 |
| Welcome to the September 2008 issue of the monthly newsletter
for the National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
September 2008 News Summary
Member News
–– Welcome New Members!
–– President's Letter from Barbara Mark, Ph.D., NAWBO®-SF President 2008-2009
–– Member Outreach Announcements
Ideas, Inspiration and Opportunities
–– NAWBO®-SF Leaders' Circle Spotlight: Stacey Lapuk, ASID, Stacey Lapuk Interior Design Group
–– NAWBO®-SF Leaders' Circle Featured in San Francisco Business Times
NAWBO®-SF Events
–– October Dinner Meeting - Harnessing the Power of Social Networking
for Your Business: Thursday, October 16 in San Francisco
–– Walnut Creek Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting: Tuesday, October 21
–– San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting: Wednesday, October 22
–– Marin Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting: Tuesday, September 23 and Tuesday, October 22 in Corte Madera
Events with Other Organizations
–– Accelerating the Growth of Businesses Owned by Women of Color: Presented by AT&T: Wednesday, October 1 in Sacramento
Save the Date!
–– NAWBO®-SF's Annual Holiday Bazaar is coming on Monday,
December 8. Mark your calendar now and stay tuned for details.
|
Welcome to New Members of NAWBO®-SF! |
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the following new members:
-- Andrea Griffin, Andrea Design Group, San Francisco
-- Katherine Ann Hart, Management Consulting Firm, Alameda
-- Angela R. Pashayan, Yoga of Devotion, San Francisco
-- Margaret Schopp, Take Account, San Francisco
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,
Well it is “Back to School” for all of us. Isn’t it interesting how that theme still seems to work for all
of us at the end of the summer?
We are starting the season with NAWBO®-SF Bay Area’s Recession Busting Series. Our goals are to give you the insight and tools to look at the coming quarters and feel prepared to sustain and grow your business. This month, Mary O’Hara Devereaux spoke about the current and near future economic landscape and advised us on how to best use the resources available to us.
In October, we are presenting a panel of speakers on
various aspects of social networking and how you can
get low to no-cost benefits for your business by using on-line networks. You’ll get good information about the distinctions between the various options and the best ways to use each of them.
I look forward to seeing you!
Warm regards,
Warm regards,
Barbara Mark, Ph.D.
President NAWBO®-SF
 New or Prospective Member?
Join us each month for an orientation to NAWBO®-SF, from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, right before the monthly dinner meeting. The best way to benefit from NAWBO®-SF is to know how it all works. This is an informal orientation designed to answer your questions and tell you how to get started as a NAWBO®-SF Member, and make the most of your membership.
Get Involved!
The Membership Committee is looking for members who
will  enjoy meeting and speaking to current, new, and
potential members. You can spend as much time communicating with members as fits your schedule. The key to membership is communication - so join us! This is a great way to meet business owners while you learn more about NAWBO.
If you have any questions about membership or the membership committee just contact Membership Co-Chairs:
Kay Robinson: 925-284-5677
Anna Scott: 510-465-4095
|
Spotlight On Leaders' Circle Member: Stacey Lapuk, ASID |
 Spotlight on Leaders’ Circle Member
Stacey Lapuk, ASID
Stacey Lapuk Interior Design Group
www.staceylapukinteriors.com
Stacey Lapuk Interior Design Group is a high-end full-service custom residential interior design firm headquartered in San Rafael, CA. Stacey founded the company in 1986. It was incorporated in 1991 and currently has three employees. We sat down with Stacey recently to learn more about her and her
insights about owning a business.
What was your profession prior to starting your company?
Advertising production
Why did you start your business?
 I wanted to better use my education and
skill in Fine Arts, and to somehow create beauty and art.
What is the biggest benefit of owning your business?
Having control of what I work on and creative freedom (within parameters of
client requirements).
What is the biggest drawback of
owning your business?
The need to continuously create new business, find new projects and great
clients.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about your business?
That it’s much more profitable than it really is; that it’s easy; and that quality furnishings and fabrics cost less than they do. People are also surprised at how much is available to them – that what one typically sees in the retail market is truly just the tip of the iceberg.
What is your biggest business strength?
Creativity and relationships. We’ve been in business so long we’ve been able to forge lasting and productive relationships with many vendors, artists and product resources to best serve our clients’ needs. We are also distinct in that I have a background in Fine Arts, and can bring that experience and knowledge into people’s lives in the form of excellent interior design.
What is your biggest business weakness?
Finding the time to create new business, find new projects and meet great clients. Also, finding the time to build complimentary relationships with adjunct businesses, such as architects, contractors, brokers and so on.
What was your smartest move so far in business?
Hiring some absolutely great people.
Why did you decide to join Leaders’ Circle?
I wanted to interact with bright, sharp businesswomen who could relate to the types of issues I run into in my work – everything from marketing ideas to employee relations. I also wanted the opportunity to offer my experience to others.
What do you get out of participating in Leaders’ Circle?
Reality checks, objective feedback, and great ideas around marketing and financial measures.
Who/what is your source of support for a business crisis?
Dear friends with business (and life!) experience, and Leaders’ Circle.
What is your biggest goal that you’ve yet to achieve?
Reaching a particular profit target, working with only the best projects and clients, and building a sustainable business that I can pass along.
What would be your first move with capital windfall?
Seek out a better office space, hire business development experts, and provide better compensation to my employees.
What would be your first choice for a new career or venture?
I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for work.
Who would you most be interested in meeting?
The Dalai Lama.
What is your favorite stress reducer?
Hiking in Marin County.
What is your most influential book?
The Road Less Traveled by M.Scott Peck; The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama; The Path of Least Resistance by Robert Fritz.
NAWBO®-SF Leaders' Circle Program Featured in SFBT
|
The NAWBO®-SF Leaders’ Circle program was featured on a full page spread in the August 15-21, 2008 issue of the San Francisco Business Times. Addressing the issues of offering financial services to women and ways in which successful women manage wealth, the article featured and pictured Leaders’ Circle members Linda Leary and Carolyn Goodman as well as Brenda Wright from Leaders’ Circle sponsor, Wells Fargo. October Dinner Meeting - Harnessing the Power of Social Networking for Your Business: Thursday, October 16 in San Francisco
|
 Harnessing the Power of Social Networking
for Your Business
Panel Discussion
Thursday, October 16
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Omni Hotel, 500 California Street
(Valet Parking Available*)
$45 members; $65 guests
Register Now!
Join NAWBO®-SF for a diverse social networking panel discussion about the business benefits and challenges of marketing though blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other common social networking tools. Panelists will be posted on the website soon. Key questions for discussion include:
• How can social networking tools improve my business?
• What is my business missing if I do not use social networking tools?
• How do I decide which tool(s) is/are most effective for my business?
• What are the risks/legal implications of social networking tools?
• Where can I find practical reference materials about these tools?
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!
*Inexpensive parking is available at two garages on Kearny Street, which are both close to California Street and a short walk to the Omni Hotel: St. Mary's Square Garage at 443 Kearny, and Portsmouth Square Garage at 733 Kearny. |
Walnut Creek Relationships and Referrals Breakfast
Meeting: Tuesday, October 21
|
|
 NAWBO®-SF - Walnut Creek Relationships
and Referrals Breakfast Meeting
Tuesday, October 21
7:30am to 9:00am
Il Fornaio, 1430 Mount Diablo Boulevard,
Walnut Creek
Free parking at rear of building
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 $16 for members and $20 for non-members. After the Friday before each meeting, the price is $20.
Please share the word with your friends and colleagues!
Learn more and register online here.
|
| |
San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Breakfast
Meeting: Wednesday, October 22
|
|
 NAWBO®-SF - San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting
Wednesday, October 22
7:30am to 9:00am
55 2nd Street at Market - Harvest & Rowe
Introductions begin at 7:45 sharp.
Directions from San Francisco:
1: Start out going NORTHWEST on 11TH ST toward MARKET ST.
2: Turn RIGHT onto MARKET ST.
3: Turn RIGHT onto 2ND ST.
4: End at 55 2nd St There is parking in the building
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, September 23 and Tuesday, October 28 in Corte Madera |
 NAWBO®-SF - Marin Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting
Tuesday, September 23 and Tuesday, October 28
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.
Accelerating the Growth of Businesses Owned by Women
of Color: Presented by AT&T: Wednesday, October 1 in Sacramento
|
 Accelerating the Growth of Businesses Owned by Women of Color
presented by AT&T
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Place: 2700 Watt Avenue
Auditorium
Sacramento, CA 95821
REGISTER HERE!
Businesses owned by women of color constitute one of the fastest growing segments of the US economy. Minority women are starting new firms at five times the rate of all other businesses. These entrepreneurs are a powerful economic force. And yet, their businesses lag other firms in terms of growth expressed by revenue and number of employees.
The Center for Women's Business Research will share the results from its three-year, groundbreaking study. Don't miss this opportunity to understand why this research is so important and what the calls to action are for women of color businesses, supplier diversity organizations, chambers, and corporations. Hear success factors that worked from other women of color businesses. Then join us in celebrating AT&T Supplier Diversity Programs' 40th Anniversary and network with attendees and Forum presenters. Learn, Network, Celebrate, Act.
|
Key Dates: Mark Your Calendar |
–– October 1: Accelerating the Growth of Businesses Owned by Women of Color: Presented by AT&T: Wednesday, October 1 in Sacramento
–– October 16: October Dinner Meeting - Harnessing the Power of Social Networking for Your Business in San Francisco
–– October 21: Walnut Creek Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting –– October 22: San Francisco Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting
–– September 23 and October 28: Marin Relationships and Referrals Breakfast Meeting in Corte Madera
|
Thank you to our Corporate Partners: |
| |
 |
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]. The NAWBO®-SF Monthly Newsletter is designed and edited by NAWBO®-SF member
Jennifer Donahue Communications. © 2008 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. |
