JOC  –  a wonderful gathering for professional women & guests

Bonnie shared with me how JOC works and I knew it was for me, but there was no location near me. So I decided to become a leader.

YOU JUST EXPERIENCED JOC FOR THE FIRST TIME. WHAT ARE YOU FEELING?

I met Bonnie online and then spoke with her by phone about JOC.  I applied and decided to become a JOC Leader without ever attending a JOC event.  I just remember thinking that it sounded so much better than the networking events that I had attended and groups that I had joined.

WHAT WERE YOUR INTITIAL THOUGHTS?

I flew down to Atlanta and attended 2 JOC events—Bonnie’s and another licensee.  I LOVED it!!!  I was so glad that I had taken the leap of faith.  The events were even better than I had anticipated.

HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM JOC?

It helps me to step out of my comfort zone and meet other women but in a non-threatening way.  I love that it allows me to build relationships and get to know other women.  One of my regular attendees says she loves the “intimacy” of the group…sharing a meal and chatting with other women about who they are, not just what they do.  

HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF HELPING OTHER PROFESSIONAL WOMAN TO GROW?

I see myself helping women in the way that I needed help…utilizing my strengths and realizing that I have gifts and talents to share. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE EDUCATIONAL FOCUS; how do you think that will affect you as a leader and the membership at large?

I believe the Educational Focus will definitely be the thing that sets my event apart from the others.  School is never out for the Pro.  There are women who have been building their businesses for a while that will learn something new or see things from a different perspective.  And there will be women who are just starting out that will get information to help them move forward. 

WHAT DOES INTEGRITY MEAN TO YOU?

(Integrity: Having to do with doing what you say you’re going to do and actually doing it.)

Integrity is EVERYTHING.  When you say you’re going to do something and you follow through people will definitely trust you and then they will continue to align themselves with you in the future because of that trust.  I know I feel that way. 

There are many benefits to building a home based business and becoming a JOC Leader. Contact Lara to learn more lsodon@xperienceconnections.com  and visit her busines at http://www.LaraSodon.com

 Complimentary Workshop  being offered in Smyrna, GA

Bonnie Ross-Parker will facilitate a free business workshop at Brawner Hall, Smyrna, GA. Her content rich presentations and interactive workshops provide strategies that are practical and easy to implement.

A complimentary business workshop titled “Are YOU a Savvy Networker” will be offered to business owners on Thursday, May 9. The workshop will be hosted by the City of Smyrna and Bonnie Ross-Parker of The Joy of Connecting. The business workshop will be held at Brawner Hall (3180 Atlanta Rd). The program is for the startup entrepreneur and experienced professional alike. Bonnie Ross-Parker, the founder and CEO of The Joy of Connecting, will facilitate the session.

Check-in and networking begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by an interactive workshop from 10:30-11:45 a.m.. You may register here or call 678-631-5419 by May 7. 

Networking is widely regarded as important for establishing relationships and generating leads. Despite its advantages, networking is still a challenge for many people. In this event, participants will be exposed to a variety of techniques that can bring intentionality and effectiveness to your networking efforts. Whether you are promoting your business, yourself, or a great cause, this workshop can help.

Seven Traits of A True Woman Entrepreneur

Bonnie Ross-Parker is a distinctive entrepreneur who wants to teach you how to differentiate yourself and your business from others.

Being an entrepreneur in today’s economy is tough.  Women entrepreneurs do not have it any easier than men. Some may say it is harder for women, but in either case, there is not going to be any easy successes anytime soon in the entrepreneurial world.  What is it about the successful entrepreneur that is integral to that success? Do women entrepreneurs have common traits that help with success? Is it luck, is it the product, or is it something about that woman that meant she would probably be successful at anything she tried?

 The woman entrepreneur will need a little bit of luck, but she will also need a lot of drive, faith, energy, and vision to reach her goal. Here are a few common traits of the successful female entrepreneur:

 1.  Drive. Failure is not an option for the committed entrepreneur. Bumps in the road will not set her back, but will only steel her resolve. She is on a mission and knows she will get to her goal.

 2.  Vision. The female entrepreneur is a big-picture person. She can see her successful business, what it looks like with all of its components. She can see her product on the shelves, her services in action. She is not only not afraid to dream big, but she views daydreams as achievable.

 3.  Autonomy. This woman likes to be in control and is not afraid to make decisions by herself. She is comfortable with being alone and has confidence in her intelligence. She is a take-charge person. This woman does not wait for someone else to act and does not second guess her choices. 

4.  Intuitive. The woman entrepreneur trusts her instincts about her product or service, the market, and her business management skills. She uses her instinct as well as her research and her knowledge to guide her business decisions. She knows that her instincts will be what sets her apart from her competitors and will ultimately lead to her success.

5.  Distinctive. People remember this woman. She is distinctive, her product or service is distinctive, and her company is distinctive. There is nothing ordinary here.

If you are focused on growth, on increasing your performance and being ethical in all your endeavors, being an entrepreneur is the right profession for you.

6.  Planner. This woman not only devises and puts down on paper her business plan, she follows it. She does not lose sight of her goals or her methods for reaching her goals. When she reaches a fork in the road, she might explore the alternate route and add it to her business plan, but she never forgets her vision. Her business plan is the written version of the vision she sees in her mind.

 7.  Risk-taker. Starting a business is not the first time this woman has thrown the dice. She is not afraid to bet everything on herself. She has been known to jump before. 

True entrepreneurs are a rare breed. Those men and women who can truly create and lead their own original business are a combination of the visionary and the realist. For the true female entrepreneur, the stakes may be high and the odds may be long.  If she is committed,  there is no other option for this woman.  If you are focused on  growth, on increasing your performance and being ethical in all your endeavors, being an entrepreneur is the right profession for you. 

Step-up your networking skills and learn more on ways to differentiate yourself from others by clicking on TIP #7. 

Integrity dictates our growth and performance, says New JOC Leader, Geneva Wirtz.

Integrity:•Having to do with doing what you say you’re going to do and actually doing it.

Integrity; to understand the definition of integrity is to obtain some insight into the solid character of Geneva Wirtz.

What a delight it is to be talking with one of our New JOC Leaders. She is a hard-working, all American, professional woman. Geneva, you are gleaming! And you have just experienced JOC for the first time.

 WHAT ARE YOU FEELING?

The first thing that I noticed about the group is that there truly are no strangers. I could not tell from my own observation, who was new and who had been there every month. They were instantly inclusive, interested in me and my business, and committed to the organization’s purpose. JOC is an innovative, non-membership, networking experience which fosters connections that go far beyond the traditional stack of business cards. And once a month, like-minded business women gather in a relaxed, fun and comfortable atmosphere to share a meal and learn about each other and the businesses they represent. I really believe that uou owe it to yourself and your business to participate in this truly unique networking experience!. 

WHAT WERE YOUR INTITIAL THOUGHTS?

That I had found a group of kindred spirits who were committed to success and enjoying life at the same time.

HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM JOC?

The group will enable me to get to know members of my target audience throughout the metro area, increasing my potential sales exponentially.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF HELPING OTHER PROFESSIONAL WOMAN TO GROW?

Just being able to continue to bring a variety of women together to share their common goals and interests and their life lessons learned.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE EDUCATIONAL FOCUS; how do you think that will affect you as a leader and the membership at large?

I think it’s a critical part of the program. If you stop learning, you’re dead especially in business. It gives women a non-threatening arena to hone their new skills.

WHAT DOES INTEGRITY MEAN TO YOU?

(Integrity:·Having to do with doing what you say you’re going to do and actually doing it.) Integrity is accountability combined with responsibility. It’s about honoring your commitments. Doing what you say you’ll do and following it through to the best possible conclusion. 

I finally found a business opportunity that I’m crazy about – Jockey Person to Person. Give me a call. I will gladly share the details. Now is the time!!! EMAIL: geneva.wirtz@facebook.com  Geneva can be reached on FACE BOOK and is looking forward to helping you grow your business.  

 Click HERE to learn how you can become a JOC Leader with Bonnie Ross-Parker, CEO/Founder of “The Joy of Connecting.”

Transformation is the focus for Bonnie Ross Parker’s New JOC.  

Transformation is a vital process and will be on our agenda for every event.

Transformation takes time and perseverance.  Any woman entrepreneur will tell you, with a sigh, of the hard work and hard knocks that they’ve encountered throughout their entrepreneurial career. In the next breath, they will tell you what they’ve learned to do right. Women love to share success tips. You will need guidance as you begin this new endeavor. Find the people that you can rely on. And by the way, mentors, advisors, and friends don’t necessarily need to be only women.If you’re a professional woman that wants to experience better connections, stay tuned.

Why are Cindy Elsberry, Phil Parker and Diana Nicols smiling about the transformation of JOC?

Will you be ready to learn and grow your business with us?  

We want to know what integrity means to women business owners.

Join in the discussion.

Watch our video: http://bit.ly/15exVEP  

JOC wants the attention of professional woman. 

JOC ‘s Carolyn McCollum, Bonnie Ross-Parker and Sharon Meeks DeBouse are looking forward to supporting you.

The Joy of Connecting is undergoing a major transformation: 

New name, new mission, new revolution in women’s networking.  

New purpose, new experience. 

The JOC leaders are looking forward to supporting you in promoting passionate and meaningful connections in our combined effort to enhance and expand our respective businesses. 

WATCH OUR VIDEO HERE: JOC is Transitioning.

JOC is transitioning and evolving. We continue to offer development series. If you’re all about personal and professional growth, you’ll love it. Stay tuned for changes coming spring 2013!  Will you be ready?

Stay tuned. Keep watching. 

To see what else Bonnie is up to, view our activity calendar HERE. 

If you enjoyed this post, please take a sec to share, tweet, and Google+ it so that others can benefit from it, too.

At the New JOC brunch/branding session, the main thing I walked away with was “staying committed to your dream.” Bonnie led by example, as she usually does.   

After 10 years of success in JOC as CEO/Founder, Bonnie Ross-Parker sent out a survey to her leaders and then responded to their feedback by making a decision to re-brand her vision. This created the JOC Renaissance. 

Licensees, Jackie Heard and Mary Bryant want you to know about the New JOC and how it is transitioning. Coming soon. Stay tuned for more information.

Creating a user-friendly, interactive website  with vibrant colors and an impressive business name that has a powerful statement behind it is awesome. The New JOC means that each professional women will walk away with something that brings empowerment; she knows that something improved in her life - once the event has ended.  It could be knowledge, friendships, intensified understanding, growth in business, etc.  Growth and improved performance is ALWAYS a take-away.
 
How we as women bond together is so varied, it sometimes can’t be explained in one or two words. We are professional business owners, mothers, wives, and sisters and we rely on each other for so many things.
  
As a leader, I believe I have a new challenge. To create a memorable experience for all guests attending my events. This challenges me to maintain a high level of professionalism and most important, to support others in reaching their potential both personally and professionally.

An “experience” is something that is memorable. Something that keeps them coming back. That’s what the New JOC will bring to each of the leader’s events.

I like the new options for members too. It is just another way to let others know that we are here to help them grow their businesses.  An example of this would be the training webinars. These are activities that I truly appreciate.  I honestly do not feel left behind now because of my skill level. I am one of the newest licensees, so it was easy to feel their energy.  Everyone’s excitement was electrifying and fun to observe.

Who do I think would benefit the most? Any woman interested in developing a solid foundation in business, leadership, and professionalism would benefit. Of course, those who have a heart for helping others, that’s critical too. Honestly, someone like me. Someone who is just starting with a dream and a goal.  I have learned that Bonnie has the necessary tools or “How-Tos”  for us to learn what it means to start a business and maintain success.  I am a living testimony to this. I came to the JOC with minimal skills in business and networking.  I was amazed at how everyone offered support! Coaching me through that first time giving a three minute introduction was extremely important.

Click HERE to learn more about Jackie Heard, Licensee for Dacula, Georgia.  Jackie  collaborates with Ocean Avenue and they bring friends and families together by providing an opportunity to live a stress-free, healthy lifestyle; vacation around the world and an avenue for financial freedom. (Nutritional science backed by biologic nutrigenomics.) Click HERE to discover more  information with Ocean Avenue.

Hear what women are saying about the New JOC by clicking here: http://youtu.be/O-tZ2Qq3258 

Would you like to become a part of the New JOC? Learn more by clicking on this active link HERE.

Bonnie and Mark Whitely enjoyed schmoozing on St. Patrick’s Day.

Bonnie Ross-Parker, Professional Networking Diva, is hanging out on St. Patrick’s Day with furniture designer, Mark Whitley, at the 2013 American Craft Council Show in Atlanta, Georgia.  She was the center of attraction with her green cowboy boots.

Bonnie hanging out on St. Patrick’s Day with furniture designer, Mark Whitley. She was the center of attraction with her green cowboy boots.

Bonnie Ross-Parker has been discovered at the 2013 American Craft Council Show. She was enjoying herself immensely. We could see a transformation taking place as a connection was being made with Mark Whitley.  They had discovered a lot in common and were delighted in sharing their stories with us throughout the day. You can see by this picture that Bonnie was playfully striking a pose on one of Mark’s popular designs that he had recently created while passer-bys commented on her lovely green boots. However, that didn’t prevent Mark from merrily pinching Bonnie on the… oh, what is that Mark is saying? 

Mark was saying that “design is about balance – symmetry without boredom, and energy without fluff. With a bit of coaxing, the wood will almost tell the artist what it needs: Sometimes, it seems the artist is merely the vessel for running the machines.”

Bonnie nodded her head eagerly and then responded, “The Joy of Connecting®” is about balance! Relationships, growth and transformation. You see, I am passionate about enriching the lives of business women.  Because of my own growth and experience, I can see the interior design of most every woman and I am able to help guide her to an optimum level of professionalism. You know, each woman has her own unique style. You can learn to read this personal style and then merely become the vessel for them to rise above their competitors; becoming a superior professional woman in their field of expertise.  And, over the years, I made a significant discovery about connecting with other people. In fact, I found the key to connecting. When I did, I used that key to open a door to a whole new way of networking! To my delight and joy, my networking improved, and so did my results! I knew the time was right for me to write a book and share my knowledge with others.

                                
Mark went on to say that, “I approach furniture as functional pieces of art. As a studio craftsman, my primary focus is directed on the holistic aesthetics of the piece: the way each piece of wood is joined in harmony with the others, the relationship of the top with the back, the sides with the shelves, and the doors with the whole of the piece. Curves and different species of wood are used in a sparingly and thoughtfully intentional manner so as to enhance the feel of a piece of furniture and keep with the integrity of the design.”

Suddenly my shop is a studio, and my work is called art.

The little cabinet on the right was number one.  Suddenly my shop is a studio, and my work is called art.

Limited edition furniture created by Mark Whitely can be found HERE.

Note: 2013 American Craft Council Show in Atlanta: Proceeds jointly benefit The Hambidge Center and the American Craft Council.

Bonnie is the author of “Walk In My Boots ~ The Joy of Connecting”, and “Y.O.U. Set A High Standard for Being Human.”  To order books and CDs from Bonnie you may click HERE.

Feel free to contact Bonnie in any of the following ways:

E-mail: bootgirl@bonnierossparker.com
Telephone: 770-333-7923
Mail: 1231 Bickham Way, Smyrna, GA 30080

My goal today is to discover the new JOC through the eyes of a professional woman like Jennifer Riis-Poulsen.  Please join me as I travel across town for this exciting experience.

As I walk into the lovely home of one of Atlanta’s most successful professional women, Bonnie Ross-Parker, in Smyrna, Georgia, I can see and hear dozens of other professional women talking, laughing, and sharing. They are enjoying themselves over a delicious breakfast.  So, I quickly sit down and engage in the conversations.  I’m introduced to three professional women who share their stories with me.  As brunch ends, we convene in the living room for the unveiling of the new JOC.

Gifts of appreciation given to JOC Leaders during the unveiling of the expectations and transitions taking place in the NEW JOC. Stay tuned for more information.

Now that the meeting is over, I’m completely amazed by the new focus and direction that Bonnie is taking us.  Wow,  look at the smiles on these women’s faces! What a great meeting. Tears of joy were streaming from two of the leaders!

As the women are leaving I catch Jennifer Riis-Poulsen, CEO/Founder of Powerhouse Self-Defense Program. 

Jennifer, you JUST SAW A SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE NEW JOC, WHAT ARE YOU FEELING?

Enthused, excited and ready for the transformation of JOC to be revealed! I understand that this “new experience” will be made public around April 15th, 2013, to professional women around the globe. I feel like I’m going to explode with this new vision inside my heart. 

WHAT WERE YOUR INTITIAL THOUGHTS?

Well, the name speaks for itself and the new look is professional. The tag line is great! Very empowering. You understand what the company is doing just by the name.              

Another impressive thing is that Bonnie has invested a lot of resources into her organization by creating a marketing team. This is evidence that she trusts her leaders and believes in  us as professional women in business. These investments are giving us the tools we need to help us share and market ourselves.  I know of no other networking organization that offers this.  Bonnie is taking us under her wings and helping us grow and enhance our performance through webinars, seminars, social media and more!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE FOCUS SOLELY ON PROFESSIONAL WOMEN?

My Company’s program is for everyone, but with a networking group of  professional women I feel more comfortable and not dominated through the influence of men.  I love men, don’t get me wrong, I just believe women have a deeper desire to empower other women and are better at hearing what is being said. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE EDUCATIONAL FOCUS; how do you think that will affect you as a leader and the membership at large?

I believe the program has all the right tools to help women of mature ages, to build and grow their business. And, Bonnie’s guidance has proven effective over and over in my life. I am expanding into the international market at a solid pace because of her strong support and insightful knowledge. Her understanding of strategic planning is superior and woven into the program at a high-level of integrity. I need a program like she offers to instruct my future employees and I fully intend on utilizing everything the New JOC is posing.  It’s a win-win situation for leaders and participants.

To learn more about Powerhouse Self Defense, please click  HERE. Powerhouse Self-Defense is designed to teach ladies how to avoid sexual assault with basic techniques.  Just one self-defense technique is enough to make a difference. They will come to your location. COME PREPARED-LEAVE EMPOWERED! You can also find out more from our new licensee, Jennifer Riis-Poulsen by clicking HERE.

More to come on the NEW JOC. Stay tuned!

Introductions; have you ever stopped to consider the power you have when you make introductions?  I often remind others to introduce people they know to people they need to meet.

Bonnie Ross-Parker facilitating relationships at the Pro-Networker Event. You simply never know where an introduction will lead!

Have you ever stopped to consider the power you have when you make introductions?  The reverse is also valuable.   Introduce people you meet to people they need to know.  You simply never know where an introduction will lead!  You have no way of knowing who YOU’LL meet and the difference that individual will make in YOUR life.  You never know who will meet YOU and the difference you can make in that person’s life. 

 A valuable part of one’s personal and professional growth is to recognize the power you have that can significantly affect individuals you meet along the way.  Learn to share your resources, your knowledge and your connections.  Not only will these efforts produce results for others – you’ll benefit from the reward that comes from being a person who cares about others. 

Want to grow your network?  Be a connector.  Click here to see how to facilitate relationships and make introductions.