Networking advice needed

DDays · Posted: March 16, 2006, 4:31 am Post subject: Networking advice needed

Hi everyone.

I have started a business women's network in my local area and I have 50 women on the books, which is great for a little country area, no advertising and only a couple of months old! We meet once a month and have guest speakers as needed.

My question is.... What skills, knowledge or experience (or anything else) would you like to get from such a network?

It is up to me to plan the agenda at the moment but you know what it is like when you are so close to something? You miss the obvious?

All suggestions gratefully accepted!
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Anne

www.beautybanquet.com.au
www.funkysoaps.com.au
www.mydayoff.com.au (blog)
www.thetallpoppy.blogspot.com (blog)

DDays · Posted: March 18, 2006, 1:37 am Post subject:

HI again. Maybe I should add that the group has women who are already in business, but it has those who are looking for somewhere to start, too. We have listed the topics of Business Planning, Marketing, Time Management and so on.... I guess what I want to know is what would have made it easier for you when you were starting out?

What I want to do in part,is to use our network to smooth the path for the women starting out,

Please help as I am looking at a blank book here Shocked

_________________
Anne

www.beautybanquet.com.au
www.funkysoaps.com.au
www.mydayoff.com.au (blog)
www.thetallpoppy.blogspot.com (blog)

Anita · Posted: March 18, 2006, 3:14 am Post subject:

Well, let's see here - what would have made it easier for me? Well, for starters - a group such as the one you're doing (seriously, I think it's great!)

I think Time Management is a big issue (at least is for me anyway).

Business Planning - Now there's definitely a very large one! There are way more people (especially small businesses) that don't have a business plan vs those who do! Maybe you can offer a class on how to create a business plan.

I know I seem to only be saying the same things you've already said again but you definitely have some important topics listed here already.

Marketing is a great topic too - but how about marketing online? Do you think these ladies might be interested in taking their businesses online??

Take care,
Anita Smile

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BusyMomma · Posted: March 18, 2006, 4:49 am Post subject:

I would definitely start off with business plans. A lot more business' would survive if they had a plan of action. It is very easy to find workshop formats online or at your library so you can teach it to them. You should be able to find worksheets for them and everything through the SBA.

Brainstorming about advertising in your area would be great. Then you could compile a list for members. Also a list of what events are in the area to vend at. Then of course you would need to address how to vend at a future meeting. lol

Just plain how to be professional is needed. Phone, email, meeting etiquette, is sorely lacking because most people have never been taught.

Ways to balance everything. A lot of small biz people are also working full or part-time, have families and are trying to get the biz going. I guess that would fall under time management too. Laughing

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Lauren · Posted: March 19, 2006, 12:46 am Post subject:

I would add to this-what to do when you first start out. Organizational tips, where and with whom to register your business (legal stuff), and then tax preparation, profits/losses calculating them, etc.

I started in Direct Sales almost 7 months ago, and am still doing some of the things that I should have done the first month. Kind of feels like going backwards. Embarassed

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Lauren
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