Join us for the Ultimate after-hours Networking Event Celebration ~ The DPWN Way!

Some of you may the story of how DPWN was started and without going into that once again in this article, it is safe to summarize that while my goal was to initially create a single, yet powerful referral group to support the mortgage business I was in at the time, it rapidly developed into a very productive and successful community that professional women all over the Chicagoland area desired to belong. It also awakened a desire in my heart to become a better resource for women and gave me an avenue to accomplish that in a way that is in alignment with my values, my assets and my personality.

I had the honor of being recently featured in this month’s JJR Marketing’s “Make it Happen!” Newsletter. Their objective is to feature one interesting individual from the community that has achieved success in his/her respective area with their contact base. They have learned that success it is all about building relationships (who you know and who knows you) and they opted to introduce me to the world through their amazing PR strategy of which I am truly honored.

JJR Marketing is a full-service, award-winning marketing and public relations agency that you should “get to know”!  http://www.jjrmarketing.com/

Below are the interview questions they asked and I answered. Enjoy!

by Lillian D. Bjorseth
President Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.
www.duoforce.com

It is far easier to build a better mousetrap than it is to let the world know you have built one. Entrepreneurs through Fortune 100 companies wrestle daily with how to come up with the best marketing strategies, those that garner attention and also sell product.

When you can succinctly articulate … right on the spot … the answers to the following questions, you will have made a solid start toward selling more services and products … or yourself when looking for a job or promotion to enhance your career success.

What is your/your company’s competitive advantage?  The objective is to identify specifically what sets you apart from others who sell the same thing or have the same educational or work background. In formulating your answer consider your:

1. Availability
2. Background
3. Customer service
4. Expertise
5. Price (salary requirements)
6. Quality of work

By: Christie Ruffino
Dynamic Professional Women’s Network, Inc.
www.dpwomen.com

How to create and build strategic relationships that will help you get the results you deserve with your referral network.

Networking is about leveraging your business and personal connections to help you make and build relationships that will provide you with a regular supply of new business. The key word being “Relationships”

The thing about networking unlike other business skills is that although it is necessary to thrive, it is not taught in most schools or universities. Yes we can all jump into the networking game, join a chamber of commerce, register for an event and order a stack of business cards, but will we get the desired results?

I made the mistake many years ago doing just that. I had always been naturally prone to connect my family and friends to the amazing resources I discovered and I felt great sanctification in helping them out. In addition I was also happy to help spread the word for those businesses whom I felt offered an amazing product or service. So isn’t that enough? Unfortunately after many years of unsuccessful networking, I learned that my networking needs to be intentional and result driven.

How connected are you?

At the beginning of every New Year, the topic of resolutions and goal setting always comes to the forefront of everyone’s minds. Although I am not a proponent of resolutions, I am a firm believer of goal setting and have seen firsthand how powerful this exercise can be. You have probably read many articles already this year on how to set and achieve goals so I don’t want to go into that whole process. I do however want to point out that, in my opinion, there are two characteristics that must be present when creating your goals for them to be worthwhile and successful.

The first characteristic that should be included in your goals is that they should be “Scary” yet obtainable. This is so important yet so often overlooked in the goal setting process. It is okay for some of your goals to be common and rewarding like getting a new car, going on a vacation, obtaining a promotion, growing your business etc. But why not reach for the stars with most of your goals and strive for outcomes way bigger than you would have ordinarily desired.

Dream BIG, believe BIG, achieve BIG, and be BIG!!!!