Saturday, August 29, 2009

Site of Interest: Many Eyes

Turning numbers into pictures is a gift. We are pleased to unveil (if you don't know about it already) a new social kind of data analysis, Many Eyes, that is brought to you generously by our WPO national sponsor IBM.
Many Eyes is a bet on the power of human visual intelligence to find patterns. Our goal is to "democratize" visualization and to enable a new social kind of data analysis. Jump right to our visualizations now, take a tour, or read on for a leisurely explanation of the project.

All of us in CUE's Visual Communication Lab are passionate about the potential of data visualization to spark insight. It is that magical moment we live for: an unwieldy, unyielding data set is transformed into an image on the screen, and suddenly the user can perceive an unexpected pattern. As visualization designers we have witnessed and experienced many of those wondrous sparks. But in recent years, we have become acutely aware that the visualizations and the sparks they generate, take on new value in a social setting.

Visualization is a catalyst for discussion and collective insight about data.

Sample its concept here: Unemployment by State, May, 2009, World Language Speakers by Family (pictured) and Obama Speech in Cairos - Focus on "WE."

Learn more here.

Think about how you might use this tool to unearth new insights and grow your business. Create your own visualization here.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Event of Interest: WPO Chicago Summit Report

Our WPO Chicago Summit -- sponsored by Harris N.A. and IBM -- was a huge success. It began with Mary Lyons, Manager of the IBM Innovation Center (Chicago) welcoming everyone. We are always delighted when Mary shares her valuable time and enthusiasm with us. IBM is a national sponsor to the Women Presidents' Organization which we value tremendously.

In the morning segment, Supplier Diversity Professionals (SDPs) and WPO Chicago members discussed how to work more efficiently together during tough economic times. We will continue to nurture this vibrant conversation over the coming months.

First up in the afternoon, Emilia DiMenco, Executive V.P., Harris, presented, “Retrench, Renew, and Reset: Navigating the current environment and positioning your business for success," which helped WPO Chicago members re-evaluate their business objectives and financial well-being in light of the current economy and economic forecast. She instilled in us that it is not too late to get your business in financial order. She was accompanied by Janice Zimmerman, Sr. Commercial Relationship Manager, Harris, who fielded questions that arose by members.

Rick Murray, President, Edelman Worldwide Digital, followed with a presentation, “The Engagement Imperative: Communications Strategies for a Connected World,” that painted the big picture on social media and word-of-mouth marketing. And we were delighted to hear insights from Janet Cabot, President, Central Region, Edelman as well (shhhhh ... we are wooing Janet into becoming a WPO Chicago member -- will keep you posted).

The highlight of our event was at the end of our program when we had a special guest visit by our very own WPO Chair, International Board of Directors, Margery Kraus (pictured center in red; she is also president and chief executive officer of APCO Worldwide), who gave a wonderful "impromptu" talk about how she started and grew her business into a major global player.

Here's what people said about our Summit:
I just wanted to say that last week was very beneficial to me. I am glad that I took the time out of my day to listen to the speakers and presentations. I also was able to meet and connect with other members that are in the other chapters. I am really going to start going forward with Social Media with our company since that pep talk was a real eye opener. I am so glad that I joined this group and would have never been exposed to the different topics if I had not joined. -- WPO Chicago member (downtown III)

Thank you again for allowing us to host this year’s Summit meeting. I enjoyed the social media presentation and discussion and continue to be awed and impressed by the dynamic, high energy business owners that are involved in the WPO.
-- Summit Sponsor

The summit energized and refocused me.
-- WPO Chicago member (downtown II)

Thank you for inviting me and for continuing to try and address the gaps between WBEs and supplier diversity representatives.
-- Supplier Diversity Professional

It was excellent. I am amazed at how much I get from the Summit. It's like you have to take a step back and then rethink all of the fabulous information you were given in a period of a few hours. Then sort and take away what is relevant to your business needs.
-- WPO Chicago member (downtown I)

I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you so much for inviting me to the Summit today. I was very interested in the topic this morning and very impressed with the membership as a whole. It's always nice to see first hand that an organization that my firm sponsors is really doing wonderful and valuable things.
-- WPO National Sponsor
Special thanks to Harris N.A. and IBM for making this year's Summit more relevant than ever. Thanks to our national sponsors who help make the WPO program possible.

We are already preparing for next year's Summit. Mark your calendars now: August 12, 2010. Send your ideas my way at ldelaney(at)globetrade.com.

Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Article of Interest: Best Promotion of Social Media Efforts by a Big Brand: And the Winner Is ...


Our 6th Annual WPO Chicago Summit was a huge success. We had a fabulous turnout and the discussions were both useful and empowering for driving results for our businesses. We will report on it shortly -- be on the lookout.

In the meantime and since it's related to our Summit theme, take a look at Fast Company's, "Best Promotion of Social Media Efforts by a Big Brand: And the Winner Is ..." for ideas on how to promote your social media efforts on your own Web site.

Shhhhhh ... one of the winners is NikeWomen!

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Blog Post of Interest: 101 Blogs To Inspire


Let's face it. We are all searching for solutions to challenges we face each and every day while growing a business. And with this awful economy, its hard to stay focused, remain enthusiastic and lead in a way that people respect and admire. So where do you turn to get inspiration when the going gets tough?

Not sure? We can help. If you are a woman and run a million-dollar plus business, see us! You definitely need to consider WPO membership. But in between now and that point of contact (ldelaneyatglobetrade.com or call 773-381-1700), take a look at the following list of resources (primarily blogs and in line with our upcoming Summit on communications strategies for a connected world) to help you cut costs and get inspired.

Top 100 Blogs For Small-Business Cost-Cutting Inspiration


#101: The Women Presidents' Organization


Have a few of your own? Please share.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Article of Interest: Twitter Intelligence


Since the focus of our 6th Annual WPO Chicago Summit August 13th is on communication strategies for a connected world (e.g., social media), we will continue to blog about a variety of social media and networking platforms that enable you to connect, collaborate and engage with other human beings worldwide through your business.

The first big question is this: Are you connected? As a founder, President or CEO of an organization, are you using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Wikipedia, and blog sites as a business tool?

Here's what a CEO says:
"Customers crave engagement and dialogue with the brands they love, and Twitter is one of the ways you can help establish that," Marr said. "The key is remembering that you're walking into one big dinner party - if you start shilling products instead of engaging with people you might not find any seats at the table."
About how 31 percent of business owners through the 2008 Inc. 500 maintained a blog or presence on a social network.

What about you? What are you doing right now? How will we know?

Read more here.

Other related resources:

CEO's Who Twitter

Tweets From the Chiefs
C Level Tweeters
No surprises in CEOs using Twitter