Often the vision of one person becomes the vision of many.

That's the philosophy behind the Cobb-based Women Who Barter business, founded last year by businesswoman Jan Murphy of Powder Springs.

Women Who Barter is an online business directory representing female-owned businesses and professionals. The directory provides a place where consumers and business owners can shop for products and services offered by metro Atlanta women. From gourmet chocolates to home accessories to a plumber, these services are offered by women for women, Murphy said.

"Many of these have been men-dominated industries in the past," said Murphy, 55, who has 30 years of direct sales experience to offer her members. "We teach women how to sell and promote their products, because many of them are uncomfortable tooting their own horn."

Murphy said the traditional networking opportunities don't always work for female business owners - especially those with home-based businesses. "They pass out business cards, get cards and leave and don't connect with the group," said Murphy, adding that her members are expected to help others in the organization by either giving referrals or purchasing goods or services. "We ask them to pay it forward - Zig Ziglar says if you help enough people get what they want, it will eventually come back to you."

Sherry Richardson, owner and president of Alan Cox Automotive on Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw, says she likes the business opportunities that come from the group.

"It ... gives me a different presence on the Internet because of advertising with them." Richardson, a business owner for 28 years who oversees seven employees, also attends Cobb Chamber of Commerce meetings

Women Who Barter has 86 members and six chapters - Cobb, DeKalb-Fulton, West Cobb/Paulding, Gwinnett, Roswell/North Fulton and the "Mompreneur" chapter in Kennesaw for mothers with young children and home-based businesses. Dues are $99 for six months or $60 per quarter and includes the monthly meetings, a business profile and photo in the directory, a monthly newsletter and various events throughout the year.

Nicole Wolfson, who leads the Kennesaw chapter of "Mompreneur," said she joined because she, like many mothers, can't get out for evening meetings because of family responsibilities. Because she has two children in preschool, early morning meetings are best for her, she said.

"I also found that other networking groups don't have the demographics I need," said Wolfson, who is a clothing representative for Kokoon and in-home party host for Willow House products. "I find I get excellent referrals through Women Who Barter."

The Cobb chapter of Women Who Barter meets monthly at The Marlow House, an 1887 Victorian home owned by Rebecca Rowden on Church Street near the Marietta Square. Rowden said it has benefited her business to be a member of Women Who Barter.

"It has given us wonderful exposure for personal and business events that otherwise wouldn't have known about us," Rowden said. "And I have really enjoyed meeting other women and making connections within the organization."

Murphy said her next step is to grow the Women Who Barter organization nationally and to start another one - Gentlemen Who Barter - which rolls out in May.

For more information, visit www.womenwhobarter.com.