The inspiring and motivating effect of ETS: Networking and Power Coaching Class

On Monday, May 6th the ETS class was about Networking and Power Coaching. A very special thanks goes out to our guest speaker, Hope Katz Gibbs of Inkandescent PR and a big shout out to our board members Kate Campbell Stevenson, Shirah Cohen, and Joanne Clark for making it an insightful evening.

All participants introducing themselves in the beginning.

The ETS Networking and Power Coaching Class is designed to show students the personal and professional journeys of successful women entrepreneurs. The session was formatted to address topics ranging from successful careers and businesses, to networking strategies, sales strategies, effective leadership, and overcoming fear and developing confidence.

ETS participants listening attentively to our four panelists

The first part of the session included a panel discussion with each panelist talking about their own strategies, drawbacks, and the secret ingredients they used to become successful. The women also addressed candidly the financial strategies they used to get where they are today. From knowing how to fund their businesses, to getting loans, to using savings, all were important and required savvy and quick thinking to launching their business.

All our panelists (starting second from left) Hope, Kate, Shirah, and Joanne. Shirah inspired students by sharing her personal story. She said she became an entrepreneur the day she declared to herself and the world that she was an Independent Consultant.

The second part of the session consisted of a small group activity in which students had to interact and ask questions to guest speakers and their peers. They spoke of networking, marketing, being effective personally and professionally, overcoming barriers, and most importantly, being an active member of the community at large.

Joanne, power coaching a small group (from left to right), Julie, Joanne, Gabriela, Angela and Sarah.

The last part was exchanging ideas, learning from each other, and reporting back to the rest of the class about what they learned, sharing handouts, teaching tools and resources. The greatest inspiration was the welcoming embrace of the guest speakers and their stories.’ A growing sense of motivation was apparent, to walk the line and reach that end zone, regardless of any drawbacks and barriers.

Kate (second from left) intently listening and power coaching (from left) Tyesha, Annette, Tenisha, and Kira.

Again, thank you Hope Katz Gibbs of Inkandescent PR and board members Kate Campbell Stevenson, Shirah Cohen, and Joanne Clark, who tirelessly galvanize the entrepreneur spirit of our ETS students. Also a huge shout out to our Entrepreneur Coach and Program Manager Alexia Muchisu ,who spices up our ETS classrooms, and our instructor Sharmila Karamachandani, who is constantly sowing the seed of knowledge to our ETS students and beyond. Much love to all of you from the EWI Team!

By Hanna Yamir, Program Associate Intern

Coach’s Corner with Howard Feinstein

Coach’s Corner

By Howard Feinstein, EWI Board Member

A weekly blog for EWI students and graduates, passing along news, events, articles of interest, and tips on growing your business. We are all on this journey together, and no one – certainly not yours truly – has all the answers. Accordingly, I hope you will periodically contribute your ideas and news to this forum, c/o khfeinstein@verizon.net.

Monday, February 25: This is the second of three posts on the basics of networking. Last time, we discussed business cards and websites. Those two critical items, along with the self-confidence that you will communicate to potential customers — because your business is also your passion – are your key tools at this point. Your friends, family, and colleagues probably know about your venture, have expressed their support, and perhaps have already placed orders for your product or service. These people should be acknowledged and thanked – they can help spread the word for you. However, this “instant network” will ultimately not be sufficient — you must take the next step and expand your entrepreneurial universe.

Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean transforming yourself into a door-to-door saleswoman, becoming a 24/7 living infomercial, wearing a name-tag, and joining every organization under the sun. Next week, we’ll review the four basic types of networks, and explain how you can decide which are most appropriate for you, and how to can engage them, painlessly! For now, let’s focus on certain habits that you need to develop: as we’ve previously discussed, what you are really selling is not so much your product or service, but yourself. Your main goal is to create long-term personal relationships which will result in repeat customers coming back to you again and again, because they feel comfortable doing business with you. Take it from an entrepreneur who started from scratch, without a clue: the old saying that over 80% of your business will come from less than 20% of your customers is true.

To cement these continuing relationships, certain characteristics are essential:

Reliability. Deliver what you have promised, every time. In fact – particularly at the preliminary stage when you are building your customer base — throw in a little something extra (this is known as “lagniappe” down in New Orleans). If the order is for a dozen desserts, make it thirteen. If you’ve contracted for a one-hour performance, make this first time an hour and a half for no extra charge. This distinguishes you from your competition. Make no mistake, in the capital region, your customers will have no shortage of options: make yours something special!

Timeliness. It has always baffled me, but punctuality remains the leading cause of problems in business relationships. Yes, there are always reasons for being a few minutes late to a meeting, or delivering services and products a day or two later than promised, but there are never acceptable excuses. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve have been kidnapped by aliens or your grandmother had to be taken to the hospital — that is your problem, not the customer’s, and they will turn to one of your ever-present competitors the next time. Being on time should not be a difficult task, and trust me, it is extremely important to customers in the fast-paced Washington area. In fact, this is an opportunity to really showcase your professionalism by being early. Deliver an order a day ahead of schedule, be the first bidder to arrive at a pitch meeting, and you will be amazed at the impression this creates.

Dress. Speaking of impressions, remember: this is the nation’s capital. We may be politically progressive, but we are relatively traditional socially. This is not Greenwich Village or Key West (I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Californian, so I had to make this transition myself!). Make it a point to dress a little more formally than the standard for your business area. Again, it is not that difficult, and it will set you apart from the competition.

Maintaining Contact. Sometimes networking means walking a fine line. You don’t want to be a pest (when was the last time you heard anyone complain of not receiving enough e-mails?), but you do want to remind people that you are out there, ready to serve their needs. The timing and method will differ, depending on your business. As a musician and writer these days, I don’t let a month go by without sending out a brief, straightforward e-newsletter, giving my schedule of public appearances; particular items I have for sale; and upcoming events to put on one’s calendar. Now, I understand that few people are going to brave NoVa traffic to see me perform at a restaurant in Annandale on a cold, rainy Friday evening in February, but what I’ve done is keep my name out there. This will — and I’m speaking from experience here — yield subsequent offers to perform at private functions, host book parties, etc. This is a key aspect of networking: it is generally not about making an immediate sale, but keeping the long-term relationship thriving.

Another example: every December, I send out holiday cards to everyone I do business with: this means venues, private hosts, fellow musicians and authors, suppliers, fans, former colleagues — everyone. The postage cost is minimal (and deductible as a business expense), and I have never failed to pick up some business, either directly or through a referral. The same goes for thank you’s. You might think it is standard to send a note (e- or snail mail) thanking your customer after each transaction, but believe me, it isn’t. This simple step tells your customers that you appreciate them. You will reap the rewards.

Join EWI’s BizCorps Team!

Love to Mentor, Advise and Coach Women Entrepreneurs for Success? Only have a few hours to give? We need your services!

MUST HAVE:

• Pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit
• Demonstrated success in business and/or leadership
• Passion for empowering women entrepreneurs
• Cultural competency, empathy, and good coaching abilities

We’re looking for business coaches who have one or more of the following:

• Business coaching or consulting experience
• Entrepreneurial experience
• Industry experience in any of the following: fine art, craft, performing art, photography, graphic design, web design, food, consulting, fashion, beauty, home-based business,
• Functional experience in marketing, sales, social media, product design, strategy, operations, accounting, finance, business plan review

What kind of volunteers are we looking for?!

Business Coach Volunteers

Goal: Provide business advice and guidance to women students in EWI’s entrepreneurial programs to help them develop and launch a small business.

Financial Advisors Volunteers

Goal: Provide financial advice and/or feedback in business or personal finances including pricing products and/or services, record-keeping, tax preparation, cash flow, budgets, breakeven analysis, strategies to improve credit score and other financial matters.

Legal Advisors Volunteers

Goal: Provide legal business advice to helps women students in EWI’s entrepreneurial programs address legal aspects related to their business including but not limited to business registration and licensing, intellectual property, contracts and other matters.

Guest Speaker Volunteers

Goal: Share practical experience, knowledge and wisdom about the topic of discussion. Be open to share your personal experience, talk about failure, learned lessons, and success. Be willing to address questions from students and provide resources you are aware of.

Click here to read more about the responsibilities and roles of our BizCorps team.

APPLY NOW

Apply here to be considered for our Business Corps Volunteer Program.

Where in the World is Shannon? She Takes Business and Travel to Another Level…

Shannon & Marga

Many of you know Shannon as our amazing former Program Manager. About 9 month ago Shannon and her fiancee decided to travel the world, teaching English as a second language and pursue many of their passions.

But traveling was not enough for Shannon. She wanted to travel and make a living while inspiring others to pursue their own passion for travel. So The Life Aventurista was created… We’re so proud of you, Shannon!

  
“I started The Life Adventurista in November 2012, because when Eric and I were first making our plans over a year ago, so many people contacted me and told me they wished they could live life the way we are. They just didn’t know how or think it was possible. I’ve spent the last six years teaching women how to start things – grassroots campaigns, nonprofits, and businesses, so I thought why not help more women start a business doing what they love so they can live life with more adventure and freedom. I love this work because it combines all my greatest passions and I love being able to work with so many incredible women.” Read more…

Coach’s Corner: Networking with Business Cards & Your Website

Coach’s Corner

By Howard Feinstein, EWI Board Member

A weekly blog for EWI students and graduates, passing along news, events, articles of interest, and tips on growing your business. We are all on this journey together, and no one – certainly not yours truly – has all the answers. Accordingly, I hope you will periodically contribute your ideas and news to this forum, c/o khfeinstein@verizon.net.

Monday February 11th

For a couple of weeks we will be focusing on networking. This topic will be addressed in considerable detail in this spring’s Entrepreneurial Training For Success classes and EWI’s new Grow My Business program, but it is never too soon (or too late!) to emphasize some basic concepts.

When embarking on our entrepreneurial journeys, it is vital to keep in mind that, while much of our initial focus is on perfecting our product or service, what we are really selling is ourselves: that is, working to establish long-term relationships that will enable our ventures to flourish in the long run. You might develop the perfect product, but unless prospective customers find you professional and reliable, a winning connection will not be made. It is ultimately all about projecting a sense of credibility.

At the early stages, two critical opportunities to demonstrate your credibility are (a) your business card, and (b) your website.

-Trust me, you will be asked regularly for your business card. It is indispensable, and you can make a thousand for next-to-nothing. Your card not only provides your contact information, but shows the customer that you take yourself seriously as a businesswoman. Do not spend a lot of time attempting to design the ideal card; just be sure your e-mail address, phone numbers, and website are up-to-date. Treat it like the American Express Card: “Don’t leave home without it.”

- Your website is a more complex subject. We will be pointing you toward specific, low-cost resources. However, in a business market as upscale and competitive as the capital region, you do not want to be in the position of telling a customer that your site is “under construction” or “almost ready to launch.” A basic, user-friendly site, with contact information, product description, perhaps a couple of endorsements, and a simple bio demonstrating your credentials, is all you need to get rolling. Make sure it is designed so that you can easily update it with news and events. As with business cards, “simpler is better” — perfection is for the next world

Once you have these two basic tools working for you, you on your way to becoming a successful networker. Next week, we’ll discuss the four basic types of business networks, and how you can engage them effectively. It’s easier than you think.

-A recent book of interest:

– Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s wonderful autobiography, My Beloved World, is a true testament to the human spirit. One would be hard-pressed to find a more inspiring recent example of how focus and determination can triumph over family dysfunction, serious medical challenges, and prejudice. And, in the spirit of E.W.I., Justice Sotomayor emphasizes the importance of mutual support and community in realizing her goal.

To read more about Howie, click here.

Coach’s Corner with Howie Feinstein – Week of February 4th

Coach’s Corner

By Howard Feinstein, EWI Board Member

        Welcome — this is the inaugural edition of a new weekly blogpost for E.W.I. students and graduates, passing along news, events, articles of interest, and tips on growing your business.  We are all on this journey together, and no one – certainly not yours truly – has all the answers.  Accordingly, I hope you will periodically contribute your ideas and news to this forum, c/o khfeinstein@verizon.net.

Mon. Feb. 4

    *You will be hearing much more about Kiva’s exciting new microloan initiative, which will provide small businesswomen in the Washington region with access to capital.  This is a partnership among Capital One Bank; Latino Economic Development Center; and Kiva, a global microlending organization.  In the meantime, take a look at the press release outlining this great opportunity, at www.ledcmetro.org/press-releases/item/202-kiva-city-dc-launches-to-bolster-small-business-groth-in-greater-washington-dc-area.

    *The Washington post’s local business page (A8) for Jan. 28 features a pair of articles giving examples of the type of “out of the box” thinking needed for growing your business:

       -“Value Added:  At 60, Jeff Frank reinvents himself and the furniture business” demonstrates the importance of looking at your business from the customer’s perspective, and then filling an unmet need.

       -“You can only control what you can control” is a perfect example of what, during in the civil rights movement, we called keeping our “eyes on the prize”:  focus constantly on your central passion, don’t be afraid of hard work, and never lower your expectations, and you will get there!

    *For meetings and events in January and February which can benefit you, see the website for DC-MD Small Business Owner Networking at www.meetup.com/dc-smallbusiness.

    * Next week:  Some tips on making small-business networking efficient and painless.

To read more about Howie, click here.

Spotlight on The Campagna Center

The Campagna Center

New Neighbors Education Center

The New Neighbors Education Center provides education programs and related services to help immigrant and refugee families become self-sufficient and fully participating members of our community.

They offer English Classes with nine levels of adult English classes that are carefully structured and result-orientated. They also offer Childcare during those classes. In addition the Campagna Center offers Family Literacy classes so the whole family can learn together!

Guest speakers and field trips provide information to connect students with community resources to enhance learning.

“At New Neighbors, my sons and I are learning English.  And we are learning that people from different countries, like Sudan, El Salvador, Jordan, Mexico, Irag, India, and Kyrgyzstan can be friends.  I love school.  I love my teachers.  And, I love my friends.” Riham

Classes:

The Campagna Center English Classes offer two 12-week, 90-hour terms a year. English classes, from beginning to advanced, meet three mornings a week and childcare is provided during class.

They have welcomed students from over 70 different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Classes met at the new Fowler House of Christ Church, which has nine ESL classrooms, five childcare rooms, meeting rooms, and a computer lab.

Our very own Perri is going to be a guest speaker on November 7^th!

English Classes Fall 2012

General Registration:

Friday, September 14, 2012

9:30 am – 12:00 noon

***Registration will be open until classes are filled.

Students must register in person with I.D.  A placement test will be given.  Childcare will be provided.

Fall Class:

September 19–December 14, 2012

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

9:30 am – 12:00 noon

Cost:

$100 for the class includes books, CD, computer lab use)

Childcare:

$100 for 1 child (in 4 age-appropriate classes)

($25 for each additional child)

Location:

Christ Church

118 N. Washington Street

Alexandria, VA  22314

Information:

703-224-2361

www.campagnacenter.org

soneill@campagnacenter.org

 

New Neighbors is supported by financial and in-kind contributions from many caring individuals, business, foundations, churches, and civic groups because fees do not cover the cost of providing our high quality program.

If you would like to support this program please donate here.

Looking to improve your English, literacy, or computer skills?

Our friends at Language ETC in Washington, DC are currently registering students for their Fall ESL classes. Registered students will also have access to 1/hr of tutoring per week, conversation club, and the open language lab. Language ETC also provides classes in literacy in Spanish, citizenship preparation, and computer literacy in English and Spanish. Registration is open until the first day of classes, at which a $10 late registration fee will be applied. Scholarship assistance is available based on need.

The Fall ESL Classes Are:

Monday-Thursday, 7 — 9 pm: September 10 – December 6  ($120)
Tuesday & Thursday, 10 am – 1 pm: September 11 – December 6 ($120)
Saturday & Sunday, 2 – 5 pm: September 15 – December 9 ($120)
Sunday, 9 am-12 pm: September 16 – December 9 ($75)

Classes are located in the same building as Our Lady Queen of the Americas church (near the Dupont Circle Metro)

2200 California Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008

For information on how to register and more information about their computer literacy and citizenship preparation classes, please call or visit Language ETC’s website:
202-387-2222
www.languageetc.org

What We’re Reading

Now that another school year is right around the corner (and underway for some), we’ve been investigating some of the big issues facing parents and educators as they get their kids classroom-ready!

“School at Home or Homeschooling?”

The homeschooling phenomenon has exploded in recent years, and data such as ACT/SAT scores and psychological tests suggest that parents may not be misguided in wanting to take on their child’s education independently. Still, another option has presented itself in the form of “virtual academies” that provide online classes based on a given district’s requirements. This article on thenewamerican.com gives a general overview of the difference between this form of education-at-home and homeschooling as well as the pros and cons of this new approach.

“Why Romney, Obama are education twins“

With elections in November, many parents will be wondering what the two presidential candidates have in mind for their child’s education. According to this Washington Post article, it turns out that parents can expect campaign speeches on the subject of education to contain more or less the same thing coupled with some very creative wording. As the article cleverly points out, it will be imperative for speech writers to make their candidate’s plan sound distinct and innovative – even if the plan itself is a copy of the same status quo policy the parties have shared in recent years. For the parents of future writers, this could be a great lesson in recycling your old material!

“Packing a Waste-Free and Healthy Lunch“

Finally, this article by Amily Hoop-Sopko is a great refresher in School Lunch 101. She provides some great tips on saving time and money and encourages parents to bring their children shopping to learn more about the different food groups and all the healthy food available at the grocery store. We would encourage parents to include their kids in the lunch-packing process from time to time as well! Their first pick for lunch may not coincide with yours, but with a bunch of healthy food available and you as a guide they’ll be making the smart choice no matter what!

Wa…ne…what?

Our recent forays into the world of social media have led us to a new site giving Pinterest a run for its money when it comes to uncovering new and rare gems of e-commerce!

Wanelo (short for Want, Need, Love) is similar to Pinterest in the sense that it runs on the collections assembled by curators (just like the boards created by pinners), yet the overall goal of Wanelo is less aspirational and more shopping-oriented. Wanelo provides direct links to the online stores where products can be found, and the pieces themselves tend to be more affordable and more practical, thereby encouraging actual shopping as well as curation.

Having just received 2M from various investors, the directors of this San Fransisco-based site hope to expand operations, hire designers and develop an online platform that’s wholely seperate from Pinterest and other, similar websites.

In the meantime, Wanelo is still an incredibly useful tool for discovering the smaller, environmentally-friendly online merchants who may not be trending on other sites!  Here’s a list of vendors we LOVE who offer vintage or recycled products (with plenty of character, of course):

- Gypsy Warrior

- Ecovolvenow

- Viva Terra

- RagTraderVintage