Monday, July 27, 2009

Is Image Everything?

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

Lately I've really come to hate my mirror. It doesn't even matter what angle I use, I still see an image that is less than flattering to my ego. This hits me at my very core.

Okay, I recognize that this is a personal problem and that I have at my fingertips a network of trusted resources within our eWomenNetwork membership to seriously address many of these this issues. And I will. Soon. I promise!

I grew up with tight, frizzy, curly hair (before the Afro was popular) and was always on the pudgy side (I still remember my pediatrician saying "all potatoes and no meat---ha! Now I'm equal portions of both!) Even in the 60's skinny and straight hair was what girls saw as perfection.

But other than health, why does it matter that I am no longer the same size 12 that I was 5 years ago? For that matter, why was I so relieved when Milt (my boyfriend) finally cut off all of his long, unruly, tangled, hair this week? He now looks respectable in my eyes. Here's my ego saying, "this is what I want him to look like so people take ME seriously when we are out together."

And why, when I struggle to pay bills each month, I find the money to color my hair, get my nails done and buy new clothes?

It's to make me feel good. And ya know, I think I'm okay with that. That's why our nights out at the Bella Medical Spa earlier this year and our evening at the Cherry Hill Laser and Skin Care Center last week were so well attended. Because I'm not the only that feels that way!

And let me share this secret with you...your image of yourself...it is everything! But it is not so much about your body as it is about your mind. How you feel about the way you look can alter the way you feel, the way you present yourself, the clothes you chose to wear, the people with who you interact, and the confidence in which you go after what you want. It is a struggle that you can win without altering the outer picture, but by readjusting the inner picture.

At eWomenNetwork we talk a lot about the tools we need to grow our business. That those tools are not stand alone items. We take a more holistic approach: healthy mind, healthy body, healthy business. Each month our speakers share their knowledge, ideas, and experiences that help sharpen one of those tools in your toolbox, whether it be for personal growth or professional growth. We are all a work in progress!

Need some help looking in your mirror? Come out to one of our events and let us help you find the new you! I know I'll be there!

Noah's Ark for Business

So, who's Got Your Back?

If you live in the northeastern part of the US, or it seems anywhere on the east coast, you've heard or said..."where's the ark...its been raining 40 days and 40 nights!"

It got me thinking, what would I take with me, as a 21st century businesswomen, on my ark?

I'd take two computers, two printers, two cell phones, two generators, two sets of legal pads and pens....but what about people?

Well I'd certainly take two of my best girlfriends (who else would you complain to when your hair is all frizzy because of the rain!)

Let me tell you about a program that eWomenNetwork quietly kicked off last year called "Building Your NOAH." It was created to help managing directors build stronger chapters.

The goal is for each chapter to have at least two representatives for every industry: two accountants, two marketing specialists, two financial planners, two event planners, two florists, two computer specialists, two skin care specialists, two...you get the idea.

But do you get the idea behind it? It's about creating opportunities for alliances, partnerships and resources. Let's face it, not everyone works well together and not every service is identical just because it sounds the same.

Alliances and partnerships become your back up plan, your go to people, your measuring stick of accomplishments. They help you build a stronger ark. They've got your back!

That's what eWomenNetwork is all about--helping you fill your ark of 'go to" people so you can keep your head above water when things get tough.

We've Got Your Back!

Building a Strong Team

Who Have You Thanked Lately?
A lesson learned is often at the expense of others. If you are lucky, you are forgiven and both parties walk away smarter.

Such was the case this week when I was reminded that everyone needs recognition for a job well done-no matter how seasoned and professional they are in their industry.

I also heard about an employee meeting a friend attended. The employees were concerned about some new procedures being implemented and the response from management was "If you don't like it, there are plenty of people looking for work. I am sure we can find a replacement for you." OUCH!

It got me thinking, how many of us take for granted the very people that help us grow personally and professionally.

In order to build a strong business, you need a strong team surrounding you--from employees to vendors; from clients to business alliances; from volunteers to friends and family.

Every last one of these people is integral to your success. Doesn't matter if they are compensated for their support, they need/deserve recognition that their efforts are appreciated.

Gratitude is simple. It can be verbal or written. It can be a special lunch just to say thanks. It can be a card--Send Out Cards are great way to show gratitude. Or a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

So here's my shout out to all of you who continue to support eWomenNetwork in South Jersey, Philadelphia and surrounding chapters. I appreciate the time you set aside each month to join us at our Accelerated Networking events and I appreciate the referrals you send my way for potential new members.

Thank you!