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Changing the Way Business is Done on the South Shore

Networking in the 21st century has become an industry.  Successful business people are building extensive networks of colleagues, mentors, and friends, and using technology to continuously reconnect with and maintain those relationships.  Interconnectivity and interdependence has not only become more prominent in the business world, it has become essential to success. 

Twenty-first century networking is different – it’s new, innovative and explores creative outlets for business communication.  Networking has been regenerated.  Opportunities for it now include not only after-work dinners, but also lunches, round-table discussions, golf outings, breakfasts, casino nights, and much more.

Approaching the celebration of its 15th anniversary, the South Shore Women’s Business Network has stayed true to its mission to provide a forum where professionals in business can network and discuss common needs for opportunities. In doing this the SSWBN has grown into the 21st century with its members and has become a driving force behind numerous businesses in the South Shore. 

With an average of 300 members, the network includes people from diverse industries – from insurance brokers to interior designers, from pet groomers to financial planners. Energized by its diverse membership, the network gives members the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge, form an extremely diverse sounding board for business ideas and concerns and supply a broad pool of business resources.  “We’re always evolving," said Veva Johnson, former SSWBN president and President of Professional Bookkeeping Service, Inc. in South Weymouth.  “I have never walked away from a meeting without learning or meeting something or someone new," she said.

The network extends its benefits in various ways.  For example, Barry Gordon, an attorney with Gordon, Mond and Ott in Quincy and member of the network for over 10 years, gains lots of referrals and also gives back by mentoring other members.  He firmly believes in the advantage given by the SSWBN, stating that in today’s business world, “if you’re not part of a network, you’re not going to succeed."  Also, the SSWBN has helped him to redefine his vision of success.  “You do learn that recognition for good deeds is part of success.  It includes helping other people grow and prosper," he said.

Another example of a success story in the network is Lois Wood of Lois Wood Communications in Duxbury.  Lois was an independent graphic designer for 13 years before joining the SSWBN.  Working independently, Lois often felt isolated.  The network offered her “an instant office off which I could bounce ideas."  After one and a half years as an active member, she is now on the Board of Directors.  Not only has the network provided her with about 30 new clients since her membership began, Lois also feels as if she has gained confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills.

The SSWBN will be commemorating their 15th anniversary with a celebratory dinner on Tuesday, June 22 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the South Shore Country Club in Hingham.  They will be honoring their long history, announcing their scholarship winners and presenting their new Board of Directors.

Sources for this topic include: Barry Gordon of the law firm Gordon, Mond and Ott in Quincy; Lois Wood of Lois Wood Communications in Duxbury; Veva Johnson of Professional Bookkeeping Service in South Weymouth; Steve Certa of Watch All Pest Management in Weymouth; Jayne Pelosi of Renaissance Interior Design in Duxbury; Barbara Case of RBC Dain Rauscher of Norwell.

I will call you soon to offer additional information including quotes from sources and determine your interest in this story.  In the meantime, please call me at 617-717-8294 or email me at katy@ictusinitiative.com if you have any questions.  Thank you in advance for your consideration.

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by Barry Gordon of Gordon, Mond and Ott Attorneys at Law

While planning for tomorrow is often a challenge, given the length of some marriages and “marital arrangements”, it is never too soon to consider a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement or a joint ownership agreement.

A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by two people who are planning to get married. Typically, the agreement will address what happens to financial assets in the event of death and divorce. This is especially important if one of the people to be married is wealthier than the other, older than the other, expecting a very large inheritance, entering into a second marriage or staying home while the other spouse is building a career.

In order to insure that a prenuptial agreement is enforceable, both parties should have legal counsel, and there must be full financial disclosure of all of the assets of the parties. It is also important that the agreement be signed as long before the wedding date as possible to prevent the argument by either party that they were coerced or under duress when signing it. Once done, the agreement may be enforceable even if it doesn’t seem “fair and reasonable” at the time of divorce as long as it is not deemed “unconscionable” at that time. You should consult your lawyer to determine what exactly that means, as it is likely to be redefined over time as new cases are decided. It is important, furthermore, that the parties at the same time redo their estate planning to insure that their wishes are properly carried out.

A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement, except that it is signed after the parties are married. While it is thought that they should be enforceable in Massachusetts, the courts have not ruled definitively on the issue.

Finally, a joint ownership agreement is often used for couples living together who are not married. This is particularly important because the divorce laws do not apply to unmarried couples and therefore there are no state guidelines governing what happens if the couple splits up or one of them dies.

Marital (or non-marital) bliss is to be cherished, but that does not mean that one can’t both enjoy the moment and at the same time plan for the future