She began Hugz & Petz Pet Sitting with the networking help of her veterinarian, pet groomer and friends and hasn't looked back since. Even after getting her business rolling three years ago, Robinson still looks for opportunities to connect to other women in business—and eWomenNetwork is the networking group she chose to join.

"I like the camaraderie between women," she says. "And it teaches you to think outside the box."

Without the contacts of eWomenNetwork, she would not have been able to tell one of her pet-sitting clients who wants to remodel her home about a woman contractor that Robinson met at the last "Accelerated Networking" conference on Oct. 16.

"The ability to get leads and help others is awesome," she says.

Once a month, members and guests of the San Jose branch of the Dallas-based eWomenNetwork group meet for a luncheon to attend seminars on personal and professional development, make new connections and update old ones.

Robinson says the sharing and encouraging is a refreshing change from competitive corporate culture. People can feel comfortable introducing themselves or referring others.

Patricia Royval felt so comfortable that she joined after the first meeting she attended five months ago.

"It's for everybody, not just for business owners," says Royval, who owns Rejuvenation by Patricia, a vascular blemish removal service on Lincoln Ave.

Royval began her business in April 2003 because she suffers from broken blood vessels on her nose and has a passion for helping others who have tried using cover-up makeup but haven't been pleased with results. She spent three years researching radio-frequency and direct-current treatment.

She says eWomenNetwork has been a great tool that she's been able to take outside the luncheon. When she travels, Royval will look up other members' profiles in their city and will use other women's businesses.

"It's just awesome because it's women helping women," Royval says. "I don't go thinking I'll make a sale. But I'm energized by the broader awareness of business aspects."

At the luncheons, managing director Kristy Rogers brings in a special speaker, each woman introduces herself and her business and members write down others' needs.

Robinson says the diversity of professional fields represented by members makes it an excellent resource and another avenue for job openings.

But you have to be patient, she says.

"Don't expect 12 jobs to fall in your lap the first time," Robinson says. "People get frustrated when they go for five to six months and don't get a lead, but you have to keep going; it's an ongoing thing."

Willow Glen resident and owner of The Body Sculptors Linda Felice says the group has been useful because it gives her a chance to educate women about endermologie.

She says there are many people who haven't heard about the FDA-approved massage technique that breaks down fat cells and massages skin.

Felice says one client has come in from eWomenNetwork, but says the reason she joined was for more than personal gain.

"If you do good, good will come back to you in the same way," she says, echoing eWomenNetwork's motto of "giving first."