Community Corner

Women's Networking Group Has 2013 Plans After Successful Launch Year

B.I.G., which was launched in Summit and New Providence last March, will host their next meeting on Jan. 31st at 10 a.m. and focus on public relations.

New Year…New You?  But not exactly sure what that “New You” should be doing in the New Year?  Come to a meeting of B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) and meet like-minded, entrepreneurial-spirited women who also want to figure that out! 

Maybe you are a stay-at-home mom wondering “what to do when you grow up.” Perhaps you have come up with a great idea and thought about launching your own business but you don’t know where to begin.  Or maybe you are a seasoned professional businesswoman looking for ways to help your business thrive.  Wherever you are in your career,  B.I.G. is a great place to be.

B.I.G. is a networking community of educated, intelligent, creative women.  It is an educational, support, and relationship building network for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.  Launched in Summit/New Providence last March, B.I.G. has explored such topics as how to take the plunge and start a business, embracing changes in our lives, brainstorming business ideas and marketing connections, how to use social media to best advance your marketing, branding yourself and your business, and speed networking. 

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The Jan. 31 meeting will explore creative ways to get public relations coverage for our businesses and our projects.  Join us from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Twin Maples, 214 Springfield Ave. in Summit.  The first meeting is free.  Previous attendees may join online at www.believeinspiregrow.com, or right at the meeting. 

Plan ahead: the Feb. 28 meeting will explore emotional intelligence.  Also, a networking mixer is planned on Feb. 4 at Creative Wallcoverings in New Providence from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  Members and guests from area pods are encouraged to attend.  Once you become a member of B.I.G. you may “pod hop” and visit groups in the surrounding areas, taking advantage of all B.I.G. has to offer.  RSVP to Summit/New Providence Leader Melanie Wilson at msw1230@comcast.net if you would like to attend any of the meetings as a guest.

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So whether you are a realtor, stager, party planner, jewelry seller, interior designer, lawyer, accountant, graphic designer, life/career coach, chef, photographer, etc., or you aren’t sure what you would like to reinvent yourself as, come check out B.I.G., the local women’s networking group. 

B.I.G. has been in existence since 2009, and now spans several states… but the Summit/New Providence chapter is the single largest chapter in the network. 

Wilson said, “We are different from the networking groups out there, because more than anything else, we start with support.  Our members often tell us that the wonderful thing about B.I.G. is that it is collaborative. Every B.I.G. meeting has an educational component to it as well and we plan our meetings around different business topics so that women business owners do not feel that they have to know it all.  The speaker enables the women to leave the meeting with actionable steps to move their business or business idea forward.”

“We strive to empower women at all stages of their professional pursuits, from stay-at-home mothers looking to re-engage in the workforce, to seasoned entrepreneurs and career executives looking to make a change,” she said.  “We provide support and education, and always embrace women’s desire to connect with each other.  Wherever you are in your life at this time, B.I.G. is a great vehicle to help you move forward.”

The web site, www.believeinspiregrow.com, was created to supplement the monthly meetings with an online business toolbox, educational support network, relevant business information, resume and job search help, discounts for members, and forums for business ideas.  The interactive web site is also designed to showcase the businesses of B.I.G.’s members.


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