Corporate Partner Corner
Special benefits and offers from our corporate partners for NAWBO members.
President’s Message – December 2016
Happy Holiday season to you and yours!
This time of year always seems to be incredibly hectic! We’re shopping for gifts, decorating our homes and attending many holiday parties. Oh, and never mind that as women business owners we are also still running our businesses, trying to finalize year end projects, and sending out client gifts and cards.
Our NAWBO board has been working very hard this year to deliver amazing programs and networking events. I hope that one of your resolutions will be to join us for more of them. Might I suggest that you right now mark your new 2017 calendars with a recurring appointment for the 3rd Tuesday of the month, from 6:00 – 8:30pm, and call it “NAWBO Meeting placeholder”! In January we’ll be talking about your health and wellness to kick off the year. In February, we’ll be celebrating in gala fashion our Crystal Chair awards – which symbolizes and celebrates NAWBO women bringing their chairs to the business table so many years ago, and still today. And in March, we’ll recognize international Women’s Business Day.
A major premise of our organization is public policy and being better together – both for our individual businesses and in the larger scheme of our communities and our country. In that spirit, we are also preparing again for the annual NAWBO California – Propel Your Business Conference in early May 2017. I hope you’ll consider attending that as well. It’s an amazing gathering of NAWBO members from all ten California chapters and includes great speakers and the opportunity to connect with your state legislators. Join us in Sacramento. Part of the fun is in the carpooling!
If you’re like me, you’ll probably do a little reflecting at this time of the year before the calendar turns to January. Many good things happened for me in 2016. And hopefully to you as well. So, I encourage you to look back on 2016 and ask yourself – how did I do? And not be too hard on yourself. Celebrate the victories, and ask yourself how you can learn from the setbacks. Maybe ask yourself, “If I could change one thing for 2017, what would it be?” And then, raise a glass (of whatever you’re drinking this time of year), and give yourself a toast. From one business owner to another, here’s looking at you girl!!
From myself and the entire NAWBO-Silicon Valley Board of Directors, we wish you a very happy holiday season. See you all in 2017!
With fondest regards,
Santa Monika
PS – Remember, click to your calendar now….and mark those 3rd Tuesdays!!
President’s Message – September 2016
Dear NAWBO-Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
Our leadership group has asked me to serve another year, and I’m excited to do so. Thank you for the opportunity to lead this wonderful organization again in the upcoming year, which began on July 1. Thank you to outgoing Program Director, Beatrice Schultz for her fabulous service this year in creating our wonderful programs. And please help me in welcoming to the Board our new Program Director, Flor Harris and our new Public Policy Director, Vandana Agrawal. These ladies join Maxine Goulding (Past President), Pam Hedblad (Secretary/Treasurer), Jennifer Dizon (Membership Director), Karen Hebert (Communications Director) and Griselda Quezada-Chavez (International Affairs Director) in the leadership of our organization.
In the spirit of a fiscal new year – I think it’s only fitting to have a new theme. My theme for this year is “Better Together”. What does that mean? And what does it mean for you? Our board of directors will be reaching out to the members of NAWBO-SV to inquire how we can enhance the value of your membership AND how you can help us become even stronger with your increased participation. Sure, we appreciate your dues, but we really want to see more of you – at meetings and special events. Why? Because you add ideas, expertise and experience when you participate at events. Your presence helps encourage other women business owners to show up and to be part of something special. Because we are better together.
NAWBO is an organization founded on the premise of public policy and establishing a place at the table for women business owners. We still do that – at the national, state and local levels. The women who established this organization over 40 years ago blazed a trail for us. And now it is our opportunity to carry that torch and continue blazing the way for ourselves and those that will come behind us. Are you in?
For the first time in many years, we will be hosting a “Signature Event” this fiscal year – in February of 2017. It’s planned to be a gala-type event honoring those who have helped women business owners establish that place at the table. We have a cool and creative theme around it, which we will unveil to you in August. There will be several opportunities for our members to volunteer to be a part of this very special event – including various areas to recognize your business, get in front of sponsors, be nominated for prestigious awards, and to be part of this inaugural event. There’s a reason you joined NAWBO-SV and we’d like to see our entire membership group have a stake in making this event a success and in enhancing the value for each of us to making our entire organization better together. So, don’t wait to be asked (although we will ask!) – if you think you can help make our signature event a huge success, reach out to a board member and share your enthusiasm and willingness to lend a hand. Trust me – you will want to be part of this.
In addition to our Signature Event, we also have really fabulous speakers lined up for this year, along with the continued networking events which our membership has requested. Stay tuned to the newsletters and website for information on how you can help re-invest in NAWBO-SV this upcoming fiscal year to help to continue to make us Better Together!
Fondly,
Monika Miles, 2015-2016 President, NAWBO-SV
President’s Message – April 2016
Dear Members and Friends of NAWBO-SV,
Much is happening in NAWBO National, NAWBO California and NAWBO Silicon Valley along with other Chapters.
Last month several of our NAWBO-SV members participated in the Bizwomen: Mentoring Monday, hosted by the Silicon Valley Business Journal at Villa Regusa in Campbell. This event was the first of its kind and the beginning of an annual tradition that brings women together in a casual, fast-paced coaching atmosphere. This event took place in 43 cities on the same day which means at least 200+ women were coached in every market or 8,000+ women across America, from Albany to Hawaii.
Our NAWBO-SV members that were mentors for this event included; Monika Miles, Maxine Goulding and Ruth Stergio (Ruth was also the keynote speaker). Other ladies that were mentors and have been involved with NAWBO-SV are; Marilyn Ritter, Karen Mathews and Linda Popky. As you can see we had a strong NAWBO presence.
We are getting prepared to join our NAWBO National’s Boot Camp and NAWBO California’s Annual Propel Your Business Conference in Sacramento (April 26 – 28). Before the conference begins on Monday, NAWBO National will be holding their Leadership Bootcamp on Sunday, 4/26. So you have the opportunity to attend two conferences while in Sacramento. Details: www.nawbo-ca.org .
NAWBO-SV is diligently working on a networking event for Tuesday, April 21st. It’s going to be a fabulous event with some activities that will be entertaining and fun for all. We will have food, beverages, an Opportunity Drawing (three gifts to be given away), important announcements and plenty of networking. Our host, Bridge Bank, has invited Maria Arias, owner of Betsie’s Boutique to come and display her wonderful items at the event.
I do hope you join us at any or all of these events.
To your success!
President’s Message – January 2016
Dear Members,
Happy New Year! I hope this finds each of you reflecting on your successes of the year just passed and planning for the prosperity ahead in 2016. Yes, of course, the PLAN! As unique, independent and creative business owners, we all have our own ways to do that. We’ve been coached that the plan must be in writing, be manageable, include our vision, etc. And in the end, we will each create it in our own unique way. Our guest speaker for our January event was Kristy Royse who shared how to put together our personal strategic plans. And with any luck at all, those will also tie into what we want for our businesses!
When we started the NAWBO fiscal year 6 months ago, the board sat down and put together a one-page business plan for our chapter. And we also talked about “Who Moved My Cheese” – that famous little book about getting out of your comfort zone today so that things don’t get stale tomorrow. As we reach the midpoint of our year, it’s a natural time to evaluate how it’s going! Overall, we’ve received good comments about the quarterly themes and our venue change. But we are always looking for additional feedback. So, please, tell us how you think it’s going. I also challenge you to spend a few minutes wearing your NAWBO hat and imagining what types of things you can do as a chapter member and future chapter leader (we’re always looking for additional ideas on the board) to bring additional value to our membership. Every one of you adds something special to every meeting. There’s nothing more satisfying to me than to look around the room at one of our events and to see people really engaged with each other. Thank you for continuing to bring your energy, enthusiasm and talents to this group.
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to do so this quarter. Our theme for January through March is “Commerce”. That topic, of course, can conjure up many different things. And it will for us as well. I mentioned Kristy’s topic on a personal strategic plan. In February, we will have a networking event sponsored by GoDaddy (but no keynote speaker). The evening will have some great opportunities to meet fellow members and guests and some fun twists and fabulous prizes. Finally, in March, we’re featuring another field trip! Long-time member Hannah Kain of ALOM Technologies is hosting us at the company’s Fremont location. The meeting’s theme will be networking around international commerce and will feature some special guests around that topic.
Thank you for your membership and for all you do for this organization. Now, go finish up that plan and get moving on generating your numbers for 2016! It’s only 300+ days until Christmas!
Fondly,
Monika Miles, 2015-2016 President, NAWBO-Silicon Valley
Justice Ginsburg’s Warning To A Dysfunctional Nation
Submitted by Maxine Goulding, California Special Occasions
I read a very interesting article about the work that Justice Ginsburg has accomplished over the years and why she is so passionate about it. She gives a bit of history of how women, pay (we still only make 78% of what men make), and LGBT rights for all have
changed over time.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been a national figure for at least half of her life. As founding director of the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project, Ginsburg probably did more than any other litigator in the nation’s history to abolish sex discrimination and gender stereotyping. Read the full article here.
President’s Message – November 2015
Dear NAWBO-Silicon Valley,
Yes, it’s here – Q4! Is it cliché to say that the years go by so much faster as we get older? Yes, it is, but yes they do! I’ll admit that I’m never fully ready to embrace Q4 yet, in early October, but by Halloween, I’m all in. And as Thanksgiving approaches, I really do take stock of what I’m thankful for. So, readers, you’ve missed my whole melancholy shift into the new quarter, and now I’m ready. Much has happened since my last President’s message, so I’d like to recap what you’ve missed if you haven’t joined us at NAWBO-Silicon Valley in a while!
September – Five of us from NAWBO-Silicon Valley attended the NAWBO National Women’s Business Conference in San Antonio. The conference was inspiring in many ways. Many of us participated in a leadership training series, where we shared chapter best practices with chapters across the country. We also had a variety of interesting speakers addressing our group – from Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina to Texas Governor Greg Abbott on the political side, and inspiring keynote speakers Leigh Ann Tuoey (of “The Blind Side” fame) and Bonnie St. John, the first African American to win Paralympic medals in ski racing. NAWBO-Silicon Valley was also instrumental in engaging 22 women from Mexico as AMMJE’s (the Mexican equivalent of NAWBO) delegation to the conference. Our own Griselda Quezada-Chavez almost single-handedly hosted these ladies during the 3 day conference and was instrumental in forging partnerships with their organization on a national basis as well as locally. NAWBO-Silicon Valley is the only US chapter with a direct partnership with AMMJE and their Cabo San Lucas chapter. Well done!
September – Here locally, we rounded out our first “themed quarter” of “Communications”. Our September speaker was Cynthia Riggs, and she presented to us about building your own One-Page Business Plan.
October – Our October speaker, our very own Past President and current Secretary/Treasurer, Pam Hedblad, spoke with our group about “Take Action to Pump Up Your Financial Fitness”. Pam shared some great tips about how to put more money into savings and retirement planning and how to just make smarter decisions about money. Her presentation was a great way to kick off our theme this quarter – “Finance”.
November – There are many exciting things going on this month, some directly NAWBO related, and some being offered to us as member benefits from outside organizations:
- Speaker Hilary Hendershott will be presenting about 7 Steps to Turn Revenues into Profits and Personal Wealth.
- We have been asked to participate in an SBA sponsored event called InnovateHER where innovative businesses can compete for cash prizes.
- NAWBO Members have been invited to participate in Inc. Magazine’s Vision 2020 event in SF on 12/3. Contact us for the registration code if interested.
- Small Business Saturday – following Black Friday (on Saturday 11/28) the event encourages shoppers to spend money at local small businesses – like your fellow NAWBO members’ stores, for instance.
Thank you to all of you who’ve been to our meetings recently. And a special invitation out to those of you who haven’t joined us for a few months. We miss you. And you’re missing out on some good programs and networking! I know that the holidays are soon to be upon us, so I hope to see you in November and December before ALL of the craziness hits. The board has been working very hard on your behalf to keep the quality programming coming. Please judge for yourself and offer them a huge thank you in the process.
See you all soon!
Fondly,
Monika Miles, 2015-2016 President, NAWBO-Silicon Valley
President’s Message – September 2015
Dear NAWBO-Silicon Valley,
As we turn the calendar to September, I can already smell autumn in the air. When I take my morning walks, I feel a nip in the air and the smell of garlic wafting up from Gilroy. It’s also that time of year when I have the “reality checks” with myself about my business. Summer is almost over, and we’ll soon be in the fourth quarter of the year. If you’re like me, you might ask yourself if you’re hitting your projected revenue numbers, or meeting your other goals, and what adjustments you need to make NOW in order to finish off the year with a bang. Our September speaker, Cynthia Riggs, might be able to help you with just that. Ms. Riggs will be presenting on “The Fastest, Easiest Way to Write Your Business Plan”. As business owners, we all have a plan – right? Even if yours is already crystal clear (of course it is!), please join us on September 15 to share your comments and ideas to help other business owners hone theirs. There are always gems to be found at a NAWBO – Silicon Valley meeting.
Speaking of gems, we had an amazing meeting in August. Staying with our quarterly theme of “Communication”, we arranged for a networking event at the Santa Cruz headquarters of our corporate partner, Plantronics. As the leader in telephone headset development (and the headset that made the first trip to moon with Neil Armstrong) and a long-time supporter of our organization, we thought an event like this would fit nicely into our Communication theme! After many of us arrived over the hill in style, courtesy of a limousine provided by NAWBO member Jen Jaciw of Lone Star Limousine, we were treated to a nice evening at Plantronics. From the patio wine and cheese reception, to the dinner (and famous cobbler dessert), to the wonderful presentation on Communications by Judi Hembrough – everything was first class. The company had also promised us that they would be drawing for a very nice gift to one of our members or guests. At the end of the evening, we were surprised yet again as everyone who attended received a Voyager Edge headset, courtesy of the company. A special thank you to Dave Huff and his entire team at Plantronics for the hospitality!
I’d also like to welcome two new members that have joined in the last couple of months. Welcome to Monica Duarte and Yvonne Urness. And also a thank you to renewing members Marit Fox, Katherine Winkelman, Pam Hedblad, Christine McHale, and Mary Hiland. Investing in yourself by joining or renewing your membership is a gift you give to yourself. And we’re excited to have you in the room!
In addition to our meeting on September 15th, I also hope to see some of you in San Antonio, at the National Women’s Business Conference – our national NAWBO conference, later this month.
And finally, we’re excited to share that the quarterly theme for October, November, and December will be on Finances. We are honored to have two of our very own members – Pam Hedblad and Hilary Hendershott presenting in October & November, respectively.
Enjoy the dog-days of summer and the smell of garlic in the air (or on your fries at that last series of baseball games). I look forward to seeing you and hearing about your plans for Q4!
Fondly,
Monika Miles, 2015-2016 President, NAWBO-Silicon Valley
Making Wise Investment Decisions?
What’s happening in world of investments and strategies to help you make wise decisions?
Find out what the Wells Fargo Investment Institute Global Investment Strategy Report says. Download Wells Fargo Global Investment Strategy Report.
Why Words Matter: A Recap of the July Event
Guest Presenter Gary Purece
We welcomed Gary Purece as our speaker at the July 21 meeting. His topic was timely and very informative. He said that asking six key questions during any conversation with anyone would help to communicate clearly and respectfully.
The questions are: Who, What, Where, When, Why and What If. Asking these questions will cause people to feel valued. When people feel valued, they stay longer and give more to the organization.
There are two things to create through words:
- Credibility/Trust
- Decisive/Assertive
Stories are a key element in communication by using CASST which is an acronym for Central character, A complication, Setting, Series of actions, Theme. It is the way leaders talk. If you want to download his presentation, CLICK HERE.
President’s Message – August 2015
Dear NAWBO-Silicon Valley,
As most of you know, July 1 begins the new fiscal year for NAWBO (both nationally and here in Silicon Valley). It is the official passing of the baton from one board of directors to another; the start of the implementation of a new strategic plan, and a chance to evaluate. The incoming board of directors for fiscal year 2015/2016 held its annual strategic planning retreat in late June. This is a great group of women business owners ready to shake thing up a bit at NAWBO-SV. You’ll see many familiar faces on this board, and a few new ones. Before I share what’s coming up – let’s give another big thank you to Maxine Goulding, our outgoing President, for the amazing job that she and her board did for our organization last fiscal year!
Now, here are some things you can expect to see in the upcoming year, beginning this month!
First, we have built in more of the social and networking events that our members have told us they really like. While our educational speaker presentations will still feature informative speakers, not every meeting will be in that format. Every quarter, we plan to have at least one meeting dedicated to networking, without a keynote speaker – and hopefully at some unique locations. We’ve informally spoken with several of our corporate partners and many are willing to host us at their facilities for these networking events. (See info about our August meeting below.)
Next, we are structuring our year by breaking each quarter into a specific focus or theme for our members. For instance, our Q1 (July, August & September) will focus on Communication. Our July speaker, Gary Purece, embodies that topic with “Why Your Words Matter”. Our August 18th event is a “field trip” to Plantronics in Scotts Valley. Plantronics specializes in telephone headsets – definitely communication! And our September speaker Cynthia Riggs, will present about building your own “One Page Business Plan” – being able to communicate it effectively. Ms. Riggs is a resource that has been made available to us as part of our National NAWBO affiliation. Our Q2 (October – December) will focus on Finance related topics – stay tuned!
Finally, there will be more opportunities to share your expertise with NAWBO-SV! We will be asking for member input and a few volunteer hours during the year to assist on committees and special projects. The beauty of this group is that every member of our organization has a unique skill set, and we’d like to share those within our membership. One way we’d like to do that is to encourage more member attendance at monthly meetings. Each of you has paid your dues and chosen to make NAWBO a part of your network. Let’s all come together monthly and share our unique ideas. And while we’re at it, bring a friend. Guests will be invited to come to two meetings and then asked to commit to membership. A robust membership and attendance at meetings strengthens everyone’s membership. One way to commit to meetings and get them calendared is to purchase the annual pass for meetings if you are an active member. It’s a member benefit to enjoy. At $425 to prepay the year, you essentially get 2 free meetings. And who doesn’t like FREE? For more information, contact our office at info@nawbo-sv.org.
We have plenty of other exciting things in the works this year and will share them as soon as they are finalized. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to work with an amazing board of directors and all of the members of our organization. Thank you for being a member. We look forward to hearing your ideas for the upcoming year. If there’s anything that I can do to enhance your member experience, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Fondly,
Monika Miles, 2015-2016 President, NAWBO-SV
Great Storytelling Starts with a Great Story
The May NAWBO-SV event was about storytelling. We all know how important storytelling is to build a connection with your clients and potential customers. We hear it over and over again from marketing experts. But the biggest roadblock for many of us is that we don’t’ think we have a story to tell that is compelling or will resonate with our target audience.
Our presenter, Stephanie Nivinskus, CEO, Sizzle Force Marketing, has spent most of her life storytelling — first as a journalist and then as a marketer. She told us that everyone has a story that can be developed and showed us the impact they can have. She offered two storyline strategies as samples: 2×4 Style and the Startup Story.
The “2×4 Style” is coined from the concept of a more dramatic, “hit them over the head with a 2×4” storyline that consists of 1) identifying the messy situation or issue; 2) identifying what is standing in the way of a resolution; 3) creating a hero that is going to champion the quest; and 4) stating the lesson that the hero learned through the process. It draws the listener through the story to a climax where the hero is triumphant. This could be a story about a client or project you had, or a challenge that you overcame in your business.
The Startup Story is more focused on telling your own personal journey of how and why you started your business. Many business owners have a good story for why they started their business — they are passionate about something, they had a personal tragedy, challenge or life event that sparked their entrepreneurial path. Many of these types of stories are inspirational and motivating.
There are many other types of storylines, but Stephanie stated that no matter what the story, four key elements to focus on are:
- Make your audience picture the story
- Dramatize the problem
- Introduce your own personality
- Somehow acknowledge your customers within the story
President’s Message – May 2015
Dear Members and Friends of NAWBO-SV,
We had an amazing time at NAWBO California Propel Your Business Conference in Sacramento. The turnout from our California Chapters was great and it was good to reconnect with our sister Chapters (so much networking went on – yeah!). NAWBO California went all out and put together a fabulous agenda for us this year. They had a lineup of speakers that was outstanding. Besides hearing our very own Jennifer Dizon, NAWBO-CA President, opening up the meeting and other sessions we had, Kathy Warnick, NAWBO National Secretary/Treasurer; Betty Yee, State Controller; Rachel Michelin, ED/CEO, California Women Lead; and many more.
In addition, I want to give thanks to the event committee members for Propel Your Business: Laura Neubauer, Chair NAWBO-CA, Jennifer Dizon, NAWBO-SV, Hilda Kennedy, NAWBO-IE, Tamara Badkerhanian-Ganev, NAWBO SD, Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, NAWBO LA, Lori Kammerer, NAWBO Sacramento, Shaila Mistry, NAWBO OC. Tina Loza, NAWBO IE chaired the Business Woman of the Year Award, and Monica Nainsztein Rodriguez and the NAWBO Sacramento Chapter planned the evening reception.
Thank you NAWBO-CA!
Our next meeting, this month, is a meeting you do not want to miss. We will have Stephanie Nivinskus presenting “How to Tell Your Story and Give Your Small Business a Big Voice”. In addition, a special session will be given by Stephanie on how WE can tell our stories – exciting takeaway.
Our June event will be honoring our Corporate Partners, so this is your chance to meet our partners and network.
In July NAWBO-SV is turning over the President’s gavel over to Monika Miles, President Elect. Monika has planned a new format for some of our meetings and frankly I am excited to be participating – new ideas, new venues and plenty of networking.
I do hope you join us at any or all of these events.
To your success!
Maxine Goulding
NAWBO-SV Chapter President
Business Owners: The Clock is Ticking — Mandatory Sick Pay Leave Starts July 1, 2015
Submitted by Judy Pearce, HR Results
Be on guard for mandatory sick leave pay! Even if you have just one employee, you need to comply with this radical change in California employment law.
The Basics: Virtually every small business owner must participate by giving all employees (including part-timers and temps) three days or 24 hours of paid sick pay per year. There is also a mandatory poster that should have been on all California employers’ walls by January 1, 2015.
You can download the poster here.
You’ll find useful Q&A’s here.
If you need any assistance locating information about the new law, please email me at judypearce@hrlegalresults.com and I will try to help.
NAWBO at Silicon Valley Business Journal Biz Women Mentoring Monday
The second annual Mentoring Monday was held on March 30, 2015 all over the country. The Silicon Valley event was held at Villa Ragusa in Campbell.
Maxine Goulding, Monika Miles and Jennifer Dizon enjoy the event.
Attendees learn about the National Association of Women Business Owners. (photo courtesy of SJ Business Journal)
Check out more photos from the Silicon Valley Business Journal who sponsored the event.
Top 10 Coolest Companies to Work For Based in the Bay Area
Submitted by Steller Solutions
As one of the most innovative business hubs in the U.S., the Bay Area provides an oasis to startups as well as Fortune 500 companies. Encompassed by San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, the Bay Area is home to a diverse workforce with dedicated, engaged employees. From unique employee appreciation to giving back to communities, businesses in the Bay Area know that happy employees create cultures where great work thrives.
Who made the the list? In March, Stellar Solutions (CEO Celeste Ford—a long time NAWBO-SV member) was named one of the Top 10 Coolest Companies to Work For Based in the Bay Area — alongside some pretty big name companies including Twitter and Yelp.
Can Silicon Valley Small Businesses Compete for Millennial Talent?
Submitted by Cecilia McCloy, Integrated Science Solutions, Inc.
The Silicon Valley area is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the nation. But can small business employers who don’t offer free lunch, concierge service, or allow pets to come to work compete with those that do? You bet! Jerry McGuire aside, for most new graduates it isn’t all about the money. Millennials are looking for more. Of course the base salary has to be reasonable, student loans need to be repaid, but small businesses can offer a litany of intangibles that bigger companies can’t. Millennials want to make an impact, want to learn and grow, want to take initiative, and work with interesting people.
Small businesses can easily afford opportunities in all these areas and more. Working directly with a business owner lets recent graduates see all areas of a business. Millennial hires will have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow in a small business. You can’t be just a specialist hire in a small business, employees need to juggle multiple hats. Employees are often given responsibility for projects or products sooner than at a larger firm. If you have a great idea the business owner wants to hear it! Anything that will move the business forward is worth listening too. Business owners often contribute time, energy, and money to the local community non-profits. Millennials want to make an impact in the world. Business owners should think about competing and recruiting newly minted graduates. New ideas, eagerness, and enthusiasm is well worth the price.