Speed Networking, B.I.G. Style: Meet. Connect. Inspire.

It’s kind of like speed dating, but at the end of the gathering you will walk away with some great new business contacts instead of stressing over whether you “hit it off” with anyone.

This special speed networking event, to be held Thursday, July 24 from 10-11:30 am at Twin Maples, 214 Springfield Ave. in Summit, will allow small groups of women to interact with each other throughout the morning, and will provide the chance to explore professional opportunities, work on an elevator pitch and make new contacts without any intimidation. 

“The recent unprecedented growth in the Summit/New Providence chapter of B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) made me realize that a lot of our members do not really know each other.  This event is the best way I can think of to introduce new members to the rest of the group,” said Leader Melanie Wilson.  “It is also the perfect meeting for someone who has not yet checked out a B.l.G. meeting to attend, as the playing field will be very even with all the ‘newbies’,” she added.

B.I.G. is an organization for businesswomen who are at all levels of their careers, from those just coming up with a business idea, to seasoned shop owners and serial entrepreneurs. 

“Women from Summit, New Providence and neighboring towns are welcome to check out our meeting.  Our members include stay-at-home moms trying to figure out what they want to do with newly found free time, to those with successful businesses like health coaches, realtors, photographers, tutors, direct sales consultants, and local store owners,” she said.  “The common bond is that all are smart, creative women looking to support each other and network in the process.  This speed networking event will be another wonderful example of the fantastic programming we present to help women advance their businesses, and meet other dynamic and inspiring women.”

“A lot of people I have invited to join are at that place in their lives where they need to figure out what comes next’,” she continued.   “Women have kids in school all day, have run the gamut of volunteer positions and are trying to remember what they loved best.  They are thinking of maybe launching a career that combines their passion with what they are really good at.  Or, perhaps, their specific child-rearing experiences (sports, special needs, college searches, bakes sales etc.) have given them a business idea, but they don’t know how to get it off the ground.  B.I.G. helps find the answers, even for the seasoned, professional businesswoman looking for new ways to help her business thrive.”

Each month B.I.G. holds an in-person meeting in Summit, and explore such topics as taking the plunge to start a business, embracing changes in our lives, brainstorming business ideas and marketing connections, public relations, how to use social media to best advance your marketing, branding yourself and your business, speed networking, etc.  Last month, the 2nd Annual B.I.G. Expo, held at Twin Maples on June 12, attracted 37 exhibitors and 150 attendees.

The first meeting is free.  Annual membership dues are $239, which includes “pod-hopping” to unlimited events each month at many nearby town meetings.  Please rsvp to Wilson at msw1230@comcast.net.  Check out www.believeinspiregrow.com for more info on membership and on the organization.