You Don't Have to go it Alone

Maybe you’re already the unofficial spokeswoman for the Master Networkers of the World. You’re always on the lookout for new and exciting opportunities to meet and greet. And maybe you’re the entrepreneur who loves what she does but would rather submit to an hour-long bikini wax than meet a room full of strangers and tout your business. And you don’t even wear bikinis.

Or maybe, you just don’t know where to begin. Whether the thought of networking revs your entrepreneurial engine or slams your comfort zone into park, there’s no better time than our current economy for test driving a few perspective twists. Go ahead. Take a few of these ideas out for a spin. You just might enjoy the ride.

Ask! Ask friends and other businesswomen. What community organizations are they involved in? What networking events are they attending? Can they forward you an email of their last event notification? Does the organization have an e-newsletter you can sign up for?

Regional Publications Try scanning regional publications from a different viewpoint. Are there ideas, articles, ads, community or club listings that appeal to your desires to grow professionally? Is there a gem of an idea for expanding your connections within the pages of the current issue? Is someone offering a seminar, event or service that will attract the type of women and/or businesses you’d like to get to know? A group or association you’d like to contribute to?

Chambers, Chambers Everywhere Local chambers of commerce are an excellent resource for information, classes and regular networking events. Find your local chamber links and information quickly by accessing chambersofcommerce.com. There you’ll find a simple search box to gather contact information, email and website links. For the Asheville area chamber, just head to ashevillechamber.org.

Web Groups That Really Meet Check out meetup.com’s website for a concept that brings the Internet group experience back to the real world. Several business/ networking groups are already formed in the Asheville area. And yes, they meet face-to-face on a regular basis. Don’t see one that fits your style? Maybe it’s time to start one yourself!

Eats and Meets Can we do lunch? How about lunch and multiple potential connections? For example, Katherine Morosani hosts a dynamic Ladies Who Lunch event on the third Tuesday of each month, offering a fun-paced opportunity to polish your elevator speech and connect with other businesswomen. Or for a different approach, Cheri Britton (boomthinking.com) offers networking luncheons throughout the year, combining informal and structured networking along with her signature humor and inspirational talks.

Join An Association To Give And Receive. Type in a simple web search for “business women’s associations”, and the power of networking is evident in the length of the list. At the top of the search results you’ll find a national association with local connection opportunities The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) abwa.org. Organized in 1949, ABWA’s mission statement is proudly shown front and center on their website. “To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.”

Local businesswoman success Totsie Marine, owner of Totsie. com Website Development Studio learned firsthand the give-andreceive value of an intentional community of business women. Totsie first joined one of the local chapters of the ABWA, the Sky-Hy Chapter (abwaskyhy.com) during the startup phase of her business many years ago. When asked to describe her relationship with this organization, her gratitude was immediately evident. “ABWA was instrumental in me gaining confidence as a business woman in the early days of starting my business. It broadened my circle of friends and gave me perspective on other businesses in our community. I learned to introduce myself effectively explaining my business and I took on leadership roles in the organization that helped build my personal and leadership skills. The women were warm and supportive and I still have friends from those days although I am no longer an active member. I look back fondly on those early business years 12 years ago and my feelings about ABWA.” Lucretia Piercy, current publicity chair of the Sky-Hy Chapter and owner of Small Business Accounting Services of Asheville, agrees and shares her thoughts on her 12 year relationship with ABWA. " . It has been a beneficial journey for me. Through ABWA I have met women that have become my friends for life. We have a sisterhood in ABWA and we help and love each other as sisters. I personally have grown leaps and bounds. My professionalism has matured from a timid lady to enable me to achieve the Woman of the Year award in 2002 (the highlight of my business career) and become the chapter president 2004-2006. I have recently started my own business and the support I have received from my ABWA sisters has been phenomenal. If you are interested in personal growth and friends for life, ABWA is the group for you!" The Sky-Hy Chapter of ABWA (abwaskyhy.com), meets the first Thursday of each month. Additional information is available on their website.