It’s not what you know, but who you know.

Tuesday, September 14, 1999

It’s not what you know, but who you know.

Maybe that statement isn’t always true, but last weekend’s "Creating Connections for Women and Business Conference" had the potential to give women the connections that may help them succeed.

There were panelists and workshop instructors there who have "been there, done that" and were willing to share at least a few of their secrets.

And there were more than 20 women there who are in the beginning stages of starting a business or at least contemplating taking the plunge. They gave each other feedback, inspiration and – one would hope – support. Maybe a few of them exchanged phone numbers so they can exchange horror stories and solutions later.

There should have been closer to 50 women at the conference.

Only $35 with childcare included, it was an inexpensive opportunity to pack in some valuable education. There were workshops on record keeping, business plans, taking your financial package to the bank, business assistance grants and goal setting … plus there were five women willing to sit at the front of the lunchroom and answer all kinds of questions from conference attendees.

Here’s to hoping more opportunities like that come Austin’s way and to saying thanks to the Development Corporation of Austin, the Riverland Community College Women’s Centers, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Southeastern Minnesota Private Industry Council, the Small Business Development Center of Rochester and the Initiative Fund for sponsoring the second annual Creating Connections conference.

Don’t stop there please.