WEN Frequently Asked Questions

As a new member (or even an old member) you might like to read through the frequently asked questions we receive.

1. What is WEN? The Mission of the Women's Entrepreneurial Network (WEN) is to encourage and support businesswomen and women friendly businesses with successful entrepreneurial development. We were founded in 1993 with a small grant from the U. S. Small Business Administration. In 1997 we became an independent organization.

2. How do I become a member? Ask for an application at one of the networking events, or by contacting our Association office (419-536-6732). Or you can fill out an online application. Please make checks payable to WEN or Women Mean Business, our corporate name, or you can use Visa or Mastercard.

3. What are the membership dues? The dues are $95 per year for an individual and are billed on your renewal date. There are 4 types of memberships. For more information, click here.

4. Where can I get a directory of members? WEN Member Directory members. If you are a member, you are welcome to download this file but will need the password. Contact Linda

5. Speaking of the networking meetings, when are they and how can I attend? Check the online calendar for the latest information on meeting times and locations.

6. Can I bring guests to the networking events? Yes! We encourage you to do that. Guests can bring new services and ideas to our current members and it is a good way for them to decide if they would like to join. You are not limited to the number of guests you bring. Guests are not charged the first two times they visit, and if they choose to visit additional times, a $10. visitor fee will be collected.

For every guest you bring to WEN that joins you will receive $10.00 in WEN Bucks. You can use these "Bucks" for your membership dues, the Lapel Pins and Business Card Stickers. For more information call the WEN office at 419-536-6732.

7. Do I have to be a business owner to join? NO, not at all. Our membership is a cross section of the business world - some owners, some employees of larger businesses, and some employees who are considering business ownership in the future. All are wanted and welcome.

8. Is it true that WEN is just for startup business people? We are an organization that can definitely help startup businesses. Not only will the startup business find customers and clients, a member will also have at their fingertips lawyers, bankers, financial advisers, business coaches and more. Our mission statement says it best: encourage and support businesswomen and women friendly businesses with successful entrepreneurial development.

9. Does WEN have any members that are men? Any "women-friendly" business and business person is welcome and that includes quite a few men.

10. How often does our newsletter get published? How can I contribute to it? We have a monthly newsletter. If you have an idea or article to submit, please send it to Linda Fayerweather or Linda Everhardt-Kardux in a Word attachment or text only (.rtf).

11. If we have dues, why do we have to have fund-raisers? Fund-raisers help defray the expenses of running the organization. Our newsletter, web site, administrative costs and expansion into other parts of the US need more than membership dues to exist. We would rather hold fund-raisers than increase the membership dues to meet our expenses.

12. What else is planned for the future? WEN has an annual trade Show in March of each year and a Plant sale in the spring. The Eighth Annual Women Mean Business Conference will be held October 5, 2007 at Toledo, Ohio.

13. How can I get the most from my membership? It's easy! Be an active member. Go to the networking events regularly. Meet with your new acquaintances outside meeting times. Join a committee or even better, volunteer to chair an event. We have found that the better known you are to the membership, the more opportunity there is for them to refer you or do business with you directly.

14. What else should I know? Be there! Attend the networking meetings each month (the ones that best fit into your schedule). Be specific in what you need when you do your 20 second commercial. If your schedule allows, give back. If you have the time and desire, look into joining one of our committees and possibly going through the Board Development Training and explore the responsibilities of serving on a board.

15. What is the new coordinator I've heard about? WEN has part-time paid Co-Executive Directors, Linda Everhardt-Kardux and Linda Fayerweather. They handle the day to day operations with the direction of the Board of Trustees.

16. What is the BOA? WEN uses a Board of Action (BOA) to lead the organization in direction and provide leadership for the many different projects that WEN is involved in a regular basis. If you are interested in being part of this dynamic group just ask!

17. What is the Women's Training Center? This center, fully funded by small donations, registration fees and In-Kind contributions by speakers and the Toledo/Lucas County Public Libraries is providing regular monthly training activities, some business counseling for business start-ups and business owners, and resources for business owners.

18. What is a 20 second commercial? At each networking meeting, you have an opportunity to stand up and state your name, your business name, a tag line or phrase about your business and what you are looking for. Be as specific as you can such as, "I would like to meet the head of Human Resources at St. Luke's Hospital," or my target market is realtors who work with first time home buyers, can you introduce me to such a realtor?"
Updated 7/7/06