Womens Network of San Luis Obispo | Articles

A networking group such as WN is a gathering of business people and other professionals who meet on a regular basis to socialize, make formal presentations on various topics of interest, or chat with one another about their livelihoods.

Networking groups discuss everything from sales leads to marketing and public relations strategies. For the small business owner, the more informal elements of a networking group—the give-and-take of information and guidance among members can serve as powerful business tools.

A leads group traditionally meets at the same time and place on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or yearly basis, to encourage relationship-building. Many groups are comprised of one business professional from a chosen field, eliminating the competition for specific business leads. Restrictions are placed on group membership to ensure it is composed of business professionals who are looking for the same thing and playing by the same rules. (Author: David Sherman)

Means getting to know clients and ultimately establishing a relationship built on trust. Women’s Network (and other organizations) provide you with the opportunity to meet new people - many of whom will become your clients or know somebody who may need your services. You just have to let them know what you do!

• Carry your business cards at all times and hand them out freely.
• Don’t be afraid to initiate the contact with someone you don’t know. Most people are feeling the same insecurity as you. It will make you both feel more involved if you strike up a conversation.
• Get out of your comfort zone at each meeting. Say something different - sit somewhere different.
• Do keep expanding your network. At the end of a conversation ask, “Do you know anyone else I might talk to about this?”
• Share the fact that you are in a network. Your clients will appreciate your extended contacts.
• Do offer your help generously. Remember, “What goes around, comes around.”
• Do take others up on their offer to help….

1. Never leave home (or office) without a stack of business cards in your wallet, purse, briefcase, and in your car. Running out happens to the best of us, so remember to restock your supply after each networking event, meeting, or business trip.
2. Create a system for receiving and giving out business cards. The simple two-pocket method is fail-safe: put others’ business contacts in your left pocket, handing out your own cards from your right pocket.
3. Write down the date on the front of a card as soon as you receive it. When it’s time to purge your card collection, the date on the front will help you decide whether to keep or discard the contact information.
4. Write down where you met the individual on the back of the card. When handling a lot of cards, only Einstein could remember everyone from their names. Add any other information that will help you remember the individual, as well as items to follow up on - like a product or event she mentioned.
5. Following up is crucial. Once you’ve got your contact, follow up as soon as possible (less than one week).
6. Meeting someone and getting her business card is not enough. It’s your responsibility to put those names in your database, set up a date to call them, and then make that call!by Evelyn Gray, a Productivity Expert & Certified Action Coach in southern California.

In the beginning…

The San Luis Obispo Women’s Network is a lively, diverse group of
women dedicated to supporting, encouraging and empowering women to
reach their fullest potential both personally and professionally. Its
beginning dates back to 1979 when Connie Framberger had left her job,
was unemployed, and was looking for focus. Connie was looking for
other business women to talk with, and since there were not many women
in business at that time, Connie decided to begin a personal and career
development group rather than a service club. Pandora Nash was working
with Connie’s husband, and she and Connie met for lunch to discuss the
possibilities of starting such a group.

In September 1979, the first group of women (approximately 20 women) met at Howard Johnson’s in San
Luis Obispo. There was no formal name for the group, no officers, no
specific agenda or policies, and no fancy brochures. People just showed
up and paid for a salad bar lunch.

Growing the organization…

During the first six months, the group was growing in size by 10
members per month without any publicity and without formal officers.
Shortly thereafter, the group developed a steering committee, and it
was decided the group should move to a larger location since Howard
Johnson’s could no longer house them without prior reservations. Other
locations the group moved to were Corcoron’s, the Breakers, and the San
Luis Obispo Veterans Hall. Luncheons were all catered by women. These
were the days of the famous “Cheesewiz Enchiladas.” In an effort to
keep the luncheons simpler, the group then moved to This Old House. This
was the only time This Old House was ever open for lunch, and they
offered us a buffet luncheon. As the group grew in size, they filled
the front, back and bar areas of the restaurant. The only problem with
this location was that not all of the members could see the speaker
during the programs. In the search for a larger location where all
members could participate in the program, Women’s Network moved to
William Randolph’s. It did not take long until we outgrew that location
and moved to Pacific Suites in 1987 (now Embassy Suites).

We spent several years at the Madonna Inn, and most
recently, we alternate seasons at the Monday Club and the Dallidet Adobe
Gardens.

A board of directors was developed…

In September 1980, Patricia Ashbaugh created the by-laws for Women’s
Network. Betsey Nash became the first president of the San Luis Obispo
Women’s Network, and a board of directors was developed. At that time
Women’s Network established rules that members were not allowed to hand
out business cards or solicit business at the luncheon meetings so that
no one would feel threatened or intimidated. Members were, however,
allowed to use their directory for solicitation at any time. Dues were
approximately $20 per year, and the newsletter and the directory were
also published for the first time that year. In 1981, Women’s Network
was written up in Saavy Magazine, a women’s business magazine.

Women’s Network today…

We now have announcements, 30-second commercials to solicit
business, ads in the newsletter, testimonials to thank other members,
giveaways, a marketing table at the luncheons, vendor fairs, open
house, and table-top networking where we hand out our business cards at
each meeting. Our website enables us to use email marketing with other members.

Women’s Network has never been involved in politics or
taken a radical approach in any subject area. We offer Womentoring, not
just mentoring. Although we have never had any male members, men have
attended as guests and speakers, and they have given advice on
occasion. One man actually said the name Women’s Network would never
work, but we know differently.

ur programs and speakers have always
been on subjects of interest to women either personally or
professionally. Meetings are a place where we can come together with
issues and feel supported. Women’s Network has developed the current
monthly meeting format with a luncheon and program. Through the years
we have had special events and educational meetings with top guest
speakers. Each year we host an open house and a vendor fair. We publish
a membership directory annually and a newsletter once a month. Many
women have expressed what a positive difference Women’s Network has
made not only in their careers, but in their lives.