One Step Ahead: Internships, Job Shadows, and Mentorships As a teenager, I was lucky enough to be hand selected for an internship at an international corporation headquartered in Western New York. Envisioning power suits and power lunches, hobnobbing with captains of industry, I was dismayed to be ushered into a windowless room with my humble brown bag lunch, where I … Read More
Male “Allyship”
I recently attended a women’s networking event sponsored by weVENTURE’s “League of Extraordinary Women.” These women, high level leaders in our community, are stepping up and setting great examples as mentors, leaders and cheerleaders for each other in addition to lending financial support to train and develop women entrepreneurs in our region. They are passionate about community and economic development, … Read More
The Importance of Customer Service and Making Sure Clients Return
Hundreds of companies are targeting your customers that you have worked so hard to earn. So, how do you keep them loyal to you? Now, more than ever before, customer experience plays an important role in retaining repeat business. As a small business, you need to have a competitive edge over your online and large competitors. Your company’s key differentiator … Read More
Creating a Special Buying Experience
I’ve had my hat in the “retail-ring” for a long time. Gone are the days of opening your door, selling your product, and closing the door at the end of the day. Personal touches such as hand written thank you notes went a long way. Although they are still relevant today, there is a plethora of tools to promote your … Read More
Entrepreneurship At All Ages
I have embraced entrepreneurship since I was a little girl. At age 10, I had a newspaper route in Alaska and won awards for top sales and great customer service. I learned early to fundraise by getting people to pledge money to non-profits for my bike-a-thons, skate-a-thons and beauty pageants. At 15, I was crowned Miss Hospitality for the state … Read More
Taking Life’s Changes in Stride
I wrote an article in July 2015 titled “The Only Constant is Change” that addressed this very same topic – embracing change. It seems that change was a constant then just as it is today. The one thing we can count on is that we will experience change no matter if we are pursuing it or it is pursuing us. … Read More
Strategic Partnerships Within Your Community
Establishing strategic partnerships is key for any business, but especially for non-profit organizations looking to address complex issues in the community they live in. Understanding how partnerships can strengthen your business and organization is key for every leader, especially in Brevard County where there are more than 2,000 registered non-profits – being able to show potential donors that you are … Read More
Freedom at Any Age
So there I sat, enjoying my freedom — the last of my three children had just toddled off to nursery school and I was free! Free to do whatever I wanted to do for three hours a day, for two whole days a week. Let’s see, should I play tennis? Go for a swim? Learn how to knit? Or maybe … Read More
Measuring the Value of PR and Marketing for Your Business
“Brands are built on what people are saying about you, not what you’re saying about yourself.” – Guy Kawasaski According to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Public Relations (or PR) is “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” This is done via a wide variety of communications tools, from media … Read More
The Magic of Being Marginal
Yes, indeed – you read the title correctly. It’s time to change the mindset that to be marginal, is to be minimal or insignificant. I’m here to tell you that when you become marginal, you will become more successful. Perhaps I should explain… While attending weVENTURE’s Women Who Rock Luncheon, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ellen Little, a … Read More