A Purposeful Time
The 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment couldn't have come at a more purposeful time. While women business owners have always been natural leaders, I implore us to use our voices and actions more boldly and equitably, whether as the only woman in a boardroom or one of many women in a doctor's waiting room. We must collectively use our voices and actions to dismantle systemic racism within our spheres of influence, so women business owners from disenfranchised groups can have unbiased opportunities to succeed.
Read MoreA Message From Our President
Rise up to celebrate and honor our legacy, NAWBO members! This moment in time is where the past meets the future and WE – stronger together – determine the course of history and the legacy of generations to come. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment that guarantees and protects women's constitutional right to vote. This historic centennial offers an opportunity to commemorate a milestone of democracy and explore its relevance to the issues of equal rights today.
Read MoreA Message From Our President
What a crazy year it has been! We kicked off the first half of the year with an unprecedented virus pandemic that shuttered the economy, sickened thousands, and has kept us indoors for months on end. Just when it appeared that businesses were going to begin reopening, the riots and protesting over the death of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter created another undue burden to those companies affected in one way or another by the looting in or around their own neighborhoods.
Read MoreStrength of My Peers
Upon joining NAWBO, I immediately joined the West Town Mastermind. I love to see the strength from the women in this group and how they navigate their businesses. It is inspiring and mind-blowing to hear about everyone’s experiences. Together we dissect different issues that arise in our companies and lives, and we work through them together. We build each other up!
Read MoreThe Diversity of Membership
One of the beauties of being a NAWBO member is the diversity of its membership. Not only is it a forum for business owners of varying industries and sizes to join together, but it also comprises members of all ages, colors and affiliations. Thus, business owners who are required to work at home, especially those who are immune-compromised, are able to remain fully engaged in the business world and with networking opportunities through NAWBO. While I have been blessed to continue my law practice in my office since I am an essential worker, other business owners have been relegated to thei
Read MoreA Message From Our President
In writing my final newsletter, it’s hard to believe a year has already passed since I was inducted – yet so much has happened in the world, it is hard to believe it has only been one year.
Read MoreTrust the Process
Our biggest lesson for KDM was to trust the process, no matter where it leads and trust the team you put in place because you chose them for a reason. My team has been very helpful and responsive to the needs of the KDM staff to help them through this transition. We are reopening in two phases. The first phase will not entail those with children or those that are high risk. Phase 1 staff will also only be in the office 50% of the time. Phase 2 will be determined as we see how the pandemic subsides.
Read MoreA "Brick and Click" Store
As an optometrist with an eye care clinic and an eyewear boutique, my biggest lesson during this pandemic was discovering how to quickly shift from a substantial brick and mortar to the newer "brick and click" model. Retail brick and mortar stores like mine are finding ways to change the way they do business. From telemedicine to shipping contact lenses to your door, this pandemic has taught me new and creative ways to do business and find other revenue sources to stay afloat.
Read MorePivoting Your Business
I pivoted my business twice, originally from a staffing/recruiting company to a recruiting/HR company, then to a live events company. Here is how some of this happened:
Read MoreSeek Opportunities in Times of Crisis
I’ve been in business for 30 years and survived the great recession and other financial crises, but this pandemic threw me into a tailspin as I tried to decide if and how to continue. I had to prepare for how this would affect the employees and our clients. It all seemed overwhelming, especially when my adult children were so concerned about me leaving the house. I had so many decisions to make in so little time and there was no roadmap or guidance. Everyone needed answers quickly and this truly was a life or death situation. Literally!
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