Pauline Edward (left) listens as Patricia Snow (right) makes a point during Networking Plus meeting Feb. 16 in Dollard des Ormeaux. (Chronicle, Peter McCabe)

They all believe in the benefits of active membership, so for the past several months, they’ve been doing double duty, operating their businesses while acting as the volunteer management team for the business network.
“I’ve learned over the years, givers gain,” said Snow, who for the last three years has provided professional business and personal coaching services to entrepreneurs. A McGill University graduate in the field of social work, Snow didn’t hesitate to take the lead several months ago to become president and coordinator, it made sense to her.
Laliberté, a leadership and sales training consultant, is the network’s vice-president; Carangi, a photographer, is treasurer and Ramondo, who provides web design services, is working on a new web site for the organization.
“It’s a very positive group. We make every meeting lively, fun and educational,” Snow said.

Networking Plus holds a breakfast meeting every other Tuesday at Topaze Restaurant in Plaza Pointe Claire from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and a monthly evening meeting at the Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Centre from 7 to 9 p.m. Both events follow an agenda and include presentations by new members or guest speakers on business-related topics such as marketing or financing, and, of course, lots of time for pursuing their motto, ‘Business Community Networking at its best!’

“I joined to make new business contacts and build new alliances, but I always learn something new at every event, especially from those who have different businesses than mine. Members usually make referrals to each other,” said Snow, adding, “For those of us who work alone, it’s not just a social opportunity, but a chance to exchange ideas and make contact with other business owners,” she added.
Since they began putting notices of their meetings a few months ago in The Chronicle, the group itself has grown.

New member and first-time presenter at both the breakfast and evening meetings held recently, Dorval resident, Blair Marshall, 52, found the experience motivational and rewarding. A professional magician involved in magic for the last 30 years, he started promoting his business ShaZam on a full-time basis in January. His goal is to put on special events and shows noting he is equipped to play large venues such as the Bell Centre.
“I joined the group to build up contacts and find people to help steer me in the right direction. It’s my first experience with a networking group and I find it an interesting way of finding work,” he said, adding enthusiastically, “It’s an enjoyable group that is very work-oriented. They offer the kind of business support I need right now — to be with others who are doing business. And I even got a few referrals for magic shows.”

A Pointe Claire resident for the last 10 years, Hollie D. Forest, 50, recently moved her 28-year-old fashion design business out of Place Bonaventure in downtown Montreal to the West Island. She was referred to the group by one of the founders. “It’s inspiring. I find it an extremely spiritual group based on the integrity of every entrepreneur and their philosophy that promotes giving is getting,” said Forest. “Everyone is passionate about their business and together they generate tremendous energy. It’s that energy that goes into the exchange of ideas, information and contacts,” she added.
A member for several months, she was pleased to get three new client leads at a recent breakfast meeting.

Richard Masterton, 57, of Kirkland joined about a year and half ago and usually attends the breakfast meetings. As president and owner of Ecobec 2000, an environmental assessment and health and safety consulting service, he appreciates the meetings because they provide him with a way to gain exposure for his business. “I find word of mouth works best for my business,” Masterton said. “If I meet someone who is interested in what I offer, I arrange another meeting so we can discuss the details of my service further,” he added. He also finds the meeting topics that are part of every agenda very useful. “For example, this week we did a go-around asking everyone to describe their ideal client. That was very effective for everyone,” he added.

For Mario Carangi, 56, of Dorval, who became a member over two years ago, values his involvement in the network both as an entrepreneur and as a member of the management team. “The network meetings offer me the best form of advertising,” said Carangi, who runs Fotovation, a photography service that he developed which merges the artistic with the practical. Besides offering portraiture and commercial product photography, he also specializes in photographing and recording your valuables such as jewelry and family heirlooms, for insurance purposes.
“The network offers a low-key, fun environment to meet other business owners who then through the friendships we develop refer me to someone else, someone they know. You know as an entrepreneur we’re alone, no public relations department, no advertising department, it’s just us. So, I come here for the support. Everyone is genuine. We’re all here for the same thing. For me, it’s reinforcement that I’m still doing the right thing. It works,” Carangi added.

Even Louis Bakopanos, owner of the Topaze for the last 36 years, enjoys having the breakfast meetings at his establishment. “I do it for the publicity. Many have not been to my restaurant before. I also understand what it’s like to be in business — it takes a lot of patience and lots of give and take,” Bakopanos said.

Annual membership in Networking Plus costs $25 and includes a brief descriptive listing and contact information on the organization’s Web site and a link to your site. Members receive a biweekly E-mail invitation and agenda to the breakfast and evening meetings and a regularly published newsletter where you can promote specials or advertise upcoming events.

For more information, call Pat Snow at 684-9626 or visit the Web site at  www.networkingplus.ca .

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