Are you ready to Network in the Heartland Ladies?

I am just bursting-at-the-seams excited about a new networking group that has formed in my area.  That area being the Heartland of KY.  The group is called Networking for Women in the Heartland.  Not incredibly original, but it tells who we are and what we do - no question about that.

This group started because quite frankly there was a huge need.  This area did not have many networking opportunities for women and a group of amazing friends and I truly feel that keeping company with other forward, positive thinkers is beneficial to our personal and professional lives ... so we hatched this group.

The group is founded on four pillars: 

1.  Positive energy - no negative nellies allowed!  We truly believe that if we think, behave and speak positively, that energy will follow us.

2.  Relationship building/networking:  As women we network in a variety of ways and with many people.  Providing an outlet in which to do that only helps us propel our businesses and personal lives.  Isn't it better to already know great "go-to" people before you need them?  If you have ever been able to connect two people for a mutual benefit - it is a fabulous feeling.

Exercise performed at the last luncheon about types of handshakes

3.  Community Service:  So many women are being pulled in a million directions, but still feel compelled to serve our community.  We have provided an outlet for that to happen.  At each luncheon we will have a different charity, cause or organization that we will highlight and honor in some way.  Maybe one month it will be dog food at the humane society or another a canned food for the soup kitchen.  By bringing those items to the luncheon - you are networking and performing a great community service if you choose to participate.  Love that!

4.  Professional development:  Each luncheon we have a featured speaker who will help us in some aspect of our professional lives.  We also have a professional development scholarship fund.  This fund was created to allow members the opportunity to apply for scholarships to enhance their professional development.  Maybe there is a conference that someone wants to attend, but can't foot the whole bill - this fund would be able to assist with that.  How many places do you know of that provides free money to its members to enhance them and further their careers?

                                                                                                                                                                 We currently meet every third Wednesday of the month for lunch at the Brown-Pusey House in Elizabethtown, KY. Our venue has had to change because of the growing membership.  We have secured another location in anticipation of the membership outgrowing the Brown-Pusey House as well.  It is not a bad challenge to have.  Membership is currently at 33 and we have only had two meetings.  Luncheon attendees have two visits before they need to join as a member.  We are expecting to top 100 by the New Year. 

                                                                              Dr. Gail Demery of Demery and Associates (left), our guest speaker with the President, Linda Lindsey (right)

We will have quarterly evening functions and the during the Fall quarter we will have our first SIP and SEE.  This will be held at Claudia's Tea Room in Sonora - a fabulous venue.  There will be a business expo and then the opportunity to sip tea and dine on the most delectable delights from Claudia's.  Proceeds for this event will go to SpringHaven, Domestic Violence Program and Shelter.  Can't wait!

One of the other benefits of joining this group is the business spotlights.  Each luncheon we have three businesses that have five minutes each to highlight what they do.  Those three businesses also provide a door prize and those are raffled off with our opportunity tickets.  The proceeds from the opportunity tickets goes directly to the professional development scholarship fund.  How cool is that? 

The power of face-to-face networking is so important.  It is vital to survive in today's economy.  Being able to feel comfortable with people who you will work with, need to provide a service for, refer to someone else is a great use of your time and energy.  This group has already turned out to be the best $50 I will spend in my marketing budget.  The exposure to new people on a monthly basis is awesome.

I am extremely proud of this group of amazing women.  I have been so excited to be a part of this amazing concept. Being named the vice president for this year has also helped my desire to propel this group to heights we never thought possible when we first started.  The President Linda Lindsey, the President Elect Melanie Parker, the Treasurer Sarah Lenihan and the Secretary Beckie Henry, round out the Executive Board.  I couldn't have asked for a better group of women to work with and be inspired by on a daily basis.

If you would like to join - contact me please!  Our next luncheon will be on AUgust 19th at the Brown Pusey House in E-town.  Free-style networking starts at 11am and lunch and program begin at 12pm.  I promise you will be out the door by 1pm (I am the time keeper!)

If you want more information about starting your own group like this one in your area - email me.  I would be happy to share what I can.  You can't go wrong networking with other people - don't waste another minute!