Mark your calendar for the next Women's Leadership Breakfast, Thursday, April 14th starting at 7:30 a.m. The topic this time is "Community Involvement: The True Rewards." The Women Presidents' Organization Chicago chapter is a co-sponsor to this wonderful series.
For further information and to register, visit The Executives' Club of Chicago.
See you there!
Monday, April 04, 2005
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Report of Interest: OPEN Small Business Network Monitor (3/29/05)
In OPEN Small Business
Small business optimism has risen sharply, according to the OPEN Small Business Network(SM) 2005 Semi-Annual Monitor from American Express.
Eighty-five percent of small businesses report seeing growth opportunities for their companies over the next six months, up significantly from 72% in the spring of 2004 and 56% in the spring of 2003.
Here's what else the report states:
"Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges to starting and growing their companies," said Sobbott. "For example, our findings show that women respondents are more likely to report cash flow concerns. So they're turning to a variety of sounding boards for strategic guidance. Mentors, as well as networking organizations (Laurel here ... WPO is one!), serve as powerful resources who are helping women find the right answers."
Small business optimism has risen sharply, according to the OPEN Small Business Network(SM) 2005 Semi-Annual Monitor from American Express.
Eighty-five percent of small businesses report seeing growth opportunities for their companies over the next six months, up significantly from 72% in the spring of 2004 and 56% in the spring of 2003.
Here's what else the report states:
"Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges to starting and growing their companies," said Sobbott. "For example, our findings show that women respondents are more likely to report cash flow concerns. So they're turning to a variety of sounding boards for strategic guidance. Mentors, as well as networking organizations (Laurel here ... WPO is one!), serve as powerful resources who are helping women find the right answers."
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Article of Interest: Best Practices For Driving Business Growth
In e-magnify
Members of the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) are highly successful women presidents who have guided their companies to at least $2 million in gross annual sales (or $1 million for a service-based business). Four Pennsylvania WPO members shared some of their best practices for driving business growth during a panel discussion moderated by WPO President Marsha Firestone at Seton Hill University's annual Building a World-Class Business Conference held March 15, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Members of the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) are highly successful women presidents who have guided their companies to at least $2 million in gross annual sales (or $1 million for a service-based business). Four Pennsylvania WPO members shared some of their best practices for driving business growth during a panel discussion moderated by WPO President Marsha Firestone at Seton Hill University's annual Building a World-Class Business Conference held March 15, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Book of Interest: Bad Leadership
I decided to start sharing some of the business books I have read lately that have enabled me to develop and to help others advance both personally and professionally.
First though, I want to explain how I learned of the book I'm about to recommend. I was looking for a good speaker on leadership for the WPO Chicago chapter members and emailed the ultimate leadership guru Warren Bennis to ask him for a recommendation. He came right back and suggested Barbara Kellerman -- Research director of the Center for Public Leadership and lecturer in public policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government -- and also indicated she had just (October, 2004) authored a good book called "Bad Leadership."
I bought the book, read it and found it fascinating. Kellerman was a keynote speaker at last year's WPO annual conference and she's no stranger to fierce intellect and a strong sense of purpose. I hope to bring her to Chicago soon to talk about leadership principles but in the meantime, read on.
"Bad Leadership" is an intriguing book for its explanation of why we have bad leaders, how you recognize them (seven types) and how to rid ourselves of or from bad leadership. It's an easy, fresh read. I highly recommend it.
To learn more or to order "Bad Leadership," visit our national partner, 800-CEO-READ.
First though, I want to explain how I learned of the book I'm about to recommend. I was looking for a good speaker on leadership for the WPO Chicago chapter members and emailed the ultimate leadership guru Warren Bennis to ask him for a recommendation. He came right back and suggested Barbara Kellerman -- Research director of the Center for Public Leadership and lecturer in public policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government -- and also indicated she had just (October, 2004) authored a good book called "Bad Leadership."
I bought the book, read it and found it fascinating. Kellerman was a keynote speaker at last year's WPO annual conference and she's no stranger to fierce intellect and a strong sense of purpose. I hope to bring her to Chicago soon to talk about leadership principles but in the meantime, read on.
"Bad Leadership" is an intriguing book for its explanation of why we have bad leaders, how you recognize them (seven types) and how to rid ourselves of or from bad leadership. It's an easy, fresh read. I highly recommend it.
To learn more or to order "Bad Leadership," visit our national partner, 800-CEO-READ.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
News of Interest: On Leadership and Entrepreneurship
From the Women's Bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor
Below is an excerpt -- and a great tip -- from the National Women's Leadership Summit, which was sponsored by the Women's Bureau and We, Inc. (one of our national partners):
... To become a profitable entrepreneur, it is important not only to market a quality product or service, but to develop a network of people -- including bankers, lawyers, and accountants -- to assist the business. One way to make contacts is to serve on corporate boards, including the paid Boards of Directors of Fortune 500 companies. The panelists encouraged women to gain strong leadership, organization, and communication skills, as well as the ability to analyze financial data in order to be good entrepreneurs and corporate board candidates.
Below is an excerpt -- and a great tip -- from the National Women's Leadership Summit, which was sponsored by the Women's Bureau and We, Inc. (one of our national partners):
... To become a profitable entrepreneur, it is important not only to market a quality product or service, but to develop a network of people -- including bankers, lawyers, and accountants -- to assist the business. One way to make contacts is to serve on corporate boards, including the paid Boards of Directors of Fortune 500 companies. The panelists encouraged women to gain strong leadership, organization, and communication skills, as well as the ability to analyze financial data in order to be good entrepreneurs and corporate board candidates.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Article of Interest: Whatever the business, hard work is a keystone
In The Christian Science Monitor
Sometimes, when Ada Torrado unlocks the door of the bakery that bears her name -- Ada's Creations -- she thinks about how far she has come since leaving the Dominican Republic and immigrating to Providence, R.I., with three small children. Ms. Torrado is among a growing number of female immigrants starting businesses in the US and just take a look at what they are focusing on:
• Koreans often open dry-cleaning establishments, green grocers, or nail salons.
• Chinese women might open a restaurant or a gift shop.
• Some Latinas operate beauty shops or run child-care and elder-care centers.
In 2000, 8 percent of employed immigrant women were business owners, compared with 6 percent of employed native-born women, according to a report from the Immigration Policy Center in Washington. The largest group -- 41 percent -- comes from Latin America and the Caribbean. Thirty percent come from Asia and the Pacific Islands.
To read the entire article, visit: Her American Dream ... "Comes True"
Sometimes, when Ada Torrado unlocks the door of the bakery that bears her name -- Ada's Creations -- she thinks about how far she has come since leaving the Dominican Republic and immigrating to Providence, R.I., with three small children. Ms. Torrado is among a growing number of female immigrants starting businesses in the US and just take a look at what they are focusing on:
• Koreans often open dry-cleaning establishments, green grocers, or nail salons.
• Chinese women might open a restaurant or a gift shop.
• Some Latinas operate beauty shops or run child-care and elder-care centers.
In 2000, 8 percent of employed immigrant women were business owners, compared with 6 percent of employed native-born women, according to a report from the Immigration Policy Center in Washington. The largest group -- 41 percent -- comes from Latin America and the Caribbean. Thirty percent come from Asia and the Pacific Islands.
To read the entire article, visit: Her American Dream ... "Comes True"
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Report of Interest: The First GEM on Women's Entrepreneurial Activities
New Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report On Women's Entrepreneurial Activity Released Today (3/8/05).
Forty-one percent of entrepreneurs are women, according to a cross-national study of thirty-four countries. The first Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report on women’s entrepreneurial activity was released today by The Center For Women’s Leadership at Babson College.
The GEM 2004 Report on Women and Entrepreneurship provides an in-depth global look at women’s entrepreneurship and highlights the important role that women play in developing and developed economies.
”The GEM study on women’s entrepreneurship emphasizes the critical role women have in new venture creation and provides insights to inform policies focused on increasing and extending the scope and reach of their entrepreneurial activities,” said Dr. Nan Langowitz, Director of the Center for Women’s Leadership at Babson College. “These findings support our goal of understanding, featuring and supporting the entrepreneurial efforts of women worldwide. ”
To download the powerful report, visit:
GEM on Women's (Global) Entrepreneurial Activities
Forty-one percent of entrepreneurs are women, according to a cross-national study of thirty-four countries. The first Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report on women’s entrepreneurial activity was released today by The Center For Women’s Leadership at Babson College.
The GEM 2004 Report on Women and Entrepreneurship provides an in-depth global look at women’s entrepreneurship and highlights the important role that women play in developing and developed economies.
”The GEM study on women’s entrepreneurship emphasizes the critical role women have in new venture creation and provides insights to inform policies focused on increasing and extending the scope and reach of their entrepreneurial activities,” said Dr. Nan Langowitz, Director of the Center for Women’s Leadership at Babson College. “These findings support our goal of understanding, featuring and supporting the entrepreneurial efforts of women worldwide. ”
To download the powerful report, visit:
GEM on Women's (Global) Entrepreneurial Activities
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Event and New Partner ... POWER: Opening Doors For Women (5/26/05)
We are pleased to announce our new partnership with the Women's Networking Community (WNC) and it's right in time with their upcoming event, "POWER: Opening Doors for Women," celebrating an evening of networking opportunities for Chicago-area women of all ages and business levels on Thursday, May 26th. Information is as follows:
Marshall Field's
Narcissus Room, 7th Floor
111 North State Street
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. -- Kick-off networking reception.
7:30 p.m. -- Fifteen (15) simultaneous, topic-specific dinner parties in private homes/venues.
$180 Reception, dinner and sponsorship of a College-student.
$130 Reception and dinner.
$80 Reception.
The evening begins wtih a kick-off reception, followed by fifteen (15) simultaneous dinners in private homes/venues around the city hosted by some of the most influential women leaders.
For information call: Deirdre Joy Smith 312-985-7773 or register here.
The Women Presidents' Organization (Chicago) is a proud partner of the event. I hope to see you there!
Marshall Field's
Narcissus Room, 7th Floor
111 North State Street
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. -- Kick-off networking reception.
7:30 p.m. -- Fifteen (15) simultaneous, topic-specific dinner parties in private homes/venues.
$180 Reception, dinner and sponsorship of a College-student.
$130 Reception and dinner.
$80 Reception.
The evening begins wtih a kick-off reception, followed by fifteen (15) simultaneous dinners in private homes/venues around the city hosted by some of the most influential women leaders.
For information call: Deirdre Joy Smith 312-985-7773 or register here.
The Women Presidents' Organization (Chicago) is a proud partner of the event. I hope to see you there!
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Article of Interest: Engendering Female Entrepreneurs
In BusinessWeek.com
BusinessWeek Online reporter Stacy Perman recently spoke with Marilyn Kourilsky, a professor at UCLA's Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, director of the Institute for the Study of Educational Entrepreneurship and author of "The New Female Entrepreneur," about barriers female entrepreneurs continue to face and the ways in which they can break through them. Here are two important clips from their conversation:
Q: Why then, do you find that so many women want to start their own companies?
A: They have a real passion, and they don't want to work for someone else. It's the only way to really make it. Even with all the new successes cropping up the ladder, they still perceive that there's a glass ceiling and that the best way is to start a business of their own.
Q: What are the biggest male misconceptions about female entrepreneurs?
A: They don't think women are in for the long haul, like they are. They're seen as doing something as a hobby rather than something they need to do for their family. There's this whole culture: For instance, if you're in a group and a woman comes up with an idea and then a male rephrases it, it's accepted as his idea. I don't think women support women (Laurel here ... absolutely not true: Just look at the power of the WPO network!) the way men support men.
The whole attitude toward gender is not changing as fast as it could, but we're still making progress. There was a time when women said they wouldn't go to a woman doctor. Now they make sure they do. I foresee a time when women entrepreneurs say they'd rather deal with a female vendor or entrepreneur.
Well ... what do YOU think? Agree? Disagree?
BusinessWeek Online reporter Stacy Perman recently spoke with Marilyn Kourilsky, a professor at UCLA's Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, director of the Institute for the Study of Educational Entrepreneurship and author of "The New Female Entrepreneur," about barriers female entrepreneurs continue to face and the ways in which they can break through them. Here are two important clips from their conversation:
Q: Why then, do you find that so many women want to start their own companies?
A: They have a real passion, and they don't want to work for someone else. It's the only way to really make it. Even with all the new successes cropping up the ladder, they still perceive that there's a glass ceiling and that the best way is to start a business of their own.
Q: What are the biggest male misconceptions about female entrepreneurs?
A: They don't think women are in for the long haul, like they are. They're seen as doing something as a hobby rather than something they need to do for their family. There's this whole culture: For instance, if you're in a group and a woman comes up with an idea and then a male rephrases it, it's accepted as his idea. I don't think women support women (Laurel here ... absolutely not true: Just look at the power of the WPO network!) the way men support men.
The whole attitude toward gender is not changing as fast as it could, but we're still making progress. There was a time when women said they wouldn't go to a woman doctor. Now they make sure they do. I foresee a time when women entrepreneurs say they'd rather deal with a female vendor or entrepreneur.
Well ... what do YOU think? Agree? Disagree?
Friday, February 25, 2005
Event: The Future of Digital Media Distribution (2/28/05)
It's not too late! Check out the next IIT Thought Leader Seminar, "The Future of Digital Media Distribution," where Thomas Curran, founder of Digital Media Project, will present his views on the current state and the future of digital media distribution, including broadcasting and Internet. I hope you can attend this provocative seminar on Monday, February 28 at 4:30 p.m. on the IIT main campus. The seminar (brought to you by Ed Kaplan Entrepreneurial Studies Program, IIT) and following reception are free and open to the public.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Article of Interest: More Women Seek Business Ventures
In HispanicBusiness.com
Tricia Hensley had a good job keeping the books at her husband's granite countertop company, but it wasn't her passion.
The former accounting major wanted more in a career -- she wanted her own business. After looking into several franchising opportunities, she turned to her passion for fitness and opened Figures! Fitness for Women, a women-only gym on Evans to Locks Road.
"I had helped my husband's business for three years, but that was his. I wanted something that was mine," she said.
Ms. Hensley personifies a national trend -- more women are seeking their business independence and starting their own ventures.
Read the complete inspiring article here.
Tricia Hensley had a good job keeping the books at her husband's granite countertop company, but it wasn't her passion.
The former accounting major wanted more in a career -- she wanted her own business. After looking into several franchising opportunities, she turned to her passion for fitness and opened Figures! Fitness for Women, a women-only gym on Evans to Locks Road.
"I had helped my husband's business for three years, but that was his. I wanted something that was mine," she said.
Ms. Hensley personifies a national trend -- more women are seeking their business independence and starting their own ventures.
Read the complete inspiring article here.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Roadmap To A Million Dollar Business: Marsha Firestone, Ph.D.
In E-magnify's newsletter, Seton Hill University, The National Education Center For Women
Great interview with the Women Presidents' Organization founder Dr. Marsha Firestone! Be sure to check out.
Great interview with the Women Presidents' Organization founder Dr. Marsha Firestone! Be sure to check out.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Member News: All About Careers Featured in the WSJ!
From the Wall Street Journal Online
All About Careers, a Chicago start-up, was featured in Joann Lublin's column in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, February 1st. Media staffing concern president Laurie Kahn talked all about her job-search workshops (you heard it here first November 5, 2004). Congratulations to Laurie! We are very proud of you.
All About Careers, a Chicago start-up, was featured in Joann Lublin's column in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, February 1st. Media staffing concern president Laurie Kahn talked all about her job-search workshops (you heard it here first November 5, 2004). Congratulations to Laurie! We are very proud of you.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Boardroom Bound Benefits Women Interested in Serving On Corporate Boards
Boardroom Bound makes a real difference in getting women placed on corporate boards. They have a special awards luncheon coming up on February 16th at the Four Seasons Hotel. To learn more and to register, visit: Luncheon Agenda and Registration
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Article of Interest: Go For It! Let the Year of the Rooster wake you up!
In the Small Business Advocate
by Laurel Delaney
Last year was the Chinese Year of the Monkey – a year filled with movement, discussion and the exchange of ideas. But we are about to turn out the lights on the Monkey. Wake up on February 9, 2005 to the Year of the Rooster! The Eastern zodiac is the oldest known horoscope system in the world, and can reveal amazing insights into your character, lifestyle and emotional makeup. But even if you don’t believe that your destiny is written in the stars, be open to the possibilities that the New Year of the Rooster brings. Wake up to the business potential around you. Let the Year of the Rooster be the year you go for it!
What’s “it”, you ask? Here are a dozen “its” to go for but be sure to track two in particular: the Women Presidents' Organization and a WPO member's business.
by Laurel Delaney
Last year was the Chinese Year of the Monkey – a year filled with movement, discussion and the exchange of ideas. But we are about to turn out the lights on the Monkey. Wake up on February 9, 2005 to the Year of the Rooster! The Eastern zodiac is the oldest known horoscope system in the world, and can reveal amazing insights into your character, lifestyle and emotional makeup. But even if you don’t believe that your destiny is written in the stars, be open to the possibilities that the New Year of the Rooster brings. Wake up to the business potential around you. Let the Year of the Rooster be the year you go for it!
What’s “it”, you ask? Here are a dozen “its” to go for but be sure to track two in particular: the Women Presidents' Organization and a WPO member's business.
Friday, January 21, 2005
WPO Annual Conference April 7-9th in Toronto, Ontario
This year we welcome top women business owners who together will "Drive Business Breakthroughs." Our program's focus will be completely on growing businesses through sales and marketing.
To find out about:
• Schedule and agenda
• Registration
• Pre-conference workshops
• Advertising opportunities
• Sponsorship opportunities
• And more ... visit the Women Presidents' Organization International 2005 Conference site today!
I hope to see you there for a powerful learning experience, especially on Friday, April 8th, when I will be moderating a panel on "Going Global."
To find out about:
• Schedule and agenda
• Registration
• Pre-conference workshops
• Advertising opportunities
• Sponsorship opportunities
• And more ... visit the Women Presidents' Organization International 2005 Conference site today!
I hope to see you there for a powerful learning experience, especially on Friday, April 8th, when I will be moderating a panel on "Going Global."
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Partner: Merrill Lynch
We are delighted to advise you that Merrill Lynch is not only a Women Presidents' Organization corporate sponsor but a "Community Partner" as well through their Crystal Lake operation. Please join us in welcoming them to our family of organizations that support women business owners.
ML helps you meet your financial objectives and build your wealth. They have unparalleled resources that include planning expertise, investment strategies and state-of-the-art technology designed to streamline any financial picture. Why not put them to work for you?
ML helps you meet your financial objectives and build your wealth. They have unparalleled resources that include planning expertise, investment strategies and state-of-the-art technology designed to streamline any financial picture. Why not put them to work for you?
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Event: "Bold Moves For Bold Women" by Hubbard Street Dance (3/30/05)
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's Professional Women's Networking Event -- Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 5 p.m.
Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a unique chance to network with Chicago’s most dynamic women at the fabulous Hotel Monaco, followed by an engaging performance by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at Harris Theater. Get swept away for the evening!
Ticket Prices:
$95 for Premier seating
$80 for Main Floor seating
Call 800-882-4275 or visit Hubbard Street Dance for tickets!
For more information about “Bold Moves for Bold Women,” call 312-850-9744, ext. 167.
I will be attending and hope you will join me! ~~ Laurel
Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a unique chance to network with Chicago’s most dynamic women at the fabulous Hotel Monaco, followed by an engaging performance by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at Harris Theater. Get swept away for the evening!
Ticket Prices:
$95 for Premier seating
$80 for Main Floor seating
Call 800-882-4275 or visit Hubbard Street Dance for tickets!
For more information about “Bold Moves for Bold Women,” call 312-850-9744, ext. 167.
I will be attending and hope you will join me! ~~ Laurel
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Women Presidents' Organization Is a New Member of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Effective January 4th, the Women Presidents' Organization through its Chicago chapter has officially become a member of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. I hope to make connections with many of you soon. Drop me an email ldelaney@globetrade.com to let me know which events you plan to attend in 2005. I'll see if I can meet up with you.
Many thanks and Happy New Year,
Laurel
Many thanks and Happy New Year,
Laurel
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
The Public Forum Institute's "National Dialogue On Entrepreneurship"
Did you know that links on the Public Forum Institute's "National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship" are updated daily and based on stories from across the nation and from around the world? Bookmark it and stay informed about the latest entrepreneurship news, including stories for and about women business owners: Entrepreneurship news from across the nation and from around the world
In a hurry? Here's a sampling of what you'll find in today's (1/4/05) listing:
• Earning Your Wings
INC.com - USA
• Venture capital group upbeat on start-ups in 2005
Chicago Tribune (subscription) - Chicago,IL
• Venture funding gains 7%
Boston Globe - Boston, MA
• Funding social entrepreneurship
OnPhilanthropy.com - New York, NY
• Entrepreneur Launches "Self Employment for Bohemians" Blog
PRWeb
• New Help for the Black Entrepreneur
New York Times - New York, NY (subscription)
In a hurry? Here's a sampling of what you'll find in today's (1/4/05) listing:
• Earning Your Wings
INC.com - USA
• Venture capital group upbeat on start-ups in 2005
Chicago Tribune (subscription) - Chicago,IL
• Venture funding gains 7%
Boston Globe - Boston, MA
• Funding social entrepreneurship
OnPhilanthropy.com - New York, NY
• Entrepreneur Launches "Self Employment for Bohemians" Blog
PRWeb
• New Help for the Black Entrepreneur
New York Times - New York, NY (subscription)
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