"When I started my business in 2020, I could not think of anyone more knowledgeable and experienced than Donna Willon to coach and mentor me. I have known Donna for several years through her Tri-Cities Focused Networking group to which my husband already belonged. From the practical tips and exercises that he learned at Focused and was doing to better position his business for success, I knew that there was no one better suited to helping me get ‘out there’ than Donna. With Donna, I have learned how to successfully network and craft memorable introductions, we workshopped my business tagline, and I learned how to relate the benefits of my services in a way that potential clients would relate to. In addition, Donna is always there for me if I have a quick question and need her opinion on something. I’ve joined Focused Networking as well because the value I receive there is greater than at any other networking group I’ve attended. Thank you, Donna, for helping set me up to succeed!”
"When Donna called to invite me to her new networking group, I thought, why not it never hurts to check out a new networking group. From the first meeting I new this was not going to be just any ordinary networking group. For over 22 years I have seen how Donna challenged us to think outside the box. Always coming up with new exercises and never asked us to do something she was not prepared to do herself. For a person starting a new business, learning how to create an effective elevator speech to coming up with a tag line is invaluable. The list of ways that Donna has encouraged members to be the best they can be is endless. Thank you Donna!”
"The challenge with most networking meetings is you need to have an array of networking skills nailed down in order to make the most effective use of your time. These are not the places to go to develop or learn your networking skills. Without the proper skills you can be doing your brand and your business more harm than good, or at the very least waste a lot of your time.
Focused Networking is a networking group, however the difference is Donna. Donna helps you develop, practice and hone networking skills in a safe and supporting environment. Since I joined Focused Networking eight years ago I apply the skills Donna has taught me every day and I can say without any hesitation this has had a direct and positive impact on the growth and success of my business.”
"I Came Back! After starting a new job in a new city I was eager to join Donna’s Focused Networking group in Vancouver. I had learned so much from Donna at her group in Coquitlam, which I was a member of for 5 years.
Donna is about bringing together caring professionals who are interested in sharing knowledge and helping each others businesses grow. She is a woman of integrity who leads by example and is always ready to support and hold members accountable.
Donna and Focused Networking have helped me grow personally and achieve professionally. Thank you, Donna!”
"I’ve been a member of the Tri-Cities Focused Networking group for over 5 years and have been coached one-on-one by Donna throughout 2018 and 2019. The way Donna facilitates the Focused Networking group is unlike any other networking group I’ve been part of because her focus is on helping you develop your business skills to succeed instead of just constantly asking people for referrals. Donna has an amazing wealth of knowledge that she shares with everyone. Donna is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, but can be firm when she needs to keep us accountable. She holds all members to a higher standard.”
"Focused Networking has been a highly effective resource for me over the past 14 years. We have developed together a longstanding group of professionals who have deep connections of mutual trust. One of the most helpful elements for me has been the solid relationships the group has developed. These relationships have given me quick access to professional opinions for both me and my clients. I have been privileged, on many occasions, to serve in selling and buying properties on behalf of other members and their referrals . I look forward to many more years with Focused Networking.”
"My relationship with Donna Willon began when I took Donna up on her offer to give me a free business review.
I knew going into the review that I was missing a few items but, could not really put my finger on what would help. After only a few minutes during the initial review I was able to see that I was missing some crucial information for potential clients – a Mission and Values statement as well as a Features, Benefits and Advantages page.
Being a wellness practitioner, working with energy, an intangible, many think of the practice as woo-woo. Donna believed in me and understood, that the language I was using to describe the services I provide was not catching the attention of the non-initiated. Donna guided me with a combination of grace and persistence. I can say in all honesty that I am ecstatic with the results. I could not be more pleased.
Donna was and still is my greatest cheerleader. Thank you, Donna.”
"I would like to thank you for all the successes you have brought to my business.
You have taught me so many things around networking all necessary for achieving excellence in today’s market. Through the many exercises (like the Ideal Client), you’ve coached me through and taught me several different ways on how to introduce myself. Not only that, you have made me accountable to my word, when the only boss I had to be accountable to was myself. You’ve taught me how to create resources/partnerships and how to develop a relationship with complementary industries to create strategic alliances which has made me a better business person for myself and my clients. The friendships that have been formed are priceless.”
"16 years ago, I was working with Peter Kinch at CIBC Mortgages. Peter was a member of Focused Networking at the time and let me know of an opening in one of Donna's Vancouver chapters. I immediately took the opportunity to join and have never looked back. Over the years my relationships with the members of Focused Networking have lead to a multitude of solid referrals, friendships, and closed deals.
Donna's organization has provided me an excellent way to nurture my business through a group of highly trusted advisors which I have long thought of as “my business team”. When I, or my clients, have a challenge or questions, I need not look further than this group. Thanks Donna!"
"I have been with Donna’s Focused Networking Group for over thirteen years and I make most of the weekly meetings. Donna has put together a group of smart, motivated entrepreneurs who I like and respect. There is a consistent flow of significant business referrals and a number of the group members have become personal friends.
Donna has been able to provide direction, energy and focus when needed. She has done an excellent job of building a highly productive networking group.”