Welcome to the February 2008 issue of the monthly newsletter for the National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.

February 2008 News Summary

Member News

–– Welcome New Members!

–– President's Letter from Barbara Mark, Ph.D., NAWBO®-SF President 2007-2008

–– NAWBO®-SF Members in the News

Ideas, Inspiration and Opportunities

–– Center for Women’s Business Research Urges SBA to Revise Its Federal Contracting Plan for Women Business Owners

NAWBO®-SF Events

–– February Dinner Event: How to Build a Fearless Brand with Robert Friedman of Fearless Branding: Thursday, February 7 in San Francisco (please note special date - first Thursday instead of second Thursday.)

–– Walnut Creek Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting: Tuesday, February 19

–– San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting: Wednesday, February 20

–– Marin Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting: Tuesday, February 26 in Corte Madera

–– Save the Date! March Dinner Event: Tax Strategies for Woman Business Owners with Maine Shafer of Bradford and Company, Inc.: Thursday, March 13 in San Francisco

Events with Other Organizations

–– NAWBO® Public Policy Days: February 4 - February 6 in Arlington, VA

–– NAWBO®-CA Public Policy Days: April 7 - April 8 in Sacramento, CA

–– NAWBO® Welcomes the Disney Keys to Excellence: Friday, April 11 at Menlo College in Atherton

SAVE THE DATE!!! Friday, May 2: 24th Annual NAWBO®-SF Leaders and Legends: Women Entrepreneurs of the Year Luncheon at the Westin St Francis Hotel in San Francisco.

Welcome to New Members of NAWBO®-SF!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the following new members:

--Susan Brown, Pacific Mortgage Consultants, San Rafael

--Cathleen J. Lonsdale, Norcal Publishing, Castro Valley

--Kelly Keala McKae, Womens Initiative, San Francisco

--Aimee Stevenson, Complexion Clinics, Sausalito

Thank you to all of you - we look forward to seeing you at upcoming events, and to the opportunity to grow, thrive, and lead together!

Barbara Mark, Ph.D., NAWBO®-SF President

President's Letter from Barbara Mark, Ph.D.

Dear Friends,

The year is off to a great start! We are in the midst of planning several activities for the year. One the most important events is our 24th Annual Leaders and Legends Luncheon on May 2nd at the Westin St Francis Hotel. Mark your calendars, as you will not want to miss this year’s event. We have solicited nominations for our annual awards and received a total of 54! Women in business are visible, influential and inspring!

And speaking of inspiring businesswomen, you still have time to sign up for the MasterMind groups. Having the support and resources of other women business owners is invaluable in growing your own business. Every month for six months, you will be able to leverage the strengths, insights, experience and vision of other women who are there to support you and be supported by you. If two heads are better than one, imagine the quantum leap of nine other minds thinking and brainstorming on your behalf. Please see the home page on our website for more information and to download an application. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Last month we gave away a pair of tickets to see the Curvy Widow at the Post Street Theatre. This month at our dinner event, we will give away another pair. And, as a special addition to the night’s festivities, we will be treated to a personal appearance by Bobby Goldman who is the subject of this fantastic autobiographical play staring Cybill Shepherd. Ms. Goldman is a very successful businesswoman and will join us to say a few words. Do join us in meeting this dynamic woman.

And you will not want to miss this month’s speaker, Robert Friedman, of Fearless Branding, speaking about the art of communicating to your ideal client.

Congratulations to longtime member, Mary Ann Pate who was recently featured on KCBS radio! Give a listen to her tips!

You know where the happiest place on earth is, don’t you? Well, with a group of NAWBO® businesswomen of course. However, also holding that honored title, as well as being one of the most successful enterprises in the world, is Disneyland. The world-renowned Disney Institute is offering a NAWBO discount to their leadership training to be held here in the Bay Area on April 11th. You will learn the “business behind the magic”.

I look forward to seeing you on February 7th.

Warm regards,
Barbara Mark, Ph.D.
President NAWBO®-SF

NAWBO®-SF Members in the News

Member Mary Ann Pate, owner of A Timely Solution, was interviewed recently by Mike Sugerman of KCBS Radio. Mary Ann is an Organizing and Productivity Specialist, President of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of NAPO (the National Association of Professional Organizers), a Productivity Trainer and Authorized Consultant, a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, a member of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, and the founder of A Timely Solution. She provides organizing assistance to individuals and businesses throughout the United States. Click here to hear the interview.

Center for Women’s Business Research Urges SBA to Revise Its Federal Contracting Plan for Women Business Owners

Washington, DC -- The Center for Women’s Business Research , the premier non-profit research institute dedicated to producing data-driven knowledge exclusively on women business owners and their enterprises, has submitted testimony to the House Small Business Committee strongly opposing the recent U.S. Small Business Administration proposed rule regarding federal contract opportunities for women-owned businesses.

Even a cursory review of 2002 data suggests a much broader incidence of under-representation within almost every industry than the SBA report, The Utilization of Women-Owned Small Businesses in Federal Contracting, has selected. The result of this proposed ruling would be to hold contracting with women-owned businesses to a more stringent standard than any other segment of the small business community that has federal contracting goals.

“As researchers ourselves, we know that turning research into actionable knowledge is as much about knowing what data will answer the real-world questions as it is about methodology,” said Margaret A. Smith, chair, Center for Women’s Business Research. “We strongly urge the SBA to go back to the drawing board and with greater participation from women business owners and the organizations that represent them, to develop a plan that ensures the full participation of women-owned businesses in our nation’s economic future.”

Using the findings from a study conducted by the Rand Corporation, the SBA selected from among the many options presented the MOST restrictive definition of industries in which women business owners are under-represented. The proposed ruling restricts the industries where women-owned businesses are considered under-represented to four very narrowly defined industries:

• Cabinet making;

• Coating and engraving;

• National security and international affairs; and,

• Other motor vehicle dealers (all terrain vehicles).

The result is that out of the 6.5 million (2002 U.S. Census Bureau data) majority (51%) or more women-owned businesses, only 1,247 could potentially benefit from the program.

Looking only at the 6.5 million businesses cited in the 2002 Census that are majority (51% or more) women-owned, we find such large discrepancies between the incidence of women-owned businesses in each major industry category and the percent of contracting dollars that go to women-owned businesses that it is apparent that women business owners are under-represented in Federal contracting across the board.

For example, while women-owned businesses represent more than half of the businesses in Health Care and in Educational Services, they receive only 7% of the Federal contracting dollars in Health Care and about 2% of the Federal contracting dollars in Educational Services.

In industries that are considered less traditional for women-owned businesses we see the same differences, such as:

• Utilities (14% of the businesses are women-owned but women-owned businesses receive only 1% of Federal contract dollars);

• Manufacturing (7% of the businesses vs. less than 2% of Federal contract dollars); and,

• Transportation (12% of the businesses vs. less than 1% of Federal contract dollars).

The size of the women-owned businesses or their readiness for Federal contracting cannot account for the magnitude of these differences.

Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of all businesses. The Center for Women’s Business Research estimates that as of 2006, there are 7.7 million businesses majority (51%) owned by women, which generate more than $1 trillion in revenues and provide employment for 7.1 million people.

“The growth of these businesses is essential to this nation’s economic vitality and competitiveness,” added Margaret Smith. “Federal contracting is critical to the sustainable growth of these economic contributors.”

As early as 1994, a study by the SBA’s Office of Advocacy showed that women-owned businesses that received Federal contracts were more likely than other women-owned businesses to show consistent growth. More recent research by the Center for Women’s Business Research shows that having government contracts continues to be one of the key factors differentiating the larger, faster growing women-owned businesses from the smaller businesses.

The Center’s research also documents that fully 20% of women who own businesses in “non-traditional” industries report that being a woman is detrimental in accessing markets.

Center for Women’s Business Research
The Center for Women’s Business Research provides data-driven knowledge that advances the economic, social and political impact of women business owners and their enterprises. We do this by setting the national agenda; creating insight on the status and achievements of women business owners; altering perceptions about the economic viability and progress of women-owned enterprises; and driving awareness of the economic and social impact of this vital business sector. Find out more here.

Walnut Creek Relationships and Referrals Breakfast
Meeting: Tuesday, February 19

NAWBO®-SF - Walnut Creek Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting
Tuesday, February 19
7:30am to 9:00am
Il Fornaio, 1430 Mount Diablo Boulevard,
Walnut Creek
Free parking at rear of building

Please note our new meeting day for 2008: the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Our morning breakfast meetings provide a comfortable forum for business women and entrepreneurs to meet monthly, exchange ideas and discuss business challenges. The Relationships and Referrals Breakfasts are a dynamic, informative and productive way to spend your breakfast!

Pre-registration is required as space as limited and our group has been larger these days than ever! We want to ensure that there is enough wonderful food and beverage to satisfy all. The cost, if you register by the Friday before each meeting, is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. After the Friday before each meeting, the price is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

Please share the word with your friends and colleagues!

Learn more and register online here.

San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Breakfast
Meeting: Wednesday, February 20

NAWBO®-SF - San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting
Wednesday, February 20
7:30am to 9:00am
55 2nd Street at Market - Harvest & Rowe
Introductions begin at 7:45 sharp.

Parking is available via Anthony Street, between 1st and 2nd; turn onto Anthony from Mission Street.

The San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Networking Breakfast is NAWBO®-SF's newest venue for building business connections between local women business owners. Meetings are held at 7:30am on the third Wednesday of each month at Harvest & Rowe , 55 2nd Street in San Francisco. Bring business cards and come prepared to meet other women business owners, make friends, exchange ideas, share leads, lend support and recommend resources.

Pre-registration is required as space as limited and our group has been larger these days than ever! We want to ensure that there is enough wonderful food and beverage to satisfy all. The cost, if you register by the Friday before each meeting, is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. After the Friday before each meeting, the price is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

Please share the word with your friends and colleagues!

Learn more and register online here.

Marin Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting: Tuesday, February 26 in Corte Madera

NAWBO®-SF - Marin Relationships and Referrals Meeting
Tuesday, February 26
7:30am to 9:00am
Il Fornaio
Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera

Get your morning off to a great start with our monthly NAWBO®-SF Marin Breakfast Meeting. Our group continues
to grow and evolve - become a part of this unique networking opportunity now! Our monthly forum for business women to exchange ideas and discuss business challenges is a dynamic, informative and productive way to spend your breakfast.

· Join a supportive group of business women with similar experiences
· Give and receive professional support, input and advice
· Gain access to a wide array of business resources
· Discover possible collaborations and alliances
· Meet new friends who share common interests and values

Pre-registration is required as space as limited and our group has been larger these days than ever! We want to ensure that there is enough wonderful food and beverage to satisfy all. The cost, if you register by the Friday before each meeting, is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. After the Friday before each meeting, the price is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

Please share the word with your friends and colleagues!

Learn more and Register online here.

February Dinner Event: How to Build a Fearless Brand, February 7 in San Francisco

How to Build a Fearless Brand
with Robert Friedman of Fearless Branding Thursday, February 7
(please note special date - first Thursday instead of second Thursday.)
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Omni Hotel, 500 California Street
(Valet Parking Available)
$40 members; $65 guests; Register Now!

Do you want your brand to be a powerful tool to
drive sales? When your brand is fearless, your
best-fit clients understand exactly what your business stands for – and why they should choose your brand over the many other options available to them.

Fearless Brands always:

--Segment their market to bond emotionally and rationally with one segment
--Speak directly to the deepest needs of their best segment
--Create an experience their competitors don’t offer.

The result is that the clients who genuinely value what you offer are loyal and pay more. A Fearless Brand stakes out a precise market position in which there are no substitutes.

Would a Fearless Brand help you sell?

In this workshop you will learn:

--How the strongest brands use the power of emotion to bond with their best clients

--That the REAL VALUE great brands provide is often unexpected

--If your business is providing important value to your clients, but failing to communicate it

--The simple formula that makes great brands work – and how you can use it in your business

--How to segment your target audience to make business development and sales more efficient

--How to develop a focused message for more effective selling

--How you can apply Fearless Branding’s Brand Vision process to your own business to position it precisely in your market – so that your best clients understand: there is no substitute for the value your brand provides.

NAWBO®-SF monthly dinner events provide exciting opportunities to grow, thrive and lead:

--Socialize and network with other women business owners and professionals
--Learn about opportunities to get involved at the local, state and national level
--Be inspired and educated by our featured speaker(s)
--Engage in stimulating conversations with our monthly "Table Topics"
--And much more to come!

Register now!

March Dinner Event: Tax Strategies for Woman Business Owners: March 13 in San Francisco

Tax Strategies for Woman Business Owners
with Maine Shafer
of Bradford and Company, Inc.
Thursday, March 13
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Omni Hotel, 500 California Street
(Valet Parking Available)
$40 members; $65 guests; Register Now!

According to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, You Could Have Overpaid Your Taxes By $11,438 (Yikes!)

Many of us assume our accountants take care of our taxes... but forget that WE are the ones giving them the numbers and records they are using to prepare our tax return.

This seminar is guaranteed to identify between $2,500 and $27,500 in NEW deductions that can be used right away to pocket thousands in tax savings. These deductions are based in tax LAW, but presented in simple English that all of us can easily understand.

You'll learn:
--Thousands in new, legal, and easy to use tax deductions, backed by tax code and court case precedent.
--Simple recordkeeping and documentation tips to "bullet-proof" each deduction AND save you time while doing it!
--Marketing/Tax Strategy Combinations that will increase your referrals and sales ... Putting more in your pocket 2 ways!
--How to get Uncle Sam to send BACK money you overpaid in previous years. You could have your refund check in 2-6 weeks.

NAWBO®-SF monthly dinner events provide exciting opportunities to grow, thrive and lead:

Register now!

NAWBO® Public Policy Days: February 4-6 in Arlington, VA

NAWBO® Public Policy Days
Voices: Rising
February 4-6
Ritz Carlton Pentagon City
Arlington, VA

Make your voice heard and increase your advocacy skills by joining NAWBO® for its 2008 Public Policy Days, February 4-6 in Arlington, Virginia at the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City.

Come together with NAWBO® members from across the country to discuss and develop strategies for transforming public policy on the local and national levels.

Highlights

--Keynote remarks from Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
--Keynote remarks from Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, owner of Pace Communications and National Chair of the American Red Cross
--Election night party and PAC fundraiser
--Government contracting hall and opportunity to connect with agency representatives
--Individual and group meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill

Learn more and register online here.

NAWBO® Welcomes the Disney Keys to Excellence: Friday, April 11 at Menlo College in Atherton

Join your local business community as we welcome the world-renowned Disney Institute to the San Francisco Bay Area on April 11, 2008, for an incredible day of learning, insight, and inspiration.

A One-Day Workshop: This is a rare opportunity to take an exclusive look at the “business behind the magic.” Participants will learn business best practices from Walt Disney World® insiders, and discover ways to adapt and apply those best practices to their own organizations.

Registration and Information:
Phone: 877.544.2384
Fax: 913.712.9247
Online: keysSanFran.com
Email: [email protected]

Pricing:
Receive a discount of $50 off the standard fee by using this promotional code: NAWBONWSE. The program fee includes registration, program materials, breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Join us for a day of excellence!

Key Dates: Mark Your Calendar

–– February 4-6: NAWBO® Public Policy Days in Arlington, VA

–– February 7: February Dinner Event: How to Build a Fearless Brand (please note special date - first Thursday instead of second Thursday.)

–– February 19: Walnut Creek Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting

–– February 20: San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting

–– February 26: Marin Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting in Corte Madera

–– March 13: March Dinner Event:Tax Strategies for Woman Business Owners in San Francisco

–– April 7-8: NAWBO-CA® Public Policy Days in Sacramento

–– April 11: NAWBO® Welcomes the Disney Keys to Excellence: Friday, April 11 at Menlo College in Atherton

Thank you to our Corporate Partners:

The NAWBO®-SF Monthly Newsletter is designed and edited by NAWBO®-SF member
Jennifer Donahue Marketing Communications for Businesses Large and Small

If you would like to submit stories, news, events, or happenings for the next issue of NAWBO®-SF's e-news, please send to the newsletter editor,
Jennifer Donahue, at [email protected] . Copy submission deadline is the 20th of the current month for the next month's newsletter (e-mailed out the first week of the month).

We invite anyone who is not already a member to join NAWBO®-SF. Take advantage of a growing package of member benefits and activities. To find out more, visit our website: www.middleastwomen.org/membership.html.

To subscribe to (or unsubscribe from) this newsletter, contact Wendi Moradian at 415.333.2130, or email: [email protected].

© 2007 The National Association of Women Business Owners® - San Francisco Bay Area Chapter (NAWBO®-SF). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of NAWBO®-SF is prohibited.