News of Interest: WPO Chicago Growth Survey 2007

Women Presidents' Organization Chicago Survey Predicts Business Growth in 2007 for 86% of Members: Group Leadership Guides $400 Million in Regional and Global Business

Chicago-area women presidents of multimillion-dollar businesses predict growth in 2007. A recent survey of the Women Presidents' Organization Chicago revealed that 86% of members predict growth in 2007. While overall growth predictions averaged up to 70% for some companies, the majority of growth was predicted to be in the 1-20% range.

Read press release here; catch the Small Business Trends blog entry under Women Business Owners Part of Social Entrepreneurship Trend; and, read WPO headquarter offices' blog entry here.

Sound Advice: Assertive Performance Feedback

I suspect that nearly all of you who run a business have had at one time or another -- employee issues. Specifically ones that run the line of expecting your employees to do things the way you would and then it doesn't happen. Right? You finally ask yourself, "What am I doing wrong that my employees just aren't motivated to get things done?" Good question.

This article might help. It offers a clear and concrete "tool" for effective performance feedback.

And if you like what you learned, sign up here for more tips from the Graziadio Business Report published by Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business and Management.

Book of Interest: The Future of Management

In "The Future of Management," a book due to be published this autumn by Gary Hamel, our keynote speaker at our WPO Chicago 2006 Conference, he argues that Google's innovations go beyond the fine points of search-engine algorithms -- extending into big, enduring aspects of general management. He believes that Google is committed to building a company that can evolve as fast as the Web.

What do you think?

In the meantime, check out a couple of highlights from the book description on Amazon:

Hamel explains how to turn your company into a serial management innovator, revealing:

• The make-or-break challenges that will determine competitive success in an age of relentless, head-snapping change.
• The toxic effects of traditional management beliefs.
• The unconventional management practices generating breakthrough results in “modern management pioneers.”
• The radical principles that will need to become part of every company’s “management DNA.”
• The steps your company can take now to build your “management advantage.”

Looks like we have to wait until September 10 to find out what else Gary has to say on the hot topic of serial management innovator.

And just in ... (8/24/07) ... a hat tip to Danielle Scott (see her comment below), Associate Editor, Graziadio Business Report, Graziadio School of Business and Management for letting us know that leadership guru Bob Fulmer posted a review of the Future of Management in the Graziadio Business Report's fall issue. You can find it here.

News of Interest: WPO Chicago Summit (8/9)

Our 4th Annual WPO Chicago Summit was a HUGE success. Congratulations to Dr. Marsha Firestone (our founder), Cindy Solomon (our guest speaker), all WPO Chicago members and special guests for making our event so magnificent.

We look forward to our 5th Annual WPO Chicago Summit in 2008 celebrating 11 years of learning and growing together.

Read our current news here.

Event of Interest: WPO Chicago Summit 8/9

Please join us for our "4th Annual WPO Chicago Summit and No-Host Dinner" on Thursday, August 9 from 11:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m. at the IBM Innovation Center. The purpose of the Summit is to learn, grow and celebrate (10-year anniversary) together!

Our special guest speaker will be Cindy Solomon (pictured) who rocked our world with so many insights at our recent WPO 10th Anniversary Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, that we decided to have her speak again at our private event which brings together WPO members from all three Chicago chapters.

To attend, you must be a WPO Chicago member in good standing. For further information or to register, please contact Laurel Delaney at 773-381-1700 or email her at ldelaney@globetrade.com. You need a special password to access our WPO Chicago Wiki where registration takes place.

And for reporters who plan to attend, please contact either Kate or Tracey (right side panel) to confirm your place. We look forward to your visit!

News of Interest: SME Toolkit

IBM (a WPO corporate sponsor) and International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, launch a small business toolkit to create jobs and fuel growth in the underserved and emerging markets.

The Women Presidents' Organization is a partner for the US version of toolkit. And I am honored through the work at my own business and relationship with WPO, to contribute global small business articles in the International Business Overview segment. Visit SME Toolkit area here and keep in mind all the resources are free.