Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

WPO Chicago Member of Interest: Shelly Sun, CEO and Co-Founder of BrightStar

2012-01-30T10:28:00.000-06:00

WPO Chicago Platinum member Shelly Sun, CEO and co-founder of BrightStar, is a longstanding member of the Women Presidents' Organization and has won numerous awards, including but not limited to:

... selected as the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Entrepreneur of the Year for 2009, becoming not only the youngest recipient of this impressive award, but also only the second female recipient. In 2011, Shelly and BrightStar were featured on the hit CBS series “Undercover Boss.” She was also recognized by the Women Presidents Organization and American Express Open as #1 in their Top 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Led Organizations in 2011, moving up from #2 in 2010. Read more ... here.

Her most recent accomplishment is authoring, "Grow Smart, Risk Less (as shown at right)," which I am about to read this week. Read what others have already said about the book. Order yourself a copy here.

We are very proud of Shelly and wish her continued success with her business and in her life.

Illustration credit (top) here.

Related post here.

Article of Interest: How to Stay a Step Ahead in Business

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a glimpse of the thinking behind some of the major steps I.B.M. has taken under Samuel Palmisano’s (pictured) leadership, based on two interviews with him conducted at the NYTimes.com. He boils it down to four questions you must ask:

“Why would someone spend their money with you — so what is unique about you?”
“Why would somebody work for you?”
“Why would society allow you to operate in their defined geography — their country?”
“And why would somebody invest their money with you?”

Mr. Palmisano has stepped down as Chief Executive of IBM, turning the baton over to Virginia M. Rometty (pictured) who becomes the ninth chief executive in the company’s 100-year history.

Read the entire article here.

Hat tip to WPO Chicago member Mary Bahr for turning us on to the article.

Blog Post of Interest: CEO Blindspots

2012-01-16T08:00:00.001-06:00

What do CEOs misunderstand the most about how their management teams think? Take a guess. As President of your firm, do you know your management team very well?

The blog post below offers three major ways in which teams definitely do not see themselves as the CEO does.

Top Three CEO Blindspots brought to you by The Build Network (from the creators of Inc.)

Article of Interest: Promotion Predictions for 2012

2012-01-09T08:02:00.011-06:00

How will you be grabbing attention for your business in 2012? Will it be all serious or do you plan to bring in a little comedy this year to promote your brand?

According to a recent WSJ article:

Still, a flair for technology won't be enough to stand out amidst the stupefying ad clutter. To grab attention, some ad executives expect to see more comedy in the mix while others foresee an uptick in raunchier promotions, peppered with f-bombs.

Find out about all the advertising predictions in 2012 here.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Peering Into the Future

2012-01-03T11:54:00.000-06:00

What surprises should we expect over the coming year? Your guess is as good as mine. According to The Wall Street Journal columnist David Wessel, his response to that very same question is this: "If I anticipated them, they wouldn't be surprises."

More importantly: Where is the conventional wisdom most likely to be wrong?

Wessel tackels that question and provides a consensus forecast for 2012.

An Economics Columnist Peers Into the Future

Be sure to click on the reader's comments. They can be more telling than the actual opinion piece.

Gear up, prepare your business as best you can and let's hope the economy performs better than we expect in the new year.

Happy 2012 from WPO Chicago!

Happy Holidays From WPO Chicago!

2011-12-26T09:00:00.014-06:00

©Laurel Delaney 2011, "First snow in Chicago 2011"

In the quiet moments of the holiday,

may you find peace and joy.

Article of Interest: Trends That Will Shape Small Business in 2012

2011-12-19T07:18:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year -- nearing the end of December. A time to reflect on where you've been and where you're headed with your business. As you plan, are you aware of what may be hot in 2012? But first, before we get to it, does this sound like you?

Small-business owners don’t care what’s cool. They care about what’s practical and what seems obvious—and that’s not always what gets buzz.

If it is, have a look at:

5 Trends That Will Shape Small Business in 2012

Prepare your business for another spectacular year of growth and profits.

Book of Interest: Start-up Nation

2011-12-12T08:00:00.002-06:00

Why does Israel produce more start-up companies than large, peaceful, and stable nations like Canada, Japan or India?

There's one way to find out or at least get a few clues. Read "Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel's Economic Miracle."

Start-up Nation examines the lessons of the country's adversity-driven culture, which flattens hierarchy and elevates informality -- all backed up by government policies focused on innovation. In a world where economies as diverse as Ireland, Singapore and Dubai have tried to re-create the "Israel effect," there are entrepreneurial lessons well worth noting.

Go here to find out how Israel has beaten the odds to become a major player in the global business world, especially in the technology space and a main contributor to global culture. After you read the book, see how you might develop the next generation of corporate leaders or put those within your business who question authority to work!

Video of Interest: Judi Sheppard Jazzing It Up in Chicago!

2011-12-05T05:04:00.001-06:00

Judi Sheppard Missett, a longstanding WPO member, jazzes it up in Chicago! She rocks and we are very proud of her.

Book of Interest: Confidence

2011-11-28T04:47:00.001-06:00

Throughout the year, I've tried to read at least one good business book a month and this month it is "Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End" (2004) by Rosabeth M. Kanter, who holds the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professorship at Harvard Business School.

Professor Kanter is in the upper crust of great minds such as Jim Collins, Gary Hamel, Peter Senge and Clayton Christensen. Reading nearly every book she has ever authored, I will never understand why she is not on the best seller list more often.

But to "Confidence." If you want to know why some people and organizations always seem to land on their feet, while others, equally gifted, stumble again and again, then this book is for you. I highly recommend it. It's well-written, well-researched and will help you win in any global game you're playing.

From Amazon book review:

Rosabeth Moss Kanter will convince you that the goal of winning is not losing two times in a row. In her view, success and failure are not events, they are self-fulfilling tendencies. "Confidence is the sweet spot between arrogance and despair--consisting of positive expectations for favorable outcomes."

Meanwhile, learn what another entrepreneur thinks of the book and how it rang true to him as he rides out his own firm's recent acquisition of a troubled firm and what he did to turn things around.

News of Interest: Everything You Want to Know About Cloud Computing

2011-11-21T04:30:00.001-06:00

We wrote about cloud computing on July 5, 2010. What's happened since then? Plenty.

Recent IDC cloud research shows that worldwide revenue from public IT cloud services exceeded $16 billion in 2009 and is forecast to reach $55.5 billion in 2014, representing a compound annual growth rate of 27.4%.

Learn everything you need to know about cloud computing to bring your business up to speed -- from new business models to the biggest cloud opportunities to how organizations can keep up with new architectural paradigms and offer more flexibility with less customization and more integration -- it's all here.

IDC Cloud

Illustration credit: IDC Cloud

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Unbeatable Customer Care

2011-11-14T05:08:00.001-06:00

Whether you run a local or global company, customer care should be a No. 1 priority for you as you grow your business. Here are ten ways to provide unbeatable customer care.

Developing Great Global Customer Relations

Full disclosure: Laurel Delaney serves as the Import and Export Guide for About.com (a New York Times company).

News of Interest: Woman-Owned Businesses Show Strength, Versatility and Growth

2011-11-07T08:40:00.001-06:00

According to the annual survey by the Women Presidents' Organization and sponsored by Wells Fargo, it shows 76% of companies have maintained or grown their employee base.

Women Presidents have shown they can adjust to the changing economic climate. Results from the surveyed membership indicate 82% of multi-million dollar business owners have positive outlooks and experienced company growth in 2011, according to the annual economic survey by the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), the premier peer advisory organization for women entrepreneurs. Despite the economic downturn, 42% of these CEOs and presidents were able to give their employees raises while, 49% maintained current employee salaries.

Other interesting facts surveyed by WPO:

58% of member businesses have grown since joining; 75% of these believe WPO has helped them grow
80% believe the WPO helps manage business concerns in the current economic climate
72% believe their WPO chapter is the most valuable resource that WPO provides

Event of Interest: WPO Fall Regional Seminar Series 11/2/11 - LAST CHANCE!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.003-05:00

Register now for the WPO Fall Regional Seminar series "Stirring it Up: How to Grow Your Business, Make Money, and Save the World" featuring Gary Hirshberg, Chairman, President and CE-Yo of

(L) Samuel Kaymen and (R) Gary Hirshberg

Stonyfield Farm, sponsored by American Express OPEN.

Chicago, Illinois
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Westin Michigan Avenue
909 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

What you will learn:

1. The strategy that Gary Hirshberg put into action that led to Stonyfield’s growth from its infancy as a seven-cow organic farming school to its current $370 million in annual sales.

2. How Stonyfield has parlayed its social media platforms and marketing initiatives into successful and authentic communication with consumers.

3. How Stonyfield has challenged the myth that social or environmental missions conflict with the company's financial objectives and instead created a "win-win-win-win-win-win-win" business model in which all stakeholders (employees, investors, customers, consumers, suppliers, farmers and shareholders and even the cows) all win.

FINAL CALL! Click here to register. Private affair: For WPO members and prospective members only.

Link to Samuel Kaymen and Gary Hirshberg Stonyfield story

Event of Interest: WPO Fall Regional Seminar Series 11/2/11

2011-10-24T06:11:00.012-05:00

Register now for the WPO Fall Regional Seminar series "Stirring it Up: How to Grow Your Business, Make Money, and Save the World" featuring Gary Hirshberg, Chairman, President and CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm, sponsored by American Express OPEN.

Chicago, IL
November 2, 2011
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Westin Michigan Avenue
909 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

What you will learn:

1. The strategy that Gary Hirshberg put into action that led to Stonyfield’s growth from its infancy as a seven-cow organic farming school to its current $370 million in annual sales.

2. How Stonyfield has parlayed its social media platforms and marketing initiatives into successful and authentic communication with consumers.

3. How Stonyfield has challenged the myth that social or environmental missions conflict with the company's financial objectives and instead created a "win-win-win-win-win-win-win" business model in which all stakeholders (employees, investors, customers, consumers, suppliers, farmers and shareholders and even the cows) all win.

Click here to register. Private affair: For WPO members and prospective members only. Only a few seats left!

Article of Interest: Time As a Means to Happiness

2011-10-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

New research takes a fresh look at the topic of happiness. You can run a successful business and make a ton of money but what if happiness is not something you feel?

According to "If Money Doesn't Make You Happy, Consider Time," the authors discuss how happiness is indeed a consequence of the choices people make.

So what can people do to increase their happiness? Their answer is surprisingly simple: spend your time wisely. Careful though.

You will be surprised to learn how people spend their time.

Although happiness is clearly relevant for individuals, businesses should also pay attention. Building a workforce of highly qualified, hard-working, and loyal employees is an essential aspect of staying competitive in today's global markets. Therefore, being concerned about employee happiness is not just a moral thing to do, but it makes smart business sense as well.

Read the entire article along with discovering the five time-spending happiness principles here.

And the author's tip to finding the best road to happiness? Spend time with the people you love doing the things you love.

Download PDF file:

If Money Doesn't Make You Happy, Consider Time," Jennifer Aaker, Melanie Rudd, Cassie Mogilner, Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2011.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: How to Impress Your Bank

2011-10-10T05:04:00.001-05:00

First rule of thumb: Know how much you need to borrow - and why. Here are some tips (and tools) on how to not just impress your bank but make the most out of the relationship.

Second rule of thumb: Know your numbers.

Read the entire article: How Can Entrepreneurs Impress Their Bank? | Chief Executive Magazine

Article of Interest: How to Do Business in China

2011-10-03T07:09:00.003-05:00

Nanjing, China

At some point with a business, you look at how to achieve greater and faster growth without breaking the bank. Expanding internationally is a wise choice.

Below, Inc. Magazine contributor David Freeman makes a solid case for doing business in China. Although China is a complicated and a frustrating market to enter (definitely not for the timid business owner), it does offer unlimited upside growth potential for a business. After all, we are talking about selling to more than 1.3 billion consumers.

Read: How to Break Into China

For additional help in going global or entering China, visit: About.com Import and Export Guide site, The Global Small Business Blog and Women Entrepreneurs GROW Global (full disclosure: Laurel Delaney manages these sites).

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Growing Firms Seek Part-Time Execs

2011-09-26T08:50:00.000-05:00

According to the article referenced below, mid-size companies -- considered the engine for future economic growth and job creation -- are reporting a greater demand for part-time high-level executives as the economy recovers. Even though the article focuses on Detroit, this might be indicative of just about any major city in the United States with a high concentration of business owners.

When a company reaches several million dollars in annual revenues, its need for at least a part-time chief financial officer instead of a bookkeeper or a part-time chief technology officer in lieu of a web technician becomes undeniable, Fowler said.

"By the time you get to $5 million, your financial systems will have to be pretty sophisticated for you to grow your company," he said.

Something to think about and seriously consider.

And of course, many WPO members are at a revenue level that supports this notion:

"However, once most companies hit the approximately $15 million mark and they see a growing revenue stream, they want full-time employees at the C-level," Holland said.

Read more: "Growing firms seek part-time execs"

Article of Interest: How to Put Your Strategic Growth Drivers In Place

2011-09-19T07:09:00.001-05:00

To build and grow your business during difficult economic times, put the following three pieces of advice into place:

• Preserve your cash.
• Be predatory from a sales and marketing perspective.
• Be opportunistic toward acquisitions.

Snippet:

... companies are proving that, if a business has strategic growth drivers in place from the very beginning, it will have the opportunity to grow, no matter what the economic climate. A fundamental piece to this puzzle is ensuring that the business model that you create and develop enables value creation and the possibility for creating a successful business, not just a successful product line.

Learn more about how to do this:

"Three Tactics For Building a Successful Business in a Bad Economy."

Article of Interest: Tips On Managing Experienced Workers

2011-09-12T08:25:00.001-05:00

Here's a good look at how to manage experienced workers and at the same, stay on top your game.

Richard Branson on Managing Experienced Workers || Entrepreneur.com

Excerpt from article:

... if you want to stay at the top of your game and work smoothly with your younger colleagues, you have to embrace change.

Video of Interest: Why Women-Owned Business Owners Succeed

2011-09-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Blog Post of Interest: How to Think and Act Different

2011-08-29T07:07:00.004-05:00

This one's for Steve ... reflecting on his 2005 Stanford commencement address ... lessons we can all learn as we grow our businesses.

Reflecting on Steve Jobs' Words of Wisdom

Are you putting a ding in the universe? What are you going to do about it?

Note: Authorized biography on Steve Jobs coming out soon.

Photo credit here.

Article of Interest: The Days of Middle Managers Are Over

2011-08-22T08:21:00.003-05:00

Call it what you like -- extinction, thing of the past or obsolescence -- but the potential death of mid managers is something we should all look at within our own organizations. For example, do you have a General Manager? How many middle managers is he or she managing? The following article warrants a rethink on your organizational chart.

Quick snippet:

“The days of general managers who know a little about a lot of things are completely over,” says Ms Gratton. As the developed world moves towards knowledge-based industries, she says, there is no longer a workforce that can be “managed by looking at it”. It is not enough simply to monitor how many hours workers spend at their station. Teams are now often comprised of peers focusing on a particular project who, aided by technology, now also monitor output and give each other feedback—two classic roles of the middle manager. Rather than general management, Ms Gratton argues that corporate types should develop mastery of one or two areas—"such as leading complex teams or understanding how virtual communities work"—and be prepared to bone up on new specializations quickly, as the needs of business change.

Read the entire article here.

Illustration credit (related to above) here.

Article of Interest: 5 Best Social CRM Programs

2011-08-15T07:59:00.004-05:00

What is a social CRM program? What are the best CRM programs? Here's a look at five you should be using for your business and why.

Read:

The Best Social CRM Programs | Inc.com

Illustration credit: Radian6

Event of Interest: 8th Annual WPO Chicago Summit 2011

2011-08-08T04:04:00.003-05:00

If you are interested in attending, you must first become a WPO member. It's not too late. Please contact Laurel Delaney to discuss details.

Interview of Interest: How to Pitch and Win Over Investors

2011-08-01T08:07:00.004-05:00

Author Donna Fenn interviews Amy Millman, president and co-founder of Springboard Enterprises, a not-for-profit “venture catalyst” with a mission to facilitate women entrepreneurs’ access to the equity markets.

When we ask investors what they look for in a company, they say ‘we invest in the jockey, not the horse.’ What they really mean is they are willing to bet on a CEO who they believe would make them money. Lots of money. So if you want them to invest in you, you need to appear to be a clone of that investor, have a serious track record of delivering big returns for investor, or be able and willing to proclaim your expertise.

Springboard educates, sources, coaches, showcases, and supports high growth women-led companies seeking equity capital for expansion.

Do you have a serious track record of delivering big returns at your business, or are you able and willing to proclaim your expertise?

Read the entire interview here.

News of Interest: Google+

2011-07-25T07:25:00.022-05:00

Laurel Delaney, Google+

Are you on Google+? I am (https://profiles.google.com/laureldelaney). Currently, Google+ is in a "beta trial period," meaning it is an invitation-only product and will be available globally (hopefully) later.

Here's how Google defines Google+:

The Google+ (http://plus.google.com/ ) project aims to make sharing on the web more like sharing in real life. Check out Circles, Sparks, and Hangouts, just a few of the things we've ...

To get up to speed fast, read:

Google+: What Is It, and How Do I Get It?

... but the big difference (between Facebook and Google+) is that with Google+, you can choose who you want to share these things with. ~ Source: Geek.com

Google Takes on Facebook With New Social Network Google+

Is Google+ Really Google Buzz 2.0?

A Review of Google+

Illustration credit: Google+ Project

I like Google+ because it will give us, as business owners, a chance to share the right stuff with the right people to grow strategically. Take a tour here.

Hope we connect on Google+ soon.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: How to Breed a Management Rebel

2011-07-18T07:18:00.004-05:00

Good stuff from our friend and colleague Gary Hamel (pictured).

Inventing Management 2.0

In it, he talks about busting bureaucratic practices and discovering new ways of motivating, organizing, compensating and goal setting. For example, does this sound anything close to how you currently run your business?

... the management model found in your organization most likely over-weights the views of senior executives, undervalues unconventional thinking, discourages full transparency, deters initiative, frustrates experimentation and encourages an entirely unwarranted reverence for precedence. In so doing, Management 1.0 squanders the leadership talents of just about everyone apart from the CEO.

Find out how you might become a management (Presidential) rebel here. Go ahead: shake it up!

Note: Gary Hamel was the keynote speaker for our WPO Conference 2006 in Chicago.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Case Study of Interest: Firing Your Best Friend

2011-07-11T07:11:00.004-05:00

With business revenue drying up, Susan Southerland, owner and President of Just Marry, was cutting expenses everywhere (sound familiar?). But could she really fire her best friend?

When things get tough, the tough get going. See what she does here:

Case Study
Nothing Personal
Inc. Magazine
Should This Wedding Planner Fire Her Best Friend?

Have you ever had a similar experience? What did you do?

News of Interest: Happy 4th of July from WPO Chicago!

2011-07-04T09:00:00.003-05:00

We wish you a safe, happy and productive Independence Day.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Photo credit: ©Laurel Delaney 2011. All rights reserved. Michigan Avenue, facing West, Chicago River.

Article of Interest: Characteristics of Second-Stage Growth Companies

2011-06-27T08:18:00.002-05:00

Are you experiencing second-stage growth pains? Many Women Presidents' Organization members are. The signs are usually very telling. According to our partner, Edward Lowe Foundation, the characteristics are as follows:

Many people are not aware of what others are doing.
People lack an understanding of the firm's ultimate goals.
A precipitous drop in product quality occurs for unknown reasons.
Turnover increases sharply, just when the company needs more personnel.
You wake up worrying about operational tasks that someone else ought to be handling.
All your customers want to meet with you, but finding the time to do so seems impossible.

Learn more about second-stage growth for a business and what to do about it.

Characteristics of Second-Stage Growth Business Owners

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Event of Interest: 8th Annual WPO Chicago Summit 2011

2011-06-20T08:30:00.001-05:00

Article of Interest: What's the Difference Between a Boss and a Leader?

2011-06-13T07:11:00.001-05:00

As a business owner, you may be clear with your sense of purpose and direction, but when you command with a position of power, does that mean you are acting like a leader or a boss?

Find out more here.

Article of Interest: How To Embed Anything on Your Blog or Website

2011-06-06T08:31:00.002-05:00

First, you have to find out what embedding means. Next, you have to figure out how to do it. Lastly, you must understand the 'why' behind it.

It's all here.

Illustration credit: embed.ly

Article of Interest: How to Create a Handheld Device Strategy for Your Business

2011-05-30T08:30:00.001-05:00

How to create and keep customers on mobile phones? In his time, Theodore Leavitt would have a field day with this issue. After all, he is the founding father of coining the term 'globalization' and defining corporate purpose: Rather than merely making money, it is to create and keep a customer. Oh how I wish he were with us today to provide his two cents on what we should be doing to leverage the mobile market.

But Inc. magazine does a good job with whetting our appetite on the topic:

How to Create a Mobile Strategy for Your Business.

Short clip:

Let's face it. Mobile devices have drastically shifted the online landscape to the point that in 2010 more than 50 percent of all Internet access was being done via handhelds of some sort. About 45 percent of mobile owners are using their devices to download social networking apps. In fact, 35 percent of Android and iPhone owners in the U.S. use apps such as Facebook before getting out of bed, according to a recent survey conducted by telecommunications equipment vendor Ericsson.

Your strategy should be based on how your customers use handheld devices in their everyday lives. Do you know how they use their devices? Better start asking.

Read the entire article here.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Seven Social Media Marketing Essentials

2011-05-23T08:09:00.001-05:00

Are you trying to make a difference with your social media marketing? As you grow your business, here are seven key areas where you should be spending all your time.

The 7 Social Media Marketing Essentials

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Becoming a Disruptive Innovator

2011-05-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

Photo credit: Kheng Guan Toh

If you can't beat them, disrupt them! That's the call to action on this nifty little article by Matthew May for the American Express OPEN Forum. Not only does he cover that, but how to do it -- create the disruptive business model.

Read the entire article here.

Photo of Interest: Dedicated WPO Sponsor Foley & Lardner LLP

2011-05-09T08:45:00.006-05:00

Photo taken at our WPO Vancouver international conference April 29, 2011. Pictured (L-R), Foley & Lardner partners Miki V. Tesija and Mary Kay Matire (wo)maning their booth. For more information, visit Foley & Lardner LLP.

Photo credit Laurel Delaney

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: How to Take Content Marketing to the Next Level

2011-05-02T08:30:00.001-05:00

If you are stuck on how to kick it up a notch with your business relative to your content marketing strategy, this article offers some good advice (short case studies) on how three companies -- Mint, Hubspot and America Express OPEN Forum (one of our favorites!) -- attained success.

Read the entire article here.

Illustration credit here.

Article of Interest: The Sharing Economy

2011-04-25T08:57:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the Internet (which includes social media and social networking platforms), you can now share anything with anyone anywhere in the world.

Embrace it for your business and start using the communal assets to your advantage.

Read: "The Sharing Economy" by Danielle Sacks, Fast Company

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

News of Interest: WPO Chicago Member Featured On Undercover Boss

2011-04-17T08:00:00.006-05:00

Tune in to Undercover Boss tonight (April 17th) at 8:00 p.m. CDT to watch our very own WPO Chicago member Shelly Sun, CEO and co-founder of BrightStar.

Play the preview clip here.

Best wishes Shelly! We are very proud of you.

Article of Interest: Social Media Efforts Pay Off

2011-04-11T08:09:00.004-05:00

According to Courtney Rubin for Inc., "Social Media Worth the Time." Her opinion is based on the 2011 Social Media Marketing Report which highlights how important social media is to the success of a business.

Small businesses and the self-employed are most likely to close new business deals and find partnerships thanks to their efforts on Facebook, Twitter, et al.

Read the entire article here.

And let us know if you agree or disagree. Have your efforts on social media paid off handsomely for your business? We welcome hearing from you!

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Tip of the Week: Gogobot

2011-04-04T08:43:00.001-05:00

Plan a trip with great travel recommendations from friends, business colleagues and people who travel like you. Collect and share where you've been in your Gogobot passport. Gogobot says:

Whether it is a week's vacation, a business trip or a weekend getaway, we believe planning your trip should be almost as fun as the trip itself. We believe the best advice comes from people you trust - people like you - and not from anonymous strangers on the internet. We believe sharing your experiences should be as simple as touching the screen on your phone. We are passionate about technology and design and their power to reshape our world for the better.

Visit Gogobot. See if it helps plan your next business trip which might include one day of fun to clear your head.

Illustration credit: Gogobot hompage

Video of Interest: Follow Your Interest

2011-03-28T05:20:00.002-05:00

As a business owner, what do you care about? Who do you follow? What do you want to know?

Follow your interests (e.g., @WomenPresidents). Keep discovering and growing.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Commentary of Interest: The Power of Persuasion; Does It Sell Anything?

2011-03-21T08:09:00.002-05:00

Are you advertising with your business? Yes, remember that good old-fashioned way of getting the word out to a large number of people about your brand via television, print or radio?

Or maybe you've switched to heavy use of social media platforms like Linked In, Twitter and Facebook to boost the star marketing power of your business. Have these platforms rewarded you in some fashion with having the most number of fans -- say with new business?

Clearly, as business owners, we need to revisit the whole point of social media and social networking: to sell a product or service.

Read: Just How Influential Is Your Social-Media Program if It Isn't Helping To Sell Product? ~ by Rance Crain

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: How Reframing Behavior Can Lead To Organizational Change

2011-03-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

When business owners talk about change, they usually have a desired result in mind: wake people up a bit (change the company culture), a better approach or relationship to clients, a focus on profit instead of just revenue.

Sometimes a given situation merely calls for new behaviors and a change in practice. Learn the secrets on how to make it happen:

"That's the Way We (Used to) Do Things Around Here"

White Paper of Interest: Life After Exit

2011-03-07T07:45:00.004-06:00

Most business owners reach a point when they are ready to exit from their baby, the business that is. In Chicago, with three robust chapters, we generally have at least one or two members in each chapter who are positioning to sell their business.

The itch to exit starts with getting weary from doing the same thing (the passion is lost), a readiness to retire or the contemplation of an offer from a buyer that you cannot refuse. Whatever the reason and whenever the point in time, one needs to prepare well in advance. Doing your homework matters and so does finding out how others handled the sale of their company, which might resemble a circumstance similar to yours.

Esteemed fellow WPO Chapter Chair Barbara Roberts (Zenith group), authored a 38-page "white paper" for the Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center at Columbia Business School: "Life After an Exit: How Entrepreneurs Transition to the Next Stage (immediate download of PDF file)."

For the paper, Ms. Roberts interviews 23 entrepreneurs who sold their company for $10 million to $970 million. The interviews are about how they experienced the sale and how they learned about wealth management. The interviews also cover how they had transitioned to the next chapter of their lives. The "white paper" includes what they did well and what they wished they had done better before, during and after the sale.

If you have questions about the white paper or would like to contact Ms. Roberts to attend an event when she will be speaking more about the themes of paper, feel free to connect with her directly here.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Blog Post of Interest: 5 Tips On How to Grow a Business

2011-02-28T17:18:00.000-06:00

Dennis Crowley, founder of Foursquare, knows a little something about growing a business.

Read: Growing Your Business: 5 Tips From the Founder of Foursquare

Quick glimpse on the tips he offers:

1. “Twitter is your best friend”

2. “Keep it light”*

3. “Guerilla customer service”

4. “Small and scrappy marketing 4eva”

5. “Show off your team”

*Light as a feather

Register: WPO 2011 Conference in Vancouver, BC

2011-02-21T07:06:00.006-06:00

Registration is open for the 2011 WPO Conference, Grow Boldly, Lead Globally, Vancouver, BC on April 27-29 at the Westin Bayshore (pictured).

Keynote Speakers include:

Coping with the Economy in Turbulent Times
Meredith Whitney, CEO, Meredith Whitney Advisory Group, LLC

Lululemon: From One Store to a Global Brand in 10 Years
Chip Wilson, Chairman of the Board, Lululemon

A Global Leader – Her Story
Rebecca MacDonald, Executive Chair, Just Energy Group

And ... Dancing and Drumming with the Rainbow Creek Dancers!

For registration and more information, click here. For a quick look at the workshops, go here.

See you there!

Article of Interest: Effective E-Mail Marketing

2011-02-14T08:00:00.021-06:00

Whether it's Valentine's Day or any special occasion, these e-mail tips will help you target better and sell more product or service offerings throughout the year.

Snippet:

1. Use social media to help your campaign.
Yes, we just said customers are more tolerant of e-mail pitches. But an established social media presence will smooth and enhance the path to direct ...

Article of Interest: For the Geek in Your Life

2011-02-07T07:47:00.005-06:00

As business owners, we like to be hip and trendy in how we run our companies and purchase gifts. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, take a look at some of these simple yet inspiring items that run counter to ordering the same old chocolates and flowers.

One can never be too geeky. See whether your employee, colleague, significant other or best client might enjoy one of these.

10 Valentine's Day Gifts for the Special Geek in Your Life

Photo credit: USB Tulip Hub, Mashable

Video of Interest: How to Craft a New Set of Wings

2011-01-31T08:58:00.001-06:00

In the course of growing a robust business, everyone at some point or another runs into this scenario: You launch a new product and it falls flat on its face.

As a business owner, what's the typical reaction? Keep working it (same old, same old) or cut your losses fast (e.g., pull it from the market).

But there are other options. You can, according to Marissa Mayer (pictured), V.P., Consumer Products at Google, breathe new life into failed ventures. That old adage of "if you don't succeed, try, try, again" can actually work.

Find out how here by watching a short video.

Photo credit here.

Legal Tax Alert From Our Sponsor: Foley & Lardner

2011-01-24T07:30:00.001-06:00

We are grateful for the support we receive from our WPO national sponsor Foley and Lardner and always look forward to their important business news updates. Here's one of them below.

See how the new law might impact the way you run your business. If you have questions, reach out to the co-author partner Mary Kay Martire.

A legal news alert on the Illinois tax increase and another pending piece of legislation designed to expand the scope of sales/use tax nexus.

Read the entire article here. While you're there, sign up for their newsletter.

Illustration credit here.

Article of Interest: Contracting With Women-Owned Businesses

2011-01-17T08:53:00.000-06:00

Find out how a woman running a construction business beat the odds and fostered growth for her own business and others by contracting with other women-owned businesses. If she did it, you can too.

Snippet:

Increasingly, federal contractors of all types are being held accountable for meeting the modest goal of doling out 5% of their subcontracted business to women-owned firms. (Currently, the overall goals are to direct 23% of total Federal dollars to small businesses, plus 5% each for ‘disadvantaged’ and women-owned businesses, and 3% each for businesses in designated locations and those owned by disabled veterans.)

Want to Find Women-Owned Suppliers? Build Your Own!

Article of Interest: How to Prioritize to Reach Your Business Goals in 2011

2011-01-10T08:50:00.001-06:00

One of the great ways to simplify the process of prioritizing is to use software. Here's a look at how to deal with the complexity of large projects -- from scheduling to resource allocation -- without busting your piggybank.

How to Use Software to Plan and Prioritize Projects

Blog Post of Interest: Women-Owned Businesses Fastest-Growing Segment of the Economy

2011-01-03T08:45:00.000-06:00

Women-owned businesses continue to be the fastest-growing segment of the economy. But if women business owners are to achieve entrepreneurial parity, they must address the kind of businesses they open and their commitment to growth.

That's where the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) comes in. WPO helps women business owners accelerate business growth, enhance competitiveness, and promotes economy security.

Read the entire blog post:

Women-Owned Businesses: Numbers Climb, Revenue Lacking (Forbes)

Learn more about how the Women Presidents' Organization can help you grow your business here.

We wish you a happy and prosperous 2011!

Illustration credit here.

Warmest Season's Greetings From the Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

2010-12-27T08:00:00.001-06:00

Friendly wishes for a warm and wonderful holiday season. May you find your path to success in life.

Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, Pratt pier, Rogers Park, Illinois, U.S.A, December 26, 2010

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Qualities That Distinguish Women Leaders

2010-12-20T09:00:00.001-06:00

Running a multimillion dollar business is no walk in the park. To do a good job, it requires certain personality qualities as a leader to get things done.

From Finding 2:

This combination of traits enables the women in our study to express a unique approach toward dealing with disappointment, rejection or situations that don't work out their way. Dr. Greenberg explains, "They will feel the sting of being set back. They may even dwell on it, and tend to be a little self-critical. But then they will muster their assertiveness, shake off any negative feelings, learn what they need to carry on and a voice in the back of their heads will say, 'I'll show you.'"

Here's a look at specific qualities that distinguish women leaders. It starts with these fabulous four:

1. Persuasive
2. Learn from adversity
3. Inclusive
4. Take risks

See if you have what it takes to succeed at becoming a standout leader.

The Qualities That Distinguish Women Leaders

Illustration credit here.

Article of Interest: How Not To Throw Your Business Plan Out the Window

2010-12-13T08:30:00.001-06:00

Planning is a difficult process. Business owners need to plan to launch new products, hit profitability goals and to attract funding.

Business moves fast: the product's features morph, new competitors emerge, or the economic climate shifts. When these changes occur, many people just throw their business plans out the window. For a plan to be truly valuable it needs to evolve with your company and stay relevant in the face of uncertainty.

Find out what the experts say about business plans, how to create one and how to keep it fresh.

Read: Keeping Your Business Plan Flexible

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Video of Interest: Women Presidents' Organization

2010-12-06T07:00:00.004-06:00

The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) is the premier global peer advisory organization for women entrepreneurs with multimillion dollar businesses. Go here (/www.womenpresidentsorg.com) to learn more and join.

Article of Interest: Best Business Books for 2010

2010-11-29T08:49:00.005-06:00

According to Strategy & Business, which I follow religiously, this is no time to be hunkering down and waiting for business as usual. You've got to make things happen and spur innovation in remarkable ways.

In order to do that, reading helps enormously to foster breakthrough ideas. Set aside quiet time to read, ponder and plan out what you want your business to look like in 2011 and beyond.

Here's a list that offers a good start.

Illustration credit here.

Article of Interest: Thinking About Taking Your Business Global?

2010-11-22T09:15:00.001-06:00

There are many factors to consider before you take your business global and Small Business Trends founder Anita Campbell covers five of them exceptionally well.

Read her contribution:

Preparing Your Business to Go Global

Since WPO is a global organization, you can quickly drive results for your company internationally by first connecting peer-to-peer (member to member) within WPO. Take a serious look at how you can do business in the UK, Canada, Peru, South Africa and the United States -- locations of WPO chapters throughout the world.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Resource of Interest: shatterbox

2010-11-15T08:02:00.007-06:00

For young people who love what they do, this site's for you:

Shatterbox wants you to wake up in the morning and love what you do. So we’re going to introduce you to lots of people who do and help you find how to get there yourself.

And as you grow your business well beyond the million dollar mark, we want you. Only women presidents and CEOs need apply: Women Presidents' Organization.

Illustration credit here.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Freeing the Social Entrepreneur

2010-11-08T18:05:00.000-06:00

Does this sound all too familiar?

Social entrepreneurs are often reluctant to relinquish control and create strong leadership teams. Unless they make this important transition, the organizations entrepreneurs worked hard to create are unlikely to scale or have the desired impact.

Whether you run a social enterprise or a business poised to scale up, this article will help you vault your company into high-growth phase.

Read the entire article at Stanford Social Innovation Review:

Freeing the Social Entrepreneur
by Chantal Laurie Below and Kimberly Dasher Tripp

Illustration credit here.

Article of Interest: Small Business Jobs Act

2010-11-01T08:02:00.002-05:00

The article below examines more closely what’s in store for small businesses as a result of the new Legislation passage.

New Legislation Will Give SMBs a Break ... and Much More

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Interview of Interest: WPO Chicago Summit Sponsor Harris N.A.

2010-10-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to visit with Janice Zimmerman and Maggie O'Brien, both V.P.s and Sr. Commercial Relationship Managers at Harris N.A. The purpose of our gathering was to get a pulse on what's going on in the "business banking" world and to determine what SMBs should be looking out for relative to economic trends. Here's the result of our conversation.

Delaney: As bankers working with small and mid-size businesses, are your customers seeing signs of economic recovery and is this translating to improved financial trends for their business?

Zimmerman: The good news is that many of our customers who were hard hit by the economic downturn are beginning to see signs of stabilization, and even slight recovery. A decline in revenues prompted some customers to undergo the painful process of “right sizing” their operations and for others it provided the impetus to seek process improvements in an attempt to offset profit erosion.

Although the consensus among economists is that the deep and wide recessionary effects will make for a slow recovery, the businesses that have reacted quickly and decisively to the downturn can more effectively compete when demand for their products/services returns. As we have seen in prior downturns, companies that have remained well capitalized will also be better positioned to take advantage of the many opportunities for growth and expansion that provide the silver lining in the dark cloud of a recession.

Delaney: Many businesses really struggled during 2008 and 2009 but recently their performance has improved. How long will it be before they can be approved for bank financing?

O'Brien: Every business’ situation is different and unique, but speaking in general terms, the bank will want to ensure that the improved performance that a business is experiencing is sustainable.

Generally, the bank will want to see at least 6 – 12 months of improved performance prior to issuing new debt. The bank will also consider the strength of a company’s balance sheet. If a company generated losses in 2008 and 2009, the equity in their company may have eroded, and the owner will need to work together with their banker to determine the appropriate balance between debt and equity to fund their company’s operations as they move forward.

Delaney: Given your observations of how businesses fared over the last few years, what major “lessons learned” can you share with business owners out there?

O'Brien:

The importance of adequate capital structure. Businesses need to have the right balance of debt and equity in order to withstand a downturn.
While growth is of utmost priority to most business owners, the focus should be on profitable growth that is funded with the appropriate balance of debt and equity.
While it can be very difficult to make the changes necessary to cut overhead as revenues fall, the businesses that made these changes immediately fared much better than those that waited hoping things would turn around.
Although no business owner enjoys talking about the hardships the company is facing, it is critically important to maintain an open dialogue with your banker so that there are no surprises.

Delaney: What financing programs should SMBs be aware of?

Zimmerman: There are a number of government programs in place to help support SMBs, including financing programs offered through banks and in conjunction with the SBA, the US Treasury Department, State Treasurer’s Office and many others. Although many of these programs are offered to support growth and expansion efforts of the SMBs, some offer relief for existing debt in the form of a refinance. Your commercial banker is your best resource to see which program may help your business.

To learn more about Harris N.A., go here.

Article of Interest: Good Forecasts Hold the Key to Good Plans

2010-10-18T06:03:00.001-05:00

In "Cleaning the Crystal Ball," authors Tim Laseter, Casey Lichtendahl, and Yael Grushka-Cockayne for Strategy & Business talk about how intelligent forecasting can lead to better decision making.

Competence in forecasting does not mean being able to predict the future with certainty. It means accepting the role that uncertainty plays in the world, engaging in a continuous improvement process of building your firm’s forecasting capability, and paving the way for corporate success.

A good forecast leads, through either direct recommendations or informal conversation, to robust actions — actions that will be worth taking, no matter how the realities of the future unfold.

As the authors state, "all models start with assumptions." What are yours?

Read the entire article here.

News of Interest: Ladies, Get the Edge in Fed Contracts

2010-10-11T08:30:00.003-05:00

Listen up WPO members! You will soon have a better chance of getting federal contracts for everything from consulting and supplies to construction and food services, thanks to new rules that give female-owned businesses an edge in the bidding process.

The Small Business Administration announced last week that it had finalized rules for its Women’s Procurement Program. This program gives female business owners access to an estimated $25 billion, 5 percent of the federal procurement budget. In some cases, it will give such businesses a slight advantage in bidding for federal contracts.

Women Impacting Public Policy is a nonpartisan group that helped bring about the changes. It has taken more than a decade to implement the program since Congress approved it in 2000, and the federal government hasn’t met its own goals for contracting with female-owned firms.

Read more here. While you are at it, check out this piece which covers some good government contract advice (healthy dose of reality).

And please let us know when you land your first contract. We want to report out to the Feds that this is working!

News of Interest: Background on the Small Business Bill

2010-10-04T08:01:00.009-05:00

President Obama signed the Small Business Jobs Act, a bill that will give small businesses support and incentives to help them grow and hire.

And the bill includes eight new small business tax cuts – and applying to small businesses’ taxes for this year – providing an immediate incentive for businesses to make new investments and expand.

For example:

• If you are a small business and you buy new equipment, you can immediately write off the first $500,000 of your investments;

• If you are one of over one million eligible small businesses, key long-term investments in your company will be subject to zero capital gains taxes;

• If you are an entrepreneur and take a chance on a new idea, you can deduct the first $10,000 of your start-up costs;

• And if you are self employed you can deduct 100 percent of the cost of health insurance for you and your family from your self-employment taxes.

Read more details (including about tax cuts) here.

Event of Interest: Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) and American Express OPEN Regional Program in Chicago on October 26

2010-09-27T05:04:00.004-05:00

Here's what people have already said about the program:

"I own an advertising agency and have experienced many brand seminars, but Neeli's seminar was like an MBA-level crash course on branding -- amazing -- and I walked away with tools that can be integrated immediately to develop a company's brand." ~ Beth Bronfman, Leibler Bronfman Lubalin Advertising, WPO New York I & Platinum Member
....................

"I attended both Neeli's workshop at our April WPO conference as well as a special half day workshop this summer she did with my Platinum group. Neeli's wisdom about marketing, brand development and customer service was tremendous, presented with great humor and insight. She gave me a better understanding about brand development and retention globally, as well as steps I might consider to help Adesso's business and brand recognition. So I suggest you run, not walk, to Neeli's WPO workshops this October!" ~ Margaret A. Traub, President & CEO, Adesso Inc

Registration here (http://tinyurl.com/2a4p2tu). Lunch is included. Seating is limited. Better grab your place at the table fast!

See you there!

Article of Interest: Marsha Firestone Quoted in The Wall Street Journal

2010-09-20T08:45:00.001-05:00

Women Presidents' Organization (www.womenpresidentsorg.com) President and Founder, Marsha Firestone, Ph.D. (pictured), is quoted two different times in The Wall Street Journal:

Portal Aims to Ease Contract Bids for Small Business

Marsha Firestone states:
In, Enterprise Dispatch, she states:

The new portal initially isn't "going to make a huge dent," because only six large corporations are so far involved, adds Marsha Firestone, president of the Women Presidents' Organization, a New York group made up of mostly small "B2B" companies. "But if it grows and a lot of contracts come out of that, it could," she says.

Further, she is quoted:

'Supplier Connection': a portal for doing business with large corporations - smartplanet by IBM

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Are You a TED Talk Person?

2010-09-13T06:48:00.001-05:00

Do you have brilliant ideas (e.g., you are considered one of the best minds in business), know how to present well and like to share? Then you're poised to become a TED talk person.

Becoming a TED talk person can boost your business and brand's awareness on a grander scale than ever imagined. Plus, you'll be in good company with the likes of Richard Branson, Malcolm Gladwell, Julia Sweeney, Isabel Allende and Chris Anderson (owner of TED) -- to name just a few of the elite business people who have given TED talks.

We're talking radical openness here that the world can tap into. Are you ready? Then read all about the global education brand of the 21st century and see if you have what it takes to participate:

How TED Connects the Idea-Hungry Elite (Fast Company)

Sample TED talk: Sheena Iyengar on the art of choosing.

Illustration credit here.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Cool Tool of Interest: Twitter as a Daily Newspaper

2010-09-06T07:20:00.000-05:00

A great way to stay on top of all that is shared by the people you follow is through paper.li, which organizes links shared on Twitter into an easy to read newspaper-style format. Newspapers can be created for any Twitter user, list or #tag.

Samples for review can be found at: The Twitter Fast Company Daily, The Twitter The Economist Daily, The Twitter Entrepreneur Mag Daily and I just created an account under my own name here (as shown above).

It's as simple as 1-2.3 to get started and can be used to get the word out on your business online in a whole new way, especially if you click on the "promote it" button.

Start your business daily newspaper now. Go here.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Cool Tool of Interest: Google Realtime

2010-08-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

In case you've been too busy to catch the latest and greatest from Google, they just released a new and improved version to their Updates with Realtime Search (http://www.google.com/realtime), which lets you see up-to-the-second social updates, news articles and blog posts about hot topics worldwide.

Getting public response or a reaction is getting speedier and more efficient all the time. WPO members can use this tool to their competitive advantage by utilizing instant knowledge of what people are thinking, instead of waiting for polls, studies or reports on what the public wants.

Use the results to power up and strategically grow your business.

Give it a try here. We did and found all sorts of interesting real-time news on the Women Presidents' Organization!

Graphic illustration source here.

Article of Interest: Build a Better Whatchamacallit

2010-08-23T08:14:00.001-05:00

What does your business have in common with creators of products that grill a burger, catch varmints, and save the earth? Design excellence.

Learn more here:

Build a Better ... Mousetrap

Pictured: Guaraná Jesus is a Brazilian soft drink produced by bv0, a Coca-Cola bottler based in São Luís and one of the winners of the 2010 International Design Excellence Awards.

News of Interest: 7th Annual WPO Chicago 2010 Summit a Huge Success

2010-08-16T05:50:00.003-05:00

We are happy to report that our 7th Annual WPO Chicago 2010 Summit held August 12th at Carnivale Chicago and sponsored by Harris N.A. and Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company was a huge success.

Program presenters were as follows:

• Andy Busch, Global Currency and Public Policy Strategist, BMO Capital Markets, Harris, N.A., talked about how the global economic environment can and has influenced small business in the United States and how to use this information to better position your business for future success.

• Donna Westerman, Director Supplier Diversity and Social Responsibility, WW Procurement, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, spoke on the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to WBE’s, why it is relevant and what corporations are expecting of their suppliers.

• Barry Moltz, expert on how to get your business unstuck, talked about how your business can thrive during any economy.

• The Riot Act showcased how improvisation can be used in business to explore serious issues in unconventional ways.

The highlight of the day was a surprise appearance by WPO President and Founder, Dr. Marsha Firestone, who spoke about the global growth of the Women Presidents' Organization. We were honored that she could participate in the most important event of the year for WPO Chicago.

Throughout the program, which ran from 11:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., we had the opportunity to learn, network, be inspired and grow together. It was in line with our theme: "NEW DECADE: Finding Inspiration, Innovation and Pro$perity." Our long-time friend and colleague, Hedy Ratner, co-founder of the WBDC Chicago, joined us for lunch.

Thank you to our presenters and sponsors for supporting and participating in our program this year and special appreciation to our WPO Chicago Steering Committee Members for their help in putting together this fantastic program. We also wish to thank our national sponsors for their continued support to WPO.

Pictured (top): Room setup before members and guests arrive. Center photo: Lunch part of program. Bottom photo: Dr. Marsha Firestone, President and Founder, WPO, speaking during the Summit lunch.

Photo credits: Laurel Delaney at WPO Chicago Summit, Carnivale Chicago 8/12/10.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: Embrace of Power

2010-08-09T08:07:00.001-05:00

As more high-achieving women -- such as the entire WPO membership base spanning across four continents -- grow their businesses to multimillion dollar + levels, they will continue to embrace power to get things done.

Read this controversial piece, "Women and the Uneasy Embrace of Power." Share your comments at the origin site and report back to us with your insights because we always like to hear from you.

The comments (33+) are worth a look.

Article of Interest: Make Changes That Last

2010-08-02T08:06:00.000-05:00

Growing your business is not a sprint. It's a marathon that requires a plan and a process involving trials, errors and successes.

After analyzing decades of scientific research and case studies, best-selling authors Chip and Dan Heath have discovered that there are simple things you can do to snap the cycle of busted resolutions (things you should be doing that you are not for whatever reason) which can get in the way of making progress with your company.

Here's a snapshot (adapted from "Switch: How to Change When Change Is Hard,” by Chip and Dan Heath):

Stop procrastinating.
Make better decisions.
Give yourself crystal-clear directions.
Handle big changes.
Keep yourself motivated.
Make your environment support your change.

Go here for the entire article.

Are you practicing any of the above as you build your business? If so, we'd love to hear from you on exactly what you are doing and how you are doing it.

Article of Interest: Jump Your Business Ahead

2010-07-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Many business owners feel that summer is typically a slow time of year for their business. Is that you too? Obviously a lot depends on where you live, your firm's sales cycle, whether you market seasonal products (locally and globally) and what else is going on in the industry and economically.

According to Tom Hall, co-author of "Ruthless Focus: How to Use Key Core Strategies to Grow Your Business," with leadership expert Wally Bock:

Summer is a great time to jump your business ahead. If your clients and customers are all taking a break, take advantage of the slow market and get yourself ready for the fall.

How do you get ready? He offers a couple of fun recommendations here.

And be sure to review his thoughts on how to remedy the "I must do it all" mentality for business owners.

What are you doing this summer to stand out from the crowd with your clients and customers? We welcome hearing from you.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Article of Interest: What To Do When Your Company Makes a Mistake

2010-07-19T08:32:00.003-05:00

What do you do when you or someone in your company makes a mistake -- whether it be in producing a product, launching an advertising campaign or making an inappropriate off the cuff statement on a national television network?

If you follow the path of Apple's iPhone's debacle, the first thing you do is admit you made a mistake and then claim that you are not perfect.

"We're not perfect," admitted Steve Jobs, the boss of Apple, at a press conference today at which he discussed the firm's new smartphone, the iPhone 4. To people who have long ascribed almost God-like powers to Mr Jobs, that may come as a shock. But the ham-fisted way in which Apple has handled a fuss over connectivity issues with its new device has shown that even one of the world's most admired companies can get things wrong every now and again.

Read more here.

According to WSJ's blog Digits, here are five things Apple (or any business that finds itself in a similar situation) should do regarding its flawed iPhone 4:

Apologize
Put Steve Jobs (President/CEO) front and center
Explain what went wrong
Offer a real fix to consumers now
Explain whether the phone will be changed later

What approach do you implement to recover from business missteps every now and then? We welcome hearing from you.

Related article on the ability to learn from mistakes.

Article of Interest: Are You Rebalancing Your Businesss?

2010-07-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

In view of the notion of a potential double-dip recession coming to our economy very soon, whether it happens or not, how do you prepare for such an event?

Are you rebalancing your business in anticipation of a period of greater risk? If so, what steps are you taking to ensure a "steady as she goes" sort of approach to growing your business?

We do know this to be true:

Economic growth is not likely to return in a sudden and massive way. The “New Normal” is viewed as an economy of much tighter regulation, much higher taxes for the wealthy and for corporations, higher government spending, and consumers living with less and enjoying far less opulence than in prior years. It is even arguable that the recovery was merely a stimulus and stability recovery matched merely by an inventory replacement cycle with no follow-on gains.

The Huffington Post defines 'Double-dip' recession here.

As always, we welcome hearing your views and insights on this hotly debated topic.

Article of Interest: Should Your Business Be in the Cloud?

2010-07-05T06:56:00.001-05:00

At a recent WPO Chicago downtown II chapter session, one of the questions that came up was: "Will cloud computing impact your business model now or ever?"

The answer: What is cloud computing?

According to Wikipedia:

Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand.

Think along the lines of Google Docs (particpate in our test here), Google Gmail or Scribd (example of how I use it for my business) but take it further to consider the implications of its use in other aspects of business.

For example, consider cloud workplaces, cloud research projects or cloud peer groups (we already experience this among WPO Chicago chapter members by using common links through Google Docs where everyone can share, network and edit critical documents).

Needless to say it's something to track and monitor closely as it grows in popularity. You don't want to be caught off guard should our world become more cloud-driven.

The big question we will leave you with is this: Should your business be in the cloud?

Learn more here.

Posted by: Women Presidents' Organization Chicago

Event of Interest: Edward Lowe Foundation at Big Rock Valley

2010-06-28T08:01:00.001-05:00

Having just completed an enlightening business leadership retreat at the Edward Lowe Foundation (ELF) with WPO Chicago downtown III chapter members, it only seems fitting to bring attention to what ELF at Big Rock Valley is most known for: helping business owners reach second-stage growth.

How do you define second-stage growth?

Second-stage companies are those that have grown past the startup stage but have not grown to maturity. They have enough employees to exceed the comfortable control span of one owner/CEO and benefit from adding professional managers, but they do not yet have a full-scale professional management team.
A business typically begins to enter its second stage when it approaches $1 million in total receipts. The transition process can continue until it hits $100 million in receipts, although for most companies $50 million represents the upper limit of second stage. By $100 million, a firm will have to be professionally managed in order to continue to thrive and grow and be in its third stage of development. Employee numbers and revenue ranges vary by industry, but the population of firms with 10 to 100 employees and/or $750,000 to $50 million in receipts includes the vast majority of second-stage companies.

Beyond this, there are other signs that indicate to a CEO that second stage is at hand.

Read about them here.

Where is your business at? What have you done lately to take yourself out of your business and reflect on "next-level thinking" with your peers?

Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, WPO Chicago Chapter Chair

Save the Date: 7th Annual WPO Chicago 2010 Summit

2010-06-21T11:30:00.001-05:00

Article of Interest: How to Create an iPhone App for Your Business

2010-06-14T05:59:00.000-05:00

Let's face it, we all like to stay ahead of technology plus save money at the same time. Here's a nifty little article, "Why and How To Create an iPhone App for Your Business," that helps you understand the power of providing a useful service to your customers. Remember it all starts with a good idea.

Read more here.

Related resources:

Event of Interest: The Senior Businesswomen's Forum

2010-06-07T08:05:00.001-05:00

On June 3rd, many of us from WPO Chicago had the great pleasure of attending Foley & Lardner's event, "Getting Your Message Out In An Over-Messaged World," -- hosted by Miki Vucic Tesija (pictured and a WPO Chicago downtown I chapter member) and Mary Kay Matire, partners at Foley & Lardner Chicago office. They were responsible for the content of this program along with co-sponsor Huron Consulting Group.

We heard from award-winning journalist Anne Kavanagh and award-winning producer Maria Dugandzic on how to make yourself heard in a world consumed with noise.

Foley & Lardner is a national sponsor to the Women Presidents' Organization and also hosts our WPO Chicago downtown II chapter meetings. We are very proud of this amazing relationship -- so "thank you" to everyone at Foley & Lardner for your continued support to the WPO! We appreciate it.

Article of Interest: Making Sense of Twitter

2010-05-31T08:45:00.003-05:00

Many business owners are still trying to figure out how to use Twitter to benefit their business. Is that you too? This article, "Reach Customers in 140 Characters, All of Them Free," helps you make productive use of the service.

A couple of highlights on how to get started:

First of all, listen.
Do not be boring.
A live version of a FAQ.
Create a focus group.
Soapbox for thinkers.
Starting small is fine.

Read the entire article here.

Follow us on Twitter @WomenPresidents
Use hashtag #WPO

Event of Interest: Women's Leadership Breakfast 5/25/10

2010-05-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Executives' Club of Chicago Women's Leadership Breakfast, "Personal Board of Directors: Building Your Powerhouse Network" will be held Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at the The Hilton Chicago, Grand Ballroom (720 South Michigan Avenue) from 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Description:

With all of the downsizing and diminishing job opportunities, we are in a climate that cultivates an "every woman for herself" mentality. In these tough economic times, you can experience bad behavior from BOTH sexes. But there is some heartening news, women are helping women and are concentrating on a new type of networking. This panel will discuss alternatives to hiring a career coach like cultivating your own personal board of directors. Learn how convening individuals from past jobs and professional associations can bring a fresh perspective on individual strengths, values, goals and next steps.

Moderator: Maria Bartiromo (pictured), Anchor, CNBC's "Closing Bell," Host and Managing Editor "The Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo"

Panelists: Carol Bernick, Executive Chairman of the Board, Alberto Culver Company; Christy Carpenter, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, The Paley Center for Media; and, Michele Coleman Mayes, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, Allstate Insurance Company

The Women Presidents' Organization Chicago is a proud partner of this empowering high-level women's program.

Registration is 7:00 a.m. Seated Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. Panel Discussion, 8:00 a.m.

For more information and to register, visit here.

I hope to see you there! Feel free to contact me to arrange a meeting in advance (ldelaney(at)globetrade.com).

Article of Interest: Values-Driven Companies

2010-05-17T08:31:00.000-05:00

Whether you run a Fortune 500 company or a vibrant small business, the values you put forth play a vital role in managing and transforming a company.

According to Harvard Business School Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter ...

A new type of 21st century company is emerging that is transforming how business is conducted. These are values-driven companies that define a core set of values and rely on these values in making all strategic decisions. Such companies are transforming themselves, their industries, and the world.

A snapshot of the key concepts includes:

Ability to change themselves and the world because they put values at the center of their company.
Gain tremendous advantages.
Hold true to core values.
Identify, understand, and stay true to values.
Operate a business that brings value to the world.
Influence the behaviors of other corporations and leaders.

For more in depth knowledge, go here.

Are you willing and able to change and bounce back quickly from challenging situations? As always, we welcome your comments.

Article of Interest: Are You in Pursuit of Perfection?

2010-05-10T08:48:00.002-05:00

As you grow your business, are you in constant pursuit of perfection, new opportunities and new possibilities?

Then this little BIG article will fuel your desires.

Read: Steve Jobs: Master of Innovation

Find out how he changed the way we work, play and communicate -- with the best yet to come.

Are you stirring the pot to build a business of common good and lasting value? Let us hear from you. We welcome your thoughts and ideas.

Article of Interest: Powerful People Are Better Liars

2010-05-03T08:45:00.000-05:00

Once in a while we have to take a chance at provoking (challenging) our readers. This is one of them. We read, "Defend Your Research: Powerful People Are Better Liars," by Dana Carney, published in the current Harvard Business Review and thought: Is this true?

Read it for yourself and let us know what you think. We all know the "type." They exist, unfortunately, everywhere but how do you deal with such a person, especially if they work for you or you work with them in some capacity at your business?

News of Interest: A High Five to the WPO High Fliers

2010-04-27T17:19:00.015-05:00

Just returned from the WPO Annual Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at The Westin Beach Resort and I feel good -- inspired and ready to take on the world! What about you? Share your successes, powerful moments and learning lessons with us. How do you plan to use the information you received at the conference to grow your business? We welcome hearing from you.

In the meantime, check out some of the amazing media coverage we received during the conference:

The Wall Street Journal
High Fliers: Top Women-Led Companies

Snippet:

Marsha Firestone, WPO's founder and president, says the group began compiling the rankings three years ago in an effort to dispel the notion that female-led companies are primarily mom-and-pop operations in "retail, cookie-making or crafts." Most on the list are business-to-business companies, many in traditionally male-dominated fields such as transportation, construction, manufacturing and distributing, she says.

SmartMoney.com
Trailblazing Women Business Owners Achieve Rapid Growth Despite Challenging Economy

Snippet:

"The Top 50 list exemplifies the vital role women business owners have on boosting the economy and enhancing job growth overall," says Marsha Firestone, Ph. D., president and founder of the WPO. "We are pleased to partner with American Express OPEN to honor these powerful women and recognize their triumphs."

MiamiHerald.com
Female Executives Share Secrets of Success

Snippet:

A woman CEO may not want to ask for help to be successful, but the Women Presidents' Organization breaks that mindset in order to take women-owned businesses to the next level.And one more! "There's a perception out there that women grow and run very small mom-and-pop operations and that they are mostly crafts or retail or cookies, and that's not true at all,'' said WPO founder and President Marsha Firestone.

Firestone said some of the fastest-growing women-owned companies are in industries that aren't traditionally women dominated.

Catch us if you can! And if you'd like more information about WPO, please contact our headquarter office at 212-688-4114 or email info@womenpresidentsorg.com. In Chicago, call 773-381-1700 or email ldelaney(at)globetrade.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Photo credit: Starwood Hotels, The Westin Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Sky Terrace where we had our "dessert" reception on the last evening of the conference.

Added 4/27/10 at 9:39 CDT -- WomenEntrepreneur.com
WPO Conference: 90+ Guru & Salsa Dancing, Too (hat tip to Karen Barnett for the info).

News of Interest: A New Kind of Company

2010-04-19T07:45:00.001-05:00

When you started your business, you most likely went through the process of determining which type of entity best suits your short and long term needs. For example, some of your options might have been to form a limited liability company (LLC), C corporation or S corporation. Hopefully your attorney guided you along the way by asking the right questions about how you envision operating your business five, ten or twenty years out.

For those of you who are considering new business initiatives, especially if it is caused related or a socially responsible enterprise, you might want to take a look at this new type of business that redefines the very purpose and meaning of a business.

It's called a B Corporation. What are B Corporations?

B Corporations are a new type of corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corporations are unlike traditional responsible businesses because they:
Meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards.
Institutionalize stakeholder interests.
Build collective voice through the power of a unifying brand.

Check it out and find out why it matters here:

Certified B Corporation

Resource of Interest: Google AdWords: Keyword Tool

2010-04-12T09:00:00.003-05:00

We recently had Internet Marketing Consultant Amanda Bury from ReachLocal give a talk at our WPO Chicago downtown I chapter meeting and she did a very good job educating us on what SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (search engine marketing) do for your online business, what the difference is between the two and how to use both effectively to bring greater attention to your business on the Internet.

One tool I always use for my business, and this is outside of the bounds of what Amanda spoke about, is Google AdWords: Keyword Tool. It's a free resource that lets you see what folks are typing into Google. I access great competitive information from it, use it to determine the best choice of words for blog titles and even determine the name(s) of new businesses that require a catchy domain name.

Tips for using Keyword Tool:

Find keywords based on your site content. Instead of entering your own keywords, try using the Website Content option. It lets you enter the URL of your business website, or of any site related to your business. The AdWords system will then scan your page and then suggest relevant keywords.

Create new, separate ad groups with similar keywords. We recommend creating several ad groups in each campaign, each with a small, narrowly-focused set of similar keywords. Use the Keyword Tool to discover relevant keywords, then divide them into lists of 5 to 20 similar terms. See examples of ad groups promoting a single product or service and multiple products or services.

Identify negative keywords. The Keyword Tool can help you identify off-topic keywords that users may be thinking about. Suppose you sell cut flowers and you give the Keyword Tool the keyword 'flowers.' It may suggest the related term 'gardens,' and you may want to add that term to your ad group as a negative keyword. That will keep your ad from showing on searches for 'flower gardens' or similar terms. This helps make sure only interested customers see your ads.

Specify a language and location. If you're using the Keyword Tool while signed in to your account, you can modify your keyword search with advanced settings and tailor results to a particular location and language. If you happen to be targeting Spanish speakers who live in France, make sure you set the Keyword Tool to that language and location.

Start broad and then get specific. Try broad terms like 'flowers' in the Keyword Tool first. Then try specific terms like 'red roses' or 'miniature cactus.'

On our own, we did a test (as illustrated above) using keywords: 'women presidents' (clicked the box to use synonyms) and found these keywords related to the term(s) we entered that were searched regularly:

women college presidents
women presidents in the world
women university

What does that mean? You have to factor it in when you create, for example, blog post titles or designate choice paid search listings with keywords for your business. There's so much more -- so spend some time reviewing and learning about how you can use this tool to grow your business.

Give it a whirl here:
Google AdWords: Keyword Tool

Stuck? There's always an online classroom.

Article of Interest: Total Virtual, Is That Your Business?

2010-04-05T12:42:00.007-05:00

Have you fantasized about ditching your office space, saving a boatload of money (rent) and taking your entire enterprise virtual? It's in line with the expression: If you can dream, it, you can do it! We know for a fact that many WPO members are already running thriving virtual companies. Technically, your office is wherever you are.

If you want a practical look at the why, the how, and the why not of going virtual, think of it as your blueprint for your officeless future, read:

"The Case, and the Plan, for the Virtual Company"

While you are at it, check out: "How Virtual Offices Work."

Let us know what you think of this glimpse at the future of work.

News of Interest: Get Ready For the Next Big Gamechanger

2010-03-29T08:00:00.005-05:00

Oftentimes it's the little things that sneak up on us while we run our businesses. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we find ourselves shaking our heads wondering how or why we fell behind, especially concerning the powerful capabilities of the Internet.

Take blogs, for example, remember when people questioned why in the world anyone would start a blog? Pause for a moment to appreciate the explosive growth in blogosphere. Blogs increased from 4,000 in 2004 to currently more than 133,000,000 (is anyone still counting?). Note: the Women Presidents' Organization launched its blog in 2006!

Then came Linked In, Facebook and Twitter. Many of us could not comprehend what these new media platforms meant for our businesses. Now we get it. As a result, we're racing ahead to catch up and leverage the digital revolution in a way that drives positive results for our businesses.

And now, along comes still another new magical and revolutionary device. It's called the iPad (a lightweight screen meant to move). Think it won't change the way we do things? Guess again.

The iPad has all the signs of a global gamechanger. Ready yourself and your business for it now (official release date is April 3). You want to win the race this time around.

Read: 13 of the Brightest Tech Minds Sound Off on the Rise of the Tablet

Photo credit: Apple

Breaking news: Well what do you know ... just in via online by the king of tech reviews, Walter S. Mossberg, WSJ (April 1, 2010):

Laptop Killer? Pretty Close
iPad Is a 'Game Changer' That Makes Browsing and Video a Pleasure; Challenge to the Mouse

News of Interest: Women Presidents' Organization Has a New Blog Look

2010-03-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

The online paint has finally dried. The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) headquarter office has a new look at their blog.

Pay a visit here.

If you've been following, be sure to change the RSS feed and sign up to receive notifications of blog posts via email.

Now you have WPO 360º!

Article of Interest: Reconsider Your Hiring Practices

2010-03-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

USA Today columnist Rhonda Abrams challenges women business owners to change the way we think about hiring if we want to grow — really grow — our companies.

She highlights:

Here's a startling fact: nearly 7% of male-owned businesses gross more than a million dollars a year, but less than 3% of women-owned businesses do. In fact, there are only about 250,000 women-owned businesses that generate $1 million or more in sales a year. One reason: women's reluctance to hire.

Abrams also emphasizes it takes a confident women to be in charge of others.

Read the entire article here. Agree? Disagree? Weigh in with your comments. We always enjoy hearing from you.

Photo credit here.

News of Interest: U.S. $6 billion a Year in Export Financing for Small Businesses

2010-03-08T08:30:00.002-06:00

For those already running a global small business or thinking about taking a business international, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke pledged U.S. $6 billion a year in export financing for U.S.A. small businesses through the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

What does this mean for you and your business? If you haven't looked overseas to build sales for your business, you should now.

The National Export Initiative is focused on three key areas:

1. A more robust effort by this administration to expand its trade advocacy in all its forms, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises. This effort includes educating U.S. companies about opportunities overseas, directly connecting them with new customers and advocating more forcefully for their interests.

2. Improving access to credit with a focus on small- and medium-sized businesses that want to export.

3. Continuing the rigorous enforcement of international trade laws to help remove barriers that prevent U.S. companies from getting free and fair access to foreign markets.

As Commerce Secretary Gary Locke says:

“Increasing the export of American products and services to global markets can help revive the fortunes of U.S. companies, spur future economic growth and support jobs here at home."

Discover how you can put the world in your hands and use the power of the U.S. government to increase your export sales here.