The Enterprising Women of the Year Award, presented by Enterprising Women Magazine, honors the country's finest women entrepreneurs and their successes. The winners are also recognized as leaders who have had a profound economic impact on their community.
Seventeen of this year's award winners are also members of the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO).
Read the exciting news here and find out who won the award ... hint ... it's a Chicago member!
Friday, February 24, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
News: Enterprising Women to Honor Women Entrepreneurs
Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women magazine, has announced that the 2006 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration will be held at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on Feb. 24-25. The two-day tribute is designed to honor women entrepreneurs who are recipients of the 2006 Enterprising Women of the Year Award -- many of whom are Women Presidents' Organization members. Congratulations!
Find out about the categories and winners here.
Find out about the categories and winners here.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Article of Interest: A Woman President's Sweet Smell of Success
In Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur's knack for decision making and her drive to move forward blend into the sweet smell of success. This is an exceptional article on how to be truly successful in business today. The potential for success is within each of us. Here are five tips mentioned in the article:
1. Be brave. "Don't be afraid to take risks or be the first to try something," says Belasco. "Don't be afraid to say no or yes."
2. Be committed to excellence. "That means excellence in your relationships with customers and employees, as well as in your product or service."
3. Be flexible. "[This includes] watching trends, changing what you do, trying new ideas. Also, be flexible with your customers -- give them anything you can. And be as flexible as you can with your business."
4. Be involved. "If you're an entrepreneur, you need to be involved every step of the way, from the customer to the product to the service."
5. Be a family. "Hire smart. Hire people you'd want [to be around], since you're going to spend so much time with them."
An entrepreneur's knack for decision making and her drive to move forward blend into the sweet smell of success. This is an exceptional article on how to be truly successful in business today. The potential for success is within each of us. Here are five tips mentioned in the article:
1. Be brave. "Don't be afraid to take risks or be the first to try something," says Belasco. "Don't be afraid to say no or yes."
2. Be committed to excellence. "That means excellence in your relationships with customers and employees, as well as in your product or service."
3. Be flexible. "[This includes] watching trends, changing what you do, trying new ideas. Also, be flexible with your customers -- give them anything you can. And be as flexible as you can with your business."
4. Be involved. "If you're an entrepreneur, you need to be involved every step of the way, from the customer to the product to the service."
5. Be a family. "Hire smart. Hire people you'd want [to be around], since you're going to spend so much time with them."
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
News: SBA Unveils New Business Web Site for Women
New SBA Web Portal MY BIZ for Women Offers Women Entrepreneurs New Online Tool for Business Start-Up
WASHINGTON (January 25, 2006) – The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced the launch of MY BIZ for Women, a new online tool designed to provide comprehensive business information and assistance to women entrepreneurs.
MY BIZ for Women is designed to be the first step for all women business owners, providing one-stop access to information for women entrepreneurs highlighting the best resources the government has to offer. The Web portal provides information on starting and growing a small business, gaining access to capital and contracting opportunities and links to other government agencies and SBA resource partners offering business counseling, a state-by-state listing of SBA’s Women’s Business Centers and other resource information.
The Web site can be found at: SBA - My Biz for Women
WASHINGTON (January 25, 2006) – The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced the launch of MY BIZ for Women, a new online tool designed to provide comprehensive business information and assistance to women entrepreneurs.
MY BIZ for Women is designed to be the first step for all women business owners, providing one-stop access to information for women entrepreneurs highlighting the best resources the government has to offer. The Web portal provides information on starting and growing a small business, gaining access to capital and contracting opportunities and links to other government agencies and SBA resource partners offering business counseling, a state-by-state listing of SBA’s Women’s Business Centers and other resource information.
The Web site can be found at: SBA - My Biz for Women
Friday, January 13, 2006
Article of Interest: What Women Entrepreneurs Want
In MiamiHerald.com
Women entrepreneurs want the same things men want -- access to capital, training and markets. But women with businesses of $1 million or more are twice as likely as male counterparts to seek advice from a mentor and they want to be taken seriously. That's why women's business networks matter.
So if you run a $1 million plus business, make joining WPO your priority in 2006.
Read the article here, "What Do Women Want?"
Women entrepreneurs want the same things men want -- access to capital, training and markets. But women with businesses of $1 million or more are twice as likely as male counterparts to seek advice from a mentor and they want to be taken seriously. That's why women's business networks matter.
So if you run a $1 million plus business, make joining WPO your priority in 2006.
Read the article here, "What Do Women Want?"
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Blog of Interest: Entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki
As Managing Director of Garage ... Guy Kawasaki says, "Let the good times role!" So Happy New Year and when time permits, check out Guy's new blog. If you don't know who he is, you better get with it and get going!
Best wishes for a BOLD 2006 filled with delights in every direction,
Laurel
Best wishes for a BOLD 2006 filled with delights in every direction,
Laurel
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Articles of Interest: Trends for 2006
Get ready. Get excited. It's time to paint a vivid picture of what could be for next year. Here are a couple of places to look the future in the eye:
Hottest Trends and Best Business Ideas for 2006
Where is the trend or opportunity that offers great business potential in 2006? Read the interviews here to find out what some of the greatest minds are predicting.
Top Ten Workplace and Workforce Forecasts for 2006
Five Trends to Influence Communication for 2006
And there's more ... 10 Most Enduring Ideas (Concepts) published by strategy+business. This one is definitely worth a look.
Hottest Trends and Best Business Ideas for 2006
Where is the trend or opportunity that offers great business potential in 2006? Read the interviews here to find out what some of the greatest minds are predicting.
Top Ten Workplace and Workforce Forecasts for 2006
Five Trends to Influence Communication for 2006
And there's more ... 10 Most Enduring Ideas (Concepts) published by strategy+business. This one is definitely worth a look.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Article of Interest: Defining a Dream
In Entrepreneur
As the busy founder and president of Latitudes International, a private-label designer and manufacturer of fragrance products such as candles, potpourri and room sprays, Jill Belasco may not be stopping to smell the roses every day. While some would have found the twists and turns of her entrepreneurial ride too tumultuous to stomach, and her unexpected obstacles insurmountable, Belasco and her business have emerged successful.
Find out how and why here.
As the busy founder and president of Latitudes International, a private-label designer and manufacturer of fragrance products such as candles, potpourri and room sprays, Jill Belasco may not be stopping to smell the roses every day. While some would have found the twists and turns of her entrepreneurial ride too tumultuous to stomach, and her unexpected obstacles insurmountable, Belasco and her business have emerged successful.
Find out how and why here.
Monday, November 21, 2005
News: Minority Executive Scholarships For Business Owners
In Indian Country News
More than a great idea and hard work are needed to run a company: it takes money, training and a break or two. In the cutthroat world of commerce, minority-owned businesses must compete with companies with deep pockets, managed by Ivy-leaguers trained at the finest schools.
To offset this extra burden, companies like Bank of America pay attention not only to the diversity within their own work force, but also in the companies with which they do business. Bank of America's supplier diversity program not only encourages and supports contracts with diverse suppliers, it also helps fund the Dorothy B. Brothers Minority Executive Scholarship, providing minority business owners with access to high-caliber management education. These scholarships help those business owners formulate and implement business strategies to achieve a competitive advantage, and to manage their company's growth in order to successfully bid, win and manage larger contracts.
To qualify, all you need is at least three full-time employees and sell between $500,000 and $50 million a year. For more information, visit here.
More than a great idea and hard work are needed to run a company: it takes money, training and a break or two. In the cutthroat world of commerce, minority-owned businesses must compete with companies with deep pockets, managed by Ivy-leaguers trained at the finest schools.
To offset this extra burden, companies like Bank of America pay attention not only to the diversity within their own work force, but also in the companies with which they do business. Bank of America's supplier diversity program not only encourages and supports contracts with diverse suppliers, it also helps fund the Dorothy B. Brothers Minority Executive Scholarship, providing minority business owners with access to high-caliber management education. These scholarships help those business owners formulate and implement business strategies to achieve a competitive advantage, and to manage their company's growth in order to successfully bid, win and manage larger contracts.
To qualify, all you need is at least three full-time employees and sell between $500,000 and $50 million a year. For more information, visit here.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Article of Interest: Little Girls and a Little Business
In Wisconsin State Journal
Anna Brunner, 13, a 7th grader at Whitehorse Middle School, never thought of herself as "a business person." But when her best friend, Tess Burat, joined a group called Girls' Biz, Anna did, too.
Ali Gee-Lewis heard about the program from her mom. "I wanted to learn how to be an entrepreneur," Ali said. "I like to solve things ... and make money."
So it's never too early to recruit members for the Women Presidents' Organization!
Anna Brunner, 13, a 7th grader at Whitehorse Middle School, never thought of herself as "a business person." But when her best friend, Tess Burat, joined a group called Girls' Biz, Anna did, too.
Ali Gee-Lewis heard about the program from her mom. "I wanted to learn how to be an entrepreneur," Ali said. "I like to solve things ... and make money."
So it's never too early to recruit members for the Women Presidents' Organization!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Event: The University of Chicago Women's Business Group Presents Their 5th Annual Networking Event (11/17/05)
I encourage everyone to attend "Linking Professionals to Nonprofit Boards" on November 17th from 4:40 - 8:00 p.m. at the Mid-America Club. This networking event, now in its 5th year, allows professionals who would like to explore board service with a not-for-profit organization to meet representatives from over 50 nonprofits who are interested in adding members to their boards. This is one of the most significant ways that we can help women to raise their profile in the community and bring their expertise to bear on significant community concerns.
UCWBG is a Community Partner to the Women Presidents' Organization (Chicago).
For more information and to register, please visit:
http://www.ucwbg.org/
UCWBG is a Community Partner to the Women Presidents' Organization (Chicago).
For more information and to register, please visit:
http://www.ucwbg.org/
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
News: WPO Partners With ATHENA International
I had the great privilege to meet with ATHENA International Executive Director Dorothy Huisman last week along with her spirited team. In case you don't know about ATHENA, it is a global organization which supports, develops and honors women leaders. They also inspire women to achieve their full potential, creating a balance in leadership worldwide.
In the course of our discussions, we determined that the Women Presidents' Organization and ATHENA International will work together as often as possible on all fronts concerning the advancement of businesswomen around the world.
Please join us in welcoming ATHENA International into the WPO fold as a "Community Partner" and take a moment to visit their website. They have so much to offer.
I will be attending the ATHENA Chicago Award Luncheon on November 7th, honoring individuals who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, provide valuable service to the community and actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential. I hope to see you there.
In the course of our discussions, we determined that the Women Presidents' Organization and ATHENA International will work together as often as possible on all fronts concerning the advancement of businesswomen around the world.
Please join us in welcoming ATHENA International into the WPO fold as a "Community Partner" and take a moment to visit their website. They have so much to offer.
I will be attending the ATHENA Chicago Award Luncheon on November 7th, honoring individuals who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, provide valuable service to the community and actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential. I hope to see you there.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Website of Interest: SCORE For Women Entrepreneurs
In SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Business
Research indicates that mentoring is one of the most crucial and important factors in business success -- especially for women-owned businesses. SCORE counselors can help you understand the resources, opportunities and allies available to assist you as you build and grow your business. Working with a SCORE mentor dramatically increases your chances for success.
WPO is referenced under the resources for women business owners section.
Find out here how SCORE can help you run and grow your business.
Research indicates that mentoring is one of the most crucial and important factors in business success -- especially for women-owned businesses. SCORE counselors can help you understand the resources, opportunities and allies available to assist you as you build and grow your business. Working with a SCORE mentor dramatically increases your chances for success.
WPO is referenced under the resources for women business owners section.
Find out here how SCORE can help you run and grow your business.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Article of Interest: The Pros of Running Your Business Like a Girl
In MSNBC
In her new book, "How to Run Your Business Like a Girl," Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin turns the idea of doing something "like a girl" on its head by exploring common female traits and how women entrepreneurs -- and all entrepreneurs -- can use them to their advantage when running a business.
In her interviews with women business owners she found that women tend to use three unique strengths more than their male counterparts: trusting their intuition, focusing on relationships, and putting more emphasis on life balance.
She also states: "Don't think you have to do it all by yourself. The fun part of being an entrepreneur is you get to run the business by yourself, but that doesn't mean you can't have a huge group to support you [Laurel here ... that's what WPO is all about!]. People love to help startups, and you'll only be a startup for so long," she says. "Call people you think won't give you the time of day -- heroes in your industry or people who've done things that are meaningful or impressive to you -- and ask for help. People like to be the expert and mentor other people."
Read the entire article here.
In her new book, "How to Run Your Business Like a Girl," Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin turns the idea of doing something "like a girl" on its head by exploring common female traits and how women entrepreneurs -- and all entrepreneurs -- can use them to their advantage when running a business.
In her interviews with women business owners she found that women tend to use three unique strengths more than their male counterparts: trusting their intuition, focusing on relationships, and putting more emphasis on life balance.
She also states: "Don't think you have to do it all by yourself. The fun part of being an entrepreneur is you get to run the business by yourself, but that doesn't mean you can't have a huge group to support you [Laurel here ... that's what WPO is all about!]. People love to help startups, and you'll only be a startup for so long," she says. "Call people you think won't give you the time of day -- heroes in your industry or people who've done things that are meaningful or impressive to you -- and ask for help. People like to be the expert and mentor other people."
Read the entire article here.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Event: Women's Leadership Breakfast (November 4, 2005)
The Executives' Club of Chicago
Women's Leadership Series Breakfast and Panel Discussion
Friday, November 4, 2005
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Drive, East Tower
Grand Ballroom, Gold Level, 7:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Theme: "Dropping In/Dropping Out: Stepping On or Off The Career Ladder."
WPO is a partner to this series.
Click here for further information or to register (deadline October 21).
See you there.
Women's Leadership Series Breakfast and Panel Discussion
Friday, November 4, 2005
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Drive, East Tower
Grand Ballroom, Gold Level, 7:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Theme: "Dropping In/Dropping Out: Stepping On or Off The Career Ladder."
WPO is a partner to this series.
Click here for further information or to register (deadline October 21).
See you there.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Article of Interest: Readers' Most Admired Entrepreneur
Within the WPO community, we know hands down that our most admired entrepreneur is our founder, Dr. Marsha Firestone. But outside of WPO, find out who readers' voted for.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
News: WPO Chicago Conference April 27-29, 2006
For Immediate Release Contact: Patty Briguglio (919) 233-6600
Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) Announces 2006 Conference
Chicago to Host National Conference for Presidents of Multimillion-Dollar Corporations
New York – The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) has named Chicago as the location for its 2006 annual conference, to be held April 27 – 29 at the Ritz-Carlton. With approximately 1000 members and 55 chapters located throughout the U.S. and in Canada, the WPO has experienced rapid growth since its inception. The annual conference offers WPO members the opportunity to share experiences in business with other successful female entrepreneurs from all over the country and Canada, as well as gain important information from interactive seminars and speakers.
Read the entire news release here.
Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) Announces 2006 Conference
Chicago to Host National Conference for Presidents of Multimillion-Dollar Corporations
New York – The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) has named Chicago as the location for its 2006 annual conference, to be held April 27 – 29 at the Ritz-Carlton. With approximately 1000 members and 55 chapters located throughout the U.S. and in Canada, the WPO has experienced rapid growth since its inception. The annual conference offers WPO members the opportunity to share experiences in business with other successful female entrepreneurs from all over the country and Canada, as well as gain important information from interactive seminars and speakers.
Read the entire news release here.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Event reminder: Women's Summit (October 6, 2005)
It's not too late ... don't miss out!
The Women Presidents' Organization has agreed to partner with the University of Chicago Women’s Business Group to support the Women’s Summit, to be held on October 6, 2005 from 3:30 to 9:00 pm.
The Women’s Summit, the first of its kind, will provide a venue for diverse leadership from corporations, law, medicine, economics, public policy, education, journalism, science, technology and non-profit organizations in the Chicago area to join together. In addition to celebrating successes and connections, we will develop a collective vision for increasing the contribution and success of women and minorities to the community in which we live and work. A portion of proceeds from this event will go to support "Junior Achievement" in its pursuit of building the free-market leadership of tomorrow.
In honor of this momentous occasion, Mrs. Katerina Chumachenko Yushchenko, accomplished Chicago GSB alumnae and First Lady of the Ukraine, will be the featured speaker at the event.
The Summit will start with four facilitated visioning sessions to explore important topics for women today. Each session will have a thought leader with expertise on the topic and a professional facilitator. You are invited to share your thoughts and ideas and get involved. Our goal is for the community to come together, create a shared vision, and shape our future. The topics to be discussed include:
• "Mentors -- A Lifelong Strategy for Success"
• “Positions of Power – Women in Policymaking Roles”
• "Entrepreneurship"
• "Women in the World – Visioning for the Future"
The breakout sessions will be followed by a networking opportunity, and by dinner and the keynote address.
"The Women Presidents' Organization is delighted to be a part of the UCWBG's Women's Summit. In our brave new world, we all care about not only how the world works but how we can work together to make a better future for generations to come." -- Laurel Delaney, Chicago Chapter Facilitator
For more information and to register please visit:
www.ucwbg.org/files/womenssummit.html or click here.
All Women Presidents' Organization members will be entitled to the member rate ($100), so please click the appropriate option when registering.
The Women Presidents' Organization has agreed to partner with the University of Chicago Women’s Business Group to support the Women’s Summit, to be held on October 6, 2005 from 3:30 to 9:00 pm.
The Women’s Summit, the first of its kind, will provide a venue for diverse leadership from corporations, law, medicine, economics, public policy, education, journalism, science, technology and non-profit organizations in the Chicago area to join together. In addition to celebrating successes and connections, we will develop a collective vision for increasing the contribution and success of women and minorities to the community in which we live and work. A portion of proceeds from this event will go to support "Junior Achievement" in its pursuit of building the free-market leadership of tomorrow.
In honor of this momentous occasion, Mrs. Katerina Chumachenko Yushchenko, accomplished Chicago GSB alumnae and First Lady of the Ukraine, will be the featured speaker at the event.
The Summit will start with four facilitated visioning sessions to explore important topics for women today. Each session will have a thought leader with expertise on the topic and a professional facilitator. You are invited to share your thoughts and ideas and get involved. Our goal is for the community to come together, create a shared vision, and shape our future. The topics to be discussed include:
• "Mentors -- A Lifelong Strategy for Success"
• “Positions of Power – Women in Policymaking Roles”
• "Entrepreneurship"
• "Women in the World – Visioning for the Future"
The breakout sessions will be followed by a networking opportunity, and by dinner and the keynote address.
"The Women Presidents' Organization is delighted to be a part of the UCWBG's Women's Summit. In our brave new world, we all care about not only how the world works but how we can work together to make a better future for generations to come." -- Laurel Delaney, Chicago Chapter Facilitator
For more information and to register please visit:
www.ucwbg.org/files/womenssummit.html or click here.
All Women Presidents' Organization members will be entitled to the member rate ($100), so please click the appropriate option when registering.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
News: WPO Member Receives Entrepreneurial Award (September 14, 2005)
One of our WPO members has just been selected as the 2005 recipient of the Women's Business Development Center's (WBDC) "Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year Award." Ms. McNally will be honored at the WBDC Hall of Fame Awards luncheon attended by the mayor and governor as well as over 1,000 women business owners and community leaders. The WBDC Hall of Fame Awards luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14 in the Grand Ballroom on Navy Pier.
Read more about the honor here.
I will see you at the luncheon!
Best wishes,
Laurel
Read more about the honor here.
I will see you at the luncheon!
Best wishes,
Laurel
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