Have you watched reality TV lately? Anything with "housewives" in the title is doing a terrible disservice to the women of America. Our sons and daughters are being taught that there is no real friendship between women, that we can't have strong relationships and that we don't help each other unless there's a benefit for us.
This is far from the truth of the real world of women at work and in life. Do you want to help change this? Do you want to counteract the influence of TV on your daughters? If you can't find a local business women's networking group, start your own.
Start by deciding whom you are going to target. Is it only for women who work? Is it going to include any women who want to participate? Will you have topics of interest only to women or will you have broader issues that men might be interested in. I don't recommend making it "women only." We complained too long about "men only" groups to turn around and do the same thing. My experience with women's groups is that there are a few men willing to sit and listen to speakers on menopause and breast cancer, but you can strongly influence who participates by adjusting your topics.
Know your purpose. Is this a business development organization? Is it for networking and giving referrals? Or is it going to take a wider view of helping women by including personal as well as professional development? You can help other women not only by providing the information, but by giving them a place where they can be influenced by positive women in the community. If I was to start a women's business organization, that would be my number one purpose: to give women a place and time to be influenced by and to become a role model and friend to others.
Finally, choose a format. Will it be lunch meetings? Breakfasts can be tough if Mom is in charge of getting everyone up and out the door. Evenings may be difficult for women with younger families. Check with the people you think would be interested to see what can work for them.
Take time to search out like-minded women in your community and let them know that you want to join forces with them to create a positive place. We need to counteract the rot that comes out of the television to provide great opportunities for women to grow personally and professionally.
Showing posts with label Business Networking Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business Networking Events. Show all posts
How to Start Your Own Business Networking Group for Women
by , under Business Networking Events, Business Networking Group, first step, women business
Secrets to Successful Business Relationships
by , under Business Networking Events, Business Relationships, relationship, secrets, Successful Business, Successful Business Relationships
Picture this! You are at a function and you find a person gracefully moving across the room who then ask you the question; 'What do you do?' You take a deep breath, pause for a second, then either yourself or your new associate that you happen to meet about 10 seconds ago launches into a sales pitch. Then out of the corner of your eye someone hands you a business card that you didn't ask for. You say, 'Thank you' and then you find yourself exchanging business cards without first building that initial relationship.
It's great to have people know who you are and what you do for a living. Now take a step back and think to yourself, 'is this the most profitable way to do business?' Most certainly it is the exact opposite. So what is the most successful way?
Connect with People
Building successful relationships is a connection between individuals which does not require each to sell their business or products. This also extends to handing out business cards as seen in the above example.
If you want to be successful at networking and building relationships which will be highly profitable for your business then you will need to consider it like a loyal friendship. The following strategy will provide some guidance to developing a highly profitable network and avoid the mistakes that many people make.
The Game Plan
Always plan prior to a function. Planning provides direction and a goal. So remember to always plan and set yourself some goals or it could possibly be a waste of time and energy.
When meeting someone always observe body language. To be a Highly successful networker you will:
Act as a host and not a guest
Always be interested in people
Give eye contact
Actively listen
Always smile and
Remember names
The rule of thumb when meeting a person for the first time is to talk about a mutual topic with the focus on introducing yourself first. Give at least 5 to 10 minutes before talking business and asking for their contact details.
The most important action
Lastly following the event the most important task is to follow up. Follow up should occur preferably within 24 hours of the event passing. It is better to personally call them by phone and re-introduce yourself. I know the common mistake is sending an email. Trust me based on experience a phone call is much warmer and will build that solid rapport.
Have a conversation for a few minutes, if you have done your homework properly and actively listen they may have taken you into their world and disclosed various items of interest. This can be hobbies, personal experience, or family. Use their personal interest as an advantage to kick start the conversation i.e. Hey did you get a chance to go to the gym last night? This enforces that you have a keen interest in knowing them and people love other people who speak their language. During the conversation ask to meet over coffee or go for lunch.
It's great to have people know who you are and what you do for a living. Now take a step back and think to yourself, 'is this the most profitable way to do business?' Most certainly it is the exact opposite. So what is the most successful way?
Connect with People
Building successful relationships is a connection between individuals which does not require each to sell their business or products. This also extends to handing out business cards as seen in the above example.
If you want to be successful at networking and building relationships which will be highly profitable for your business then you will need to consider it like a loyal friendship. The following strategy will provide some guidance to developing a highly profitable network and avoid the mistakes that many people make.
The Game Plan
Always plan prior to a function. Planning provides direction and a goal. So remember to always plan and set yourself some goals or it could possibly be a waste of time and energy.
When meeting someone always observe body language. To be a Highly successful networker you will:
Act as a host and not a guest
Always be interested in people
Give eye contact
Actively listen
Always smile and
Remember names
The rule of thumb when meeting a person for the first time is to talk about a mutual topic with the focus on introducing yourself first. Give at least 5 to 10 minutes before talking business and asking for their contact details.
The most important action
Lastly following the event the most important task is to follow up. Follow up should occur preferably within 24 hours of the event passing. It is better to personally call them by phone and re-introduce yourself. I know the common mistake is sending an email. Trust me based on experience a phone call is much warmer and will build that solid rapport.
Have a conversation for a few minutes, if you have done your homework properly and actively listen they may have taken you into their world and disclosed various items of interest. This can be hobbies, personal experience, or family. Use their personal interest as an advantage to kick start the conversation i.e. Hey did you get a chance to go to the gym last night? This enforces that you have a keen interest in knowing them and people love other people who speak their language. During the conversation ask to meet over coffee or go for lunch.
Networking Success Strategy: Why You Should Join a Women's Business Networking Group
by , under Business Networking Events, Business Networking group, Networking Success Strategy, Women's Business
I remember one Mother's Day, my brother and I asked my mom, "why isn't there a Kids Day?" She told us, "Every day is kids day." I think of that story whenever I hear someone wondering why there are still business clubs and networking groups for women. While there is no doubt incredible progress for women in business, there are some ways in which "every day is business men's day."
Here's why I think business to business networking groups for women are a great idea for every female business owner, sales person or any woman who wants to develop personally and professionally. First, I don't agree with women only groups. Women at work complained too long, for too many years about men-only groups for us to turn around and do the same thing. But there are many advantages and reasons for having a group that is targeted and designed by and for women.
Women's business groups give women better opportunities to take leadership positions. In general business clubs, there may be long-term or more experienced men and older business people who have the confidence and experience to snap up leadership positions. In a women's group, it is easier for young women and those who are new to business to be encouraged to take these opportunities.
These groups also give women the opportunity to learn about and discuss topics that are unique to them. You would never see a Rotary Club inviting a woman doctor to talk about menopause or reproductive health issues. Women in business are more likely to want to hear about health issues, quality of life discussions and other topics that aren't specifically about business. They understand that these issues are vital to being able to focus on business they way they need to.
Finally, and I think most importantly, is that women's business organizations give women a special opportunity to bond, network and build powerful relationships with other women. Women need to be encouraged to help each other. Right now, it is a shameful trend in popular culture to show women as being enemies. The so-called "friends" in the Real Housewives series are held up as examples of how women handle their relationships. It's disgraceful. Every city needs a women's group to serve as an example of professional, mature women in business who are leaders in their community and worthy trusted friends of each other.
As a business woman who has benefited tremendously from 10 years of membership in a women's networking group, I encourage you to look for one in your community, join it, get your female co-workers to join, and bring your daughters. Spread the positive message and influence of the value of spending time with positive and supportive women in business.
Here's why I think business to business networking groups for women are a great idea for every female business owner, sales person or any woman who wants to develop personally and professionally. First, I don't agree with women only groups. Women at work complained too long, for too many years about men-only groups for us to turn around and do the same thing. But there are many advantages and reasons for having a group that is targeted and designed by and for women.
Women's business groups give women better opportunities to take leadership positions. In general business clubs, there may be long-term or more experienced men and older business people who have the confidence and experience to snap up leadership positions. In a women's group, it is easier for young women and those who are new to business to be encouraged to take these opportunities.
These groups also give women the opportunity to learn about and discuss topics that are unique to them. You would never see a Rotary Club inviting a woman doctor to talk about menopause or reproductive health issues. Women in business are more likely to want to hear about health issues, quality of life discussions and other topics that aren't specifically about business. They understand that these issues are vital to being able to focus on business they way they need to.
Finally, and I think most importantly, is that women's business organizations give women a special opportunity to bond, network and build powerful relationships with other women. Women need to be encouraged to help each other. Right now, it is a shameful trend in popular culture to show women as being enemies. The so-called "friends" in the Real Housewives series are held up as examples of how women handle their relationships. It's disgraceful. Every city needs a women's group to serve as an example of professional, mature women in business who are leaders in their community and worthy trusted friends of each other.
As a business woman who has benefited tremendously from 10 years of membership in a women's networking group, I encourage you to look for one in your community, join it, get your female co-workers to join, and bring your daughters. Spread the positive message and influence of the value of spending time with positive and supportive women in business.
Business Networking Events - How to Choose Which Networking Group or Event Is Right for You?
by , under Business Networking Events, how to, right network
Do you sometimes feel like you're on a networking frenzy - bopping from one event to another hoping to make that "right" connection and make a sale? Well, successful networking is more than attending a dozen events every month. Instead just pick a few that you can commit to and then invest your time to leverage it fully. The question, of course, is how to pick the right networking groups and events.
Here's the key to picking the kinds of events that will help you with your goals:
Think QUALITY over QUANTITY
Remember that networking is about building relationships. You need to be visible and make connections to get the best result from your time. If you join a networking group, you need to be able to attend their meetings consistently enough to build quality relationships. Attending just once or twice a year won't work!
And that means that you have to be very selective in the networking groups you get involved with. You want to be able to be a regular a few select groups, not someone who's hardly even remembered in a lot of different groups.
So how do you go about selecting the right networking group to join or the right event to attend?
Here are some key criteria to consider:
A) The Mix of Attendees
The most important question you should ask yourself is whether the people who attend the meetings are a good fit for you. Specifically, ask yourself the following questions:
• Are they people you connect with
• Do they share or service your target market
• Can you comfortably pass referrals to them
• Do you have anything in common with enough of the other members
• Does the group fit your style - professional, casual, educational, fun etc.
B) Convenience
The second most important criterion is whether the meeting times and locations are convenient -- because if they aren't, you're unlikely to attend regularly enough to reap the benefits. Consider these questions:
• Is the location easy to get to
• Is the day or time one that allows you to attend consistently
If you come up with answers you like, consider joining. If it seems that a group is a poor fit, don't waste your time. You'll be better off spending it networking with a group of people who you can truly connect with.
And to make the most of your meetings, make a personal commitment to follow up with everyone you have a conversation with and then pick one person to have a coffee with. It's a great way to expand your network and grow referrals. You'll gain increased visibility, have stronger connections, leverage your time AND get more business.
Here's the key to picking the kinds of events that will help you with your goals:
Think QUALITY over QUANTITY
Remember that networking is about building relationships. You need to be visible and make connections to get the best result from your time. If you join a networking group, you need to be able to attend their meetings consistently enough to build quality relationships. Attending just once or twice a year won't work!
And that means that you have to be very selective in the networking groups you get involved with. You want to be able to be a regular a few select groups, not someone who's hardly even remembered in a lot of different groups.
So how do you go about selecting the right networking group to join or the right event to attend?
Here are some key criteria to consider:
A) The Mix of Attendees
The most important question you should ask yourself is whether the people who attend the meetings are a good fit for you. Specifically, ask yourself the following questions:
• Are they people you connect with
• Do they share or service your target market
• Can you comfortably pass referrals to them
• Do you have anything in common with enough of the other members
• Does the group fit your style - professional, casual, educational, fun etc.
B) Convenience
The second most important criterion is whether the meeting times and locations are convenient -- because if they aren't, you're unlikely to attend regularly enough to reap the benefits. Consider these questions:
• Is the location easy to get to
• Is the day or time one that allows you to attend consistently
If you come up with answers you like, consider joining. If it seems that a group is a poor fit, don't waste your time. You'll be better off spending it networking with a group of people who you can truly connect with.
And to make the most of your meetings, make a personal commitment to follow up with everyone you have a conversation with and then pick one person to have a coffee with. It's a great way to expand your network and grow referrals. You'll gain increased visibility, have stronger connections, leverage your time AND get more business.
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