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

Courtney Newcomb – Arrange Boston

Courtney Newcomb from Arrange Boston has been a member since October 27, 2011.

She has made the most out of the Network by joining the New Member Membership Committee, and by getting together with other members for coffee.  “The Network has been great because it gives me an outlet to meet people whom I may not have normally met.  It forces me to network and ‘step out of the box,’ so to speak,” Courtney said. 

“I have also given some referrals and have gotten referrals as well.  Equally important, the Network  highlights local businesses – and this is good!” she said.

“The advice I give my friends and others who own a new business is to join the Network;  which they will be doing this week.

“I would say the best advice I could give someone is to make a point to meet at least two new people each time you go, and not to hang exclusively with the ones you already know.”

Courtney added, “I am very new, so each time I go I am impressed with the Network and would like to really take advantage of all that it has to offer.”

Contact Courtney at cnewcomb@arrangeboston.com

Congratulations to Kathleen Keegan from Real Estate Rocks!

I like how the Network has so many facets to it.  There is something for everyone.  I love the networking luncheons – food and networking, you can’t go wrong.  I like the Professional Development Day.  I really enjoyed serving on that committee.  I’m just now getting ready to join a round table.  Also, I love utilizing the benefit of the three-minute talk.

Real estate is a referral-based business.  When someone is going to sell or buy a house, typically they ask for a recommendation, versus looking in a directory.  Having the Network has been key to my
success.  One of my most recent success stories with a SSWBN member came when I listed a house for  Kristin Foristall, owner of Sweet K (outstanding cookies, by the way).  I went in with my Staging Team, took lots of terrific photos, marketed the house and had an accepted offer within 12 days!  And then I helped Kristin and her family find an amazing home.

That connection would not have happened without the Network.  I seldom do any type of cold marketing.  It’s about making a connection with people.  Thank you, SSWBN, for helping me and Real Estate Rocks meet so many great people.

I highly recommend attending the luncheons or breakfasts and joining a committee (join me on the Professional Development Day Committee!).  Being a part of the Network is important if you are a small business owner.  Since I opened my own real estate office (Real Estate Rocks) two years ago I am
impressed with all the support and encouragement and ideas.

I feel like this Network is similar to that wonderful old show Cheers … where everybody knows your name
…”.  When you walk into an event, the energy is always so high and positive – and inspires lots of hugs.  This Network is successful because of the strong bonds that each member forms with other members.  Thank you for nominating me as a Networking Nova!

Excited for 2012!!

Cathy and her fashion (look closely) friend, Lucy relax in the Renovisions kitchen display. PHOTO: Jean Donohue Photography

December
2011 Networking NOVA Cathy at Renovisions

 I am proud to say that I have been with SSWBN since 2002, meeting at Siro’s in
Hingham under the executive direction of Deb Anders.  I was grateful for the opportunity to meet several dynamic women involved in many diverse businesses, all coming together for contacts, coaching and collaboration.

I value the membership and the relationships that have flourished from my membership.  I attend several events each year that are hosted by SSWBN, which typically include ‘After Hour Meet and Greets’, Breakfast and Lunch Networking Events, The Annual Golf Tournament, and the end-of-year Celebration Dinner.  Being at these  events provides an opportunity for me to discuss issues or concerns with other  members who may be going through something similar — and that makes me feel
comforted and validated.

I  look forward to meeting new members and watching their businesses take off  after they have been able to collaborate with other members in the group.  It is a pleasure to learn something new and  different about another business, and it helps me in my own business when I  implement new ideas.  It always amazes me  how warm, friendly and insightful many of the members can be … offering to pay it forward to help in one way or another.

Building  genuine, effective relationships has formed the basis for Renovisions’ successful  growth, and we care about and appreciate the referrals we receive from members of SSWBN!

Here’s  my advice to non-members as well as to other members:

Stay  Positive :
Discuss issues/concerns you may have in your business with other members to help you ‘problem solve,’ which ultimately will reduce stress. I look at it this way:  ‘There are no problems, only solutions that we
haven’t found yet.’

Be Creative:
Schedule Network time and events that make good sense for you and your business.  We need to realize that we can’t be everything to everybody.  Listen to your gut on this:  try to plan each week, but consider blocking
out some time in your busy schedule for just ‘YOU Time.’  Try to keep a balance of work/life that
actually does work for you.  What I have  found that works best for me is incorporating the 80-20 Rule into my business  life.  Basically, 20 percent of what I do best in my business, I do 80 percent of the time.  Of course, that leaves me with only 20 percent of my ‘Me Time’ … but I am okay with that and I truly value the time off.

Take Action:
Attend a networking event or two:  perhaps you will find that one group may work better than another.  However, being in a few diverse groups may provide a variety of contacts and potentially more collaboration.

Stay connected to your community: team up with other leaders in your area by volunteering  your time and services that will make a positive difference in so many lives you touch.  Reaching out to others in  need fosters overall good will and can often bring a positive outlook to your own business.  I currently serve as the President of the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, presiding over several fundraising committees that provide backing for our supported charitable organizations.  I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment in helping others, and I’m often inspired by those who we’ve helped along the way who continue to remind me that ‘Givers do Gain.’

Jane Barry

Jane Barry
TB Bank, Braintree
Jane.Barry@td.com

I have been with SSWBN for over one year. I have made the most of the Network by attending as many events as possible.  The lunch and the breakfast meetings are great because you will meet new members at every event.  It affords you the ability to really get to know the other members of the Network.

I also enjoy the After Hours events because it is more relaxed and social, giving me the ability to really connect and build relationships with other members. The fact that these events are held after work makes them very productive for the membership because no one is rushing to get back to the office or distracted by pending issues of the day.  We can focus on getting to know one another
as individuals not just as business owners.

The Network has been helpful for me to become better acquainted with members of the business community of which TD Bank is part.  Getting to know small business owners through SSWBN helps me to better understand the challenges they face as business owners.  Meeting so many women who have changed careers and started their own successful businesses confirms what we all know: Women are the most successful Small Business owners in this area.

What this has meant for my business is that I am better able to work with small business owners by listening to them and understanding what their needs are and how a financial institution such as TD Bank can assist with those needs.  It has also given me the opportunity to become more involved in the community within which I live and work.

My advice would be to put three SSWBN events on your calendar each month and make an effort to attend at least one of these events.  The more you go the more you will benefit from your membership.  It isn’t always easy to get away for lunch, breakfast or After Hours events —  but if you schedule it you will be more likely
to go.  Get more involved with the Network, join a committee or just volunteer for an event.  This will help you to get to know other members and want to do more.

Networking is the best way to build your business and the SSWBN group makes networking painless.  It is a very social group and when you participate in an event, networking feels more like socializing.  It is not forced but very natural and we all benefit from that because we will all look for ways to help out our fellow members.

I have participated in many networking groups in my career, and what I have enjoyed the most about the SSWBN group is that it is very inviting.  From the first day that I attended an event I never felt like a stranger.  I found the group warm and inviting:  making me want to keep coming back.  When we have new members who just sign up and do not attend events I feel that they are missing out on so much.  I would just like to encourage those individuals to start attending events so that they can see the value in the SSWBN.

Donna Keith

… Donna Keith of Inches Away
I joined SSWBN 19 years ago when I had a home based business and was also working
as an RN at a local hospital.  It was a  great experience for the three years that I was a member.

I changed the direction of my career in 2007,  and became sole proprietor of Inches Away.  I decided to reconnect with SSWBN in October  2010 because of all the positive past experiences I had with this premier networking organization.

The Network offers a variety of venues to help empower its members.  It gives us the opportunity to talk about our common needs and to learn from each other.   I have gained a great deal of business skills from each of the breakfast and luncheon meetings that I’ve attended.  A lot of times, I realized that I didn’t know what I didn’t know.  I also have enjoyed the Lunch and Learn workshops and am trying to incorporate what I’ve learned into my business. We’re very fortunate to have such bright and successful women amongst us.

It was an honor to volunteer at the Friends of Mel Cancer Survivors Art of Healing event.  It gave me the chance to meet some strong,  powerful and caring women.  I gained so much more than I gave:  I know that sounds cliché, but it’s so true.  I thank  SSWBN for giving me that opportunity.

Advice I would give to members?  Go to Professional Development Day.  What you gain is priceless!

SSWBN has been a great business resource, but equally important, it has been the fun
at the meetings.  How can you not have a good day when it starts off with a Janet LaBerge joke?  What a hoot!

Networking is very important to my business.  I faithfully attend one to two events per month.  I stay connected with friends who are members.  I refer my business to members, and shop at stores within the Network. 

The contacts I have nurtured through SSWBN have resulted in increased sales for Raffael’s at South Shore Country Club.  The exposure for this gorgeous venue has been phenomenal.

My advice is that you be yourself and find a niche.  In this competitive business environment, it’s imperative to create value to whatever service YOU provide.  Always be aware of opportunities and ready to collaborate!  Referrals are the end result of creating a positive business partnership.  Separate yourself from the competition by being honest and efficient.  Create contacts through the SSWBN and be ready to help whenever you are needed.

Thank You to Janet LaBerge and members of the Board of Directors for putting the FUN back in Networking!

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 coaching, contacts and collaboration;  someone who is visible at many SSWBN events and who treats others with respect and dignity.  In addition, this person utilizes the Network to build his/her business and helps others do the same. This month’s NOVA is Lori Cook from Bryantville Deli.

Lori Cook

I have been a member of SSWBN for two years — starting Year Three tomorrow!

I continue to grow personally and professionally every time I simply show up to any SSWBN event.  I have heard the most amazing array of stories profiling the journeys taken by so many members, and I am truly inspired and energized after I leave an event.

Through the Network, my circle of friends has grown. I never feel afraid to bounce an idea, ask an opinion, or seek advice from a group of women I respect.  I know their wisdom is true and my best interest is in their hearts.

The Network has given me the courage to “put myself out there.”  I know I am not the first or the last woman with a fear of public speaking, fear of appearing silly or under qualified.  The support and encouragement I have received has allowed me to present my business and my passion to an audience full of open ears and kindness.

My advice to anyone interested in the Network is “GO”!!  Being a part of this Network is a gift you give yourself and your business.   Take advantage of what the Network has to offer:  you may be surprised at how helpful a Lunch and Learn workshop or a seminar could be to you.

The Learning Lottery grant that the Educational Foundation gave me allowed me to re-certify all my Massachusetts requirements for my business.  I was so surprised and grateful when I was chosen!

Sometimes when times are tough and the road seems long AND uphill, I bring to mind the presentation given by the owner of Constant Contact.  At an especially low point she was planning her exit strategy, and it seemed her vision was ending.  But she so believed that she gave her last-ditch effort.  This was the one that changed everything.  Her perseverance paid off, and I carry that story in my heart every single day of my small-business life.  Thank you SSWBN….

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 coaching, contacts and collaboration; someone who is visible at many SSWBN events and who treats others with respect and dignity.  In addition, this person utilizes the Network to build his/her business and helps others do the same.

Congratulations, Kristin Foristall, owner of Sweet K!

 I attended my first event in the beginning of the Summer of 2010 and joined by the end of the Summer.  I was sold after the first lunch!!

I have done my best to take advantage of many of the services that the Network provides.  I attend breakfasts, lunches and after-hours events.    They are a great place to meet people, get your name out there and have fun!  

I reach out to other members to make valuable connections and make sure to do the same in return when they reach out to me.   In May I will be doing my three-minute presentation to talk about my business, which is another great way to educate members about what you do.  I also offer a 15 percent discount to all SSWBN members, which is a great way to entice everyone to give my cookies a try!

 The Network is a great place for me to be, both personally and professionally.  I have done a lot of cookie business for members of the Network.  I have also made connections through members to valuable resources for my business, such as a label printing company on the South Shore and with the buyer of the Fruit Centers in Hingham and Milton.  Those connections would not have happened if it weren’t for the SSWBN.  Personally, I am proud to be part of a network with so many intelligent, fun and kind people.  I love that we support four charities and I have had the opportunity to support the DOVE event back in February by donating cookies to guests.

 One of the best quotes I have heard recently came from one of the Founders at the Founder’s Breakfast, Susan Hammond said, “Take risks now and apologize later.  Don’t be afraid.”  I loved her strength and it encouraged me to continue to make my dream happen of having a kick-butt cookie business!

Glen Dowden, Ameriprise Financial

Glen Dowden of Ameriprise Financial has been with the South Shore Women’s Business Network for one and one-half years.  He has spent his time being active in the group, being a part of the golf committee and by sponsoring lunches. 
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Being part of the Network has provided me the opportunity to meet and talk to a variety of successful small business owners on the South Shore.  The members have provided a wealth of information that has helped me grow my business.  

The advice I would give to someone else is to remember that it takes time to build successful relationships and the trust that is necessary to maintain those relationships.  Stay involved and focused on what you can provide the Network and what the Network can provide to you and your business.

 Similar to anything in life if you are looking for a quick hit and you are not genuine in what you bring to your personal and professional life, you are not going to see the success you are looking for.

Suzanne Ducharme

Suzanne Ducharme, owner of Pathways to Healing and South Shore Speech Pathology Partners, has been a member of the South Shore Women’s Business Network since May of 2010.

I make an effort to attend luncheons and Business After Hours events when my schedule allows.  I have also joined the Professional Development Team, which has allowed me to get to know more people in a more personal way.  I have been asked to chair the Professional Development Day in May 2011, which will bring more opportunities, along with lots of responsibilities!  I have had several one-on-one meetings with people I met at Network events, and that has resulted in some client referrals.  I was the Featured Business in September, and recently gave my first Three-Minute Spotlight presentation.  I am trying to learn as much as I can about the who’s who, and the what’s what, and to see where I can contribute as well.

So far, being a part of the Network has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to develop new skills in marketing and building relationships.  I have had to solidify my message, which is a work in progress, since I am developing a new aspect of my business.  Now I have the chance to use skills I have learned in my past professional life to contribute to the success of the Network’s mission.  I hope that the relationships I am developing will be mutually beneficial in the months and years to come.

I would encourage new members to attend the New Members’ Breakfast, and to go to events.  Talk to Katie, to members of the Board and team leaders.  Don’t be afraid to join a team and really get involved.  And I definitely recommend that you set up those one-on-one meetings with people you make a connection with at an event.  Taking the time to get to know people in a more personal way will increase your visibility and help others see who you are and what the heart of your business is … and that ultimately leads to more business.

For those who are not members, I think that joining the Network may be the most important thing I have done for my business this year.  It is well worth the membership fee, and there are so many opportunities to grow as a person and a business owner.  Plus, the Network has great people!

Thank you and congratulations Suzanne!