SSWBN survey: Network members experience business growth in 2011

Published on Thursday, January 26, 2012

While signs of a true economic recovery remain elusive, a significant number of South Shore Women’s Business Network members experienced business growth during 2011, with some members even reporting expansions in their business operations and total gross revenues.

That was just one of the highlights of a member survey announced at the South Shore Women’s Business Network’s annual “State of the Network” meeting, held at the Derby Street Clubhouse at Linden Ponds in Hingham. In a recent online survey completed by nearly 80 of the network’s 300 members, 37.1 percent of respondents reported that their business expanded in 2011, while 44.3 percent said “my business experienced financial growth.” Of those respondents, 25.4 percent reported a 10 to 20 percent increase in business while 15.3 percent reported growth of 50 percent or more.

In comparison, just 2.9 percent of respondents said “my business experienced a financial decline” – a marked improvement from last year's survey, when 22 percent of respondents reported experiencing a financial decline during the previous year.

Network Executive Director Katie Howard said the survey results offered a somewhat more optimistic picture of how local businesses are faring in the current economy.

“Despite reports that the national economy is slowly rebounding, our local business climate is warming up, and local business people are continuing to achieve business and financial growth,” Howard said. “It’s also gratifying to see from the survey results that our members feel the South Shore Women’s Business Network helps them to achieve that success.”

According to the new survey, a total of 85.7 percent of respondents said they found the South Shore Women’s Business Network to be a good source for business referrals. A total of 92.6 percent of respondents said the organization provided valuable career networking opportunities, while 58.5 percent said they would be “extremely likely” to recommend the South Shore Women’s Business Network to friends and colleagues.

“One of the things that sets SSWBN apart from similar organizations is the quality of the relationships and business connections people make through the network,” Howard said. “Our members recognize that by helping each other to build and grow their businesses and careers, everyone benefits.”

The State of the Network breakfast also featured the announcement of a number of new SSWBN initiatives, including the addition of two new network meeting locations in Hingham and South Weymouth aimed at making network meetings more convenient for members. Howard also announced a new “SSWBN Member Rewards Card” whereby network members who attend six networking events receive admission to a seventh event for free.

“One of the secrets to successful networking is to be consistent – our members find that the more they attend networking events and build those business relationships, the more successful they are,” Howard said. “The Member Rewards Card is just another incentive for members to get the maximum amount of value from their network membership.”

SSWBN membership dues are $250 a year for individuals; corporate memberships are also available. To join or for more information on the benefits of membership, call 781-924-5160 or visit www.sswbn.org.


The South Shore Women’s Business Network is the region’s premier networking organization. Comprised of more than 300 business professionals that encompass a wide range of industries, SSWBN is dedicated to helping its members make valuable business connections through monthly networking breakfasts and luncheons, professional development seminars and workshops and business roundtables. SSWBN also offers educational and leadership opportunities within the network while generating new business for its members through member referrals. For more information, visit www.sswbn.org.