As an organization dedicated to the growth and success of women entrepreneurs, some of our greatest strengths are the best practices we share and leadership development opportunities we offer. These best practices provide new insights and fresh ideas that inspire the kind of bigger, bolder thinking it takes to thrive in today’s world. Meanwhile, the leadership development builds on the transformative leadership qualities (inspirational, positive role models, concerned about followers, empowering and push followers to be creative and take chances) that research has shown women, as a whole, to have more of than our counterparts.
The last week in March, we were proud to launch NAWBO’s new e-learning webinar series with Fabienne Fredrickson, multi-million-dollar entrepreneur and business mentor with ClientAttraction.com. Fabienne shared some terrific best practices during “The Breakthrough Mindset Secrets of Highly Successful Women in Business,” including “if you ask, it is always given in the form of an opportunity” and “if you want to succeed and get to the next level, you have to look on the inside.” Fabienne also said three things must be congruent to overcome obstacles holding you back and be successful as a woman business owner: your thoughts, beliefs and actions. If you were able to join us, I hope you’ll implement some of these practices in your own business. If you weren’t, stay tuned for details on our next one and don’t miss it. The series is free to NAWBO members and just $35 for non-members.
Another great opportunity to connect with best practices is at the upcoming America’s Small Business Summit 2013. On April 29-May 1 in Washington D.C., NAWBO is co-hosting this event for the second consecutive year with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Latino Coalition. Join us, along with more than 600 small businesses and chamber and association executives from across the county, to network and learn from experts like Barbara Corcoran, founder of The Corcoran Group and star of ABC’s reality hit Shark Tank who has invested in 31 young businesses she’s now shepherding to success; Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media; and Linda Alvarado, president and CEO of Alvarado Construction Inc. Also, we’ll be advocating for pro-business policies that impact your own business success. It’s a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow, so I hope to see you there!
NAWBO also has an exciting leadership development opportunity coming up for chapter leaders. On May 7th in Newport Beach, California, we are holding our second Leadership Bootcamp for 2013. One of our top priorities as an organization is providing our chapters with the support they need to lead successfully. This can be a challenge with so many chapters spread out throughout the country and new leadership taking the helm each year. This Bootcamp teaches chapter leaders how to streamline their operations, improve their finances, grow their membership and much more, plus, it keeps everyone on the pulse of the latest NAWBO news and updates. This really is a must-attend for chapter leadership.
Later this year, NAWBO’s Women’s Business Conference is headed to Miami, Florida, with an exciting new theme “The World Awaits.” From keynotes to breakout sessions to networking in between, this event is all about best practices and leadership development. It offers something for every women business owner, so mark your calendar for October 3-5 and take advantage of the $50 savings now through June 30th during Early Bird Registration.
There’s so much happening every day as a woman business owner that it’s often hard to step back, reflect and listen to others. But that’s exactly what we need to be inspired to reach higher and wider—to reach our full potential as women business owners and leaders. I hope you’ll join us for at least one of these events, and that you’ll continue to share best practices on your own and look for ways to improve as a leader.
—Diane Tomb, NAWBO National President & CEO