Temple Emanuel of Tempe member Karen Joseph’s life has revolved around two consistent themes since 2009 – networking and empowerment. A former preschool teacher at the iconic 92nd Street Y in New York, Joseph’s passion for teaching and helping others became the perfect springboard for creating S-E-V-E-N (Supporting and Empowering the Vision of Entrepreneurial Networking), a comprehensive business-building group that now has 17 chapters in the Valley of the Sun and one in Minnesota. Members have diverse businesses in categories such as beauty products, real estate, psychic readings, home staging, photography and online cards.
Every day of the workweek ambitious entrepreneurs come together for lively and informative discussions, camaraderie, networking and learning. Members hone
their speaking skills and boost their professional development as they create one-minute “commercials” for their business each week. On alternate weeks the leader
facilitates roundtable discussions on pertinent topics such as marketing, goal planning, social media, marketing and more. The cost is just $20 per month paid through PayPal – a true bang for your buck, considering all the valuable information members can potentially glean.
Flexibility is a key ingredient in making S-E-V-E-N the success it is. Meetings are frequent and take place throughout the Valley from locations from Apache Junction to Casa Grande and Surprise and many cities in between. Having been raised in a Conservative synagogue in Westchester, NY, Joseph is no stranger to the concept of mitzvot (good works), and she designed her organization to incorporate acts of philanthropy. Members have contributed to clothing and backpack drives for families and to toiletry drives for My Sister’s Place, a shelter for battered women. The concept Joseph envisioned bloomed gradually, as she and a friend began holding weekly meetings in a Chandler store. Thphilosophy they strove for was based more on what they didn’t envision for the group than what they did.
“We did not want it to be a ‘leads group,’ which are groups that stipulate there can be only one member under each category, such as Mary Kay,” explains Joseph. “The philosophy is that we all learn from each other, regardless of how many representatives from each business attend. We also wanted it to be warm and friendly as well as have an educational component. Our group is all-inclusive; everyone has enough air to breathe.”
As the group started to mushroom, members were enthusias- tic about creating S-E-V-E-N groups in their own communities. Joseph quickly branched out and formed groups throughout the Valley. The 17 chapters around Phoenix area have a total membership of 180. Power partnering and relationship building are at the nucleus of S-E-V-E-N’s success. Members are encouraged to have “heart-to-heart” talks with each other before and after a meeting to build camaraderie, while also tapping into each others vast knowledge of resources and potential business leads. “Our philosophy is when you get to know someone and trust someone, business will follow,” explains Joseph.
Her children, Eli, 10, and Jessica, 14, are not immune from her entrepreneurial fervor. They have whipped up their own unique business, “Bathtacular Bath Creations,” which include a line of bath salts and bath products made with natural essential oils. “They are learning how to run a business,” says Joseph. “My son recently told me he wants to put money back into the business and get business cards. I am really proud of their spirit.” Social events are an essential part of S-E-V-E-N’s winning equation. Every three months members can attend a sumptuous buffet luncheon, typically held at one of the Valley’s popular casinos. Spouses are welcome, and networking flourishes in a relaxed atmosphere. For those who want to work hard and play harder while networking, S-E-V-E-N is sponsoring a Mexican Riviera cruise from Oct. 2-6, replete with business-building seminars, networking opportunities and plenty of fun.
Mary DeVon, owner of Alpha Wisdom, summed up her experience with S-E-V-E-N: “Being new to the area, I have tried a few groups I found on the Internet, but none as welcoming as S-E-V-E-N. That is because of the founder, Karen. She is so warm and open you feel at home right away. In a short time I have not only done business with several members, but have made some really good friends.”
Joseph says she derives her greatest satisfaction watching members develop socially and professionally. “I see them come in and they are new to their business and networking. They’ll stand up and be nervous, and six months later their businesses are growing and so is their confidence. That’s how I know we are changing lives. That is so gratifying.” When asked about plans for future meeting venues, Josephs quickly quips, “I’d love to open a group in Israel!”
Supporting and Empowering the Vision of Entrepreneurial Networking: S-E-V-E-N.org
Melissa Hirschl is an Arizona freelance writer.
