Re-married just eleven years ago, Diana Pinkham now has five children, two dogs, two cats, and three turtles. In her own words, it is like the Brady Bunch camping out on Noah's ark. Though she lives a crazy, busy life, Diana is living her dream. Steady patience and solid determination are what got her there.
Originally from South Portland, Diana grew up in Laconia, NH, eventually finding her way to Hampstead, NH, three years ago. She is currently enrolled in the marketing program at Southern New Hampshire University and owns her own business, With You In Mind—a gift basket company that offers one of kind custom creations for personal, small business and corporate gift givers. Her business began seven years ago, and it was a result of diligent networking that lead to her business' success. "I have never placed another advertisement since joining a networking group," Diana said.

Though always part of a networking organization since beginning her career as an entrepreneur, Diana wanted to start something on her own. As she began to look for a network to be involved with, she came across Gold Star which was big on the west coast. "The minute that I spoke with the owner of Gold Star—he's a fabulous human being—I was attracted by his overall demeanor and how he treated people," she said. After a significant amount of training, Diana opened the first chapter of Gold Star in southern New Hampshire just this past March. Since then, a second chapter has opened in Manchester, with each chapter having the ability to sustain 22 members. "Twenty-two members is a good size," Diana says. And there is a philosophy behind this decision. Each chapter is industry exclusive, meaning that there is no competition between businesses within the same industry.

"There's only one insurance individual per group," Diana said, giving an example. "That's how they grow. You are 'it' for your industry and you become the expert [of your industry]." Gold Star always welcomes visitors, but in order to be a member, there cannot be someone within the industry already involved in that particular chapter. This keeps the group small and intimate. "It's a nice alternative –each networking group brings something different," Diana said.

Along the way, Diana has made some incredible friendships which she says is one of the greatest successes she has had within the networking field. She has also gained a wealth of clientele who never would have walked through her front door had someone not referred them to her.

"I'm really excited!" she says of the growth she has seen. Seeing the joy in people's faces and the success of others is what keeps her motivated. "It's contagious!" Even more rewarding is seeing others share in her passion and desire for more chapters to emerge throughout the region.

Her enthusiasm gets her through the challenges. "Finding places that will hold a business meeting is challenging," she says. Venues are beginning to charge higher rental fees and members are not as committed. Convincing them that their monthly membership fee will pay off is difficult, Diana says. "You have to join a referral group and put yourself out there," Diana said. "It's easy to stay stuck. But once you're out amongst people, you build confidence and you will grow your business."

She encourages all women to follow their calling and to focus energy and attention on themselves. "Women tend to take the long road due to family and outside influences," Diana said. "We think we are too old or have lost focus. I think you can have it all—you just have to be patient. If you don't have patience, your dream will get lost." For Diana, her little brother, Timmy, fostered that patience within her. Always a trailblazer, he consistently pushed her to go after her ambitions. "He was always the one to say, 'Just do it!' she said. "He nurtured my soul."

Diana hopes women will learn to put their needs first and surround themselves with positive female influences as well. "Men are great, don't get me wrong," she laughs, "but you need to surround yourself with amazing women to have an amazing life."

For more information visit their website at www.nhnetworkers.com or contact Diana at : dianapinkham@yahoo.com, or 603-329-9900

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