I am a huge proponent of networking and understanding what social networking really means. Recently, I developed a relationship with a woman from Austin on Twitter @donnaspeaks through a wonderful friend of mine @riccineer. Donna and I turned that contact into a connection and now partnership. She recently came to Oakland, Ca for a visit; man was that fabulous! (Her blog post is below sharing her story).
Donna is authentically authentic. I say that because authentic is becoming one of those overused words, but this women has it from the hair on her head down to her sexy orange shoes. She is an amazing woman, delightful friend and true warrior-preneur.
In my spare time I run a chapter of eWomenNetwork (I know, spare time, hehe, best that I am busy trust me, all kinds of trouble would happen!) Donna came to see me speak at my chapter, and I allowed her 10 minutes to share her story. Donna has managed to take a scary situation; losing a job and almost a home, and turn it into a business. It works because it’s her story, but so many women can relate their stories. As she spoke women laughed and cried. After she spoke she was surrounded by women wanting to say thank you and hug her. Donna listened to each woman as though she was the only one in the room. Her power on stage and one-on-one is powerful. All women should have the honor to hear her speak!
Thank you Donna for also helping me see that what I do is important. If you take anything away from this blog I hope it is:
1 – it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality
2 – networking is about figuring out how you can help others. I am confident giving Donna the mic that day will lead to opportunity for her
3 – if you are not following up you are missing 90% of marketing success
4 -don’t be afraid to engage in a way that shows who you truly are, amazing things can happen when you do!
Donna’s Post:
Diversity is not About Race
diverse (adj): differing one from another; 2. made up of distinct characteristics
All ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and talents were represented and I can’t overlook the fact that all of them are very giving people. I’m going to be flat out honest and tell you that I didn’t want to leave. I’m sitting here right now trying to figure out how I can relocate in 3 years when my daughter graduates high school…seriously.
As you begin the process of trying to find the right group or organization that’s a good fit for you, ask yourself these questions: “Do I look or feel like an outsider? Is it lifeless and uptight?” If the answer is yes, don’t join – keep it moving. Networking goes far beyond exchanging business cards and offering up referrals. There must be a connection between you, the leader, and the group as a whole. It should be an emotional experience, something we tend to miss out on when we’re only focused on closing the deal.
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I attended the meeting Ann speaks of and she modestly forgets to mention what a fabulous talk she gave on the power of social networking. She gave a lot of tips on best ways as well. She really is a master of the art of social networking.
And Donna amazed me. In the short time I spent with her one-on-one, I came to realize that I could indeed marry my passion for social activism in the gay marriage movement into my work helping people turn their photographs into legacies. And she gives great hugs!
If you have an opportunity to get to know either of these fabulous women, don’t miss out! At the very least, follow them on twitter. I do!
Susan Berland
http://susanberland.synthasite.com/
http://www.twitter.com/susanberland
I’m jealous. Donna has been one of my favorite people on Twitter. We’ve talked on the phone, but I am really looking forward to the day I can meet her in person, and hearing her speak.
She was a guest at Rich Women Sisterhood and did a fantastic job. Her passion for helping people was apparent.
Leisa Watkins
http://wealthwisdomandsuccess.com
enRICHing tools, enRICHing ideas, enRICHing resources, enRICHing people
Leisa Watkins’s last blog post..Rudy Ruettiger Lives A Life Without Limits
Susan, Leisa, and Last but not Least – Ann:
All I can say right now is Thank You…sincerely from the deepest part of my heart! I always do/give expecting nothing in return and I’m certain that’s the reason why I’m always blessed. Anyone who has met me can pretty much figure out that I’m all about relationships and friendships – I don’t just say it because it’s the “in thing” right now. It’s what I live and exemplify on a daily basis.
I’m looking forward to returning to the Bay Area and spending more time with all of my new friends. Much love to @RicciNeer for bringing Ann and I together.
With Gratitude,
Donna J
da best. Keep it going! Thank you
I Love Live Marketing. Live it, Love it, LIVE!!!
And it's amazing that she and I actually met on Twitter shows how “live” social media really is!
I Love Live Marketing. Live it, Love it, LIVE!!!
And it's amazing that she and I actually met on Twitter shows how “live” social media really is!