West Oahu Women Social and Business Network

We've Moved!!!

2012-03-01T11:58:00.003-10:00

WOW Network Hawaii has a new website and blog location. We're all in one place, so click on the link below to follow us to our new location. See you there!!

Link to new WOW Website (www.wownetworkkhawaii.com)

Kapolei Fall Networking Mixer

2011-10-10T12:37:00.000-10:00

To register online: Kapolei Fall Mixer
For more information, contact Debra at: Fall Mixer Info or call 808-780-9754

We look forward to seeing you there!

July 26th WOW Event: Plug In and Power Up!

2011-07-11T20:11:00.002-10:00

We hope you'll join us for this first Plug In and Power Up Workshop! Here's your chance to network with and attend an exclusive workshop presented by the Power Team of Kathleen Davenport, Joann Seery, and Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone. A limited number of seats are available, so register early! http://wowjuly2011workshop.eventbrite.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

(Click on the page for a larger view.)

6 Ways Your Referral Source Can Turn a Referral Into a Customer

2011-06-15T09:29:00.000-10:00

by Dr. Ivan Misner

Let’s say that upon getting a business referral, you simply take down the name and contact information of the potential customer from the referral source. Sometime later, you call the prospect and introduce yourself:“Hello, Ms. Prospect, my name is John Businessman. Larry Source recommended I call you. I’m an accountant . . .”

Handling referrals this way, as you might expect, gets minimal results. Your chance of converting the referral into a customer will be greater if your referral source:

makes the initial contact with the prospect (his acquaintance) to assess her need and, if appropriate, alerts her that you will be getting in touch
sends the prospect background information about you and your business
lets the prospect know the nature of his relationship with you
gives the prospect a brief description and endorsement of your products or services
arranges to introduce the prospect to you
follows up with the prospect after you contact her.

Unfortunately, if you don’t ask your prospective referral source to do some of these things, he probably won’t–not because he isn’t willing, but because he doesn’t know how these actions could make a big difference, doesn’t have enough information about you or your business, or simply doesn’t know how.

Make it your goal to communicate to your sources the actions you wish them to take and then provide them with all the materials necessary to accomplish those actions. If you do this, I guarantee you’ll get better-quality referrals that will more quickly turn into actual business.

Re-posted from http://businessnetworking.com/6-ways-your-referral-source-can-turn-a-referral-into-a-customer/

Get the Real Story on Networking Groups

2011-06-09T09:50:00.000-10:00

Overcome the self-imposed roadblocks holding you back from networking success.
The following article is an edited excerpt from Networking Like a Pro , by Ivan Misner with David Alexander and Brian Hilliard, now available from Entrepreneur Press .

As a business professional, I can tell you from personal experience how effective referral networking has been in the success of my own businesses. But some people still need to have a clearer picture of how it works and how it can be effective in their own businesses, so I decided to debunk some of the myths and misconceptions that people hit us with from time to time.

"I tried networking. It didn't work. What's different about this?" It's a common misconception that simply attending a networking event will bring you new business right away. It won't. Neither will just reading this; there's no silver bullet here.

Networking is simple--but it's not easy. If it were easy, everyone would do it, and do it well. But they don't. That's because it's a skill, like cooking and golf and carpentry, that takes knowledge, practice, commitment, and effort to learn and apply consistently. You can't just go out to the golf course, buy a club and a ball, whack the ball around a bit, and think you've played a round of golf. Neither can you walk unprepared into a gathering of potential networking contacts and suddenly become a competent networker--no matter how gregarious and sociable you are or how many books on networking you've read.

Networking is about forming and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships, which brings you new connections with large numbers of people, some of whom will become good customers. Networking also puts you in touch with other resources, such as industry experts, accountants, and lawyers, who can help your business in other ways.

Over time, you will get new business and your operation will grow stronger and more profitable. Will it happen overnight? No, and your new customers probably won't be among the first 10 or even 100 people you talk to, either. New business will come from people your networking contacts refer to you. But first you have to form solid relationships with your fellow networkers.

Some people go to a chamber of commerce mixer, exchange a few business cards, and then say, "There. I've networked." Wrong. That's only the beginning. You have to attend a variety of events to broaden your networking base; follow up with new contacts and learn all you can about their business, their goals, and their lives; maintain close ties with established contacts; provide referrals, information, and other benefits to your fellow networkers; and generally cultivate these relationships and keep them strong and healthy. That's networking. Only after you've been at it for quite some time will you begin to see a return on your investment. But when it comes, the return is strong and durable.

"Aren't most networking groups just people like me who are trying to build up a new business?" When you go to a presentation or a seminar on networking, you might get that impression, because the people you meet are there to learn something new, so they tend to be younger folks. But if you go to a regular networking event or join a networking organization, you'll soon see that many of the people there tend to be older, established businesspeople. In fact, in the typical business networking group, the members range in age from the 20s through the 60s, and based on a study done at St. Thomas University, two-thirds of them are over 40. There's a good reason for this. It's usually the seasoned pros who have recognized and learned to use the benefits of networking to bolster their business. Many have used networking throughout the life of their business and are fully aware of the competitive advantage it offers. Older networkers often serve as mentors for younger businesspeople, which can be an enormous advantage to someone who is new to the art and science of networking.

The best networking groups are the ones whose membership is diverse in many ways. That is, it will have not only older and younger members but also a good balance of men and women, a mixture of races and ethnicities that is representative of the community, and a wide variety of professions and specialties. Such a group offers the best opportunities to get referrals from outside your immediate circle of acquaintances and experience--which puts you on the fast track to expanding your business.

"If my customers are satisfied, they'll give me referrals. Why should I join a networking group?" Yes, customers can be a good source of referrals. Immediately after an especially good experience at your business, a happy client may talk you up to a friend who needs the service you provide. But it often ends there. A customer who is merely satisfied is not likely to go out of her way to tell others about you. And here's the kicker: A customer who is unhappy with you will tell a lot of people--eleven times as many as a happy customer, by one study. Customer-based word-of-mouth can hurt you more than help you.

A networking partner, by contrast, is always on the lookout for good customers for your business--just as you are always looking for people to send to your networking partners. Your fellow networkers also know more about your business and the kind of customers you want, and they are experts in marketing you by word-of-mouth, the most powerful kind of marketing that exists. This kind of referral generation lasts much longer and brings you a steady stream of high-quality business, the kind that doesn't turn around and go to your competitor as soon as he holds his next clearance sale. You can get more good referrals from one or two loyal networking sources than from all the customers who come through your doors--and the customers you'll get are the kind you'll want to keep.

While WOW Network is not having a networking event during the month of June, continue looking for opportunities to network & we'll see you again in July!

Four Steps to Building Social Capital

2011-06-02T09:33:00.000-10:00

Over time, strengthening relationships within your network can lead to new business.

by Dr. Ivan Misner

You don't have to purposely become a networker to reap the benefits of social capital -- otherwise known as the value behind your social contacts. As long as you take as much care in raising and investing your social capital as you do your financial capital, you'll find that the benefits that flow from these intangible investments will multiply your material returns many times over.

Take for example a colleague of mine who is a book editor. He often works long hours in isolation, surfacing only occasionally to communicate with an author or publisher. So, how does someone with such little contact with people build social capital? It's simple. He eventually ventured out in search of others.

My editor friend met and wound up collaborating with a small group of writers who were forming a professional organization. He helped the group attract new members, publish a newsletter, schedule presentations and speakers and arrange conferences with editors and agents. While the organization grew, my friend made several new friends among the founding members. One of those connections helped him land a job that he kept for 12 years. My friend benefitted from another connection who gave him a steady flow of freelance editing work.

Even though my editor friend didn't know it when he began this low-key form of networking, he was building social capital.

Relationships Are Currency
How many times have you, or another entrepreneur you know, attended a networking event where you met a number of good people but never spoke with them again? Although small-business owners are often so busy they find it difficult to remember what they had for breakfast, it's a shame to ignore new contacts you can potentially turn into new business.

The key to improving your social capital isn't the number of contacts you make. What's important is making contacts that become lasting relationships. Imagine if you were putting together a marketing plan for the coming year and you called five close friends to ask them for help -- in the form of either a referral or new business. Now, imagine cold-calling 10 people for the same reason. You'll most likely have better luck with your close friends.

How can you deepen your relationships with contacts and improve your social capital? Here are four steps to get you moving in the right direction:

Give your clients a personal call. Find out how things went with the project you were involved in. Ask if there's anything else you can do to help. Important: do not ask for a referral at this point.
Call all the people who have referred business to you. Ask them how things are going. Try to learn more about their current activities so you can refer business to them.
List 50 people to stay in touch with. Include anyone who has given you business in the last 12 months (from steps 1 and 2) as well as any other prospects you've connected with recently. Send them cards on the next holiday.
Follow up. Two weeks after you've sent cards to your contacts, call them and see what's going on. If the contact is a former client or just someone you've talked to before, now might be the perfect time to ask for a referral. If it's a prospect you're calling, perhaps you can set up an appointment to have coffee and find out if their plans might include using your services.

Social capital is the international currency of networking, especially business networking. After just a few weeks of putting these steps in motion you should have more than enough social capital to tap into the rest of the year.

Courtesy of Entrepreneur.com - http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219590

Stay in touch with all the news at WOW through our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/WOWNetworkhawaii

A networking coffee break.... Five Ways to Take Charge of Your Own Networking

2011-05-26T09:01:00.000-10:00

Every business should have a networking expert, but you don't have to hire one. You just have to take on the right mindset.
by Dr. Ivan Misner

Among large companies -- take Google and HP, for instance -- there's a trend to create a new executive-level role called Chief Networking Officer. Some business call the role Community Manager.

Whatever you choose to call it, the CNO is the person who handles business networking and community-related activities, and the responsibilities range from developing word-of-mouth campaigns to referral-generation strategies. Other roles of the CNO include client relationship management, public relations, inter-departmental collaboration, corporate culture and relationship advertising and marketing.

In this article, I will focus on two roles of the CNO: word-of-mouth campaigns and referral-generation strategies. If you want to network like a pro, these roles should be the principal focus of your CNO.

First, let's address the thought that probably just popped into your head: "Hey, I run a 10-person (four-person/one-person) organization; how can I afford to hire a CNO to do my networking? Quite frankly, there never seem to be enough resources to take care of all the things the business needs, let alone hire an executive-level person."

But you don't have to hire a new executive. As the business owner, you're probably filling that job in one way or another already. Here are five actions you can take to be the Chief Networking Officer for your company.

1. Participate in two to three networking events each month, and follow up with people you meet. As a smart, enterprising businessperson, you already know the importance of networking and how vital it is to meet new people. However, one of the biggest mistakes people make is failing to follow up.

By adopting a CNO mindset, you recognize that meeting new folks while networking is just the first step toward generating more word-of-mouth business. The second step is meeting them later over coffee or lunch to learn more about their business and how you can help them. When you do that, you pave the way for future referral business.

2. Touch base with past business contacts by making two personal phone calls each week. Again, if you're like me, you've got so much going on that the thought of making two more phone calls is almost too much. But remember, a CNO's job is maintaining relationships and generating referrals. And that can't happen unless you stay in touch.

3. Use postcards and greeting cards to stay in touch with people throughout the year. A good time to do this is on annual holidays -- and not just Christmas or New Year's, but also St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Halloween.

Buy a pack of 20 cards and send them to people you've fallen out of touch with and with whom you'd like to reconnect -- past clients, past vendors, a friend of a friend, another business owner you chatted with at your local coffee shop a few months ago. This will keep you foremost in these people's minds.

4. Take good care of your database. A CNO should have a top-flight contact database and contact management system (CMS) to help her stay organized. It can be as simple as a physical card file or as high-tech as an online data site. It just needs to be something you can use so business cards aren't falling off your desk.

Database management software can supercharge your referral-generation system. Because there are data entry fields for many different kinds of information (e-mail address, phone number, profession, where you met the contact, etc.), you can sort and target e-mails to particular segments of your database with a few clicks of the mouse. There are several CMS systems, including ACT, Microsoft Outlook, and Relate2Profit.com.

The reason these systems are so important for a CNO is because his contacts are his business. You can't get referrals unless you have relationships, and you can't have relationships unless you stay in touch and up to date with contacts. A good contact database and contact management system enables you to do both while creating a powerful word-of-mouth marketing campaign.

5. Always thank your referral partners. A referral partner is not simply a contact who gives you referrals every once in a while; a referral partner is someone with whom you have entered into a relationship that is mutually trusting, respectful and beneficial.

Maintaining that relationship means, among other things, thanking your contact for referrals. It's just good manners.

Thanks can and often should take the form of reciprocation, of course; get a referral, give a referral. But reciprocity doesn't require such a quid-pro-quo response, and indeed it might seem a bit artificial if it happened as a matter of course. Gratitude by reciprocity should be given freely and abundantly, not in measured response to the number of referrals received. A referral partnership should never be viewed as a simple accountancy.

Extending a simple "thank you" is probably the single biggest action a CNO can take to maximize the number of referrals he gets. It will typically double the amount of referral business he gets from an existing referral partner.

Every business should have a CNO, but you don't have to hire one. You just have to take on the CNO mindset.

Ivan Misner is founder and Chairman of BNI, a professional business networking organization headquartered in Upland, Calif. Dubbed the "father of modern networking" by CNN, Misner is a New York Times bestselling author.
From Entrepreneur.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217505

An Evening at Lanikuhonua

2011-04-18T12:35:00.000-10:00

The Rotary Club of Kapolei Sunset invites you to "An Evening at Lanikuhonua" - Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Event, this Thursday, April 21st, 6-9 p.m. This is a lovely event, we encourage our WOW network to attend.

Tacos, Tequila, and Talk! April 6th Networking Event

2011-04-03T11:39:00.001-10:00

Spring is a great time for networking - come join us at Just Tacos on April 6 for Tacos, Tequila & Talk. Pre-register on Eventbrite http://tacostequilaandtalk.eventbrite.com/ to receive a great discount for this fun event!

Pacific Edge 5th Anniversary Celebration

2011-03-28T10:09:00.003-10:00

Pacific Edge Magazine has invited WOW members & friends to join them in celebrating their 5th anniversary this Wednesday, March 30, at the Waikiki Edition Hotel.

For the past 5 years, Pacific Edge has been a vehicle through which incredible stories of Hawai'i's small business leaders are shared. Showcasing innovative professionals, they also educate and inspire their readers. Let's join them in celebrating five years of involvement and support of Hawai'i's vibrant business community!

Kapolei to Celebrate International Networking Week

2011-02-08T07:47:00.005-10:00

Kapolei, HI (Feb 3, 2010) - International Networking Week®, occurring February 7-11, 2011, is a week centered around helping businesses in every part of the world achieve growth and success through effective networking.

The Kapolei community will hold its first-ever Joint Networking Mixer on Wednesday evening, Feb 9th at the Kapolei Golf Course, 6:00-8:30 p.m. The event is being hosted by The West Oahu Women Social and Business Network, BNI Hawaii, The Kapolei Chamber of Commerce, The Rotary Club of Kapolei, The Rotary Club of Kapolei-Sunset, and Pacific Edge Magazine. The event provides an opportunity for business professionals to meet, develop relationships, and create business possibilities.

According to Joann Seery, Executive Director for BNI Hawaii and the Referral Institute: "International Networking Week® is about celebrating the important role that networking plays in the development and success of business around the world. It is also about creating an awareness relating to the process of relationship networking, an approach to doing business based on building long-term successful relationships with other people."

Kathleen Davenport and Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone, Co-Directors of The West Oahu Women Social and Business Network and organizers for the Kapolei mixer are excited about bringing community and businesses together. "Effective networking is about meeting people and building relationships. With our growing community in Kapolei, it's going to be important for business people to really know and support each other. "

The Joint Mixer Kapolei is open to all. Registration is required. Tickets are $30 for members, $35 for non-members, $45 at the door. For more information, contact Kathleen Davenport at 372-0065 or visit www.jointmixerkapolei.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

An initiative of BNI®, the world's largest business networking organization, International Networking Week® presents an opportunity for networking groups, companies, organizations, and individuals across the globe to start 2011 by taking proactive steps to strategically use networking to promote business growth.

International Networking Week® 2011 will be observed worldwide through hundreds of events, large and small, in areas such as Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Nigeria, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and more. These celebratory events will feature presentations by respected networking experts, provide participants with powerfully effective networking tips and strategies for achieving long-term business growth, and give attendees plenty of opportunities to network with like-minded business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Since the inaugural International Networking Week® in 2007, the annual event, which is always held during the first full week in February, has gained momentum each year and has been repeatedly recognized by many organizations and governmental agencies around the world.

Says Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder of BNI® and the Referral Institute®:

"Different countries, different cultures, different races, different religions, different people, different places--we are all united by one thing. We all speak the language of referrals. We all want to do business with people we know and trust. Relationship networking is not only a great way to get business, it's an even better way to do business; I urge people worldwide to utilize International Networking week to focus on doing something to improve their own networking efforts because there really is no better time than now to start strengthening your business relationships."

International Networking Week® is open to all business professionals, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, students, press representatives, government and council representatives--anyone who would like to know more about how business networking can grow individual businesses and make a powerfully positive impact on the global economic landscape.

First Ever Kapolei Joint Networking Mixer!

2011-01-25T14:26:00.001-10:00

You don't want to miss this one!! Here's the link to register online now:
Registration site for Kapolei Joint Networking Mixer

Diamonds and Divas Networking Event

2010-12-01T20:35:00.000-10:00

We hope you can join us for our last networking event of the year! The event will be held at World Trade Jewelry in Kapolei Commons (near Target) and it's sure to be great fun! Feel free to get a little dressy and enjoy a wonderful evening of socializing and networking. See you there! Happy Holidays!

To register online, click here.

WOW Membership Brochure

2010-10-30T13:05:00.005-10:00

If you'd like to join the West Oahu Women Social and Business Network (WOW Network Hawaii), here's a downloadable version of our membership brochure. Just click on each image and print. We look forward to having you join us!! Yes, men are welcome to join, too! And no, you don't have to to have a business to join us. All are welcome!

WOW 1st Anniversary Event - Taco, Tequila, & Talk!!

2010-10-18T13:55:00.001-10:00

We hope you'll join us for our first anniversary event! You can now register online here:

Click here to register for Nov 10th WOW Event

We look forward to seeing you!!! As always, this is a co-ed event. For additional information or to receive membership information, please call Kathleen Davenport at 372-0065.

WOW Updates

2010-10-05T14:27:00.002-10:00

We've been a bit remiss in posting! So let me get you caught up.

We're taking time off in October to plan for our First Anniversary Event to be held on November 10th. So save the date and stay tuned for more details! It's going to be a lot of fun.

WOW would like to welcome Debra Hartley of Precision Admin Solutions as our administrative assistant. Debra is an awesome virtual assistant and we look forward to having her help with our WOW planning.

WOW now has an online Member Forum board. Think of it as an online coffee bar. Visit when you want. This is the place where members can post and talk about business, chat with other members, and talk about anything that comes to mind including books, entertainment, food and recipes. We'll also have guest writers who'll share their expertise with our members. There's also a member business directory and a place for member-to-member discounts and special offers. Current members will be receiving an e-mail inviting them to join the online forum.

And we're planning a mini-series of members-only events. I think you're going to enjoy these.....the feedback so far has been great, so stay tuned. These will be totally fun!

One last thing--we're forming an informal member advisory board. Just to give us feedback on events and what other things you'd like to see with WOW. If you'd like to be part of the board, let us know. You'll be the first to hear about some of our plans and try out some of our new "things" we have planned. I promise no extra meetings or hard labor.....

WOW NETWORK SPONSOR - ELEMENT MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW ISSUE OF PACIFIC EDGE MAGAZINE

2010-07-21T22:52:00.000-10:00

Hi WOW Network Friends!

We just want to let you know that the newest issue of Pacific Edge Magazine is now in stores and online! You can pick one up at King Fort Magazines along Fort Street Mall or at any Barnes & Noble or Borders bookstore. You can even read the interactive digital version with ease on your iPhone or smartphone! Visit http://thepacificedge.com/ to read about more of Hawaii's professionals and entrepreneurs and get ready to be inspired! thepacificedge.com

Our cover feature – Waialua Soda Works’ Jason and Karen Campbell – saw that Hawai‘i was missing a locally-made soda company. So, they got to work to build an exciting new brand. The two of them personally and exhaustively researched, tested, tasted, and mixed to get their six flavors of soda, which are now sold all over Hawaii and across the country! The Campbells are continuing to grow their business and are hoping to provide the rest of the world with a quality Hawaii-made product.

Of course, this is also Pacific Edge Magazine's 4th Annual Weddings and Events issue and the content is more extensive than ever. Our 4th annual resource features a variety of local companies that specialize in making Hawaii events memorable. Last but not least, don’t miss our beautiful wedding photo spread shot on location at Oasis World Estates, designed by talented industry professionals who created a perfect Pacific Edge-style wedding: modern, chic, and tropical!

In addition, Pacific Edge Magazine and Las Vegas Bound In-Flight Magazine will be available at this upcoming Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Annual Luncheon this Thursday, July 22, 2010. Copies will be on hand for viewing pleasures, as well as any questions answered about the upcoming Chamber Directory of 2010-2011. Alongside, Element Media and Pacific Edge Magazine will also be included in this year’s bridal expo starting Friday, July 23, 2010. Copies of the current issue of Pacific Edge will be distributed. Feel free to take a tour of our online digital version. http://tinyurl.com/29c8v7d

And lastly, for informative purposes and entertaining, Pacific Edge Magazine is partnering with Kathy Ireland Worldwide and Oasis World Estates to help put together our Hawaii Bridal Expo booth. Check out the CelebTweet! http://tinyurl.com/3xecjzg

Come by to experience all that Pacific Edge has to offer to all of its readers! If you have not received a hard copy, please grab one at the booth, or contact Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone directly!

Thank you as always for your readership and support of Pacific Edge Magazine, especially our events hosted in conjunction with the fabulous West Oahu Women’s Social and Business Network.
Enjoy this issue and we'll see you at the next WOW Network event!

Join WOW on July 14 at Menchie's in Kapolei

2010-07-08T06:54:00.000-10:00

A Special Event for WOW Members - High Tea!!

2010-06-11T12:38:00.004-10:00

Our first members-only event will be High Tea at Tea at 1024! Join us for this exclusive, members-only event on Saturday, June 26th, 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There'll be great networking, prizes, shopping, and of course, high tea! We'll munch on assorted finger sandwiches, scones, delectable desserts, and spinach and strawberry salad. Need I tempt you any more? You can join as a member now and plan to attend this event. Hope to see you there!

To RSVP or to request a member registration packet, contact Vanessa at: vsim@streamline6.com

To visit the website for Tea at 1024, click here: Tea at 1024

For questions, feel free to contact Kathy Davenport at 808-372-0065.

Join us for our May networking event!

2010-05-15T07:08:00.002-10:00

Join us for our next WOW event on Wed, May 26th, 6-8p.m. CrossFit Ewa Beach and Ohana Chiropractic Center will host an evening social and business networking in Kapolei. We look forward to seeing you!! RSVP to ksherkey@streamline6.com. This is a co-ed event. Entry fee is $10 for members/$20 for non-members.

Reminder! RSVP Now for the April WOW Event at 55 Pawsh Place!

2010-04-18T21:50:00.004-10:00

Be sure to check out the video on the left to see some of the cute things at 55 Pawsh Place! We look forward to seeing you at our April networking event! RSVP to Krista at ksherkey@streamline6.com.

Join us on April 21st at 55 Pawsh Place!

2010-04-06T21:30:00.002-10:00

Pet lovers rejoice! Our April WOW event will be held at 55 Pawsh Place in Kapolei, home of the greatest little pet boutique! Mark your calendars and plan to join us on Wednesday, April 21st, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of complimentary pupus and wine and the opportunity to network with fellow business community members.

55 Pawsh Place is located in the Halekuai Shopping Center (anchored by Chevron and Starbucks across the streeet from Safeway) (Right below the Social Security Office). 10% discount for WOW members on the evening of the event. Please RSVP to Krista Sherkey at ksherkey@streamline6.com. This is a co-ed event. Entry fee is $10 for members/$20 for non-members. RSVP early, space is limited to 55 people.

We hope to see you there!!

Stay Tuned!

2010-03-22T14:19:00.001-10:00

Aloha Everyone!

It was great seeing so many of you at the Rotary event, Evening at Lanikuhonua. It was a wonderful event with delicious food and a beautiful evening!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we're working on our April event, so stay tuned for details!

We look forward to seeing everyone!

Join the WOW Network In Supporting The Rotary Club of Kapolei

2010-02-23T16:35:00.004-10:00

This month, the West Oahu Women's Social and Business Network (WOW Network Hawaii) plans to hold our monthly networking event to support The Rotary Club of Kapolei's "An Evening at Lanikuhonua" on Saturday evening, March 13th from 6-9 PM at Ko Olina Resort & Marina. This great event will provide our WOW Network members with the opportunity to mingle with The Rotary Club of Kapolei's members and guests while supporting a great cause.

We hope to fill several tables at this event with the fabulous WOW Network women and their guests. You will enjoy food from Roy's, Don Ho's and Formaggio's as well as wine-tasting, beer sampling and live entertainment!

Don't miss this fantastic event! To RSVP and purchase your tickets, please contact Lorraine Gershun with The Rotary of Kapolei at email address lgershun@secondcityconsult.com or at telephone number 808-387-9284.

For WOW Members who have additional questions, feel free to contact Krista Sherkey at email ksherkey@streamline6.com or at telephone number 808-744-9854.

Be sure to visit the WOW Network blog at www.wownetworkhawaii.blogspot.com to check out pictures from January's event at Simply Organized!

You can also become a fan of our Facebook page and connect with other members at www.facebook.com/west-oahu-women-social-and-business-network

A Simply Wonderful Event!

2010-01-18T21:13:00.004-10:00

MAHALO to everyone who came out to our January WOW event at Simply Organized in Kapolei!! With 100 people in attendance, there was definitely a lot of great networking going on. Attendees were treated to a fun-filled evening of organizing tips, product demonstrations, prizes, special shopping and complimentary pupus and wine.

We'd like to once again thank our hosts at Simply Organized. They put on a fabulous event and guests commented on all the wonderful ideas and products to help them get their homes and offices in order. For many guests, this was their first visit to the store and they were amazed with all there was to offer.

We congratulate Simply Organized on their store's first anniversary and wish them all the best! We're glad WOW could help you celebrate!

WOW guests enjoyed an evening of networking, product demonstrations and prizes.

(L to R) Professional Organizer Kelly Galvin, Business Coach Angelina Campos and Krista Sherkey, President of Streamline 6 Communications.

Carol Ai May, Vice President of Simply Organized and Kelly Galvin, Professional Organizer.

WOW Wednesday Jan 13th!

2010-01-12T20:35:00.005-10:00

Our WOW event for Wednesday January 13th is shaping up to be a grand event! Right now we have around 100 people who have RSVP'd to attend our event hosted by Simply Organized in Kapolei. We're looking forward to seeing each and every one of you! There's going to be a LOT of awesome networking and some fun shopping available--and prizes! I can't wait to hear the tips from business coach Angelina Campos and the organizational tips from professional organizer Kelly Galvin. I can't wait to meet new people!! I can't wait to introduce YOU to some of my friends and associates. It's going to be so fun! Remember to bring lots of business cards!

There's still time to RSVP if you want to come. We look forward to seeing you!

This is the Freedom Rail Closet system that is so easy to install yourself! The February 2010 Simply Organized 1st Birthday Grand Prize drawing will be for a $1,000 Freedom Rail Closet system!

Neat idea! Hide your valuables in canisters that look like everyday household items!

Great selection of baskets!

And just in case you still haven't put away your holiday items, here's some great storage items.

Great gifts and gadgets for everyone!

See you at Simply Organized!!

Contain the clutter! Join WOW on Jan 13th at Simply Organized

2010-01-10T22:06:00.002-10:00

Got clutter? These are fabulous bamboo boxes made from Lipper. On Jan 13th and Jan 16th, Simply Organized is offering a Buy 2, Get 1 Free on most of these bamboo boxes. They're beautiful in your drawers as well as your desk or counter!

Remember to RSVP for our WOW Networking Event on Wednesday, Jan 13th, 5:30 p.m. Event details are here: January WOW Event

Be sure to RSVP for WOW's Jan 13th event at Simply Organized!

How are you doing with your New Year's Resolution to get organized?

2010-01-08T23:02:00.012-10:00

How are you coming along on your New Year's Resolution to get organized? Need help? Take a look at the awesome food-storage products available at Simply Organized in Kapolei.

Do you need help wrangling some of that paperwork around your house? Take a look at these items:

Or how about these sassy file folders which are sure to cause a laugh in the office!

You'll get ideas and special shopping opportunities at our January WOW event hosted by Simply Organized. Be sure to RSVP for this exclusive event to be held on Wednesday, January 13th, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Our first event of 2010--Time to Get Organized! Join us on Jan 13th at Simply Organized

2010-01-02T08:01:00.012-10:00

Our first WOW networking event of 2010 will be held at the best place possible to start off the year--Simply Organized in Kapolei! Who hasn't made a resolution to get more organized this year?

JOIN US FOR JANUARY NETWORKING
AND SHOPPING AT
SIMPLY ORGANIZED

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13th, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Mark Jan 13th on your calendar to join us for this special WOW event. Simply Organized will host an exclusive evening social, organizational design workshop and shopping event for guests of the West Oahu Women Social and Business Network (WOW Network) at their retail store location in Kapolei. For more information or to RSVP, contact Krista Sherkey via e-mail at ksherkey@streamline6.com or phone 808-744-9854.

Over the next few days we'll be featuring great products and ideas to help you get more organized. I visited Simply Organized a few days ago and I got so many awesome ideas to help me clean up my clutter and organize my home and office space. Stay tuned as we feature some of those ideas and products here!

Kick Off 2010 in Organizational Style!!

2009-12-28T22:55:00.010-10:00

WOW Network Hawaii
January 13th Event at Simply Organized

LET'S GET ORGANIZED AND STAY ORGANIZED IN 2010!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR JANUARY NETWORKING EVENT AT

SIMPLY ORGANIZED ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13th!

On behalf of the West Oahu Women Social & Business Network (WOW NETWORK), we would like to invite you to attend our January Networking Event on Wednesday, January 13th from 5:30-8:00 PM at Simply Organized located at:
889 Kamokila Blvd., Kapolei, Hawaii 96707.

Simply Organized will host an exclusive evening social, organizational design workshop and shopping event for guests of the West Oahu Women Social and Business Network (WOW Network) at their retail store location in Kapolei.

Professional organizer Kelly Galvin and business coach Angelina Campos will provide solutions for effectively organizing both home and office space.

RSVP Now! Space is limited to the first 100 RSVPs!

Please feel free to invite your friends and colleagues. This is a co-ed event.

Entry fee is $10 for members or $20 for non-members
at the door payable by cash or check.

A portion of the event's proceeds will be donated to the
Hui O'Na Wahine Spouses' Club at Schofield Barracks.

Please RSVP by January 11th to:
Krista Sherkey via email at ksherkey@streamline6.com or telephone number 808/744-9854.

(To view a larger version of this image, please click on the image)

Hawaii Networking Tip of the Week - Block out time to network

2009-12-07T09:44:00.004-10:00

BLOCK OUT TIME TO NETWORK. In order to be a successful networker, you must begin to develop and try out strategies to monitor what will work for your business. What often happens is that before we know it, it's Friday and we didn't "work" at our networking. Who will you meet this week? Set a time today. Block out at least an hour this week to make a list of who you want to meet and what referral strategies you are going to implement.

Networking Tip of the Week is provided by Joann Seery, Executive Director for BNI Hawaii (www.bnihawaii.com) and Owner of The Referral Institute Hawaii (www.referralinstitutehi.com).

Our December Host - Plantation Home Decor in Kapolei

2009-11-24T23:06:00.005-10:00

Networking and shopping! What could be better? Join us at Plantation Home Decor on Wednesday, Dec 2nd, 5:30-8:00 p.m. for an evening of awesome networking with dynamic, energetic and fun women (and a few men)! RSVP to Krista at ksherkey@streamline6.com, phone 808. 744.9854. Look forward to seeing you there!

Get WOW'd at our next event!

2009-11-24T21:28:00.006-10:00

GET YOUR “WOW” ON!

JOIN US FOR OUR DECEMBER NETWORKING EVENT AT

PLANTATION HOME DÉCOR ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2^nd!

On behalf of the West Oahu Women Social & Business Network (WOW NETWORK), we would like to invite you to attend our December Networking Event on

Wednesday, December 2^nd from 5:30-8:00 PM at Plantation Home Décor located at:

338 Kamokila Blvd., #105, Kapolei, HI 96707.

Please feel free to invite your friends and colleagues. This is a co-ed event.

Entry fee is $15 at the door payable by cash or check.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Island Pacific Academy.

Please RSVP by November 30^th to:

Krista Sherkey via email at ksherkey@streamline6.com or telephone number 808/744-9854.

"It was so much fun!"

2009-11-15T06:43:00.007-10:00

Nearly 60 men and women attended WOW's premiere event at Hapa Grill this past Wednesday. Guests did a lot of networking, visited with vendors, and enjoyed the wonderful food provided by Hapa Grill. Drinks were provided by Barefoot Wine.

Comments we heard were, "This is great!" "Why haven't we done this sooner?" "I've been wishing for something like this out here!" "I met so many great people, thank you so much for doing this!"

A lot of great connections were made and we look forward to seeing you at our next event on Dec 2nd!

Honoring our veterans

2009-11-11T07:23:00.001-10:00

Just taking a moment to honor our military veterans and their families.

WOW!

2009-11-10T07:36:00.001-10:00

As of today, we have 64 people who have RSVP'd for our premiere event! We're so excited! It's going to be a great evening. It's not too late to register, if you or someone you know would like to come, come!!

Wednesday's forecast is for rain, so what a perfect evening to be indoors and in the company of fun and energetic women. We look forward to seeing you!

P.S. What's a women's gathering without a little shopping? We have four exclusive vendors who'll have lots of eye candy and items for purchase.

It's Happening at Hapa Grill

2009-11-05T20:01:00.005-10:00

On behalf of the West Oahu Women Social & Business Network (WOW NETWORK), we would like to invite you to attend our premiere event on Wednesday, November 11^th from 5:30-8:30 PM at Hapa Grill located in the Marketplace at Kapolei. Please feel free to invite your friends and colleagues. Entry fee is $15 at the door payable by cash or check.

RSVP to Krista Sherkey at ksherkey@streamline6.com or 808/744-9854.

(Click on the flyer to view a larger version.)

What is WOW? In a nutshell....

2009-11-04T06:37:00.000-10:00

WOW is about women helping women. I created WOW because I love being around dynamic, energetic women. I get inspired. I get excited. I find new possibilities. It's fun!

If you want to experience the energy, I hope you'll make plans to attend our premiere event next Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. at Hapa Grill! RSVP to Krista Sherkey at ksherky@streamline6.com.

It's getting exciting!

2009-10-28T18:53:00.002-10:00

So for we already have over 30 women who have RSVP'd for our Nov 11th event at Hapa Grill. We hope you'll make plans to join us!

WOW Press Release

2009-10-13T19:52:00.010-10:00

WOW Network Launches in West Oahu

New organization offers social and business networking opportunities for women

Kapolei, HI (October 13, 2009) – West Oahu Women Social and Business Network (WOW Network) is a new organization empowering women through community connections, mentoring and information-sharing. WOW Network was formed in August 2009 and is specifically geared towards women who live or work on the west side of Oahu, and are interested in meeting new people, networking and creating business possibilities.

WOW Network was founded by businesswomen Kathy Davenport, owner of Kathleen Davenport Photography (www.kathleendavenport.com), and Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone, co-owner of Element Media, a custom publishing firm that produces Pacific Edge Magazine (www.thepacificedge.com ), Las Vegas Bound, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Annual Networking Directory, and the formerly produced Ko Olina Life & Style Magazine.

“I think it's time we had a business network for West Oahu women,” said Kathy Davenport, co-founder and director of WOW Network. “One of the reasons I hesitate to go downtown in the evenings is that I live in Makakilo. If I’ve spent the day downtown, by the time I get home, it’s difficult to turn around and go back into Honolulu. However, all of my social and networking groups hold their meetings there. So, I thought it would be great to have a group and steady means of communication for businesswomen in West Oahu.”

“Our goal for WOW Network is to hold monthly networking events at local business locations on the west side of Oahu to make it easier for those of us who live and work on the west side” added Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone, co-founder of WOW Network and current Makakilo resident. “Venues such as Pictures Plus in Waipio, Gialuchi Day Spa, the Ihilani, Simply Organized, Plantation Home Décor and Hapa Grill are just a few examples of the wonderful West Oahu locations at which we hope to host our events.”

"The creation of the WOW Network is an excellent idea," said State Representative Sharon Har, D-40th (Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa). "It will give female professionals an opportunity and venue in which to socialize and network in their own community, while sharing ideas on how to succeed during these challenging economic times. West Oahu is home to numerous professional, energetic, passionate, visionary women who are successful in their own rights and who can take their ideas to make our Hawaii better. It's just another way of building a self-sustaining community where we can live, work and play in our own community."

WOW Network membership is open to both men and women and will require a $65 annual fee if one opts to join after the first event. Planned membership benefits include: discounted monthly event fees; special rates and discounts for shopping, dining, golf and spas in West Oahu; invitations to exclusive events such as celebrity-led workshops and industry-expert classes; and access to members-only directories and online forums. For additional information, please visit the WOW Network blog at http://wownetworkhawaii.blogspot.com/.

WOW Network’s premiere event will be held at Hapa Grill (www.hapagrill.net) located in The Marketplace at Kapolei on Wednesday, November 11th at 5:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of complimentary pupus and cocktails, the opportunity to network with fellow business community members and browse exclusive retail vendors’ product displays. Attendees must RSVP to Krista Sherkey via email at ksherkey@streamline6.com or telephone at 808-744-9854. This is a co-ed event. The entry fee is $15 with a portion of the proceeds donated to The Rotary Club of Kapolei.

About Kathleen Davenport
An inspirational photographer, business trainer and mentor, Kathleen Davenport has motivated others for over 20 years. Her “givers gain” philosophy and lifelong commitment to helping others is reflected in the various positions she has held and the thousands of people she has reached. Ms. Davenport is retired from the U.S. Air Force and currently works full-time as a professional portrait photographer. In addition, she serves as an area director for Business Network International (BNI) and is the president of the BNI Honolulu Metro Chapter. She is the founder and co-director of the newly-created West Oahu Women Social and Business Network. Ms. Davenport is a member of and has served on the board of directors for various women's organizations. She was recently named one of the “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S.” for 2009, an award sponsored by the national Filipina Women's Network. Her guiding mission is to use her creative talents to empower and inspire others. She and her family have lived in Makakilo for 11 years.

About Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone
Raised on Kauai and a current Makakilo resident, Naomi Hazelton-Giambrone is the co- founder of Pacific Edge Magazine, and co-publisher of Las Vegas Bound, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Networking Directory and the formerly produced Ko Olina Life & Style Magazine. She earned a Master’s in Corporate Communication from Hawaii Pacific University and her undergraduate degree in Mass Media from the University of San Diego. Ms. Hazelton-Giambrone is an active member of Small Business Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Hawaii Advertising Federation and the Oahu Wedding Association. She is also a board member of the Hawaii Publishers Association and a partner of the Business of Networking sponsored by Pacific Edge Magazine and Social Wahines. In March 2009, Ms. Hazelton-Giambrone was awarded the SBA Journalism of the Year Award for the State of Hawaii and North West Region. In 2008, she won the Small Business Hawaii Business Booster Award and is a former “Forty under 40.” In addition, Ms. Hazelton-Giambrone and her husband host Green Drinks Honolulu (www.greendrinkshonolulu.com), a social networking event for like-minded individuals who are concerned about the environment.

About State Representative Sharon Har , D-40th (Royal Kunia, Makakilo, Kapolei, Kalaeloa)
State Representative Sharon Har represents District 40 comprised of Kapolei, Makakilo, Royal Kunia and Kalaeloa. In addition, she is an attorney with the law firm of Bays Deaver Lung Rose & Holma in Honolulu specializing in real estate, land use and construction litigation. Prior to working at Bays Deaver, Representative Har served as an aide and advisor to Lt. Governor Mazie Hirono. From 1999 to 2002, she assisted the Lt. Governor on issues regarding education, transportation and high-technology. Representative Har has also committed numerous years of service to various community organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Aloha United Way, the Hawaii Blood Bank and the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce.

Hapa Grill to host WOW Network's Premiere Event

2009-10-10T06:22:00.009-10:00

Hapa Grill in the Kapolei Marketplace will host WOW Network's premiere event on Wednesday evening, Nov 11th, 5:30 p.m. Our event will be held in the wonderful private back room. Visit the Hapa Grill website at www.hapagrill.net.

Don't miss WOW Network's premiere event! To RSVP, contact Krista Sherkey via e-mail at ksherkey@streamline6.com or phone 808.744.9854. This is a co-ed event. The entry fee is $15 with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Rotary Club of Kapolei. RSVP deadline is Monday, Nov 9th. We look forward to seeing you!

Aloha! Welcome to the WOW Network Blog!

2009-10-08T14:54:00.008-10:00

Aloha and welcome to our blog! We're excited to introduce the West Oahu Women (WOW) Social and Business Network. Our premiere event is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 11, 5:30 p.m. at Hapa Grill in the Kapolei Marketplace. Guests will enjoy an evening of complimentary pupus and cocktails, the opportunity to network with fellow business community members, and browse our exclusive retail vendors' product displays. Attendees must RSVP to Krista Sherkey via e-mail at ksherkey@streamline6.com or phone 808.744.9854. This is a co-ed event. The entry fee is $15 with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Rotary Club of Kapolei.