Professional Connections was Founded by Debbie Hartz to Network with other Professionals that have a heart for Charity. Fostering personal relationships with clients is key to success in any business. At Professional Connections, we know the value of networking with business owners and fellow professionals, and the personal referrals that stem from familiarity. That’s why we hold round table discussions every second week for up to 12 members — representing a diverse cross-section of the local business community — where professionals can discuss their business and solicit advice from others in the group

Unlike speed-networking functions, there is no time pressure in our round table discussions, and each member can draw from a talent bank containing the collective wealth of education, reading, training, and experience of group members.

Drawing on this collective wisdom, our goal is to leverage a synergy where everyone can derive maximum support from the attending coterie. Moreover, there is no pressure regarding referrals; these happen naturally as we share leading edge best practices in our meetings.

Working on an organic basis, members facilitate meetings on a rotational basis throughout the year. What’s more, each participant has an opportunity to showcase their business several times a year with a 15- to 20-minute presentation to the group. Here we share our vision, mission, strategies, and objectives with other members of Professional Connections. Each member can then take that person’s “story” out into their respective sphere of influence. This provides members an opportunity to extend their message beyond the group, to the larger business community where other connections and contacts can be made.

As well, members can add a blog post each week on the Professional Connections website in order to publish refreshed information. Blog post updates keep everyone informed of enhanced processes, and systems that are being utilized by each member. This way we all learn from each other how to leverage for growth.

Finally, one thing that makes Professional Connections unique as a networking and referral body is that we believe business has a responsibility to give back to the communities we depend on. To that end, we set time aside at each meeting for one charity to make a presentation about their organization to inform Professional Connections members about their organization’s activities and needs. After three charities have made presentations, a decision is made among Professional Connections members about choosing a charity to support, and then an agenda is developed to do so. This experience reminds us how fortunate we all are and to practice the “business of kindness’ in our interactions with others. After all, it is people who make a difference — in life and business.

Visit the Professional Connections website.

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