Popular Networking Luncheon

Will Help The Hungry

WESTPORT — The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Network will host its annual luncheon on Tuesday, November 16, from noon to 2 pm at The Norwalk Inn & Conference Center, 99 East Avenue.

The network luncheon is not only a time for EWN to give thanks for their businesses, partners, customers and community, it brings together members and nonmembers for a chance to network, mingle, and get acquainted.

Nonmembers are welcome to attend at EWN member discount price of $35; meet new people and consider the opportunity to become a part of the EWN community. Walk-ins are welcome; however, due to popularity of the luncheon, EWN strongly encourages interested persons to reserve space through on-line registration at ewn-ct.org.

There is a $5 walk-in surcharge.

Every year, EWN’s Annual Networking Luncheon is a sell-out. Why? Because networking is so vital to businesses.

Networking is a way to find new business opportunities, share ideas, meet inspirational role models, combat isolation, increase confidence, and help entrepreneurial women build long-term relationships.

As part of EWN’s community outreach initiative, a food drive to support the Bridgeport Rescue Mission will also be a part of this luncheon. Donations (such as dry pasta, canned goods, bags of rice, dry cereal, frozen turkey or canned ham, etc) will be accepted and collected.

The Bridgeport Rescue Mission serves hungry, homeless, and addicted people throughout Fairfield County, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The organization fights poverty from the inside out by providing a place of hope and dignity through a yearlong educational program, counseling, and case management.

To get the most out of this luncheon networking opportunity, EWN offers the following tips which nonmembers and members may find helpful:

*Keep the conversation brief, so you can meet more people in the room.

*Keep track of the people you meet and what they do.

*Contact them at a later time to follow up with a longer conversation.

*Practice your “elevator speech” in advance (an “elevator speech” is a couple of sentences about what you do and what you can do for those you meet).

*Keep the conversation directed to those you meet.

*Ask “What do you do?” and then ask more questions about what they do.

A leading Connecticut businesswoman’s organization, the Entrepreneurial Woman’s Network, based in Westport, is a not-for-profit organization devoted to developing the business talents, capabilities, leadership, and skills of entrepreneurial women. Founded in 1982, the group provides information, activities and support to help EWN members grow their businesses and run them more effectively.

It also provides a network that fosters the willing exchange of information with other entrepreneurial women who share similar experiences.