“Ain’t no such thing as a free lunch…”

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the phrase free lunch, in U. S. literature from about 1870 to 1920, refers to a tradition once common in saloons in many places in the United States. These establishments included a “free” lunch, varying from rudimentary to quite elaborate, with the purchase of at least one drink. These free lunches were typically worth far more than the price of a single drink. The saloon-keeper relied on the expectation that most customers would buy more than one drink, and that the practice would build patronage for other times of day.

At NEWS4Women we believe in this ‘free lunch’ concept and the goodwill that goes along with it. Doing business during these challenging economic times offers great opportunity for businesses to be creative and innovative in the delivery of products and services. Our goal is to introduce patrons to new businesses, nonprofits to potential supporters, and, of course, to introduce women to one another through news, events, and through our social network. Plan to attend the next Wine4Women event to meet other dynamic, community minded women as we Sip to Support various nonprofit organizations. We don’t offer a free lunch- instead, we’ll give you a complimentary glass of wine!

NEWS4Women links businesses and nonprofit organizations together with the influential women consumer marketplace through a unique platform at www.NEWS4Women.org. In addition to the collaborative calendar of professional, nonprofit, and social events for women in our area, NEWS4Women promotes small and midsize businesses, professional associations, and nonprofit organizations with a searchable directory, affordable advertising and event sponsorship opportunities. Visit our directory to find a local business and support them today!

The women in our network are passionate about supporting each other in business and in life. Experience the passion. Experience NEWS4Women. Come to a NEWS4Women event and see for yourself. Are you in the NEWS?

February is a short month perhaps best known for freezing temperatures but full of the warm romance of Valentine’s Day. Maybe you recall the hopeful moments as a child when you eagerly opened that red and pink shoebox full of Valentine’s cards on your desk. And we can probably each recall the angst of our teenage years when hearts were easily broken. With Valentine’s Day upon us many sweethearts will worry over last minute gifts to express their passion for the special person in their life and many others will fret because they don’t have a special someone in their life.

But passion doesn’t necessarily involve romantic interest. Passion, according to Misters Merriam and Webster, may be “a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept”. Where is the passion in your life, your career, your social activity and within your community? Do you look forward to going to work each day and, even more importantly, do you eagerly anticipate your return to the sanctuary of your home each evening? Are you engaged in social activities you find meaningful and rewarding?

That great philosopher Forrest Gump knew what he was talking about when he said “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”.Does your loved one really need another heart shaped box of chocolates left with just the little brown crinkly wrappers once the candy is gone, or that expensive bouquet of flowers destined to wilt within the week?

To the florists and candy retailers reading this I humbly apologize for any loss of revenue but let’s bring passion back to our lives in the form of support for things truly meaningful and lasting. What are you doing to make your living and what are you doing to make your life? Perhaps if you have harbored a dream to start your own business this may be time. Where is your passion? Children, pets, wine, gardening, food, wine, art, music, wine, travel, reading, oh and did I mention wine? Find your passion, engage yourself and enjoy yourself!

Do you have time, talent or treasury you can share? If your passion includes helping others visit the NEWS4Women Directory and view the list of nonprofit organizations in our area which need our help.

The women in our network are passionate about supporting each other in business and in life. Experience the passion. Experience NEWS4Women. Come to a NEWS4Women event and see for yourself. Are you in the NEWS?

Remember going to your first school dance and all the angst that went with it? Would you be asked to dance and would you look like a dork if you did? Recall that big empty gym with boys huddled together on one side trying to appear confident and girls giggling and whispering from afar. Nobody wanted to be first on the dance floor but once a few brave dancers ventured forth many more soon followed and by the end of the evening everyone was having a great time.

Social networking sites may have the same awkward feel of those teenage dances for many, especially those of us, uh, of a certain age, as we start to navigate these online sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and others. Fear of doing something dumb which could be viewed by the entire universe may keep people from using these tools to expand their networks and interact with others. One wrong key stroke and you’ve just blasted an intimate message to your entire address book or posted some inane comment on your profile for all the world to see.

Social networking is a whole new way of having fun and doing business, whether used to expand personal relationships or professional connections. These tools can be very helpful though some people are reporting ‘addictive behavior’. Constant checking of your Facebook page to see how many friends you have may result in diminished interpersonal relationships, lack of sleep and personal intimacy, admonishment from the boss and/or potential loss of employment so proceed with caution!

Think of social networks, including our NEWS4Women Community, as the gymnasium but our gym is full of dynamic and confident women instead of young and awkward pre-teens. Nobody judging, nobody whispering mean spirited comments, just a group of interesting and supportive women. Go ahead, I dare you. I double dog dare you to begin to dance, uh, I mean post your profile or start a discussion today. Visit our Facebook page for networking, events and more or, for more private discussions within the group, check out the NEWS4Women Community page.