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Learn, Listen and ...Eat
10/22/2008 - Ann O'Connell

This week is Small Business Week, a week of seminars, training, and events for the small business owner. I had the opportunity to attend the Diva''s lunch yesterday. There were over fifty businesswomen at this annual event. The guest speaker was dynamic, funny and so easy to listen to. We laughed, we ate, we talked and we learned.  

Our Chamber of Commerce had a table and there was a lot of talent sitting at that table. It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas with women that I know but can always learn from.

The variety of business represented in the room was amazing. Everything from space organizers (declutterer) to modular home builder to sail maker and everything in between. (And yes those sails on boats have to be made to fit and that is a business). The event was a breath of fresh air, a time to network, to develop contacts and to learn...and of couse to eat. What more could you ask for.

We sometimes undervalue the opportunities we have, we don't make time to take advantage of what is close at hand. I made some valuable contacts, I learned more about women I already knew. I was reminded of the power of self determination, what it takes to be a successful businesswoman and the diversity of products and services available in our local area.

I enjoy working with business owners, they are determined, creative, and in most cases have a very positive attitude, all traits that I admire. The energy is postive and the ideas are always flowing.

I would encourage every business owner to allocate time for business events...not every week, or even every month but maybe three or four times a year. Pick a conference, a seminar or a luncheon presentation and attend. Go with a hungry mind and soak up the benefits. And have some fun. Your business will be glad you did.

 


3 Comments From Other Members
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10/23/2008 Doreen Harmony from NY NY wrote:
I attend a monthly meeting of small business owners. We meet early morning for coffee and share ideas and concerns. I've been doing this for about six months and it has been so helpful. I don't feel quite so alone and it has provided a good way of networking as well.
10/23/2008 Ann O'Connell from Greenfield NS wrote:
Doreen: Do you pick a business and everyone brings a referral for that business? Some networking groups do that and it can be very effective. For example if your business was "it" everyone else would bring a referral for you and next month it would be someone else's turn etc. If you only meet monthly you might want to bring referrals for two or three businesses every month. It usually isn't too difficult to do and if every business owner knows they will be getting as good as they give it quickly turns into a win/win.
6/15/2009 Jan Langlois from Decatur TX wrote:
In todays world, it's not so much about WHAT you know as it is about WHO you know. Grouping with other successful minded business people can prove to be beneficial for all concerned. The only ones I avoid (like the plague) are those who are negative. They're the water-cooler whiners who drink their fill of what's not working around them. When someone "moves your cheese" take it as a challenge and start a new direction! Who do you enjoy being around? Whiners or Winners? The key to success is to DO WHAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT!!! The money will follow

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