Women’s networking group grows business, helps community
By Renee Larr
Zionsville Women in Network started out as a small group of women wanting to increase their referrals and network within their community. In just two short years the group has increased to more than 40 members who not only network but also regularly take part in philanthropic events.
“We were going to be happy if we had 10 ladies in our group,” co-founder Kathy Wood said.
Wood, along with fellow co-founder, Debbi Kuller, organized the group in May of 2013.
“We started it just on the idea that there was no women’s business networking group in Zionsville,” Wood said. “We wanted to start something where we could obviously increase our business but on the idea there would only be one industry represented by each lady in our group.”
Amy Connelly, a career coach, was one of the original board members and knew Wood and Kuller before the group was formed. She joined because she saw a need for a networking opportunity for women in Zionsville but doesn’t necessarily base her membership in the group on business referrals alone.
“It’s a really great way to network with people and to become aware of other resources in the community,” Connelly said.
Not only does having one representative from each industry cut down on competition, but it also diversifies the group. All types of industries are represented from insurance to marketing to real estate. Applications are taken in order to avoid conflicts.
“We always encourage a guest to come and sit in on one of our meetings. They’re welcome to come and check us out and then if they like what they see they can fill out an application,” Wood said. “We have an application process where our board of directors take a look at the application and make sure there are no conflicts with the industry they are representing.”
While networking and business are a major focus of the group, so is philanthropy. For the last two years, group members have participated together in the St. Vincent Cancer Walk in Zionsville.
“We have several ladies in our group that have been affected personally by cancer either with their children or themselves,” Wood said. “We just thought this would be a great opportunity for us to give back and show support for the women in our group.”
ZWIN brings in guest speakers based on members’ feedback. A program director sends out a survey to members twice a year to get ideas on topics that can benefit their businesses.
“It was very helpful to have the executive director of the Boone County Economic Development come in and talk with us a couple of months ago,” Connelly said. “We now know the types of businesses that are coming into the community.”
The women of ZWIN find it especially insightful to learn from other diverse women in their organization and to support one another.
“More than anything it helps us to be plugged in to what’s happening in the community and know how to help each other thrive in our individual businesses,” Connelly said.
For more information on ZWIN visit zionsvillewin.org.
Sidebar
About ZWIN
Year founded: 2013
Founders: Kathy Wood and Debbi Kuller
Number of memberships: 42 active
Industries represented: Residential realtor, banking, cleaning services, career and life coach, direct sales, many others
Meeting schedule: second Thursday of each month from 11:45 to 1 p.m. at Zionsville United Methodist Church unless otherwise specified.
Cost of membership: $96 per year dues
How to join: Contact Kathy Wood, kwood@c21scheetz or Debbi Kuller,
More info: www.zionsvillewin.org
