Raising money to start a business or take a business to the next level has always been a challenge. Many great ideas and businesses have gone under because they lacked the ability to stay in the game long enough before revenues could support the business. Under-capitalization is the number one reason businesses fail. Banks know this. Unless there is collateral or solid … [More]
Timeless secrets for aligning people, story and brand
Imagine every day when your people come to work, it’s like sitting around the campfire. A place where people effortlessly trust, reflect and connect with their purpose and the purpose of your organization; a place where they are focused and present. As a 5th generation native of Arizona, I was raised in a ranching, rodeo family, and I know firsthand the power of campfires and … [More]
Practical & Legal Considerations for Launching a Business in 2015
If all it took to make a new business successful was the desire to be your own boss, no business would ever fail. A new business includes lots of sacrifice, determination, hard work and a clear understanding of both your business and your ability to perform well as anentrepreneur. Before deciding if owning your own business is a right fit for you, consider: Time: Think … [More]
Six Characteristics of Success
When you study success, you’ll find unequivocally that successful people in any endeavor have one thing in common: they think differently than less successful people. Roger Ailes, the founder and CEO of the Fox News Channel, is quoted as saying: “There’s a big difference between those who want to be something and those who want to do something. About 95 percent of America is … [More]
Value Matters – Improvement Matters
When you started your business, what was your motivation? What do you aspire to deliver to your customers – your value? What gets in the way of using all of your resources to deliver that value? Many activities in our business consume time, energy, and resources, yet are they truly adding value? The business grows so quickly that the processes and methods we use to deliver … [More]
Trademark Primer for Small Business
Juliet famously mused: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” I humbly submit that if Juliet was in the business of selling flowers, she would have seen things a little differently. She would have realized that there is a lot “in a name.” Because if Juliet sold flowers for a living, then people all around Verona (that’s where … [More]
2015 Women in Leadership highlights women and empowerment
More than 120 attended the Third Annual Women in Leadership event, held Feb. 11, at the Silverleaf Club in Scottsdale. Presented by APS, with additional sponsorship by Cox Communications, Scottsdale Community College, Merestone and Encore Creative, Women in Leadership focuses on topics, stakeholders and policy-makers that help women manage work/life balance while excelling … [More]
Message from the CEO
Spring has sprung, and with the beauty of the season comes an astounding array of events and activities that help show Scottsdale to the world, much of which is still covered with snow. No other part of the country can boast the world’s largest-attended golf tournament and a Super Bowl — all on the same weekend! Corporate and private aircraft, collectively worth billions of … [More]
Visions for city’s future discussed at 5th annual event
Where is Scottsdale today? Where do we want it to be in the future? What is the common ground that will lead us to that vision of the future? Those were some of the questions discussed at Scottsdale Forward 2015, held Fri., March 27, at the Scottsdale Community College Performing Arts Center. Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-R) and former Sen. John Kyl (AZ-R) keynoted the annual … [More]
Breakfast With A Side Of … Immigration
Demographic trends tell Arizona’s evolving story Arizona’s story has always been closely tied with the people that come here to make it their home. This story continues to be a dynamic one as shown by Jim Rounds, senior vice president with Scottsdale economics firm Elliott D. Pollack & Company, at the Scottsdale Area Chamber’s Breakfast With A Side Of … Immigration. Held … [More]
Letter from the President
How to make it last: Business Longevity 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the National Association of Women Business Owners, national association and the 30th anniversary of NAWBO Phoenix. The National Association of Women Business Owners came into existence in the early 1970s when two women, Dottie Grandy and Denise Cavanaugh, realized that if they got together with … [More]
Accountants vs. Bookkeepers vs. Certified Tax Preparers
Most business owners are kept busy with the day-to-day operations of running and growing their companies. While they do their work because they are passionate about it, not every aspect of being a proprietor is pleasant. In a study done by TD Bank, over half of all the business owners surveyed ranked bookkeeping as their No. 1 hated responsibility of a business owner. … [More]
Striving for Balance When Your Team is All Female
As women business owners, we’re often drawn to hiring other women as we build our team. We like the camaraderie, the easy conversation and the like-minded ways of thinking. Let’s face it, we tend to be drawn to people who are JUST LIKE US! This actually applies to men, too, and it can be a major barrier to our business success. Diversity among your team is a huge benefit, … [More]
Building Lasting Relationships with Content and Social Media Marketing
People buy great products and services from people they know, like and trust. But, how do you get people to know you if they won’t visit your store or call you for a consultation? You do it by building lasting relationships with content and social media marketing. The process of building relationships hasn’t changed. You still build them through authentic engagement and … [More]
Business Mentoring Helps Ensure Long-term Success
Business owners face challenging tasks and decisions every day. Finding a business mentor is one key element that can help to ensure continued business success. This year marks the 11th anniversary of NAWBO Phoenix’s Mentoring Program. The purpose of the program is all about setting and achieving measurable goals that lead to economic impact. The nine-month program, … [More]
Network Like a Girl
While “acting like a girl” may not be advised for athletes or aspiring corporate executives, it may be just the right strategy for small-business owners! Authors and executive coaches advise us to lean in, aggressively go after promotions, and negotiate for better salaries to win. Learning how to “man up” is good advice since men hold most high-level positions. For small … [More]
Small Business Marketing Old School Versus New Tools
In marketing, things move quickly. Each day brings a new tool. Each week, a new trend. Marketing has one strategy that has stood the test of time: Build relationships and reach people. The tools we use to build relationships have evolved over time. The good news is, many of the new marketing tools make building relationships easier. Used correctly, the same message leveraged … [More]
To Export: Connect, Embrace and Commit
Exporting is not easy. Less than 1 percent of U.S. companies export. But at least 20 percent of U.S. companies have operating systems in place to be successful with international expansion. Here are three tips to help you be more effective in your global growth. 1) Connect. Start your global journey on the right foot with good ideas and resources, and then stay connected to … [More]
