Event: Turning your contacts into ...

eWomen_GLOW 10 posts since
Nov 20, 2008

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15. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into contracts Dec 2, 2008 2:51 PM

in response to: SBOCTeam

Great question! We actually recently completed a research project on this very question. Here is what our respondents said:

The number one challenge is obtaining new business. According to 36%, client acquisition ranked as their primary concern, while 29% listed marketing and promotion and a distant 12% worried about cash flow. Clearly, businesswomen are losing sleep over increasing new business and promoting themselves, which combined, add up to 65%. The survey also revealed issues like work/life balance (3%), staff retention (2%) and staying inspired and motivated (1%) weren't much of a concern.

How do you close more deals, gain more effective promotion for your business and increase cash flow? Simple, you network. We've all heard the saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know." In my book, "Relationship Networking: The Art of Turning Contacts into Connections," I say that "Networking is the art of creating connections and building relationships." Strong relationships close deals and will get you the marketing and promotion you need to grow your business.

Great networking is giving without keeping score. It's focused on giving first and receiving second, which means, you may not get business right then and there, but the relationships you develop help connect you. Carefully cultivated relationships require an investment of genuine interest, time and energy. You want to market and promote your business. You don't want to pass out business cards- you give a card when you can give a lead. Any business owner will tell you there's nothing more powerful than referrals. In the end, networking is a lifestyle. Learn to make it part of every aspect of your life.

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VelvetSuit 1 posts since
Dec 2, 2008

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16. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into connections Dec 2, 2008 2:51 PM

There's a huge trend for businesses to go green. Have you made the move towards being green? How do you suggest women entrepreneurs introduce green initiatives into their small business?

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eWomen_GLOW 10 posts since
Nov 20, 2008

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17. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into connections Dec 2, 2008 2:56 PM

in response to: VelvetSuit

Absolutely! I have a personal philosophy that even if it doesn't always have an economic benefit, I believe we have a moral obligation to keeping our planet as healthy as possible. My real hope is that we leave our planet better for our children ... and their children ... and the rest of those who will live in a future we will never see. The resources and website today are plentiful. There is a great book out by my friend, Elizabeth Rogers, entitled "The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time." The changes can be both small and large. An example of a small one is the recyclable Conference tote bags that all our attendees get when they attend our international Conference. Not only was the fabric "green friendly" but they were re-usable as grocery bags long after the Conference was over. We have also shifted many of our reports to online versions in order to eliminate the use of paper. We have switched to larger containers of water to eliminate the unnecessary use of so many small plastic bottles. We are currently investigating new copier equipment and gathering "green" benefits. We are running the dishwasher at the office only when it is full. We are increasingly using recyclable paper for program guides, brochures, marketing collateral, etc. These are but a few examples where little things over time will make a big difference.

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caffeinated 175 posts since
Apr 29, 2008

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18. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into connections Dec 2, 2008 2:59 PM

How important is it for a small business to support a charity or non-profit group?

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eWomen_GLOW 10 posts since
Nov 20, 2008

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19. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into connections Dec 2, 2008 3:17 PM

in response to: caffeinated

Ok, I'll try not to be over-verbose here. I have to control myself a bit on this subject because it is a personal passion of mine. I suppose you could argue that this is a philosophical decision. But, I would argue back that this is a responsibility. I was so passionate about this, that when I started my business in 2000, I also started a separate company, The eWomenNetwork Foundation. This was before I even knew that they needed to be registered differently by applying for a 501(c)(3) status! It was my Bank of America banker, by the way, who took the time to listen to what I wanted to accomplish (when I naively showed up to open the bank account) then guide me towards the appropriate resources to set up everything correctly the first time. Early on, even as my core business struggled, I never gave up my fundraising and grant-giving activities. While the initial grants were small ($3,000) today they have grown to as large as $30,000 for a single grant. To date, I am most proud that The eWomenNetwork Foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash grants and in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations that help women and children in need. We were even recognized as an American Hero by Anderson Cooper's 360 Show for the aid we gave to the girl's high school basketball team of Pass Christian, Mississippi in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina devastation.

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eWomen_GLOW 10 posts since
Nov 20, 2008

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20. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into connections Dec 2, 2008 3:25 PM

It has been an honor participating in this Bank of America Industry Expert event. As parting words, let me say that as an entrepreneur I hold firm that your future and fortune is in "seeing what you believe" not in "believing what you see." Don't let the economic situation hold you back. Instead, capitalize on the opportunities it provides. Interest rates are low, so now is the time to get that new piece of equipment you need to transform your business. It's true, the weak will not survive and their market share will need to disseminate elsewhere. Why not YOU and your business? If you are struggling, quick working harder. You will end up like the fly on the windowsill trying to get to the other side - beating your head up against the window until you pass out and your dream dies. Instead, look for transformational opportunities! Identify new obstacles and provide the solution. Approach competitors and look for win-win solutions where you will both benefit and watch your customers jump up and down! Finally, get out more ... meet more people ... network more ... help others be successful. As my wise mother used to say, "Sandra, give away what it is you want the most." In other words, the best way to have a friend is to be a friend; the best way to get love is to give love; and the best way to be successful is to help others gain success. Hold on to your dream, your passion, your GLOW! It is the foundation of every great business - yours included!

Sandra Yancey

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SBOCTeam 328 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

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21. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into connections Dec 2, 2008 3:36 PM

in response to: eWomen_GLOW

Sandra,

Thanks again for your time and professional reponses today!

Community, our time with Sandra has concluded. Feel free to discuss today's event. If you would like more information on Sandra and eWomenNetwork, please visit http://www.ewomennetwork.com

Thank you,
The SBOC Team

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mannmadepro 4 posts since
Dec 1, 2008

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22. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into contracts Dec 2, 2008 4:01 PM

in response to: eWomen_GLOW

Get with Bank of America by way of ??? I have a personal and business account with them. Please inform me as of the propoer procedures and I will take advantage of this generous offer.

By the way, the industry meant music industry (my apologies).

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Autumn2008 7 posts since
Nov 12, 2008

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23. Re: Event December 2: Turning your contacts into connections Dec 3, 2008 4:37 PM

in response to: eWomen_GLOW

Thank you for the advice. I have attended several training sessions with others in the business that have shared many of the things you suggested. The one point you did mention that I haven't heard is the idea of asking what someone's problem is. That is a great approach and something I could use to start a conversation. My biggest obstacle is time to devote to talking to people by the time I arrive home from work. The relationship issue is another although I have only approached people I already have some kind of relationship with which is mostly at work. Eventually I will need to seek people elsewhere.
Thank you,
Rita

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