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: We evaluated the ROI for the various services we were providing. For instance, Staffing made our...
At NAWBO Chicago, we have been working around the clock to stay on top of the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, recommendations and resources and to develop a plan that will support you and keep you connected during this challenging time. We are gathering...
Stress has a significant impact – on the mind, the body, and on our emotional landscape – which causes us to react quickly, often without thinking of the effects of our reactions. While the sudden impact of COVID-19 is undoubtedly a stressor for all of us, managing...
It was nearly ten months ago that I was seated as President, anxious yet confident – similar to that feeling of starting a new job. I was excited and hopeful to assist our talented and dedicated board to foster growth and strengthen the organization. Who could have...
Welcome to May – now entering our EIGHTH WEEK of the “shelter in place” mandate. It’s been a prolonged and tiresome struggle for everyone but more so for those trying to run a business in the days of COVID, which only compounds the normal stresses of daily life....
NAWBO Chicago members are more resilient than ever and their businesses are adapting in the same way. Read more to learn how five women business owners have pivoted their companies in response to COVID-19. Susan GothamThe Synergies Companies, Inc. Be prepared to...
The year that the real estate market fell apart, 80% of my clients were real estate – related and I lost them all. But I was able to reduce staff while I diversified my client mix and I was able to eventually recover. This is a different world altogether. The...
My main “Pearl of Wisdom” is to remind business leaders to Be Courageous; don’t let the fear overwhelm you. During the 2008/2009 downturn, there were several things we did to overcome the challenges and adversity at that time. I am calmer now because of what we did...
Here are some of the recent steps that we took to mitigate the downturn: Week of March 30th – reduced employee hours from 40 to 30. Week of April 6th – reduced employee hours from 30 to 25. We have since kept hours at 25. Continue paying for healthcare. We...
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...
As each woman embarks on her entrepreneurial journey her voice rings true to her aspirations of contributing to the success of our nation. Today, 12.3 million women-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion a year guaranteeing our right to control our destiny following...
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...
