Successful businesses know they must think outside of their communities and neighborhoods to excel. Savvy business leaders consistently work to develop relationships globally, if not for the purpose of conducting business, then to affect and influence public policy and diplomatic efforts world-wide. From local to global, the smart money is on those enterprises that encourage … [More]
How Accountability Helps You Master Your Goals
As the facilitator of High Stakes Mastermind Groups, I see a lot of driven, organized people. And they’re reaching their goals through accountability. These people know what they are doing. These people have it together. They are executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, trailblazers and leaders. They’re educated and have big dreams. Often, they’ve made their dreams come true … [More]
#NAWBOFirst
So far, this year has been full of great community building, creating alliances and forming new partnerships. I am thrilled to be a part of this growing organization and witnessing, first hand, the impact it has on our membership. Let me share with you a few exciting announcements! First, get your calendar out and reserve this time in your schedule because you won’t want to … [More]
How Paying Employees More Can Increase Your Profits
Many small-business owners are concerned about the changes to the overtime rules that come into effect this December. Currently, employees who make an annual salary of less than $23,600 are eligible to be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours a week. Beginning in December, the annual salary threshold increases to $47,476 — impacting the earnings of upward of … [More]
Options for Owning a Part of the Valley of the Sun
Arizona is a beautiful place to live and work, but it’s also a great place to visit. Arizona is a top winter destination for many who live in cooler climates, like our northern friends. Arizona is also a great summer destination thanks to lower prices for hotels, golf courses and other tourist attractions. Several new attractions have opened recently. The OdySea Aquarium, … [More]
Your Business Deserves a Good Deal: Commercial Leases 101
When considering a commercial lease, don’t just sign on the dotted line! For many businesses, leases are a large part of overhead. Tenants have bargaining power to garner for themselves the best deal for their bottom line. Here are some items you should consider when negotiating a commercial lease. Your Goals Identify your goals. Here are some important variables: Size of … [More]
Why You Should Issue 1099-MISC in Your Business
These days, businesses rely on additional services from contractors and freelancers for tasks that don’t require employee headcount. This means that it’s essential for them to understand IRS rules and varied prerequisites for issuing 1099-MISC forms in their business. Unfortunately, a lot of business owners “wing it” when it comes to following the rules and requirements because … [More]
Summer 2016 Message from the NAWBO President
When I first visited NAWBO Phoenix back in 2004, I knew I had found my tribe. It was my district manager who had handed me a newspaper clipping a few weeks earlier and thought I might be interested in the group. I didn’t hesitate to become involved and started volunteering on a committee, and, finally, the board! I am so grateful to have the women of NAWBO in my life — they are … [More]
Announcing the New NAWBO 2016/2017 Board of Directors
The Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) recently installed its new board of directors for 2016-17. This board will be responsible for fulfilling the mission of the 5,000-strong women in NAWBO to: strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; create innovative and effective changes in the … [More]
What to Do when Disaster Strikes
Have you ever heard the phrase “better safe than sorry”? Having a disaster plan is one step in making you safe. As a business owner, the last thing you want to think about is a disaster striking. Today’s disasters are not the same as those of previous generations. We not only have natural disasters which everyone seems to think about, but, with our world being run and … [More]
What Fortune 100 Firms Know about Teambuilding that Women Business Owners Need to Know!
Remember when you started your business a few years ago? You may have had visions of scaling up, living large, having a large team of people, or a company with more than a thousand employees. Or you may have decided to pursue your passion and see where it leads you. You could be a team of one or two. Either way, sooner or later, you can’t do it all alone. … [More]
The Technology Paradox: Are You Hooked into Technology or Is Technology Hooked into You?
I was recently traveling in the Colorado Rockies “off the grid” with no cellular service and no Internet access — unless I took a hike up the hill to the pasture and stood under the big pine tree, where I was able to access three bars on my smartphone. I wonder if this is how the indigenous felt when they sent out their smoke signals. … It’s amazing how much technology rules … [More]
Rights of Publicity: A Potentially Catastrophic Pitfall for the Unwary Marketer
Business owners and marketing departments need to have at least a basic understanding, if not a proficient grasp, of the legal vetting necessary before using an image in an ad or marketing piece. A marketer needs to know not to use trademarks owned by other companies, when to obtain a copyright license before using a photo, and how to avoid using trademarks in her own company’s … [More]
Protection from Hackers; Network Security for Your Business
As more home and office products become Wi-Fi enabled, having a robust network becomes a must. With all the hacking reports in the news, many of our clients have become very aware of network security concerns. There are several best practices that can help secure your home and office networks. The first step is having the right network installed. Different Types of … [More]
Spring 2016 message from the President
The Valley’s Premier Event for Women Entrepreneurs is Now Presented by NAWBO! Change is one of the few constants in life and especially in business. That’s why it’s so important for entrepreneurs to invest regularly in their personal and professional growth. For busy women business owners, however, there’s no time for events that are full of fluff and non-stop sales … [More]
Hell in High Heels
Learning to be a great leader takes training. There are countless leadership training courses, classes, videos, books and even degrees available for people who truly want to be great leaders. Much of the training available is excellent; however, when you look at the majority of the great training out there, it was developed by men for men. Women can still use it, of course, but … [More]
Close the Sale at Hello!
Some people feel they aren’t cut out for sales while others love it, thriving on the adrenaline of a closed deal. The bottom line is that we are all selling something: an idea, our opinion, a product, service or decision. Whether at work, on the road, with family or with friends, we tap into the ability to persuade and negotiate with others. That, my friends, is sales. Some … [More]
Three Lessons for Lasting Leadership
Too much. Tired of reading long lists about how to be a leader? A better leader? An effective leader? But, think about the few, core characteristics that create lasting leaders. Not the job jumpers, but leaders who stay and create sustainable success. Who are they? Simple searches will provide the lists of attributes associated with lasting leaders. You have read these lists … [More]
