networking

One of the best ways to "network" these days is to attend a "progressive luncheon or breakfast".  Empowering Women Network, Inc. hosts several progressive breakfasts and luncheons throughout the year. 
 
Why are they so popular?  I think because everyone has a real opportunity to connect with someone new.  The format creates an opportunity for each attendee to meet up to 24 new contacts.  During a progressive luncheon the attendees MOVE from table to table.  Course #1 Salad....Course #2 Entree.....Course #3 Desert.  At each table, each attendee has 2-3 minutes to introduce themselves, their business or anything else they may have on  their mind.
 
So if you are up for some FUN and would the opportunity to meet the most amazing professionals in Chicago please join us next week at Petteroni's! For more information and to register www.empoweringwomen.net
 
 

Hello All:
Register for this week's Empowering Women Network event at www.empoweringwomen.net titled: Highly Effective Networking!
 
So, you've been thinking about "getting out there" meeting new business contacts and there's something holding you back? Now's the time to make your move...if you live in the Chicagoland area....come and learn how to make Networking EFFECTIVE and FUN! 
 
See you all there,
Georgia Dudley, Founder, Empowering Women Network, Inc.

Hello Everyone:
It's June 5th have you played Golf yet this year?  Depending where you live will probably determine your answer.  Here in the "windy" city we are just starting to swing our dusty clubs.
 
Next week is Empowering Women Network's Annual Golf Outing.  We take a different approach to this type of event.  We encourage everyone to participate and play even those who have never played before!~! We start with a clinic (beginners and advanced) then off to the course for 9 holes of Best Ball and a networking event in the club house right after. 
 
Golf events are great ways to meet new people for business and personal.  It seems professional women sometimes prefer not to play because they haven't had the opportunity to play before. (We are too busy working and taking care of the kids). 
 
If you are in CHICAGO next week come out and see us!
 
In any event, go out this year and swing a few..... ~ I promise  you'll enjoy the time out in the sun with other professionals!  Just "keep pace" :)
 
Until next time, Georgia Dudley, Founder Empowering Women Network, Inc.

Networking is the "hot topic"!  With the economy changing, developing strong relationships and meeting new contacts seems to be the thing to do. So I won't go on about the fact that if we had all been doing just a "little" more connecting over the years ~ finding that all important new job would have been alot easier.... time to "staying connected" even after you have landed that new job!
 
So, what is the best way to "connect" when you are at an event?  How do you find that connection in a sea of bodies?  My suggestion is that first you have a Plan (read my previous blog entry) ~ for example:  "The reason I'm attending this specific event is that I would like to meet the type of professionals that would attend an event like this and I'm going to meet one or two that spcecifically _________________" you fill in the blank!  
 
With your goal in mind ~ the key now is to ASK QUESTIONS vs TELLING everyone around you about yourself.  The reason you ask questions:  1) Most of the people there want to "spew" about themselves you will stand out from the rest if you start asking questions, 2) You already know about yourself your goal is to find out about them so you can figure out if they can help you, 3) It's easier to ask a question and listen than make small talk about yourself. 4) If you ask questions you may find out that you can help them......5) If you help them they will be more likely to help you, 6) It's much more fun to find out about people then to talk about yourself - remember you already know all about you.....
 
Happy Networking....see you soon!
 
Georgia Dudley
Founder, Empowering Women Network, Inc.

Not a day goes by that I don't meet someone in in my travels that I have asked: "When was the last networking event you attended?",  and they say "I don't remember".  As I try to keep my feelings of dismay from the expression on my face I usually hear, "What's wrong with you?"
 
I think the reason some people don't "Network" isn't from not wanting to but from not seeing the trueVALUE of both taking the extra time and expense to broaden their horizons.  I'm thinking if they viewed networking as "broadening their horizons" they may inded seek out the next best event!
 
Because that is what networking is all about - an opportunity to:
 
Broaden your Horizons, Learn Something New, Meet New Contacts, Stay in Touch with the Community, Have Fun".  The VALUE lies in what you do with the experience and how you show up!
 
If you haven't begun your Networking Journey today is the day to start. Here's your homework:  GOOGLE or FIND a networking event in your area ~ (find one that appeals to you) and GO......post your comments about your experience BELOW:
 
Happy Networking
Georgia Dudley, Founder Empowering Women Network, Inc.

For those of us who have always networked we are seeing new faces these days! With the economy changing and the importance of "relationship building" on the upswing we are (finally) seeing a change!  Those who never "connected" are starting and those who have consistently "connected" are meeting new people.
 
Very cool, right....so why does the word "Networking" drive us crazy ?
 
Sticking to Networking 101 ~ the "rules" are being stoomped on!  What I'm saying is that no matter when you join the team of networkers there are some basics that we all have to know. So stay tuned and come back often over the next couple of weeks and you will have the "tips and tools" to be the best networker in town!
 
Here's TIP ONE:  Decide why you are attending a certain networking event before you go.  There are ONLY two reasons why someone goes to a Networking Event.  1) To meet new people; 2) Learn something.  Decide before you go which one of those is at the top of your list. 
 
Tomorrow.....TIPS on what to do when I'm networking to Meet People vs Learning from a Speaker, Panel, Workshop etc.
 
Happy Networking.....
Georgia Dudley, Founder Empowering Women Network, Inc.
 

http://animoto.com/play/0e2e65474dd409803fa9c7b53dea91ef
Do you have a couple of seconds to click on the above link?  I hope so because you will see a room full of professional women (EWN Members and our Guests at EWN's October Monthly Meeting) that understand how important both work and life are. Our speaker Helen Kasper (Vice President of Sales for The Hartford) shared openly her amazing journey and how the choices she made led her where she is today and how those choices currently impact her day to day life. One of the things she said: "We are all really great business women, aren't we? Getting the job done at the office no matter what it takes, well, are we doing those same things in our personal lives?". She continued, "If there was one thing you would like to stop doing and one thing you would like to start doing today what would they be".  I hope you have an opportunity to see the video clip and see the SMILES!  Smiles come from a really "good" place.  What choices have you made?  What tips can you share that have worked in your life?  We look forward to hearing from YOU!~

We are always hearing that one of the most important things in business is the ability to Network!  Building relationships and connecting with people is what it's about! Is this realy true?  YES.  So why is it so hard for so many to "connect" and to build valuable relationships that have an impact on business and/or life.  What I have found over the years is that we are too busy talking about ourselves!   Let's think about this another way ~ if I'm talking about myself ....it leaves little time to get to know the person in front of me and whether or not they may be a valuable connection.  I'm still amazed after attending 100's of networking events that I am VERY RARELY asked a question?  Here's a tip - ASK A QUESTION and you'll see how easy building your network can be. Here are a few to get you started:  1. Tell me, what brought you here today?  2. What type of business are you in?  3. Do you live in the area?  What questions work for you?