As it’s been said: “Sisterhood is the essence of all the wisdom of the ages, distilled into a single word. You cannot see sisterhood, neither can you hear it, nor taste it. But you can feel it a hundred times a day. It is a pat on the back, a smile of encouragement. It’s someone to share with, to celebrate your achievements.” —Anonymous.
NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) is the leading organization for education and support of women business owners today. Through our events like CONNECTS, and TALKS, developing our leaders through education and support of YEA and our advocacy and support of the entire Women Business Owner community NAWBO has created a community of support for all.
Check out what some of our members have to say about NAWBO.
Mary Pat Wesche: Having a Sounding Board Matters
When Mary Pat Wesche, principal and owner of Forum Financial Management, LP, first became involved with NAWBO in 2010, she was the only female partner at her firm. Her motivation to join? She wanted to connect with other women business owners.
While there are three women partners now, Mary Pat has remained a NAWBO member because it is a sounding board for female entrepreneurs who value sharing ideas. “I think most female entrepreneurs are probably working in some degree of isolation. I’ve stayed with NAWBO because I found it to be a community of smart and talented women who really make a difference in each other’s professional lives,” she says.
She continues, “I’ve learned so much from these women and I’m definitely a better business person for my time with them. The value I receive is twofold: I have a large network of professional women to consult with on my own and my clients’ business issues, which is extremely valuable. I also enjoy being part of an organization that is committed to a number of economic, social, and public policy issues that affect all of us.”
In fact, with NAWBO Chicago’s Year of Advocacy well underway, we’re working closer than ever with the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to advocate women leaders on boards, on the short list for big business buyers, and in key legislation. Our connections with NAWBO national mean we are represented at the federal level as well.
Karyn Pettigrew: In Solidarity, There is Power
A member since 2003, Beyond Blind Spots owner Karyn Pettigrew describes NAWBO Chicago as having an “individual and a collective purpose.”
“In solidarity there is power,” she says, “In collective participation, there is knowledge and support. We need this in order to propel women entrepreneurs and equality forward. I know I’m not alone.”
Propelling women forward is something Karyn does on a daily basis. Her consulting services and courses help others find the power from within. For clients, Karyn sees beyond the obvious and helps them achieve their dreams. She says NAWBO has helped her in this way as well, calling it part of her “superhero cape.”
“For me, NAWBO is like a stabilizing stake in the ground: solid. I know it’s there, always, as a resource for both people, information and support,” she says. “I’ve met amazing women who have been at my side through both business and personal challenges and triumphs. They celebrate and support. The key is engagement. You have to participate. I think that anyone that finds resonance in being part of a collective that supports her, is a resource, and pushes for legislation that support the greater good may want to be part of NAWBO.”
Nicole Martin: Sharing Best Practices Among Friends
Nicole Martin is CEO and founder of HRBoost, a full-service human resources consultancy. She is also author of “The Talent Emergency.” She says being a member of NAWBO is a privilege. “I feel it is truly a responsibility of female entrepreneurs to share best practices, inspiration and encouragement to one another,” she points out. “My membership has brought me cherished friendships from women I look up to and learn from. Furthermore, I have been able to launch workshops in front of a warm audience before taking them public.”
As we all know, sharing our thoughts — whether in a random conversation or before an audience — helps us refine our businesses so they are stronger and we are more confident. NAWBO Chicago’s 50+ events per year, not to mention national-level events, give many opportunities to share ideas and even test out new ideas with others. Nicole adds, “The more diverse our community is, the richer our experiences can be. Truly, if all women came together in business, we could likely optimize business results as a collective group. For this reason, I feel every female entrepreneur should proudly partake in NAWBO membership.”
Anna Maria Viti-Welch: An Immediate Network Put Growth in Play
“NAWBO has opened doors for me in the suburbs and the city that would have never happened for me,” says Anna Maria Viti-Welch, president at Guy Viti Insurance Agency.
As a NAWBO member, Anna Maria led by getting involved. The payoff proved huge. “I signed up for a few committees in the city and carpooled with a few other members each month and started friendships and a new way to network,” she said. “Also, when continuing to attend monthly meetings I was able to meet other members that worked in the city and then I continued to be introduced to many other women business owners.”
“The value I have received is getting in front of many more women business owners who have many of the same goals and interests — and NAWBO is one of them,” she continues. “I was able to get a satellite office in the city seven years ago since my main office is in the northern suburbs. I would have never dreamed of doing this without being a member of NAWBO, which expanded my network. I have been able to grow my business due to the connections I have made too.”
Anna Maria says she had a “big nut to crack” after taking over her third-generation family insurance business which is celebrating its eightieth year. “The statistics are very low for third-generation owners. I owe some of the continued success to NAWBO and the wonderful women I have met and who have helped me,” she says.
Growth is one of the biggest issues for women business owners. According to the American Express OPEN “The State of Women-Owned Businesses 2017” report, only 4.2% of all women-owned businesses exceed $1 million in revenue.
“The reason a woman entrepreneur should be a part of NAWBO Chicago is there are many opportunities and a large network of business owners that belong to NAWBO,” she points out. NAWBO became an immediate network for Anna Maria, saving her “many years of coffees and meetings” in the women she has met. She adds, “Also, everyone wants to help each other and also do business with other members, which is great too. I can say that I owe my continued success to being a part of NAWBO and have made many friends through the membership too.”
NAWBO Membership: How About You?
If you or someone you know is looking to grow as a business leader, here’s the link to NAWBO Chicago’s new member application (there’s a $25 discount on the initiation fee. Same goes for NAWBO members who rejoin). NAWBO connects women with capital, leadership tracks, a community of women business owners, and advocacy at every level of government.
NAWBO Chicago is a place to help you stretch as a leader and grow your company like you mean it. Standing among strong, visionary women like the four profiled here is our “why.”
What inspires you as a woman in business?