Beth York

Don’t Be Shy: Say Hello –  Or Come Along to Jump Out of a Plane

At the beginning of 2010 I joined the Network — at the same time that I launched Beth York Real Estate, LLC.

Since then, I have taken the opportunity to introduce Beth York Real Estate through the three-minute spotlight at a lunch meeting, as well as through sponsoring a breakfast.  The exposure has been great, and over time I am confident that being a member will contribute to the growth of my business and be a source of reciprocating referrals.

I regularly attend the breakfasts and lunches.  I have met some really great people who are supportive and kind.  I find the speakers to be interesting and inspiring. I enjoy the opportunity to connect with other women in business — women (and men) who “get it.”

It is important to attend meetings and get involved.  Everyone is busy with work and family commitments, and yet it is nice to take an hour or so a month to meet with other professionals.  Don’t be shy:  say hello!

I would like to invite members who are interested in adventure, fitness and sports to form a recreational group or committee within the Network that can plan regular “outings” (maybe it already exists, since we just had such a great golf outing). As much as I enjoy the meetings, I believe meeting and bonding while doing something outside and adventurous to be important.  As a personal invitation, if anyone wants to jump out of a plane (or go to the wind tunnel for skydiving indoors) email me and we’ll get a group going!  Email:  Beth@BethYorkRealEstate.com.

Alison Schirone

Congratulations to Alison Schirone!

This month’s NOVA is Alison Schirone of ac associates.  Here’s what she has to say about being part of the South Shore Women’s Business Network:

I have been a member of SSWBN for a little over two years.  I joined because I was looking for a networking group that would allow me to serve as a volunteer, had a manageable number of networking events, and a membership who would be open, friendly, and thoughtful in how they approach business.

My advice to someone new would be to take part in and attend as many activities and events as possible.  Join a committee and volunteer your time to advance the organization.  Consider joining a Roundtable group — not just because you’ll make great friends for life, but also because a Roundtable can be a terrific source of business referrals and education.

There are serious business people at each and every event, but they don’t take themselves so seriously that they can’t have a laugh or two.

My company, ac associates opened its doors in 1998 but went on hiatus for several years while I worked for Abington Savings Bank and then TekMethods, LLC.  At the time, both companies were clients and presented me with unique opportunities for growth and learning; so I maintained ac associates part-time until about two-and-a-half years ago. And then I re-established the Company as a full time endeavor.

The business focus of ac associates is in the creation and implementation of strategic business and marketing plans, communications management plans, and all types of tactical marketing and communications implementations.  Past and present clients include financial services, legal, customer service, IT, retailing, and electronics companies, as well as non-profit organizations.

ac associates, “Making Plans for Real Business”

Paula Lind

Paula Lind Advises How to Get SSWBN Business ‘Automatically’

Paula Lind, from O’Donoghue Insurance Agency in Hanover, joined the South Shore Women’s Business Network in March 2009.  As our newest NOVA, Paula said:
“I make a point to contact people in the Network when I have a need for their profession.  The Lunch and Learn events have been helpful for specific business issues where I need advice.   The SSWBN website has so much to offer each of our businesses.  I look at the website frequently to find information that will help me with my business.  The website has a well organized directory that makes finding people easy.

“The opportunity to introduce myself and my business at every luncheon and breakfast has created wonderful referrals for me.  I have found that any clients I have acquired through the Network are quality clients, and a pleasure with whom to do business.

“My advice to Network members and potential members is this:  don’t participate in the Network just to receive business referrals.    Get to know the members, join committees, ask for advice from other SSWBN professionals.  The business will come automatically.  If you are sincere about your membership as an opportunity to meet great people, it will only enhance your business relationships and friendships.

“Since I have joined the network I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.  People who are part of the SSWBN have a certain quality and good nature about them.   This is something all the members seem to have in common.   I look forward to meeting more people and developing great friendships and business relationships in the future through the SSWBN.  I love it.”

Kathleen Ogar

Kathleen Ogar, owner of Infinite Health and Wellness in Hanover, where she offers acupressure, homeopathy and nutrition as part of her practice.

When I first joined the network just over two years ago, I felt a little lost because there were so many people.  So I decided to join the Expo Team where I made a lot of new friends.  When that project ended, I joined the Professional Development Team and met more great people.  The Expo was interesting, but I feel like I’ve found my home with the PDT group.  For anyone interested in joining a group, I’d recommend trying one out and if it’s not the best fit try something different.  It worked for me.

Before starting my natural health practice I worked for the same corporation for more than 18 years.  Two things I really missed from my old job were having people around to bounce ideas off, and social support.  SSWBN filled that void for me.  I am so grateful to have the support of so many talented people.  I also have learned a lot of valuable lessons from veteran business owners, who willingly share their own experiences of being a small business owner.

The best advice I could give new members and non-members is to get involved.  If you stand on the sidelines it’s tough to connect.  Join one of the many teams or a Roundtable group.  As a member of a Roundtable group, I’ve developed a strong bond with seven other members who encourage and support me to make and meet monthly goals.  This experience has been invaluable.  We celebrate each other’s accomplishments and bolster each other up during the challenging times.  It’s a great way to keep momentum going – especially during those times when you feel like giving up.

When I first started networking I thought this was about how others could help me grow my business.  I discovered pretty quickly that it’s more about building relationships – one at a time.  My friend and fellow networker, Susan Peters passed along to me the advice that,  “People do business with people they know, like and trust.”  So I work hard every day to be that person whom people know, like and trust!

Mike Christopher

April’s NOVA: Michael Christopher of Interactive Digital Systems in Norwell

I’ve been a member of the SSWBN for seven months, and I give a special thanks to Terry Narus from Eastern Bank, as she introduced me to the SSWBN.

I found that by attending the sponsored events and being an active participant at the meetings I have increased my company’s visibility on the South Shore two-fold.  I also joined the Membership Committee in January, which by the way is a great group.

I’ve met a number of the SSWBN members one-on-one.  This is a great way to learn more about their likes, families, hobbies and their business.  It’s not always about business, remember that.   Networking can be fun.

For me personally The Network has meant meeting great new people and a lot of new friends.  SSWBN has helped bring back the passion I have for selling and being able to help people with the services we provide.  Thanks to The Network, MyTech added two new clients and many more great opportunities over the past few months. We now have exposure to a whole new market that we were missing in the past.  With close to 300 members whose goal is to help each other increase business, the SSWBN is a must membership.

The Good Old Days are gone, brothers and sisters.  Get out of the past and into the future of networking. Networking takes time, effort, and a willingness to GIVE before you GET. It could take months to find the group that works for you and your business. Don’t be afraid to explore any number of network events available to you.

In the end come back to the SSWBN, and you will see what a great group we have.

Anything else to Share?   You bet there is.  Read the book Who Moved My Cheese? Don’t be afraid of change.  Make networking fun, get out there, meet new people, make new friends.   Smile and enjoy life.

— Best wishes, Michael Christopher

Marge Duffy

Each month the SSWBN Membership Team recognizes a member who exemplifies the qualities of a Networking Nova, a person who embodies the Network’s core values of contacts, coaching and collaboration; someone who is visible at many SSWBN events and who treats others with respect and dignity. In addition, this personalizes the Network to build his/her business and helps others do the same.

Curry College’s Marge Duffy Gets Results from Networking Efforts

Marge Duffy,  the Senior Director of Continuing and Graduate Studies at Curry College writes:

Why is networking easier for some people than others?

For those of us who find networking a challenge, SSWBN is the ideal group in which to become actively involved.

When I first joined SSWBN two years ago, networking was a fairly new concept for me. However, as is the case with all new learning, what you get out of the activity is directly related to what you put into it.

To become effective at networking, you need to begin by attending SSWBN sponsored events and become an active participant. SSWBN offers an array of event formats that will allow you to choose those that best fit your comfort level, personal style, and work schedule. If you are new to networking, the Brown Bag Breakfast or Lunches might be the perfect fit because they use a smaller, structured meeting format and have an educational focus. The evening events offer a more casual format where you are able to drop in at your convenience.

SSWBN has provided me with many opportunities to increase the visibility and reach of Curry College’s Division of Continuing and Graduate studies. Curry’s evening and graduate programs offer the busy adult a convenient, supportive, learner-centered environment to begin college studies, or to return to college to complete a degree — not unlike SSWBN’s culture of creating a convenient, supportive environment in which to network with peers and colleagues.

While attending my very first SSWBN event, a member asked me about Curry’s MBA program and as a result of that conversation, she later enrolled. At last June’s Celebration! event, one of Curry’s Continuing Education students received a SSWBN Education Foundation scholarship. When you become part of SSWBN, you never know where a conversation will lead, what results will unfold, or how one networking opportunity can multiply into many others.

A key concept to remember about networking is that it is not merely a single event, but part of a larger process of engaging with colleagues. Effective networking requires time, patience and effort. Again, what you can get out of it is directly related to what you put into it. Attend the events, join a committee, and become involved. Committing yourself to becoming effective at networking will pay off, and you may even find that you have some fun along the way!

Congratulations Marge!

Stephanie Lipinski

I have been with the SSWBN for over 12 years and it has been invaluable for me. The Network has provided me with the opportunity to build strong, personal relationships with people who I never would have met. It has been an encyclopedia of business knowledge from wonderful people whom I know I can trust. Throughout the twelve years of membership, I have become a better networker and that has given me more confidence when I am with large groups of people.

From a business standpoint, I’ve made great business connections and have received business knowledge which has helped my own business. Plus, I’ve been able to help the Network members with their insurance needs: this has meant so much to me. I have also received referrals through those in the Network and I am so appreciative to those in the Network for the referrals.

I would recommend to non-members of the SSWBN to definitely join. As one who has been in business for 30 years, the Network has been a great place to make connections and receive business knowledge, for which I am grateful. Network members are a resource for me and I am here to be a resource for others.

I would recommend that Network members get involved and become active in getting to know other members. Ask members what they do and find ways you can help them in their business and likewise, explore ways in which they can help you and your business. We’re here to support one another. That’s what it’s all about.

In addition, try to get on a committee. You’ll learn so much and it also gives you the opportunity to make more connections with people who have a wealth of knowledge about many things.

I really appreciate this opportunity to acknowledge the members and the Network for all it has meant to me over the years. I have made such great friends and I look forward to making new friends and business relationships in the New Year.