Dear Members,
Happy New Year! I hope this finds each of you reflecting on your successes of the year just passed and planning for the prosperity ahead in 2016. Yes, of course, the PLAN! As unique, independent and creative business owners, we all have our own ways to do that. We’ve been coached that the plan must be in writing, be manageable, include our vision, etc. And in the end, we will each create it in our own unique way. Our guest speaker for our January event was Kristy Royse who shared how to put together our personal strategic plans. And with any luck at all, those will also tie into what we want for our businesses!
When we started the NAWBO fiscal year 6 months ago, the board sat down and put together a one-page business plan for our chapter. And we also talked about “Who Moved My Cheese” – that famous little book about getting out of your comfort zone today so that things don’t get stale tomorrow. As we reach the midpoint of our year, it’s a natural time to evaluate how it’s going! Overall, we’ve received good comments about the quarterly themes and our venue change. But we are always looking for additional feedback. So, please, tell us how you think it’s going. I also challenge you to spend a few minutes wearing your NAWBO hat and imagining what types of things you can do as a chapter member and future chapter leader (we’re always looking for additional ideas on the board) to bring additional value to our membership. Every one of you adds something special to every meeting. There’s nothing more satisfying to me than to look around the room at one of our events and to see people really engaged with each other. Thank you for continuing to bring your energy, enthusiasm and talents to this group.
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to do so this quarter. Our theme for January through March is “Commerce”. That topic, of course, can conjure up many different things. And it will for us as well. I mentioned Kristy’s topic on a personal strategic plan. In February, we will have a networking event sponsored by GoDaddy (but no keynote speaker). The evening will have some great opportunities to meet fellow members and guests and some fun twists and fabulous prizes. Finally, in March, we’re featuring another field trip! Long-time member Hannah Kain of ALOM Technologies is hosting us at the company’s Fremont location. The meeting’s theme will be networking around international commerce and will feature some special guests around that topic.
Thank you for your membership and for all you do for this organization. Now, go finish up that plan and get moving on generating your numbers for 2016! It’s only 300+ days until Christmas!
Fondly,
Monika Miles, 2015-2016 President, NAWBO-Silicon Valley