Alignable operates on a principle that sets it apart from traditional networking groups: it’s designed for connection, learning, and support, not sales pitches. The platform exists to help “business owners connect, learn, and support each other, not to sell.”
This philosophy shapes every aspect of the group’s monthly meetings. Instead of the rapid-fire elevator pitches common at many networking events, participants engage in meaningful conversations.
They share details about their businesses, but keep the focus on collaboration and growing connections.
Gennifer offers advice based on her own experience as a former corporate America employee turned entrepreneur and local business owner. She also offers insights on how to find the right types of referral partners and business relationships post-event.
Gennifer structures her events to encourage authentic relationship building. The female powerhouse and founding ambassador of the group creates an environment where members feel comfortable being genuine rather than putting on a corporate persona.
New attendees quickly discover they’re not being sized up as potential customers, but they’re being welcomed as fellow business owners navigating similar challenges.
This approach aligns perfectly with how local businesses actually work in communities like Menifee. Referrals come from trust, and trust develops through genuine relationships, not transactional interactions.
The Power of Local Focus
One aspect that makes this Riverside County Networking Group particularly valuable is its local concentration. While Alignable operates nationally, individual groups focus on specific geographic areas. This meeting draws primarily from Menifee, Murrieta, Canyon Lake, and the surrounding communities.
That local focus matters more than you might initially think. Each month, Gennifer selects a local venue (usually a locally owned restaurant) to support with her event.
Although the event is entirely free to attend, members are strongly encouraged to purchase a meal to support and thank the restaurant owner for sharing their space. Usually, almost every Alignable patron will do exactly that.
When group members finish their meals, and the informational part of the event is complete, everyone gets a chance to mingle, mix, and make new friends at the event.
The local connection also builds visibility for local businesses in positive ways. When you network with people in your own community, your reputation goes beyond just that individual relationship. Word travels through interconnected networks of local business owners, and can put your business on the map.
How the Monthly Meetings Work
The format of these gatherings strikes a balance between structure and organic conversation. Meetings typically run for about two hours, though many participants arrive early or stay late to continue discussions.
Gennifer opens each meeting by greeting everyone and discussing the key ways to make meaningful connections both in person and on the Alignable app. This keeps everyone informed about what’s happening in the Riverside County Alliance Group without requiring them to monitor multiple information sources.
The main portion of the meeting involves member introductions, but these go deeper than name and business type. Participants are prompted with a different question to answer about themselves or their perspective on a specific networking topic to get the conversation going.
After the Q&A, members are excited to find and network with whoever is an ideal referral partner. A real estate agent might compare notes with a home stager about market trends. A marketing consultant might brainstorm with a photographer about social media strategies. These organic connections often prove as valuable as the structured portions.
Food and refreshments create a relaxed atmosphere. Breaking bread together, even if it’s just coffee and snacks, has been building community since ancient times. The informal setting helps nervous first-timers feel more comfortable and encourages veterans to linger and connect.
Real Stories of Connection and Growth
The true measure of any networking group isn’t its format or philosophy, it’s the tangible results members experience. The Riverside County Alignable group has generated numerous success stories over the months.
I have firsthand experience meeting new connections that have opened doors to both professional relationships and friendships alike. And I continue to make new acquaintances with each new event.
Perhaps most importantly, members find peer support during challenging times. Running a small business can feel isolating, especially during difficult seasons. Knowing that other local entrepreneurs face similar struggles provides both emotional support and practical problem-solving resources.
Connecting Beyond Monthly Meetings
While the monthly gatherings provide the foundation, the Riverside County Alliance Group extends beyond those two hours. Gennifer loves to use the term “friend-shipping” when it comes to building lasting professional relationships that turn into lifelong friendships between business owners. Members connect through Alignable’s online platform between meetings, continuing discussions, and supporting each other’s businesses.
The digital component serves several purposes. Members share relevant articles and resources with the group. They ask questions when they need advice outside of monthly meetings. They celebrate each other’s wins and offer encouragement during setbacks.
This ongoing interaction keeps relationships active rather than letting them go dormant between gatherings. When you see a member’s post celebrating a new client or asking for vendor recommendations, you stay connected to their business journey. Those touch points strengthen relationships in ways that monthly meetings alone couldn’t achieve.
The platform also helps new members integrate more quickly. Someone attending their first meeting can review past discussions to understand the group’s culture and interests. They can introduce themselves online before showing up in person, reducing first-meeting anxiety.
For those who can’t make every monthly meeting due to scheduling conflicts, the online community maintains its connection to the group. They stay informed about what’s happening and can contribute even during months they miss the gathering.
About Gennifer Sloat, Founding Ambassador
The fact that joining this networking group costs nothing deserves emphasis. Many professional networking organizations charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually for membership.
“I started our Alignable group because I saw that there was a need for genuine and authentic networking in our community,” Gennifer told me.
“Our group has doubled in size, and we’ve achieved Gold Standard through Alignable.” She continued to tell me that Gold Standard recognition means members consistently rank the events with 5 Star ratings, and that she is also continuing to bring in new leaders to her Alignable community. Another reason Gennifer’s group was given this recognition is that her attendance rate is one of the highest on the platform, with over 50% of members who RSVP attending in person.
Gennifer does an incredible job of keeping her monthly attendance higher than the month prior. She is always at local community-based events discussing how business owners can work together and build something amazing through real connections and partnerships.
Gennifer is also a member of the local Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce, where she continues to foster meaningful relationships.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re a local business owner or entrepreneur who hasn’t yet connected with the Alignable group, consider attending her next monthly in-person event or connecting with her community on Alignable. The monthly time investment is minimal, and the potential returns, both in business growth and community connections, can be very rewarding.
You can find information about upcoming meetings through Alignable’s platform or by connecting with Gennifer Sloat through Gen B Happy Paws Pet Services. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or until you feel like you have networking “figured out.” The best time to start building your business community is now.
For those already participating, think about how you can contribute even more meaningfully. Are there newer members you could mentor? Resources you could share? Introductions you could make that would benefit multiple people?
The strength of this network depends on every member’s active participation. When everyone shows up with a mindset of giving rather than just receiving, the entire community benefits exponentially.
Building Something Lasting
What makes the Menifee Alignable Networking Group special isn’t any single element. It’s the combination of Gennifer’s thoughtful leadership and alignment with principles that prioritize connection over sales. This local focus grounds discussions in shared experience and helps members to support each other’s success.
These monthly gatherings represent something increasingly rare: a business environment built on collaboration rather than competition, on relationship rather than transaction.
Whether you’re just starting your business journey or you’ve been established for years, if you’re looking for strategic partnerships or simply want to connect with fellow business owners who understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship, this group offers a valuable community.
The next meeting will happen regardless of whether you attend. The question is whether you’ll show up to experience the connections, insights, and support that make this one of Menifee’s most valuable free resources for business owners. The community is ready to welcome you; all you have to do is show up!
