BUILDING PROFITABLE LASTING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS: Women Entrepreneurs - Seven Tips to Insure Success

Bonnie Ross-Parker Founder and CEO	Women Entrepreneurs - Seven Tips to Insure Success Women entrepreneurs don’t always do it right the first time around. There are lots of success tips and pieces of advice available for the female entrepreneur, provided by women who have been there and who know. Here are seven tips for entrepreneurial success: 1. Be Passionate. Any entrepreneurial endeavor is going to take up a lot of your time and energy. If it isn’t something you are passionate about, a cause or a talent that sets you on fire with excitement, you will soon find yourself exhausted and unwilling to continue. 2. Don’t Just Plan Ahead, Plan It All. This means get your systems in order. Your life is about to be busy and you better be prepared. Get your organizational system, your time management system, your financial system, your childcare system if you need it, and any other resources in place before you start. Plan for the next half hour, the next hour, the next month, and the next year. 3. Get Sited. This means get on the internet. Even if you don’t have a selling function over the internet, you at least better have an up-to-date informational website. This is the number one way that today’s customer finds businesses. Be there when they look. If this is not in your area of expertise, you’ll want to hire someone who is! 4. Keep Track of Expenditures. Financial management is key. What goes in, what goes out, who gets what, how much for what, and what are you going to tell the bank when you want a loan. Have it categorized, tracked, and ready for someone to review when that funding opportunity arises. You’ll also need a system in place to manage your ongoing business and this can certainly be handled by a bookkeeper. Being organized will make your life a lot easier when taxes are due. 5. Get Support. Having mentors, advisors, friends and any other professional advice is critical to anyone’s success. Any woman entrepreneur will tell you, with a sigh, they’ve experienced hard work and hard knocks throughout their entrepreneurial career. In the next breath, they will tell you what they’ve learned to do right and that usually came from someone who paved the way for themselves. Women love to share success tips. You will need guidance as you begin this new endeavor. Find the people that you can rely on. And by the way, mentors, advisors, and friends don’t necessarily need to be only women. Gender is insignificant. Obtaining guidance is, however, critical. 6. Finance Thyself. You can look for the angel investor or venture financing, however, it’s not as easy as it once was – especially for the woman entrepreneur. Only 10% of angel investing goes to women-owned start-ups. Most women starting their own business look to themselves, their spouses, or their families for initial start-up financing. This type of financing is called "bootstrapping" your business and is often a source of pride for many entrepreneurs. Self-investing keeps the financial controls in your hands. You put in all the money, you get all the proceeds. 7. Trust Yourself & The Process. You are fighting the good fight. You have a cause or product you believe in and about which you are passionate. You’ve surrounded yourself with a supportive group of individuals that want to see you succeed. You’ve built a reliable business network, organizational structure, and business plan. Anticipate there will be setbacks. Don’t ever give up or give in. Have faith in yourself and your business.
About The Joy of Connecting THE JOY OF CONNECTING® is a nationally recognized off-line community designed to support the female entrepreneur, business woman and professional. With face-to-face opportunities in warm, nurturing environments, participants join other professionals to increase one's warm market, build relationships and expand business. JOC is an innovative customer acquisition/marketing program, IF: Your present NETworking is NOT working. You're looking to eliminate frustration and rejection. You're looking to expand the business you love. You want to get paid to market your business to others. You want greater website exposure, training and enhance your leadership skills. CLICK HERE to learn more about this innovative customer acquisition program!
More About Bonnie www.TheJOYofConnecting.com www.TheLatinaJOYofConnecting.com www.BonnieRossParker.com www.42rules.com/42rules/bonnierossparker www.twitter.com/joyofconnecting www.ideamarketers.com/experts/networking.cfm www.quoteactions.com/a/profile/222 www.TheWINonline.com : Business Plus: Real Ideas for Real Results

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BUILDING PROFITABLE LASTING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS: Women Entrepreneurs - Seven Tips to Insure Success

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: The Superior Sex and Extremism

The Superior Sex and Extremism

by Adam J. Kovitz


Douglas and I are both of the opinion that women are the superior sex...we just can't help but feeling that way.

Maybe it's because of Ann Barczay Sloan's long-running column with us: Especially for Women or her recent launch of The Winning Women's Vortex™ or her upcoming book The Power of Passion – Winning Women Reveal Their Success Secrets...we're hooked!

Ever since my wife, Wendy, made that fateful phone call to her in the early TNNW™ years, we have been friends with Bonnie Ross Parker and The Joy of Connecting (a women's only networking organization). She has been a wonderful supporter of TNNW™ through the years, a valuable member of our GICBC™, and now her organization, The Joy of Connecting, joins Kalön Women as our next "pavilion" column, entitled: Building Profitable Lasting Business Relationships, which debuts this week.

Expect even more organizational pavilion columns and more great writers in the coming weeks as we continue to grow. We also ask that you check out our new and evolving website as we add new features every day.

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http://adamjkovitz.blogspot.com

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A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: The Superior Sex and Extremism

THE POSTILLION: Interviews The Joy of Connecting® CEO and founder Bonnie Ross-Parker

The Postillion with Michael Phillips

Insights and thought leadership on the adoption of best practices and emerging technologies.

A tradition established by "The Postillion" is to grant each column interviewee the privilege of recommending the next personality to be interviewed. "The Postillion" had the honor of interviewing TNNW Vice Chairman Douglas Castle for my last column. "The Postillion" thanks Douglas for a fascinating interview (check it out if you have not already done so). Douglas recommended The Joy of Connecting® CEO and founder Bonnie Ross-Parker as the focus of this month’s column. "The Postillion" compliments Douglas on a wonderful choice.

Bonnie Ross-Parker catches your attention right away as an intelligent, creative, gracious and caring person. She is on a crusade to help her sisters in business and leadership positions. She helps build connected networks of like-minded women to enable lead generation, cooperative marketing, personal enrichment, collaborative opportunity incubation and realization. Bonnie started The Joy of Connecting® in 2002 to help these professional women, entrepreneurs and business owners to share resources, establish and strengthen relationships and to grow their businesses through these networks. This proprietary system for business women allows for person-to-person networking in an un-threatening, relaxed atmosphere that has proven to produce active business engagement relationships better than any other networking method. The Joy of Connecting® has licensees nationwide with exponential growth anticipated over the next two years.

Bonnie is a regular speaker at women’s groups, a published author, and has her own radio program that focuses on women’s business issues. She has received many honors for her selfless service to the sisterhood. Bonnie received The Athena Award, an honor acknowledging women of leadership in cities throughout the United State. The Postillion congratulates Bonnie for The Joy of Connecting® recently being selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA). The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country.

Given all of her support for woman’s business success, Bonnie assured The Postillion that she has nothing against the male gender. However, she does acknowledge that men and women do communicate and support each other in different ways. To this point Bonnie shared a humorous example of how men and women communicate differently. Bonnie and her husband, Phil Parker, had just seen an interesting and thought provoking movie together. Bonnie challenged Phil to ask other men what they thought about how the movie ended while in the theater restroom. She would ask ladies what they thought and they could then see if there were differences in opinions. Not surprising to The Postillion, Phil balked at her request. Men know that to ask unsolicited, thought provoking questions while doing one's business in the men’s room risks an aggressive, testosterone induced response of the non verbal kind. It seems that women can talk and even ask probing questions of each other while engaging in restroom rituals. Men are totally mystified by what really transpires behind the closed doors of the lady’s room. We do know that these activities far transcend the main purpose these facilities were originally designed for. Men realize that these restroom networking mysteries are beyond the male comprehension and best left to the wiles of feminine oracles.

The Postillion thinks that the closest male equivalent to the lady’s room would have to be the golf cart. The Postillion will not divulge the time honored male rituals that transpire within a golf cart over 18 holes of golf. But many business deals and partnerships often result from visits to this wheeled temple of male bonding. But, I digress. This month’s column is not about the Joy of Golf Connecting, restroom networking, or a rehashing of Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus.

It was a great pleasure to interview Bonnie Ross-Parker and to learn about The Joy of Connecting® movement. Her pure passion for what she does permeates her discussions and achievements. Both men and women will find this interview informative and inspiring. The Postillion is honored to introduce Bonnie to my readers.

The Postillion: What was your inspiration to start The Joy of Connecting® (JOC) program for women?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: During my years in the franchise arena, I was thrown into a male dominated environment which, as an entrepreneurial business woman, was frequently uncomfortable, demanding and disrespectful. In spite of being one of the franchisor’s top area developers, I fought with gusto to get the recognition I earned and deserved. When I sold my territory with 28 franchises back to the corporate establishment in 1995, I vowed I would find a way to support business women, professionals and entrepreneurs.

The Postillion: What are the main goals for the JOC program?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: To offer a platform for women to share with one another their businesses, learn from each other, strengthen relationships and create an environment in alignment with the nurturing side of the female. The licensee who replicates The Joy of Connecting® proprietary model enhances her leadership skills, strengthens her confidence and becomes recognized as a go-to person by those who come to know her. By opening her home and heart, she is better positioned for business success. For participants, they also get the same benefits: building a warm market by expanding relationships that fosters business.

The Postillion: What happens at a typical JOC get together?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: The monthly event is centered around 2 ½ hours which allows ample time for socializing/dinner/luncheon or brunch, and a formal 3-minute spotlight for each participant who gets the platform to share about herself, her business, etc. The experience also includes testimonials, announcements of upcoming opportunities and door prize(s). Often women will linger when The JOC is over, continuing dialogues, arranging to get together with contacts they wish to maintain. The energy of women coming together collaboratively and with openness lingers makes it difficult to leave!

The Postillion: JOC seems to be a vehicle to help women establish a customer acquisition marketing program. How successful has the JOC been in achieving this goal?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: We choose to do business with people we like, trust and value. When women share enthusiastically with one another in an environment that is safe and supportive, it is natural to want to do business with each other. Many JOC participants will share that when it comes to buying a product or service, they look to their JOC family of business women first – insurance agent, lawn care, massage therapist, financial planner, fitness instructor, skin care professional, graphic artist, etc. With the variety of products and services women offer, we have a wealth of resources available to meet our needs. Why go anywhere else when you can spend your money with women with whom you are fostering relationships? That’s the beauty of JOC: building relationships (warm market) to expand and sustain business. I refer to this as customer acquisition.

The Postillion: How does marketing with The Joy of Connecting model create business “players” in their respective communities?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: Everywhere and often. Because The Joy of Connecting® is not a membership, women participate where and when it’s convenient. Unlike typical organizations that in some cases require passing leads, JOC is built on women choosing to come together without the traditional 30 second/1 minute commercial type event where everyone is slapping a business card in your hand. As a Joy of Connecting® licensee (player), our leaders become known in her respective community as someone who cares about the success of women and is willing to bring professionals together (what’s in it for them!) on a monthly basis. She is the catalyst for what unfolds and that brings huge value to everyone, especially her!

The Postillion: What type of woman becomes a licensee of the JOC?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: The Joy of Connecting® licensee is serious about growing her business. She is eager to build relationships in her community, committed to personal and professional development and loves the opportunity to support other business women. Common comments include: “I think that when women come together to support and uplift one another, there is nothing that we can’t do!” Or, “I want to interact and network with like-minded women who want to be successful in life.” “As a licensee, I am interested in purchasing a license to build relationships and empower women business owners.” The JOC licensee is willing to learn, loves to entertain and recognizes the power of becoming a go-to person in her respective community. She knows the power of sisterhood and wants to play a role in its growth.

The Postillion: What support does a licensee receive? (Training, materials, technology, licensee portal, recognition, etc.)

Bonnie Ross-Parker: All licensees become certified in my proprietary program. She receives a DVD of The Joy of Connecting® Experience, a training DVD, e-book manual of approximately 400 pages, use of The JOC logo, positioning on the website, a link to her website and ongoing training. She has the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with other licensees and is supported by The JOC Director of Field Support. In addition, we now have a National Director for the Latina woman who wants to be in our JOC family.

The Postillion: How much has your business model changed through your first 8 years?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: The model has remained unchanged. Same format. Same time frame. I did, however, become flexible on the place to have a JOC gathering to accommodate women wanting to own a license without having an appropriate space. We now have a few locations in other nurturing environments, like a café, yoga studio, hair/nail salon, and office suite. The majority of women want to entertain in their homes, however, which is the best place to have JOC. The other major change is a wonderful addition to our community. The JOC website is available in Spanish:

http://www.thelatinajoyofconnecting.com/. Desiring to include the sisterhood of Latina women, we are positioned to embrace both cultures into one large organization.

The Postillion: What are two of your favorite JOC success stories?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: I have a licensee, Debbie Warden, who owns a Fetch Pet Care franchise in Lake Lanier, Georgia. She often shares that her expanding customer base and women who she hires to serve her clients are primarily from her JOC sisterhood community. With so many women owning pets and others who love them, it continues to be a win-win situation for everyone. Women use her service and women provide Fetch Pet Care services. The other story is a connection made by Mary Plotts, a professional photographer and Send Out Cards representative who lives in Chamblee-Dunwoody, Georgia. A sister licensee, Julia LeBrun, lives in Newport, Oregon. Julia was exploring the idea of becoming a Send Out Cards consultant and in exploring The Joy of Connecting® site, noticed that Mary represents Send Out Cards. Deciding to "keep it in the family," Julia joined Mary’s team. Imagine Mary’s surprise to get a consultant from across the US because of their both being licensees. These are simply a few of the hundreds of success stories that have emerged from The JOC experience.

The Postillion: How did you acquire the nick name of “America’s Connection Diva”?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: A few years after my franchise career, I decided to write my book, Walk In My Boots – The Joy of Connecting®. Having networked and mentored women for prior years, a lot of those women I supported with my ideas and resources encouraged me to "tell my story." When Walk In My Boots was ready for publication, I hired a dear friend, Barbara Keddy (http://www.begreatmarketing.com/) to help with marketing. She came up with my tag line “America’s Connection Diva” because of my reputation as a "connector" and I’ve stuck with it!

The Postillion: Do you envision expanding the JOC to international markets?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: There is nothing to deter us from expanding internationally. Because JOC is a customer acquisition/unique marketing program, we are not subject to any regulation(s) regarding a business opportunity. As a marketing tool, any woman can replicate The Joy of Connecting® to build her business without geographic limitations. Currently, materials are in English, plus in Spanish on The Latina Joy of Connecting website. With 27+ years of networking experience and training skills, I have the tools and knowledge to assist any woman anywhere in her marketing efforts.

The Postillion: What are you most proud of regarding the last 8 years of The Joy of Connecting®?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: In spite of change, challenge and the doubt of others, I have remained totally focused on my mission:

"In August, 2002, I realized women needed a forum to connect with each other in a way that would enhance their professional and personal lives. With a flash in insight, The Joy of Connecting® was born. With the help and support of trusted friends, JOC has grown to what it is today. Our cornerstone is integrity; our mission is to make a difference in the lives of others and leave the world better for its presence. We dedicate our open hearts to welcoming, nurturing, supporting and respecting women in all areas of their lives. The Joy of Connecting® is committed to spreading joy, support and genuine connections throughout the world."

The Postillion: What do you see in the future for the JOC?

Bonnie Ross-Parker: The Joy of Connecting® has a very bright future! With more women wanting to share their talents, expertise and establish independence, they are discovering that having camaraderie with like-minded professional women is key to their success. Mixed gender events, while still a viable networking tool, simply doesn’t line up with what The Joy of Connecting offers. I anticipate exponential growth in 2010 and beyond. As more females learn about JOC and experience its powerful platform, word of mouth continues to be the primary fuel for its engine. Safe, warm and effective, The Joy of Connecting® is a no-risk venue with valuable return for both participants and licensees. Rapid growth is on the horizon!

The Postillion wishes to share with my readers a representative sample of the many glowing testimonials that The Joy of Connecting® licensees post about their networking experiences. Testimonies such as the one below represents compelling evidence of this program’s ability to positively impact the lives and success potential of business women everywhere.

“Bonnie, I can’t thank you enough for starting this great organization. I am so excited the day of a JOC event because not only do I know that I will meet new people but I will reconnect with people I meet at other JOC’s or the same JOC from the previous months. This is such a great opportunity for all women in the business arena. You don’t have to be just a home-based business or a women in corporate America to join these JOC events; it is a mixture of all of us, no matter what you do. It is a great opportunity to come out and network with people I would have never met otherwise. I am so excited about my business after I leave a JOC event that I don’t want to go home and go to bed, but go home and get on the phone and make phone calls and book some shows or connect with other potential leads from other JOC events I have met. Everyone has a great opportunity to grow their business by attending these JOC events and I definitely encourage everyone to go and try it out at least 3 times before writing it off. You go to one and realize what a great opportunity for friendship and networking it is. Thank you again for starting such a wonderful organization.”

Jennifer Campbell, Cookie Lee Jewelry, suburban GA, Jan, 2010


The Postillion sincerely thanks Bonnie Ross-Parker for making the time to participate in this interview. I encourage my readers to forward this article to all of your women business associates so they too can become aware of this women based business networking opportunity. I conclude this article with the following quote from Bonnie which sums up the promise of The Joy of Connecting® program.

“We are and will continue to be a major source for encouragement, information and camaraderie for any female who believes in herself and has the determination to succeed. While The Joy of Connecting® format is fool-proof, like any other program, it is successful for the woman who desires to make a difference in the lives of others and is willing to network in an innovative way. Let’s face it, the marketplace is crowded and everyone is scurrying for their share of business. The Joy of Connecting® model offers women a competitive edge!”

To find out more about becoming a certified licensee of JOC, go to: http://www.thejoyofconnecting.com/

or http://www.thelatinajoyofconnecting.com/

and fill out an on line – no obligation application. Applicants have nothing to lose and the possibilities are unlimited if one is really committed to expansive business success.

Bonnie Ross-Parker, Speaker/Author and CEO/Founder of The Joy of Connecting®, has authored several books. Walk In My Boots – The Joy of Connecting, Y.O.U. – Set A High Standard for Being Human and Co-Edited: 42 Rules for Effective Connections. She is also a contributing writer to Build It Big, 42 Rules for Driving Success with Books, Life Manual for The 21st Century Woman and soon to be released The Power of Passion: Winning Women Reveal Their Success Secrets and Wake Up Women: BE Happier, Healthier & Wealthier. Bonnie is a show host on http://www.winonline.com/where she has her own program, "Business Plus: Real Ideas for Real Results." She lives in Atlanta with Speaker/Author husband, Phil Parker. Reach Bonnie at: http://www.bonnierossparker.com/or http://www.thejoyofconnecting.com/

Michael Phillips, A.K.A. The Postillion, lives and works in Tampa Florida, and has over 30 years of experience in leading innovative development and trends within the information technology industry. Comments and suggestions for future interview personalities can be emailed to ThePostillion@gmail.com.

For more information, please visit Michael's TNNW Bio.

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THE POSTILLION: Interviews The Joy of Connecting® CEO and founder Bonnie Ross-Parker

Update Bulletin - New Developments - The National Networker Companies - 03.21.2010

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TNNWC Client, Affiliate and Supporter, Bonnie Ross-Parker, published author and creator of The Joy Of Connecting recently received some wonderful press coverage. Bonnie has created a proprietary system for women in business to network person-to-person in a completely unthreatening, inviting atmosphere that produces more actual ACTIVE BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS than any other networking method.


If you are female (you must be sure!), you should consider become a JOC licensee. It is the most powerful in-home, real-touch relationship and network-building tool ever conceived by the mind of man....er....ah....woman! Here's a re-post of the News Release honoring Bonnie:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Joy of Connecting LLC Receives 2009 Best of Business Award
Small Business Commerce Association’s Award Honors the Achievement
SAN FRANCISCO, March 15, 2009, The Joy of Connecting LLC has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Business services at non-commercial site category by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA)
The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is pleased to announce that The Joy of Connecting LLC has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Business services at non-commercial site category.
The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country. Using statistical research and consumer feedback, the SBCA identifies companies that we believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off statistical research and also information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports. Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.
About Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA)
Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is a San Francisco based organization. The SBCA is a private sector entity that aims to provide tactical guidance with many day to day issues that small business owners face. In addition to our main goal of providing a central repository of small business operational advice; we use consumer feedback to identify companies that exemplify what makes small business a vital part of the American economy.
SOURCE: Small Business Commerce Association

CONTACT:
Small Business Commerce Association
Email: Press@SBCAAwards.org
URL: http://www.SBCAAwards.org




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U.S., SOUTHEAST: From The South...The Joy of Connecting

By Larry Block

Southeast U.S. Bureau Chief
(The Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida)

In my travels throughout the southeast looking for new and innovative networking opportunities I have discovered a women’s only networking group that combines the “women’s night out” idea with networking. The Joy of Connecting is a unique and innovative concept only for women. It supports women entrepreneurs, business owners, and other professional women. "The Joy of Connecting®" gatherings give participants an opportunity to create relationships, foster personal and professional alliances, and be in an environment that supports and honors who they are and what they do.

Their mission is to make a difference in the lives of others and leave the world better for its presence. They dedicate their open hearts to welcoming, nurturing, supporting and respecting women in all areas of their lives. The Joy of Connecting® (a TNNW member and sponsor) is committed to spreading joy, support and genuine connections throughout the world."

Created by Bonnie Ross-Parker in April, 2002, "The Joy of Connecting®" experience is being duplicated through the selling of licenses. There are locations nationwide for professional women, entrepreneurs and business owners to share resources, establish and strengthen relationships and to grow their businesses by networking with one another.

The Joy of Connecting is a relaxed networking gathering including a light dinner for business owners, entrepreneurs other professional women & their guests This non-membership organization has monthly meetings always centered around a meal, either in the evening or a brunch on the weekend. Attendance at each meeting varies from 10 to 30 depending on the area of town and the time of the year. Most meeting emphasizes the social aspect and let the networking take care of itself. There is a time in the meeting where you get the opportunity to talk about your business, but the bulk of the time is spent socializing and really getting to know each other and become friends who want to help each other succeed.

There are no two groups in the same geographical area, thus eliminating any kind of competition between groups, and the meetings are scheduled as much as possible so that there are as few conflicts as possible.

I spoke in depth with depth with 2 licensees Kathy Grieder and Candace Dubrof (another TNNW member). Though they each run their own meetings they regularly attend each others as well. In fact, many members attend several meetings each month and get to know each even better.

"The Joy of Connecting®" is expanding nationwide. Already in 12 states, "The Joy of Connecting®" gatherings give participants an opportunity to create relationships, foster personal and professional alliances, and be in an environment that supports and honors who they are and what they do. Anyone interested in getting involved with the Joy of Connecting can contact either Kathy at greiderbiz@yahoo.com or Candace at CDubrof@closetsandmore.com.

Larry Block is a text messaging expert, president of Mobile Marketing Technologies, Inc. he provides text message advertising and marketing services nationwide. Need an advertising solution that actually works and gets directly to your target market – visit www.hippocketads.com, Larry can be reached at larry@RuTxting.com

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U.S., SOUTHEAST: From The South...The Joy of Connecting

"Healthy, Wealthy & Wise"

By Meira Findel

Health & Wellness Editor

Sherry D. Fields, Sales Consultant for Warm Spirit, is known as "The Million Dollar Sales Earner". Sherry is the first person to achieve this status within this organization and within the Direct Selling industry alone, this is a HUGE accomplishment and would lend one to ask the question of "how" she did it.

With today's uncertain economy many are seeking ways to supplement their families' income and/or looking for inspiration to start their own businesses. Sherry overcame unemployment, a chronic health issue a weight issue and has been able to accomplish financial independence. Her story provides inspiration and solutions for everyone. She used her fear of losing her home, job and pride as the catalyst for her accomplishments. Sherry's motto today is to stay "Healthy, Wealthy & Wise". Now that she's in Atlanta, she has her sights set on a nutritional program to help people eat better, which makes their health better and as a side benefit even lose weight.

Sherry has been featured in Essence Magazine, and Success South Florida due to her success in the Direct Selling industry and holds the title of "Consultant of the Year" for 2006 & 2007 with Warm Spirit.

She credits organizations like, The Joy of Connecting with helping her attain new business. “The Joy of Connecting®" is a tool to aid women in connecting to resources, building relationships and growing their businesses. Take a look at their website: http://www.thejoyofconnecting.com for more information.

Sherry leveraged organizations that she had a relationship with to start her business. She I worked on a local basis with church bazaars, women's events, anywhere she could set up a table for a low cost, also partnering with an art gallery prior to the Christmas holiday – it was a very successful cross promotion where Sherry promoted the art gallery her clientele and the gallery promoted my business to their clientele. A true win/win. As the business and her confidence grew she branched out and started attending conventions, seminars, and workshops and introduced the business and products to the attendees.

Events are critical because while the company is showcased, people came for information and relationships were created from there.

In 2003 her team created a Serenity Sanctuary at a national Black MBA Association convention. It was basically a spa and relaxation area in the middle of a convention. Everyone loved it and it was one of the most successful events she ever did.

Sherry has worked with E-Women Network, The Joy of Connecting, Give 'N Take and the local Chamber of Commerce, health fairs at local corporations and all of which have been a great venue for meeting people.

Sherry has helped countless women who want to lead a healthy eating lifestyle with the side benefit of weight loss through her lifestyle eating plan called Juice With Me , a guided 7 day program where you learn how to detoxify your body with fresh juices and various daily care activities. Results have been amazing:

- eliminated inflammation in my body

- reduction in stiffness in joints

- increased energy level

- healthy, glowing skin

- eliminated sugar addictions

- eliminated food addictions

- increased daily intake of vegetables

- reduced belly fat

- maintained a 23 pound weight loss

To learn more about Warm Spirit’s Summer Business Special or their nature-based self-care and wellness products or to chat with Sherry D. Fields about her Warm Spirit success, please visit her website at http://www.sherrydfields.com.

Sherry has been featured in Essence Magazine and was selected in 2006 by Success South Florida Magazine as one of the 50 Most Influential African-Americans in South Florida. She’s a lifetime member of the National Black MBA Association and active in the Jackie Robinson Foundation Alumni Association. Sherry was named “Consultant of the Year” in 2006 and 2007 with Warm Spirit and carries the title as "#1 Earner". In 2008, she was honored for being the first Warm Spirit consultant hitting the million dollar mark in sales. Sherry focuses on empowering people to be wealthy and healthy by partnering with Warm Spirit business owners throughout the United States, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii.

Passionate about helping others succeed by realizing their natural talents and unlimited abilities, Sherry is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition at Clayton College of Natural Health based in Birmingham, Alabama. Sherry’s mission is to help people enjoy healthier, wealthier lives. For more information, please visit www.sherrydfields.com.

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"Healthy, Wealthy & Wise"

Do Your Networking Activities Leave You Exhausted ─ or Exhilarated?

By Ann Barczay Sloan

Women's Networking Editor

Ann's article is brought to you by The Joy of Connecting

Introducing Bonnie Ross Parker

Founder / CEO, The Joy of Connecting®

It’s that time again ─ time to meet another woman of passion and determination!

Bonnie Ross Parker does not mince words. “If you’re feeling mentally and spiritually drained after attending a networking event,” she says,” then your NETworking isn’t working.” So she has taken the initiative to create an empowering, joyful solution to this dilemma. Out of her passion for enriching the lives of business women, in 2002 Bonnie licensed an innovative and highly successful marketing program for women called The Joy of Connecting®: a female-based model of networking, based on the concept of “permission marketing”.

How I first heard about Bonnie:

On three separate occasions, Adam J. Kovitz, TNNW Founder / Publisher of this publication, suggested I contact Bonnie and interview her for TNNW. He made it sound important! Well, after a few weeks of having to focus on other priorities, I was ready to follow through. Bonnie and I finally connected ─ but she was the one to contact me! Synchronistically ─ just a day or two before getting her e-mail ─ I was searching through my files for her phone number Adam had given me.

I was happy to talk with this dynamic entrepreneur at last, to have my questions answered and my curiosity satisfied.

Let’s start with my standard question, Bonnie: How would you briefly describe what you do?

“I am the CEO/Founder of a unique marketing program called The Joy of Connecting®. In that role, I serve as a mentor, coach, and motivator and oversee the daily operations of the organization by supporting its licensees.”

What is your primary goal ─ the mission of what you do?

“We all know that in a crowded marketplace, everyone is networking in order to secure their share of business. Entrepreneurial women, female business owners and professionals are competing in an environment that is insensitive, interruptive and challenging ─ in other words, the antithesis of the way women connect best.

So, in essence, the mission of The Joy of Connecting® is to provide a nurturing, non-threatening atmosphere where women can be heard, valued and appreciated for who they are and what they offer.”

Is this a membership organization, Bonnie?

“No, the Joy of Connecting® is not a membership. Instead, by design, women participate as their schedule allows ─ and when they do, are introduced to the products/services of other attendees, connect with new and returning relationships and foster business.”

Would you describe how you got started in this journey?

“Let’s go a way back. In 1983 after a twelve-year teaching career, I became the first Mail Boxes Etc franchisee in the Virginia, Maryland and DC Area. As a pioneer of that company (now the UPS Store) I faced many challenges as a female business owner representing an innovative concept. Mail Boxes Etc. Corporate was less than supportive of its female franchisees.”

For instance?

“Well, for example, we could only secure a lease if we had a male co-signer! That would never happen today! In 1995, with 28 stores under my supervision as The Area Director and owning 6 franchises of my own, I sold my entire operation back to the corporate office and moved to Atlanta. I told my husband I was going to find a way to support women in business so that women would have access to help which was lacking in my career.”

How you did you arrive where you are currently?

“Initially, I began a free, drop in mentoring program called, “The Red Door” – red for energy and door as in opening. Every Tuesday morning from 7:30 - 9, I parked myself at The Atlanta Bread Co in Buckhead, GA and helped whoever showed up. The Red Door and my sessions increased in popularity over a three year period. Eventually, I added to my volunteerism by becoming the Associate Publisher of a local newspaper – pioneering a women’s section called: ‘Women to Women: Cultivating Our Community’. Not only was I impacting women through my weekly sessions, I now had a much larger platform to share ideas, insights and education.

The paper eventually folded due to lack of advertising support. While I dabbled in other endeavors, my heart stayed true to supporting women. In August 2002 I decided to close The Red Door and open my home monthly for women to participate over dinner in an interactive, networking program which I named ‘The Joy of Connecting®’. Designed to support entrepreneurial women, female business owners and professionals, the program eventually became licensed and is now available nationwide. In my home so far, 1700 women have participated!”

That’s quite an achievement, Bonnie! Clearly, all of your work is focused toward women?

“All of it!”

What are some ways and/or places in which you promote your enterprise?

“There are currently several projects in various stages of development which will each add huge value to The Joy of Connecting®. The most recent is the partnership that JOC has created with http://www.sbtv.com/. I am one of its Featured Advisors – selected to offer networking insights and strategies to its viewing/listening audience. The Joy of Connecting® is also listed as an endorsed organization.

In addition to myself (Bonnie Ross-Parker) and JOC partnering with SBTV.com, the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance (DSWA) and The Joy of Connecting® are now aligned to bring the value of both organizations to women in direct selling/network marketing.”

Sounds like a huge step forward!

“Yes, thanks! This relationship will enhance the brand of both entities and create new exciting opportunities for the women they serve.

Other collaborations being created ‘behind the scenes’ will have a major impact on Joy of Connecting visibility and credibility. Lots of opportunities over the next few months will be unveiled.”

Whom / what does your network currently include? How far does your network extend?

“Currently there are 4500 women in our data base who have chosen to stay connected and informed about what’s going on with The Joy of Connecting®. JOC continues to expand as it spreads nationwide. The number of licensees keeps changing every month!

Participants represent women who are in the Direct Selling/Network Marketing industry, entrepreneurs who have created their own businesses and professionals (attorneys, dentists, CPAs, financial planners, etc.) While we are currently ‘the best kept secret’, it won’t be long before The Joy of Connecting® will be the greatest discovery. We are positioning ourselves for major success.”

Which of your projects are you currently most passionate about?

“I love the playing field I’m on. I continually look for new opportunities to promote The Joy of Connecting®, my licensees and the difference this program is making for the women who participate. Read or listen to testimonials on the site ─ you’ll see what I mean! Yes, JOC has my entire focus.”

What has been the best about building a network: Positive experiences? Benefits, expected and unexpected?

“I have traveled to cities nationwide and continue to be in awe of what women are doing, what they are accomplishing and the wide variety of products/services they represent. Because my goal is to be at every launch of a new Joy of Connecting location, I get to experience first hand beautiful, intelligent and committed women everywhere.

When I first began, I was a mentor – helping a dozen or so women from week to week. Now, I lead a community of women who are eager to not only create their own success, but who are equally willing and eager to support the success of others. When I receive testimonials (unsolicited), letters of appreciation and referrals from attendees who want their colleagues/contacts to know about JOC, I feel blessed that my seed of an idea has translated ─ or I might say transformed! ─ into a major force.”

What challenges (if any) have you found in your networking experiences? Any benefits emerging from challenges in the long run?

“I am so focused on women acknowledging themselves for who they are and their accomplishments, it’s sometimes difficult to hear complaints, self-doubt, set backs and learn of lack of support on the home front. My schedule doesn’t allow me to offer the one on one support I was able to provide when numbers were smaller and my time was more available.

Traditional networking is still a challenge for most women and is necessary to grow one’s business. I see The Joy of Connecting® experience like a ‘safety net’. When the marketplace is crowded and insensitive, The Joy of Connecting is nurturing and supportive.

My challenge? I want to grow the organization to include communities all over the country – where women can be and have and feel fulfilled.”

What are the achievements you’re most proud of at this time?

“In October, 2001, my most significant personal achievement was completing the 60 Mile Avon Walk to support two women dealing with breast cancer. My greatest professional achievement occurred in 2002, when I received the Athena Award in recognition of my leadership. It was that same year that I birthed The Joy of Connecting®. One more significant accomplishment occurred in 2003 when I authored my first book, Walk in My Boots – The Joy of Connecting.”

What are your plans and goals for the future ─ organizational, personal?

“I have huge goals for The Joy of Connecting® ─ and I’m currently working on projects that will have a significant impact on JOC’s growth. My personal goal: To establish a legacy where women will recognize that one person’s idea combined with unwavering vision and focus can make a huge difference in others’ lives. I’m also in the process of co-authoring a book with my husband, Phil.”

With your husband? Sounds interesting! What’s the book about?

“Sorry,” Bonnie laughs, “can’t share contents yet!”

Anything else you would like to add? Perhaps words of encouragement, inspiration for our readers?

“Yes! I’d like us to spend some moments reflecting upon these thoughts:

Life is a journey. Each of our lives is a reflection of the experiences we have, the people we meet, the thoughts we consider and the feelings we embrace. Life is meant to be shared. No one chooses to travel life alone. Joy results in sharing with others. It’s the opportunities we say, ‘Yes’ to, the people we embrace along the way, and the ‘ah ha’ moments that awaken us to a new way of looking at something familiar.

What better way to enjoy your journey than to share it with the women in your life? It’s the friendships we create, the sisters we embrace, and the ‘our’ in the word ‘journey’ that sustains us and strengthens us. Choose to support one another in all of life’s endeavors.’

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Contact Information:

Please feel free to contact The Joy of Connecting® as follows:

E-mail: bootgirl@TheJoyofConnecting.com

http://www.thejoyofconnecting.com

http://www.bonnierossparker.com

Telephone: 1+770-333-7923 or 1-877-411-6611

Mail: 1231 Bickham Way, Smyrna, GA 30080

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Do Your Networking Activities Leave You Exhausted ─ or Exhilarated?

from PRWEB.com The Joy of Connecting

Are You An Entrepreneurial Woman Looking to Grow Your Business?

New business networking model for women: The unique model caters to the female mind/heart connection and is called The Joy of Connecting®. New location for networking event, in North East Tarrant County.

Keller, TX (PRWEB) April 15, 2007 -- Word of mouth or referrals are key to growing a business, but to make that happen you have to meet people. One way to meet new people is through networking.

Do you show up at a networking event, do your 30 second commercial, rush to collect the most cards or leads, and then bite the bullet and cold call? This strategy, while it may work for men, is unnatural for women. That is why Bonnie Ross-Parker, America's Connection Diva and her partner Dawn Billings, M.A., LPC, a personality and relationship expert, created a networking model and venue that fills the large pothole in the road to success for women.

(click on link for more...)

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from PRWEB.com The Joy of Connecting