POSI TI VE C HANG E
IN A
NEG ATI VE E CO NO MY
www.wom enbi zown ers.org
ORGANI ZATION PROVIDING EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS AND EDUCATION FOR FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS
4 Tips to Prevent
OVERWHELM
To Niche’ or Not
to Niche’ Taming your Lions
N ov 2009 $3.99U SD
S UB SCRIBE T ODAY !
Chicago
39 Hours in
WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS Magazine Magazine Team: Cindy Clark, Editor in Chief: Ginger Marks, Managing Editor: Rebekah Jones, Copy Editor: Ginger Marks, Production Coordinator Kristine Sheehan, Art Editor Executive Board: Anna Campbell, Founder & President Cindy Clark, Vice President Susanne Mariga, Treasurer Lisa Wald-Guarino, Secretary Diane Tegarden, Mem ber at Large WBO Direct ors: Michelle Suman, Educational Director Kathy Allen, Volunteer Director Cindy Clark, Marketing Director: Patricia Boes, Membership Director Tracy Collins, Technical Director WBO Staff: Andrea Okrentowich, Executive Assistant Sherry Sim oes, Mkg Asst and Panel of Experts Coordinator Wendy VanHatten, Asst. Marketing Director Donna Crav otta, Marketing Assistant Stacey Virgo, Events Assistant Open, Asst. Technical Director Jackie Finch, Sponsor Coordinator Dawn Kirk, Convention Coordinator Jylian Sy, Podcast Host Julie-Marie Christin, Gift Shop Keeper
Š Copyri ght 2009 W omenBi zOwner s.or g All rights r eserved.
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Women Business Owners (WBO) is a 501c3 non profit organization, founded in February 2004, with the mission to educate, empower, and enhance the lives of women business owners and children throughout the world.
*Women Business Owners (WBO) announces their newest initiative: Jr Apprentice US Program. This educational apprentice program is for children 10-18 in age, within the United States that are interested in being business owners.
WBO Podcast, listen to amazing women from around the world covering all areas of business and personal life for women. Available on our group website. www.womenbizowners.org.
WBO National Business Convention presented by Office Max, Inc. will be held in Houston, Texas on October 22-24, 2009. 500 women entrepreneurs from around the world will experience a convention of networking, workshops, and a live business expo.
must read 4 Tips to Prevent Overwhelm Finding Your Inner Peace
11 17
Chicago in 39 Hours Positive Change in a Negative Economy Taming Your Lions
18 23 13
To Niche’ or Not to Niche’
27
every issue About WBO Ask Yak
35 15
Authors Corner Calendar of Events New WBO Members
14 22 9
Vice-Presidents Message Quote of the Month
4 12
Welcome from our WBO Magazine Staff WBO Staff & Volunteer Members
10 34
Nov 2009 | 3
Founder’s Message
Falling in love with y our business this holiday season is going to be easier than we thought!!! The business economy is getting better in Anna Campbell Founder America. While we are struggling to get m otivated and re-capture that "WILD About Business" feeling, we re given an amazing opportunity at the 2009 WBO Business Convention in Houston, Texas.
During the three day convention our members, community members, and national business leaders communicated, connected, and challenged their old habits! All of the convention attendees brought their individual points of view, individual habits, and individual needs with them. During the convention, attendees were empowered, educated, and enriched!
We all learned that we are one. We are all working together for comm on good, prosperity and happiness. We also introduced Cindy Clark as our National President and Wendy VanHatten as our National Vice President starting in January 2010.
We are thrilled to have so many amazing wom en volunteering to help make this organization successful and unique.
We are each beautiful wom en, reaching for our goals, and accom plishing them day by day!
Anna Campbell WBO Founder
Visit our group website for m ore information: www.womenbizowners.org 4 | womenbizowners.org
of special note 2009 Annual Charity Jr. Apprentice 2009 WBO National Convention Honorees
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Feature Author Gift Shop Hot Pick Movie of the Month
33 8 12
Online Article Library Open Staff Volunteer Positions
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Fourth Quarter Charity Volunteers Needed WBO Podcast
26 14 30
Nov 2009 | 5
Stephanie Brehm WBO Empowering Woman of the Year Brehn's passion and vision created The Leg-Up Ranch as an opportunity for healing and education through supervised riding facilities. Stephanie Brehm, founder of The Leg-Up Ranch in Julian, California, was be honored as Empowering Woman of the Year at a VIP luncheon cerem ony during the annual Wom en Business Owner's Convention in Houston, Texas. The Leg-Up Ranch was started by Brehm after her young son's battle with leukemia. Brehm turned her life and passion to bringing hope, strength, restoration and inspiration to those whose lives have been adversely affected by life-altering challenges. Brehm realized that life challenges affect m ore than the individual; they affect the entire family. With that philosophy in m ind, Brehm opens her program to the entire family, without charge. As a life changing facility to many Brehm has earned one of the highest honors being bestowed this October, Empowering Woman of the Year.
Kathy Allen, Owner of Accents of Home, WBO Persevering Woman of the Year Allen's rise through hardships to personal and business success earns her a top award. Owner of Accents of Hom e, an eclectic hom e dĂŠcor shop, Kathy Allen was honored at a VIP luncheon cerem ony during the annual Wom en Business Owner's Convention in Houston, Texas.
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2009 WBO National Convention Honorees A woman rich in history, Allen has been a fashion m odel, clothing designer, wife, m other and entrepreneur. Allen wholeheartedly gives her time, expertise and passion so that others may grow. In her own business, Allen believes in personalized services to each of her clients and true custom er care. For her perseverance through hardships, her persistent teachings to her children to succeed and her encouragem ent to others, Allen will be honored with the Persevering Business Woman of the Year award.
Leyla Hur WBO Woman of Courage Hur, an Empowerm ent Consultant, Radio Show Host and Magazine Editor, excels at helping individuals achieve lives of success. Speaker, author, award-winning poet and Peace Ambassador, Leyla Hur is to be honored at a VIP luncheon cerem ony during the annual Wom en Business Owner's Convention in Houston, Texas. Hur has ov ercom e incredible obstacles in her life and uses each step in overcoming these challenges as a m odule to help empower others to release the bonds that hold them back. Hur helps individuals walk in their life's path to freedom and success. For these reasons, Hur is being honored with one of the highest honors being bestowed this October, the "Woman of Courage" award.
Additional WBO Award Winners Volunteering Heart Recipient Patricia Boes Leading Business Woman of the Year Recipient Regina Baker Networking Woman of the Year Recipient Mary B Relotto WBO National Business Convention "Wild About Business" presented by Office Max, Inc. was held in Houston, Texas on October 22 -24, 2009 at the Marriott North Houston and the Hum ble Civic Center. http://www.wom enbizowners.org Nov 2009 | 7
Shop from a wide variety of items created by our members to help you with your business or personal needs. Each item is donating 30% or more back to WBO. Elizabeth T ote ~ Handcrafted by Jennifer Hudson with Mimsi Bags. This t ote is perfect for the Bu siness Wom an-on -the-Go! Originally designed with the W om en Business Owner, Realtor 速, Mortgage Lender or Attorney in m ind, this t ote will carry ev erything y ou need, and make sure y ou arriv e in sty le! At 18 " wide and 12" tall, it is large enough t o carry legal-sized folder s, plus y our pens, palm , calculator, wallet, checkbook... y ou get the idea! We can also add a key fob so y ou don 't lose them in the room iness. Price: $125
Java Jammie ~ Handcrafted by Julie-Marie with Julie-Marie Bags This cute and fun Java Jamm ie has a pink background with white polka dots and white daisies. A m atching daisy button m akes it irresistable! This Jav a Jamm ie is ex tra special because all pr ofit s benefit W om en Business Owners. Price $7 .00 W om en Business Owners prov ides education and support for m ore than 3,000 wom en business owners throughout the world with online and offline resources. W BO's m ission is to help m ore wom en succeed in business.
Pawnut - Apple Biscotti ~ Handmade by The Gourmet Dog Bakery Let y our canine di g hi s teeth into our crisp on the outsi de but soft on the insi de Paw nut Butter - Apple Bi sc otti . Made with: stone ground organic w hole wheat fl our , or ganic peanut butter , milk , unsweetened applesauce and cinnamon. A s alway s, The Gour met Dog Bakery only uses the best i ngredi ents w hen b aking our goods. Our Pawnut Butter - Appl e Bisc otti is sol d i n quantities of 1 /2 dozen. Price: $5.99
http://www.wom enbizowners.org Sh ow Case Your Product in the WBO Gift Sh op: Star and Prem ier m em bers are encouraged to participate in our W BO Gift Sh op by choosing one product or serv ice they will donate 30% or m ore back t o Wom en Business Owners. Contact info@wom enbizowners.org for m ore inform ation about our Dr op Ship Policy .
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New WBO Members Barbara Spann Southern Candles http://www.southerncandles.com
Nov 2009 | 9
Welcome from our WBO Magazine Staff Area All articles must provide useful and high integrity information that is helpful to women in business. We accept topics related to business, marketing, integrating home and family with business, and much more relating to women in business. We ask that you provide unique, well-written, informative articles. We reserve the right to refuse any article for any reason. All written content that you submit to this site must be writing that you have the legal rights to post to our site. By posting your article to our site, you are granting us Non-Exclusive Copyrights which means you are giving us the legal right to use it, but you are NOT surrendering your right to use it elsewhere. WBO does not own or retain any rights to the articles written...we are merely privileged to read and grow from them. WBO Magazine reserves the right to edit submitted articles. Each author will be credited by name in publication. The number of articles to be written is decided by each article writer herself. We encourage members of the WBO News Magazine Writers Team to submit at least one (1) article a month, however we do understand the flow of creativity is different for everyone and we do not want this to become a chore. Therefore the final decision will be yours. Each article must be submitted to our WBO Magazine Yahoo! Group. finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/wbomagazine WBO Magazine reserves the right to edit submitted articles. Each author will be credited by name in publication.
Clark 10 | womenbizowners.org
Marks
Sheehan
Jones
As
women business owners we feel like we carry the world on our shoulders. We are always doing for others and never for ourselves. When we feel overwhelmed, we may step back, look at what we are doing, and say “suck it up” and move on. This is not good because you will more than likely blow at some point and it will be at the wrong person. There are many ways you can deal with the feelings of being overwhelmed, but why not try to
Outsource As women business owners we want to be successful for ourselves and for our families. The only way to be successful is to grow and sometimes there aren’t enough of you to go around. One way to continue to see growth in your business is to outsource certain parts of your business. Yes, you will have to pay this person, but the growth that you will see will far out weigh the money you are paying out.
Organization When you organize your time, your business, and your family you will have more success. You will be able to get more tasks complete and you won’t feel the stress. Use a calendar to organize your time. Organize your files for your business so you spend less time searching and more time working. Write down the chores that need to be done and when you will work on them. Assign chores to the children and your husband so you are not the only one working on them. Organizing your life will save you so much time in the long run.
4 Tips to Prevent Overwhelm by Corrie Petersen
prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips that will help you prevent this feeling from happening in your life when it comes to your business.
Learn to say no Women have a hard time saying no to anyone. Whether it’s our kids, customers, or people we work with in our business. We have a hard time with it. Saying no to someone doesn’t hurt and may actually feel pretty good. If you were to say yes to something, you could be running the risk of blowing because it could put you over the limit. So it’s best to say no.
To-do list Writing out a daily, weekly, and monthly to-do list will help you in so many ways. One reason why you should use a to-do list is that you won’t forget something that needs to be done and another reason is you (Continued on page 33)
Nov 2009 | 11
WBO WBO Online Online Article Article Library Library Our Article Library has been created for the use of our mem bers. It is for wom en who would like to learn how to start a business, grow a business, maintain a business, and lead the life they are searching for. You will find a variety of categories below that are filled with articles, recorded classes, and other informational type documents just waiting to be opened and explored. We are alway s looking for additional resources t o add t o our directory . Please feel free t o contact us with any articles, business docum ents, and other business related item s that y ou would like to see added to this direct ory . You may contact us v ia em ail articles@wom enbizowners.org.
Visit Today : htt p://www.womenbizowners.org (Under Business Tools) Quot e of t he Mont h “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” ~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
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Old Dogs Release Date: Nov 25, 2009 Starring: Robin Williams, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Matt Dillon, Seth Green, Rita Wilson, Bernie Mac, Lori Loughlin Genre: Comedy Official Site: http://www.disney.com/olddogs/ Rated: PG ( For some mild rude humor.) Tw o best friends—one unlucky-in-love divorcee (ROBIN WILLIA MS) and the other a fun-loving bachelor (JOHN TRAVOLTA)—have their lives turned upside dow n when they’re unexpectedly charged w ith the care of six-year-old tw ins w hile on the verge of the biggest business deal of their lives. The not-so-kidsavvy bachelors stumble in their efforts to take care of the tw ins (newcomers ELLA BLEU TRAVOLTA and CONNER RAYBURN), leading to one debacle after another, and perhaps to a new -found understanding of w hat’s really important in life.
Taming Your Lions by Sherry Simoes
If you are overwhelmed it usually means you have too much going on or are not organized. How can you solve that problem or lessen the load? It is a difficult one because as women we wear so many hats and is of course d if fe r e n t fo r e ac h individual but it can be done. There are several things you can do but before you even attempt them I think you have to do an exercise that one of my
associates and very wise woman Deb Taylor taught me. Take a piece of paper and draw a picture of your life. She uses lions as the symbol for each major thing you have going on in your life. Draw a lions head to symbolize each major life event such as Family, Yo ur Busine ss, You r Volunteer Job, Your Aging Parents, Farms Chores, Ke ep in g Ho u se an d Family. I think you get the picture.
After you are done drawing it I bet you will notice one missing lion. I bet you forgot about you in this very hectic and chaotic drawing. Am I right? So draw your Lion now. Now take a minute to study your drawing and notice how busy it looks. Is there anything there you are doing that is putting you into overload? So where do you start to fine tune your life and (Continued on page 20)
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WBO Authors Corner This team of publishing companies, authors, writ ers, and market ers; net work, ment or and promot e each other. We believe that by working t ogether, we will succeed in our individual goals. Authors Corner Leader: Cindy Clark with CCDesign z Business Services, LLC Authors: Diane Tegarden with FireWalker Publications, Inc Ga zelle Simmons with Admin Services Ginger Marks with DocUmeantDesigns.com Li sa A. Fredette with Passionate About Life Coaching Sabrina Schlei cher, Ph.D., A CC with Tap The Poten tial Sherri Walker with Poems by Daughter of the King Writer's: Li sa A. Fredette with Passionate About Life Coaching
Visit the Authors Corner and learn about the amazing books these members have published and are currently working on. This group is open t o all Star & Premier Members. htt p://www.womenbizowners.org (Under Explore WBO - Business Tools- Online Resources)
Volunteers needed for the WBO Marketing Department: Do you have excellent writing skills? Do you enjoy writing? We need your help! We are looking for a few people to assist us with writing press releases and articles to promote WBO to the media. We need to promote our upcoming July Expo and National Business Convention in October.
Volunteers needed for the WBO Membership Dept.: Do you like to meet new people, and welcome them with an email, card, or phone call? We need help sending our welcome packets to new Star & Premier members. Emailing new members with information and membership e-book. Keeping track of expiring members, contacting them for renewal. Promoting WBO for membership purposes. Create membership ads, flyers, and other marketing materials.
Visit http://www.womenbizowners.org and submit a volunteer form to kathy@womenbizowners.org .
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Q&E Ask Yak by Wendy Okkema Ask Yak is made up of questions from readers and clients. If you have a question that you would like answ ered please e-mail me at ryakattack@aim.com
In this issue of “Ask Yak” I would like to discuss two issues that seem to be hot topics with the women I have b een dealing with lately. I would like to share my PMS story. Many of you already know this about me, so I will try to keep it short. Even in my early twenties I struggled with PMS symptoms. Anger, a short fuse being the predominant issues I had to deal with for one week out of the month. The older I got, the worse and longer my symptoms became. I couldn’t live with myself, I trul y felt sorry for my guys in the house who had to deal with my mood swings, for what was turning into three very long weeks out of every month. My short boiling point, the tears, the total discontentment with life was becoming too much for me to handle,
PMS
truly. I did consult my female Doctor, who was absolutely no help. She sent me on my way with a pat on the back and no solution other than to wait it out. But for how many years. I was getting older and life really is too short to live it the way I was living it. PMS is real. It is a hormonal imbalance and can be dealt with naturally for many of us. I found a product that truly was an answer to prayer for me. I use it, friends use it, I e ven gave the teen version of what I take to my teen son and my two year old. It honestly leveled their hormonal rage out as well. This was the miracle pill for me. I will caution you though that as we are all different, our systems react differently even to the natural products we put into our bodies. What works for me may or may not work for you and vise versa. However, if you do struggle from PMS symptoms and want to find out more about the product I am using, simply e-mail me at (Continued on page 28)
Nov 2009 | 15
Wom en Business Owners (WBO) announces their newest initiative, a Jr. Apprentice US Program. This program will be for children ages 10-18, within the United States that are interested in becom ing business owners.
2009 Annual Charity Jr. Apprentice US
WBO President, Anna Cam pbell explains the program, "We will start the program off with a summer camp in June 2009. One week will be for 10-13 year olds and one week will be for 14-18 year olds. Each cam p will com prise of workshops/ hands on tim e, and com pany building time. We will invite area female and male entrepreneurs to volunteer for a workshop. The program is open to both male and female students. At the end of each week, 4 students from each group that have shown prom ising initiative, drive and real interest in owning their own business will be selected to be paired up with an adult male or female business entrepreneur m entor for a year. The summer cam ps will culminate in an annual Jr. Apprentice Summit once it is established."
Students The students will participate in the summer program at the camp and then will be assigned m entors starting in September 2009, ending in May 2010. The process will continue as a new group of students join the existing students by attending the summer camp program, and then be assigned m entors.
Mentors The mentors will be matched to students with similar interests in business ownership and skill set interest. Planned workshops include: choosing a business, business planning, networking, marketing, and accounting. More information can be obtained through their website at: www.jrapprenticeus.org 16 | womenbizowners.org
Finding Your Inner Peace by Melissa Foster
Hav e y ou ev er m et som eone who seem s t o always be relaxed and calm ? That friend who nev er seem s t o get flustered while y ou feel like y ou are constantly running around try ing t o play catch up with jobs left undone?
soul with a girls’ night out once each m onth. Hav e a cup of coffee and just chat. You’ll be surprised how an ev ening with friends can make y our darkest day s brighter!
We all feel that way at tim es—y es, ev en that peaceful friend. The key is finding y our inner peace and allowing that tranquility to becom e the n orm rather than the exceptional m om ent in tim e. Here are a few ideas t o help y ou find y our inner peace:
End your day with time for yourself
Start your day with minutes to yourself
ten
This m ay sound hard, or ev en im possible, but it isn’t. Spending ten m inutes in the m orning doing a quiet m editation allows y ou to clear y our m ind before the daily rush. Lock y ourself in y our bathroom if need be, light a candle, sit on the floor, and think about allowing each of y our m uscles t o release their tension.
Life is for enjoying If y ou are like m ost business wom en, we forget to enjoy life. Hobbies becom e afterthoughts—som etim es ev en guilty thoughts. Allow y ourself a little plea sure and the harder things in life will seem less burdensom e. Make a list of things y ou enjoy , and then allow y ourself t o do one per week without guilt.
Girlfriend time Men and wom en are not the sam e—we hear it all the tim e and it ’s really true. We are wired differently, find hum or in different topics, and ev en our listening skills are not the sam e. Rejuv enate y our
When the children are tucked in bed and y our husband is catching up on ESPN, find a cozy , relaxing place t o read, hav e a cup of hot chocolate, or just watch y our fav orite T.V. show. Ending the day with a little “m e tim e” allows y ou t o respect y ourself, and unwind. Finding inner peace is not a full tim e job. It takes m indfulness and desire. If y ou want t o be the friend people look at in awe because y ou are not stressed, reach out to y ourself—find y our inner peace, and then nourish it. Do y ou hav e a business issue y ou need help tackling? Em ail m e and I’ll try t o accomm odate y our request in an upcom ing issue: thinkhappy (@)liv e(dot)com . Com e back next m onth for m ore Monthly Motiv ations!
Melissa Foster is the author of Megan’s Way , a work of literary fiction (http:// www.m egansway .com ) and the Founder of The W om en’s Nest, a free on -line community for wom en. Connect with other wom en like y ourself - Share a laugh, gain adv ice, friendship, and fun. Book club, scrapbook club, forum s, blogs, and free m edical, financial, and relation ship adv ice. It’s y our community -Sign in for a chat! Join us at http://www.thewom ensnest.com
Nov 2009 | 17
Chicago in 39 Hours with Wendy VanHatten
“It's a 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it's dark and we're wearing sun glasses. Hit it!” — The Blues Brothers Weekend in Chicago Go to the women’s restroom if you want a good view. Say that in some cities and you might get arrested. In Chicago it makes sense. At least it does from the 96th floor of the Hancock Building. Want to experience Chicago and have only a weekend? Hop a boat to view Chicago history and over 40 famous landmarks all in less than two hours. Most people know Chicago was devastated by fire in 1871. Did you realize the first skyscraper was built here in 1885, or that there are 37 bridges that open and close, or that Chicago has 3 of the 15 tallest buildings in the world? See any resemblance to Batman’s Gotham City? One of the movies was filmed in the old post office building. Take a trip down Route 66 as it starts in Chicago. William Wrigley, Jr. created an impressive headquarters for his successful chewing 18 | womenbizowners.org
gum company in the 1920’s. If you look close, those are not Roman numerals on the clock…they are “W” for Wrigley. Chicagoans are proud of their city and their “firsts” with Diet Soda, Pabst Beer, Cracker Jacks at the 1893 World’s Fair, Zoot Suit in the 1920’s and every kid’s favorite Hostess Twinkie in 1930. At Navy Pier in 1893 the World’s Fair showcased the first Ferris Wheel. People climbed inside railroad cars with 59 others to ride in the 200 foot diameter steel cage. Today a 148 foot modern Ferris Wheel modeled after the original runs at Navy Pier. Lit at night this giant wheel can be seen for miles. Trek through Millennium Park. Situated on the original field site of the Chicago White Stockings Baseball team, you can find the skyline or yourself reflected in the Cloud Gate, or Bean as it is lovingly referred to. It’s easy to see why this 110 ton steel 3 story structure has become the most popular sculpture in the city. Pictures just don’t do it justice. But then in how many structures can you take a picture of yourself taking a picture of yourself? Of course no visit to Chicago is complete without a walk up the Magnificent M ile, aka M ichigan Avenue. Did you know this famous street was actually the original coastline? Hard to believe upscale retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Blooming(Continued on page 20)
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(Continued fro m page 13)
turn that drawing into a peaceful picture?
Cut Unnecessary Things Out of Your life What Lion in your drawing is one that would lessen the load? Which could you give up, merge or redefine to make things easier for you and give you time
Outsource Outsourcing is a wonderful solution to overload. I am a true believer in this. Use your connections to find people you can outsource to so that it frees up your time and keeps you from going into overload.
Just Say No! I know another wise woman, Pat Mussieux who used to say yes to everyone who asked her to speak at a meeting, volunteer at an event or function and she went into overload. What did she do, she stopped saying yes to everything that she was asked to do. It was hard as she is a born helper but it saved her sanity and she could get back to a life she enjoyed. She choose a certain amount of time from her week that she would dedicate to volunteering and after that time was booked all other requests for help were a no. People understood. You are not a bad person because you do not say yes to everything and everyone.
Hire a Virtual Assistant! Wow, this is the best thing I have ever done in my life! They are professional and get things done (Continued on page 32)
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dale’s, or Nordstrom’s are actually sitting on what used to be swampy ground at the water’s edge. Now take the high speed elevator to the 96th floor restaurant of the Hancock Tower, have a drink, watch over Chicago, and hit the ladies’ room. Sinks to the right, stalls to the left, and floor to ceiling windows straight ahead. The Windy City with all its skyscrapers and brilliant blue Lake M ichigan are spread out literally at your feet. You could get the same view from the 94th floor Hancock Observatory…but it certainly doesn’t present the same story. “Perhaps the most typically American place in America.” — James Bryce, 1888
Wendy V anHatten l eft the c orpor ate w orl d to b ec ome a prof essional freelance editor , tr avel writer and author . Check out tr avel tips, photos, and destinati on i deas on her bl og www .travel sandesc apes.blogspot.c om. Her web site, www .vanhattenwritingservices.c om highlights her writing services. Her l atest b ook “My Lif e the Sequel …A Girlfriend’s Gui de to Per sonal Suc cess” c an be f ound at www .mylifethe sequel .c om.
Nov 2009 | 21
November 2009 NOVEMBER 4
NOVEMBER 25
WBO Podcast
WBO Podcast
NOVEMBER 11 WBO Podcast
NOVEMBER 12 Online Biz Chat
NOVEMBER 18 WBO Podcast
Volunteer Director Kathy Allen
WBO Membership Coordinator: Sherry Lynn Simoes
kathy@wom enbizowners.org
sherry @wom enbizowners.org
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Positive Change in a Negative Economy by Jennifer Slingerland Ryan, M.Ed., LPC-S It’s no secret… the economy isn’t exactly booming. And while I think we may have stabilized a bit, I am hearing many say their stress and anxiety levels are still on the rise! I heard myself say on more than one occasion since the economy started floundering that I was secretly glad so many people were having to change their lifestyles. The cat’s out of the bag now! But here’s why I feel more positive when others are feeling the stress: I see golden opportunities! Whether you’re one who has lost your job or not, like many others you may have decided to tweak some things in your personal life just a bit. And while I don’t advocate taking a “just in case” stance, I do think there are steps we can take that reap HUGE rewards in our personal lives during ANY economic climate. Here are a few ideas: 1. Spend more time with family. Many claim to be in desperate need of life balance, eager to spend more time at home with family, but most don’t walk that talk. When forced to act because of a lay-off or downsize, some don’t know quite what to do with themselves. I can’t think of one negative thing associated with some good, quality time with the family. Can you? 2. Find pleasure in small things. If you’ve decided to downsize, keeping a “wealth plan” (what others may call a “budget”) means getting creative so you won’t feel deprived. Joy in small things can bring a renewed sense of spirit and energy! Take your dog for an extra long walk. Play games with your spouse and kids. Air up the tires and go for a spin on your bike. Watch a family movie that everyone enjoys. Finding pleasure in small things can be very inexpensive, while providing incredible mental health rewards! 3. Eating in and being healthier. When I was growing up, eating out was considered a real treat! It was only on special occasions like a birthday, graduation, or some other celebration that we saw the inside of a restaurant. Today, my family eats out more than I care to put in black and white! In fact, most families I know eat out more than they should, which means we aren’t as healthy as we could be. Eating in not only brings us closer to family (Continued on page 24)
Nov 2009 | 23
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(”a family that eats together, stays together”), but it helps our “bottom” line as well! 4. Picking up a new hobby. I mentioned that I crochet to a friend the other day, and was met with a chuckle. If you’re new to my blog, that fact may lead you to believe I’m eligible for a senior discount. Nope! I’m just someone who has found an extra hobby I enjoy! Think of a new hobby you’d like to try like painting, knitting, bocce ball, horseshoes, gardening, web design, writing, or any number of things. The sky’s the limit! 5. Working on personal development. What better time to work on your state of mind than now? Mental health development is a lot like physical development: when you begin a new exercise program, you aren’t going to notice much change. But over time, you will begin to see the fruits of your labor. You feel stronger, more self-confident, and more powerful! So, while you’ve got more time on your hands, and whether you’re stressed and anxious or not, use this time to start a new journal, read a new self-help book, begin a new coaching program, or start your own support group. There are many ways to stay connected, feel supported, and gain insight during good and bad economic times. And if this
is a time that propels you to do things differently in your life, bravo! (Warning, shameless plug coming up!) There are several ways I’m eager to help my clients during these times. And, if you’ve thought about hiring a personal coach or counselor, but think you may not have the funds for it, think again. There is no time like the present to work on bettering yourself. Here are a few things to consider: Join an upcoming support
group to help you learn the basics of personal development and change. Groups start at only $25. (A steal!) Consider getting the support of a
coach or counselor without ever stepping foot in an office. Purchasing a “Change Retainer” package means you have a counselor at your email disposal throughout the month for only $45. (A steal!) Use your I Choose Change
journal (free!), and weekly coffee with a good friend to help you make your own changes. Just a little nudge from a counselor or coach to steer you in the right direction may be all you need.
Finding the positives in a negative economy isn’t incredibly easy, but it does test your willpower. Make a list of ways you’d like to set your new course, then get started! Je nnifer S lingerland Ryan, M.Ed. is a Lice nse d Profe ssional Counse lor and Managing Director of I Choose Change PLLC in Alle n, Te xas. Ge t more information at www.iChoose Change.com.
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WBO Open Staff Volunteer Positions National Building Project Team Marketing Hound: Spread the word about this project to national and local media resources interested in promoting or joining the project. Needs to have marketing experience and capacity to create marketing materials to draw in the needed participants for a project of this nature. M ust have time to participate on this National Building Team. This team will be building the foundation for local models around the world. 1-4 hours weekly (We meet online monthly)
Sponsor Recruiter, Events Departme nt:
Willing to devote a few hours a
week to recruiting sponsors for our October Convention. This position involves researching potential sponsors, sending an already prepared letter to the potential sponsor and following up with them. It also involves documenting the requests sent and the responses in a spreadsheet.
Overall Group Positions Available Project Coordinator: Is responsible for overseeing projects by building a team of the necessary member for the particular project. Task and member types will necessarily change according to the particular project. Also responsible for establishing timeline and deadline for each project.
Jr. Apprentice US Coordinator: creates team of individuals to set-up program, maintain program, run program, focus on improving the program, assist with fundraising for program, and submit information to Project Director M onthly. M ay create an assistant position to help with duties.
Charity Coordinator: This person will help collect data of submitted national, global, and local charities, present to board and secure upcoming quarterly or annual Chosen Charities, and submit information to Project Director M onthly. M ay create an assistant position to help with duties.
Visit our group site to apply for these positions. www.WomenBizOwners.org Volunteer Director: Kathy Allen kathy@wom enbizowners.org Nov 2009 | 25
WBO Fourth Quarter Charity
Women For A Change Connects, Supports and Empowers women by opening our hearts, we are creating the foundation for solutions to global issues.
Women for a Change is creating a global online resource and advice centre to share information, skills,
Women for a Change brings together women, to promote understanding between different backgrounds and cultures
Women for a Change runs an online w omen-only community where we support each other, discuss issues and develop projects
Women for a Change is a dynamic & fast growing organization where women work together to find solutions to problems affecting women and families. http://www.wom enforachange.org/
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To Niche’ or NOT to Niche’ by Alicia M Forest, MBA
A
re you like many Entrepreneurs who are afraid to choose a niche for your offerings? I know there can be the fear that you're limiting your business if you narrow your niche down too much, but that simply isn't true. Believe me, it's so much easier and profitable to market to a smaller portion of the market (just think how many people there are in the world!) than to try to be all things to all people. And you'll be amazed to find out that you actually open yourself up to
possibilities that would not have come up had your focus been all over the map. Next let me say that lots of (particularly new) business owners struggle with this issue. All you want to do is give your gifts to the world, and making decisions that make you feel as though you are saying "no" to a segment of the population may not feel right to you. But by choosing to focus only on a certain (Continued on page 29)
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Ryakattack@aol.com and I’d be happy to talk to you about that. I strongly urge you to keep looking for the natural product that can help you. Don’t give up because there is no reason for us to just accept these symptoms and “get over it”. Because if you do struggle with such symptoms, you know that you can’t just get over it.
GROCERY SHOPPING Make a grocery list with your next week’s meal plan in mind. This is a great idea. First, you’ll feel a little more organized the following week because you’ve got a real good idea of what you’re cooking for dinner each evening. You’ll avoid buying foods that you don’t need and often end up throwing out. In talking with women, I’m sensing a real need for quick and easy recipes of every type. If you have a quick and easy meal, cookie, muffin recipe, etc. Please write me. Let’s help make life easier for each other in this way as well. The following is one of my favorite cookie recipes.
Smartie Cookies Make a double batch of these. Your family will love them. 1 cup margarine 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup white sugar (Continued on page 31)
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group of people who have a common struggle, you are ensuring that your work actually gets out there, and you will be astounded at what comes your way. For example, even though my niche is solo professionals, once I started defining m y o fferings for and to coaches/consultants, my business took off. Currentl y, I ha ve about 60% co a ch e s , a nd 4 0 % o th e r so l o professionals as clients. Once I started focusing my marketing efforts on a subsection of my much larger niche, all these other potential clients (who are not specifically coaches/consultants) showed up. I promise this will happen for you. In the meantime, if you keep in mind the infinite Abundance of the Universe, understanding that you can't (nor should you) serve everyone is a bit easier. Think about the billions of people in the world. Even if you wanted to, you couldn't possibly serve all of them - and you certainly couldn't please even the smallest percentage. Trying to do so really dilutes your genius work, your best work, instead of allowing it to truly help those people you are most meant to serve - your niche.
2. It's much easier for people (your clients and customers) to talk about you because they understand that you do one basic thing for one group of people. 3. It's much easier for clients and colleagues to refer you for the same reason as #2.
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"My Monthly Business Journal" - available online at https:// www.createspace.com/3365337 mrsannacampbell@yahoo.com or call 832375-9435 to order as an eBook for $9 or as a printed journal for $15.
Consider the benefits below to help shift your mindset to choosing a niche sooner than later:
1. Your marketing gets a whole lot easier.
Nov 2009 | 29
WBO PodCast Airing Every Wednesday at 11am EST Listen to our Podcasts on the front page of our website www.womenbizowners.org.
WBO PodCast Producer: Position Open
WBO PodCast Host: Jylian Sy
If you would like to be interviewed for our podcast, contact Educational Director, Michelle Suman michelle@womenbizowners.org
For all your creative & Technical Business Solutions. Web Design & Hosti ng Solutions, Live Sound Sol uti ons, and HomeBased Business Sol uti ons
Michelle Suman
WBO Chosen Charities Each year WBO selects 501c3 groups to be their one (1) annual charity, and four (4) quarterly charities to receive physical and m onetary donations from members and the general public. ● 2009 annual charity is Jr. Apprentice US (http://www.jrapprenticeus.org) ● 2009 first quarter charity is Wom en's International League for Peace and Freedom (www.wilpf.org) ● 2009 second quarter charity is Cypress Assistance Ministries (www.cypressassistanceministries.com ) ● 2009 third quarter charity is Children of the Night (www.childrenofthenight.org) ● 2009 fourth quarter charity—Women for a Change (http://www.womenforachange.org) 30 | womenbizowners.org
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2 eggs 2 tsp. Vanilla 1 tsp salt (the reason so many recipes call for salt is because salt brings out the different flavors you put into a recipe) 1 tsp baking soda 2 1/4 cups flour 1 ½ cups smarties or M & M’s Blend margarine and sugars, beat in eggs and vanilla. Add rest of ingredients, blending well. Stir in ½ of candies. Drop by teaspoon on ungreased baking sheet. Decorate tops with candy. Bake 10 minutes at 375 F Since M&M’s or smarties can be expensive, substitute 1 cup chocolate chippets for the 1 1.2 cups smarties and just decorate the tops with your smarties or M&M’s.
Don’t forget to send in those recipes. Until next time girls, keep smilin’ and enjoy each day! Wendy is a wife, mother, personal trainer, lifestyle coach and author. Her goal is to help women get excited about waking up in the morning. Wendy shows women how to fit exercise into their day, how to lose weight, inches, body fat and more importantly how to keep the weight off. Wendy also helps women discover or rediscover their gifts and talents and will teach them how to apply these to their daily lives. To work one on one with Wendy in your home or on line email Ryakattack@aim.com Wendy Yak’s Healthy Lifestyles Personal Trainer/Lifestyle Coach E-mail: Ryakattack@aim.com
This is great for Halloween, Christmas. Just use brown & orange smarties for Halloween and green & red smarties for Christmas.
Your crock pot is your friend Twenty one years ago, I was given a crock pot as a shower gift. Well, this summer I finally got it out. What a great tool. Even if you purchase the cheapest roast you can find, cook it all day in your crock pot, it will taste delicious. Simply add a little bit of water, ½ package of onion soup mix, real onion if you like, salt, pepper, garlic and basil to taste and you’re on your way. Add potatoes, carrots and by the time supper time rolls around, you’re all set.
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4. It's much easier to build strategic alliances/joint ventures/ partnerships. 5. It's much easier to become and be considered an expert at what you do. 6. Other opportunities present themselves.
WILL
When you focus your efforts and energy on one target market, you are directing the Universe to help draw those Ideal Clients to you. When you continue to put yourself out there with one clear message, those Ideal Clients will hear it and seek you out. Your niche will continue to evolve until it hits a tipping point, where everything is clicking, including your bottom line. You'll know it when it happens. And the end result is a flourishing business, serving exactly the people you were meant to serve. Exciting, isn't it? A LICIA M FOREST, MBA
Alicia M Forest, MBA, Multiple Streams Queen & CoachT, founder of ClientAbundance.com and creator of 21 Easy & Essential Steps to Online Success SystemT, teaches professionals how to attract more clients, create profit-making products and services, make more sales, and ultimately live the life they desire and deserve. For FREE tips on how to create abundance in your business, visit www.ClientAbundance.com.
when they say they will. There are so many things they can take off your hands you just need to take the time to tell them what you need. I have some of my marketing clients say I cannot afford this service. Well, I ask them to look at the time they were spending on the tasks they handed over and tell them to think about doing what they do best during that time. In most cases they can make double what they are paying their VA. Take a serious look at this, ladies! It will take time and it won’t be easy to decide what things you can let go of or refine but I promise that you will enjoy life more, accomplish more and be a happier person than when you are overwhelmed. Good luck! Sherry Simoes is owner of Creative Concepts Design and Marketing Group as well as Women of Today Inc. a p rofessi on al grou p for wom en entrepreneurs. She thrives on helping women learn to market an d p rom ote th ei r business. Visit her blog at www.sherrylynnsimoes.com. SHERRY SIMOES
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will be able to flow smoothly from one task to the next. You should have one to-do list for your business and one for your family. You can combine them into one, but it’s not a good idea. They really should be separate. These four valuable tips will help you prevent the feelings over being overwhelmed. Now don’t get me wrong, you may still feel overwhelmed at times and you may feel it while you are implementing these tips, but once you are up and running, those feelings will become less and less. One thing you must do as often as you can is to take time for yourself. When you do this, you will feel great and you will be able to deal with the feeling of being overwhelmed when it tries to show its ugly head.
Featured Author Wendy VanHatten
CORRIE PETERSEN
Corrie Petersen runs a successful Virtual Assistant business. She enjoys helping others reach their goals and dreams. Check out her website at http://www.virtualfreedom4you.com.
My Life, the Sequel...A Girlfriend's Guide t o Success My Life: The Sequel A Girlfriend’s Guide to Personal Success is the resource we com piled of the tips and tricks we learned along the way as we created our own life sequels. Sim ply put, we wanted to share it all with y ou because no one else should have to go it alone just to have it all! Av a ila b l e on li n e at www.mylifethesequel.com/
E-Book: $12.95 Nov 2009 | 33
We are honored to introduce our esteemed Premier Members, Volunteers and Staff Members. Anna Campbell with My Business Journals www.mybusinessjournals.com
Patricia Boes with Memories in Pastel Mem oriesInPastel.com
Andrea Okrentowich with Creative Nonprofit Solutions www.creativenonprofitsolutions.org
Patricia Garrison with Gifts N’ More ryze.com/go/GiftsNMore
Cindy Clark with CCDesignz Business Services, LLC www.CCDesignz.com
Sherry Lynn Sim oes with Creative Concepts Design www.creativeconceptsonline.net/
Dawn Kirk with am brielpublishing.com
Susanne Mariga with Susanne Mariga CPA SusanneMarigaCPA.com
Diane Tegarden with Firewalker Publications FirewalkerPublications.com
Stacey Virgo with ShagoUSA www.shargo.us
Donna Crav otta with Virtual Managem ent Concepts, LLC www.virtualmanagem entconceptsllc.com
Tracy Collins with Collins Administrative Services Collins-Admin.com
Ginger Marks with DocUmeant Designs DocUmeantDesigns.com
Wendy VanHatten with Vanhatten Writing Services www.vanhattenwritingservices.com
Jylian Sy with InterPlay Communications interplay@social.rr.com Julie-Marie Christin with Julie-Marie JulieMarie.com Kathy Allen with Accents of Home Accents ofHome.com Kristine Sheehan with TheMerryBird.com Laura Wheeler with Firelight Web Studio FirelightWebStudio.com Lisa Wald-Guarino with Lisa's Art & Horses LisasArt.com Michelle Suman with Jam Sum Limited Jam Sum.com
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www.vanhattenwritingservices.com
WE’RE ON T HE WEB WWW. WOMENBI ZOWNERS. ORG
Become a WBO Premier Member Today! This membership is for our ladies who are focus ed on their primary business and are looking for educational support, networking opportunities, promotional advantages, and real time business success. Cost is only $10 a month or $100 for a whole year! With your Premier membership: - Star Membership benefits - Featured member for 1 week on WBO Ryze Network and in WBO Magazine - Free invitation to all of our WBO produced classes and seminars - May list unlimited events/classes/seminars in group calendar per month - Included in Member 2 Member Discounts - Opportunity to be a local networking group leader - A personalized press rel ease - Opportunity to be on Panel of Experts - Discounted advertising opportunities - Included in the Premier Members Circle Contact us today for more inform ation: WomenBizOwners.org Membership Director: Patricia Boes patriciab@womenbizowners.org
Join Us Next Month‌ Thank y ou f or allowing us to be apart of the journey you are on with y our b usiness. This i s an amazing jour ney with ups and dow ns. Rememb er that we are her e to help y ou learn ab out all areas of y our b usiness and we are c heering y ou on f or succ ess! We l ook f orwar d to w orking with each and every one of you over the next year to buil d your business. Having a gr oup that believes in y ou and supports you i s an opportunity that you c an share with friends and f amily. Shar ing inf or mation i s an amazing freedom and w e ar e thankf ul to share this fr eedom with you. We believe in y ou and we believe in y our success!
Join us online: Women Business Owners htt p://www.womenbizowners.org
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WBO National Convention 2009