Luncheons are held at the Courtyard Marriott at 2700 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria, on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:30 am. September through May.

Guests are always welcome!

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Refer your contacts to people in your network who can solve their problems. The benefit of this approach is twofold. First, you will be seen as a problem solver, and second, those people who benefit from your referrals are more likely to provide you with referrals in return.

The primary objective of networking should be gain an understanding of others' concerns and problems. Then you can make quick assessments as to whether they would have any interest in the solutions you provide. The objective of networking is not to expound on your credentials. Most people waste the few precious moments they have with new and existing contacts by focusing on themselves. Better is to spend most of that time asking questions and collecting information.

People have short memories. Follow-up regularly with members of your network or they’All forget you exist and more importantly they’ll forget that you are the best person to solve their financial, legal, human resource, design, or other problems. Contact the people in your network in some way at least once a month.

Our next meeting will be on
September 23, 2008.
Have a Great Summer!

Because APWN is a member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, APWN members may attend any Chamber function at the Chamber-member price.

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Melinda Sigal, President of The Sales and Marketing Connection, offered a mini-workshop on Word-of-Mouth Marketing (WOMM) for the 21st century, incorporating the use of social networking Web sites, blogs, and email marketing as well as more traditional tools such as customer referrals and testimonials to build “buzz.” Melinda emphasized the importance of identifying and working with evangelists—customers who will enthusiastically spread the word about your product or service—and influencers, those who can affect others’ buying decisions.  Evangelists and influencers need tools that make it easy to share information—and also need to be thanked for their work in concrete ways.

She stressed that WOMM is built on open, transparent communications and involves a two-way dialogue between you and your customers that builds trust. You make information available and respond to customer feedback, both positive and negative.

Melinda, a pioneer in incorporating “new media” into marketing, encourages business owners to blog, respond to blogs, and take advantage of networks like Facebook and LinkedIn to become known to a wider community, and to recruit evangelists and influencers from among their own contacts.
“So what are you waiting for?” she asks, “People are already talking about you.”

Spotlight speaker

Spotlight speaker Trish White wears two hats: she’s a real estate broker and a life coach. She shared a list of books she recommends on business and life skills:

Business
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman. Psychologist Goleman’s classic work on the five crucial skills that constitute “emotional literacy” is a must-read for anyone whose success depends on working with others.

Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott. International consultant Scott believes that many interpersonal difficulties are the result of poor communication. She teaches skills in both listening and gentle honesty, skills that Trish believes would be valuable to many women, especially in business.

The “Highest and Best” Real Estate Investment! How to Make Million Dollar Profits in the 21st Century by Michael P. Watson. Trish studied with this nationally known real estate investor and educator, and enthusiastically recommends his book and classes. The book comes with an intriguing extra: two tickets to his “MWI Boot Camp.”

Life Planning, Personal Growth, and Spiritual Development
Steering by Starlight: Find Your Right Life, No Matter What! by Martha Beck. In the tradition of her bestseller, Finding Your Own North Star, Oprah Magazine columnist Martha Beck reconnects readers with their best destinies.

The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer. Trish recommends this book and others by inspirational writer Dyer on conscious co-creation of your life—not just “positive thinking.”

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment and A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. Ancient spiritual truths presented in fresh ways by a gifted teacher who has inspired millions, including Oprah.

Outgoing APWN co-coordinator Deborah Bryant thanked the members of the 2007–08 Planning Committee and presented them each with a pot of fuschia Gerbera daisies. She and co-coordinator Nancy Woronick then introduced the new Planning Committee for next year. Both new and old Planning Committees will meet on June 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard. Members who would like to suggest programs or speakers for next year should email their ideas to incoming co-coordinators Polly Rosenstein and Michele Porzel or to Program Chair Melinda Sigal before the June 23rd meeting.

See pictures of planning 07-08

Every December, the meeting consists of a Holiday Fair at which members may obtain a table to present their offerings to other members and guests. We encourage you to get involved in each section that interests you – networking is an amazing phenomenon that crosses boundaries easily – who knows where your next client or employer will come from? 

Christmas Fair 2007 (mouse over to see more pictures)

See Gallery for more Christmas Fair pictures