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Welcome To The Editorial Calendar.
mindy
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Faith-Based Networking
mindy
We are working on an article for publication in the fall. Your relevant contributions will be included
Have you started a Business Networking organization centering on a common faith? This could be a “Chamber of Commerce”, referral group or a monthy breakfast/lunch focusing on business. This article will focus primarily on Local “Face-to-Face” Business Networking, but are interested in your online Business Networking experiences as well. If you can touch on a few of the issues we are curious about, we would be very appreciative.
For Group Organizers:
- What made you decided to do this?
- Has it been beneficial?
- What advice would you give others who want to do the same in their area?
- Are there many members outside the faith?
For Members:
- Why did you join?
- Do you find the culture different there than in the general networking world?
- Has it been effective for you?
Thank you!
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Kid Friendly Networking
mindy
We are looking for work-from-home moms/dads… who have created their own kid-friendly networking group or participate in one. Here’s what we want to know:
* What is the meeting structure? Where do you meet? is it free?
* Fee-based to cover costs?
* Or have you created a revenue-generating networking business?
* What/who keeps the little ones occupied?
* Is your network effective?Thanks!
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Jennifer Braun
About a year ago, my sister-in-law and I started an awesome Working Moms Networking group at Happy Bambino, a parenting resource center and retail boutique, in Madison, WI. It is an ideal location as parents are familiar with from shopping or classes. Our group is free. Our format has evolved over time. At the monthly meetings, each mom introduces herself and gives a parenting tip as well as a work/balance tip. After, one mom gives a 10m in-depth presentation on her business. We’ve scheduled meetings during lunch as that seems to be a time that works for our moms. Kids can attend the group. We keep them occupied with toys that are onsite and by feeding them lunch. We used LinkedIn to keep in contact with each other and to notify the others of group or business events. It is by far one of the best networking groups I attend.
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mindy
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks Jennifer…sounds like you’ve created exactly what you needed…am I to understand correctly that you are not the owners of Happy Bambino…just that is a natuaral fit…they attract your target group members…perfect. Is there a blog for the group or a page on the site we can link directly to?
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MLM - Seems People Either Hate Them Or Are Them
mindy
News reports say that the tough economy is swelling the ranks of part-timers in various MLM organizations. Odds are they will be attending networking events.
My partner & I have noticed that a segment of the networking public takes issue with those in the direct selling industry, commonly known as MLM (Multi-level Marketing). We occasionally get negative comments about their presence at events and we have noticed that some networking organizations ban them outright. See ExampleWhat’s the deal? MLM is a legitimate business model. Why do some groups ban them and why do some people complain about their presence?
Does the industry as a whole suffer from a bad PR rap? Are the business practices of a few hurting the reputation of them all?
Networking leaders…
Q. Do you allow Multi-level marketers, if not, why?Networkers…
Q. What has been your experience encountering those in MLM? Any pre-conceived notions about MLM?
Q. Have you ever gone to a networking event or workshop and found it to be a presentation on a MLM business opportunity?
MLM Distributors We want to heard by you as well
Q. What has been your networking experience? How successful has your networking been? Do you ever experience discrimination/prejudice because of your business model?All respondents who wish to comment in print will be published online. From there some will make the article in a national newsletter.
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Karen Kalisek
Great item to discuss!
Overall, I don’t have a problem with MLM as long as I know prior to an event that the MLM will be the focus. I was disappointed with a local chamber event that hosted a class on networking.The class started out with general networking knowledge and then came the hook for a card company. This may work for some people, but in my situation, I walked away disappointed in the chamber for hosting such an event, angry because I had wasted by time and determined that I would be more cautious next time. -
Gayle Goldman
I think it’s a shame to shut out MLM reps. These people are great additions to any networking group. If you think about it, they are constantly meeting people and networking. They need the services of the people in the group and they meet other who do as well. They are very serious about their businesses and the success of their businesses. As a QuickBooks consultant, I have worked with many MLM reps and found them to be professional and a great source of leads.
- Gayle Goldman http://www.qbexpert.com -
Andy Lopata
MLM is a perfectly legitimate business model. When running networking groups my advice to all of our group leaders was that they should be allowed to join but encouraged to talk about the service/products they offered before the ‘opportunity’ (ie downline recruitment).
That was for their own benefit as much as anyone else’s. If you have a business where you only ever talk about recruitment and not about what you are selling, how can you have any credibility?
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bizomundo
Hi Andy,
Your right, MLM is a valid and effective business development model but any type of recruiting causes complaints to the event hosts/organizers. Which has some organizers and hosts want to ban MLM reps from their events.
Especially when there are 4, 5, 6 or more Network Marketing Reps at any given event, the other attendees fear being recruited 4, 5 or 6+ times at each and every event they attend.
Mindy, thanks again for posting this topic for your first article. I can see that this conversation can possibly set “Business Networking Industry” Policies and Practices.
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bizomundo
My Background: I’ve hosted networking events. I was Chamber Member of the Year in Huntington Beach & served as a Chamber Board Member. I started a Le Tip chapter and am a Rotary Club Past President… so the topic of MLM’s cuts deep to the bone for me.
Bottom line: MLM, Network Marketing, Business Opportunity and Direct Sales Reps provide a significant source of revenue for all Business Services, Associations, Networking Events, Chambers of Commerce, Seminar Companies and Coaches. Money talks, so they are here to stay.
Policies: Many groups have “no recruiting” policies for any type of Business Opportunity Business. Reps/Members are free to promote and sell their products and/or services, but can not solicit the business opportunity. This makes the most sense to me, if it’s enforced. And you have to know up front that the policy will be rigorously challenged and tested, repeatedly.
Prohibiting MLM: I feel that this can be a “marketing advantage” for some groups and I’ve seen several that have “No MLM” USPs. But, if you look at their member list, there are MLM reps on the roster. This hurts the group’s reputation and credibility.
Barriers to Entry: One of the best ways to keep any rif-raf out is a high barrier to entry, usually a financial barrier with an intention to accept only “serious” business people into the group. (This seems to work quite well, but you also limit many excellent businesses from participating.)
Banish the Abusers: This takes courage, but the only thing that I’ve found that works is to have clear guidelines, rules and expectations for all members/attendees. Then immediately banish/terminate any abusers.
I can’t wait to see this article and the comments. I’m going to subscribe to the feed!
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networksboise
Hi There!
I own and operate a very focused, strictly B2B, networking group. As such, the format and the membership does not lend itself well to MLM (different target markets). We do not accept membership from any business who’s clients are not businesses themselves. This includes any B2C business, not just MLM.
I think what it comes down to is what is the make up and the focus of your group? If it’s general, and I will echo comments from others here, and the MLM member is presenting their products and services rather than the “opportunity”, I see no challenge with inviting them into your group. Not my group, your group (smile). Fact is, our members are prohibited from directly soliciting business from another member. You need to “earn the right” to do business with another member just as you would with any prospective client and the best way to do that is be at every meeting and contribute at every meeting.
Ultimately, there are certainly many highly successful folks that are MLM. And I think that some “less than professional” marketers likely have given the professionals a tough perception to overcome, but, for us, it is a matter of our focus rather than an “MLM” barrier.
Great topic! Thanks for letting me contribute!
Craig
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Lois
Unless it is a structured Referral group that only allow one of every industry MLM is a excellent business.. That said there are people in MLM that do not represent themselves as the professional business most sucessful MLM’ers do. As we all know that business is based on relationships as good networking is as well. My two cents
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Lara Feltin
This is an interesting conversation to start, Mindy. The example you provided in your post above, is to Biznik’s No MLM Policy. As Biznik’s Cofounder, I feel obliged to respond.
Our policy states: If you participate in a business other than one that violates Biznik’s No MLM policy, and if you can successfully promote it without mention of the violating company or its products, you may promote your non-violating business on Biznik. If your primary business is in any way associated with a company in violation, then Biznik is not the right fit for you.
Here’s why.
Biznik is a community for people running independent businesses. Participation in Biznik is focused on building relationships with other business owners and strengthening your professional reputation. The success of any MLM organization depends upon developing an ever-expanding network of people who join the business as opposed to directly promoting a product or service.
For our purposes, an MLM is defined broadly as any business that recruits distributors, resellers, consultants, or others for the sale or representation of a product or service that does not originate from the person requesting membership with Biznik. This includes matrix marketing and representatives of direct sales companies. Whether the business is MLM, network marketing, or direct sales, the presence of MLM representatives on Biznik and at Biznik events draws focus from independent business networking toward selling secondary business opportunities. At Biznik, we are not comfortable having our members solicited or propositioned to join or add another business.
We do not judge the merit or question the legitimacy of such companies. Many business networking groups and professional or business associations exclude multi-level marketing companies, recruiters, and distributors from their membership, including Xing.com, Ecademy.com, my own BNI chapter here in Seattle, even PayPal and Ebay. Though it is possible for a representative from such an entity to simply promote their products or services without recruiting distributors or resellers, Biznik is a very small self-funded company, and we have chosen not to engage valuable resources attempting to police these practices among our members.
You asked how we enforce this policy. We start by including a link to the No MLM Policy on our About page, a No MLM logo (red-slashed circle) on the “Join Biznik Now” form, and require new sign-ups to click a checkbox declaring compliance with our No MLM policy. This policy is also included in the Terms of Service which each person agrees to when they join Biznik.
After these steps, both a volunteer and an employee watch the list of new members as they join each day for the most obvious violations. Some people do not fill in their complete profile information immediately, so many are missed – which means the burden of upholding the policy then falls on the community.
Each member can flag another member for violation of Biznik’s Terms of Service. The person being flagged is not notified of the flag, and the person making the flag is never identified to them. What it does, is simply call someone to our attention so we can investigate their participation.
Many times MLM representatives have a true entrepreneurial spirit, and are running more than one business. We encourage those members – such as the health care practitioner or the financial advisor – to participate in Biznik as a representative of their primary business, and leave all mention of the MLM at home.
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mindy
Hello Lara,
Thank you for weighing in on this topic. It is very much appreciated. I was not aware of the policies of those other companies mentioned. I know you must have put much thought into drafting policies that are in the best interest of your members.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Biznik communities… visit them. They have a unique platform., and are growing! http://biznik.com
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nefstaff
Lara, Thank you for having the courage to boldly post your MLM policy in your http://biznik.com registration process. It’s refreshing to see such a clear message. Too many businesses worry about “offending anyone” that they send mixed messages about their policies.
Would you share about how many members get “flagged” during the a month?
Lara, is “member policing” effective method to keep your “terms of service” honored?
We’re in the process of modifying some of our “terms of service” here at networking event finders and would appreciate your voice of experience and insight.
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Mick Moore
I think in general, most MLM’s get a bad wrap. The reason for this is that most leaders that recruit people paint a rosey picture and all the GREAT things that are associated with that particular MLM. The downside is that ALL MLM’s take a lot of work and social interaction to achieve results and being that most people tend to burn out if they don’t see immediate results, they feel they have been mis-informed and ripped off. Most recruiters don’t fully explain the costs associated with the MLM and the person being pitched the program tend to get hit with membership and autoshipping costs they may have misunderstood.
I’ts a documented fact that over 90% of people who join MLM’s end up paying out more than they will rever make and this is primarily due to the lack of effort most people are willing to put in to achieve results.
I for one have only found one MLM that I actually made a sizeable amount of money straight out the gate with and that is online advertising with RemovedByMindy.com.
I actually made $2,800 in two days with only about two hours of telephone work. To say I was amazed is an understatement. I am still currently involved with RemovedByMindy.com and after being involved with YTB Travel, Monavie and Kangen Water, this is the only MLM that the actual working 9-5 person can make money with minimal effort. If you would like to dip your toes into a profitable and fun MLM and actually get started making money without ANY out of pocket investment, I urge you to visit RemovedAgainByMindy.com and take a look for yourself.
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mindy
Hi Mick,
I agree with what you say in your first two paragraphs. Passionate, emotional opportunity pitches to people who are inexperienced in sales & networking skills hint to the root of “overly enthusiastic” networking practices. Although I would make the distinction on who earns the “bad rap”…the company or the representatives.Then I got to your third paragraph and…DANG…I lost the bet! My partner bet me that someone would post a shameless pitch for their company. I had said…Are you kidding? This whole discussion is *because* people object to inappropriate pitches. Who would think this is the right time & place for a promotion and a “my MLM is better than your MLM” plug?
Ok…so my partner was right…now what to do? Do we leave it up? We decided to remove the company link. This is in fairness to those who gave us their opinions but thoughtfully left the sales pitch at home and to prevent other similar inappropriate promotions. We are leaving the rest of the post for it illustrates the need for discussion and education on this topic.
We invite you to post on our Forum where we have a topic entitled Shameless Promotions. You may also upload a 30-second elevator speech on our Elevator Speech Challenge page.
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nefstaff
As a general rule, we allow up to two links in our replies. The links should be in support of, illustrate or reinforce the main point of your comment. Links to articles, wikipedia and blogs that assist Mindy and our staff in writing and preparing their articles are welcomed.
Promotional and advertising links will be removed by the moderator.
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Dan Evertsz
Lara, what a great topic. I enjoy networking events and attend many. I am not in network marketing but run across many people who are. I enjoy meeting business owners from every background. I don’t understand why anyone would try to exclude someone from attending a networking event because they represent an MLM. There are many very good companies out there with good products or services. What’s wrong with someone chasing their dream. Their are more millionaires made from netrworking than any other industry in this country. I enjoy talking to anyone that has the strong entrepreneurial spirit and believes in what they’re doing or selling. Isn’t that what our country is all about? If you are not interested or don’t want to be bothered, just say no and move on. As a college planner, I help families across the country figure out how they will pay for college. I currently have 3 clients that happen to be in networking marketing. I met each one at networking events. Remember, we’re all consumers, they may need your services. That’s why it’s called networking.
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Kaaren Douglas
Dan, your comment really struck a note with me. One of the ways I have met a variety of people whose services I am now using is through networking events: my Aflac agent, my electrician, my chiropractor, my real estate agent, my hypnotherapist, my business coach, and the list goes on. Now what if I had been excluded from those networking events because I am a distributor for a network marketing company? All of those people would not have had business from me, or the referrals I have given them. Did most of them buy my products? No, but my personal goals are to help others in business, and get quality service from those people I do business with.
I am like some of the other posters to this list: I absolutely cringe when someone promotes their “opportunity” during their elevator speech. Let’s go to these events with an idea to develop relationships with people, and see where it takes us. Leave the recruiting to other venues.
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Charlene
I am not terribly fond of network marketing because it usually is at its core reselling an overpriced product or product line. There are no real discounts to be had and they often kill you with shipping costs and other nickel/dime things. You have to convince or otherwise lie to yourself that this stuff is the best stuff since sliced bread to justify the exorbitant cost. And you typically need to spend significant money yourself for personal use before you can qualify for payments. Single people typically can’t do this because it eats up massive amounts of disposable income. That’s why people fall off, IMO, they have to sell something they may not really believe in at too high a price and the only way it works is if you bring in other people hoping to get a discount.
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Lara Feltin
@nefstaff, you asked how many members get flagged for violation of Biznik’s No MLM policy a month. Our community is growing so quickly, the numbers change each month, but I’d estimate that right now, about two dozen new profiles a month, are caught by an employee of Biznik looking for a blatant violation of our MLM policy. These are folks that must’ve ignored the fact that they checked a box on the Signup form, declaring compliance with Biznik’s No MLM policy, because they put the name of the MLM and a link to the MLM company site on their profile. Another dozen, are flagged for vaguely promoting a questionable business with a job title like, “wellness products distributor.” These kind of flags require a little investigation. If the wellness products originate with an MLM company and the person does not have another business independent of the MLM, that they can promote on Biznik, then they’re told that Biznik is not the right fit.
Is “member policing” effective? It’s effective to a degree. The policy was put into place to preserve the integrity of the mission set forth by the Cofounder and I. This measure protects the members from unwanted sales pitches for new business opportunities. Those who see it that way, are happy to flag a member who has violated the policy by pitching an MLM product online or at an event. But the truth is, most people complain that they feel bad about flagging another member. A great example – today I received the following message, “Why do I feel like I revert back to grade school when asked to “tattle” on another?” Others haven’t been so nice. One person complained to me, that there were blatant MLM reps on Biznik that I had not taken action on. But when I asked her to assist in pointing those people out to me, she refused and accused me of asking her to participate in a witch hunt.
Our policy says: “If you participate in a business other than one that violates Biznik’s No MLM policy, and if you can successfully promote it without mention of the violating company or its products, you may promote your non-violating business on Biznik.” I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt, and assume that if they represent an MLM, but there is no mention of the MLM or the products that originate with the MLM on their profile, than they understand our policy and are choosing to abide by it.
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nefstaff
@Lara Feltin, thank you. I still have tears of recognition in my eyes about “I feel like I revert back to grade school”.
I see why your site is such a successful community. Thank you for sharing both your expertise and experiences with us.
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mindy
Yes Lara, thank you for your thoughtful responses. I commend you for sticking to your policies to “preserve the integrity of the mission” rather than take an easier route of trying to please everyone.
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sarahboardmanmiller
this is truly fascinating! there are so many small businesses out there that make a difference in peoples lives. wether, it be a network marketing company or a “traditional small business”.
having the honor and pleasure of going to a networking event and meeting such extrordinary people is a gift. there are so many groups to belong to or visit, biznik is one of many. i have been blessed to have started an interior design firm that i closed 13 years later and decided that a network marketing company at this time in my life is a better fit. they both have required strength, integrity, money, time and effort. it is truly about the individual and growing and stretching those comfort zones.
i feel badly for those that have had less than experiences with networking marketing companies, just as in life, if something doesn’t jive, say “next”.
love you,
sarah boardman-miller
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John Hays
Over the last 35 years, I have had many experiences, almost all negative, with MLM reps from a variety of companies. I have been recruited by family and friends and have actually looked at a couple of “opportunities” very closely while researching the business model. I signed up for one company, through my brother, in order to get products that I like, at distributor prices. My brother accepts the fact that I only buy product and will not recruit or participate in any recruitment activities. I have not chosen to become really involved in any of these businesses for several reasons I won’t go into here, as they would be off topic and only heat up the discussion.
Most pertinent to this discussion is the fact that success in an MLM depends on creating a large downline of distributors to support the success of a few upline individuals. This requires the recruiting of an ever-expanding network of distributors. It is this necessary activity that I find very offensive.
I have been a Biznik member for about three years. Their No MLM policy is one of the reasons I joined and continue to be active. I am not interested in being hustled by people wanting me to contribute to their success by joining their downlines. Biznik’s policy protects me from that irritation.
I am in Biznik to give support to individuals creating their own businesses from scratch and to receive support in developing my own business. Biznik was created to serve this purpose. MLMs don’t fit into that concept. Its that simple.
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Debra Simpson
I think one of the difficulties for MLM is that the area is so saturated with identical, or similar MLM businesses. The second difficulty with MLM is that so many represent different companies continually. I like PrePaid Legal. However the person who signed me up, gave it up years ago. In fact, he’s four MLM businesses down the road. Churn ‘em and burn ‘em.
I’ll echo the comment that MLM doesn’t always behave professionally. When I’m at a networking event and I introduce myself to you, and all I get back is your pitch, including loading me up with samples……then you walk away without even asking what my business is about.
Additionally, sometimes MLM provide promises about their service/product that are unsubstantiated. It’s difficult to listen to someone who is not a web programmer tell the audience that the widget you install on your desktop drives traffic to your website.
All in all, MLM is fine, but I see MLM as “sales reps” for the company. Unlike me, who has to put together my business, from scratch, including all my promo materials, etc, MLM has the business handed to them in a turnkey style. They really can’t relate to me, because they have an entire “upline/corporate sponsor” handing their marching order to them.
So, I tend to gravitate to a no MLM policy.
Just my two cents…..
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mindy
Hi Debra,
Thank you for the distinction as you see it, between a business owner and a sales representative.
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mindy
hello everyone….Thank you for all the great comments! I am now working on the article that will go out in tomorrow’s newsletter, but I wanted to include these three comments that were posted on LinkedIn after I put a query on the San Diego Professionals Group page. Here is The Article that came from this discussion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Education or lack thereof is the deal…
If people took the time to understand the industry they would realize they do it a lot without directly benefiting from their activities.
I have two systems for helping MLMers and when they embrace either one their income skyrockets.
It is a matter of understanding, action and commitment that make all the difference. I suppose you could say that for every aspect of life.
Bruce
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and in response to Bruce…..“Just checked you out there Bruce….Love the input you offered!…
‘When you are helping others it just feels good. Successful Networkers don’t offer products… unless they have tried/loved them.
It’s such a tremendous industry and one that becomes a passion! Certain people have the desire to work (key word there, ok) the business and when trained well can overcome any negative reactions. I’d rather work my networking biz in MY Time.. than punch any clock any day!! I literally work from my pool!
Thanks Mindy for offering this chance to state our thoughts!!
Regards, Nancy ”~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Graham Primrose.“I agree with Bruce, MLM is taboo with some people because they do not understand the concept and how it actually works. Having a good sponsor is key in any business and MLM is no different. It can be said that those who fear it, hate it, knock it have endured a bad experience or chosen the wrong vehicle for them. Someone selling health products successfully may not have the passion to sell services successfully. It is as individual as it gets, I love the concept and have tried one or two companies without too much success, the one I am passionate about is the services one I am still involved with.
Misconceptions kills all types of business we must remember that it is not just MLM.
Jean Paul Getty always said that “I would rather have 1% of everyones effort, than 100% of my own” or something like that.
Anyway must dash for now, stay happy and smile, make someones day and say hello.
Regards,
Graham “
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Jack Taugher
If you’re an MLM, you should disclose your affiliation. Do you know how many people have tried to join real brick-and-mortar business networking groups that I’ve belonged to and said “I am an Identity Theft Consultant”, “I just started a network of low-cost legal advisors”, “I sell nutricuitical grade vitamins” .. no you’re with Prepaid Legal Services or Market America…
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mindy
I think that is a big issue with many…I know it is with me. It’s disconcerting to contact someone, after looking at the website, only to learn it is actually an MLM company..NO mention of the true service/business on the site.
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Mackeran
I liked it. So much useful material. I read with great interest.
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mindy
Thank you, Mackeran!
Please let us know how we can help you in your networking endeavors. Join us on our Friday Morning calls…they are free!
http://thelinksystem.com/2009/07/13/free-fridays-networking-tips/
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Restaurants hosting networking groups to avoid hard times
mindy
Restaurant Owners – Has slower business caused you to think of creative ways to increase traffic such as hosting networking events & other meetings? We would like to talk to restaurant owners about the impact hosting and catering to networking groups/meetings has had on their business.
How do you market the space? Do you make special offers..what about menu items & server pracitces? Is it worth opening up to host breakfast groups?
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Shannon Ewing
I’m a manager of a Denver restaurant that has been focusing on networking groups and fundraising events. We’ve been trying to attract attention by searching for and reaching out to the groups directly, making ourselves visible in local publications, of course offering special pricing and menu items, and by old fashioned handbill menus and mailings. It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve received great feedback on all the events we’ve hosted to date.
To answer the last question, we are a lunch, happy hour, and dinner venue and have yet to see value in opening for breakfast. The staffing, atypical food prep, and potential profit yield don’t add up.
Let us know if you’d like to host a tasty organic event at XO in the Jet Hotel!
How has the economy affected your networking organization?
mindy
“I am looking for leaders of Business Networking Organizations…they can be Referral Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, Happy Hour Mixers, etc. to comment on the effect of the economy on
attendance…is business up or are networkers saving their money and opting for connecting online? Has the explosion in social networking cut into your business? We may choose some to be profiled in the e-zine as a Mover & Shaker in their locale.
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Beth Iacullo
As the Founder of WEXNET (www.wexnet.ws), A Social Networking Group for NJ Professional Women, I have noticed a significant drop in guest list registrations over the past 6-9 months. Not knowing if women were losing an interest in our specific group OR if they were just not attending due to financial concerns, I hosted a free networking breakfast last month. Approximately 40 women attended this 2-hour event, as opposed to seeing only 10-20 women at all of the other events that there is a charge for.
Keeping in mind that WEXNET prides itself on never charging a membership fee, it truly concerns me that women are not coming out to network during these struggling times. Networking is truly the most effective, and most cost efficient way to advertise yourself — especially within a networking group that does not charge a membership fee. And then to hear from so many businesswomen that they have to close their business or change professions simply because their business is not productive or profitable certainly doesn’t suprise me.
In addition to starting WEXNET 5 years ago, I have been self-employed as a Virtual Office Assistant (www.baci.ws) for the past 8 years. In that time, I have only “paid” to advertise my business 2 times! All of my business and referrals have simply come thru the power of networking. When it’s done right, networking is the most important tool that any businessperson can use.
Nadine Bonner 9:03 pm on July 21, 2009 Permalink |
I joined RESET, a Jewish speed networking group, because I am both looking for work and looking for free lance projects. Their philosophy is that we should all be looking to help one another, and I have been able to pass on job leads to others.
In general, I find that Jewish networking groups are more enjoyable for me, even if I haven’t found them any more effective in my job hunt. Judaism is more cultural in many ways than religious. When I network with someone Jewish, it usually turns out that we have some kind of a personal connection – a mutual friend or a relative – that builds more immediate trust. I find I have a comfort level with a Jewish group that I don’t have in the general networking world, although I have many close friends who aren’t Jewish.
I can’t say that I have gotten a job offer or a free lance project from my Jewish networking. But I see networking as a building process that pays off in the long run.
The other thing I appreciate about Jewish networking groups is that the food is kosher. When I go to a Jewish networking event I’m not standing around nursing a drink while everyone else fills their plates as I am when I go to general networking programs. Because I only eat kosher food, I always feel “different” at a general event, while with a Jewish group, I fit in.
Krista Dunk 12:40 pm on July 22, 2009 Permalink |
Thank you Mindy. We’d be happy to comment on your faith-based networking project!
Koinonia Business Women is an organization that is “Building & Empowering Today’s Christian Businesswomen”. We have in-person networking groups specifically for women of faith who are business owners or professional women. To answer your questions, here is more infomration:
1. What made you decide to do this?
As business owners and Christian women, Tammy and I felt like something was missing in regular business workshops, networking groups and other learning opportunities. Faith! Out of our dissatisfaction and hearts for teaching and connecting women, we formed a local networking and masterminding group for Christian women in business. The vision has grown far beyond those humble beginnings!
2. Has it been beneficial?
Yes – definitely. We’ve been learning. The ladies who attend have been learning and making great connections. The joint participation is rich and beneficial for everyone. In fact, the word “Koinonia” (pronounced ‘coin-o-nee-ah’) means “to be in fellowship with God and with like-minded believers”, as well as “expressing our depth and richness in joint participation.” This fits our vision and organization exactly.
3. What advice would you give others who want to do the same in their area?
People could hop on board with our organization to start a local KBWomen’s meeting if they felt led to. We have a whole system set up for group facilitators, who don’t have to “have all the answers”, by the way! Otherwise, some advice would be to figure out what your main purpose would be for starting a networking group. Leads? Fellowship? Skill building? Networking? Prayer support? Then, based on that, determine who your target people are and survey them to see what their needs are, what day of the week works for meetings, etc.
4. Are there many members outside the faith?
A few are exploring us who are not officially Christians (according to them). They find us welcoming and fun!
Please let me know if you need any other clarification or information. Hope your project is blessed!
Krista Dunk, Co-Founder
Koinonia Business Women
http://www.KBWomen.com
Jennifer Maggio 7:55 am on July 24, 2009 Permalink |
I am the founder of the Single Moms Ministry in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, under the leadership of Healing Place Church (an 8,000 member mega-church pastored by Dino Rizzo). It is a Christian-based organization designed to promote networking among single moms to better their quality of life by growing in four main areas – emotional stability, financial success, parenting, and Spiritual growth. The group has turned into a networking resource for personal needs, such as clothing, food, babysitting, as well as professional needs, such as resume swapping.
With over 12 million single moms nation-wide, my desire is that we would help start similar ministries at churches and non-profit organizations across the country.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to share our story.
Jennifer Maggio
http://www.thelifeofasinglemom.com
mindy 1:29 pm on July 24, 2009 Permalink |
Thank you Jennifer,
I’m not a mom, so it’s not difficult for me to think in terms of our core theme of “only business networking”. But you underscore the reality of the blended life that thousands of Single Moms lead… and it is difficult to separate out “business” networking from “life” networking because the person who gave you an important business lead may also know of great day-care resource.
Michael Buckingham 2:58 pm on July 24, 2009 Permalink |
About 3 years ago we opened what we call the Church Marketing Lab, a place where creatives and designers could post work for comment, post topics for discussion and all around a place for those working with churches to connect. We currently have over 3,000 members who have posted over 8,000 pieces of work and created over 2,000 conversations.
Beyond the online aspects we have many offline groups that meet as well. Just recently we had a group meet at the HOW Design conference and a few over 40 people had lunch together, shared stories and made some great connections. We call these Local Labs.
The world of a designer within the faith community can be a lonely one, often the only creative on staff. Of course many of the people within the Church Marketing lab are not on staff and either volunteer or work freelance. The lab has given them a group of people that they can collaborate with, communicate with and sometimes just give each other a shoulder to lean on.
I would be more than happy to talk further.
Here’s a whole thread about the blessings of the lab: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cfcc/discuss/72157618531613080/?search=grateful+lab and here are a few other comments we’ve received:
I am so thankful for you all. Two months ago a friend and fellow designer suggested I check out this group. I have been in love ever since.
It is impossible to convey how constructive, practical, and inspirational you all have been. Your work spurs me on to be creative, do better, and work harder. Through what you are doing, God has refocused what I am doing.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…”
Thank you for stirring me up!
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Not to be cheesy, but I just wanted to give a big thanks to this lab and the peeps responsible for what goes on here…I have been challenged in many ways to step up my design skills, which are mediocre at best. I’ve been inspired so much by what has been posted, and often just sit here and say, “wow, that is so cool…” Seriously, this lab has challenged my views on church marketing, and understand the value of original, sound ideas…So, thanks Guys and Gals… you rawk…
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