November 2009 Newsletter

The President’s Corner – Debbie Steg
Program – When Growth Stalls: How It Happens, Why You’re Stuck, and What to Do About It
Welcome New Members
Public Policy Committee
Economic Development Committee
NAWBO NNM International Forum
Three NAWBO Satellite Breakfast Meetings
Corporate Sponsors and Platinum Members

The President’s Corner – Debbie Steg

Gratitude – A Time for “thanks-giving”

While our theme this year is “Financial Possibilities – Financial Opportunities,” I’d like to focus this on a vital component in creating possibilities and identifying opportunities. What I’m talking about is gratitude. Being on both the giving and receiving ends of gratitude can be enormously fulfilling and uplifting. Whether it’s that unexpected and yet greatly appreciated handwritten thank you note from a friend or client, or a beautiful orchid from appreciative students, the gesture of gratitude enriches our lives. Or what about when someone gives you amazing service, instead of just thinking about how wonderful it was, take that 30 seconds to write them a handwritten note and tell them how grateful you are for the amazing service they provided. Gratitude is a healthfully infectious feeling. The more you send out, the more it comes back to you.

In our ever busy, sometimes excessively technology-driven world, as business owners juggling many roles and wearing many hats, it may be easy to forget those simple and incredibly meaningful gestures that are heartwarming to both giver and recipient. While being grateful may not necessarily “cost” anything it gives the receiver that feeling of being valued and appreciation that is beyond monetary measure. With all the talk of healthcare reform and wellness buzzing around these days, even science has weighed in on gratitude. In a 2007 study of organ recipients titled “Gratitude and Quality of Life in Transplant Recipients”, researchers from UC Davis and the Mississippi University of Women found that patients keeping “gratitude journals” scored better in three aspects: mental health, wellness and vitality. They found that the group that listed 5 things or people they were grateful for each day and why they were grateful for them after 21 days had improved their mental health, general wellbeing scores and no change in their vitality. The control group experienced declined scores for mental health and general wellbeing and a loss of vitality. According to Robert Emmons, a UC Davis professor, “Gratitude may serve as a buffer against these risks.”

In business, sometimes it’s not a matter of what you’re doing but how you’re being. I loved this story I came across on Café Gratitude up in San Francisco. When their business slowed down in the last quarter of 2008 and most businesses started pulling back, they decided it was a time to give. One example of spreading gratitude was serving a dish they aptly called “I am grateful bowl.” The retail value of the dish was $7, but the server would ask, “How much you would like to pay?” The strategy not only helped them recoup the losses of the 2008, but moved beyond that.

Having kept a gratitude journal on and off for many years, I find myself more disciplined lately about regularly keeping my gratitude journal updated. At the end of the day, I write 20 things or people I’m grateful for that day. No matter how the day started or what happened during the day, when I write in the gratitude journal, I know it will end on a positive note. And on days when I’m seeking more inspiration, I find myself thumbing through previous entries and it instantly shifts my mood and inspires me. As an added bonus, it also shifts the energy and abundance flow in my business.
This month we have an incredible speaker, Steve McKee. I’m very grateful to two of our members who assisted our wonderful Education and Leadership Director in bringing him to speak at our meeting this month. Steve is the President McKee Wallwork Cleveland, an Albuquerque-based advertising firm, and has written the book, When Growth Stalls. He will be sharing valuable insight and knowledge about sluggish growth, how to overcome it, including regardless of what’s going on outside, it’s what’s inside that counts.

Focusing on gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing or yet to be accomplished to acknowledging the richness already present in our lives. From that place of fullness it’s easier to add to the abundance we already have within and around us, rather that coming from a place of lack.
“Thanks-giving” isn’t about the turkey or the trimmings or even that pumpkin pie, however yummy it may be. It’s really connecting with people. Honoring and giving thanks and gratitude for the multitude of connections that have nourished us and enriched our lives this past year.
I’d like to thank all of our members for their participation in our chapter this year, I want you to know that it has been noticed and is greatly appreciated. Wishing you and your families a wonderful and joyous “thanks-giving.”
It’s been said that love makes the world go around, but I think gratitude keeps it spinning.

With love, gratitude, and prosperity blessings,

Debbie Steg
President 2009-2010
Northern New Mexico NAWBO
505-920-7141
Email Debbie

Program – When Growth Stalls: How It Happens, Why You’re Stuck, and What to Do About It

One of the toughest lessons every business leader learns is how hard it is to generate and maintain growth. At some point in an organization’s life cycle, stalled growth is the rule, not the exception—even for the best-managed companies. That’s especially true in tumultuous economic environments such as the one we’re experiencing today.

Steve McKee is an author, BusinessWeek.com columnist and entrepreneur who knows firsthand what stalled growth can do to a company. His firm—once recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing in the nation—suffered nearly two years of revenue declines resulting in almost 100 percent staff turnover and the loss of a business partner. But instead of wringing his hands or simply feeling sorry for himself, McKee decided to do something about it.

McKee conducted significant research among more than 700 corporations, many of which had at one time been among the country’s fastest-growing companies. His research probed areas as diverse as corporate structure, competition, branding, finance and strategy. McKee gleaned compelling knowledge about how and why companies lose their way and discovered practical lessons for rekindling growth that he has applied to turn his own firm’s fortunes around as well as those of his clients.

In an engaging style filled with relevant, current examples. McKee demonstrates that sluggish growth is generally produced not by mismanagement or strategic blundering, but by natural market forces and internal management dynamics that often go unrecognized. In this eye-opening presentation, McKee makes the case that regardless of what’s going on outside of your enterprise, it’s what’s inside that counts.

Reservation Policy

Advance reservations are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13. RSVPs received after the deadline and walk-ins will be charged an additional $5.

Please click here to RSVP online. After you RSVP, you have the option to continue and pay in advance.

You can also RSVP by emailing Sandy and pay at the door with cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Cancellations after the deadline and no shows will be invoiced.

Click here to cancel a reservation.

Welcome New Members

Barbara Northrup
Owner/Director
Learning Rx – Abq NE
7120 Wyoming Blvd NE Suite 16
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-856-1596
Email Barbara
Visit Learning Rx Website
Barbara Northrop is the Owner/Executive Director of LearningRx – Albuquerque Northeast, an innovative new cognitive skills training center in Albuquerque launching this fall. LearningRx – Albuquerque Northeast, part of the fast-growing LearningRx Franchise Corporation, specializes in identifying and correcting underlying cognitive skill deficiencies that keep people from achieving their full potential in school, business or life. As Owner/Executive Director, Barbara will be bringing this unique “brain training” concept to Albuquerque – offering students of all ages a proven way to strengthen their cognitive skills, and improve confidence, grades, self esteem and overall achievement.

April Pargas
Financial Representative
Premier Wealth Group, an agency of Guardian Life Insurance Co.
8500 Menaul Blvd NE Suite A500
Albuquerque NM 87112
505-920-9549
505-299-6971 (fax)
Email April
Visit Premier Wealth Group Website
Premier Wealth Group is an agency that offers products from Guardian, Berkshire, as well as Park Avenue Securities.

Robin Silverman, DC
President
Silverman Spine Center
2801 Rodeo Road C-15
Santa Fe NM 87507
505-474-5701
505-474-1430 (fax)
Email Robin
Visit Silverman Spine Center Website
The treatment of herniated or bulging discs, leg and arm pain, neck and low back pain, degenerated discs with DRS Spinal Decompress, Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

Dr. Gloria Gerstner
Physician/Owner
Synergy Wellness Center
360 Rodeo Lane Suite 5B
Santa Fe NM 87509
505-292-9700
505-867-2564 (fax)
Email Gloria
Podiatry practice specializing in primary foot care, wound management and aesthetics of the foot. We do home facility and office visits.

Public Policy Committee

Robin Otten
Email Robin

As you may know, the January NAWBO-NNM dinner meeting is scheduled to be held in Santa Fe. It will be on Monday, January 25th to coincide with ACI’s Business Day in Santa Fe which will begin with breakfast and speakers on Tuesday morning, January 26th. Following the Business Day program, we urge all NAWBO members to accompany members of the Public Policy Committee to the capitol to meet with legislators and to inform them of our public policy positions.

The Public Policy Committee is developing our collateral in preparation for this visit to our state capitol. In view of the fact that the legislative session in 2010 is a 30-day, budget session and with the additional urgency of addressing the financial situation the state finds itself in, the Public Policy Committee has agreed that our focus will be “Fiscal Responsibility.” The written message that we will leave behind with the legislators as well as any conversations we have with elected officials will address our vision of how New Mexico attains Fiscal Responsibility by careful consideration of both revenue streams and expenditure priorities. In general, NAWBO-NNM Public Policy Committee favors:

A thorough assessment of the tax base to find ways to encourage private sector job creation, thereby growing tax revenue
A comprehensive review of Gross Receipts Tax exemptions with the goal of eliminating inappropriate exemptions
A more aggressive effort to reduce tax pyramiding
A critical review of the effectiveness of all current state boards and commissions
Elimination of state programs that are no longer relevant, effective or efficiently run

We will be hosting our state legislators at our April NAWBO Speak-Out as usual. Just as running a business is a marathon, not a sprint, building political credibility and influence requires being involved for the long haul, not just at election times. We hope you will take the time to read through these positions and to consider how these fiscal issues will have an impact on your business. Remember the insight of former NAWBO National President, Terry Neese, who cautions that if you’re running a business and you’re not involved in politics, eventually politicians will run your business!

Economic Development Committee

Janice Moranz
Email Janice

Take advantage of a tax deduction and an easy way to support NAWBO. Consider becoming a Platinum member. The cost is $500. It helps the chapter so much, and it gives you great exposure. You get your name on the large banner that is shown every meeting, your name is announced at each meeting, and you will be featured in a Platinum Profile in this newsletter.
Sometimes all it takes is for someone to ask you. I am asking!!!

Visit the Corporate Partners page on the NAWBO-NNM web site for more information and to become a Platinum Member.

Thank you so much for your support of NAWBO.

NAWBO ― an International Resource
Eloise Gift
Email Eloise

As director of the International Forum for NAWBO NM, I am taking time to learn about NAWBO’s resources, especially as they relate to the International Forum. As I learn, I am passing on the knowledge for the benefit of anyone interested in taking advantage of my research for developing or expanding international business and relationships.
Our membership in NAWBO NM includes membership in NAWBO National and gives us access to their resources, including those relating to partnerships and alliances.
NAWBO’s many partnerships and alliances include:

Corporate partners
Affinity Partners
Affiliate partners
Media Partners
International Partners

With respect to International Partners, NAWBO is affiliated with several international organizations including:

Asociación Mexicana de Mujeres Empresarias (AMMJE) is Mexico’s largest Women’s business organization that also works closely with women business owners and entrepreneurs from Central and South America.
CARE is a humanitarian organization well-known worldwide for its support of women around the world starting their own businesses. (CARE was a part sponsor of A Powerful Noise in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Global Summit of Women is a group of business, professional and political women leaders. They represent women from all over the world and meet to promote worldwide women’s economic and entrepreneurial progress.
Network of Entrepreneurial Women World Wide (NEWWW) seeks to help companies thrive in the global marketplace through idea and best practices exchanges.
The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) provides support for professional women and their networks. The group develops, funds, and implements programs to foster economic empowerment around the globe.
Women Entrepreneurs of Canada is mainly a resource for Canadian women business owners to help them grow their business.
World Association of Women Entrepreneurs (FCEM) whose acronym represents their French name, Les Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises Mondiales, we have mentioned before. It is a non-political, non sectarian resource that promotes women’s businesses at the national association level and does not offer membership at the individual level. It currently has affiliations with some 60 organizations of National Association of Women’s Business Owners worldwide.

Additional information about these resources is only a click away via the Internet. Visit your NAWBO National website and visit the websites of some of these organizations for more detail.

Three NAWBO Satellite Breakfast Meetings

Establish relationships, network, share business building tips in an intimate casual NAWBO group, and experience the added benefit of being part of a powerful group of New Mexico business owners.

NAWBO-NNM NORTHWEST Satellite

Breakfast Meeting
the FIRST Wednesday of every month
Where: WESST Corp Facility in Rio Rancho
For information please contact Lorie Guthrie at 892-1238

NAWBO-NNM UPTOWN Satellite

Breakfast Meeting
the SECOND Wednesday of every month
Where: Le Peep Restaurant
For information please contact Roz Dufour by email or phone 880-0400

NAWBO-NNM SANTA FE Satellite

Breakfast Meeting
The SECOND Tuesday of every month
Where: Zia Diner in Santa Fe
For information please contact Susanne Kennedy by email or call 505-820-6342.

Corporate Sponsors and Platinum Members

We extend special thanks to our chapter Corporate Partners

They look forward to working with our members. Click on a company logo to visit the web site in a new window or click on a name to send an email.

DIAMOND NAWBO-NNM CORPORATE PARTNER:

New Mexico Business Weekly has the right tools to help you grow your business. The Business Weekly is chock full of local business news, in depth information and tons of leads. Stay in touch with New Mexico Businesses by subscribing to the NM Business Weekly! Our contact is Nancy Salem, 505-768-7008.

Jobing.com exists with one key mission: to connect local employers and local job seekers. It’s that simple. Our company was founded by a human resources professional who believes passionately that HR is the driving force behind the success of every business and that finding and keeping great talent is the key to that success. Contact Randy Richardson, General Manager, 505-440-6351.

SILVER NAWBO-NNM CORPORATE PARTNERS:

We are a full service regional financial services company with a strong focus on a superior level of customer service. We provide a range of services for commercial banking, retail and business banking, and consumer finance. Bank of the West is big enough to help and small enough to care. Please contact Leslie Quade, 505-271-9770

Perfectly situated between the University of New Mexico and the downtown business district, the Embassy Suites Albuquerque provides a relaxing guest experience with comfortable accommodations and impeccable service. Our contact is Natalee Hoff, Catering & Sales Manager, 505-275-7100

COPPER NAWBO-NNM CORPORATE PARTNERS: