Lessons Learned as a NAWBO Chapter President
1. What level of involvement should I have in the committees; for example: should I attend meetings? Coach the Committee Chairs?
You should avoid getting involved in committee work as you need to let the committees do that work and come to you (and the board) with proposals. Do not allow yourself to get mired into the details but instead assume that you have picked good people who have new ideas.
2. What are the top two challenges of the role as President and what advice do you have for me?
Two challenges include setting the direction and getting others to follow or even better, lead. Know how to delegate so you develop future leaders to take your place and know how to set clear action items with dates for delivery by a specified person.
3. How can I develop the Board as a team as soon as they are voted in as officers?
The best way is to engage them in strategic planning or action planning for their year. Ice breakers and team building exercises are available on the Web.
4. How do I engage Past Presidents even when there is a President’s Advisory Council or Past-President’s Council?
Past Presidents make great mentors and can take the lead on special projects. In addition, use your Past Presidents as your advisors and get them to continually provide you support and ideas.
5. Who is the go-to person(s) (outside of my past president) at the national level--board and staff--for questions or support?
NAWBO’s Chapter Relations’ staff is available to assist chapter leaders. See a complete listing of the staff and their responsibilities.
6. Can I have an elevator speech to tell people what "is in it for them" from our national organization (tangible reasons to pay national dues).
About NAWBO: Founded in 1975, NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. Thirty years later, NAWBO is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; to create innovative and effective change in the business culture; to build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and to transform public policy and influence opinion makers. Visit www.nawbo.org for more information.
7. NAWBO is known as a strong advocate for issues concerning women’s business ownership.
Examples of our successes include:
- Passage of HR 5050, The Women’s Business Ownership Act, in 1988, which included:
- An expansion of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 to include business credit (allowing women to secure business loans without the signature of a male relative)
- Telling the Census Bureau to count ALL women-owned firms
- Establishment of Women’s Business Centers
- Establishment of the National Women's Business Council
- Here are the benefits of the national organization:
- Local, regional and national access to and connections with other women business owners to exchange ideas and opportunities
- Opportunity to participate in discussions and problem-solving on the top issues facing women business owners through NAWBO’s Strategic Forums
- Leadership and business development training and opportunities
- Media interviews, speaking opportunities (through national Speakers’ Bureau membership) and congressional testimony opportunities
- Discounts on products and services that benefit women owned businesses
- Web-based membership directory of the nation's premier women business owners
- Web site with business articles, NAWBO resources/updates, links to members and Corporate Partners
- Recognition of achievement through national awards and publicity; placement in “Members in the Media” section of the Weekly Digest newsletter
- Member rates to NAWBO-sponsored national, regional and local events
- Access to Speakers' Bureau to promote training and speaking services
- Access to procurement opportunities: market expos & appointments with public/private decision-makers
- Public Policy advocacy/presence in Washington, DC monitoring small business legislation
- A voice on small business advisory boards of several national corporations
- Access to participation in NAWBO's Political Action Committee: NAWBO PAC
- Increased awareness about the contribution of women business owners to the economy through research conducted by the Center for Women's Business Research
- Invitations to international trade missions: a network of global business contacts
- Membership in Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) and ability to subscribe to WIPP’s Instant Impact weekly policy update newsletter
- Access to procurement opportunities with NAWBO's Corporate Partners
8. How do I motivate my volunteers and what do I do when they all (for the most part) disappear claiming "I am too busy"?
The only way an all volunteer organization can motivate is to give congratulations, kudos, atta-girls and good press. Acknowledge them from the podium and introduce your volunteers. Recognize effort and success!
9. Quick tip: How do I become the "head chief" among a bunch of "head chiefs?"
Respect that we are all chiefs and suggest rather then order. Most NAWBO women just want to have their say even if it is in utter agreement and they just want to use their own words. Really practice active listening and be sure to say “yes” as often as you can.
10. I have been elected chapter President. Where do I get a NAWBO "orientation" so I know how to act as president of my chapter and interact with national leaders and staff?
This article is the beginning of just such an initiative. The Presidents Assembly will offer even more orientation information to the incoming presidents at the 2008 Women’s Business Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, June 11-14. We expect to develop an entire series of FAQs maintained online at nawbo.org in the Presidents Assembly community over the next year.