News of Interest: How WPO Chicago Member Sandy Marsico Got On CNBC

WPO Chicago member Sandy Marsico, who runs Sandstorm Design, had a fantastic opportunity to share her story of building a culture of gratitude, fun, and recognition with Marcus Lemonis from CNBC's "The Profit."

See what went on:  How we got onto CNBC With Marcus Lemonis

Congratulations to Sandy for this incredible media opportunity!  We are so proud of you!

Screenshot courtesy:  Sandstorm Design

News of Interest: Where Laurel Delaney Dines For Business in Chicago

©2014 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

In case you wonder where WPO Chicago Chapter Chair Laurel Delaney dines for business, now you can find out. At the same time, learn how she prospects for WPO Chicago members.

Read:  Where Laurel Delaney dines for business - Crain's dining blog - Crain's Chicago Business

News of Interest: The Unilever Foundry

Is your business a technology innovator?  Unilever launches a new program called The Unilever Foundry:

THE UNILEVER FOUNDRY IS THE HUB FOR UNILEVER’S ENGAGEMENTS WITH TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS. THROUGH THE FOUNDRY, PEOPLE AND COMPANIES CAN RECEIVE MENTORSHIP FROM OUR MARKETERS, PILOT PROJECTS WITH OUR BRANDS AND RECEIVE INVESTMENT FROM UNILEVER VENTURES.

You can pilot a project.  Receive a mentorship.  Receive an investment.

Learn more about The Unilever Foundry

Photo courtesy: Wouter Ernsting

News of Interest: Dr. Marsha Firestone Featured at the Huffington Post

Dr. Marsha Firestone

Laura Dunn at the Huffington Post conducts an interview with Dr. Marsha Firestone (pictured).  Here's a clip:

How are female business owners driving growth in the economy? 

WPO members account for significant economic growth. They generate $19 billion in aggregate revenue and employ 145,000 people. Two out of every three new businesses being started today are by women. I call entrepreneurship the great equalizer. By owning their own companies, women have more power, more influence and can pay themselves more. By 2018 one third of all U.S. jobs will be generated by women-led businesses (source: Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute).

Read the entire Q&A:  Women in Business Q&A:  Dr. Marsha Firestone, Founder and President of the Women Presidents' Organization

News of Interest: Emilia DiMenco (WBDC Chicago) Is Ally For Women Business Owners

Emilia DiMenco (pictured) has become president and chief executive officer of the Women's Business Development Center in Chicago.  WBDC has always been a friend to WPO so we are delighted over Emilia's appointment and wish her the best of success.

"Our founders were such iconic women," DiMenco said. "And people knew what the organization did was important because they trusted Hedy [Ratner]. They knew she was an advocate for women, but they really didn't know as much as they should about the direct services that we provide. ... It's time to brand the center."

Read the entire article published in the Chicago Tribune here.

Screenshot courtesy:  WBDC Chicago

News of Interest: WPO 17th Annual Conference in New Orleans Was Insanely Great

The Women Presidents’ Organization 2014 International Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana was insanely great (as shown).  Mark your calendar now for next year's conference (2015) in sunny Phoenix, Arizona:  April 30th - May 2nd.

See you there.

All photo credits:  ©2014 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

News of Interest: Fastest-Growing Women Owned/Led Companies

The Women Presidents' Organization released its seventh annual list of the 50 fastest-growing women-led companies.  This year marks the first time it has included applicants from outside the United States.

"We saw production soaring, with an average revenue growth of 203% from 2009 to 2013," says Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., president and founder of the WPO. "Not only is the financial growth of these companies impressive, it shows that women entrepreneurs are making inroads in non-traditional businesses, such as information technology, transportation, and engineering."

The winners were announced at last week's WPO 17th Annual Conference in New Orleans.  Read more here.  Visit:  The 7th Annual 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned/Led Businesses

Related articles:  Business owners share keys to success at Women Presidents' Organization Conference

News of Interest: Eriksen Translations

Eriksen Translations Inc. (http://www.eriksen.com) is proud to support women-owned businesses by providing complimentary copies of Laurel Delaney's new book, "Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably," to attendees at the upcoming Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) 17th Annual Conference.

The highly anticipated WPO Annual Conference, to be held April 23-25 in New Orleans, provides opportunities for successful women entrepreneurs from all over the world to share business strategies and experience, as well as learn from interactive seminars and inspirational speakers. Eriksen will provide complimentary copies of "Exporting" to all 800 attendees in their conference bags. As a woman-owned business enterprise that helps companies reach their global audiences, Eriksen is pleased to have this opportunity to provide a resource for women who are already in the international marketplace or looking to expand globally.

Learn more:  Eriksen Translations Helps Women Business Owners Reach Their Audiences in the Global Marketplace

Article of Interest: Using Metaphors to Foster Creativity

Whether you are trying to design a great new product or launch a game changing website for your business, using visual metaphors can help foster brilliant ideas.

Whatever the source of the effect, the practical implications for designers are quite intriguing. During a product development process, for instance, visual metaphors might prime people to give designers more creative feedback. And say you hold a focus group in a room vivified with bright light bulbs. Theoretically, participants would come up with more, and more constructive, ideas than participants who sit in an empty room.

Read the entire article:  The Remarkable Power of Visual Metaphors To Make Us More Creative

Photo courtesy:  Flickr

News of Interest: WPO 17th Annual Conference

The Women Presidents’ Organization will hold its 2014 International Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana on Wednesday, April 23 - Friday, April 25.

The conference encourages WPO members to share business strategies and experience with other successful women from all over the world, as well as learn from interactive seminars and speakers. Additionally, it will provide potential members who qualify a unique opportunity to experience the impact the WPO has on women business owners professionally, and personally.

We look forward to seeing you there!  If you have questions, please email us at info@womenpresidentsorg.com or ldelaney@globetrade.com.

Photo courtesy:  Flickr 

Article of Interest: Do You Rule In An Area Where Men Used to Lead?

Women worldwide are taking the lead in places where men rule.  Is that you too?  Here are nine inspiring women entrepreneurs who have broken through barriers in some of the world's harshest business environments.

9 Women Who Are Taking The Lead In Places Where Men Rule

Photo courtesy:  Flickr

Article of Interest: Why Women Rule Social Media?

These 25 women mentioned in the article below are on top of their game in social media.  Are you?

It’s not just that more women use the most popular social networks, we can slice the data in different ways and why, if you own or manage a business, you should take note of this gender trend (other trends include education, age, and household income).

Read the entire article:  Why Women Rule Social Media?

Illustration credit:  Dean Meyers

Article of Interest: Why Women Entrepreneurs Are More Optimistic Than Ever

According to Emily Inverso at Forbes, women are growing companies at a rate one-and-half times the national average. Even though they continue to face challenges as always - access to capital and a complex economy - there's still a sense of optimism out there.

Up from last year, 92% of female entrepreneurs agree the stage is set this year for even more women to launch their own businesses.

Read the entire article:  Why Women Entrepreneurs Are More Optimistic Than Ever

Photo courtesy:  Ed Yourdon

Article of Interest: A Step By Step Guide to Winning the Customer

When your customers make a buying decision, which companies or brands do they consider first?  In the article below, Niraj Dawar talks about how companies that understand the stages of consumer (or business) purchasing decisions have an outsized influence in their outcome.

Learn more:  A Step-by-Step Guide to Winning the Customer

Photo courtesy:  Ron

Article of Interest: Why The Oscars Logo Got a Makeover

What does the Oscars have to do with running a multi-million dollar business?  In this case, it's about the importance of a company logo.

While best (or perhaps only) known as the organization behind the annual awards show, the Academy is also a company that employs thousands of people who work in education, on film archiving, and--right now especially--on the soon-to-open, Renzo Piano-designed Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Despite the year-round work, the Academy’s visual identity only spotlighted one thing: the Oscars.

Does your company's logo reflect everything you do?  If not, consider what the Academy did and get a makeover.

Read the entire article:  Why The Oscars Logo Got a Makeover
 
Photo courtesy:  Fast Company.  The Oscars logo is a registered trademark of the Academy.

Article of Interest: Seven Tips for Women Entrepreneurs

Whether you run a startup or a $300 million company, you can always use a refresh on how you are doing things.  The article below by Peri Pakroo offers tips for women entrepreneurs.  Here's a snippet of one:

4. If you need start-up or expansion financing, consider sources other than traditional banks. One of the concerns most commonly cited by women entrepreneurs is difficulty finding start-up financing. And it's little wonder: traditional banks typically don't lend money to new ventures that don't have a track record of success or creditworthiness. Instead of focusing on conventional big chain banks, start-ups should instead look for local community banks, credit unions, and other local financial institutions that have a vested interest in the health of the local economy. Often, their application processes and criteria are softer than the big banks.

Read:  Seven Tips for Women Entrepreneurs

Photo credit:  Yuri Samoilov

Article of Interest: What Is the Perfect Airport Lounge For Women Business Owners?

Chicago O'Hare Airport

As more women business owners travel internationally, especially in emerging countries such as Asia and South America — one report predicts that there is going to be a 400 percent increase in international business trips taken by women by 2030.  The question that begs to be asked:  What can airlines, airports and third-party lounge operators do to accommodate women's needs, and how are they addressing them?

Find out:  What Do Female Business Travelers Want Out of Airport Lounges

Photo courtesy:  Dion Gillard

News of Interest: Eclipse Awards

The Eclipse Awards, through the National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC), honor women business owners and their companies for excellence in certification utilization, supplier diversity programs and outcomes, company management, leadership, innovation, and mentorship.  There are seven awards for women business owners, and four awards for corporate or government employees and their organizations.

Learn more about how to apply or nominate someone, the list of awards, criteria and other details, here.

Photo courtesy:  NWBOC

Article of Interest: The Best Path to Success Is Your Own

©2014 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Whether you are wondering what to do next with your career, are thinking of leaving Corporate America to start your own business or are currently running a multi-million dollar business, the article below will resonate with you.

Here's a clip from it:

Hence many are taking either route [established institution or entrepreneurial route], for different reasons — to follow their passion, to prove themselves, to serve others, to gain recognition. Not everyone is a conformist who joins a big firm. Not all Zuckerberg wannabes are following their bliss. It’s not the choice of workplace that matters most. It’s why we make it, and what we do with it.

Read the entire article:  The Best Path to Success Is Your Own

Article of Interest: How to Get a Small Business Loan

For female entrepreneurs in the still male-dominated business world, getting a loan can be even more difficult.

A recent study by the California Reinvestment Coalition found that small business loans given to female-owned businesses in California have dropped 70 percent since 2007, and it's likely that other states have also seen a drop in small business lending to women. Even if a female business owner is financially secure, it's more than likely that she'll be turned away.

Read the entire article, which includes five tips for getting funding: How to Get a Small Business Loan:  Tips for Female Entrepreneurs

Photo courtesy:  401(K) 2012

Article of Interest: Breakout Year for Women Entrepreneurs (2014)

WPO:  http://www.womenpresidentsorg.com

Below we feature an article that lists eleven reasons why 2014 will be the breakout year for women entrepreneurs - brought to you by Forbes contributor Geri Stengel, a serial entrepreneur and nonprofit board member.

Note:  The Women Presidents' Organization is mentioned and Dr. Marsha Firestone quoted in No. 7.  Excerpt follows:

Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) provides peer advisory groups to support women entrepreneurs. Also known as “mastermind” and “CEO” roundtables, peer advisory groups bring the heads of companies together to problem-solve and brainstorm their day-to-day challenges and opportunities under the guidance of a trained facilitator. “Entrepreneurs learn best from one another rather than academic courses,” said Marsha Firestone, president and founder of WPO.

Read the entire article:  11 Reasons 2014 Will Be A Breakout Year For Women Entrepreneurs - Forbes

Screenshot courtesy:  Women Presidents' Organization

Report of Interest: Advancing Women Business Owners

The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) released its annual report focusing on economic issues of importance to women business owners.

Each year NWBC delivers its annual report along with policy recommendations to the President, Congress, and the Small Business Administration. This year’s annual report addresses four main areas to advance women entrepreneurs:

1. Access to Capital
2. Access to Markets
3. Job Creation and Growth
4. Data Collection

The National Women’s Business Council continues to be a leading voice in advancing the women's entrepreneurship agenda with a strong focus on providing key insights and solutions to increasing economic gains for women business owners.

Download the report.

Illustration courtesy:  NWBC

Article of Interest: Top 10 Small Business Trends for 2014

My esteemed colleagues, Steve King and Carolyn Ockels over at Small Business Labs, write their 7th annual Top 10 Small Business Trends list.  Note:  Steve and Carolyn are also partners of Emergent Research.  As you read through the list, consider how you will prepare your business to capitalize on these trends.

Here's a snippet of one of the key trends to watch in 2014:

2. The Small Business Digital Divide Widens: A growing body of research is showing a performance gap between small businesses that successfully use technology and those that don’t. This small business digital divide means small firms unable or unwilling to deploy and use technology – and especially cloud, analytics and mobile technologies – are increasingly disadvantaged relative to their more technically savvy competitors.  2014 will see this divide widen as tech savvy small businesses use their technology to cut costs, better connect to customers and gain market share.  

Read:  Top 10 Small Business Trends for 2014

Photo courtesy:  Dell Inc.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2014!

©2013 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Wishing you a Holiday Season

Filled With Joy and Special Moments

Article of Interest: Bill Gates and His Seven Top Reads in 2013

I read a business book nearly every week and have oftentimes been teased by friends and colleagues for hardly ever reading fiction.  Now I feel I am in good company.  Bill Gates presents his seven top reads in 2013.  Commenting on the lack of novels on the list, Gates writes:

"It’s not that I don’t enjoy fiction. I’ve read The Catcher in the Rye a bunch of times—it’s one of my favorite books ever (and I enjoyed Salinger, the documentary that came out this year) ..."

He goes on to say:

"But I read mostly nonfiction because I always want to learn more about how the world works. And reading is how I learn best."

Read all of Gates' picks for 2013 - here.  And his first pick, The Box, by Marc Levinson, I've not only read but mentioned it in my forthcoming book.

What books have you read in 2013 that have helped you better understand our world and run your business more efficiently?

Article of Interest: Famous Failures

We all want success but oftentimes there are bumps (challenges) in the road that lead to it.  Before you think failure doesn't come with success, guess again.  The article below talks about famous failures.  Use the stories for inspiration.

Famous Failures

Photo courtesy:  Celestine Chua

Blog Post of Interest: Accelerate Women Now and Equally on a Global Basis

According to Forbes, "Accelerate Women Now:  Building a 50/50 global Economy:"

If you could adjust just one variable to exponentially improve the quality of life for everyone on planet earth, what would it be? We’d argue there are few places where you would get a bigger return on your investment than supporting women entrepreneurs.

And the blog post provides evidence that is overwhelming.  Read it here.

Bottom line:  "Women are good for business," says Ben Powell, the Founder and CEO of Agora Partnerships, and Dana Warren, Agora’s Communications Associate.

Photo courtesy:  Saad Faruque

Article of Interest: What's Your Wishlist for the Holidays?

Wired.com offers a wish list:  The Best Holiday Gifts for Embiggening Your Brain.  Whether it's a three-way pen, ready-to-go 3-D print lab, or a jump rope, these gifts are bound to wake you up to the coolest of gadgets and brighten your spirits for the holiday season. 

Check out all the fabulous holiday gift items here.

Photo courtesy:  Lauren Manning

Video: WPO Member Interview (Discover the value of the Women Presidents' Organization)

 Learn more:  Women Presidents' Organization

Article of Interest: Dare To Grow Your Business BIG

Geri Stengel over at Forbes gives ten ways women can dare to grow their businesses big, that is, if they haven't already.  The ten ways are based on Becky Blalock's own experience rising to the top of the male-dominated information technology industry.

One tip:

3.) Never stop learning

Every entrepreneur I know has built a successful business on the many varieties of learning available. Admitting that you don’t know everything — and never will — is key to growth. Seek outside counsel from mentors and advisors, participate in a peer advisory group, such as Women Presidents’ Organization, listen, read business books and publications, and attend professional development training, etc.

Read:  10 Ways Women Can Dare to Grow Their Businesses Big

Photo courtesy:  Ken Teegardin

Article of Interest: How Will Your Business Exist in the Future?

According to The Nation's "Growing the business of today and the business of tomorrow:"

GENERATING SUSTAINABLE growth is difficult and requires bold leadership. For a typical company, competitive pressure increases the difficulty to extract value from traditional sources, while looking for new sources of growth in a new territory feels haphazard and episodic.

So what is the solution?  It's not as simple as you would like it to be.

Read the entire article here.  The material provided in the article was contributed by Deloitte Thailand.

Photo courtesy:  Adam Selwood

Weekly Small Business News Roundup: From The New York Times

If you haven't read The NYTimes.com for small business news, it's worth a look.  Columnist Gene Marks talks about what's affecting his clients and other small business owners.

Some of the topics covered:

• The Economy
• Retail
• Management
• Online
• Cash Flow
• Around the Country
• Around the World
• Healthcare
• Technology

Get the news roundup:  Today in Small Business (10/22/13):  What the Owner Takes Home

Photo courtesy:  Keith Ramsey

Article of Interest: How Top Women Business Owners Lead Their Companies

Here are top leadership habits from women business owners in the San Francisco Bay area.  See if you recognize some of your own.

Read the entire article:  Women Business Owners Share Leadership Habits

Photo credit:  Mike Baird

Book of Interest: Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably

Many fellow WPO sisters already know that I have been working on a new book on exporting all year (as shown).   Well I am happy to announce it will be ready for release December 18, 2013!  Please sign up below to be kept up-to-date on news about Exporting and to pre-order the book at a guaranteed price!

Exporting:  The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably:

• Lays out simple steps to conduct market research, find customers, open new markets, get paid, and ship goods and services.
• Takes you through the exporting process via the Internet and other means.
• Shows how to use social media to expand your international presence.
• Provides insider tips and strategies to export efficiently and profitably.
• Explains how the U.S. government helps exporters.
• Walks readers through the export business plan.

Here’s what else you will learn from my new book:

• Identify products and services that can be profitably exported.
• Use the Internet to facilitate all aspects of exporting, especially marketing.
• Develop a clear strategy on how to export.
• Export your product or service efficiently and profitably.
• Find customers retail and wholesale customers globally, enter new markets, get paid, and ship.
• Explore your best territory using statistics and market research.
• Develop pricing and prepare documentation.
• Leverage the Internet and social media—including using tablets and mobile phones—to boost your online exports.

Can’t wait for you to read!  It’s everything you should know to sell abroad profitably!  Further, a few WPO members are referenced in the book, which is even more exciting!

Sign-up here to learn more:  Exporting:  The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably

Photo courtesy:  Apress

Article of Interest: The States Where Women Make the Most

Here's a good analysis of the states where women make the most and least compared to men. The wage gap is a complex issue but a simple chart can convey where it's the most severe. Illinois is smack dab near the middle with women earning 79 cents on the dollar, compared to white men specifically.

In a new report, the Center for American Progress offers up this coast-to-coast breakdown. The pay gap ranges all the way from a low of 15 cents in places like Vermont and Nevada up to 36 cents in Wyoming.

Read the entire article here and take a look at the chart.

Photo courtesy:  Gautam Dogra

Article of Interest: 10 Rules For Running a Successful Business

I am sure whatever way you are running your business it's good for the business and it's good for you but do you ever wonder what really leads to success with a business? Could you possibly be doing something wrong that won't get you to where you want to be, say 5, 10 or 20 years from now? Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart, had 10 rules for running a successful business. They are simple and straightforward. See if you do most or all of these. And if you don't, try a course correction.

Rule No. 2. Share profits with your employees. If you treat them as partners, they will treat you as a partner, and together you will perform beyond your wildest dreams. Employees are the life-blood of any good company. Many companies seem to have fancy incentive programs for the big wheels, but smart companies have bonuses and profit-sharing all the way down the line.

Read the entire article: Sam Walton's Rules for Success

Photo courtesy:  Holt

Article of Interest: Why We Need More Leaders

In "Why We Need More (Women) Leaders," Nancy Dearman talks about why we need more leaders -- millions to be precise -- and they need to come from everywhere.

What are the right circumstances?  Dearman says:

"A culture where the vision for the future is clearly understood throughout the organization. A culture where people are invited to step forward to help advance the vision in small and big ways. A culture where ..."

Read the the entire article to learn more.

What's your culture?  Are you creating conditions where your people can lead?

Photo courtesy:  Sean MacEntee

Article of Interest: Female Entrepreneurs Go Beyond "Cookies and Crafts"

Dr. Marsha Firestone (pictured), Founder and President of the Women Presidents' Organization, writes a telling article for the Harvard Business Review.  Here's an excerpt:

•  The membership of the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), a nonprofit peer-advisory group for women with $2MM-plus gross revenue, itself accounts for $19BN in aggregate revenue and over 142,000 jobs, stemming directly from its 1,700+ female business leaders. In the WPO, the largest number of businesses are in manufacturing and distribution and 25% of members generate over $10 million annually.

Read the entire article:  Female Entrepreneurs Go Beyond "Cookies and Crafts"  

Article of Interest: Balancing Act by Marissa Mayer

Ever wonder how to do it all -- run a demanding business, raise children, take care of elderly parents and have a life?

Marissa Mayer (pictured at right), Yahoo's CEO, provides some first-hand experience on how to manage divergent worlds.

The key?  Prioritize.

Read:  Marissa Mayer's Balancing Act

Photo courtesy:  Giorgio Montersino

Article of Interest: Building Successful Businesses Against All Odds

Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx

Check out The World's Most Powerful Female Entrepreneurs published by Forbes.  From tech giants to fashion designers to the 'Oprah Winfrey of China,' these sixteen Power Women are the ultimate small business idols.

Photo courtesy:  Kristin Ausk  

Infographic of Interest: The Happiness Factor

Business owners work enthusiastically and tirelessly to grow their businesses.  Still, how happy are business owners?  

Take a good look at the infographic below to see survey results from an online marketing company showing a "happiness matrix."

How Happy Are Small-Business Owners?  (Infographic)

Photo courtesy:  Chelsea Gabriel

Article of Interest: Women CEOs Share Tips On Building Successful Businesses

What does it take to build a successful business besides discipline, smarts and enthusiastically giving 100 percent?  Four Schaumburg, Illinois women business owners share their advice on how to overcome challenges such as gender, ethnic, and racial stereotypes, balancing work-life priorities, and mentoring future women entrepreneurs and leaders.

Read the entire article:  Women CEOs share tips on building successful businesses

Photo courtesy:  Alosh Bennett

Article of Interest: How to Uncover Your Next Game-Changing Idea

Do your employees have hundreds of ideas but never get to talk about them?

In every office, there are untold numbers of great ideas that never get heard, let alone put into action. Use these techniques to uncover your company's next game-changing idea.

How to Tease Out Great Ideas From Every Person On Your Team

Photo courtesy:  Doug Waldron

Event of Interest: 10th Annual WPO Chicago Summit 2013!

Article of Interest: Tips For Newbie Importers

Got a product you want to import and are clueless as to how to transport it to your factory door?  Look no further.  Below is an article I authored for the About.com Import and Export site.  It offers eight tips for newbie importers.

Read the entire article:  Eight Tips for New Importers

Photo credit:  John Seb Barber