Join Our Mailing List!
Receive Our Monthly Newsletter, Events & Other NAWBO News of Interest!

A Message from the President . . .

Happy Holidays Everyone!

It is the time of year when we reflect on the year: what was accomplished, what we experienced and our vision for 2014. One thing is for sure there is a lot of attention on women business owners as an influencing factor in our communities and our economy. At the same time, we are learning and honing our skills as leaders of our businesses.

We know a lot, have learned a lot, and there is so much more. As a business owner, we know that we are continually growing in our understanding of our business, our target market, and how to continue to be relevant in our industry. Entrepreneurs love this challenge.

Research on women business owners shows that women are natural leaders and natural creators of businesses. Research also shows that we may not have received the same level of education on running a business and particularly around financial planning. This can hold us back. Knowing our strengths is easy because we rely on them everyday. Knowing our weaknesses is just as important, so that we can focus on filling that gap.

NAWBO SFBA is working to bring quality content to our members, featuring programs that help us to stay informed, learn new business approaches and technologies, and how we are as women business owners. Self-awareness is important to any business owner.

This year we are working on developing partnerships that will bring programs to raise our financial savvy and our skills as leaders in our business. As business owners we are always focused on marketing, sales and delivery of our products and services. Focusing on our skills as the leader in our business is even more important.

In January, we are bringing a very special opportunity for you to create a business development plan for 2014 using the philosophy and approach presented by Tricia Huebner, Director of Training at EMyth. This event is partnered with how to get your business in the news presented by Jill Lublin. This is a not to be missed two-part event beginning is the afternoon and concluding with dinner. The deadline for registration is earlier than usual. Register by January 2nd to participate in the EMyth workshop.

Remember to Do Business with a NAWBO Member.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes in your success,

Kay Robinson
President, NAWBO SFBA

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

Be The News
with Jill Lublin

Doling out gems from her bestselling book, “Guerrilla Publicity”, Jill shares powerful strategies for getting your name from unknown to newsworthy in almost no time. You will rethink everything you know about publicity when Jill shatters the misconception that publicity is expensive. Sharing her proven secrets to understanding what the media outlets want, Jill provides you with short-term, doable, FREE and low-cost tactics that will boost your visibility. Jill Lublin’s expertise will drive profits to your pockets, and prospects to your door!

About Jill Lublin
Jill Lublin is the 3 Time Bestselling Author of “Guerrilla Publicity”, “Get Noticed…Get Referrals”, and “Networking Magic”. An international speaker with more than 200 speaking engagements each year, Jill Lublin is an audience favorite for her lively and interactive keynote speeches, seminars, and special programs. Her unparalleled knowledge of publicity and networking has gotten the attention of ABC, NBC, CBS, The New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, Fortune Small Business and a long list of media outlets worldwide. Having shared the stage with Tony Robbins, Richard Simmons, and Jack Canfield, when Jill isn’t travelling the world wowing audiences, she hosts her own television show, “Messages of Hope.”

Top

JANUARY SPECIAL EVENT . . .

Special Event to Rock Your Business in 2014!
ON JANUARY 9TH!

Business Planning & Growth Strategies
Make 2014 Your Best Year Ever!

with Tricia Huebner, Director of Training, EMyth Inc.

Special Pricing for Workshop and Educational Speaker & Dinner
MORE DETAILS AND TO REGISTER BY JANUARY 2, 2014!

MEMBER IN THE NEWS . . .

NAWBO member Keiko Hsu was recently featured in a popular women’s magazine in the Ukraine as a result of a connection she made at a NAWBO event. Last March, Keiko attended a meeting sponsored by NAWBO and the U.S. State Department to discuss women’s leadership issues with several emerging women leaders who were visiting San Francisco from Eastern Europe. One of the visitors was Yelena Druzhynina, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire Ukraine Magazine.

Yelena contacted Keiko a few weeks ago to say she was working on an article based on the results of a World Values Survey that reported that Ukrainians are more focused on material values compared to other nations. The objective of her article was to emphasize the importance of self-realization and personal growth. Yelena told Keiko she was very inspired by her life story, and she wanted to publish Keiko’s Passions Discovery Guide which is available on Keiko’s Wings for Women website www.WingsForWomen.net. Keiko is now featured in the November issue of Marie Claire Ukraine. Congratulations Keiko for your now global media exposure!

FEATURED MEMBER . . .

Bears for Humanity™ Where Every Gift is a Gift

By Melody Brumis of Write on Time Solutions

Are you looking for that last minute gift? Or, do you like to keep a gift aside just in case? If so, you might want to visit Bears for Humanity. Bears for Humanity is a social ecommerce site created  by one of our newest NAWBO-SF members Renju Prathap.

Recently, Renju took a few moments from what she’d call her bear-ily busy day to answer questions for our Featured Member. Vijay, Renju’s husband, is not only her business partner, but her biggest fan.

When asked to share something interesting, Renju responded I am not really a big public speaker. My husband has been really pushing me to speak-up.  At the Drake (last month’s Educational Speaker’s Series (ESS) and Dinner), when someone handed me the microphone, I felt nervous at the beginning.  But later on, a message just flowed from my mouth.  I turned around and my goofy husband says – “You are a natural, I told you so.”

And, here’s more of our interview with Renju.

What is your business?
Bears For Humanity™ is the online destination for gift givers and socially conscious teddy bear lovers. We sell personalized, handcrafted teddy bears made of the highest quality materials, and we give a portion of our profits to charitable organizations. Founded in 2013, we operate with the understanding that all people are interconnected, and that both our struggles and successes should be shared. This belief fuels our desire to demonstrate good corporate citizenship, and to be an agent for change.
For every teddy bear we sell, we donate 30 – 50 percent of all proceeds to charity. We’ve selected non-profit beneficiaries based on their reach, diversity and long-standing record for improving the lives of people and communities.  Our teddy bears are soft, lovable and easily customized for that special someone or occasion.

How did you end up picking this new line of work?
My husband and I are technologists.  We have over 25 years of combined experience in eCommerce and mCommerce industry.  Prior to launching Bears For Humanity in October, I spearheaded release of new applications for Apple and Cisco respectively.
The transition from technology to entrepreneur is fairly simple and yet complex.  Every minute, I rely on passion, desire and commitment to make a change in the lives of children, animals and veterans by bringing joy and love through teddy bears.  I also rely on my husband and co-humanitarian to help me. 

What do you enjoy most about your business?
I enjoy the pure joy of giving!  Making beautiful teddy bears and shipping them with love to our customers and turning around and helping charities with the sales proceeds.

Why did you join NAWBO? And, how has it enhanced your business?
I joined NAWBO in December, 2013. Simple, my husband pushed me to join. He keeps telling me, there are 1000s of other women like me and I am not alone. After the first event at the Drake Hotel, the December’s Educational Speaker Series and Dinner, I am convinced, I am not alone and I have my NAWBO sisters around me and with me. 

When not working, what do you like to do?
I am a Mom to 5 months old twins – Arianna and Rohan. They are my life. I went through a very tough time in my life to bear children. My dreams are to be a good mother, wife, and social contributor – at least, I am working on 3 out of 3 – Being a social change agent and contributor with Bears For Humanity keeps me up at night.

Learn more about Renju’s business, Bears for Humanity. And, if you’d like to meet Renju in person, go to the next NAWBO event. As Renju says,.”If the first impression is an indicator last month’s Educational Speaker Series and dinner, I am going to be a permanent fixture at every event.”
--- end ---

Be a "Featured Member" in the NAWBO-SFBA Newsletter, email Melody Brumis for details.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT . . .

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

New Members
Vanessa Justice, Creative Director and Owner of Hi+Taste in Mill Valley, has joined our Chapter as an Emerging Business Owner. Vanessa's contact details: vjustice@hiplustaste.com | 415-501-9818

New Supporting Members
Shirley Jackson Farboud, Attorney with Hopkins & Carley in San Jose, has joined our Chapter as a Supporting Member.  Shirley's contact details: sjackson@hopkinscarely.com | 408-299-1331

Renewing Members
Cara Hale Alter, President of Speechskills in San Francisco, has renewed her membership as an Established Business Owner. Cara has been a NAWBO-SFBA member since 2009

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!

Want to Join NAWBO-SFBA? Start Your Membership Application at the NAWBO National website

Membership Expiring? Remember to RENEW so you can stay updated on new, exciting Member Benefits!

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUMS . . .

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - OAKLAND

When: First Thursday, Monthly
Time: 7:30AM - 9:00AM
Where: Olivetos Restaurant | 5655 College Avenue • Oakland CA 94618
Google Map & Directions

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

REGISTER HERE NOW!

Networking Evening Event (No Breakfast Forum this month)

MAKE IT HAPPEN IN 2014!
Tuesday January 21st •  5:30PM-7:30PM
Port Workspaces, 101 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94607
Hosted by NAWBO-SFBA Oakland Breakfast Facilitators

“Get Ready For An Interactive Evening Of Learning, Inspiration And Infusion
You Need To Make It Happen In 2014!”

The Art of Client Attraction
with Krisztina Kohlhaas
What if you didn't "find" clients, or "get" clients, or even "attract" clients, but instead you CREATED clients, and could do so at will whenever you chose? It puts you in the driver's seat of your business instead of passively awaiting success at the hands of other people. In this presentation you will learn how to leverage the skill of relationship building to create a thriving business with steady revenue and you will discover the #1 catalyst for client creation (hint: it's not a marketing gimmick), so that you will be serving only your ideal clients.

Stress-Free Business Money Management
with Jodi Israel
Don’t know where your money is going?  Want more consistent cashflow? Dread tax season every year? Relax - here are some tips and tricks to take away the stress. You will hear about how to close your year-end financial records and accounting system, organize your records and feel ready to conquer the New Year. We’ll also highlight ways to help you manage your cash flow, income and expenses. We guarantee your anxiety will fade away!

Don't Manage Time: 5 Steps to Supercharged Productivity
with Kim Miller-Hershon
Do you feel overwhelmed or too busy? Do you have a big vision but feel you don’t have the time? Learn a new way to think about time management by creating and implementing a customized time management plan.
Takeaways include:
• Reframe time management and get immediate results!
• System for tasks that will increase your productivity by 25% or more!
• Proven effective tips and tricks that are accessible for everyone!
  (No matter how good or bad you are at managing time.)

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

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, JANUARY 15, 2014

Spotlight Speaker is Jo Ilfeld on Why Time Management Always Fails:
(and what you need to know instead to be productive)

As an entrepreneur, your to-do list is a mile long and you often end the day frustrated by what didn't get done. You’re not alone and traditional time management tips are failing
many entrepreneurs and adding to their overwhelm. Join Success Reboot coach Jo Ilfeld, PhD for proven take-home strategies to quickly increase your productivity and decrease your daily stress levels.

In this short workshop Jo will share: The #1 Reason Why Time Management Is Making You More Overwhelmed (and what to do about it)

The Top Work Habit You Can Start Today to Increase Your Productivity Over 25% Her Favorite Strategies for Tackling Your To-Do List & Fighting Stress Every Single Day.

About the Speaker:
Jo Ilfeld, PhD is an executive leadership coach who specializes in working with recently promoted leaders and entrepreneurs who are struggling to navigate their responsibilities. She transforms them into confident, effective leaders with high-performing, cohesive teams. To learn how Jo can help you in your professional life, visit SuccessReboot

REGISTER ONLINE BY MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!

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

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, JANUARY 28, 2014

Spotlight Speaker is Melanie Greenberg, PhD on Four Powerful Strategies to Revitalize Your Mind

Psychologist, national expert, and author, Dr Melanie Greenberg, shares nuggets of science-based wisdom and practical strategies to revitalize your mind and life this new year. A healthy business starts with a healthy mind and spirit. In this talk, Dr Greenberg discusses the tasks women business owners face in facing the unknown, dealing with changing circumstances, juggling work and personal life, building supportive relationships, and weathering the ups and downs of business-building. She then shows you how building the inner resources of mindful self-awareness, compassion, a growth mindset, and positive emotionality can help you make your business an expression of your best, most resilient self, while growing your profit, relationships and influence. This talk will not only inspire you, but also provide you practical tools that you can apply daily to reorient your mind and emotional system from fear-focus to growth-focus.

About the Speaker
Dr Melanie Greenberg is a practicing psychologist in Marin, an ex-Professor of Psychology and author of the Mindful Self-Express Blog on Psychology Today. She has spoken to national and international audiences and has been quoted in CNN.com, ABCNews.com, HuffPost Live, Forbes.com, Women's Health, and other magazines.

REGISTER ONLINE BY FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014 FOR EARLY PRICING!

NAWBO SFBA NETWORKING BREAKFAST FORUM - WALNUT CREEK

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

Local Lean In Circle groups

NAWBO-SFBA has created Lean In Circle Groups based on the best-selling book, "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook. We are creating a community of women to encourage and support one another to lean into our ambitions. | More Information

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS . . .

MEMBER BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES . . .

NAWBO arranged special discount pricing to the following services:

• Sage Payment Solutions
• Turbo Tax Discount
• UPS Shipping Discounts
• American Express OPEN
• PR Newswire

View the National NAWBO Website to learn more about these Member Benefits | Learn More

BUSINESS NEWS YOU CAN USE . . .

California's New Initiatives in Support of Business Owners | Visit Web Site

• Hiring Tax Credit Effective January 1, 2014 | Read More
• Sales Tax Exemption Effective July 1, 2014 | Read More
• Cal Competes Tax Credit Statute | Read PDF

PUBLIC POLICY: LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL . . .

Senator Sam Graves, House Committee on Small Business
Building a small business is a challenging endeavor. It’s never without risk, competition and tough decisions. Since small businesses are the nation’s best job creators, the federal government should recognize a clear interest in doing its part to create a business climate in which small and mid-sized businesses can succeed. | Read More

WIPP Statement on Budget Deal
December 11, 2013 - Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) is encouraged by the Senate and House Budget Chairs’ budget deal. Given the current political climate, WIPP applauds any action that provides certainty to America’s women owned businesses. WIPP’s Economic Blueprint advocates for providing certainty and budgeting responsibly. | PDF

AFFILIATES AND PARTNERS EVENTS . . .

NAWBO-SFBA Board Members, Kathleen Thurmond, May Pon and Syndi Seid, attended an event in celebrating eight successful years of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) at the Institute of International Education San Francisco. Through the amazing support and contribution of our local community members IVLP San Francisco has welcomed more than 7,200 emerging leaders from more than 180 countries to the Bay Area. NAWBO has met with many women’s groups from around the world sharing our insight about women in business and leadership.

OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST . . .

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO®) issued the following statement in reaction to the November Jobs Report | Read More

Propel Your Business Conference - March 10 & 11, 2014
Mark Your Calendar for the Propel Your Business Conference. Join other women business owners in Sacramento to hear from keynote speakers on topics that influence the growth of your business.
More Details | Flyer

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!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR . . .

Educational Speaker Series & Dinner
Thursday, February 13, 2014
"Developing & Using a Powerful Voice"
with Bill Lamond
5:30PM - 8:00PM
Sir Francis Drake Hotel (Union Square)
San Francisco, CA

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