Networking about social media? I was born for this, or so I would like to think so.

I am one of those people who have been playing and socializing online before my parents knew I could work a computer. From games to now Facebook and Twitter, I like to consider myself in the know and experimenting with social media.

However, my experience with social media has been for more “social” reasons. And although I plan on studying the marketing as a part of my education, it never occurred to me that it was being implemented right now in the business world until I met Gia and her group this past summer. I only came to video tape testimonials about the event, but listening and talking with other members made me curious as to what was going on. The more and more I talk to people, the more and more it made me want to move from behind the camera and into the action.

Once I made the step, I started interacting with Gia and other members learning about their businesses and them personally. I learned how they used social media to not only promote themselves, but their business. And it wasn’t just women, and now men, saying, “well I heard from a friend,” members themselves were the ones using and succeeding with social media. It showed to me you can take something you have fun with and like, and use it to benefit your future without taking away from who you are.

It’s rewarding to see a group of people who aren’t about one upping each other for that client, or being catty towards each other. At the end of the day, it’s about women and men coming together in a positive way with a goal to be successful and help others. Being probably one of the youngest members of Arizona Women Networking, it has been a rewarding experience because I can actually see women like me be successful in a positive manner, and know I can do it too.

Maria Konopken

Arizona Women Networking (AWN) is an amazing group of women committed to promoting their businesses and their fellow members’ businesses. I joined AWN around March 2010, and I could not be more impressed with the group. Gia Heller, the President of AWN, has created a well-organized group that provides many benefits, including the following:

• You have the opportunity to introduce your services to many people. I am a mediator and an attorney. While everyone knows what an attorney does, many people do not know about mediation – an effective and inexpensive alternative to litigation. AWN provides me with the opportunity to educate countless people about what I can do for them. You meet so many people through AWN – within the group, online, and at mixers. I have received a number of referral through AWN, and most members report similar results.

• You meet great people who can provide services to you and your social network. AWN consists of a talented group of ladies who provide a wide array of services and goods. Members are screened to make sure they are on the top of their profession. Many of us consult the AWN website regularly to look for trustworthy business providers.

• You have numerous learning opportunities. Every meeting includes valuable information on how to promote your business and succeed in this marketplace. We also learn of great seminars and classes. Members get discounts for many of those classes.

• You get publicity. AWN maintains a highly ranked website and a popular Facebook fan page, which ensure that all members are found online. AWN goes so far as to feature each individual member for further exposure. AWN has also obtained publicity on the television and the newspaper.

• You get inspired. Sometimes we all need a little inspiration. Interacting with like-minded people, and learning about their successes and efforts provides that inspiration. Our members are creative, tenacious and supportive. What more can you ask for in a professional group?

Alona M. Gottfried
Mediator/Conflict Resolution Trainer
Simmons & Gottfried, PLLC
azmediator.com

I’ve been a member of Arizona Women Networking since it’s inception. I have watched it grow from a dozen or so women in a room to the standing crowd it has become! In the year since the group began I have seen few women actually leave the group. Many have been with it since it’s inception and are fabulous “founding” members. Those who left missed out on a fabulous opportunity.

Since becoming a member I have met some pretty fabulous women. Women of all ages, sizes and shapes. Women in all different types of businesses. The one thing they have in common is that they are true professionals and giving, compassionate women. This isn’t a group that says “what can you do for ME?” but says “what can I do for YOU”? and that makes all the difference in the world. Women helping other women grow their businesses and at the same time grow personally.

I have watched some women grow from a caterpillar into a butterfly and their business zoom as a result. Those who were afraid of computers and social networking have soared in their success because they have let go of the fear and did it anyway! Personally I have come to know and do business with many of the women in the group. The more I get to know them and about what they do, they more I appreciate them and recommend them.

People recommend others in the group because they have developed a real relationship with them, not just swapping business cards and doing the “hard sell” to get business. As an intuitive healer and spiritual teacher I have gotten to know many in the group on a level most people would not. The more I “see” in them, the more I like them and what they bring to the group. It makes it easy to respect them and recommend them.

This isn’t a “meat/meet market” event, this is a true teaching business group with a lot of fun and love thrown in for good measure. I am grateful to be an integral part of the group and honored for the opportunity to work with such evolved women. I strongly recommend this group to any woman who wants real help, direction and friendships too. My business has grown considerably as a result of the group. I’ve also gotten clients that found me through the website! People are googling us and we are benefitting from it.

Arizona Women’s Networking is only just beginning – come join us and grow along with us.

Meria Heller
Psychic/Reiki Master

You can Meet Meria our First Wednesdays Networking Mixers and take advantage of her Mini-reads.