You Have Started a Business - Now What?

You Have Started A Business, Now What?

As business owners, we all decide one day, “I can do this.” You no longer need your boss. Heck, your boss couldn't make it without you! You bravely make the decision to start your own business. You have been in your industry for years. You know all there is to know about your field of work.

You go out and get your business license. You get some business cards. You even get a website. You are ready!

Now what?

To be successful with your own business you have to start doing thing you never thought you would do; all the things your mom warned you about.

"Don’t talk to strangers." Yet, now you find yourself standing in the corner of a restaurant, by yourself, staring at your shoes instead of networking with other business owners. It’s hard to get the nerve to walk up and talk with someone you have never met before.

But it doesn’t have to be hard. If you go to a networking meeting ready, the conversation can flow as easy as coffee with your best friend.

You have a secret. No one knows you are nervous. Chances are they are nervous too. Put a friendly smile on your face and walk up to someone at the networking event. Find someone standing at the opposite corner of you. I guarantee they will welcome you.

Always give them a business card. If you are not comfortable just handing them your card. Ask for their card. Take that opportunity to give them your card in return. If you ask them about their business they are sure to ask about yours. Take the time to listen to them. Even if that person isn’t a potential client for you, they may know someone in the future that needs your services.

Follow up. After going to a networking event take the time to contact the people you met at the event. To be a successful business owner you must build your relationships. A quick note that says it was nice to meet you or loved hearing about your business will not be forgotten.

Remember, not talking to strangers has been ingrained in us since we were two. But to have a successful business talking to strangers becomes our biggest ally.

Submitted by Diana Kohn
Diana Kohn is a member of Koinonia Business Women. She is the owner of FLAIR. Her business is designed to help small business owners grow their business through networking.She is also available for writing projects. http://www.businesswithflair.com/

Business Networking Chapters

Today is the day! A dream is becoming reality...a dream for our organization, and a dream for Christian business women across the country. So what am I talking about?

KBWomen Chapters are launching in several cities later today!
Renton, WA
Mt. Vernon, WA
Olympia, WA
Omaha, NE

Would you like to join us later today? If you live near one of the cities listed above, click on your city to get full details. Be sure to pre-register to attend here: www.kbwomen.com/chapter-registration.htm. When you pre-register, the cost is just $5. Pay at-the-door is $10.

Why should you come?

• Dedicated networking time
• Monthly business skill learning topic
• Opportunity to introduce yourself & business to the group
• Encouragement & fun!

Our monthly learning topic this month is "Getting Help to Eliminate Skill Gaps," which is sure to get some great discussion going! It includes a handout.

We look forward to meeting you! Blessings,
Krista

P.S. No KBWomen Chapter in your area? Learn more about becoming a Chapter Leader HERE.

SHINE Entrepreneur's Event Re-Cap

Remember last month when we posted about a business conference we were going to attend in Las Vegas, called SHINE? The event was last week. From our point of view, it was a huge success and very worthwhile to attend!

Why? Several reasons:

• Networking with other entrepreneurial business women (and a few men) was great.
• We made new friends, contacts and interacted in various ways with some great people.
• Business skill building sessions helped us get clarity of vision to move forward with some projects and changes.
• Fun and famous guest speakers were there, including Marlee Matlin, Barbara Corcoran (from the TV show "Shark Tank"), Julie Clark (creator of the Baby Einstein product line), and a woman named Anne McKevitt from the UK (now living in Australia). The wealth of wisdom and experience that these women shared was amazing.
• The event itself was done with excellence, and everything ran smoothly.
• We had dedicated time to work on our businesses!
• We had fun!

Stay tuned for another post coming Monday with specific quotes and nuggets of wisdom from the event. Thank you Ali Brown for hosting this wonderful event!

Posted by Krista Dunk - www.KBWomen.com

Strength 2 Strength Conference Promo Video!

Do you have a spare 1 minute? Check out our new Fall Conference promo video - HERE!

Business Networking Groups - Why Go?

Hello readers,

Heard of any interesting workshops or seminars lately? Or maybe you've been invited to attend a business networking group? Whether it's a group, meeting, conference, workshop, etc., why should you consider going?

From our point of view, live meetings, workshops, etc. have special benefits, and here are some of the note-worthy ones:

1. Dedicated time to learn
2. Find other, like-minded people
3. Get sales leads and potentially great connections with others
4. Hear about other resources that you may need
5. Get out and have some tax-deductible fun!

At Koinonia Business Women, we place a high value on our live meetings and events. We make friends, fellowship with like-minded Christian believers, discover networking opportunities, learn new business skills, and have fun. The interaction that happens encourages and lifts up each attendee, as they both share and receive.

Wish there was a meeting in your local area? Contact us today... you're probably not alone!
www.KBWomen.com

Are You Ready for 2009?

Hello readers,
Earlier this week, Koinonia Business Women had our December group meeting in Olympia. Although it was a smaller group due to snowy weather, we had a lovely time of Christmas goodies, fellowship and encouragement.

Seriously... do not miss the January group meeting or the upcoming *BLING* e-Zines. We have fun and interactive things planned, which will help you set goals and focus your actions for 2009. I won't let the cat out of the bag yet... But I really want to! Even if you can't attend our live meeting, you can still follow what we are going to be working on.

More to come... in the meantime, please visit our main site at www.KBWomen.com or our new online community at www.KoinoniaBusinessWomen.ning.com. Have a blessed weekend everyone!
Posted by Krista Dunk

November Meeting Report

Greetings! The Koinonia Business Women's group had another great meeting this week. In attendance, we had small business owners, real estate agents, ministry leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, & a network marketing gal! Krista presented a message about our self-images, which sparked a flurry of discussion. Tammy challenged the group to see ourselves as God does, not through the eyes of other people. Everyone was interactive and showed their depth & richness in joint participation!

Would you like to join us in December? If you're in the South Puget Sound area, meet us on December 16th in Olympia for our local meeting... holiday style :-)! Please RSVP & get more info at www.KBWomen.com so we can prepare a place for you. Meetings are free!

You Are Blessed Today!

Our Inaugural Meeting!

Hello friends,

The first live meeting held by Koinonia Business Women was this week! We had women there from various aspects of the business world - even aspiring entrepreneurs.

At the end of our meeting time, we received feedback like this:

"This group is a God-send. An answer to my prayers."

"I need this group. I work with an office of all men, so this fellowship and time of refreshing from the Word is great!"

"I'm so excited to have the opportunity to join and be a part of this organization. Being around excellent people and learning from everyone inspires me."

Last night, Tammy and I shared our vision and extended an invitation to over 100 women at a large, Olympia church's women's event. Join us now! It's an exciting time for the Koinonia Business Women's organization. You belong here.

Krista Dunk, Co-Founder Koinonia Business Women www.KBwomen.com