The time to say goodbye...

In March of 2008, I decided to invite a few ladies to come to a start up meeting and form a business networking group for women. I worked on the idea, mailed about 50 invitations and expected 6-8 people to show up. I was shocked when we had over 20 attendees at our first meeting!

We hosted political candidates, financial consultants, identity theft specialists, natural health specialists and more. Every meeting was exciting and informative. We met new people and grew our businesses. Our meetings were featured in the local papers every month, and I was privileged to win the Chamber spotlight to bring even more attention to our group.

Women2Women meetings were a place where we could relax, feel synergy, share our joys and sorrows, offer and recieve help, give and receive encouragement, and win a prize or two from time to time.

Every month, the numbers grew and every month we had new members. By the fall, we invited Martha Lanier, famous and fabulous motivational speaker to come speak for us. Together, we raised over $800 for her 2 Day Walk for the Cure in Atlanta and we filled the house!

For several reasons, this spring we decided to temporarily stop meetings for the summer months with the intentions of starting up again in the fall. Many of you have emailed me and asked when the meetings will resume, and where. I apologize for letting it drag on, but there was much uncertainty in my own life and I could not make the decision.

Finally, the decision has been made. It is with much regret that I must tell you that I will be leaving Dawson County. Economic forces have decided that we must move to Douglasville. It was our every intention to stay here for good. We expected that my real estate business would experience a real 'comeback' from the previous year or two and we could make a good life here. Unfortunately, there has been no 'comeback' in the real estate business and it will probably be years before it gets anywhere close to that.

I am excited that I was able to meet so many wonderful women in Dawson County. Many of you have become close personal friends, and it has brought many blessings to my life. Thank you for letting me share from my heart with you. Thank you for appreciating my attempts to bring encouragement and joy to you. Thank you all for making me feel so welcomed, accepted, and loved.

I will remember all of you for the blessing you have been in my life. You are the most special group of women I have ever met in my life. I wish you all much happiness and success in all your endeavors.

Please feel free to post your comments here at the bottom of this post. Emails are welcome as well.

God Bless You All...

Sincerely and from my heart....

Kimberly

What was it all about?

At the meeting on Tuesday, June Lewis with Cabi Fashions showed us how to Dress for Success, and how much First Impressions really count. It was amazing how the smallest thing can make the biggest difference in your appearance. Kelley Crane, Linda Rule and Paula Pride were our fabulous models. Kelley looked stunning in her linen slacks and versatile top. Linda was 'Petite and Sophisticate' and Paula showed how the little black dress can go from day to evening in a flash!

Everyone was having a great time and then the time was gone. June suggested a longer version and a chance for everyone to get their own personal 'dress for success' tips. So we will be having another event at Kelley's office on May 11 at 5:30pm. Watch for an 'evite' in your email! If you don't receive it, please let me know and I will send you the details. Wine and hor'dourves will be served, so don't miss it and bring someone with you too!

Attendance has been down a little over the past couple of months due to scheduling conflicts. Being that we are all independant business women, the economy demands that we put our work first. Our meetings are just a little bonus that we squeeze in if we can to inspire and motivate us. Of course we don't want you to lose a sale or deal by attending our meetings. However, I do urge you to make it a priority to attend.

Networking works... if you work it!

At almost every meeting, a show of hands proves that the ones who are faithful have received business from attending.

On a very positive note, since the first meeting in May of last year, there has been one or more new attendees at every single meeting, which means that there's always a new opportunity at every meeting.

We also discussed several other networking venues and all are encouraged to attend as many events as possible. Annette Walden, who I consider the guru of networking has a list on her website that has the latest information on networking events for Hall, Forsyth, Lumpkin, and Dawson Counties. You can find that list at: http://www.paintedladyenterprises.com/ It's the best way to increase your business without the heavy costs of advertising. And there's nothing like the face to face, one on one encounter to build a relationship.

Speaking of meetings, at our next meeting Dr. Kara of Nature's Way Chiropractic will be speaking to us about Stress. Perfect timing, right when the kids will be getting out of school! Make sure to mark the date in your planner.

and lastly.....

Ryan's has a new general manager, Scott Talbot. Scott is very nice and is doing all he can to make us welcome and comfortable. Unfortunately, recent events have prompted the Ryans corporation to require that the front doors must remain locked until just before opening time. At future meetings, we will have a representative near the front door to let you in. If the door is locked, please wait and someone will be there to open it for you shortly.

Today at Women2Women...

Katie Buice with Capstone Financial spoke to us about:

"Five Things You Must Do Today to Navigate These Financial Waters"

1. Manage your cash flow. You should be on a budget and if you're too lazy to do quicken or the like, there's a free website called www.mint.com that you can use to manage your money. (Katie encouraged everyone to read the privacy and security FAQs to determine for themselves if it is appropriate for them.) You must know where your money is going!
2. Stash your Cash. You must build an emergency fund. Find the money and just do it. Look for money in unconventional places such as old insurance policies. Hoard every dollar and put it into savings. You may need it!
3. Don't stop investing. If you have to reduce your contributions, that's ok. But don't stop investing. If you do , you will get used to spending that extra money and when things are better you won't be able to live without it.
4. Look at your protection. You need lots and lots of life insurance. Update your will. Don't let your insurance policies lapse for any reason.
5. Find other ways to make money. Take on extra jobs. Have a yard sale. Sell on craigslist.com, it's free. You don't have to think high level right now. Any extra cash is good and you should be putting it into your savings account.

Katie did a wonderful job of presenting these ideas and helping us understand them. Don't let her young appearance fool you, Katie is a very professional and capable young lady! Thank you Katie for taking the time to do this for us, and for being a huge support for Women2Women. You can contact Katie at 770-377-9834 or ebuice@finsvcs.com .

I look forward to seeing all of you again, next month!

Kimberly

BIG HUGE NEWS coming to Women2Women

on Tuesday, March 17th!

Women2Women is ever changing. This Tuesday (17th) we will be making a few adjustments, and in the words of Martha Stewart "It's a Good Thing".

-We have developed a bad habit of not starting on time (my fault-not yours), which cuts down on the time that most of you have to spend with us. So from now on we will start the meeting PROMPTLY at 10:30am. ( Of course we still want you to come if you are running a little late- just slip on in and join us! )

-If you feel you need a bit more time for networking and can't stay for lunch, come at 10:00am and be first to greet ladies as they arrive. That extra half hour may be just what you need to collect a few more cards and make some new acquaintances. This should be especially helpful to our newest members.

-We will continue to have a 'featured speaker'. However, we will strictly limit these promos to 15 minutes. I will be bringing a timer! Once the 15 minutes is up, you will have to wait until the meeting ends to make the personal contact with the speaker. We must do this to allow enough time for the actual 'networking' part of the meeting.

There will be a couple of other interesting changes that I think you will enjoy as well.

This Tuesday, Katie Buice with Capstone Financial will be talking to us about "Navigating the waters during the recession – what to do to make sure your financial house is in order." This will be a very informative and interesting reason to be there.

And last but not least...the Founders Committee has met twice over the last couple of weeks, and we are ready to announce a HUGE endeavor for Women2Women that I think will excite you all and introduce you to a great opportunity to promote yourself and your business. We are about to do something in Dawson County that no one has ever done before...and you are going to love it!

Looking forward to seeing you all!

Kimberly

SYNERGY

Tuesday was a great day at Women2Women. The word for the day was Synergy. What is synergy?

"The term used to describe a situation where different entities cooperate advantageously for a final outcome."

"The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects."

We talked about the What if's? What if.... The business women in our community pulled together and worked as a team to ensure that all of us not only make it in these economic difficulties, but even prosper and exceed our goals and expectations? I encouraged everyone to pull together, and find new friendships in the group. One person can make a difference. But a group of people, working together can accomplish unbelievable tasks.

We had a very nice table top discussion on current issues, and some were able to share some recent blessings. There's just something so moving and inspirational when a group of women get together to share their concerns or joys with each other, un-inhibited and free to express themselves. Many new attendees recognize this and say that they feel so comfortable and warm with our group.

Women2Women Business Networking Group is truly a place where you can find warmth, laughter, support, and encouragement. It is an invaluable resource to build your network of associates for your business. You never know who you will meet, and what benefit will come from attending our meetings.

Next month, Katie Buice will be giving us a 15 minute presentation on some important things women can do to survive the economy. It will be encouraging and informative. Katie has been attending Women2Women for several months. One thing I have learned about Katie is to not let her young age fool you. I think you will be surprised and happy that you didn't miss it.

In April, we have lined up another exciting event. More to come on that later!

Thank you all for your support. Together, we accomplish much!

Sincerely and from my heart....

Kimberly