Empowering

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.
 

This week Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska made history and became a STAR!  John McCain's choice is a huge step forward for women!  As soon as the annoucement was made by John McCain however the media and left wing pundits questioned the Senators choice of running mate?  They quickly attacked her ability to run a country and her leadership skills based on her "motherhood" and "inexperience"?. 
 
On Wednesday night Sarah Palin made history, calmed the storm and silenced her attackers by sharing her experience and showing her leadership acumen through her witty, detailed and amazing speech at the Republican National Convention.  From her experience and responsibility as Governor of Alaska and her experience and responsibility as a "hockey mom" she shared with those watching her accomplishments in both of those all important ROLES.  Those roles that define all working mothers!
 
As professional women many of us can relate to Sarah Palin's life and current criticism.  For years we have tried to "balance" both family and work.  Fortunately I have met many women who have "done it all".  It seems that their success comes most often from supportive families especially husbands who support their journey and take care of the family, giving women the support and freedom to pursue leadership roles in business and public life without guilt.  I have also met women who's husbands work ~ yet through a true loving partnership they have found ways for both to flourish in their careers and home life!
 
I see Sarah Palin as a beacon of light.  A woman to watch and learn from. A woman who will open doors for women and teach us how to "have it all".  She is a woman for all women....and I look forward to seeing her grow and flourish as she takes on Washington as she did Alaska! Georgia Dudley, Founder and President, Empowering Women Network, Inc.