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.

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

We are so excited to announce our new DPWN blog and would like to invite you to subscribe!  We’re working hard to provide you quality content that is important to both your business and your life.
In an attempt to gain exposure we will be giving away a 1-year FREE Membership Renewal to one of our lucky members once we achieve 100 subscribers.

How can you qualify?

1. Be an active DPWN member.
2. Subscribe to our blog via one or both of the links below.
3. Comment on one of our current or future blog articles.
4. Share our blog with at least on of your friends.

We will keep you posted on the progress of this contest.

It’s easy to subscribe!  You can receive our blog articles via email or via your favorite RSS reader.  Click on one of the links below to subscribe:

Subscribe via Email                  Subscribe via RSS

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?

11 Tips to get the results you want at your next networking event.

1. Set a goal - Plan to meet or reconnect with a quantified number of people. Weather it is one or more, when you set a goal to connect with a certain number of business professionals and challenge yourself to not leave without having met that goal, you will be more successful. Do not make your goal to large as quality is better than quantity.
2. Plan to bring a buddy or two – Regardless if you are an introvert or extrovert, this is an excellent way to make great connections. Plan to introduce each other to the new people you meet which will not only help your buddy make more connections, it will make you appear as a great connector and an influential person to know.