Newsletter

What No One Will Ever Tell You

I’m talking about “Burn-out”. This is a topic you may have never dealt with. But if you have been in business for several years I’m guessing you have had to address it.

What can you do? How do you snap out of it? What if….. You still LOVE your job/career? You even have a viable business. What can you do when you start to get that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach every time a normal task needs addressed?

You could:

• Take up a new hobby to divert your attention temporarily
• Schedule time in your calendar to take up a new activity or do community service
  
• Hand off unwanted tasks to an employee or outsource them
• Cut back your hours

You could schedule into your calendar a longer than one week’s vacation. Studies have shown that employees who take five weeks of vacation a year, are more rested and effective at their jobs. In fact Henry Ford was probably the first in the mid-1920s to identify this phenomenon. He reduced the workweek from six days a week to five and from 48 hours to 40 after his company discovered diminished productivity returns.

You can read more about more effective productivity at: http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/08/the-case-for-vacation-why-science-says-breaks-are-good-for-productivity/260747/

So whether you are dealing with burn-out or just looking for more ways to be effective at work-let’s get that calendar out. It’s time to go against the grain and schedule in time for your next vacation yet this year!

Best regards,
Susan Benedict
AWBO President
Empowering Women

Information That Can Keep You Out Of Jail 102

Coming to AWBO for a second time is Debbie Elsner, a native of Albany, New York and graduate of Maria College.  She and her husband moved to Lafayette in 1976 so he could finish his education.  The move that was initially intended to be temporary, has already lasted 40 years, giving them a chance to raise their son and now enjoy grandchildren.

Debbie's work experience has been in Human Resources and the Non Profit sector starting in 1980.  Many years of paid and volunteer work with the American Red Cross brought her to the role of Executive Director.  Upon retiring, she formed her own organization in 2009, Personnel Matters, LLC.

She works regularly with small businesses, non profits and organizations not large enough to have someone trained in Human Resources.  Helping others and teaching them the things they need to know to successfully manage their staff brings a smile to her face.

And as if one business isn't enough to occupy her time, she has TWO!  Dabbling in making lovely Swarovski crystal jewelry became a business and it has gained her enough attention in other states that she makes beautiful pieces for them to sell in their stores.  Brides seek out Debbie's wedding planning skills and her Beaditude Jewelry to adorn their bridal parties.


3 Minute Spotlights

Everything You Didn't Know About Social Media

Hear from current members and some outsourced Social Media users about how they use this tool to promote their business.

During this panel discussion you will learn:

*How and Why Social Media took over market share from traditional forms of advertising.

*Which Social Media works best for different types of businesses/age demographics?

*When is the right time to engage?

*What do I need to know about using various platforms?

*How can I test and measure?

* When is it best for busy women to outsource this area-What can I expect?

* Are my goals actually achievable on Social Media?

Have a specific question you would like answered? Please email questions to Melony Ramsey at mkram205@gmail.com by Thursday, Aug. 4th.

3 Minute Speaker

Forming a Legal Entity:
What's Right For Your Business?

AWBO is happy to have Michael L. (Mac) McDaniel as our speaker in July to discuss legal entity formation.  As well Mac assists his clients on a wide variety of legal and business issues.  He leverages his years of professional experience in consulting, software, education, community development and as a serial entrepreneur to assist clients across a wide variety of industries.  He commonly serves as a virtual general counsel to advise clients on trademark, brand management, corporate compliance, contract, privacy, real estate, litigation, and agriculture and estate planning/administration issues.

Mac recently transitioned his law practice, McDaniel Hamilton, LLP, to Reiling Teder & Schrier, LLC to assist in RTS' expansion efforts in the Zionsville and Indianapolis communities.  Mac serves on Ball State University's Entrepreneurship Board and, as one of the first three alumni of the program, volunteers with Purdue's Entrepreneurship certificate program in a variety of roles. Mac is active in the Zionsville community and is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, the Tippecanoe County Bar Association, the Boone County Bar Association, and the Indianapolis Bar Networking Executive Committee.

Mac lives in Zionsville and enjoys skiing, scuba diving, and spending time with his wife, Erica, and son, Oliver.

Does Your Business “Sparkle?”

Has it become a “jewel” to be remembered in our community? What do the accessory pieces of your business (the employees, the branding, even your signage) say about the legacy your building? Is it polished and glisten when sunlight hits it? Or does it need some dusting off? Possibly it needs a toss in the “jewelry cleaner” for the shear brilliance of its light to shine through all the years of hard core wear and tear? This could mean dusting off the business plan, or re-evaluating if that five year+ branding and marketing plan is still working for you. Maybe a toss in the “jewelry cleaner” means finally getting your staffing positions in line with job requirements.

We made some nice contacts at the Chamber Trade Show who stand out in my mind as women who need to be at our Summer Social. What Women Business Owners have you met in the last few months who could benefit from such a strong, capable organization?

Our President Elect Melony Ramsey has put together a spectacular event- and we know it will be memorable.

Where else but AWBO could you work with your own “Swarofski Crystals all the while meeting new engaging women?

Don’t’ forget to register on our website before June 10th! See you at the Social and bring a woman business owner colleague!

Best regards,
Susan Benedict
AWBO President
Empowering Women
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Summer Social Announcement

Don't forget that the Summer Social is Tuesday, June 14th. Remember, this is our only evening meeting for the month of June. Come engage in good food, good conversation and an exceptionally fun activity!  Register here today!!

Time: 5:30pm
Location: Mama Ines Bakery

2016 Summer Social is Fast Approaching

A highlight of the evening will take place at 6:45 pm EVERY attendee will be making their own pair of Swarovski earrings under the direction of Debbie Elsner of Beaditude-Jewelry. And they are beautiful! While handcrafting your new earrings, some ideas to process within your business regimen are..."What kind of Legacy I am building?", "Does my business "sparkle" like a jewel?"  "What will I be remembered for?"

This year we are also offering all members the opportunity to market their business with a donation, gift or marketing item for each visitor. Also, please include your business card with the donation.  These items must be dropped off at RamZs Emporoium or ready for pick-up at your business (call Melony at 765-427-2963) by Friday, June 10 to be included in the gift bag, multiple gifts of 10 recommended.  Receive some free advertising and also make our guests feel special.

Announcement postcards are available for pickup at RamZs, 205 Farabee Dr.-North of State Road 26 at Pizza Hut and Jimmy Johns.

****Bring your business cards for a door prize drawing and to share with others.  Don't forget to register and pay by scrolling to the end of the page, at AWBO.org.

Can't wait to enjoy the evening with all of you and the great food from Sovereign Caterers at Mama Ines Baker.

Melony Ramsey, Summer Social Chairman
Committee members:
Becky Frash
Cindy Pratt 

I Saw It In His Eyes

History tells us that the events of WWII, saw women taking to the factories to build airplanes etc. to support the war. This began the push for women starting to work outside the home. Women today can have it all. We can choose to be a stay at home mom, a career woman or a combination of both. We get to get up every a.m. and decide who we want to call on today, who we will choose to do business with, which bank to borrow money from and which employees to hire to produce our products.

I was lucky enough to be able to take my dad on a recent Lafayette Honor Flight. I was reminded all day long that “Freedom Is NOT Free”. It comes with a price. The price they paid is what gives you and me the ability to live our lives as “normal” and “choose” what happens in our businesses. The price they paid is the difference between us slaving for meager wages and being able to choose which “next big thing” is on our business agenda.

The day before the flight West Lafayette Mayor Dennis talked about the stark contrast his family saw between his WWII father’s return with honor, versus the lowly, hollow return the Vietnam vets received. His older brother’s explanation to him was laced with the character of a soldier: “We fight so that people can have the freedom to voice their own opinion”. That means men and women have put their life on the line just so I can lobby, or vote or have a voice when I think my corporate taxes are too high”. Lafayette Mayor Roswarski commented on how it takes a whole team to win a war, from the cooks, to the janitors to the generals. Everyone has a part to play. Just like your business team.

Honestly, until this moment I have never thought about the freedom I take for granted in my business. What would I be doing if I lived in a war-torn region? How about you? Does your business have a location to fly our country’s flag? During the month of May please make it a point to thank any service men/women you know, that the Association of Women Business Owners appreciates their service. I know they appreciate it. I saw it yesterday in the Desert Storm’s soldier’s eyes, as I stood shaking his hand.

Best regards,
Susan Benedict
AWBO President
Empowering Women

CASH FLOW IS KING”- Or is It?

I’m noticing a trend. And it’s not a good one. This particular scenario has happened three times within the last nine months, two of these incidents occurred within the last thirty days.

The trend: business professionals are sending out invoices for the first time, six and eight months after the fact. None of these are members of AWBO by the way. However you might be wildly surprised by the various types of businesses.

One bill came and neither the home owner nor I had received a bill in a timely manner-but six months after I close a job is a little late. This makes for an uncomfortable situation for all three parties involved. Another bill that was eight months late, caused me to not be able to take the legitimate deduction off my corporate taxes for last year.

I must admit it took me years to figure out cash flow, but once you understand cash flow is the life blood of our business your management style and processes start to look and act different.

How about your business? Are you sending out billing in a timely manner?

Best regards,
Susan Benedict
AWBO President
Empowering Women