New Jersey Entrepreneur

New Jersey Business Women's Network Goes National; West Orange Businesswoman Expands Group Online to WEXNETWomen National

When Beth Vigilante-Iacullo organized a networking dinner in Nutley for a few businesswoman back in 2004, she had no idea that six years later, she would take the group national and online.

"Having learned so much from New Jersey's most exceptional businesswomen over the past six years, I knew that expanding the Women's Executive Network, known as WEXNET, to a national level would be a very natural step and seamless transition," said Vigilante-Iacullo, who also owns B.A.C.I. Enterprises, Inc., a virtual office service based in West Orange. "Recognizing how busy our schedules can be, yet knowing how important quality networking is, I believe that online networking is a good step in the right direction."

WEXNETWomen National started out as New Jersey networking group, attracting corporate business women and women business owners-professional women looking to expand their client base. The women met for breakfasts, lunches, dinner and even wine and cheese at restaurants, hotels and business offices in Essex, Union, Morris, Somerset , Passaic, Bergen, Hudson and Monmouth counties. "I created a networking community where professional women were able to network without any mandatory rules, registration fees or future commitments," Vigilante-Iacullo said. "WEXNET has been able to build bridges between some of the most phenomenal businesswomen throughout New Jersey.

"Connections have been made, businesses have been built and friendships have been created," Vigilante-Iacullo said. For the past six years, WEXNET has offered four to six monthly events, each attracting 15-30 women. In addition, its annual holiday event always attracted more than 100 women and offers a monthly E-newsletter written by and read by WEXNET Women.

So the founder said she felt it was time to share the New Jersey group's success with businesswomen throughout the United States. Vigilante-Iacullo said this will especially benefit professional women whose business is not limited to the state where they reside.

Carole DeLaOsa, owner of Transition4You in Butler and a long-time WEXNET woman, said the group has "provided an outlet to meet other professional women" whom she would not have met if they had not attended the meetings. DeLaOsa said the new national online network is "a good exchange of women with the added benefit of now reaching other businesswomen across the nation."

This exposure is beneficial to all participating business women and has already resulted in a new client for DeLaOsa, a professional business coach. "I feel women all over have many of the same issues and having one place to discuss and share different ways to handle the issues is an advantage," she said. "The ability to listen to webinars and participates in them also broadens a businesswoman's reach."

The new websitewww.WexnetNational.net was launched in late October and has since attracted 15 to 20 new members a week. There is an initial 12-month membership fee of $149.99 which WEXNETWomen view as an investment towards their next business referral. "I believe the membership fee is quite reasonable and will help attract and secure a commitment from businesswomen who "get" networking," Vigilante-Iacullo said. Additionally, any member that refers six new businesswomen to the group within one-year period will have their $49.99 renewal fee waived.

Membership in WEXNETWomen National offers professional women the opportunity for national exposure through quality online networking at their own convenience, a member profile page, access to the national membership directory, the chance to present and log into educational webinars, an online bookstore featuring books written by members, local events throughout the United States, a private online forum to interact on a professional level, exchange business leads, discuss challenges and offer advice. In addition, the online calendar will showcase all WEXNETWomen professional events and invitations. Vigilante-Iacullo said she anticipates that women will expand their businesses nationally and make referrals with "the click of a mouse." "WEXNETWomen National is about building relationships and offering quality/genuine referrals," she said.

"As strong, professional women, we have the great talent of connecting with one another and helping each other grow both personally and professionally," Vigilante-Iacullo said. "Imagine the endless possibilities of connecting through a national website and meeting other professional women that never would have been possible before."

Vigilante-Iacullo can be reached atinfo@wexnet.ws.

For photos or to arrange an interview with Beth Vigilante-Iacullo, contact Allison Freeman atAllison@AllisonFreemanAssociates.com or (973) 769-6614.