08/01/17 President's Newsletter | NAWBO
From Vision to Action
 
There are a range of descriptions for the word "vision", but my favorite is having 
"a vivid, imaginative conception or anticipation."  Almost all entrepreneurs are visionaries, seeking to fulfill their imagination, realize their dreams and anticipate success. I love these qualities in women business owners and NAWBO members. Our community of dreamers and doers is so very inspiring!
As business owners, we imagine the possible, see the opportunities that others miss and act to make our dreams become real. The strength of our vision fuels the necessary passion and risk taking required for great innovation.  Crystallizing, sharing and operationalizing vision generates sustainable business results.
 
During this last month of summer, I challenge each one of us to set aside (i.e., actually schedule on our calendar) time to clarify and share vision with our team members.  If you need help with effective visioning, I suggest reading Traction, by Gino Wickman. Many NAWBO members, leaders and our board use Wickman's tools and have found his processes to be highly effective at bringing clarity to vision, increasing staff engagement, improving operations and accountability and generating unprecedented business results. 
 
In addition to the important work of visioning, here are great NAWBO business building and educational events coming up:
 
     NAWBO MN New Member Breakfast:  Maximizing the Benefits of Membership
 
 
     National NAWBO Webinar:  Small Business Credit & the Federal Reserve Bank
     NAWBO MN Lunch:  Dare to Negotiate - The Art of Negotiation
Last, from now until mid-October, no president's message will be complete without a reminder on the amazing opportunity headed our way:
 
     2017 NAWBO National Conference Coming to Minneapolis!
We look forward to sharing visions with you in the months to come.  Until then, remember to:
"Reach high, for stars are hidden in your soul. 
Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal."
Pamela Vaull Starr
 
Very truly yours,
  
Mary Quist-Newins
NAWBO MN Board President
Don't forget your business cards 
for this wonderful networking opportunity!
 
August New Member Breakfast 
 
All members are encouraged to join us for our FREE New Member Breakfast!
This is a wonderful opportunity to network and meet new members as well as NAWBO-MN leadership. We encourage you to bring business cards, network with other members, and begin to build new relationships over the complimentary light breakfast that will be provided. 
 
 
Location: Boulay Group, 7500 Flying Cloud Drive, #800, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: 952.893.9320
Time: 7:30 am to 9:00 am
Investment: FREE - Members Only Event
 
 
Thank you to our event host!
 
  
 
Negotiation is more than just a discussion - it is an Art.Unsuccessful negotiations leave business owners continually falling short of their goals with less-than-ideal profits to prove it. Join us as three professionals who use negotiation in their everyday lives share their tips for success with us. Learn how to identify when you should negotiate, when to bring in a professional, and the general process for a successful negotiation. Lunch will be provided. 
 
Date: Thursday, August 17th, 2017
Location: Lurie LLP 2501 S Wayzata Blvd Minneapolis, MN 55405
Time: 11:30AM - 1:30PM
Investment: $15 NAWBO / $40 Non-member
 
Sandra Bodeau practices in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and franchise and distribution law. Most recently she has focused on the transfer of multi-unit retail stores (including restaurants, fitness centers and other types of retail outlets), the buying or selling of mid-market businesses, and the acquisitions of franchise systems.  In addition, she advises companies generally on business formation, corporate finance and contract issues, and franchisors in particular on system development and ongoing program issues.  Sandy has worked with clients in a variety of industries including restaurants, health and fitness, hotels, retail merchandise sales, home services, commercial cleaning services, and printing and personal care services
 
Kate Gillette is a Vice President in Avison Young's Minneapolis office where she specializes in commercial real estate transaction management, financial analysis, and market research. Additionally, Kate is responsible for developing and implementing creative solutions that address her clients' needs while supporting their long-term business plans. Her areas of focus include assisting clients with business efficiencies, qualitative and quantitative negotiations, and strategic real estate planning. Kate advises companies on how to merge their real estate vision with their business and financial reality.
 
Cathy Connett is the president and founder of CorConnections, LLC, which specializes in guiding businesses through new business initiatives, equity infusions, ownership transitions, and the building of alliances and partnerships. Clients have included Sage Electrochromics, North Star Photonics, Hot Shot Products, JJ Hill Library, and Hermes Floral. She has served as the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas and for the last 20 years, helped initiate multiple programs to support the entrepreneurial community including the MN Seed Capital Network, Women to Women (W2W) investment group in 1998, and the Sofia Angel Fund in 2006.
 Thank you to our event host!
           
 
Join us for the National Women's Business Conference and celebrate the daring spirit that unites women business owners from across the country, regardless of the size or stage of their business. 
 
This year's theme is "Together We Dare." As women business owners, we're naturally "daring" individuals. After all, we took a huge leap in starting our own businesses and continue to dare every day-to break boundaries, push limits, change the status quo, work together, attempt the unexpected, be authentically ourselves and create our magic. We simply look at the world differently and see opportunities in obstacles. We hope that you will consider joining NAWBO's inspiring community of women entrepreneurs as we dare together to reach new heights in our lives, our businesses, our communities, and the world. There's no limit to what we can do when TOGETHER WE DARE!
 
Featured Keynotes: 

  Erin Brockovich

True American hero determined 
to lend her voice to those who 
do not have one.
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Author of
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana
and Ashley's War
 
      Plus:
  • Breakout sessions on leading business and advocacy topics
  • Exhibit Hall packed with the best tools and resources
  • Annual NAWBO Awards Gala and Dinner
  • Hundreds of women entrepreneurs from across the U.S. who understand that their voice matters and they are "better together"
**For questions or help with purchasing a booth, sponsorships, or registrations, please contact our Executive Director, 
Buffie Blesi at 612-326-7772 or info@nawbo.org**
 
An Event From Our Partner
Women's Business Development Center
 
Taking the Lead: The Financials of Business Breakfast
 
Featuring NAWBO-MN Executive Director as a featured speaker: CEO and Founder of We Spark Growth, Buffie Blesi!
 
Date: Thursday, August 10th, 2017
Time: 8:30 AM -10:00 AM
Location: James J. Hill Center 80 West Fourth Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Investment: FREE!

 

An Event From Our Partner 
Women's Business Development Center
"Is Certification Right For You?"
 Lunch & Learn Workshop
 
Date: Wednesday, August 28th, 2017
Time: 12:00-2:00 PM
Location: WBDC-MN at WomenVenture  2021 E. Hennepin Ave. Suite 200, Mpls, MN 55413

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