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A Message from the President . . .

Dear NAWBO SFBA Community,

A new Board of Directors begins July 2014.  As we transition, I would like to thank those leaving the board for your enthusiasm and hard work on behalf of NAWBO SF Bay Area.  This includes Kathleen Thurmond, Melody Brumis, Liz Davidoff, Deborah Lardie, and Margie Torres, many who have been on the board for two years or more.  Thank you all.

Other board members are continuing for another term: Kay Robinson, May Pon, Syndi Seid, Emily Wirowek, and Julie Gordon White.  Also, welcome to our new board members: Elizabeth Bachman, Vivian Dai, Deb Doyle, Kim Miller-Hershon and Laura Renner. We’re excited to have you on board.

I recently read an article in The Atlantic magazine, “Closing the Confident Gap” by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman which talked about how even highly successful women lack self-assurance – and men have too much.  While the shortage of female confidence is well documented, the question is why and most importantly, how do women overcome this?   The authors purport that “confidence is the stuff that turns thoughts into action.” When women don’t act, when we hesitate because we’re not sure, we hold ourselves back.  And when we do act, even if it’s because we’re forced to, we perform just as well – or better than men.  If action, then, is the answer to closing the gap, then women need to start taking action more often and be more daring…because at each step, we get better, smarter, stronger and more confident.

It’s therefore befitting that the topic for last month’s Installation Ceremony for our New Board Members was about Women Serving on Boards: How To Lead, Elevate Your Position.  NAWBO started in 1975 with women sitting at a kitchen table, creating an atmosphere of professional community to further and strengthen their entrepreneurial spirit.  Today, there is a significant gender gap in American Boardrooms with only 16.6% of the board seats of Fortune 500 companies held by women.  Corporate America needs more women to sit at the Board of Directors table because research shows that corporations with women on their board perform better.  Serving on a non-profit board, such as NAWBO, is a great way to get board experience, generate visibility within your community, build relationships, and demonstrate leadership skills.  This could be your call to action.

NAWBO has been incredibly instrumental in my personal development as a professional woman, business woman, and leader.  Stepping into the role as President of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter is a very humbling experience.  I’m proud to lead an organization full of amazing, successful, smart and fantastic women.  I now challenge each one of you to take action, to lean in, to become stronger and more confident as women business owners.  Own your potential.  We have some amazing programs and events planned for this year that will be inspiring, thought-provoking, and educational in helping grow your business.  That means that you should come to our events, get involved, and meet other amazing women.  Learn from them, get inspired by them.

Join us on July 10th as we hear Leslie Blodgett, Creator of bareMinerals & Executive Chairman of Bare Escentuals talk about “Building a Billion-Dollar Brand, One Customer at a Time. In September our guest speaker will be Debi Hemmeter, the co-founder of Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In Organization. And that’s just the beginning.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone involved who helped make last month's Installation Ceremony and ESS Dinner fabulous. The energy in the room was electric. I'm still getting emails about how wonderful you thought it was. A special thank you to  Nancy Rothstein Photography who took outstanding photos of the evening (you can see them on our FB page), as well as Wendi Lieu of Socolo Chocolatier, who generously donated chocolate truffles to our guests. We also had Regina Christie showcasing her fabulous painting, Sheri Weinstein selling her Stella & Dot Jewelry and Kathy Canfield Shephard displaying her designs.

I look forward to meeting you and having you as part of NAWBO San Francisco Bay Area as we work to support our members and enrich our community.

Best wishes on your success

Laura Russell-Jones
President, NAWBO SF Bay Area 2014-2015

NAWBO-SFBA MONTHLY EDUCATIONAL SPEAKER SERIES & DINNER . . .

When: Second Thursday, Monthly
Time: 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Where: Sir Francis Drake Hotel | 450 Powell Street • San Francisco, CA 94108
Google Map & Directions
REGISTER | FLYER

Building a Billion-Dollar Business, One Customer at a Time
As a cosmetics “counter girl” in the ‘80s, Leslie Blodgett recognized something was very wrong with the makeup industry, from the products themselves to the way women were treated. Years later, as CEO of Bare Escentuals, her focus on doing things differently helped transform the fledgling bath & body retailer into a $1 billion dollar cosmetic empire.

With signature frankness and humor, Leslie will share her early struggles to keep her company afloat while balancing work and family, and the challenges and rewards that come with success. She’ll describe how her nontraditional approach to just about everything gave the company its competitive edge, and built a vibrant culture and fanatic following in the process.

You’ll come away with pragmatic advice that any business owner can apply, whether you’re just starting out or scaling a multimillion-dollar business.

About Speaker

A visionary recognized by WWD Beauty Inc. in 2014 as one of “The Big 10 leaders in beauty,” Leslie Blodgett has earned her influential position as a beauty industry magnate through a 20-year tenure at Bare Escentuals, forever transforming the conversation around beauty by utilizing unconventional marketing tactics, leveraging a diverse distribution model, and spearheading a personal, community-enabled approach. | Read More

THURSDAY, JULY 10th
5:30PM-8:00PM

View Pricing and Location

REGISTER NOW! | Remember Bring Extra Business Cards.
How To Register:
• Go to the Month Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Date
• Begin your Registration

Special Thanks to Our ESS Sponsor!

MEMBER IN THE NEWS . . .

Are you a member of NAWBO SFBA? Have you or your business been in the news? Let us know! We want to share your success with the rest of the NAWBO SFBA Community. Send your "Member in the News" to Laura Russell-Jones, President NAWBO SFBA

FEATURED MEMBER . . .

Interview with new president, Laura Russell-Jones, Financial Consultant, and founder, Posh Baban heirloom baby gifts.
By Deb Doyle, Brand Storyteller, Stage2 Marketing

It’s not a surprise that when asked what she does when she’s not working, she laughed, “Truthfully, it’s difficult for me to switch off.  In addition to my professional activities, I’m a wife, a mother, the middle-school room parent, a member of the Oakland-Piedmont National Charity League and the neighborhood watch coordinator.

Laura’s Welsh mother-in-law inspired the launch of Posh Baban 12 years ago when she knit a beautiful sweater for her new granddaughter. Laura enlisted several other women in her mother in-law’s village to create heirloom baby sweaters. The business soon grew to include unique, luxurious baby gifts such as cashmere onesies and personalized sterling silver pieces. Although Laura has scaled it back, the company continues to offer specialty gifts and custom orders.

Laura’s other passion is Finance and Investing.  As a financial consultant, she gets great satisfaction from helping women replace their financial fears with confidence and empowerment.  For example, she worked with a new widow who found herself over her head managing investments and retirement savings since her husband had previously handled that part of their relationship. Laura taught her the financial concepts that seemed so foreign. Slowly, the woman became more competent and financially savvy. “It was beautiful to see the change in her. For me, it was extremely rewarding to make such a dramatic impact on people’s lives.”

Laura began attending NAWBO events in 2010. She was at a crossroads with Posh Baban and looking for guidance about next steps.  “I felt like I was fighting a lonely fight. I craved meeting and connecting with other like-minded women business owners. I attended some meetings and suddenly became inspired, more focused and energized. The women I met were strong and the topics we discussed where educational. It was a transformation of personal and professional growth.”

Her NAWBO relationship began with the Oakland Breakfast Meetings and grew to include both the Walnut Creek forums and the monthly dinner meetings. When the board needed someone to coordinate the various Breakfast Meetings, her board career was launched. “It was my first board, and I agreed without really knowing what I was getting into. It turned out I loved the experience.” Over the last three years, she has also served as the Treasurer, President-Elect and now President.

Laura has high expectations for her term and her fellow board members. She’s planning many new programs and projects designed bring new vitality to the SFBA Chapter. These include high-profile dinner speakers, a re-launch of the Leaders Circle for businesses with $2M+ revenues, Lean In Circles in Oakland, SF and Marin, a half-day conference on Access to Capital and the annual Awards Event honoring Local Women Business Owners.  And this is just the starting list!

If you‘d like to learn more about Laura be sure to read her monthly presidents column in our newsletter, introduce yourself at one of the dinner meetings or contact her at president@nawbo-sfba.org or 415.291.1237.

Interested in being a Featured Member? Contact Deb Doyle

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUMS . . .

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - OAKLAND

When: First Thursday, Monthly
Time: 5:30PM - 7:00 PM NOTE: This is an evening event.
Where: The Office of Shannon Presson | 101 Broadway • Oakland, CA 94607
Google Map & Directions

Oakland Breakfast Facilitators:
Jo Illfeld and Rebecca Doubledee

Cost:
Early Registration by Tuesday
Members: Advance $12 | At-The-Door $15
Non-Members: Advance $20 | At-The-Door $25

REGISTER HERE NOW!

NEXT FORUM: TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014

Get Clients Now! Three Things You Can Do Today to Get More Business
What powerful action steps could you take today to get more clients? In this fast-paced, focused session, you'll find out how to build an endless stream of clients by doing a few simple things each day. You’ll learn what really works to market your business and what doesn't, how to diagnose your marketing and sales problems with the Universal Marketing Cycle, and discover the missing ingredients that have prevented your marketing from being successful. You’ll walk away with (at least) three specific steps you can take to start getting more clients right now.

About the Speaker
	C.J. Hayden, MCC, CPPC is a business coach and the author of Get Clients Now! Since 1992, she's been helping self-employed professionals get clients, get strategic, and get things done. Her simple system for marketing and sales has helped thousands of entrepreneurs get more business with less effort.

REGISTER ONLINE BY FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!
How To Register:
• Go to the Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Day
• Start your Registration

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - SAN FRANCISCO

When: Third Wednesday, Monthly
Time: 7:30AM - 9:00AM
Where: Small Business Admin SFDO | 455 Market St #600 • San Francisco, CA 94105
Google Map & Directions

San Francisco Breakfast Facilitators
Elizabeth Bachman and Michelle Lerman

Cost:
Early Registration by Monday
Members: Advance $12 | At-The-Door $15
Non-Members: Advance $20 | At-The-Door $25

REGISTER HERE NOW!

NEXT FORUM: WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2014

Mary Liu is our Spotlight Speaker This Month!

Three Simple Steps to Extraordinary Collaboration and Success
Mary shares her stories about living a life “hiding” in shame,guilt, and secrets from the day she was born to 46 years later finally speaking her truth and unveiling her mask and allowing people to see her authentic self.

She shares why releasing your shame and having your voice heard can help you overcome challenges in your life,relationships, and your business.Mary shares her lessons learned and why sharing your story of adversity is the key component to owning your business success.

You will walk away seeing your own brilliance in a new light.

In this powerful session, you will:

• Learn why sharing your story is a key component to your business success
• Discover one simple technique to help you through challenging times
• Inspire a greater belief in one's self to help focus on achieving your goals
• Walk away empowered and inspired!

About the Speaker
	Mary Liu is an Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Speaker, Facilitator, Visibility Empowerment Mentor and Best-Selling Author. She helps women navigate the journey from shame and secrets to brilliance and success! She facilitates wisdom success circles and empowerment retreats to support you to be seen and heard.

REGISTER ONLINE BY MONDAY, JULY 14TH, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!
How To Register:
• Go to the Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Day
• Start your Registration

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - MARIN

When: Fourth Tuesday, Monthly
Time: 7:30AM - 9:00AM
Where: Il Fornaio Restaurant | Corte Madera Town Center • Corte Madera, CA 94925
Google Map & Directions

Marin Breakfast Facilitators
Susan Berke

Cost:
Early Registration by Friday
Members: Advance $12 | At-The-Door $15
Non-Members: Advance $20 | At-The-Door $25

REGISTER HERE NOW!

NEXT FORUM: TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2014

Aimee Lyndon-Adams and Karen Halset are our Spotlight Speakers This Month

What Truly Matters: Redefining Success
Success can leave a woman stressed out, over scheduled, exhausted and feeling guilty for all of the things she hasn't gotten to yet, as well as all of the people that she feels she's letting down. Up until now, we've all been competing against a male success model that fully embraces success at any price! The need for “24/7 availability” is another reason why so many women are running on fumes. You see a woman thrives when she is able to nurture all the
elements that are important to her happiness. Cut her off from that and she will wither and die. Don’t you agree - we need a new success model for business that integrates the best of the masculine and the best of the feminine and that brings consciousness to business?

In this presentation, you will learn:

- How to bring sustainable values into your professional and personal life
- How to find the balance points
- How to live your purpose

This presentation will stay with you long after it is over, reminding you that you do not have to sacrifice to achieve the success you deserve.

About the Speakers
	Aimée Lyndon-Adams and Karen Halseth are the cofounders of What Truly Matters: Redefining Success. They both have enjoyed executive careers in Corporate America before launching their own successful private practices. Authors, speakers, business consultants, training designers and facilitators, they are both highly acclaimed skilled intuitives and coaches.

REGISTER ONLINE BY FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!
How To Register:
• Go to the Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Day
• Start your Registration

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - WALNUT CREEK

When: Fourth Monday, Monthly
Time: 7:30AM - 9:00AM
Where: Sunrise Bistro | 1559 Botelho Drive • Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Walnut Creek Breakfast Facilitator
Kim Miller-Hershon

Cost:
Early Registration by Thursday
Members: Advance $12 | At-The-Door $15
Non-Members: Advance $20 | At-The-Door $25

REGISTER HERE NOW!

NEXT FORUM: MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014

Kay Woods is the Spotlight Speaker this Month

Strengthen your business: 5 Less Obvious nuances that can derail business opportunities

The statistics are sobering: only 49% of new businesses last five year or more, and only 34% last 10 years or more.

Many experts have addressed various reasons businesses are unable to grow to their fullest potential, citing inadequate cash flow, high overhead costs, poor management practices, poor credit and too-rapid expansion as key factors. Join Kay Woods, Co-Founder of CEO Real Talk!

Learn how to:

• Identify your commitment level and determine its impact on
  your business
• Keep your financials up close and personal
• Maximize your repeat business
• Prepare for Economic downtowns – it’s not a matter if, it’s when!
  

REGISTER ONLINE BY THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!
How To Register:
• Go to the Calendar View
• Select the Link on the Event Day
• Start your Registration

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT . . .

Are you a member of NAWBO SFBA? Have you or your business been recognized recently for an achievement or remarkable contribution? Let us know! We want to share your success with the rest of the NAWBO community. Send your Member Spotlight to President NAWBO SFBA

WELCOME NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS OF NAWBO-SFBA . . .

New Members
Jill Lublin, of JillLublin.com in Novato re-joined our chapter as an Emerging Business Owner.  Jill's contact details: info@jilllublin.com | 415-833-5455

Renewing Members
Doreen DeSalvo, CFO of Loose Id, LLC, has renewed her membership as an Established Business Owner. Doreen is a Leaders' Circle member and has been a NAWBO SFBA member since 2012. | View Profile

Jodie Israel, Owner of JMI Accounting in Moraga, has renewed her membership as an Established Business Owner. Jodie has been a NAWBO SFBA member since 2011.

Carolyn Pistone, Managing Director of Clear Blue Commercial in Petaluma, has renewed her membership as an Established Business Owner. Carolyn has been a NAWBO SFBA member since 2011 | View Profile

Thank You for Your Membership!
The NAWBO-SFBA Board of Directors look forward to seeing you
at upcoming events and the opportunity to meet, grow, thrive, and lead together!

Membership Expiring? Want to Join NAWBO-SFBA?
Remember to RENEW so you can stay updated on new, exciting Member Benefits OR
Start Your Membership Application at the NAWBO NATIONAL WEBSITE

NAWBO SFBA PROGRAMS . . .

Leaders Circle

NAWBO-SFBA Leaders Circle is a facilitated program for women business owners with revenues over $2M, providing high value leadership and business skills to help grow their companies and directly impact their bottom line. | More Information

To join the Leaders' Circle Program, contact Jacqueline Yau, Leader's Circle Facilitator.

Top

Local Lean In Circle groups

Read the NAWBO National, Chapter News Article, Lean In Circles Comes to NAWBO, which highlights the NAWBO SFBA Lean In Circle Program.

Interested in Joining A Circle?
Get Added to Our Wait List:

San Francisco Circles: Email Shannon Presson
Oakland-East Bay Circles: Email Jo Ilfeld
Marin Circles: Email Laura Russell-Jones

How To Become A Lean In Circle Member:
Circle enrollment is on a first-come, first serve basis and open to NAWBO Members Only. Each group has 8 up to 10 women maximum, who agree to meet monthly. After your registration is confirmed, you will receive Kickoff Meeting materials. The venue will be decided by the group, but will likely be at a restaurant in a central location.

Once a group meets the maximum number, the registration closes for that group and a wait list is created for the next Circle. Once enough women express interest for another Lean In Circle Group, registration opens for the next 8 up to 10 women.

Interested women contact Laura Russell-Jones and register on the NAWBO-SFBA website. If you are interested in a NEW location, please let us know.

Visit the the Lean In Page for More Information

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS . . .

nawbo sfba highlights

Attend BlogHer '14 and Save with NAWBO

Connect, learn and celebrate! Our partners at BlogHer are holding their 10th annual conference, BlogHer '14, in San Jose, Calif., July 24-26. Use discount code "NAWBO" to save 20% off blogger or corporate registration.

Attend The Power of You, NAWBO's Women's Business Conference 2014!
September 8 - 9, 2014 in Indianapolis, IN -- Read the "Top Ten Reasons to Attend This Conference"

Small in Size, Great in Impact
At NAWBO, we know it’s no small thing to start, run and grow a small business, because our members are doing it every day and supporting one another every step of the way through our national network of chapters and extensive resources. It’s why we held the “No Small Thing” video contest... | Read More

NAWBO California is a federation consisting of the nine NAWBO chapters in the Golden State. It concentrates on statewide legislative action issues and corporate relations, and supports the growth of chapter membership through education, marketing and public relations at the local level | Learn More

WHO WE ARE . . .

At NAWBO, we are volunteer woman business owners passionate about educating, empowering, collaborating and supporting other woman business owners to strengthen our collective wealth creating capacity while celebrating our diversity to propel us all forward both professionally and personally.

Not A Member Yet? Become a NAWBO Member to receive discounted rates on NAWBO Sponsored Events Nationwide and to Gain Promotional Opportunities for Your Business.
JOIN AT WWW.NAWBO.ORG

GET INVOLVED . . .

Get Involved! - Check Out the Current Opportunities at NAWBO-SFBA!
You are more than your business. NAWBO creates opportunities for you to be a leader, give back and to make a difference by being involved with a community of women business owners. We work in support of opportunities for women to become more successful and influential. Be Involved!

We are looking for:

Programs Co-Chairs
Help create our monthly Educational Speaker Series, find and interesting women to present on topics that we love to hear about.

Charitable Cause Chair
Organize opportunity drawings at the monthly dinner ESS meetings to benefit the Alliance for Girls.

Member Director Chair
Create our first printed Member Directory.

Holiday Boutique Chair
Coordinate our special December Event: sign up women to showcase their business, get sponsors for event, etc

Awards Event Committee Members
Help make our re-launched annual dinner a success

Get Involved with A Committee
in Three Simple Steps:
1) Find One of Interest!
2) Pick a Project!
3) Run with It!

Contact president@nawbo-sfba.org

MARK YOUR CALENDAR . . .

Educational Speaker Series & Dinner
Thursday, Sept 11
Lean In: Women Leading and Leaning In
with Debi Hemmeter, co-founder LeanIn.org
5:30PM - 8:00PM
Sir Francis Drake Hotel (Union Square)
San Francisco, CA

Friday, Oct 17
Women, Business & Money: How to Get It, Grow It and Keep It
Half Day Conference
San Francisco, CA

Sponsored by

Thursday, Nov 13
CyberSecurity Panel: What Every Businesswoman Needs to Know
5:30PM - 8:00PM
Sir Francis Drake Hotel (Union Square)
San Francisco, CA

Thursday, December 11
Holiday Boutique
5:30PM - 8:00PM
Sir Francis Drake Hotel (Union Square)
San Francisco, CA

If you are interested in showcasing your business at the Holiday Boutique, contact president@nawbo-sfba.org

1. Submissions, please send to: info@nawbo-sfba.org
2. We invite you to join NAWBO-SFBA and take advantage of a growing package of member benefits and activities. Learn more by visiting our membership page