SSWBN’s June NOVA Grateful for the Support of Talented SSWBN Members

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!