Effortless Networking

Many people use business networking as a tool to market their business. And yet, a common challenge seems to be a general discomfort with participating in “networking” activities or events. For instance, here is a recent comment I got from a reader:

Am shy with new people and hate the thoughts of attending anything that may have a networking element to it.With the focus now clearly on the new buzz word of “networking” in todays business arena I feel that my shyness is starting to impact on my performance.

So I asked Bonnie Ross-Parker, CEO and Founder of the Joy of Connecting® to describe their approach to business networking and marketing. Because I think they’ve taken commonly used networking concepts and put them to use in a fresh and engaging way. Read on and tell me what you think — post your comments below.

The Joy of Connecting®: Marketing with Joy
by Bonnie Ross-Parker, CEO and Founder of the Joy of Connecting®

Bonnie Ross-Parker

At a time when the world feels competitive and impersonal and building a business can seem overwhelming and lonely, Bonnie Ross-Parker, Founder & CEO, and Dawn Billings, President of The Joy of Connecting®, together with their licensees, provide opportunities for women to meet, share and encourage one another.

Women are natural net-workers. They love to inspire and encourage each other. And the Joy of Connecting® monthly gatherings are designed as a tool to aid women in connecting to resources, building relationships and growing their businesses.

Women participate in an arena that is welcoming, nurturing, supportive and respectful of one another in all areas of their personal and professional lives.

The evening begins as a social where over dinner women have time to settle in, get to know one another and relax. Eventually we convene for the more formal part of the evening. After a brief introduction and overview, we begin our circle of sharing…We close out with testimonials and announcements. Once our get together is formally over, most women stay to continue dialoguing, make appoints and “connect” with women who attended. Everyone receives a roster so that connections can continue beyond the evening.

The Joy of Connecting® gatherings are designed to meet the needs of female entrepreneurs, business owners and professional women. And this approach is fast becoming a role model for the best way women can network collaboratively and comfortably.

Taking place in intimate settings, participants feel accepted, listened to and encouraged as they share with each other their passions, dreams and desires for their future.

Women take turns having 3 minutes to tell about themselves, talk about their business and ask for what they need. For some women, they are looking for an opportunity. We have participants who have just moved into the area and eager to meet other like minded women. Collectively we are business owners, entrepreneurs and professional women who recognize the strength of open sharing.

As we move around the circle and stories unfold, each participant is drawn to the person sharing, to their story and to their needs.

When The Joy of Connecting® was originally launched it existed as the only location in suburban Atlanta. Since its beginning, participants have requested that the concept be expanded so other women in other communities could experience the same value. In January, 2006 there existed 15 Greater Atlanta, Georgia locations when Dawn and Bonnie began the process of creating The Joy of Connecting® as a national licensed program. Currently there are 48 licensees in 9 states who each month bring together like minded women eager to build their business while helping others expand theirs.

Licenses are available wherever one doesn’t currently exist.

The best way to find out about this unique marketing tool is to visit on line at: www.TheJOYofConnecting.com. There are articles, written and audio testimonials and licensee stories/profiles to enjoy.

If you’re interested in information about becoming a Joy of Connecting Licensee, simply click here to fill out an online application. List EffortlessNetworking.com as the referral.

If you have questions, Bonnie can be reached in Atlanta at: 1-877-411-6611.

Women have choices when networking. They can participate at an existing networking event or be a player at their own. The Joy of Connecting offers both!