Enterprising Moms Network Inc

December 3-6, 2009 marks the 9th annual Whistler Film Festival. This year, for the very first time, the Whistler Film Festival VIP Lounge + Studio will feature a “Charity Bloggers Lounge”.  Vancouver-based Uptown GiftBox Company is creating the event, on the heels of the incredibly successful Canadian Country Music Awards Backstage Lounge they presented at GM Place in September. Known for her support of independent Canadian brands, owner Gabrielle Durning's unique approach was a big draw for festival organizers as the Whistler Film Festival is synonymous with independent filmmaking and will showcase over 80 films including a record number of premieres.

The 2009 Whistler Film Festival Charity Bloggers Lounge will host local bloggers who will be onsite covering the event live via their blog and social media such as Facebook and Twitter, giving the ‘Twitterverse’ an insider’s peek into an invitation-only event. Each blogger will select a charity and in turn, that charitable organization will receive one of the fabulous VIP Gift bags for their own fundraising efforts. With an estimated VIP Gift bag value of at least $1,000.00, this charitable component of the Whistler Film Festival ensures that this type of event leaves behind a charitable footprint, and provides some benefits to those less fortunate.

The Enterprising Moms Network is very proud to announce that our organization has been chosen as one of those to take part in the 2009 Whistler Film Festival’s Charity Bloggers Lounge! Eileen Fisher, who is the chapter director of our Fraser Valley chapter, will be in Whistler on Friday December 4th, blogging and tweeting LIVE from the 2009 Whistler Film Festival. We have chosen the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as the recipient of our VIP Gift bag and are delighted to help them with their fundraising efforts in the “Campaign for BC Children”.

Taking part in an event such as this definitely draws a correlation between the business of being a mompreneur and connecting with community. It also shows moms in business the strength in social media, and how important it is to incorporate elements such as blogging into your business. For the Enterprising Moms Network to be able to take part in the 2009 Whistler Film Festival’s Charity Bloggers Lounge while giving back to the community by way of the $1,000.00 VIP Gift bag donation to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, is absolutely an honor and a privilege. 

So please follow us on Twitter and Facebook, bookmark the EMN blog, and check it all afternoon on Friday December 4th. We have no idea what to expect, who we will meet, or what we will be writing about, but one thing is for sure – when we do, Enterprising Moms will be the first to know! 

EMN Blog: http://www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com/emn-blog.html  Twitter: http://twitter.com/fraservalleyemn Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FraserValleyEnterprisingMomsNetwork

Whether your business is established, or you are just starting out, you’ve realized at some point that networking is an invaluable tool that will ultimately contribute to the success of your business. Even a hundred years ago, people networked their businesses, only then there was no such thing as social media, computers, etc. Yet somehow, they managed – and they flourished. In 2009, there are multiple avenues of networking, including everything from a simple business card to a full-on company conference, and everything in-between. 

 No matter what your business is, or what the stage of your business is in, there are a few things to think about when you are networking your business. It’s important to take a moment and think about what networking “is” and what it “isn’t” from time to time.

Networking is vital to your business

Believe it or not, there are people who start a business, and think that the business will actually come to them – that they won’t have to go out and look for it.  If anyone tells you that they became successful just sitting at home and letting the customers find them, chances are they are not being 100% truthful. 

Networking is not a popularity contest

With some people, they find it is important to declare the size of their contact lists and referrals.  Especially with social media sites, do not judge the success of your networking simply by the number of names that are on your contact list, people following you on Twitter or belong to your group.  Just as you are intent on collecting names, some people are intent on collecting groups.  Focus on the quality of the people that are on your contact list that are actively involved with your business.    

Networking is not limited to one or two approaches

Chances are that you have a few different methods of networking that you are very good at, and some that you are not so good at.  Don’t under-sell yourself by thinking that just because you are strong in one area, you are weak in another.  If you were in a gym and only worked out your leg muscles and not your arms, you’d be a great runner but totally useless when it came to climbing up a rope.  Work your networking by utilizing your weak and your strong areas, and you’ll have a good overall “networking physique”. 

Networking does not always require technology

Although technology is now playing the biggest role ever in the success of networking a business, don’t be intimidated and shut down networking altogether because you don’t feel you are as technologically advanced as your brother-in-law’s friend’s cousin who knew a guy who met the guy that started Twitter.  You have a phone, you meet people face-to-face, that’s much more powerful sometimes than any computer program or social media network.  

Networking is simple

As simple as putting your hand out to shake it with someone you just met.  As simple as starting a conversation with someone you see in the local grocery store.  You never know where the simplest of starts are going to end up. 

Networking is complex

When you are involved with many different avenues of networking, it can be a complex task.  The key to keeping successful with complex networking is by being organized and on top of things.  

Networking is not a competition

The interesting thing about networking is that the different ways that people are using to network is expanding by the minute.  Websites, written resources, books, in-person groups and national conferences are springing up constantly.  If you try to compete vigorously within a network, all you are going to do is ultimately ostracize yourself.  Expand your knowledge and your networking skills by sharing knowledge with other people who are in the same business you are in.

Networking is about giving and receiving knowledge

The words “giving” and “receiving” could also easily be substituted with “talking” and “listening”.  Like the person who tells you that they have achieved success by sitting at home and letting the business come to them, a person who tells you that they know everything there is to know about what they do is also probably not being 100% honest.  Nobody knows everything.  It’s just not possible.  To be successful with anything, business or personal, you must be open to give and receive knowledge. 

Ask questions, look for answers, change your reasoning, share your knowledge, your success, your ideas and your inspirations. That's it, Networking 1-2-3.

Guest blog post courtesy of Jennifer Fong 

As those in direct selling and network marketing enter the holiday season, we begin to think about those things that make the holidays so special for people: giving to others, giving thanks. Interestingly, these are the same things that bring you success in social media when you are in direct sales. So as you enter your busiest season of the year, keep in mind how the very things we celebrate at the holidays can lead to more success as you market online. 

* Giving to Others: Social media success all comes from thinking about the other guy (or girl.) When you spend time highlighting the content and successes of others, sharing the good things they’ve done, and providing value to the people you’re connected with online, you are a giver. And people appreciate that! In an age where most people in business think only of themselves and their gain, people focused on others are a refreshing change. We ENJOY doing business with people focused on others. So as you interact on social networking sites, share useful links to content (your own, but also the content of others.) Always keep in mind what your network of folks (your tribe, so to speak) is interested in, and what will solve problems for them. And then deliver! That’s how you provide value that will translate into more sales and recruits for your business. 

* Giving Thanks: When was the last time someone sent you a thank you note or message? How did it make you feel? This is a trend that has gone by the wayside in recent years, but may be making a resurgence thanks to social media, because it is one of the key elements to success. It’s so important to let people know that you appreciate the effort they’ve gone to for you. So if someone retweets your content, always say thanks. If someone has hosted a live or virtual event for you, use a service to let that person know how you appreciate it. There are some great services out there that let you do so. And by taking that extra minute to say thanks, you position yourself as someone who values others. Everyone wants to be valued. Give that gift to others. It will pay off in a big way for your business. 

People are the engine that makes social media run. And people like to feel valued and appreciated. The tools themselves make it so easy to highlight others, say thank you, and provide the content that people need. By focusing on the needs of your connections online, you can make a significant difference in their lives, while you remind people about your business. And that is what leads to success. 

 What do you think? Have you used these principles to build your business? What will you do this week? I love it when my readers join the conversation and make a comment. I hope you will today!

Jennifer Fong helps direct sales companies, direct sales professionals, and other home-based business owners leverage the power of social media to grow their businesses. A former direct sales company CEO and serial entrepreneur, Jennifer is passionate about teaching direct sellers how to use social media tools to enhance their businesses. She helps business owners put the principles of social media to work in a profitable way, offering coaching and training to business owners.  She offers products and training courses that teach you step-by-step how to apply social media to your home-based business.  Visit Jennifer’s website at http://jenfongspeaks.com and subscribe to her newsletter by clicking here.

A little look at what Enterprising Moms have been talking about over the past week:

Many fads come and go, but there is one certainty and it is that social media is here and is here to stay. It's also a no-brainer that if you are in business, you need to be connected to social media in one way or another. Traditional media such as TV and newspapers now are connected via social media, along with a few million other businesses - it is the way to go. "Word" of mouth used to be one of the best ways to promote a business. That term has now been re-coined to "World" of mouth. Food for thought! 

If you are not currently utilizing social media with your business, it is time to start. It's not hard, not difficult, you don't need a university degree to master your way around Twitter and Facebook and when you think about it, you are really taking the time to educate yourself. This in turn will help you with your business... big time. 

 And if you're not sure where to start, ask around some of your friends, family, co-workers, employees, do a Google search... the answers are all out there. Take a look at some of these interesting facts about social media, they're pretty interesting.

Here’s an excerpt from Entrepreneur Magazine that talks about women’s business organizations that I found interesting:

Women's business organizations have been instrumental in shaping the nature of contemporary networking organizations.

With the proliferation of women business owners in the 1970s and '80s and the difficulties they had in joining the "old-boys' networks" in place, many women formed structured, well-organized groups that met to network and provide professional support.

These groups were created not as service clubs but as bona fide networking organizations. Many made no pretenses; the members were there to
network, and everything else was secondary.

Women's business organizations are very diverse. The one thing they have in common is that they tend to be concerned with education and professional development as well as networking. Some are casual contact
networks; some are strong contact networks. Others are industry-specific professional associations, such as Women in Construction. The benefits of membership depend on the type of group you join.

For many women, such groups can be an excellent and nonthreatening way to increase their business.

Despite all that we've covered thus far, some people tell me they simply don't have time to go to business meetings regularly. I understand that objection well. If you feel this way, let me suggest that you stop reading this article, pick up your telephone and start making cold calls instead. Or, if you prefer, open your checkbook and start writing checks for more advertising.

If you're serious about developing word-of-mouth business, there is no quick fix; you must meet people in a planned and structured way.

Ivan Misner is the founder and CEO of Business Network International(BNI), which has more than 2,700 chapters throughout the world. He is also the author of five books, including his New York Times bestseller, Masters of Networking, as well as Entrepreneur Press' forthcoming Masters of Success