Women Are Doing Business, Building Connections by Networking in the Northern Plains

It is no secret that it takes some serious networking and relationship building to build and successfully run a business anywhere in the world.  Business owners need buyers (repeat buyers are the best) and the way to get them is to get their name out there among peers.  What amazes me is that different groups of individuals have really banded together to advance business dealings, and relationships, over the past 20 years.  Minorities, veterans, and perhaps one of the biggest of these groups – women, have made huge advancements in networking to both win business and build lasting professional relationships.  During the course of my research, it was absolutely amazing to see all the websites, tools, networking groups, and services that business women are using to advance careers and bottom lines.

So this month, I wanted to take some time and share with you how women in the Northern Plains are doing business and building connections by networking.  I will share some thoughts from Wendy Kram, the owner of Entrespect, Inc., who I got the opportunity to share a cup of coffee with.  Wendy is among those who are helping women business owners advance in the marketplace, and she had interesting viewpoints to share with The National Networker.  Finally, I have gathered some great links to some of the wonderful organizations that put a focus on women and networking.

Wendy Kram is an experienced business consultant and business owner who understands what it takes to survive in the world of business.  Having worked at several Fortune 500 firms over the course of her career, Wendy started Entrespect to provide a resource for women entrepreneurs to become more powerful leaders.  Through free podcast sessions, Wendy and her guests help women business owners (anyone can join, but Wendy has strong alliances with women organizations) guide their way to success.  During a conversation with Wendy, I had a chance to gather her thoughts on the importance of networking.

RS: What was one of your first networking experiences?
WK: A financial planner I know holds monthly “Invest In Yourself” meetings, to give financial planning tips, but it was a great place to meet people!

RS: What do you think is the key to networking?
WK: I think building your network is important, but even more so is the ability to work your network.  Don’t be afraid to ask for things when you need them.

RS: How much time do you spend networking, on average, a week?
WK: I would say at least two hours, probably more.  That would include things like lunches, meetings, and phone calls.  Networking is critical to business, so between all that is required to run the business, you still have to network.

RS: What advice would you give women who are currently trying to network, but may not be finding value?
WK: Take a step back and evaluate your networking strategy.  Make changes where necessary.  And don’t forget that it is important to be selective – don’t feel like you have to join every networking group out there.  Each group is different and each one is not going to match what you may be looking to achieve.

RS: How is networking important to women in the Northern Plains?
WK: I think it is important for women to talk and meet with other women who may be more experienced or have advanced further down the career path.  These women can provide guidance, support, and leadership.  There is no better way to do this than networking!

With plenty of organizations to support business women’s goals, the Northern Plains continues to build a strong infrastructure for networking and business.  I encourage you to check out Wendy’s website www.entrespect.com and the other links below to learn more about women networking in the Northern Plains!

National Association of Women Business Owners: www.nawbo.org

Association of Women Contractors: www.awcmn.org

Women In Networking: www.mnwin.org

Metro Women’s Network of Iowa: www.mwniowa.org

Women Business Owners Network (Nebraska): www.wbon.us

North Dakota Women’s Network: www.ndwomen.org

- Robert Stanke

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