Women in Business: Speaker Series

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The women of Women Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley are offering a series of free seminars for women who are considering self-employment. Six members of the WBOA will share stories about making the transition from weekly paychecks to self employment, the balancing act of family and career, and how to handle your business as a whole, which is more than just being good at your craft.

“The opportunities for women interested in starting a business are endless right now. The women who are willing to be creative, get motivated, and find their courage are the ones we want to guide through the transition by telling our stories and offering advice,” says Angela Lussier, member and public relations chair of the WBOA.
The free seminars will be held at the South Hadley Public Library on Bardwell Street from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. The schedule is as follows:

Week 1 (9/30/09): Making the Transition & Building Your Confidence

When you launch a new business, it’s important to go in with your eyes open and your head held high. Maintaining a clear path and chin up despite the inevitable setbacks is another challenge. Learn about what is important to focus on and what can be a distraction as you start your new life.

The seminar features Ann Latham, consultant, speaker, author, and president of Uncommon Clarity, a business consulting firm in Western Mass; and Angela Lussier, owner of 365 Degrees Consulting, a career consulting firm in Feeding Hills.

Week 2 (10/7/09): Finding the Balance & Dealing with Roadblocks

Being a woman in business means balancing your family life with your career, while dealing with the challenges of being successful and keeping it all together. Hear from the women who have been there, and how they’re making it happen every day.
The seminar features Suzanne Larocque, owner of Sleaque Images, a photography studio in East Longmeadow; and Linda McDonald, certified life coach and owner of Reach Resources in Easthampton.

Week 3 (10/14/09): Building Your Business & Creating a Vision for the Future

How do you market it to your clients when 68% of all business is lost to poor follow up? How do you not waste your marketing efforts chasing dead end leads? Who should you make key relationships with? You’ll also learn about the importance of branding and maintaining a professional image to win the client.

The seminar features Becky Castro, CPCC, PCC, a certified business coach and owner of I Love Monday Mornings; and Allison Biggs, an independent graphic designer serving small business owners in Western Mass.

Check out my seminar on week three!  I hope to see you there!

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