I joined Give N’ Take Network approximately one year ago to tap into the networking frenzy created by marketing powerhouse, Simone Kelly.  Kelly has empowered women across the country with the opportunity to participate in professional and personal bartering.   According to Ms. Kelly, bartering is an effective networking tool because “[it]is an affordable way to get something you need in exchange for working it off with your service or product valued at the same amount. Even though no cash is exchanged, YOUR TIME is what you are paying with.”

Many women cringe at the thought of attending networking events and talking with people who often times do not show the common courtesy of returning phone calls and emails or make good on discussions had during the event.  Ms. Kelly said, "I was never too crazy about networking, because of what I've encountered at many events. They were either too corporate or some attendees were there for mingling and not truly serious about taking their business to the next level. So, I thought starting my own event would allow me to create the opportunities that we all needed in a comfortable environment.  By developing a strong support system such as Give 'N Take-- I will help grow women businesses and empower many to turn their "side hustles" into their full-time careers!"

The process was very streamlined and facilitated open conversation amongst the attendees.  We all entered and were given name tags and Personal Profile cards.  On these cards attendees provide basic professional information i.e., their titles or occupation.  Next, you provide what services you plan to give and what services you are looking to “take” from fellow women that you network with during the event.  Finally, Simone Kelly encourages all women to “put their money with their mouth is” by writing down the contacts that were made and setting a deadline for communicating with and fulfilling your end of the bargain.

Although I have interacted with various professional women online via Give N’ Take over the last year, I was fortunate enough to attend one of the monthly networking events this week in person.  Currently there are events in New York City, Westchester, NY, Paramus, NJ and Washington, DC.  The energy of the event was beyond compare.  As I moved about the room with my profile card, I had the opportunity to meet lawyers, marketing executives, nonprofit association professionals, Hill Staffers, Mortgage brokers, online entrepreneurs, writers and more.  The crème de la crème was the opportunity to reconnect with an old study partner from college who I had not seen in over 10 years—we plan on developing some programs together.

To help us all create WIN/WIN situations, Ms. Kelly  suggests the following Bartering guidelines to assist us when negotiating deals:

Before you get started, keep in mind the following:

• When working on projects for each other our goal should be to MEET AND EXCEED the needs of that person.
• We all have expertise in various areas and can do incredible things as long as we see eye to eye and are in agreement before we get started.
• The barter can be considered a short-term partnership. You do your part and I'll do mine. Therefore, take the focus off of "me" and put it on "we".
• Don't know the person's work? Ask for up to three referrals of past customers. It's up to YOU and no one else to do the research before you come to an agreement.
• Do Your Best. Your work and attitude is a reflection of you. People make decisions about you based on your work ethics. Always remember, your reputation is your wealth!
• Be Professional. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
• Be Responsible. Manage your time and commitments. Confirm meetings a day before. If you are going to be late or can't make a meeting, please be conscious of each other's time. Missing meetings and being irresponsible doesn't sit well with anyone and quite frankly you might not get a second chance! Don't burn your bridges...you never know who can help you.
• Pay attention, listen and take notes, so that "we" understand what the job entails and "we" can deliver on the services. There may be details that are not included in the agreement.
• Professionalism, sensitivity, consideration, respect and integrity are key attributes to not only operating within the network, but in business in general. This is especially true for fledgling entrepreneurs as most of us are! It's important to be authentic and be true to our word. The WORD is so important!