In talking with Sandra Tatzer, it is clear that the organization she has been affiliated with for 18 years, North County Networking, has added great value to her individual business. Tatzer, who is serving her second term as president of the group, explained that the loyalty within the membership has not only benefited her tremendously, but the other members as well.

"Many members talk about how it has totally built their business," said Tatzer, who is an independent executive senior sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. "Some people have said their business probably would have never gotten off the ground without it."

Essentially, North County Networking, which was formed over 25 years ago, consists of a group of people that help generate quality business leads for each other and, in turn, create success for themselves.

"We work on referring people to each other; it is a sense of building one another up and acting on opportunities," said Tatzer, who emphasized that the key to success in the group is consistency in participating. Discussing effective business strategies and how best to promote one’s business pays off for these business people.

"It is so important to get and stay ‘plugged in’ and consistent in a program like this," she said. "We constantly focus on how we can add value to each other and our respective businesses."

Professions vary greatly in this networking group. Current members include entrepreneurs, attorneys (different specialties), a dentist, real estate professional, stylist, accountant, insurance agent, banker, photographer, fitness instructor, manicurist, computer specialist, and much more.

"We do not have conflicting businesses or services represented in the group," said Tatzer. "The first thing we do is make sure there is no type of industry conflict with another member. Each member is unique in their type of business in the group." Tatzer clarified requirements further.

"A person does not have to own their own business to join our Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] group; it just needs to be a person who has an interest in growing the business they are affiliated with," said Tatzer.

The group meets every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at Café des Artistes in Fallbrook. Each person can individually order a breakfast item if they desire. And at each meeting there is a featured speaker.

"We feature one of our members each week," explained Tatzer. "That member can talk about their business; their expertise; work on making connections with other members, and so on."

Time is also devoted at each meeting to update each other on community events. "We find out who is doing what – when it comes to seminars, workshops, and special events," said Tatzer. "We promote community."

Above all, Tatzer said, the difference between North County Networking and other groups is "the relationship building aspect."

"I think that has been the real key to success of our group," she said. "We have a lot of strong leadership skills in our organization, high ethics and integrity." And Tatzer is a perfect example of that.

"I love being a business owner; I feel like we are building the core of the community," she said.

Current members of North County Networking include Angelique Bausch, Russ Jacobs, Joanie Kraus, Merrilee Neal, Paul Dixon, James Prestininzi, Belinda Maxwell, Andrew Tatzer, Chris Walker, Fritz Tatzer, Jeanie Hathaway, Dr. Amy Jessel, Dr. Roger Moynihan, Danielle Sells, Michael Calvanese, Suzanne Chadwick, Heidi Minga, Janice Shannon, Sharon Stika, David Thompson, Jim Denning, Barbara Muskat, Paul Des Rosiers, Roberta Clar, Jason Springston, Ken and April Finster, and Sandra Tatzer.

Membership is available to those in the greater Fallbrook area, Oceanside, Vista, and Escondido and offered on a monthly or quarterly basis. Membership fees provide funding for brochures, flyers, and newspaper advertising.

For more information, visit www.ncnetworking.net or contact Sandra Tatzer at (760) 723-0051 or by email at Heart2serv@aol.com.