Businesswomen have a new place to go to mix, mingle, drink coffee and share ideas. Cafe Brea Espresso Bar on Portland Street offers a monthly meeting of networking and learning for women called Business Women Connect.
At the meeting last week women learned how to use facebook, blogs and other online tools to make their businesses stand out.
Melita Scott, owner of Cafe Brea and Susan Aldridge, executive director of the Atlantic ÉCONOMUSÉE Network and owner of Market to Market Consulting, co-founded Business Women Connect last June.
"I was talking to Melita one day and told her how much I missed the women's networking sessions at the Mount," said Aldridge. "So we decided to start hosting meetings here at Cafe Brea one night every month."
The meetings have been so popular that most are sold out in advance.
"We offer speakers at our meetings that are relevant to women business owners and women in business," said Scott.
This month the speaker was Kathy Colaiacovo, who works with service based small business owners, offering online and social media strategy, coaching and training.
Julie Sherriff, business manager of an architectural design and project management company said she found out about this series of events through a friend and previous colleague.
"Initially, I wanted to come here to meet other professional women and build more connections. However, I also wanted to learn more about social media and how to use it effectively and efficiently."
Sherriff says she really enjoyed her time spent with the other 40 women at the meeting.
"What this can do is to create a larger network of likeminded business women as well as learn how to become more well-organized and efficient with my time when working."
Olga Torres has attended a couple of meetings now. The sales woman for Nestle is new to Nova Scotia and says she appreciates the support and friendship found at the monthly meetings.
"You leave here feeling inspired and empowered. And that is what it is all about."
Next month's meeting is on April 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The speaker that night will be Leanne Salyzyn, who helps people gain control of their finances and move forward with their lives. The cost is $15 and you have to register at www.hrmbusinesswomenconnect@gmail.com."
Kathy Colaiacovo's Top 10 ways to integrate social media into your business
1. What's your website address?
2. Can I in fact Google You?
3. Who the Heck are you?
4. Blog-This helps your search engine rankings
5. Email List
6. Brand your Social Media Profiles and Share Them
7. Social Sharing Tools on Your Blog
8. Add Links to your website on ALL profiles
9. Add a facebook page like box to your site
10. Tell People about you
