More Courageous Than You Think
Courage is faith in our convictions that there is more out there, that there is a better way and we have the power to make it happen. It’s being unafraid to abandon the orthodox way of doing things and leave the comfort of the known to venture into new territory. It took some serious courage to start your own business. And you’ve needed courage at every turn – through adversity and limited resources—as you have hired employees, expanded and diversified your products and services, and grown by entering new states or even international markets.
Read MoreHow Can NAWBO Chicago Assist You?
The year is really flying by and I can’t believe we are already nearing the fourth fiscal quarter! While I’m not ready for summer to end, this is the right time to review the year and plan on where you want to be next year and in the next five years. Some of you may have heard about a new show on HBO called “Years and Years” that has a fascinating premise: in the first episode, time moves forward five years in the future. How amazing if we could see where we’ll be in five years!
Read MoreDon't Burn Out, Burn Even Brighter
“I’m up to my eyeballs.” “I’m exhausted.” “I feel like I have to do everything myself.” Have you ever uttered these sentiments? Or something similar? The life of a woman business owner can be hectic and overwhelming at times, whether you are a solopreneur working out of a home office or the head of a multi-million-dollar operation with several locations. Naturally, there will be times when you feel on the verge of a burn out. The key is to recognize the signs and then take control so you don’t burn out, but instead, burn even brighter.
Read MoreFarewell from President
Dear NAWBO Chicago, I want to thank you for one of the best years of my life. Serving as President was one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had, and I am so proud of this group that I led and represented each day.
Read MoreListening is Leading: A Conversation with Edie Comminos
Ask her how she’s feeling as she takes the reins as NAWBO Chicago’s incoming president, and Edie Comminos gives a warm, honest answer. “It seemed soooo far off 18 months ago when I said yes!” she says with a laugh. “Now that it’s actually here, I’m excited and energized and just a little bit scared. Remember, the industry I’m in is all men. The prospect of leading a group of amazing, talented women is a huge challenge and I love that.”
Read MoreCelebrating the Beauty of Small Business
National Small Business Week starts this Sunday, May 5 – making this the perfect time to recognize women entrepreneurs everywhere who are launching bold concepts and creating fresh opportunities for all of us.
Read MoreCapital for Growth: Getting to “Yes” in Funding Our Companies
Women-owned business startups are rising nationwide. In fact, 40% of all new entrepreneurs in the U.S. are women, and the growth rate for our companies is double the rate of male-owned enterprises. Yet it seems we’re somehow doing it all on a shoestring. One study shows that only one in four female entrepreneurs apply for business loans. And when they do, women ask for thousands less than their male counterparts. Why do we struggle without adequate capital – or fall back on high-interest credit cards or our own retirement savings? Here are a few possible answers:
Read MoreWhy NAWBO? Just Ask Our Amazing Members
There are literally millions of reasons that NAWBO membership makes a life-changing difference for women business owners. That’s because every member’s story is different – revealing the unique value she finds in belonging. Christine Taylor was searching for knowledge and support after she became the new owner of Gurnee Counseling Center two and a half years ago. When she found NAWBO, she knew she’d come to the right place.
Read MoreA More Diverse Workforce Benefits Everyone. Let's Build It Ourselves.
We’re energized by our belief that the future is female, and that the American workforce is growing more racially and culturally diverse all the time. But exactly how much progress have we made?
Read More5 Ways an Accountability Partner Can Help You Excel in 2019
Welcome to a brand new year! As you look at the calendar and think of all the possibilities ahead, what comes to mind? Do you feel confident in turning your ideas into reality? Of all the steps you can take right now to ensure your personal and professional success over the next 12 months, choosing an accountability partner may be the most powerful.
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