Women’s History Month Salute
Inspiration for women and women entrepreneurs during Women’s History Month
Memories of strong and soft-hearted women who created the tapestry of my life came flooding forward like a river overflowing with spring rain as I turned the calendar to March 1st, the start of Women’s History Month (my favorite month of the year).
Images of my female sixth grade teacher who sent me out in the hall a lot because I had a very “effervescent” personality which followed up with a visit to the principal’s office where his secretary kindly told me I had the most beautiful lip color to soften yet another disciplinary visit. Memories of my Aunt who would hire me to polish silver and iron clothes because I wanted to earn money at a young age. Professional images of my first female boss, a woman in her 40’s when I was only 22, who demanded excellent work and yet took her all-female staff out on a boat to treat us.
Every older woman who played a role in my life – my mother, aunts and grandmothers – taught me valuable lessons that wove me into the woman I am today – a very proud pro-female advocate and supporter of women. How could I have turned out differently after interacting with such unbelievable women all my life as shining examples of strength and softness combined?
When people ask me why I have so strongly supported women throughout my life, it is because we can be tough but at the same time kind. We can intellectually attack a problem without having to attack people. We can be gracious without being weak. Our female DNA has created sensitive, well meaning, smart women who can listen, care, compromise and lead. I am thankful for the two X chromosomes running through my body, mind and spirit every day.
Whether it’s Women’s History Month or not, my history – and I would suspect yours too – has been greatly impacted by women. Let’s never stop lifting up our sisters because the world desperately needs more maternal tones and influences in every single arena – business, education, sports, and politics.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom it to remind you as Women’s History Month begins to be mindful of the women who have made a positive impact in your life and in our world. Reflect momentarily on the sometimes negative tones of today’s environment and then take a cue by pledging to yourself and your customers to be a positive, shining beacon of reason, insight and knowledge as you lead. The world is harsh enough without its leaders adding insensitivity to the mix. Guide with a warm, caring heart and strong personal brand and your followers will notice.
Also, decide to attend at least one of our special Women’s History Month events starting tomorrow in Rochester, followed by next week’s March 8th event on International Women’s Day in Syracuse with Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and Reverend Leah Ntuala or March 22nd in the Southern Tier with sister collaborators the NYS Women’s Inc and Tioga Women Lead groups. Come out and celebrate Women’s History Month with us and remember to buy from as many women as you can in March to help eradicate pay inequality.
During Women’s History Month remember these words of Bobbye Erhardt, “Aspire to be your best self. No one else can do that; no one else can be that and no on else can tell you what this is.”
Wednesday Wisdom: Transformation in Life and Business
Inspiration, wisdom and advice for women entrepreneurs and female business owners
We witness transformation every single day the moment we awaken and see the dark night slip into light and the scentless morning air evaporate into dark roasted aroma after the coffee grinds are turned into liquid morning gold. The lamps once turned on to provide light in our home aren’t needed anymore when nature’s shine illuminates outside our windows. Morning transformations are so apparent aren’t they?
What about our own personal transformations as an aging woman or growing entrepreneur? Sometimes the change isn’t as noticeable as what we observe every dawn of a new day, yet we are transforming every moment whether we notice or not.
Runners wait to start the 118th Boston Marathon Monday, April 21, 2014 in Hopkinton, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
I have realized in order to accomplish this large physical and mental goal, it meant transforming my every day routine and talking myself through barriers I have hit along the journey. I realized I haven’t challenged myself to such an immense goal in my entrepreneurial life in some time because probably like you my business runs smoothly so why change it? Training for Boston has made me ask myself, “Why not change parts of my business and increase the intensity of my efforts?”
You might be seeing some of these changes in Women TIES overall mission to broaden our service areas to promote, publicize and unite women not only in business but in sports, equality and life issues. It does not mean our focus on our main mission of helping women connect in business is any less important than the other new divisions we have added; just like running 10 miles doesn’t mean completing a 2 mile run isn’t worthwhile anymore. There is enough room for transformation in life and business if you plan for it.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is to challenge you to ask yourself, “Have I been in the middle of making a transformation in my business life intentionally?” If so, is it time to verbalize and communicate the changes with your customer base? If you are not in the middle of corporate change do you need to think about where you are now, what you are focused on and if you need to increase your intensity to make a new transformation?
Wanting something to transform like our bank accounts with more money or our bodies ready for bikini season doesn’t happen unless we focus on the transformation we want, increase the intensity of our actions towards the goal and work every day until we reach the “finish line” whatever that final vision is for us and our companies.
A Difference between Passion and Love in Business
Inspiration for women entrepreneurs and small business owners on Valentine’s Day
As women were streaming off the bus we had taken to Washington DC for the Women’s March on Washington, I hugged each one thanking them for trusting in my ability to get them to one of the biggest marches on DC and returning them home safely. When the trip started, I only knew 10 of the 110 women coming with me; but I opened our bus to women from the ages of 17 to 75 who wanted to passionately participate in this momentous occasion.
As women hugged me back they said, “Thank you for being so passionate about Women’s Rights,” “I am grateful for your passion to bring women together,” and “You certainly are one passionate woman entrepreneur!” It is true I have been a passionate supporter, promoter and unifier of women entrepreneurs for two decades but the reason I was hugging the women on that bus and why I took the risk to take women to Washington was because I “love” being around women and supporting their dreams, actions and goals – pure and simple.
When I worked in corporate America before becoming an entrepreneur, I didn’t get up every morning and “love” heading off to work. I “loved” having a pay check and a career I enjoyed; but it was more about doing what was expected of me at that age. It wasn’t until I turned 30 when I knew I needed to turn my work experience into a love experience by creating a company that I truly “loved” to work at each and every day even though the money wasn’t constant, finding clients was challenging and the marketplace sometime ruled my success or failure. Entrepreneurship really taught me a person can “love” their career every day.
But by the time I was 10 years into my first business, I created my second one because I had the passion to help women entrepreneurs advance and loved working with women every single day. My love for women created my feminist heart that has become my brand. Every day when my husband goes off to work at a corporate job he has succeeded at for 28 years, I know he is jealous of leaving me behind to joyously starting my day.
On this Valentine’s Day, think about why you “love” being in business, the clients you “love” and the world you are trying to change for the better. You can be passionate about many things in life but to be a successful entrepreneur from the inside out, you must “love” what you do and the people you serve. When you do, every day is Valentine’s Day and every morning presents you with the best gift of all – the “love” for your work and customers.
Monday Motivation: Becoming a Better Business Negotiator
Business advice for small businesses and women entrepreneurs
A few days ago I was with one of my long time Five Star Event female clients who is an expert at negotiating contracts. The key to getting what she wants is her ability to be non-emotional, frank and unwavering in her request. She doesn’t take no for an answer. She works hard to seal the deal. She is motivated exclusively by her bottom line. In the end, she might not be the most pleasant person to do business with (unless you love compromise), but she gets what she asks for and her operation is financially successful.
I’ve learned what makes her so good at getting the best deal for her company is her forthright negotiating skills. She has no problem putting what she wants on the table or walking away from a deal if her expectations are not met. Most women entrepreneurs don’t operate this way but there could be a lesson to learn from her approach.
If it’s been a while since you reviewed your own negotiating skills, take an inventory of how you make deals with clients, vendors and associates. This year every contract is important, so make sure your negotiating skills are up to par. If they aren’t, educate or train yourself on improving them. Remember there is nothing wrong in asking for what you need. It’s vital to keeping your business strong and successful.
If you are a woman entrepreneur and need some support in this area, consider these options:
* Tune up your skills by reading some articles on negotiating, for example http://www.wikihow.com/Negotiate
* Read Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In” to gain some great motivation!
* Ask some of the women you admire most who are great negotiators to lend some advice.
* Practice negotiating with a friend, family member or associate before your next big meeting or contract appointment. Get honest feedback and work on perfecting it before it really occurs.
* Review your financial numbers and be empowered to improve your bottom line by improving your negotiation skills the next time you are trying to land new business or working with increasing your benefits with an existing customer.
It is up to us as women entrepreneurs to make the deals we need to survive and thrive in business.
New Movement: Women Using Their Maiden Names and Why It Is Important for Their Future
Women’s lineage, Female Inspiration, Girl Herstory
My beloved Aunt is known for many things – her giggles, crystal blue eyes, deep dimples, and her love for our family. At every family occasion or holiday gathering she speaks to “the group” and starts by saying, “You know you belong to the most wonderful family in the world – the Chamberlains.” We all hoot and holler to ensure she knows we agree with her.
One of the things she is most proud of is the “Chamberlain Brothers.” Her father – my grandfather – was one of seven boys who lived during World War II. We always hear stories about them especially since my great grandfather was chosen as “National Father of the Year” because he had seven sons and five of them were fighting during World War II.
A couple days ago I was approached by one of my company’s members about submitting stories about women in my family who had anything to do with the Women’s Rights Movement. I called my family historian – my Aunt of course – and asked the question. She said, “Tracy, I don’t think any woman in our family was an activist but to be honest with you I know more about the men than the women.” I said to her in a loving voice, “Doesn’t that seem strange we don’t know enough about the lives of the women in our family since we are both women?” Her famous giggle was not present after that question.
Three years ago my youngest sister, an activist in her own right, decided to change her married name back to our family name because she realized in searching our grandmother’s lineage that women get lost through history because we drop our maiden names. I loved my maiden name and actually made it officially my middle name when I got married in 1989 after attempting to convince my husband to hyphenate our names. He was right it would have been too long “Chamberlain-Higginbotham” and I knew I wanted children and wanted to share their names. But after my sister changed her name back to her maiden name, I decided to use my full name on all documents and in my writings not to torture anyone who has to write it but because I want to have a name legacy.
We are born to our full names. We are that person until the day we get married and change it. We also agree in that moment to be lost in history. I want to encourage every woman with this blog post to consider using their full name from this point forward to create a legacy for themselves. Hillary Clinton is also known as Hillary Rodham Clinton. Why can’t we all be a three name woman?
I wish I had given my sons “Chamberlain” as their middle names so the history of the “Chamberlain Boys” as my aunt called them was in their names and not just their blood. Women owe it to themselves and to the generations of women to follow them to be able to find out about their female relatives through history and know what they did to change the world for the better. Let’s start today using the names we were born with and our married names if we have one.
“Honoring the Women in Your Life”
Wisdom, Inspiration and Advice for Women Entrepreneurs and Female Business Owners
Unexpectedly one afternoon I received a text message from my sister ecstatically proclaiming she had traced our grandmother’s genealogy back to an ancestor who arrived in America on the Mayflower. In an instant I read the English sounding last names of distant relatives who all lived in New England and eventually settled near Albany. It is no wonder my heart has always loved New England. Seeing the names of people I had never imagined, met or ever thought about were clearly in view. I wondered who they were, what they did and what their life story was about beyond knowing their names.
Yesterday as Stacey Murphy, one of our Ithaca members, was talking about a writing project called “NY Votes for Women: A Suffrage Centennial Anthology” where she is seeking poetry and short prose contributions related to that Women’s Rights movement and related events that came after it, I wondered how many, if any, of the women from my Grandmother’s lineage were involved in any of the American movements. I know my Grandfather was one of seven brothers who fought in World War II and my Great Grandfather was named “Father of the Year” the year his sons were in the service, but what about the women? As my sister said to me, “Tracy, women get lost through history because we change our names and it is harder to trace us.”
I know my maternal Grandmother was the only one of 7 children not born in Italy and my other Grandmother worked in a leather factory alongside her husband but that is all I know. I doubt either of them fought for women’s rights although they were strong women in their own way. What about yours? Have you ever thought about the female lineage in your history and how the woman you are today could be genetically linked to a rebel, suffragette or activist?
During the Women’s March on Washington, I spoke with many women who talked proudly about their female relatives who were the first women to do something significant and specific in life. These are the stories we need to dig up for ourselves to link our past to our future and to honor the women in our lives who made a difference in their own way to change the world for the better.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is meant for you to think about the women who came before you in life who were the “first” to do something like go to college, vote, stand up for human rights, arrive in this country, teach you something you have never forgotten or graced you with a fighting spirit. We tend to look forward in life and today is the day to look backward at the history of your female relatives in remembrance and joy.
After you discover something meaningful, think about writing something to honor them in Stacey Murphy’s Centennial Anthology to be record for all of history to see. By honoring them, you honor yourself and the woman you are today.
Entrepreneurship Requires Periodic Innovation
Business advice and inspiration for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
Hugging my neck, comforting my feet and embracing my legs are my favorite pieces of clothing which are actually a phenomenal invention from someone who had to brave the elements. My Under Armour cold gear is essential whether I’m cross country skiing in the outdoors that sometimes can resemble the environment in the movie The Revenant or just sitting at my home based business office desk right next to large windows with 20 mph winds bashing through the glass. There is no way I could operate comfortably without this wondrous line of clothing.
Under Armour started in 1995 when Kevin Plank, then the special teams’ captain on the University of Maryland football team, noticed that the cotton T-shirts he and his teammates wore underneath their pads were always drenched with sweat. “There has to be something better,” he thought. He didn’t realize at the time that this one, simple statement would launch the performance apparel industry.
If you wonder where new trends or businesses start, sometimes they do because of simple observations and statements like Kevin’s. Two decades later, Under Armour makes the world’s most innovative performance footwear, apparel. Under Armour gear is available all over the world and worn by elite teams and athletes….and even every day people like me trying to stay warm inside and outside in Syracuse, New York especially when you are trying to train for the Boston Marathon with Team 261Fearless in the winter.
Today’s blog post is to encourage you for moment to think about Kevin’s statement “There has to be something better,” and apply it to your entrepreneurial industry. Think about products or services you wish your industry had that made your life simpler, more enjoyable, easier or better. If you are a women entrepreneur and you have been in business for more than 5 years (longer than Kevin played college football), you have witnessed needs of your customers or your own that might be the next big development in your industry or the world.
Take a moment today to get warm (with our without Under Armour hugging your body) and create ten ways you and your industry might provide something innovative that could make life better or even revolutionize the world. All it takes is some old fashion dreaming in some new fashion apparel.
Following the Curve on Your Business Road
Business advice, inspiration and wisdom for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
Gold Fall
The best business advice I ever received was from an experienced woman entrepreneur who said to me, “The best thing you can do for your business is to follow the curve in the road when it appears.” I was too new in business to understand what she meant; but 22 years later after hitting big curves in my entrepreneurial career, I know I need to ease into the bend.
This week I had conversations with a couple women about the curves trying to modify their current path. After a quarter century in business one entrepreneur is finally going big time, adding staff and claiming national business. Another woman after two years of unexpected personal strife and five years in business is finally leaning into the curve to sell her business. With national news starting to spook and activate people, entrepreneurs and professionals in all career fields are wondering if their once smooth career road is going to start getting curvy.
A curvature naturally showed up on my road the day after the presidential election when women called me to see what Women TIES could do to support women rights more. I had to contemplate putting a “political curve” into my once only “business focused” company. Would I alienate people? Would I gain new followers? What would creating a new division to my company do to keep in line with my marketplace and focus? I saw the curve coming. I couldn’t stop it from coming. I decided to embark on the bend.
Where the bend has taken me personally is to a stronger understanding and re-commitment to my core ideal to have women supporting women in business, sports, equality and life. My company will always be focused on promoting and marketing women owned companies first and foremost but in these times it needs an “Equality Division” in addition to its four year old sister division the Women’s Athletic Network to further women’s issues across the board.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is meant to encourage you to look at the road ahead of you and figure out if you see a natural curve in it. Are you ready to follow that curve? If you aren’t, don’t worry stay the course and in time you will know when you should make adjustments to your plan. If you are willing to see what lies around the corner, talk to others who have recently experienced the same situation and glide along with their inspiration. It might just be exhilarating taking the bend.
Knowing When to Stand up as an Entrepreneur to Voice Your Opinion
Inspiration and Advice for Women Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
The article in this Monday mornings newsfeed on NBC caught my attention.The article announced in the wake of the president’s executive order barring immigrants from seven predominately Muslim countries,Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz vowed to hire 10,000 refugees globally. He said, “We will neither stand by, nor stand silent, as the uncertainty around the new administration’s actions grows with each passing day. There are more than 65 million citizens of the world recognized as refugees by the United Nations, and we are developing plans to hire 10,000 of them over five years in the 75 countries around the world where Starbucks does business.” Schultz said the effort would begin in the U.S., focusing hiring efforts initially on people who served with U.S. troops as interpreters and support personnel.
In response citizens, ACLU attorney’s and the public jumped at the chance to stand up for what their beliefs and really America’s beliefs. It was a moving account of how Americans feel about their liberties. As a person, you might have your own political beliefs on this action and reaction depending on who you voted for in the election; but as an entrepreneur voicing your concerns could get you in PR trouble with constituents, the public and the media; so what can you do?
First know where you stand personally with any major global issues so you are ready to communicate it with your constituents if they ask. As the owner of a company, you should always be promoting your major mission and brand first and foremost since it is the reason you are in business and customers are associated with you.
Second understand not everyone affiliated with you or your company will agree on everything you promote, announce or support. This does not mean you have to be quiet to not offend loyal followers but be aware there could be fallout from your announcements. Create a public relations response so you are prepared for any tough conversations.
Third if your personal or political views are taking over your core business views, consider creating a separate division or group to your company to accommodate this new interest. For example we just created a new Facebook political organization page for Women TIES to keep political conversations in its own place, to gather women interested specifically in this topic and to keep our main Facebook pages business focused.
Fourth, pick up the phone and have honest conversations with people you do business with that might not agree with your new voice. I lost 2 good friends over my decision to take 100 women to the Women’s March on Washington but I gained so many more new friendships on that trip. People don’t stay in your life forever and either do clients so let them move on if they have to.
Like Starbuck’s example, you can also use big media headlines and situations to create good will for your company. Make sure you don’t miss opportunities to share what you are supporting with the local and national newspapers. PR is PR and can help you share your corporate beliefs and actions with your buying community.
Today Is the Day to Get Started
Inspiration for women, women entrepreneurs and female business owners
Packed like sardines in a crowd of over 500,000 women and their supporters, my small group of women tried moving towards the stage tucked between two large museums attempting to reach the main stage to witness the speakers, performers and organizers of the Women’s March on Washington. Shoulder to shoulder with women and men and hip to hip with children and people in wheelchairs we tried tenaciously to maneuver to listen to Bob Bland, a co-founder of the Women’s March, who had not only given birth to this event but to a daughter too. She held her as she addressed the crowd.
With no way to move because the audience was so large or listen to the performances due to a lack of good logistics like extra speakers in the perimeters, we missed Ashley Judd “Nasty Woman” speech, Gloria Steinman’s sentiments and Madonna’s rowdy words. Knowing we weren’t the only ones who weren’t going to hear the speeches, we yelled when the crowd erupted, met women we would have not met and talked to people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Every ounce of the March and conversation was positive and uplifting.
The event was an amazing, peaceful, colorful, energetic, loving display of respect for all people there. From the oldest woman I spoke with who was 85 to the youngest girl I spoke with who was 7, they shared their hopes, dreams and vision for their futures. I even met a transgender youth who proudly told me why he had come to stand up for his own crowd and rights. It was a powerful display of what is good in this world. It was a blessed event and sharing it with 110 women from our group was an once-in-a-lifetime memory.
What I realized is if the women who organized the event didn’t rise up and create the concept of gathering “some women” together, thousands upon thousands of other people wouldn’t have had the chance to experience seeing policemen wearing pink pussy hats, young families standing in solidarity with gay youths or Alaskan women drumming. The marches from every single continent including Antarctica wouldn’t have taken place either. Sometime individuals need to rise to the top of their own dreams to impact their own corner of the world and sometimes even every continent on the planet.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is meant with a strong passion from the Women’s March on Washington to inspire you to think about what you would do if you could do anything to rise up and create a movement to make a major impact in the local community, regionally or internationally. It starts by following that longing in your heart and grows with fearlessness, strength and support. It takes moving way outside your comfort level to start dreaming and preparing.
If you stop to think too much about what you want to do, you might never get started. So my suggestion to you today is get started. How can I help?
Women TIES 