Should I join a networking group?

A great way to quickly increase your number of qualified contacts for your business is to join a networking group. There are many groups out there and it’s important to find one that will work for you. A great way to do that is to find out about how it got started. Our guest blogger today is Janet Uszynski who is the founder and director of Orchid a Faith – based networking group for women in North Texas. I met her a few months back and appreciate her follow-through and commitment to help women succeed.

HOPEpreneurs: When did you discover that you were a good networker?

Janet:

Looking back on my childhood I was what some would call a “social butterfly.” One day my Mom summoned me and sternly said, “Janet, I think you’re going to have to go work for the phone company in order to pay for this high phone bill. All you ever do is talk and talk and talk to your friends.”

She was right. I love sharing ideas and hearing that others are thinking. I want to be involved with others and help when I can. As I got older one of my favorite things to do was have dinner parties and BBQ’s to introduce and connect all my friends. I was the one who would invite that person others might exclude and I would make sure they felt welcome and accepted.

HOPEpreneurs: Why did you start Orchid?

Janet: 

I started Orchid because I wanted to offer a vehicle for Christian women to connect to learn from each other, share ideas, request prayer support and use their God-given gifts to help others.

HOPEpreneurs: Why would a woman want to join Orchid?

There is a powerful energy when women connect with other like-minded, goal-oriented women who share the desire to excel at what they are doing. Orchid is non-competitive and puts no limits on categories or professions like most other networking groups. We offer many opportunities for women to promote their Product, Passion or Self in a safe networking environment. We are seeing incredible connections in this diverse group. Ministries and businesses are helping each other along with many other great opportunities.

HOPEpreneurs: What do you want to see happen?

Janet: 

I want to help other women understand that to give is more powerful then to receive.  An amazing circle of giving starts when we give freely to others with no strings attached. God wants everyone to succeed, make money and achieve their dreams. My goal is to set an atmosphere where this can happen.

You may contact Janet at: info@itsorchid.com. Visit Orchid’s website at: http://www.itsorchid.com.

Takeaways from this interview:

1. Find a networking group where you feel comfortable. Visit several before you commit to becoming a member. Orchid is a great example of a faith-based group that strives to make others feel comfortable and gives opportunities to flourish.
2. Learn from great networkers. One of the reasons I asked Janet for this interview is that she is truly a gifted networker. At the root of her success is her sincere desire to help others. She is happiest promoting and connecting others. The next time you go to a networking event, reach out to help someone else. It will come back to you multiplied many times over.
3. Be interested in others. When you go to a networking event, make sure you meet at least one new person. Follow up with them and establish a strong connection. Janet will share more of her tips for networking success in the next blog.

Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.

Tags: group of women, helping others succeed, networking group, networking relationships, women entrepreneurs, women-to-women networking