Just a year ago, in an effort to promote and support women in business, a group of local women banded together to form Women's Business Network of Norwood (WBN). WBN was formed to exchange and share business ideas and strategies Their mission and focus evolved around three words: 'Connect. Refer. Support.' Making partnering connections, referring leads and supporting each other's businesses was their primary goal, and still a vital component of this intimate non-profit association.
"I joined because I wanted to get to know other Norwood businesses," Norwood Blue Hills Bank Manager Valerie Rolli said. "Everyone is so helpful and committed to helping others."
Later in the year, the group spread its wings and opened its membership to women in business surrounding the Norwood area. WBN is comprised of many diverse industries, trades and retail establishments but limits their enrollment to one representative per industry.
Their bi-monthly meetings were initially designed to refer business and leads to one another, but evolved into sharing ideas, information and their diverse knowledge in all areas of commerce. Their collective minds and experiences have provided inspiration in all aspects of running a business, from marketing, to mock presentations, to accounting, and much more.
Professional networking is a key component in driving sales and making business connections. Those benefits, however, are just the beginning. According to amazingbusiness.com, the nine top benefits of networking are: generation of referred business, opportunities, connections, advice, raising your profile, positive influences, increased confidence, and a sense of satisfaction from helping others.
Throughout the year the women expanded their mission to give back to the loyal community that has supported their businesses. Their first project was a mitten/scarf drive and Norwood neighbors responded generously! Donation bins overflowed within Blue Hills Bank, True Value Hardware, the Morrill Memorial Library and the Liberty Mutual building lobby, 100 River Ridge Dr., Norwood. Bags of winter accessories (many homemade) were donated to The Home for Little Wanderers Thrift Store and the DOVE organization. The generosity of the Norwood community produced this priceless result.
Women's Business Network of Norwood,
What an amazing effort to organize, collect and deliver this wonderful donation! Thank you so much for thinking of other in need and proactively making a difference.
Our shop provides affordable items to folks in the community who look to us as a resource and all proceeds benefit the Home.
The timing of these items couldn't be better!
Thank you so much!
Best,
Chris Roth
Store Manager
The Women's Business Network is currently supporting the Winter Farmer's Market. Every Saturday through April 1, they are hosting a table with member information, free samples from their respective organizations and providing free cider to market patrons while they shop.
Looking to grow your business, meet some exciting ambitious women and participate in community service? WBN is currently accepting new members. Only one industry represented in the group, but all areas of business are welcome. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 8 a.m. For more information on WBN, email wbnofnorwood@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/wbnnorwood/.
"We are all local business women who want to help each other grow," Rolli said. "The more people we have, the more knowledge we can share."
This year, while also fulfilling their networking agenda, they are looking to further reach out to the local community with more service-oriented projects. Stay tuned!
Issue Date:
March, 2017
Article Body: