Deanna Tucci Schmitt started working at BNI of Western Pennsylvania 11 years ago after attending a meeting with a friend and being overwhelmed by the manner in which the networking group conducted its business.

Tucci Schmitt, the Executive Director of BNI of Western Pennsylvania, works to help business owners and salespeople to grow their companies by developing more business referrals.

“As a salesperson, I had much success with networking groups,” said Tucci Schmitt. “While visiting a good friend (Debby Peters) in Toledo, Ohio, I attended her BNI chapter. I found it to be one of the best networking groups I’d ever seen.

“I bought the Western Pennsylvania franchise in 1998 and brought BNI to the area. We started with ZERO chapters and now have 35 chapters and over 700 members.”

BNI’s focus is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional "word-of-mouth" program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” advises Tucci Schmitt. “Develop a support network. Find someone who is where you want to be and get permission to shadow them or ask them to mentor you.”

Tucci Schmitt, a Pennsylvania State University alumna, was recently nominated as BNI District Director. In 2008 she was a panelist for the Women’s Economic Development Outreach Tour (WEDO) and the NAWBO Conference. She was also a speaker at the Duquesne University Annual Entrepreneur Growth Conference last year. Tucci Schmitt ventured in the tech world in 2007 launching a twice-monthly networking podcast. She has also been a contributing author in best-selling books, Masters of Sales (2007) and Masters of Networking (2004).

Tucci Schmitt looks to a variety of people for her inspiration.

“I believe in constant self-development and learning, reading and listening to CDs,” said Tucci  Schmitt. “Debby Peters is my role model and my mentors and mastermind group get me through my more challenging times.

“I also believe in power walking and literally sleeping on a big decision.”

Tucci Schmitt is involved with the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and the Carlow University New Choices New Options Program. She has also sat on the BNI Founders Circle for the past five years. Tucci Schmitt operates her business in McMurray. She lives Bob, her husband and business partner.

Her advice for other women in business is simple and to the point.

“Life is what you make it. Make time to do those things NOW. Don’t settle, ” said Tucci Schmitt. “Business is a journey. Enjoy the process. The secret to success without hard work is still a secret.”