One of the biggest barriers to achieving this sought after life balance is time, more specifically a lack of time. Fortunately, one of the solutions to this problem is simple, time-tested and proven to help you get ahead in business, while simplifying and enriching your personal life. The solution? Networking.
Women-owned Businesses are Growing According to U.S. Census data, women are currently starting businesses at twice the rate of men, resulting in nearly 8 million women-owned businesses in America today. A survey conducted in 1994 by Avon Products Inc. showed that 74 percent of corporate women are interested in starting their own businesses. As more and more Americans take the entrepreneurial plunge, the market gets tighter, the competition gets tougher and business owners need competitive advantages to stand out. Women have historically helped each other along the way in the struggle for equality and the same is true today as they leave the corporate world behind and forge new ground in entrepreneurship.
Networking Is Essential Whether you are an established entrepreneur or just entering the work force, networking is an essential component to achieving success, as well as balance in your life. Networking is especially important to individuals who are starting or running their own businesses. While business ownership provides tremendous perks and satisfaction, it also carries with it a unique set of concerns and issues, especially for women trying to balance business, family and personal life.
Why Network? The bottom line about networking is that it works. If you don't think you have time to network, think again-you really can't afford not to. In addition to meeting experienced business owners, discovering new ideas and learning innovative ways to do business, you may also find quality day care, a part-time housekeeper and a carpool for the kids' soccer game when you have a late sales meeting. Networking is becoming the bridge that unites the conflicting states of work and family.
It's important to recognize that networking is more than handing out your business card. If you are not connecting with people on a more personal level, you are not networking. Donna Fisher, author of People Power: 12 Power Principles to Enrich Your Business, Career and Personal Networks, stresses the importance of listening. "People can sense when you are truly listening and when you are only feigning interest," says Fisher. "People know that you care by the way you listen. Listening is a powerful rapport builder, because the process of listening conveys sincerity and attention." Because many people feel self conscious and uncomfortable networking with strangers, Fisher also emphasizes the ability to connect with others. "Any time you feel uncomfortable it is because you are focused on yourself," says Fisher. "When you take your attention off yourself and focus on others, your self consciousness will disappear."
Anne Baber, co-author of Smart Networking: How to Turn Contacts Into Cash, Clients and Career Success, points out the importance of sharing a success story with your conversation partner. When asked the question, "What's new?" most people reply, "Not much, what's new with you?" Instead, share a success story and you will convey what you do, how you serve clients, something unique about your business and what your firm has to offer. Baber suggests you have several success stories planned in your mind, so you will always be prepared. Your story should be short, unique, service-oriented and strategic.
Network Everywhere Networking can take place informally almost anywhere; in line at the grocery store, at the dentist's office or in a restaurant. Increasingly popular, however, are formal networking sessions in professional group meetings. ABWA started when three businesswomen got together to support each other in their career and educational goals. It was not called networking in 1949, but that's exactly what it was. Today, with 80,000 members, ABWA knows the value of networking and provides opportunities for women to connect in several ways. Visit the AWBA Web site for more information about their networking opportunities.
Women-owned businesses employ one out of every five U.S. workers for a total of 18.5 million employees. There is no doubt women have changed the face of the work force and marketplace. Your network is never big enough and there is never a point when you can afford to stop networking. Take advantage of networking opportunities. You will be amazed to discover how networking will help your business grow, enrich your life and help you achieve balance between career and family.
Carolyn Elman is the Executive Director of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA).. ABWA brings together businesswomen of diverse occupations and provides opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. Visit the ABWA Web site for more information.
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By Carolyn Elman Executive Director, ABWA |
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