The success of any personal encounter begins the second someone lays eyes on you, usually before either of you speaks.

Someone sees you across the room.

You exchange smiles, and both of you “eye” each other.

You are the presenter or the meeting chair, and everyone watches as you prepare in the front of the room.

While there are 86,400 seconds in a day, it takes 10 or fewer for to you make a first impression on others. The decision is based on your image, a combination of appearance and behavior. That’s why dressing appropriately is a key factor in your success in the workplace and social settings.

Because you are in charge of how you look and how you act, you are in charge of the impression you make. I call it Impression Management. You need to decide what impact you want to make and then how to make it. This article will examine how your appearance “speaks.”

The Messages of Color

Color, style and fit are the one-two-three punch in your appearance arena. Color elicits conscious and unconscious reactions. It appeals to you or sidetracks you, and, thus impacts your opinions of others and vice versa. What is most important in business is people’s response to color. Secondary is what colors are most complementary to your skin tone, your eyes, your hair color, etc. This may turn upside down what you have learned from an image consultant or read in fashion magazines. There’s hope: you may be able to use accessories in your best colors to accentuate your features.

Here’s a sampling of what colors “say.”

Black – most powerful color, dignity, sophistication and slimming

Blue – calm, reliable, serene

Brown – dependable, practical, stable (not a power color)

Gray – success, perception increases as shade deepens

Navy Blue – authority, knowledge, responsibility

Pink – friendly, flexible, sensitive, approachable,

Red – adventurous, exciting … but also sexually arousing

White – clean, formal, sophistication

What Style Says

Style, the second punch, encompasses both the style of the garments you choose as well as your distinctive manner of putting outfits together.

Men have long dictated the look of success in traditional Corporate America. Their fundamental uniform is the business suit, with long-sleeve shirt and tie. Their business casual look is dress pants and a long-sleeve shirt. The former is a powerful uniform because wearing a jacket with long sleeves, slightly padded shoulders and a collar makes you appear one-third more powerful.

The debate has long raged as to whether women need to adopt the “male look” to be taken seriously and considered powerful. My contention is the most powerful, professional look is a suit, and it is non-gender. I don’t understand all this concern about looking like a man. I have always felt 100 percent a women when I wear a suit. I certainly look a lot different than a man looks in his! A good business casual look for women is a dark skirt or slacks and a solid or coordinating long-sleeve blouse.

Women in business are often more concerned about looking attractive in the office. I agree, however, ensure that others listen to you rather than look at you. You want to be feminine, but not frilly or fluffy. You want to be stylish, but not to the point where your clothes speak louder than you do.

Women have such a plethora of choices that you need to be particularly

astute in choosing proper attire for the work place. While it may appear that rules have relaxed, my experience shows unwritten dogma still prevails. I know firsthand from my days in Corporate America that top-level people do discuss the dress and behavior of others … behind closed doors.

Fit Has a Voice, Too.

You may have selected the right color in the proper style; however, if your clothes don’t look as if they were made for you, you still are lacking a piece of the puzzle.

You don’t have to buy custom-made clothing. Department stores and boutiques typically have tailors on the premises. If not, find a neighborhood tailor who can do wonders with a nip here and a tuck there.

The money you spend to make the sleeves, pants and skirts the right length and the waistline fit perfectly will give you increased self-confidence and that indescribably good feeling that you are a winner!

When in doubt, buy one quality item instead of two less expensive ones. You will feel and look better in a well-tailored outfit; therefore, you exude more confidence and garner more respect. Good quality means fine fabrics such as wools and linens; sturdy construction – pockets that lie flat, plaids that match at the seams and no gimmicks that will date the outfit.

If budget is a concern (and it is for many of us!), watch for seasonal sales at higher-end department stores rather than shopping at discount stores. Sales items can be double-edged swords. They can add quality to your wardrobe. A sale item, however, is not a bargain when it doesn’t complement or coordinate with anything else in your closet. Also, the most stylish piece is wrong if it pulls, puckers, bags or droops on you.

What do you “say” without speaking? The choice, as always, is yours!

Lillian Bjorseth is a highly sought after communication and networking skills speaker, trainer, coach and author. Her best-seller, Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last, is in the third edition. She also has a popular online course, “What You Say Before You Speak.”

Experts say that networking is about exchange and building relationships. However, how can one know when a network contact has developed into a professional relationship?

Here is my personal top 10 list (in no particular order) of how I determine when my network contact moves from a mere contact to a professional relationship.

1.       If they did not give me their phone number from our first meeting, and one day after numerous conversations, their phone number pops up in their message or e-mail without me asking for it.  Sometimes I don’t even see the phone number because they did not say give me a call or anything.   I will go back to the message to re-read or reply and then notice the phone #.  I usually say something silly like “wow, I stepped up a notch in your network “or something else.   When they give you their cell, home, work, mother’s phone number (lol) etc, you really know that they trust you and a professional relationship has formed

2.       When we speak on the phone and there is no awkward silence, and I feel like I am speaking to a long lost friend.

3.       When they contact me out of the blue and say “I was thinking about you today and here is why your name popped up in my head.”  Hopefully it is for good reasons.

4.       When I receive a LinkedIn recommendation without asking for one.

5.       When they contact me to ask for advice, and don’t feel sorry that they bugged me.

6.       They feel comfortable to vent frustrations without fear that I will view them differently.

7.       When I receive a gift via US Mail from a network contact and they did not tell me they would be sending something.  This point can be scary if you don’t know the person well because it is a surprise.

8.       They recommend me for a job or forward job leads when I am not even searching for a job.  This is a great one because I receive leads that I would have never come across on my own.  Keep them coming…  I usually share these jobs with my networking group.

9.       When you receive a message that states that you don’t need to register and pay for an event, and they ask you to come as their guest.  This is mind blowing but really happened.

10.   When people spread the word about my company without me asking them to.
I am sure there is much more that can indicate when your network contact has grown into a professional relationship but that is my small list.  I posted this question in my networking group, Success Through Networking, and people chimed in with additional information.

So, tell me how do you determine when a network contact develops into a professional relationship?  Please don’t reply when we got married or something like that.  I am looking for professional relationships, not social, or dating.

Copyright Marleen Graham. For more information visit: http://sites.google.com/site/successtngroup/

Grab a piece of paper and a calculator and, right now, tally up the amount of money you personally spent (or your company spent for you) on networking activities this year. Include memberships, dues, conferences, luncheons, receptions, referral groups, and that round of golf with a prospect.

In our workshops, we’ve heard people report totals that range from $15 to $75,000! How about you?

Are you surprised to see how little you actually spend, given how important meeting new people and re-connecting with long–time contacts is to your bottom-line? Or are you shocked to realize how much you spend and want more return on your investment? If you want to make the most of your memberships here are 10 tips. They’ll help you enhance your reputation, establish your credibility, and raise your visibility.

1.   Assume your presidential responsibilities.

When you attend an organization’s event, remember you’re not just another member, you’re president of your own network! You are responsible for what you take away from the meeting. The success of the meeting is up to you. Many organizations will send you a guest list so you can see who will attend. Take charge of meeting the people you want to meet and making the connections that will be valuable to you.

2.   Showcase your capabilities.

Teach your fellow members what you can do – - your skills, abilities, and talents. As you become active, take on only those roles you can and will do well. If you do a great job as treasurer, people will assume that you are an excellent computer programmer or an outstanding real estate salesperson. Conversely, if you’ve promised to do something, but don’t come through, people will assume that you are not a competent attorney or public relations practitioner. We call this The All or Nothing Principle. If you do one thing well, people will assume you do everything well. If you do one thing poorly, people will assume you do nothing well.

3.   Show off your wares or your services.

Provide a demonstration or a sample. Contribute door prizes. Do a display. Take every opportunity to give other members a chance to experience – - with all of their senses — your products or expertise. Karen sells a line of designer clothing. She wears a new outfit to every meeting, leaving the price tags on!

4.   Show up.

Get there early and stay late. The involved people — speakers, board members, movers and shakers – - are likely to be there for “pre- and post-meeting meetings.” They are the ones you want to cultivate for your network. Don’t fume about what happened this morning or what’s on your agenda for the afternoon. Be there and be present in the moment. If you can, turn off your pager or cell phone. Pay attention to the here and now.

5.   Listen carefully with a bias toward action.

What do people need that you can offer? Always be ready to give information, resources, or help to others. If Susan says, “Boy, I’m ready for a vacation!,” say “I have a terrific travel agent. Would you like her name?”

6.   Help others connect.

Who would your conversation partner like to meet? To find out, listen. When Carla introduced herself as an interior designer who focuses on the senior citizen market, Mitzi immediately said, “I’ve got to get you together with someone I know who shows businesses how to market to the 50 plus generation.” Listen for links, what people have in common. “You went to the University of Chicago? So did Danielle. Let me take you over and introduce you.” Or, “Oh Sarah, I just met Ona who has also just started her own business. Let me introduce you to her.”

When you become known as somebody who knows everybody, people will call you and ask you if you know someone who . . . . As you link people together, you build your reputation as an expert networker.

7.   Tell success stories.

What picture do you want to pop up in people’s minds when they hear your name? They will remember what you last told them. Have something important to tell when they ask you, “What’s new?” As you think about what you want to tell people, begin with your goal. What do you want people to know about you or your business? Plan ahead to talk about clients served, problems solved, or products that saved the day. You can talk about your successes without bragging. As Will Rogers, the great American humorist once said, “If you done it, it ain’t braging.”

 
Lynne Waymon is the co-founder and CEO of Contacts Count the nationwide training and consulting firm specializing in business and professional networking You can reach Lynne or Anne at www.ContactsCount.com

Do you think that only people who work in sales can benefit from building a professional network? This is a common misconception, but it could not be further from the truth. The fact is that no matter what line of work you are in, it’s important for you to build professional relationships with likeminded people that you may be able to assist, and who may also be able to help you at some point in your career.

4 Ways You Can Benefit from Networking

1. Referrals
Many business and employment opportunities are passed via referral. When you need someone to perform a service for you, don’t you start out by asking people you know and trust for ideas of who to contact? When you do that, you are asking for referrals. It only makes sense to seek to do business with individuals and companies that our friends and colleagues recommend rather than those that we don’t know anything about.

2. Resources
Regardless of the type of work you do, there will be times that you need to locate products, services, or other types of assistance with projects you are working on. It’s much easier to find what you need if you already have existing relationships with people who can assist you, or who are able to put you in touch people who provide the help you need. If you’ve built a strong professional network and have a reputation for being willing to help others, you’ll have an easier time finding people to pitch in when you need help yourself.

3. Reputation
There’s no substitute for being viewed as a reputable professional. No matter what type of business you are in, having a good reputation will serve you well throughout every stage of your career. When you cultivate a strong network of people who know that you are a person of integrity, your reputation will benefit. Make sure that people come to recognize you as someone who can be trusted and counted on to follow through with what you promise.

4. References
When you are looking for a new job, seeking a leadership position in a community organization, or are being considered by a prospective client, it’s important to have professionals outside of your workplace who are willing to speak on your behalf. When you have a strong network, you’ll be able to reach provide positive references who can help you accomplish your goals. Remember that it’s essential to ask for permission before using someone you know as a reference.

Start Building Your Network
Are you ready to start building your professional network? There are so many benefits associated with cultivating a strong network that the time and effort you spend doing so will certainly be time well spent. You’ll benefit personally and professionally from reaching out and getting to know other professionals in your community and in your industry. Find a professional association or business development group that’s appropriate for you and join today! Remember that you must actively participate in order to benefit. Putting your name on a membership roster just means that you have joined the group. To build credibility with the members and to grow your network, you must commit to becoming an engaged and active participant.

About the Author
Mary Gormandy White, M.A., SPHR is the Training Coordinator for Mobile Technical Institute & MTI Business Solutions (http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com), where she specializes in human resources, management, and public relations training. She teaches open enrollment classes for MTI, provides on-site corporate training, and frequently speaks at conferences and association meetings. She is also the author of 101 Successful PR Campaign Tips and 101 Human Resources Management Tips in the LifeTips book series. MTI provides a variety of consulting services, including IT Training, certification testing, resume writing, HR & PR consulting, custom database development and website solutions.

Networking to some is old news, they are pros and get amazing results, but I believe even the most polished networker can learn new skills that will help their networking get them even better results!
 
If you are new to Networking I would suggest reading up on the subject before diving in. Learning from watching other professionals is great and very effective, but remember that first impressions stick with people. The first time you meet a fellow networker to be a good experience. You want them to remember you as a professional and maybe even “WOW” them!
 
Reading up will give you the basic rules, the do’s and don’ts and ensure your success without the expense of learning time.
 
I would like to point out some common networking mistakes to take into consideration before you dive in if you are new to networking and to refresh for those with some experience under their belt.
 
Being unprepared. If you are attending a networking event you should try to get to know a bit about the types of people that will be there.  You should research specific contacts that may be there as well as prepare some conversation topics ahead of time.  Keep in mind having a little bit of background knowledge about the people who are attending the event will make starting a conversation easier.
 
Forgetting your business cards.  You should always carry your business cards, but especially if you are attending a networking event.  It appears unprofessional to give out your contact information on a scrap piece of paper or napkin.  Doing so may discourage a contact from getting in touch with you in the future. Your business cards should be printed on quality material and you should give them out generously.  The more cards you have circulating at any given time, the more likely they will be useful.
 
Giving an unprofessional email address.  While cute or funny email addresses may be acceptable for your social life, they are generally inappropriate in the business world.
 
Coming across as arrogant.  To effectively network, listening to others is just as important as promoting yourself.  To avoid looking arrogant, ask questions about others, offer advice, and don’t talk too much about yourself.  While a big part of networking is marketing yourself, it is important to know where to draw the line.
 
Monopolizing all of someone’s time.  Keep in mind people attend these events to socialize and mingle.   They may become annoyed if they feel you are dominating their entire time at the event.
 
Dressing down.  You should present yourself professionally at networking events.  This means dressing in appropriate attire, standing up straight and making eye contact.  Remember your goal is to build healthy business relationships.  For this reason you should also try to limit your alcohol intake.
 
Being passive.  You can be aggressive without being obnoxious.  Persistence will show that you are interested and self assured.  Ask follow up questions and remain engaged in the conversation, remaining passionate and enthusiastic.
 
Sitting Beside People You Know.  Always try to sit beside a member you do not know or a guest.  It is wonderful to set up relationships and gain new friendships and associates, but how can you grow your network if you always sit beside someone you already know?
 
Whether you are new to networking or a pro I hope you will take a minute to access your skills and think about what steps you can take to make your networking efforts get you the results you desire.
 
Sherry is founder and president of Women of Today, a professional group for women that specializes in marketing and promoting your business and author of “Networking for Women Made Easy”. www.networkingforwomenmadeeasy.com

Tell us about your business.
NetworkingEventFinders publishes local Networking Guides and local NetworkingEvent Calendars across the country.  We are not a social  networking organization nor do we host our own networking events.  We promote & support the networking industry which includes the event hosts, the networking public seeking events to attend, and the venues that host events. We provide many opprtunites for free promtions as well as enhanced paid promotions, Networking trainings, training, aricles, interactive forums, anything the networking public could use to enhance their networking experience. 
 
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place? 
I grew up in a household of entrepreneurs, and learned first-hand the personal freedom it offered..and the economic roller-coaster that comes with the entrepreneur experience.  As an adult I found little joy and satisfaction in the constraints of hourly positions. I found myself moving towards outside sales that afforded me with a little more personal freedom before striking out on my own in 1991. 

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
It was a point of pride that my father said he had never worked for another person.  He started his own business after leaving the military and was self-employed all his life and at one point had offices worldwide.  That gave me my busines-owner mindset. What  influences me today is the  unshakeable spirit of the everyday business person I come into contact with on a daily basis.  They network, they help each other and they show up.  They are the backbone of our economy and I want to support them any way I can.  These are “my people”.
 
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?  
In 2001 I started including a few networking event listings in my weekly newsletter for my coaching clients. I now have  networking event calendars nationwide, and we are just getting started. The site & service we have created is unique and when we get positive feedback on what a great resource we provide…well..it makes it all worthwhile.
 
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
I don’t know who coined this phrase, “The Riches are in the Niches”, but it fits with my personal inclination to set myself apart from others, no matter what I profession I was in at the time.  It has really served us well in designing NetworkingEventFinders.com When I was a child, my mother always told me to be different…boy,. that really stuck!
 
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years? 
Focus on what is best for the client, not on an immediate need for a sale. 
 
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you succeed?
Technology is changing so fast, but in recent months a resource that I have used and recommended is Peter Shankman’s Help A Reporter Out – HARO – http://helpareporter.com. He’s a PR expert who puts out queries from reporters looking for experts to interview.   I have used them to locate networking organization leaders to profile, and have passed on queries to experts I know.
 
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year? 
To get our site traffic up to the top 100,000 websites (or higher),  by the end of this year. This will result in increased sales (advertising, affiliate, product) with the goal to be $5,000/ per month revenue.
 
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? 
We are offering local networkers the opportunity to ride our coattails in their community.  Become one of our editors and leverage your exposure on our site to position yourself as the local networking “go-to” person.  Go to http://NetworkingEventFinders.com . Look at the Networking Guide in your area for more information. You will have something to offer selected people…free promotion.
 
How can our readers find you online?

http:.//TheLinkSystem.com
http://NetworkingEventFinders.com
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyselinger   
Faceboook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=762457782
Twitter @NetworkingGuide

10 AM Eastern ~ How to Live the Good Life on Zero Cash with Simone Kelly-Brown CEO of Own Your Power Communications, a company dedicated to personal growth and business development www.ownyourpower.biz. In this session Simone will discuss how to Leverage Bartering in Today’s Economy including when it’s appropriate to barter, things you have readily available that you can use to barter for those things you want and more. Heidi heard Simone’s program at the Own Your Power Retreat in Miami in September and that very week created her very own barter opportunity saving her hundreds of dollars. We are delighted to bring Simone to you so you too can learn How to Live the Good Life on Zero Cash.

11 AM Eastern ~ ”How to Create a Follow-up System to Save You Time AND Grow Your Business” featuring Heidi Caswell and Heidi Richards Mooney (The Follow-Up Divas).

In this teleseminar, the Follow-Up Divas will talk about the importance of staying in touch with your clients, and how to effectively follow up with them without spending a lot of money. They will talk about a variety of stay in touch mechanisms such as email, telephone and greeting/postcard and other direct marketing ideas. You will learn new strategies for following up with leads that can save you time and money and create loyal customers and clients for life.

5PM Eastern ~ How to Create an Effective One-page eCommerce Website with Ginger Marks Founder of Documeant Designs www.DocUmeantDesigns.com. In this session, Ginger will discuss the steps necessary to create an effective one-page website, The type of questions we need to ask, and what we need to do to prepare to work with a designer. What information we need to provide, etc. Should we have a contract? All this and more. Ginger is the creator of the Grow a Million Dollar Business Sales pages ~ she did such a fantastic job, Heidi had to share the experience with our members.

To RSVP for any or all of these sessions, send a message to Heidi@wecai.org with 1st Fridayz™ in the subject line.

Note: Elite and Lifetime Members of the Women’s eCommerce Association receive access to the audio files of all these events (pre-registration required). Everyone who registers for Ed Peters’ event will also receive access to the audio files.

Many of us still have a negative perception when we hear the word “networking” and as I always say, it’s a misunderstood word. My theory is that good networking skills build links and alliances with people we meet along our career path. “The opposite of networking is not working”—you can learn from everyone you meet and also be a resource to them. If you are lucky, down the road something may come back.

 1. Is networking just about finding customers and growing one’s business?
Networking is all about developing and building relationships first. When this happens with hard work and sincerity, customers will come. It’s like a garden. When you meet new people for the first time, it’s like planting a seed. When you stay in touch by meeting for coffee or sending a holiday card, it’s like watering the seeds. Finally when there is a genuine reason for you to have a closer working relationship or friendship, it’s like the harvest. Remember we can plant and we can water—however the growth is a natural and organic process. You cannot rush it. One needs to think win/win and patience. I look at each connection I make as how I can help or refer that person. The biggest joy is when I put someone in touch with someone else and they do business together. Three of my major corporate clients took over three years to develop-lots of staying in touch, patience and finally an opportunity to work on an assignment. Each has turned into multiple referrals within the organization. The goal is stay in front of people, to be on their radar screen as a thank you. I do this with my electronic tips of the month, my quarterly newsletter and a variety of articles.

2. What has been the biggest “negative” that I have heard about networking?
The top complaint that came from a national survey that my company did was about people who act like they are trying to sell you something-right when they meet you. They pounce on you and tell you only about themselves and don’t have any interest in you. Another complaint is about people who lose interest if they don’t think you can help them—the people who figure they only need to “network” when they NEED a job or business. The key is always to give first. Be a resource-go through your database and think how you can help the other person. Every day, get in touch with three people just to say hello. I do this systematically. It could be as simple as sending an article including a note saying “I haven’t spoken to you in a while, and thought you might be interested in this.” Or let them know about an event they might enjoy, or congratulate them on a recent accomplishment. Keep it sincere, short and make it about them—not about you.

 To read the rest of this article, check out the Winter 2008 Issue of WE Magazine for Women.

Long before the new WEB 2.0 social networking sites came on the scene, many of us would network via message boards and discussion forums. And message boards or discussion forums are still an excellent way to communicate with people who share similar interests and exchange ideas on topics of interest to them. In fact, most successful small business owners know that if you want to rapidly increase and enhance your online presence you should become an active member of forums or discussion boards. So I asked several female colleagues to share their lists of favorite discussion sites. 

The result: this list of 100 Business Forums and Message Boards!

While all of these forums have some business component, many of them also include other discussion topics of interest to women in other aspects of our lives. After all, we are not just business women! We are Total Women!

 This list is sure to keep you busy for quite a while. Simply click on the name and it will take you there. You may have to register to see the board, which will also allow you to participate. Be sure and read the forum rules before posting.  Happy Networking!

1. A Mom’s Love

2. Affilate Seeking Forum

3. Aardvark Business

4. Assist Business Network

5. At Home Resources

6. Between Moms

7. Biz Ammo

8. Bizy Moms

9. Business Know-How

10. Buzzle.com

11. Christian Wahm

12. Christian Work at Home Mom

13. Classy Chic

14. Copywriters Board

15. Dabbling Diva’s

16. Direct Sales Moms

17. Direct Selling Business

18. DotCom Women

19. Fast Company Community

20. Forbes 

21. Freelance Mom

22. Friends in Business

23. Get Paid At Home Forums

24. Hillbilly’s Place

25. Home-Based Working Moms

26. Home Business Discussion

27. Home Party Plan and Direct Selling Community

28. Home Party Plan Network

29. How To Internet Marketing Forum

30. I am a WAHM

31. Idea Café’s Cyberschmooz Forum

32. iDesign Business

33. Internet Based Moms

34. I MOM Network

35. I Village Message Board

36. Lemming Central

37.Mastermind Forums 

38. MLM Woman Talk  

39. Modern Mom

40. Mommy Biz Central

41. Mommy Classifieds

42. Mommy Enterprises

43. Mommy’s Helper Networking Community

44. Mompack.com

45. MomPreneurs Online

46. Moms Network  

47. Moms working in Freedom  

48. Mom to Mom Chat

49. Mom Zone 

50. Money Making Mommy

51. Money Making Mommies

52. Mothers Work At Home

51. My Mommy Biz

52. My Work at Home Business Networking Community

53. My Work at Home Place

54. Networking for HER

55. Network WAHM 

56. Our Debt Free Life

57. Party Plan Locator

58. Passion to Success

59. Personal Success Forum & Positive Thinking

60. Prosperity Secrets

61. Queendom Talk 

62. Real WAH Jobs

63. Run My Own Biz 

64. Seeds of Wisdom

65. Self Starters Business

66. Sellers Network

67. She Unlimited 

68. Small Business Brief

69. Small Business Community

70. Small Business Ideas

71. Small Business TV (SBTV.com) 

72. Smart Moms

73. Successful Mom

74. The Corner for Women!

75. The Gift Forum

76. The WAHM Connection

77. T.R.A.I.N. – Trade Referrals and Information Network

78. Virtual Assistant Networking 

79. Virtual Promote

80. WAHM ADDICTS

81. Wahm Announce

82. Wahm.com

83. WAHMS UNITED

84. Wahm Zone

85. Warrior Forum 

86. Witty WAHM

87 Woman Entrepreneur

88. Women Entrepreneurs

89. Women’s Work

90. Work At Home Community

91. Work at home Forums

92. Work at Home Mom Buds

93. Work At Home Network

94. Work At Home Opportunities

95. Work at Home Space

96. Working Mom’s Internet Refuge

97. Working Women

98. WorkitMom www.workitmom.com

99. World Wide WAHM

100. Yeah Mom! Networking Community

Special thanks to Shelly Hill, Leader of the Classy Chic ‘n Elite Business Women Forum for your list on RYZE. It was the perfect place to start and is filled with many great resources. I have included a number of these in our list, including hers. 

Note: at the time of publication, each of these forums were verified as active and current.

If you have a favorite forum not listed here, feel free to share it in the comments area.

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That’s right – The Women’s Media Summit – The Public Relations and Media Marketing eConference for Women is taking place right now (October 17-19, 24, 29 & November 6 & 7th). In fact, if you missed any of this exceptional public relations and media marketing event, not to worry. Every session is being recorded and as a registrant you will have access to those recordings after the sessions are over. 

The WECAI NETWORK™ is excited to present this four + day webinar/teleconference Event to “Help Women Do Business On and Off the Web.” Here is your chance to attend the Virtual event (online via a web conference room or via a teleconference bridge line) that is both educational and inspirational. Bringing together experts in newspapers, magazines, television, radio and internet media, the Women’s Media Summit offers business owners and professionals the opportunity to meet the people who can make a difference in their businesses and careers.

The media and public relations experts include:
• Raleigh Pinskey, Promote Yourself Now & The Raleigh Group
• Paul Hartunian, The Publicity Junkie
• Annie Jennings of Annie Jennings PR
• Ponn Sabra
• George Wright of Blendtec
• And a dozen other experts!

Session topics include:

• How to Get a Million Dollars in Free Publicity
• How Blogging Can Help You Get Media Attention
• How to be a Heat-seeking Media Magnet – 101 Ways to Promote Yourself!
• How to create web-optimized media releases – Write for the spiders and the media will take notice!
• “The Inside Scoop on Getting on Radio”
• Developing Your Media Platform Using a Storyboard
• PR Strategies to Become a Smash Hit Business Success
• The World of RADIO – Working with the media to Make it Work for Your Success
• ALL this and MORE!

When you register for the Women’s Media Summit you will receive more than a dozen resources including “Get Media Savvy – The Ultimate eGuide to Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas to the World, as well as a workbook complete with interview questions, outlines, forms and other valuable information to help you capitalize on the information gleaned from this event… and more! And you can participate in an exclusive mastermind group after the summit – this means more great speakers (from Entrepreneur Magazine, SBTV and BlentIt of YouTube fame among others) and inspiration to help you get your business noticed!

Check out our Schedule, Lineup of Speakers and Session Descriptions for more information.

To learn more, visit: http://www.womensmediasummit.com/
To register, visit: http://womensmediasummit.com/register/

Hope to see you there!

Heidi

Heidi Richards, Founder & CEO – The WECAI Network™ – www.wecai.org

Join us for the Women’s Media Summit, October 17, 18, 19, 24th, 29th, November 6 & 7 – The Small Business Public Relations & Media Marketing Event – www.womensmediasummit.com