W Is for WomenOver the past five months I have had the opportunity to join and present to five organizations devoted to helping women develop their businesses whether they are start-ups or multi-million dollar enterprises. These organizations provide more than tangible professional business benefits – they are a source of camaraderie and support for both entrepreneurs and women who work in large corporations. WBENC is the nation’s leading advocate of women’s business enterprises as suppliers to corporate America. I am pleased to share the good news that TrendSight was recently certified by WBENC. This means that in addition to delivering cutting edge consulting and training to companies we can also help them meet mandated diversity goals. At the invitation of President Linda Denny, I spoke at their National Conference and Business Fair in Los Angeles last June. There are no words to describe the energy generated by more than 3000 women business owners! I just wish that I had been able to meet more of them.
WPO brings together a diverse group of successful women business owners who want to develop relationships with peers who can serve as sounding boards and resources for growing their businesses (not unlike an informal board of directors). Under the leadership of President Marsha Firestone, the WPO put on a wonderful conference commemorating their 10th anniversary. I was honored to deliver a keynote along with Kevin Roberts and Jim Collins. WBDC is the Chicago Chapter of WBENC. They are committed to helping women launch new businesses and strengthen existing businesses in the Chicago area. They are leaders in providing direct services to women business owners and in effecting public policy changes which reflect the needs of women entrepreneurs. CWBR turns research into knowledge about one of the most dynamic and fastest growing sectors of the U.S. economy -- the 10.4 million businesses owned by women. Their mission is to provide to advance the economic, social and political impact of women business owners worldwide. I addressed their board in June and continue to use what I learned in my own work. WGN is a network of female speakers and writers that provides organizations and the media direct access to a consortium of world-class thinkers, writers and consultants dedicated to building business through improved leadership, workplace effectiveness and communications. We gathered in New York last summer and since all of these women share my passion for writing and speaking it was an especially productive time. Are there implications for your business? You better believe it! 86% of women entrepreneurs choose the same products and services at home as in their businesses. And, women care not just about what they buy but who they buy from. According to the latest research from WBENC when women are aware that you support women owned businesses: * 79% would try your product or service
* 80% said would solidify their brand loyalty
* 51% said would give a company a second chance if a product or service missed the mark the first time
Doing business with women's business is another surefire way to build sales, share and customer satisfaction.
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