NAWBO® Central Illinois - The PULSE

PR 101 by Lindsay Brown

Although we weren't able to meet in January due to the weather, Lindsay Brown has provided her PowerPoint presentation that she planned for the educational moment. Download PR 101

You're Invited to the Women in Business Bi-Annual Conference

Women in Business Bi-Annual Conference
Marketing Your Business On A Shoestring Budget

Featured Speakers include Debbie Delgado, Ronda Daily, Becky Davies, Shad Sleeth, and Yona Lunken

CONFERENCE DETAILS:

Date:   Thursday, December 3, 2009

Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center, 100 Conference Center, East Peoria, IL 61611; Riverfront Grand Ballroom, Rooms G, H, I & J

Cost:

• $50 - Whole Conference
• $35 - Panel and Workshop Only (afternoon)
• $35 -Networking and Keynote Speaker Only (evening)
• (Add $10 if paying after 11/3/09)

For more information, and to register, go to http://www.talktodorisnow.com/test/index.php/events.

Questions? Contact Doris Symonds at dsymo92699@aol.com.

American Free Enterprise Dream Big Campaign

The American Free Enterprise. Dream Big campaign is one of the most important and necessary initiatives in the Chamber's nearly 100-year history. As a nation, we face major policy challenges--but none greater or more important than reviving the economy, restoring the 7 million jobs lost to the current recession, and creating the 13 million more jobs that will be needed over the next decade.

A recent survey by the U.S. Chamber found that while people support free enterprise, they do not clearly see how it benefits them as individuals. Respondents also expressed concern about the future of the free enterprise system and believe that the private sector will and should take the lead in the nation's number one challenge--job creation.

At the U.S. Chamber, we believe that the values of individual initiative, hard work, freedom of choice, and the free exchange of trade, capital, and ideas can lead America back to prosperity. Only free enterprise will create the innovation, the opportunities, and the jobs our nation needs. That is why we are launching this campaign.

Here are some of the campaign's core components and ways for you to get involved:

• National Advertising Campaign: View our innovative national advertising campaign built to inspire Americans to celebrate the role of free enterprise in meeting our nation's next great challenge--creating 20 million new jobs in the next decade. View and share the ads.
• American Free Enterprise Pledge: Sign your name to proclaim your support for and intention to help strengthen the free enterprise system. Sign our pledge.
• Dream Big Video Competition: Participate in the online video competition that invites Americans who personify free enterprise--business owners, startup entrepreneurs, and future business owners--to tell their stories of how free enterprise allows them to pursue their dreams. Stay tuned to www.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for information about submitting videos.
• Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award Program: Apply or nominate a small business owner for this recognition program, held in conjunction with America's Small Business Summit, that honors successful business owners and entrepreneurs who have contributed to the vibrancy of American free enterprise. Stay tuned to www.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for information on submitting nominations.
• Free Enterprise Forums: Take part in a series of bipartisan community-based discussions on the role of free enterprise in job creation and innovation to help spread the free enterprise message throughout the country. Stay tuned to www.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for additional information about events in your area.

You have a critical role to play in this historic endeavor. We are all free enterprise, and each one of us must become involved in preserving America as the great land of opportunity.

We encourage you to get involved in these activities as often as you can. Please join us by signing the American Free Enterprise Pledge today and encourage others in your community and across the country to get involved.

Sincerely,
Thomas J. Donohue
President and CEO
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Expand Your Marketing Reach to the Spanish Speaking Community – Deadline September 25

FREE Classified ad in the October issue of La Palabra!
Now accepting your classified ads in all categories:  buying and selling, jobs and services, celebrations and special events, and real estate.  Please submit your ad, about 50 words, including your contact phone or email, no later than 5:00pm, Friday, September 25.  Email your ad to:  editor@ePalabra.com
 
FREE birthday and anniversary announcements in the October issue of La Palabra!
If you know anyone with an October birthday or anniversary, let the world know!  Please send the person's first and last name and the date (e.g. July 4--Uncle Sam) no later than 5:00pm, Friday, September 25.  Email your announcements to:  editor@ePalabra.com

La Palabra is McLean County’s only Spanish speaking publication.  See www.ePalabra.com for more information.

Extreme Technology Makeover Contest

Does your business need a technology makeover?

 

Mavidea announces the EXTREME TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER: One IL business/agency will win $35,000 in products & services! Visit www.mavidea.com/makeover for details

30 Articles in 30 Days

"The way I see it, every one of us in the writing business starts off with precisely the same tools, the 26 letters of the alphabet. All we can do is try to arrange those 26 letters in a different way than anyone else has before." Bob Greene

Are you someone that has loads of information in your mind, but struggle getting it down on paper?  Maybe you procrastinate, or get stuck in the trap of perfectionism... I used to be that way too!  Today, I want to tell you about a great class that my colleague is providing this month.  Keep reading to check it out.

If you want to learn some ways to arrange the 26 letters of the alphabet into articles, then you'll want to save the date of Saturday, November 22, 2008 for a special tele-coaching event:
"30 Articles in Just 30 Days"

That's right! On Saturday, November 22nd from 8:00 - noon/Pacific (11:00 - 3:00 Eastern), my colleague, Dr. Meggin McIntosh will be hosting a unique event to help you write "30 Articles in Just 30 Days" (http://tinyurl.com/McIntoshArticles)

If this appeals to you as a goal, be sure to block out Saturday, November 22, 2008 so that you can participate 'live' and receive the teaching, coaching, structuring, and mind-shifting that you need to make that goal into a reality!

Consider this:

• We live in a digital age.
• People who want information want it now, i.e., whenever they want it (and you know you do, too!)

Publishing articles on the internet is a fabulous way to:

• showcase your expertise
• share your knowledge
• offer your information to others
• allow others to access your research
• disperse your experience and reflections for other people's benefit
• ensure that others know about your organization or association
• and more....

Google yourself and your topic--are you on the first page? Would people be able to find out about you and your areas of expertise if they Googled you? If you write articles, they will be.

If you want instruction, structure, and support as well as encouragement on how to envision, create, write, and publish "30 Articles in Just 30 Days" http://tinyurl.com/McIntoshArticles, then do NOT delay in signing up for this special tele-coaching event on November 22nd.

As a professor, Meggin published scores of articles and books, and in the last year, has published over 150 articles on the internet, which have subsequently been re-published throughout cyberspace. This has resulted in a multitude of contacts for workshops, teleseminars, and other working relationships--all because people learned about "The Ph.D. of Productivity™" through her articles. The benefits continue to roll out each week.

Note: Are these internet-published articles as difficult and elaborate as the ones published in refereed journals? Heck no! HOWEVER, it doesn't mean that they aren't valuable and it certainly isn't something to view with disdain.

By participating in "30 Articles in Just 30 Days" http://tinyurl.com/McIntoshArticles, here's what you'll get:

• A four-hour tele-coaching event on Saturday, November 22, 2008 led by Dr. Meggin McIntosh;
• 30 days of email tips & encouragement, which you can activate whenever you're ready;
• A packet of handouts and materials to help you structure your 30 days of article writing;
• Same-day coaching and follow-up opportunities with Gini Cunningham, author of 50+ articles and an upcoming book being published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (with 2 more books already written - one of which is at a publisher and the other headed out the door to agents in the next few weeks).
• Some bonuses that will be announced soon.

The cost for this package?

   1. $99
   2. Or just $49.50 if you're a member of Meggin's Life of E's; www.LifeofEs.com.

Imagine yourself having 30 articles in just 30 days...and you can start your 30 days whenever you want, having been jump-started on November 22nd. You can begin the pursuit of that goal on that first day - or 3 days from then or whenever it works for you. I will encourage you not to wait too long--and will work to ensure that you have the tools and structure you need to get going...now!

So, if you're interested, get right on over to http://tinyurl.com/McIntoshArticles, click on the calendar and scroll to November 22 where you can register.

If you decide to attend, let me know!  I'd love to hear what you think of the session.

To your success!

PS - do you know of other learning opportunities?  Let us know!  newsletter@nawbo-cil.org

"The way I see it, every one of us in the writing business starts off with precisely the same tools, the 26 letters of the alphabet. All we can do is try to arrange those 26 letters in a different way than anyone else has before." Bob Greene

Are you someone that has loads of information in your mind, but struggle getting it down on paper?  Maybe you procrastinate, or get stuck in the trap of perfectionism... I used to be that way too!  Today, I want to tell you about a great class that my colleague is providing this month.  Keep reading to check it out.

If you want to learn some ways to arrange the 26 letters of the alphabet into articles, then you'll want to save the date of Saturday, November 22, 2008 for a special tele-coaching event:
"30 Articles in Just 30 Days"

That's right! On Saturday, November 22nd from 8:00 - noon/Pacific (11:00 - 3:00 Eastern), my colleague, Dr. Meggin McIntosh will be hosting a unique event to help you write "30 Articles in Just 30 Days" (http://tinyurl.com/McIntoshArticles)

If this appeals to you as a goal, be sure to block out Saturday, November 22, 2008 so that you can participate 'live' and receive the teaching, coaching, structuring, and mind-shifting that you need to make that goal into a reality!

Consider this:

• We live in a digital age.
• People who want information want it now, i.e., whenever they want it (and you know you do, too!)

Publishing articles on the internet is a fabulous way to:

• showcase your expertise
• share your knowledge
• offer your information to others
• allow others to access your research
• disperse your experience and reflections for other people's benefit
• ensure that others know about your organization or association
• and more....

Google yourself and your topic--are you on the first page? Would people be able to find out about you and your areas of expertise if they Googled you? If you write articles, they will be.

If you want instruction, structure, and support as well as encouragement on how to envision, create, write, and publish "30 Articles in Just 30 Days" http://tinyurl.com/McIntoshArticles, then do NOT delay in signing up for this special tele-coaching event on November 22nd.

As a professor, Meggin published scores of articles and books, and in the last year, has published over 150 articles on the internet, which have subsequently been re-published throughout cyberspace. This has resulted in a multitude of contacts for workshops, teleseminars, and other working relationships--all because people learned about "The Ph.D. of Productivity™" through her articles. The benefits continue to roll out each week.

Note: Are these internet-published articles as difficult and elaborate as the ones published in refereed journals? Heck no! HOWEVER, it doesn't mean that they aren't valuable and it certainly isn't something to view with disdain.

By participating in "30 Articles in Just 30 Days" http://tinyurl.com/McIntoshArticles, here's what you'll get:

• A four-hour tele-coaching event on Saturday, November 22, 2008 led by Dr. Meggin McIntosh;
• 30 days of email tips & encouragement, which you can activate whenever you're ready;
• A packet of handouts and materials to help you structure your 30 days of article writing;
• Same-day coaching and follow-up opportunities with Gini Cunningham, author of 50+ articles and an upcoming book being published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (with 2 more books already written - one of which is at a publisher and the other headed out the door to agents in the next few weeks).
• Some bonuses that will be announced soon.

The cost for this package?

   1. $99
   2. Or just $49.50 if you're a member of Meggin's Life of E's; www.LifeofEs.com.

Imagine yourself having 30 articles in just 30 days...and you can start your 30 days whenever you want, having been jump-started on November 22nd. You can begin the pursuit of that goal on that first day - or 3 days from then or whenever it works for you. I will encourage you not to wait too long--and will work to ensure that you have the tools and structure you need to get going...now!

So, if you're interested, get right on over to http://tinyurl.com/McIntoshArticles, click on the calendar and scroll to November 22 where you can register.

If you decide to attend, let me know!  I'd love to hear what you think of the session.

To your success!

PS - do you know of other learning opportunities?  Let us know!  newsletter@nawbo-cil.org

Count Me In’s Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE in 2009, one from each zip code of a Sam’s Club store

Sam’s Club and Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence are partnering to provide a first-of-its-kind offer to women entrepreneurs. Sam’s Club is sponsoring 600 women business owners to enter Count Me In’s Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE in 2009, one from each zip code of a Sam’s Club store.

Count Me In’s Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE is a national contest to engage women entrepreneurs around the country to set and achieve their business growth goals of $250,000, $500,000 or $1,000,000 in revenue in 2009.  We know from our extensive work with women business owners across the country that inspired women entrepreneurs grow exponentially when they set goals, ask for help, and are given access to the right tools, coaching and networks. Count Me In created the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE because we understand and believe in the collective power of women entrepreneurs to create thriving families and communities.

What you get:

• Waived enrollment fee into the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE
• One-year Sam’s Club membership
• Media exposure for your business
• Access to Count Me In’s educational materials and referral to business experts
• Access to an online community of fellow sponsorees from Sam’s Club

To be considered for a sponsored entry to the RACE, please click here to answer a few questions so we can learn more about your business. The deadline to complete survey is Friday, October 31.

About the MAKE MINE A MILLION $ BUSINESS RACE:

The mission of the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE is to inspire, engage and educate one million women entrepreneurs from across the country to grow profitable, sustainable enterprises that create jobs and drive economic growth. The Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE will not only transform women and their businesses, but their families, their communities and the US economy. Count Me In will be announcing the launch of the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE to the public in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for information about the newest evolution in our commitment to women’s economic independence. The RACE launches in January and runs throughout the 2009 calendar year.

If the above link to the survey does not work, please use the following web address:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2bzcUXbxwvCT3xcMQ9_2b_2bgAw_3d_3d

Member News & Marketing Opportunity

Congratulations to Holly Jones for the release of her new site H. Jones Productions!  The site provides information on the various events that she produces.

Her upcoming event is WAHM Job Fair and Conference.  What is a WAHM?  You might be one!  WAHM is Work at Home Moms. 

Marketing Opportunity -- If you have a business that targets women from 30-50 years old, this is a great venue to consider marketing your business. Holly has a number of options from sponsorship (Title Sponsor is Disney Travel!), Exhibitor, Show Book, Business Expert Panelist. Representatives from across the nation are coming to be a part of this exciting new venue in Central Illinois.

Learn about the opportunities: Marketing opportunities
Learn more about the event: Event information

10 Things You Must Know About Generation Y

We learned quite a bit at our last meeting about different demographics, but one group stood out to make the room groan.  Generation Y, aka, the Millennials.  Tom Baker writes: “You can either learn how to engage this powerful demographic or get left behind-and pay for it dearly. Gen Y are the influencers of today and the business decision makers of tomorrow.”  He has written an awesome article on the subject that you should check out even if you don’t have employees!

Follow this link to read more!

http://www.advancedautomationinc.com/publications/issues/source/source_04_80_04.htm

The Millennials are different.  But, understand this, some of us in this chapter are Millennials! (he he he, well, not me, I did not make the cut.)  We can learn a lot from each other, too.

Marketing Moment: Social Networking

Have you heard of Plaxo, LinkedIn, MySpace, or Facebook?  Do your kids have accounts, but you have no idea what they are?  Again, Commoncraft has a dummy proofed short video that shows you a bit about Social Networking and their benefits.   

This one is under 3 minutes!  Take a watch and tell us what you think!  Do you have accounts on social networks?  Let us know!  NAWBO is a great networking resource and we can help each other even more by connecting online too.  http://www.nawbopulse.com/the_pulse/2008/02/marketing-mom-1.html

Marketing Moment: Do You Struggle with Information Overload?

Last week I showed a video about blogging.  For anyone the surfs the web, you have probably seen the RSS logo and maybe had no idea what it was.  If you are like I was and thought, "I don't have time to figure out yet another new thing." then the rest of this article could be great for you.  Again, Commoncraft has a dummy proofed short video that shows you the benefit of RSS.   

Here is the second of three videos -- This one is called RSS in Plain English.   It is 3.5 minutes long.  Take a watch and tell us what you think! http://www.nawbopulse.com/the_pulse/2008/02/marketing-momen.html

Member Benefit: NAWBO National Web Site

Have you seen the new NAWBO national web site?!  They have completely redesigned the site!!  Check it out at www.nawbo.com

Benefit of the Week - Article Library

With NAWBO, you'll reach new levels of success with your business. Use our article library to find advice on the business challenges you face every day.  New articles are added all of the time.  Here are some topics you will find right now:

Marketing Moment: Do You Understand Blogs or Do They Scare You?

Have you heard about blogs and don't know what they are or why you should care?  I was there a while ago.  I kept watching and reading and saw huge firms starting blogs and figured I should take a closer look for mine. 

If you are like I was and thought, "I don't have time to figure out yet another new thing." then the rest of this article could be great for you.  I recently found a company called Commoncraft that takes complex ideas and breaks them down into dummy proof short videos.   

Here is the first of three videos -- This one is called Blogging in Plain English.   It is 3 minutes long.  Take a watch and tell us what you think!   http://www.nawbopulse.com/the_pulse/2008/03/do-you-understa.html

Consider Participating in "Money Smart Week"

“Money Smart Week” is seeking businesses and professionals to offer an educational program(s) for the week of April 6-12, 2008 in the Bloomington/Normal community. “Money Smart Week” is a series of events sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to help members of the community better understand personal finance issues from grocery shopping to credit reports to financial planning for burials.

Events are open to the public and are hosted at various sites throughout the community. “Money Smart
Week” will manage all of the marketing and outreach in order to publicize the time and location of each
event. You may choose your own venue or, if you need a location for a course, “Money Smart Week” will work with you to secure an appropriate location.

“Money Smart Week” initially began in Chicago, IL and was introduced last year to the Peoria community.  This year, “Money Smart Week” will debut in the Champaign/Urbana and Bloomington/Normal communities.

For more information about “Money Smart Week,” please visit our website at moneysmartweek.org. To enroll a program for “Money Smart Week,” please contact Michelle Summers at 309-662-0461 X226 or by email at msummers@ywcamclean.org by January 25, 2008.

Central IL AMA: Guerrilla Marketing Author & Networking

Author from the #1 Best Selling Marketing Series of All Time and Guerrilla Marketing Guru, Al Lautenslager is coming to Central Illinois Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 - 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

DoubleTree Hotel and Convention Center Veterans Parkway and Brickyard Dr. Bloomington, IL
$20 per person - Includes abundant hors d'ouevres, beer, wine, and drinks.
Register on-line at www.cic-ama.com  by Monday, January 7, 2008