Let's Talk Politics!
On the other hand, let's not. This isn't a political blog. And, although the current campaign for president is full of opportunity to talk...I suggest Saturday Night Live. The parody is worth your time. And for a different perspective, visit If The World Could Vote.
Today, on Lip-sticking, I'd like to talk about women. About several hundred women. Who gathered at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY for the 4th Annual Women's Leadership Conference, yesterday.
WOW! I met and talked with so many TALENTED women - with some truly outstanding products for their fellow gender, it was a heady experience, for sure. I will discuss these women in a later post. Perhaps I will interview them - so, stay tuned.
At this event, I presented a Social Media Primer with Professor Gregory Wood, a friendly, smart,
humble man who could teach us all a lot about marketing, in general. I say "humble" because he openly promoted me as the expert and it may be that my experiences in Social Media outscore his, but his advice to some of the attendees was spot on - and made me happy to be partnered with him.
Now, on to the women. This event reminded me of a small Blogher event. So many females chattering away with each other to exchange stories. To support business ventures. To learn and teach and engagae with each other. At the session Dr. Wood and I gave, the room was full to over-flowing. The women lifted eager faces to hear what we had to say (how do you explain social media in 30 minutes? well, it wasn't easy but we did it)
Other sessions included Authentic Leadership, as well as one on Negotiating Tools. Both important traits to have, when running your own business. Of course, there were sessions on Building Wealth and Health and Wellness. And information on Students in Free Enterprise, "a global, non-profit organization that is literally changing the world..."
Why is this important to you - if you live in Texas or Calif. or Pennsylvania? Because it's yet another instance that women are banding together to accomplish great things. It's another indication that WOMEN are the power-force of the world and that in groups we have the ability to effect change, everywhere.
If there is no Women's Center or Women's Leadership focus in your area, start one. Find a way to engage the women in your community - beyond NAWBO (excellent group, I recommend belonging), beyond your BNI group (again, great possibilities come out of BNI groups), and beyond your personal coffee klatch at Starbucks or Panera Bread or wherever you meet. The world is emerging into what I call the "beyond" phase...
We're going BEYOND...beyond the ordinary, into the extraordinary. And, as evidenced at the Women's Leadership Conference I spoke at yesterday, and others just like it all over the country, women are the leaders - we've taken the challenge and we're actively making change that needs making - in this country and in the world.
Kay Koplovitz, Founder of the USA Network and the Sci Fi Channel, author of the book Bold Women, Big Ideas and a former Chair of National Women's Business Council put it succinctly in her opening at lunchtime: "These times we are in (paraphrasing) remind me of Dickens...and A Tale of Two Cites: 'It was the worst of times, it was the best of times.' " (Kay, if you're listening - would love to help you update your blog regularly; we ladies are eager to hear what you have to say!)
Make this the best of your times...by refusing to cave in to the worst of times blather being put out by the media. Use the right tools (marketing to women online), be aware of cash-flow and cut back where you can, but never lose faith. Never give up. When you need a boost, turn to all the women online, using Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, blogs, and even email, and talk it out.
Together, women accomplish great things. It's happening right now, during this difficult economic time, women are banding together to effect change: change in their lives, change in their 'sisters' lives, change in the city they live in, change in the world.
Connect with them and build a better future for our sons and daughters.
What a fantastic post. It is so refreshing and inspiring to read words encouraging us to do the right thing- band together, motivate and help one another. Tough times? Let's get tougher and make things happen. I'm so glad I discovered you and your site. I'll be here often and hope to learn much from you. Thank you for a great post.
Kelly O
Posted by: Kelly Olexa | October 13, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Sounds like an awesome event, Yvonne. Thanks for the recap!
Posted by: Ann Handley | October 13, 2008 at 12:37 PM