15 Second Pitch
If you were challenged to pitch your business in 15 seconds could you do it? 15 seconds is the same amount of time it takes to brush your teeth, uncork wine, tie your shoe, or wash your hands. You could test yourself today and see how well you do. What you will discover is you either do or do not have an effective 15 second pitch ready to astound new contacts.
As women we have a hard time talking about our positive attributes. Describing our best qualities to someone makes us feel like we are boasting. Listening to someone else compliment us makes us uncomfortable. Acknowledging our own successes makes us wonder why we aren’t doing more. But in order to be successful as women entrepreneurs we have to become more comfortable listening to, receiving feedback and delivering the reasons someone should do business with us.
Laura Allen of 15SecondPitch.com will tell you to be successful in pitching your business to new clients, who could significantly change the path of your company in a positive way, means being comfortable explaining who you are, what you do, why you are the best at what you do and then asking for action.
Today’s blog is to challenge you to test your pitch today and see whether or not it sounds effective. If not, work on creating a better pitch and test it out with other women to see how well it sounds. If you are confident with your pitch, then pick up the phone and make some sales calls today and make some money! At the end of the work day, as you enjoy your glass of wine, are tying your running shoes or are brushing your teeth as you go to bed, pat yourself on the back for creating and using a 15 second pitch that helped you grow your business today.
Our last post discussed how women entrepreneurs periodically face difficult personal times in their lives which makes it difficult to run a business. Today’s post lists some success strategies on 
coping with difficulty as an entrepreneur. Take a few minutes to read the advice and forward it to any woman you know who is experiencing a hard personal situtation now and still trying to run her business. Spread the word and help another woman entrepreneur today.
Ask For Help from Others
Immediately after a crisis occurs, create a list of upcoming responsibilities with a timeline. Review it and see where you need support. If you can, delegate key responsibilities to your staff. If you don’t have staff, consider asking other close business associates, family or trusted individuals to help you. In times of crisis, the world shows its kindness and generosity. Be willing to ask for, and accept help, for a short time if you need it.
Communicate With Your Customers
Clear communication is vital to running a business successfully during an unexpected personal crisis or situation that arises. If you need to take time away from your business and there is no one to run corporate operations while you are away, create and send a clear communication piece to your customers explaining the situation and time the office will be closed or working at half capacity. As long as customers know how long you will be away and who can handle their work in your absence, they will remain loyal clients. Don’t underestimate the generosity of clients either.
Seek Assistance From Professionals
If your problems are larger than you can handle on your own, seek professional assistance. Therapists, counselors, coaches and advisors are in business to help others through personal and business problems. Sometimes we can’t gain the right perspective on our own; we need the support of someone trained to get us through difficult business or personal times. Speaking to a professional might be exactly what you need to help you come through the problem quicker and with better insight.
Handling Difficulty as an Entrepreneur
Two weeks ago, before one of our luncheon speakers was scheduled to present, she lost her mother unexpectedly. As I spoke with her on the phone about the difficulty she had faced the past few weeks, I asked her if she wanted to reschedule the event. As we discussed the options for rescheduling, we came to the conclusion the luncheon should go on. I respected her for her commitment and professionalism and promised attending the event would be a better experience than she expected. Shortly after the event was over, I received a note from the speaker thanking me for the opportunity to present to a wonderful, warm group of women entrepreneurs which she found to be enjoyable as well as comforting.
Before introducing her at the event I told the audience, “The most important word in the title ‘woman entrepreneur’ is the word woman. We are women first and foremost and entrepreneurs second. We must take time to handle personal issues that face us and to be gentle with ourselves in times of strife and tribulation because in the end our health, our personal lives and our well being is what counts the most.” Business will always be there, old and new clients will trust in us, and the world will not end if we have to walk away from our companies for awhile. No one but us can take care of ourselves. To be the best entrepreneur, we must, at times, be our own best friend. Since this luncheon, four other members have experienced or told me about personal loss and pressing health issues in their lives. I’ve given them each the same advice.
Today’s blog is to remind you if you are facing any type of unexpected personal circumstances – a health issue, a death in the family, difficulty with your family – it’s okay to take time to deal with the emotions and changes that are occurring in your life. Give yourself permission to work on, resolve and accept the changes. If you still have a hard time believing life will get better, remember the words from the Broadway Show Annie, “The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun.” There’s always a new day and a brighter horizon coming. Trust and treat yourself well in the meantime.
Words of Wisdom for Women Entrepreneurs
Last week, two Central New York women entrepreneurs inspired a room full of 320 women with their “sage words of wisdom.” Since both women are members of my growing company, Women TIES, a business dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs expand their local, state and regional marketplace in New York, I wanted to feature their words in today’s blog. I hope they inspire you.
The first inspirational passage is from MaryEllen Clausen, Founder of Ophelia’s Place, a support and resource center committed to empowering individuals, families, and communities to redefine beauty and health through initiatives that increase self-esteem, improve body image and introduce alternatives to dangerous desires for perfection; and to providing outreach, advocacy and educational services to those impacted by eating disorders, disordered eating and body dissatisfaction.
MaryEllen stated, in Judith Duerk’s book “Circles of Stones” she asks the question.. “How might your life had been different if there had been a place for you …a place of women, where you were received and affirmed: A place where other women, perhaps somewhat older, had been affirmed before you, each in her time, affirmed, as she struggled to become more truly herself.” This is what MaryEllen said:
The remarkable women in my life have created that place for me…they have been my mentors and sisters…and I continue to learn from them.
I’m learning to listen harder,
To hear what’s not being said,
That silence speaks the loudest when there are no words.
I’m learning that struggle becomes an opportunity to do things differently
and that pain can bring forth purpose.
I’m learning to reach out.
I’m learning that self care is not selfish.
I’m learning that sometimes taking care of me means taking care of someone else…and sometimes it means saying no.
I’m learning that tears were meant to be shared.
I’m learning that faith and stillness are action words.
I’m learning that hope is tangible.
I’m learning that passion is not a line item on a budget but it somehow manages to balance it.
I’m learning radical acceptance,
I’m learning to redefine…EVERYTHING.
I’m learning that distraction is overrated and best saved for the dentist and gynecologist.
I’m learning to live in the moment and “be” in my body.
I’m learning to breathe.
I’m learning that we must change the conversation around health and wellness.
I’m learning that I’m not a number on a scale and that my BMI is NOT an indicator of my health.
I’m learning that beauty and health are NOT a size.
I’m learning to model acceptance of my body.
I’m learning to love my body.
I’m learning that life is about goodness not greatness.
I’m learning…and I’m grateful for the women in my life past, present and those I’ve yet to meet for giving me this place to be.
The second woman is Jennifer Tom, Founder of Positively Pink Packages, based in Central New York. Positively Pink Packages is a tax exempt public charity dedicated to supporting the needs of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Central New York by providing care packages without charge. Here is what Jennifer said:
* Find Your Passion and Purpose In Life! How do you do that? Start paying attendin to how you feel as you go about your daily activities; what things excite you and energize you; what do you loose track of time when doing? Those are the things that energize you and you will start realizing are your passions.
* Spend more time on the things that energize you, and less time on the things that deplete you and drain you.
Watching Out for Ourselves
My first female boss was a dynamic woman. At the time I thought she was wise beyond her years since I was a 21 year old bright-eyed professional taking notes from this 40 year old, seasoned career woman. As a manager she was the perfect blend between educator, disciplinarian and friend. I learned two of the best business lessons of my career working for her.
I remember walking in her office for my first evaluation confident I could ask for a substantial raise because she liked me and I was doing work above and beyond my job description. She looked me directly in the eye and said, “Tracy, you are doing a good job but not enough for me to grant you a raise. Work harder and we can talk about it again.” I remember walking out of her office deflated but determined to work harder to earn that raise. Three months later she surprised me with a 60% raise in my salary! I’m not sure I worked that hard, I think it probably demonstrated how low I was paid when I started working, but the lesson learned was if you don’t ask for what you want you won’t get it.
The second lesson came from a dark period in the office when my boss discovered the staff bookkeeper wasn’t keeping the books correctly and the company was in financial despair. With an audit coming within a month, the attitude in the office shifted from positive to downbeat within a day. My boss from that day forward made sure every single employee documented their work, documented communication, and documented agreements. I often said I learned to “document the world” when I worked there. But documentation has always served me well, especially as an entrepreneur, when unexpected communication issues and business problems have developed with vendors, clients and associates.
Today’s blog is to remind you about the importance of asking for the money you deserve and to always document communication whether it seems important or not. Both will eventually get you what you want. We must be our own best advocates. We can’t be afraid to ask for what we feel we deserve, we must remain mentally strong when it comes to finances and negotiation, and we must always take a stand if we are treated unjustly. Bottom line, it is up to us and no one else to watch out for ourselves.
Interview with an Israel Woman Entrepreneur
When Women TIES received its first International member, we realized how big our outreach could be. For three years, I have communicated with Chen Zucker, an Israel woman entrepreneur, who make stunning jewelry. I conducted an interview with her for this blog entry to give American women entrepreneurs an opportunity to see the similarities between women entrepreneurs in Israel and Amercia.
Chen Zucker
Women TIES: Chen can you tell us more about your business located in Israel?
Chen: I create and sell in many places around the world charm jewelry – bracelets and necklaces. My company was born from the idea that especially in these days, people constantly need something that will give them hope, expectation for good, and luck. So I design trendy and fresh jewelry within an affordable budget. I am sure that every woman and every man wants something that can give them protection from the evil eye. That is why I decided to create Kabbalah and Judaica jewels, jewels that have some spirituality and can make whoever wears them feel good, without the necessity to be religious.
Women TIES: Please tell us a bit about yourself so we know our only International member better!
Chen: I live in a small city in the centre of Israel. I am first of all a mother of 3 kids, who even though they are grown and mature still need my attention, advice, and time for sharing their experiences with them. I believe the small things around us makes us happy. To see a new flower in my garden, to have a coffee with a friend, to get out from the house in the morning and to see the sun, etc. If we can appreciate all these small things in our world, we become better persons. So, I love to have my first coffee in the morning near my flowers in my garden, and think about the things I have to do that day.
A sunny day fills me with joy and the energy to take some photos of new jewels I’ve made, a wintry, wet day sends me to my seat in my studio to create new jewels while listening to the music I love. But on every weekend, I summarize what I have made this week in order to develop my company and what is important to do next week.
Women TIES: What materials do you use to create your products?
Chen: I believe all women want to look good and be well-groomed. I decided right from the beginning that my jewels won’t be expensive so that everyone who likes them can afford to buy a bracelet or a necklace. This is the main reason why I use silver-plated and gold-plated charms. But in order to give my jewels a unique look, I use high-quality genuine leather cords in many colors, which also allows me to give my jewels a colorful and vibrant look. I always try to make a varied collection. Some jewels are delicate and feminine while others have a strong presence which says: “here I am”. I believe that jewelry has to be multi-functional, but with a special wink, so my jewels can be used with casual wear as well as with an elegant dress.
Women TIES: How has your life changed since you opened your company?
Chen: The modern world we live in today has been ‘shrunk’ or as Thomas L. Friedman said in his famous book, ‘The world became flat so location does not matter.’ This means that a woman like me, who lives in Israel, can sell and ship goods everywhere in the world with the help of the internet. Frankly speaking, the internet is my bridge to the world. My online shops are a window from an Israeli artist to the rest of the world. Anybody from everywhere can peep in and see what is on display, place an order and get my jewels. I have a number of customers who found me via my websites.
Women TIES: How can American women support your business from here? Are you looking for connections to sell your products in America? What cities?
Chen: Any American woman who likes my jewels can buy them for herself, if she has a business that connects or deals with jewelry and fashion accessories, mutual business relationships can be established. I sell my jewels to some places in America and have great relationships with my customers, as on now-days orders can be places by e-mail and shipment takes only few days. I’ll be glad to broaden and expose my jewels line to women in New York State, or any other place in America. I really believe that international business helps to both sides – suppliers and customers as they brings fresh flavor of products.
Women TIES: Do you think women entrepreneurs in Israel are different than women in America? If so, how?
Chen: The basic entrepreneur’s characters are something you have or don’t have no matter the place you live in. It’s a “type” that cross borders. An entrepreneur has to be a person with a vision, ambition, optimistic view, the ability to give good service and the willingness to work hard all the time!
I keep saying it’s very important to open a window whenever the door is being closed in front of your face. And, I think it’s the same wherever you live in America or Israel. Therefore, I really don’t see fundamental differences between Israeli women entrepreneurs or American women entrepreneurs. Both have the drive and energy to do everything they can in order to success.
Women TIES: What are your entrepreneurship goals for the next year?
Chen: I would like to achieve 3 main goals: the first concerns to broadening the market and customers. Therefore, I keep searching after shops, and new customers to purchase my jewels. I believe that you have to work hard all the time, to not stop find new customers and opportunities, and what is the most important – to not be disappointed when you hear “no.” Second is to keep and protect my existing customers by always give them the best customer service, to keep a continuous communication with them and strive to add new models to my collection all the time. I think it’s very important to be attentive to your customer’s market needs and try to fulfill them. The third goal concerns my jewels collection. I am working now here in Israel on a prestigious line which will contain solid gold and diamonds. It’s a risky step as I have to invest in it, but on the other hand, I believe in my jewels, so I am sure it will increase my number of customers.
Women TIES: What do you think can makes a Women entrepreneurs more successful?
Chen: As there is big competition in almost every existing business area it’s very easy to fall down into the feeling – I am working so hard and nothing is growing up………. I believe that a woman entrepreneur has to be creative, to do extensive research on her similar market colleagues in order to learn what they did not do and to enter that place. A positive boldness is a good thing also. Don’t be shy, dare to………what can be? I am the example of a bold woman, because 2 years ago I wrote to Tracy, we started communicating and she was so kind to add me as “Women Ties” first international member.
Women TIES: And a final question, what is your biggest wish for your business?
Chen: Well, I create charm jewels, so I believe they will brings me luck !! Maybe it may sounds a bit weird but I wish to do a ‘customers travel’ among all my customers around the world and that this tour will take me weeks – which means I’ll have many many places to visit. I even can see in my imagination the small gift I’ll bring to every customer I visit……….
Achievement Award Winner’s Lessons
Last week I learned some great business lessons from the 2010 Post Standard Achievement Award Winners, I wanted to share with you today. I hope they inspire you to greater levels of entrepreneurial success today.
*We each have individual life missions. They might be faith driven, business minded, community service focused, generated from injustice, or purely heart centered. We can make big changes in our community if we know what our life mission is and work towards making a difference.
* Even though one person has the mission to fuel change, it takes support from others to take a mission and really make a difference. Whether its volunteers, staff, family or other support networks, no one can accomplish great things without the assistance of other individuals. Be willing to identify who else feels the way you feel and ask them to support your efforts.
*The world is a hectic place. We each have a lot of demands placed on us but people who really make a difference find the time and energy to do more. Each award recipient was applauded for their generosity in donating their time to other organizations or individuals. Even though we are busy women entrepreneurs, are we finding time to give back to causes that move us? I believe we should after witnessing the Post Standard’s unsung heros and heroines.
Your Chosen Path
As I sat at the Post Standard 2010 Achievement Award Luncheon, I was inspired by the depth and breadth of the accomplishments of the award winners, their personal dedication to their profession or community, and their passion for making a difference in Central New York. Although they weren’t all entrepreneurs, they embodied the entrepreneurial spirit by their deeds, successes and enthusiasm.
I was proud to be there as a guest of SUNY Oswego to cheer on President Deborah Stanley. I first met Dr. Stanley in 1984 when she taught my business law class. I was instantly impressed by this strong female faculty member. I have grown to admire her even more as leader of an institution I love because she has done such an incredible job maintaining high educational standards, improving facilities, increasing scholarship funds, and creating stronger community connections since becoming president in 1995.
The thought that kept surfacing as I listened to each one of the award recipients’ personal videos and thinking about my own path from student in Dr. Stanley’s classroom to guest at her award table, is the amazing connective journey we take in our lives to get where we are today. In our lifetime we take many individual steps which leads us in a future direction we can’t foresee until we get “there.” Whenever we have that “aha moment” we look back and see the stepping stones and the path we have traveled. It makes sense – perfect sense – and there is always a message in it for us.
I realized that my commitment to my alma mater, my educational background, my constant and lifelong interest to be inspired by women like Deborah Stanley, has put me where I am today – inspiring and educating other women to higher levels of their own success.
Today’s blog is to remind you that you have traveled a rewarding journey already in your life. Take a moment today to look back at the path you have taken to get to today. See that you are exactly where you are suppose to be and doing precisely what you are suppose to be doing. There is nowhere else you need to be, but right here, right now. Look around. Soak it up. Be grateful for the path you have chosen.
Post Syracuse University WISE Conference Action
Yesterday Syracuse University hosted its eighth annual WISE Conference. An annual premier event for women entrepreneurs. The one-day symposium, attended by nearly 1,000 women, included a wide variety of seminars, motivational speeches from successful women business owners, networking opportunities and a business expo. Having been the emcee for WISE the very first year and following two years I can attest to the power of this annual event to inspire and educate women.
If you did or didn’t attend yesterday’s event, I hope today you embrace the energy and enthusaism you felt at the event or are feeling about growing your own business and join Women TIES in 2010 as we work every single day on a proactive and consistent basis to create the same spirit and opportunities WISE generates. Women TIES is dedicated 365 days a year to helping women entrepreneurs specifically.
Nancy Hayman, Ellie Hayman and Tracy Higginbotham
Women TIES is the only local, state and most importantly regional organization for women entrepreneurs created to help women on a daily basis brand their name, increase their sales opportunities and make stronger strategic economic ties with other women across the state.
We are determined to make 2010 a banner year for women entrepreneurs. We want you to benefit so please get involved with us today! Take a look by visiting our the Women TIES Events page at the amazing regional events we have lined up through June 2010 to strategically support your efforts to widen your regional marketplace, inspire you to higher levels of success, and bring you together with women who want to buy from each other! It is a powerful network and we want you to be a part of it.
Since 1996, I have been personally dedicated to helping women like you succeed in business not for just one day, but all year long. I look forward to supporting your entrepreneurial efforts in 2010, having you as a member, promoting your business and seeing you at our events.
$40,000 Impression
Adam, Tracy and Thomas Higginbotham
As I retrieved yesterday’s mail, I found three pieces of communication from three colleges where my son has been accepted. All three are reputable institutions – two of them private universities and one of them a public college. One envelope was branded with gold and maroon lettering in an ivory envelope, one was a regular crisp white envelope with dark blue copy, and the third was a plain white invitation sized envelope. The inside contents were as different as their outside appearances.
The communication inside the first envelope was very warm, encouraging, and professional. The second letter was direct, institutional and informative. The third piece contained a folded, white piece of paper printed off a computer with a jet inked photo of biology department students. Unfortunately, it looked like my six year old niece could have produced it and it came from the most expensive college.
These marketing pieces spoke volumes about the image of the institutions that sent them. Although my 18 year old son would have never noticed the difference, as an entrepreneur, public relations specialist and consumer, the image and content of the communication provided a window into the “quality” of each college. By simply looking at these three pieces of mail, we could see and sense the difference in the schools.
Today’s blog is to remind you of the importance of your corporate image and communication materials. Do not underestimate how the public and future clients might judge your company based on your external communication. Sometimes the instant image of your website, e-newsletter, solicitation letter, and business card will establish a feeling about your company you can’t change in the future.
Sometimes you only have one time to impress the buyer. Are you sure a $40,000 a year client, like a potential college student, is getting the right impression about your company.
Women TIES 