Recipes for success can oftentimes happen through the invigorating conversations that are conjured up over lunch. In fact, many companies understand the necessity of networking and business building over the noontime hours.

Two such entrepreneurs recognized that networking was going to be one of their greatest business building tools. Kymberly Botelho and Corrinda Campbell, both employee benefits and small business specialist with Pre-Paid Legal Services went in search of the ultimate business networking group. What they didn't realize was by not finding what they were looking for, they would create the ideal women in business network luncheon.

The next generation of networking among women in business has led to the launch of Women in Business Network (BCN) luncheon -a low cost, high impact event where success is fostered without requirements or restrictions on attendance or profession. Definitely a new concept in networking and certainly with more possibilities than traditional groups.

The two founders, Kymberly Botelho and Corrinda Campbell sought to build a different kind of network. In the process, they deviated greatly from the original vision. "It has changed greatly," says Campbell. "As we met with many business owners from the lunch we kept hearing "we have…" and "we need…". We learned everyone was doing a lot of business. From that feedback we realized there is not only a lot of need, but a great deal of resources. However, those resources can be hard to find or out of reach usually because of time and budget challenges."

Workshops sprang out of the regular luncheons and the monthly gatherings began to serve as more than just introductions. Services and business building tools naturally meshed with the needs and desires of the groups.

"BCN is the lunch that became a company," says Botelho. "I would have to say we are one of our own best networking success stories. From our Pre-Paid Legal Services networking activities we uncovered a need and are building a company to fill that need. Our continued networking at our own and other events has consistently led us to the right people at the right time to help bring this new company and its mission to fruition and to reach its full potential."

According to members, this new form of networking now past its first anniversary has generated a plethora of success stories. "When I met these two powerhouses several months ago I was with a company that was folding and had n idea of what I was going to do next," says Ann Rogers, President of Franchises Galore, Inc. ,"Tired of downsizing, layoffs and cutbacks, I knew I had to do something, but I didn't know how or what." For Rogers, she attributes meeting these two women that held their hands out and said "how can we help" was refreshing. "Since attending my first BCN luncheon last July," says Rogers, "I have met countless people who have assisted in getting me where I am today. In just two short months, I found the guts to launch my own business and take the leap. Through my public relations and marketing efforts, I landed five contracts. It is all about the networking. Botelho and Campbell are master networkers who have created an atmosphere of sharing among a dynamic, diverse group of professionals. They lead by example as they promote people and their businesses, skillfully matching up power partners."

Success for BCN became profoundly eminent when members continually submitted their referrals, resources and accolades. According to both Botelho and Campbell, their mission was to create an environment that embodied professionalism yet offered something beneficial for everyone. This became personal as the success stories radiated from each very unique luncheon.

"I've visited other networking groups that meet at lunch," says Sally Clark, an independent consultant for Arbonne International, "I've never found another group as warm and welcoming as this one, with such professional, kind, sincere people, and I'm able to connect with many women in the room, not just the people at my table." For Clark, there is something different every time. "It's great that I don't have to purchase a membership, that I can come when it's convenient, and so I prioritize it."

For many, you don't know what you are missing until you've been involved. "We have been attending the BCN luncheons for over six months and have seen results from every single event," says Twilla Case and her partner Stacy McElhany of Violet on Larimer Square. "Besides the fact that we received sales as a direct result of meeting these women, we have made business contacts and friendships that we couldn't otherwise have had the opportunity to do so. The setting is intimate enough that you can really get to know the people around you and differentiate yourself from the crowd. These women are a fantastic group and we are better professionally to have met them all."

What sets these two apart in their approach to no nonsense networking is the fees. Access to the Network is free which ultimately gains access to information. The pay as you go for events allows for each individual to build on opportunities offered by BCN.

According to Campbell, "Without membership fees business professionals have the opportunity to get what they need when they need it. Also, small business owners don't have to tie up cash or fail to get their entire return on investment from an organization."

This method seems to have caught on as the group has grown from few members to several hundred that continue to rotate. One of BCN's primary missions is to meet the needs of a wide variety of business professionals and owners. The pay as you go cost structure allows BCN to be very flexible in meeting the needs of the Network with new opportunities and information as it evolves. "In addition, because business professionals can pick and choose, more can participate," says Botelho.

The natural progression of the Network started at general business building and evolved into an open environment that fostered more collaboration than independent marketing. An open exchange of information is also encouraged, especially within industries. A new tactic that has other organizations scratching their heads. Cooperation versus competition is key in achieving greater results among attendees -especially where competitive industries are prevalent.

On average, fifty to sixty women attend the monthly luncheons. Leads are not passed, rather, a scheduled format allows for each individual to be highlighted and a guest speaker presents valuable business information based on needs and desires from attendees on the whole. Although the meeting is very structured adhering to a timely professional schedule, many can be found before and after taking advantage of lively conversations and a comfortable exchange of business information.

For the future, Botelho and Campbell see the BCN mission continue to build successful businesses. However, each believes these businesses will thrive and grow in an environment of collaboration rather than competition. By highlighting and teaching true networking and a relationship based approach to business, BCN is taking a first step.

"Small business and corporate business share many of the same needs," says Botelho. "These groups can benefit from sharing the best of both worlds to improve business in their own backyard."

"Eventually we see open communications across and within industries and between all sizes of businesses on a national level in a Network where business professionals have the resources they need at their fingertips and information flows freely," says Campbell.

With corporate backgrounds that would thrill any recruiter, both Botelho and Campbell have lent their colorful assets to the Network. Botelho, a competitive skier for six years tapped into her entrepreneurial talents applying the dedication and hard work she skillfully utilized as a successful ski racer to the demands of running her business -a new venture that presented itself shortly after she suffered from a life changing car accident. Botelho moved from professional skier to spending four years in litigation. Discovering Pre-Paid Legal Services, she naturally found a passion to help other business owners succeed.

Campbell, who's first job at 14 was with Soloman Brothers moved to an illustrious position marketing fashion on 7th Avenue in New York to gaining insurmountable experience as a Public Relations and Business Strategy Consultant with Clairol, Inc. Her professional experience led her down a professional business building path and made her a natural fit as a marketing liaison for other business owners as she and Botelho formed BCN to not only build their own company, but serve the needs of the many clients and other businesses they encountered daily. Each happened upon the other and in no time, the creation of BCN allowed both Botelho and Campbell to grow personally and professionally. What began as a way to aid their own positions at Pre-Paid Legal Services via creative networking, has since morphed into a network where the right tools and resources have made all the difference for many businesses.