By Noelle SouthwickNew England Bureau Chief
(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut)
The Maine Women's Network is a nonprofit organization and a statewide resource. The Network has a vision of connecting Maine Women from Kittery to Fort Kent.
Although their mission is professional growth, what sets the Maine’s Women’s Network apart for many of its members is the personal relationships they create through the organization. Many members of the organization build friendships and go out socially with people they have met at events.
Local chapters
The Maine Women's Network have three independently operated chapters: Androscoggin, Midcoast, and Greater Portland. Each chapter is responsible for its own programming, public relations and local projects. The chapters form a networked system through sharing resources, ideas, and working together to develop and promote State-wide initiatives and events.
Each chapter runs its own series of monthly events. For example, the Androscoggin chapter is currently offering a series of talks from the most influential women in their area. The Greater Portland chapter has put a focus on business education. The series includes such topics as learning to read financial statements and improving organizational skills.
Annual event
All three chapters come together to host an annual event. In September, the Maine Women’s Network hosts the "Celebration of Amazing Women."
Jennifer Hogan is coordinator for the annual event. In addition, Jennifer Hogan is Chair for the Androscoggin Chapter, a Board Member of the Maine Women’s Network and Marketing and Training Coordinator for Community Credit Union.
Although still somewhat in the planning stages Jen gave us a preview. You can expect plenty of open networking. There will be a statement about the successes and future goals of the organization. A keynote speaker will discuss re-creating yourself for success in this challenging economy. Additionally, the coming event will offer afternoon break-out sessions. Based on member surveys, how to use social networking sites to build business, and networking at large events will be some topics offered. The Maine Women’s Network is looking for ways to support their members to get through this challenging economic time with education overall and networking skills.
15-second elevator speech
At the monthly events there is open networking and participants are given time to introduce themselves to the group.
Jen tells me one of the key points they stress is to create a short 15-second elevator speech. It is important to be able to convey something about what you offer to others in a concise manner. Often times people say too much.
Jen says that if you are able to describe your business quickly and clearly you are more likely to be remembered. She suggests that you will notice more interest if rather than talking about yourself you offer a few seconds on what you can do to help others.
Going through the process of constructing a 15-second elevator speech has the benefit of creating clarity. From talking with members, Jen knows that clarity makes people more approachable. Members are getting more contacts and having greater business success by being clear about what they offer. Jen has noticed, being able to openly articulated their message has actually made members happier.
Relationships take time
Jen says some people believe networking is all about selling your business. It may be about building your business but it’s certainly not about insisting someone do business with you. Networking is about building relationships, taking the time to get to know someone.
Jen points out that someone puts their own reputation on the line when they refer you to an associate. That associate will always relate the experience they have with the person who introduced them to you. A person wants to get to know you before they trust that you will represent them well.
Jen stresses that it takes time to build a network and the relationships needed for a successful business. She says you may get business at a networking event. However, it is more likely you will meet people with whom you will later do business if you make additional contact with them. It takes more than one meeting to build a relationship.
An interesting member benefit
In addition to monthly networking opportunities, business education, and developing professional and personal relationships members of Maine Women's Network have access to an interesting resource. Members may use to an online membership directory and receive member-to-member discounts on products and services. Additionally, members can participate in the program by making discount offers to increase their own business.
In addition to monthly networking opportunities, business education, and developing professional and personal relationships members of Maine Women's Network have access to an interesting resource. Members may use to an online membership directory and receive member-to-member discounts on products and services. Additionally, members can participate in the program by making discount offers to increase their own business.
Contact information
Since 2002 the database for the Maine Women’s Network has grown to over 1300 and continues to grow. Members and non-members as well as women and men are welcome to participate in all events offered by the Maine Women’s Network and to make discount offers to their members. For additional information on membership and events see their website.
Since 2002 the database for the Maine Women’s Network has grown to over 1300 and continues to grow. Members and non-members as well as women and men are welcome to participate in all events offered by the Maine Women’s Network and to make discount offers to their members. For additional information on membership and events see their website.
Chapters:
AndroscogginJen Hogan, Chair androscoggin@mainewomensnetwork.com
MidcoastKim Palermo, Chair midcoast@mainewomensnetwork.com
Greater PortlandMarie Hogue, Co-Chair greaterportland@mainewomensnetwork.com
“Don’t give up on networking because you don’t get business out of
one networking event.”
~ Jennifer Hogan, Maine Women’s Network
one networking event.”
~ Jennifer Hogan, Maine Women’s Network
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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. To subscribe for your free newsletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free, continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com. You are also invited to click our buttons:
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