Photo taken by Kara Frans

I recently attended a networking event at the Banana Republic on 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but knew that Laura Filipowicz, a fellow entrepreneur was a key sponsor. So I came and was blown away by the value it had on my business.

(If you are an entrepreneur, you know what I mean about being “selfish” with your time. My time is so limited that I have to be careful how I use it by only choosing the events that will add value to my business and help me achieve my goals. If you’re reading this and thinking…B$#%! then you probably aren’t an entrepreneur and mother of two).

Anyway, when I walked in, I gave them my name and received my fabulous SWAG bag sponsored by Laura’s company, Bag Lady Promotions. The bags were choc full of fantastic products including a Yoga children’s book (so adorable!), skin care products, discounts for services at many mom-owned businesses in the L.A. area, cookie samples and much more. I also received a small box full of business cards of women who attended. When I finally sat down with my lunch, I looked around and to my surprise…women were actually reading the business cards! Imagine that!

If you haven’t been to this Banana Republic store, you can take my word that it is HUGE. A room was cleared out and replaced with over 100 chairs and a small stage where Banana revealed some of their hottest looks for fall. They offered all women who attended discounts on all of their products in the store including their exclusive

Photo taken by Kara Frans

Monogram Collection.

What I loved the most about this event (and there will be more…so don’t worry) is that each business owner who donated items to the raffle or participated in the SWAG bag was recognized and given a few minutes to talk about their business. Not only was this valuable to them, but it was valuable to me. I knew just who I wanted to speak to at the end of the event. No time wasted and a good time had by all! You can see a full list of sponsors here.

At the end of the formal program, women were given some time to network with one another. Of course, I made a beeline for Laura for an interview to learn more about what her company does for women business owners. Here is what she had to say:

LDB: Tell us a little bit about your business and how  you got started.

Laura: I have been a jewelry designer for over six years…but as a designer I realized it

Photo taken by Kara Frans

was very difficult to get my product in front of many potential clients at one time. So, I decided to market myself via Bag Lady Promotions. BLP has become bigger than I ever expected! In the past year, I have met many business moms and my idea with BLP is to help them succeed too, by way of the Deal Box, Swag bags and our VIP Networking Socials. I help moms get their name and product out to consumers at no (or minimal) cost. I love what I do and I will continue to help business professionals via BLP.

LDB: Do you have plans for events outside of the LA area?

Laura: Yes! I am actually heading to San Diego tomorrow for business. I am working on this type of event there, as well. Details to come…

LDB: Give us an idea of some of what we might see from BLP in the coming months.

Laura: Bag Lady is planning several more events like this in the coming months along with out quarterly Networking Socials on the Westside, Valley, South Bay and San Diego! Bag Lady also distributes the Deal Box with many deals, freebies, and samples to 1,000 Westside families! And they are FREE!

To see how your business can take advantage of the many inexpensive marketing opportunities that BLP offers, click here for more information.

Thanks, Banana Republic and Bag Lady Promotions for a great event! Keep us posted on more to come!

* Photos taken by kara frans. Click here for more from her portfolio.