Today is one of my favorite days out of the month. It is a Heart Link day! Some of you will already know what that means but for those of you who don’t, I’ll explain.
I am a Chapter Leader for The Heart Link Network. I lead the Bixby, Oklahoma chapter. When I first found Heart Link it certainly wasn’t my intention to get so involved but I am so blessed that I’ve been lead down this path.
I found out about The Heart Link Network online. Someone had mentioned going to a women’s networking event the previous night in their area and raved about it. She got my attention so I looked it up. The more I read the more I wanted to attend a meeting. So off to the location page I went only to find out the closest groups to me in Oklahoma were a couple of hours away.
Bummer.
I couldn’t drive two hours there, network for two hours, then drive two hours back. There is just no way I could fit that into my schedule every month. I REALLY loved this format of networking though. At the time there was nothing else in Tulsa like it. So I requested info on being a chapter leader, wouldn’t hurt to find out right? Maybe I could talk someone into doing it here. Laura, our fabulous president, contacted me back and gave me the low down. Well now I was in trouble because what she told me really intrigued me. I really felt like we needed something like this here because I knew how many amazing business women were in this area. I wanted there to be a group that could support them. My only problems was how was I going to find the time to start such a thing and even more important how was I going to convince my husband that it was such a wonderful idea? We never do anything without both of us being on board. I also have to admit I was a little scared. What if no one came? What if I froze speaking in-front of all those people? The doubts go on and on.
It took about a month of prayer and discussion with my husband before I was convinced this was something I was supposed to do. It will be two years in September since I started The Bixby chapter and I am so happy I took that leap of faith. I have made so many friendships from this group as well as some of the other chapters that have started in our area. Women I may not have met without the network. I have watched women make connections with each other then go on to help each other personally and professionally. I get to be a part of women empowering each other to step outside the box. I get to watch their businesses grow and celebrate with them. What a gift! I wish everyone could experience what I have experience because of this organization! And on top of all that it’s been GREAT for my business!
So, what exactly do we do at these events?
Well put simply, we connect. Heart Link is basically a fun Girl’s Night Out with some marketing along the way.
We have dinner, provided by the Amazing Taylor Forrest with Carino’s Catering. During dinner we hang out and chat. Those who know each other catch up and for those who are new we get to know them. It’s very relaxed and fun. Then after dinner we gather for the marketing part of the evening. Every woman gets 3 minutes to tell us who they are, what they do and how we can help them. Simple.
There are no yearly fees or contracts. You come as you can and pay for that month. We do need people to pre-register. One reason is that we create a roster for everyone to take home with them. The second reason is that we keep each event company and industry exclusive. There are some industries that have a lot of people wanting that spot. The only way to keep it fair is to give the spot to the person who registers first for that month. Once you make your payment you are considered registered. I like to keep my events to no more than 20 people. I feel like any more than that would make it harder for everyone there to connect with each other.
So that’s it in a nutshell. If you haven’t tried a Heart Link event you should. I am sure there is one in your area…and if there isn’t maybe you should start one!You’ll be glad you did!
If you are interested in learning more about the Bixby Heart Link you can find out more on my Bixby Heart Link page!
We'd love to have you join us!
Blessings!
Jen
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