Newsletter

Jenna Isch
Isch Insurance Services

I first joined AWBO in 2010, shortly after I started my Farmers Insurance agency. I was invited to visit by a friend of mine and past AWBO President, Julie Rubsam. In my first meeting the activity was “speed networking,” like a speed dating event. I was able to learn about five members rather quickly that day. I saw AWBO as a great opportunity to network, but also learn from other, more experienced, business owners. Through AWBO I have been able to meet women I would not know otherwise and make a lot of friends. I have taken the opportunity to learn from others and build my confidence in my business and professionally. Also, getting involved on the AWBO board has been the best way for me to commit consistently. I had to make that shameless board plug.

I own Isch Insurance Services, an insurance and financial services agency, affiliated with Farmers Insurance and Financial Services. I primarily help families and small businesses make good financial decisions for their future. I offer, auto, home, renters, recreational vehicle, life and business insurance; as well as investment products, such as IRAs, mutual funds, annuities and college savings plans. I have a unique approach of getting to know my clients and their concerns so I can make the right recommendations. I am different from your typical agency or company, because I don’t often put together “apples to apples” quotes or focus on being the cheapest option. I enjoy helping my clients understand what they are paying for and how their insurance and investments can work for them. I get to be part of their team. In my office, I also have two other fully licensed agents, Cheryl Lucas and Melissa Brandt, who help me offer amazing service before, during and after the sale.

I can be reached via phone and text at 765-838-2781 or via email at jisch@farmersagent.com. I am also available on Facebook, just look up “Jenna Isch” or twitter @jennaisch. In insurance, it is difficult to offer “specials.” But we do have unique discounts we can offer to clients who work in a profession, like teachers, police, firefighters, nurses, doctors, scientists and engineers just to name a few. I tell my clients, life insurance is always on sale today, because next year it will be more expensive if you wait.

I am a firm believer in learning from mistakes and I don’t make the same mistake twice. I also often say “Karma is my business plan.” Now I do have an actual business plan for those who are worried… I’m an insurance nerd, of course I plan… but I am also a strong believer in doing good always pays back and usually pays dividends.

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Member Testimony
By Tammy Foley, Coldwell Banker Shook

Ten years ago I was invited to an AWBO Ladies Night Out at Walts Other Pub. Our evening was fun, full of laughter and created friendships that I treasure today. What intrigued me the most was the friendships and enthusiasm to empower business owners to be better at our jobs, along with the willingness to share life lessons with others.

My Ah Ha moment came from a speaker from Kokomo who shared her courageous moment of life- “When Life gets Tough!” Her husband lost his job in the car industry and they had 7 kids to feed. She took a passion for Wedding Planning, wrote a book and is now coaching her passion around the country – What a Success and Inspiration that spoke to me that day, as the Recession in the Construction Industry had many challenges!

While the monthly topics sparked my interest, the interaction with other lady business owners inspired me to be better. I quickly joined the board of directors and was the Chairman of Membership. A few years later served as Vice President and then followed by serving as AWBO President for 2 years. While AWBO ladies embraced me, they taught me the ability to listen, provide leadership and allowed me to blossom when leadership was needed. I thank AWBO for the opportunity to serve. AWBO still inspires me today, with a life time of friendships created and heartfelt passion!

May AWBO Empower you in your daily life and many small Successes to follow!
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Recently there was a report on television and an article in the Journal and Courier about women business owners in Indiana. It also caught the attention of editors in Indianapolis and they printed the J & C article in the Indianapolis Star! Pretty important, huh?

The author of the article said that a census taken recently showed that 162,000 businesses were owned by women. That includes every AWBO member. That number astounded me because it meant just under 30% of Indiana’s privately owned companies were woman owned. Elaine Bedel, President of Indiana Economic Development Corporation, expressed there are many things available in our state to help women get a business started and keep it running. Some owners attested to that in the article, having received help to assist them.

I know every woman who owns her own business had to work very hard to get everything put together to start their business, and keep it running and many factors come in to that equation. On top of all the hours on the job are more hours of hard work running a household! Feeding babies, changing diapers, keeping laundry going, fixing meals, and being chauffeur to every activity your teenager has decided they want to be involved in! I APPLAUD YOU! I remember those days when it was just my husband and I at the business, creating a space for our daughter to play in and later to do homework beside my desk. Those were tough years! And now all three children are grown and work with us, managing different areas of the business. So keep up the good work, it’s worth it!

The Association of Women Business Owners (AWBO), has speakers from many different avenues and themes. If you want to learn more, come to MCL the second Tuesday of every month. Don’t miss an AWBO meeting because each one is action packed and educational.

I’m really looking forward to hearing Gary Higgins on Tuesday, April 11 because he was instrumental in getting our business on its feet many years ago, with the state of the art quality television commercials. He will show attenders how to create a promotional video for social media using our cell phones. Things have really changed in the past 27 years since we opened our business.

Invite a woman business owner, or someone thinking about starting one, to join us at MCL Restaurant & Bakery, West Lafayette, April 11 from 12-1p.m. See you there!

Best regards,
Melony Ramsey
AWBO President
Empowering Women

How to Create a Quality DIY Promotional Video

Gary John Higgins is the owner of Indiana Motion pictures where he also serves as a Director and Producer of television commercials, corporate promotional, training, and consumer documentary videos. A Purdue University graduate, Gary gained valuable experience in LA where he worked as a Steadicam operator for independent movie and music video projects. Gary is an award winning photojournalist and has extensive experience at a local CBS affiliate. Beyond his journalistic career, Gary has also appeared as an extra in the Nick Nolte film, Blue Chips, toured with American Idol playing keyboards, and survived a helicopter crash.

Gary John Higgins’ presentation will walk us through the basics of creating a promotional video for social media using our phones. He will include information on storyboarding, shooting video, and equipment selection. Gary will share tips and strategies that will make us all video making pros.

3 Minute Spotlights

Anna Kennedy
Mary Kay Sr. Independent 
Beauty Consultant

As a Mary Kay Sr. Independent Beauty consultant, I have made long lasting friends by offering them an easy way to look and feel beautiful. My Mary Kay business and local Mary Kay Unit offer me girl time while learning about cosmetics and best business practices. Even with my local Mary Kay Unit support, I missed working with and hearing about other businesses in the Lafayette community.

I joined AWBO because I had a GREAT need to spend quality time with a professional group of women. After retiring from banking in 2012, I dusted off my Mary Kay Cosmetic party bag and enjoyed lots of “girl friend” time. But I missed the broader business perspective that I enjoyed as a mortgage and retail banker.

Susan Benedict, my kitchen planner and friend from my banking days, suggested AWBO.  With a step of faith, I signed up and paid online before attending the first meeting!!!  I was greeted and made to feel very welcome by Melony Ramsey and Sharon Schug.  The following year, AWBO asked for members to volunteer to be on the Board.  Once again, Susan caught my attention.  She said "If you really want to get to know your fellow AWBO members, become a part of the AWBO board".  After giving it some thought, I volunteered to be one of the Hospitality Hostesses.  As a meeting "greeter", along with Deb McGregor, I have enjoyed welcoming our guests and members.  

I have not been disappointed with my decision to join AWBO. This group not only supports each other but willingly listens to new ideas and members.

Anna M Kennedy

Mary Kay Sr. Independent Beauty Consultant

765-490-2734

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Member Testimony
By Cindy Pratt, Premier Designs Jewelry

I first visited AWBO with much skepticism.  I wondered how a group of women that met for only an hour a month would be of value for me and my business.  That was two years ago and now I have become an advocate!  I desperately try not to miss a single meeting.

AWBO is a rare combination of networking, friendship building and business education.  The leadership team does an exceptional job of scheduling speakers that are experts in their field.  Recent topics that are relevant to a wide range of business have ranged from social media to negotiations.  Each of these areas have helped to educate our members and grow our businesses.

I have met several wonderful ladies through AWBO that have become more than just acquaintances.  We have become friends, whose interactions have moved well beyond the hour meeting where we encourage each other in both our professional and personal lives.

AWBO is a hidden treasure in Tippecanoe County.  Come, share, bring a friend, even eat lunch at 11:30.  We would love to meet you!

Cindy Pratt, Premier Design Jewelry
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Lisa Lambert Snodgrass
Rejuvenate Global, LLC

Lisa Lambert Snodgrass founded Rejuvenate Global, LLC, a consulting, speaking, training company out of a desire to inspire others to move forward – to renew, restore, and to regrow – as individuals and as businesses. Beyond consulting with businesses on building best practices, Lisa speaks to and coaches beginning and seasoned professionals and business leaders on topics such as leading and leadership, team design and development, cultural & emotional intelligence, conflict management, service excellence, generational communication, strengths based management, and the power of positive.

Believing that we grow and renew ourselves through connections, Lisa joined AWBO as a way to connect with fellow women in business. Lisa has learned much from others during her membership and now as a board member hopes to give back to the membership through service. Lisa hopes that the programming and newsletter content inspire the membership as much as she has been inspired by AWBO.
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Member Testimony
By Lori Bauerle, Indoff Office Interiors

I joined AWBO looking for mentorship and to surround myself with strong women to learn from. Each meeting, I learn something new from the speaker and from the other women that are always so welcoming and eager to help. If I am needing advice on how to handle a situation or someone to bounce an idea off of, I know there are wonderful women that are always willing to help.

Lori Bauerle
Indoff Office Interiors
lori.bauerle@indoff.com
317-414-6432

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February

The Month of “LOVE”

It was a cold winter day when my husband, Randy, and I were preparing to eat our evening meal at a warm restaurant. A young man introduced himself as our server and took our drink order. He soon returned to tell us he was mistaken and a young lady was to be our server.

While we were eating, my attention was drawn to that young man as I watched him communicate with the peoplehe was serving. Sitting there was what appeared to be, a young father with his adorable little daughter, approximately 3 years old.

As I watched and listened, I overheard the server asking the little girl questions like, “Did you see Santa?” and “Do you like the snow?” As the conversation continued, I was intrigued by what he had in his hands. He was making something. Then I saw it. A flower appeared, from a napkin, and he joyfully laid it in the hands of the little girl. He had gone out of his way to show love and kindness to his customers.

As the evening continued, it got even more interesting. The father/daughter duo soon left but another young father and young daughter were seated at the table next to the first one. Guess what the server was doing? He was making another flower and asking the little girl the same questions. We finished our meal and I walked up to the server, put some dollar bills in his apron pocket, and said, “You are an amazing, caring person. Keep up the good work”. His manager agreed when I told him the server was a “keeper”.

Showing people that we care, that’s what February is all about. That’s what AWBO is about, too, caring about one another and our community.

What have you done or will you do to express love to those you care about? How will you show kindness to the ones you meet? Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and make someone feel special today!

Best regards,
Melony Ramsey
AWBO President
Empowering Women

The Top 5 Social Media Must-Dos for 2017

Kelly Rice, Treefrog Marketing & Communications

I firmly believe that small business is the backbone of America. I was raised on a 900-acre farm near Lafayette, Indiana. I learned that being a business owner was very, very hard, but rewarding work. Dad taught me to always try to do the right thing (no matter the cost), to work hard for everything, give your best (no matter if you succeed or fail) and how to successfully operate a business while raising a family.

Since 2000, I’ve taken those values and created an environment at Treefrog where we continually challenge staff and clients to look for opportunities to make a difference.

We know that might sound a little strange coming from a full-service advertising and marketing agency, but our mission is to simply help people. Treefrog is a Christian-based marketing agency and everything we do is centered around life-building concepts.

Helping small business is an important part of our mission. Since 2000, we've tremendously increased our ability to service clients of all sizes. With continual additions to our professional team and ongoing industry education, our in-house production staff effectively manages client needs and exceeds expectations.

I absolutely love helping people discover their business potential. The ah-ha moment when everything clicks, is when the magic really starts to happen.

3 Minute Spotlights

Isabel Hogue
Health and Retirement Insurance

When I moved to Lafayette and began my business in 2006, I found AWBO by searching online for networking groups. Two important AWBO things happened.

First, the first one-to-one networking experience I ever had was with another business owner who invited me to meet for coffee. I can't overstate the value of learning to reach out to other business owners for one-to-one meetings.

Second, she said the best way to get to know other AWBO members is by serving on the board. So I volunteered to serve on membership and later on hospitality. Both opportunities provided a vehicle for me to meet and learn from great women.

I am an independent insurance agent who works by referral, specializing in Medicare plans. I also offer health insurance, final expense insurance, and legal expense plans. The thing I love most in my business is meeting new people and hearing their stories. I help everyone who is referred to me, whether or not a sale is made.

Before I started my business, I home-schooled four children and took care of my mother in my home (so I'm a problem-solver). I've learned to focus not on who you are (or who you think you should be), but on who you are becoming.
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Member Testimony
By Flo Nydegger, New Life featuring (Melaleuca)
As a private business owner, I heard about AWBO from a friend, and decided to check it out two years ago. I enjoy the professional atmosphere at the meetings, and the opportunity to build relationships with other business women from the community.

The monthly meetings have been a great venue to assist me in networking with others. Each month I make an effort to reach out to guests and new members and build friendships with current members. If you are wondering how AWBO can improve your life, come check it out! We welcome visits from other women and hope you find this is a great connection for you.

Flo Nydegger- New Life featuring (Melaleuca)
nydeggerlarry@yahoo.com
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It is really hard to believe we are embarking upon a new year already. It seems like it was only yesterday when we were raising money for the girls at Cary Home for Children. This event will be one of the most memorable times in my life. I stood there looking at women having so much fun together, visiting with friends, getting to know new people, bidding on silent auction donations or putting their tickets in the raffle bag of their choice. Laughter and chatter filled the air. I had so much fun and saw everyone doing the same as we worked together to give back to our community.

It was a pleasure to listen to Rebecca Humphrey, Director of Cary home, as she talked about how our money from last year’s fundraiser replaced a dryer that had ceased working. No state funds are available for appliances! It was also alarming to hear her talk about the human trafficking problem in our county and how it affects Cary Home. AWBO desires to help in many ways. One way we can help is by becoming involved in the Big Brother-Big Sister program. There is a great need for mentors to these young ladies.

Many thanks to everyone who made a contribution, in any way, to make the Fundraiser a very successful event, in spite of the storm that came through. We are very excited to have collected over $3,875.00 to give Cary Home.

With the start of this new year, how do you plan to spend it? What will your priorities be? What will you learn from AWBO speakers this year that will inspire you to take new measures or changes in your life or your business? Will you help other women start a business? Will you become a Big Sister?

Put the AWBO meetings on your 2017 schedule for every second Tuesday of the month from 11:30-1:00! Schedule yourself for an appointment with AWBO during lunch. Come! Learn! Visit! Be refreshed! Go back to work, ready to meet the challenges and look forward to a wonderful year.

Best regards,
Melony Ramsey
AWBO President
Empowering Women

The Art of Negotiation

Anita K. Dale, PhD, comes to the Professional Sales Center with a 25 year career spanning positions in sales, sales management, marketing, and business development behind her. Dr. Dale was also part of the Operational Leadership Team for more than 10 years, actively participating in setting the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. Dr. Dale also pursued ambitious academic achievements, receiving a B. S. from Purdue University in Agricultural Communication; an M. S. from Johns Hopkins University in Marketing; an M. S. from Iowa State University in Family Financial Planning; and a PhD from Kansas State University from the School of Human Ecology.

Dr. Dale has a strong value for experiential learning, believing the Sales Center is where many students can and should begin honing their sales skills in order to be strong contributors to their organizations upon graduation. She is also fully committed to providing the strong Sales Center partners with strong returns for their investment in the Center through current and innovative programs. Negotiation applies to most everything in our lives. Anita is a master negotiator and will speak on how this skill can be implemented in our businesses.

3 Minute Spotlights