Campbell River Business & Professional Women's Network Newsletter November 2011

November Meeting!

This time you are not the audience...you are the show!

  It's your time to shine!

If you have participated in previous BPWN events in the past, as a member or a guest, you will know that "the usual" evening includes a member spotlight, a guest speaker, a fabulous meal, and a chance to stand up and share your business with others (for a few seconds).  Well...get ready for this! For our November meeting, you won't be the audience, you will be the show! In addition to the mingling and dinner, we will be offering each BPWN member the opportunity to share in the spotlight.  You will be given the chance to stand up for an equal amount of time and share your business information with the group.  Do not miss this opportunity for networking at its' finest. Do not miss the next BPWN event!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 6-9 PM, Royal Coachman

Member Profiles

This month there are two BPWN members profiled. Lori Goldrup and the winner of the second member profile is Tucker Dinnes. Click on their pictures below to learn more about what they do and who they are.

The President's Message           

 Our last meeting was super informative, with Howard Olsen who gave us a really high energy and dynamic presentation with some really valuable information on how to listen to our customers needs.  Even though I loved the Indian Buffet Food, many members were not big fans of the food.  Next month is our Christmas dinner theme, so we'll be enjoying Turkey and glazed Ham with all the other goodies that go along with that, so there should be something for everyone.  This next meeting is a really good opportunity for each member to tell something about themselves, or if your having any Christmas specials, whatever the message is that you want to get out there, you will have a captive audience.  If you are shy and find it difficult to stand up and talk, just remember, so is everyone else.  Just smile and don't show your nervousness, and no one will know.  Just a little secret I learned about 15 years ago at one BPWN meeting. It was interesting to find out just how many people were terrified at getting up in front of the microphone.  Once I knew almost everyone else was scared it made it so much easier.  I used to get shaky just standing up to say my name and now look at me. I can stand in front of everyone.  How? Practice, and don't show your nerves.  Act confident, and they will think your confident, and eventually it gets very easy.  Hope to see everyone there, so we can all get to know what it is you do. 

Cheers,

Corinne Matheson

Announcing our NEW Membership Referral Program!

Wouldn't it be great to enjoy a complimentary membership with the BPWN?  Not only that, how would you like to enjoy dinner on us for one whole year? Now you have a chance to win one full membership to the BPWN including your dinner for one year, valued at $440.00. 

How? Just enter your referral's name in an e mail to info [at] bpwn [dot] org and sign up the most members and you win your annual, all inclusive, membership.  If there is a tie between members, your name will go into a draw to be drawn at our next AGM.  What do you have to loose? Sign up today!

What Can Your BPWN Membership Do for You?

Have you ever left a BPWN wondering what your membership can offer you? Do you feel you aren't getting enough "bang" for your buck? If you are a woman (or man) in business, you will know the power and influence networking can bring to your client list and/or sales.  Networking is an important tool and skill to have and the key to much business success.  But what if, like so many others, you are intimidated by the thought of walking into a room full of people you don't know. Perhaps the fear of sitting down at a table full of strangers makes you queezy. If this sounds all too familiar, you are not alone.  Although networking is important, it is also a skill that needs to be developed (as we are not born knowing how to effectively network); we must learn this skill - just like any other.  The good news is anyone can learn to network and the process becomes easier and easier as you strengthen your communication skills and confidence in yourself.

So, when you would rather get a root canal than go to a networking meeting, where does one start? Setting yourself goals for the evening like meeting five new people or handing out five business cards before night's end may be a step in the right direction. Be careful not to sit in your seat all night thinking people will come to you - go to them with a smile and an ear. Watch you do not do all the talking, be sure to ask related and open-ended questions about the other person and their business. A good rule of thumb is listen more; talk less. Practice sharing your business information effectively and efficiently without taking up too much time.  Be aware of your body language; smile, nodd, keep eye contact, and above all be sincere. You may decide to write or plan a script or outline of what you want to convey for the evening. Above all, come with an open mind, a light heart, and a sincere interest in people. If you do, you will not only reap the benefits business networking has to offer but you will build a stronger sense of community along with making some great friends.  What could be better than that?

Featured Member Profiles

Tucker Dinnes

What do I do?   I have been a life and small business coach since October 2008. I use the coaching process/model to create a space for my client to pause, think, reflect, and identify what their life and business priorities are.

Why do I do it?  I believe we all need a place to think out loud without fear of judgement or outside opinion; to be acknowledged and honoured.  I provide a space for women to build a connect with themselves and their inner wisdom and answers.  The intention of my coaching practice is to provide support, ideas, and resources that inspire that connection and deepen self confidence and self compassion.

What are my passions?  My passions are for learning, sharing, and teaching.

What is my personal / professional philosophy?  I try and live from a place of balance; balanced mind, body, and spirit.  I have noticed that when I am taking care of all three, I am able to access more inner peace and calme which, in turn, enables me to accept life with all of its' ups and downs.

What makes my business different?  The service I provide is uniquely tied to me.  There are many different types of life coaches, each with a chosen niche. I believe that every coach has distinct gifts and talents and what I offer as a coach may not serve everyone and that is OK. I have a varied business background that I can tap into when needed, which is an asset to my clients who are brainstorming changes, challenges, and planning.

What is my definition of success?  My personal success is defined by living simply and from a place of gratitude and connection with others.  I try to remember not to live in the past or the future but to enjoy what I am doing when I am doing it.  I am grateful for the opportunity to work with others, and to be able to help them strengthen and build their connection to themsevles and their own wisdom and possiblities.

What do I do for fun?  I love to walk and Quadra Island offers many beautiful places to do that. I also enjoy hanging out with my husband, coffee and laughs with my girlfriends and I dabble with watercolors and sewing.

Lori Goldrup

What do I do?  I bought my flower shop in 2007 after waiting most of a lifetime to own one.

Why do I do it?  I love flowers and pretty things and wanted to try my hand at owning my own business.  Now that I have a bridel and formal wear shop within my flower shop, I have many lovely things to play with.

What makes my business different?  My business is different because it is unique....and I have Stephen.

What is my definition of success?  Success is being able to make enough money to pay all the bills, have some left over, and have a great time while doing all that.

What do I do for fun?  (see above) I also like going boating, I like to sing in choirs, and I like to tourment my designer, Stephen.