Meet your Needham neighbor: Amy Reiss Levitt, entrepreneur, B.I.G. leader
By Scott Wachtler
Wicked Local Needham
Posted Feb 27, 2011 @ 06:30 AM
Needham — Local entrepreneur Amy Reiss Levitt is a “pod” leader in Needham’s chapter of Believe, Inspire and Grow. She and other women in the B.I.G. network help each other get a leg up in the business world.
Times: How did you get involved in B.I.G.
Levitt: Last spring, a friend invited me to an informal get-to-know B.I.G. gathering. I was intrigued with the concept of like-minded women who support, network, educate and empower one another to achieve their business goals. I am an independent representative for Silpada Designs, the original and fastest-growing sterling silver jewelry home party company in the world and I wanted to find another way to share Silpada’s amazing business opportunity and beautiful jewelry with other women.
I stepped up and offered to be a co-leader for the first Massachusetts B.I.G pod. When the founders of B.I.G. realized the potential of expanding the pods throughout Massachusetts, I accepted the leader role for Needham. Massachusetts now has four pods and growing. B.I.G. is in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts with over 600 members.
Times: What do you do as a pod leader?
Levitt: As the pod leader, I prepare and manage the monthly group meeting,secure the venue, establish and maintain the speaker calendar, grow membership, maintain the database, participate in leader calls, liaise between the pod and headquarters and provide a comfortable and inspirational environment.
Times: What kind of business do you have and how has B.I.G helped you?
Levitt: As an independent representative for Silpada Designs, I offer three services. I introduce a collection of the highest-quality, handcrafted .925 sterling silver jewelry and semi precious stones to individuals. I create a fun, relaxed party atmosphere where women can spend two hours of “me” time with their friends all while playing dress up in my big jewelry box. My hostesses love when I give away hundreds of dollars of free jewelry. I also share the business opportunity to those who want their own business to be empowered by their success.
Being part of B.I.G. allows me to brainstorm different ways to work my business and I get the support to move towards more personal and professional achievements. I learn from the women of B.I.G. because each of them has come from different stages in their professional life. On the flip side, I offer my experiences of being an entrepreneur, both with my Silpada business and my past personalized gift business, Amydoodles.com.
Times: What are the benefits of joining B.I.G?
Levitt: When women get together, we generate powerful energy. We network, create ideas for one another and help build confidence and self-value. This support helps members achieve their business aspirations. Many are entrepreneurs who work alone and want the creative juice that come from connecting with and using peers as sounding boards. Some are looking at reentering the workforce, creating a new version of themselves; others need support with their business. Subject matter experts help us to build a new perspective on important topics.
In addition, B.I.G. members can pod hop between local pods, bringing different members and guests to Needham with new ideas and offerings. When you join the Needham pod, you become a member of the entire network and have access to all 600 members through the website and online community.
Times: What kind of B.I.G. events do you hold in Needham?
Levitt: We launched in September and offer monthly meetings from 10a.m.-noon on the second Monday of the month at The Center Café in Needham. Within these two hours, we network, listen, learn and participate in a subject matter expert’s presentation. We are also part of an open forum where creative and inspiring conversations evolve. Inter-month, less structured gatherings, teleconference or webinars are also available.
Times: How can someone buy your jewelry or join B.I.G?
Levitt: For more information about B.I.G. contact Amy Reiss Levitt via LinkedIn, Facebook, amy@levitts.net, (781) 915-7061, or
visit www.justthinkbig.us. If you are interested in Silpada Designs please visit www.silpada.com or 1-888-SILPADA. Times: When is the next B.I.G. meeting?
Levitt: We are having a B.I.G. Needham Social at The Center Cafe on March 1 at 6 p.m.. RSVP is by Feb 26. Members and non-members welcome. March 14, 10 a.m.-noon at The Center Café, is our next pod meeting with Isabell Wells discussing Organizing Your Business. RSVP appreciated to Amy@levitts.net. More info at www.justthinkbig.us.
Copyright 2011 Needham Times. Some rights reserved
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