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| Recession Increases Opportunities for Local Networking Show DetailsHide Details |
| Feb 23, 2010 |
by Breanne Coats, Business Examiner | www.businessexaminer.com
The question that business people in the South Sound seem to be asking is not, “Should I network?” but rather, “How many events can I pack into my weekly schedule?”
While the recession has affected most businesses’ sales, it also has forced many owners to rethink their approaches to networking.
“People are recognizing more and more as business isn’t falling into their laps that networking is an important way to reach potential customers.,” said Josh Snyder, a business account executive for Comcast in Puyallup.
Snyder said he knew networking was important before the recession, but the state of the economy has increased his desire to get out and meet new people.
Brian Kaplan, owner of Wisdom Bridge Productions and marketing director for his wife’s business, UpTown Coffee News, helped start UCN Biz Group.
“It was to help the community stimulate its own economy,” Kaplan said. “I know I’m planting seeds. The whole purpose is so business people can meet people and be resources to each other.”
While Kaplan is happy that more business people are taking advantage of the free networking groups, he said that many individuals in business who are just starting to network have the wrong set of priorities.
“Their concept of networking is to walk into the room and make a sale. That’s not what networking is,” Kaplan said. “They have to learn what networking is about and they have to learn how networking fits their marketing plan.”
Kaplan said he hopes that people in the groups form relationships and begin to share referrals.
Fifty people attended a recent UCN Biz Group meeting at which 60 referrals were generated. About 40 of the attendees said they had held one-on-one meetings with another professional.
Mindi Zehnder, owner of Rejuvenation Spa in Puyallup said she is always referring customers to small businesses that she has worked with or perhaps formed a relationship with, often during her own participation in various community events.
“It’s just because we are a tight knit community here in Puyallup and we do what we can to support each other,” she said. “That’s what networking is about ... you have to be willing to help someone else succeed. My business isn’t going to be successful until I help others be successful.”
Zehnder said she has been able to stay busy during the recession because of her networking with other local businesses.
For example, she said most of the women attending her Valentine’s Day event were people with whom she networks or does business.
While it might seem simple to attend a meeting and pass out business cards, typically networkers wanting to grow their business must do more.
Zehnder said she attends about six networking meetings a week, plus she utilizes her Web site and almost every social media site available to promote her business.
There is usually at least one networking event each day in the South Sound, and many of them are free to attend. But if there isn’t a group or an event that seems to fit a business owner’s needs, launching a new group is the way to go.
Kieran Murry, president of kieranslist.com, and his wife launched a free networking group two years ago when they couldn’t find a group that they liked. What started as a two-person meeting at a local coffee shop has turned into events that attract 80 or more people from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday mornings at Old Country Buffet at the South Hill Mall.
“They are just coming out of the woodwork,” Murry said. “It used to be you opened up a business and people would walk through your door. We see a whole lot of people who have never networked before.”
One of the best suggestions Murry has for anyone looking to increase business through networking is to be prepared to commit lots of time to the activity.
“Once you find a group you enjoy working with ... go often,” he said. “I would be a consistent (participant), so people can see your face, and they see your face and put that with your business.”
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| Women's Foot Health Issues Show DetailsHide Details |
| Sep 1, 2008 |
by Deborah Ketterer – SHOES-n-FEET® | www.shoesnfeet.com
While women and men have similar feet, there are certain foot problems that are more prevalent in women. Of course this has to do with the type of shoes that women wear, but that is not the only factor. In general, women tend to have thinner and more flexible feet than men, which can lead to certain foot ills. This article explores foot problems more common to women.
BUNIONS: A bunion is a painful bony bump along the inside of the great toe joint. These are more common in a flexible foot. Wearing a high heeled, pointy-toe shoe can aggravate bunion deformities. Women should wear a moderate heel shoe (1.5 inch or less), with a square or rounded toe. Often times a shoe can be stretched over the bunion area to provide instant relief of pressure.
HAMMERTOES: A hammertoe is a toe that is crooked at one or two of the joints. This causes pain over the knuckle and oftentimes a corn is present. Again, this deformity is more common in a flexible foot, but may also be a complication of a broken toe or certain types of arthritis. A high heel shoe with a narrow toe causes toe pain as the toe is crammed into the pointy end of the shoe. As with bunions, a lower heel shoe with a generous toe box is best. Several types of pads offer pain relief.
NEUROMAS: A neuroma is a thickened and inflamed nerve that runs through the ball of the foot. Women tend to have thinner natural padding under the ball of the foot and are more prone to neuromas. Any shoe that puts increased side-to-side pressure on the ball of the foot will aggravate a neuroma. Wearing a shoe that is wide enough in the toe box takes pressure off the nerve. Additionally, a “metatarsal pad” may be added to the inside of the shoe to lift slightly the involved area.
At SHOES-n-FEET®, our professional shoe fitters are trained to recognize certain foot problems and provide appropriate shoes and insoles. We always measure the length and width of the customer’s feet and stock shoes that are available in multiple widths. We carry several brands and styles that are appropriate for office wear and fit a woman’s foot correctly. An array of over-the-counter insoles and pads are available in the store. We have an in-store customization center where we can modify the fit of a shoe or insole, as well as stretch a shoe as needed for an optimal fit. Please visit our Federal Way or Tacoma location to find the shoe that is just right for your feet.
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| Healthy Balance: Reducing Your Stress Show DetailsHide Details |
| Aug 20, 2008 |
by Dr. Anna Colombini – Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic | www.drcolombini.com
Did you know that by reducing your stress you can improve your immune system, your energy and can lead to the feeling of balance.
Where Do I start? Making more time for relaxation is key. I know that there are only twenty four hours in the day and our schedules are busy so here are a few examples to create time and reduce stress. Choose wisely what you do with your time. For example, how much time do you spend watching television? Do a quick calculation in your head and see what you come up with. Then spend less time on the couch with the following stress reducing suggestions.
How Can I Relax?
- Take a walk (known to reduce stress, depression, and prevent disease).
- Take a bath with Epsom salts for muscle relaxation and detoxification and take slow deep breaths while in the tub.
- Slow, deep breaths can help to stimulate relaxation and also is one of our bodies main ways of detoxification.
- Making time for massage by exchanging with family members or scheduling a massage is an excellent way to relax and to remind you of your bodies need for human contact.
- Sleep is also essential in stress reduction. For children and teenagers 9 hours of sleep per night and 8 hours for adults is recommended.
Remember that you do not need hours to reduce your stress. Even 15 minutes can be sufficient to bring you to a healthier balance. Before starting an exercise program or if you have specific health needs talk to your physician.
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| "Oh, My Aching Heel!" Show DetailsHide Details |
| Aug 1, 2008 |
by Debbie Ketterer – SHOES-n-FEET® | www.shoesnfeet.com
The symptoms are familiar – a bruised feeling in the heel or arch that is worse upon first getting out of bed in the morning, or after you arise from sitting. The pain may go away only to recur several days or weeks later. You can’t recall any injury or event that caused the pain.
Most likely your heel pain is caused by PLANTAR FASCIITIS. While there are many causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis is by far the most common. “Plantar” means the sole of the foot, and “fasciitis” is inflammation of the band of tissue that gives contour to the arch. The plantar fascia spans from the bottom of the heel bone to the ball of the foot.
There is rarely any traumatic event associated with the onset of the heel pain. However, several factors may initiate plantar fasciitis: including a sudden increase in activity, rapid weight gain, excessive barefoot walking, and wearing ill-fitting shoes that lack proper support. A flexible flat foot is more prone to plantar fasciitis, as are very high arched feet.
The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is based on symptoms and location of the pain (on the inside of the heel, near the arch). X-rays may be taken to check for stress fracture, heel spurs or bone cyst.
Initial treatment to reduce inflammation (and the pain), includes oral anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen), ice massage, physical therapy and possible cortisone injection. The second goal of treatment is to reduce the pull of the plantar fascia against the heel bone. This is achieved by supporting the foot with over-the-counter arch supports and proper shoes. Walking barefoot is to be avoided, especially when first getting out of bed. A supportive house shoe should be kept next to the bed, to avoid stepping down barefoot and pulling on the plantar fascia.
A supportive athletic shoe is best for plantar fasciitis. “Motion control” running shoes provide control of excessive pronation (rolling in of the foot and collapse of the arch). These shoes have a very dense mid-sole (the inside aspect of the sole near the arch), and a broad base. Other shoes with a slight heel and a “rocker bottom” are also effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
While we don’t make any medical diagnosis at Shoes-n-Feet, we are the experts at fitting the most supportive shoes and insoles for your feet. We also work very closely with the podiatric community and will be happy to recommend podiatrists in your area.
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| The Mediterranean Diet and Heart Health Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jul 1, 2008 |
by Dr. Anna Colombini – Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic | www.drcolombini.com
My husband and I just recently went to Italy to celebrate his fathers 60th birthday with a large group of family and friends. We stayed on the island of Ischia, which is a 30 minute ferry ride from Naples. The latter part of our trip my husband and I traveled south of Naples to the infamous Amalfi Coast. For 3 weeks we were immersed in Italian culture rich in fresh food markets that lined the streets as numerous as our Starbucks here in Washington State. I felt inspired by the rich flavor and color I experienced in the food to come back and tell my readers and patients about the importance of a diet rich in health.
The Mediterranean Diet is a modern nutritional recommendation that was patterned after some of the countries of the Mediterranean Basin such as Greece and southern Italy in the early 1960's. Food patterns of these countries include abundant plant foods, fresh fruit as a typical daily dessert, olive oil as the principal source of fat, dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, and fish and poultry consumed in low to moderate amounts, zero to four eggs consumed weekly, red meat consumed in low amounts, and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts. This diet is rich in monounsaturated fat and dietary fiber and low in saturated fat. Also, daily exercise in the form of farm work and walking are a large part of the Italian culture.
We found it refreshing to walk to our destinations on varying terrain rather than driving everywhere. We often enjoyed a delicious lunch of insalata mista (a mixed green salad that is popular in Italy), fresh pasta, olives soaked in pungent extra virgin olive oil and red wine. This diet is somewhat of a paradox in that the people living in the Mediterranean countries consume relatively high amounts of fat, yet they have lower rates of cardiovascular disease than in countries like the United States, where similar levels of fat are consumed.
So the question must be asked, why is this? Well, several factors such as the quality and type of food, not to mention the abundant variety of nutrients. I often teach my patients the value of variety. You may be eating healthy food every day but if it is always the same food you are limiting the variety of nutrients your body needs for optimal function. The Mediterranean diet is rich in variety with monounsaturated fat found in the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, known to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the blood, and to lower blood pressure. Here in the United States we consume a higher amount of saturated fat from red meat and cheese. Also, a variety of multicolored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, poultry and wine lend to a diet that is rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, bioflavanoids, and fiber.
So, what are the benefits of the above foods? Essential fatty acids must be consumed to be in our body meaning that our body cannot assimilate them from other nutrients. Essential fats are extremely important in the function of every cell membrane in our body, lowers cholesterol, and is very important in lowering inflammation. To learn more on essential fatty acids read my article, "The Essentials on Fish Oil". Bioflavanoids are plant nutrients that are powerful antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory. Eating a diet rich in bioflavanoids is important in prevention of heart disease because oxidation of "bad cholesterol" LDL causes plaque to build up in the arteries and inflammation decreases blood flow to the organ the artery supplies. If the blood flow is restricted in one of the arteries that supplies the heart this is called a heart attack. Fiber found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes also contributes to lowering cholesterol, not to mention its ability to decrease colon cancer by allowing healthy elimination of toxins through our bowels. Therefore, a diet rich in essential fatty acids, bioflavanoids and fiber all contribute to the heart healthy benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
I must also give due diligence to the cultures ability to take time to eat and enjoy their food. I was struck by the festivity and tradition that surrounds food preparation. This usually consists of walking to the market to get the fresh, vibrant hued ingredients. How can you not get excited with a mesh bag filled with such beautiful color? Then the food preparation: a work of art, simple, and void of additives that burden our body with toxins. The standard American diet (aka the SAD diet) typically has high saturated and trans fats along with highly processed foods and low plant consumption. I found such delicious meals and festivity at Ristorante da Ciccio on the island of Ischia. A quant restaurant that is ran by a father and two of his sons. They all worked in perfect harmony and true Italian hospitality to create a memorable culinary experience. As if their delicious meal of fresh sea food, vegetables and of course vino was not enough, an accordion player strolled in from the cobblestone street to play a few classics for our enjoyment.
So, how do we incorporate the Mediterranean diet in our every day lives? Consume large amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. Replace saturated fats and fried foods with olive oil, fish and organic poultry. Eat whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet and multigrain breads rather than bleached white grains. Consume legumes like pinto, garbonzo, cannelini, lentil and black beans. Lastly, sit down, take a deep breath and enjoy your food!
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| The Essentials on Fish Oil Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jun 1, 2008 |
by Dr. Anna Colombini – Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic | www.drcolombini.com
Many of you have heard conflicting information on fish oil. Here is some information on oils and a few recommendations for you so you can be an informed consumer. What are essential oils? Essential oils, such as Omega 3 and Omega 6, are oils that we must consume through food in order for us to have them in our body. We can not assimilate them in our body from other foods. Therefore, if we do not eat them we become deficient. We will stick to discussing Omega 3 as this is the essential oil found in fish oil.
Where do I find Omega 3? We can find Omega 3 in cold water fish such as Atlantic halibut, salmon, mackerel, tuna, Atlantic and Pacific herring, bluefish and sardines. Other sources include venison, buffalo, seaweed, canola oil, flaxseed, flax oil, walnuts and leafy greens.
Why are essential oils important to your health? Essential oils are important to your health because they are a part of every cell membrane in our entire body. If the membrane becomes rigid due to a deficiency in essential oils it becomes difficult for the cell to function properly. Essential oils, particularly Omega 3's, have been affiliated with the following health benefits:
- Improve Heart Health: decrease cholesterol, hypertension, coronary artery disease
- Improve Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Raynaud's disease and other Autoimmune diseases
- Aid Cancer prevention and CA support
- Improve Depression and Symptoms of other Mental Disorders
- Improve Hydration of Skin and some dermatological conditions
What Can You Do With This Information?
We tend to consume more Omega 6 fatty acids found in plants, nuts, and seeds than Omega 3 fatty acids. We can choose a healthier balance by eating more Omega 3's as found in the food sources discussed previously and through supplementation. The concern with eating cold water fish is contamination, particularly of heavy metals. Some physicians recommend safe consumption levels as 1 serving per week of cold water fish where others recommend up to 2-3 servings per week. Unfortunately, our bodies need more than 1-3 servings per week. This is where supplementation comes into play. A quality source of fish oil filters contaminates out, thus giving us Omega 3 without the toxins. Decreasing heavy metal levels in food is particularly important during family planning and in infants and children. The reason for this is that as uncontaminated sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are detrimental to development of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Contact your naturopathic physician for body-specific dosages and quality sources of fish oils.
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| Coaching: What Is It Good For? Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2007 |
by Terry Taylor – Versoria | www.versoriaonline.com
What is coaching?
We recognize the concept of coaching in certain professions — sports, singing, sales — but how about an executive coach and a coach for the team? What about an interpersonal skills coach to help with communication and effective relationships? How about a management coach to help develop skills in dealing with employee issues and concerns? Coaches provide a neutral space for people to raise their own bar of excellence, grapple with their barriers, and build success
momentum to change their lives.
What is coaching good for?
Coaching is about as ordinary as mentoring or consulting these days, and savvy business people
recognize the value immediately!
1. Coaching has proven to be extremely effective to people who dream of success in their
businesses, professions, and personal aspirations — even successful people who want to be even more successful.
2. Top-level executives often have no peers within their organizations and don’t wish to share their concerns outside the organization. Coaching provides someone to listen.
3. Coaching is helpful for those who are most successful when they are accountable to someone else in acting without inhibitions or taking steps to reach their goals.
4. Coaching helps you create more joy, find more peace, achieve more success, enjoy more abundance, and identify more effective strategies for moving forward.
What makes a good coach?
An effective coach will have:
1. excellent listening skills and a keen ear for your basic story;
2. the ability to help you focus on what’s before you — and shift your focus when necessary;
3. the ability to inspire generative ideas;
4. a compassionate way of holding you accountable;
5. access to resources to help you reach your goals;
6. the personal traits of optimism, generosity, tenacity, and a love of life!
Do coaches have credentials?
There are two levels of credentials for coaches: first - Certified Professional Coach and then, with experience, the Master Certified Coach. The coaching industry is self-regulated by the International Coach Federation (ICF), which defines ethical practices for the coaching profession and sets high standards for coaching, coach training and accrediting vocational school curricula.
How do I select a coach?
You wouldn’t expect your coach to be expert in your field any more than Michael Jordan expects his coach to be able to catch more air. However, your coach should have a general understanding of your profession as well as a keen awareness of your individual goals.
When interviewing prospective coaches, ask to see their educational credentials and how they are involved with the ICF. Ask what their typical approach is, how you’ll know when you’ve reached completion, and how you can establish a continuing relationship afterwards, should you wish to.
Finally, ask yourself these questions: Do I feel a connection? Can I talk openly with this coach? Do I see a fit between us?
What happens after coaching?
Some people create so much momentum in their lives and businesses that they stay engaged with a coach in that peak performance experience…and, who wouldn’t want to? There is a huge energizing reward in every sense of the word when we are living our lives at the height of our performance. People build momentum every day towards their dreams, their vision, and their legacy.
Resources
The International Coach Federation www.coachfederation.org
The Puget Sound Coaches Association (regional ICF chapter) www.pugetsoundcoaches.org
Recommended Reading
The Power of Purpose, Richard J. Leider; Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
Leadership from the Inside Out, Kevin Cashman; Executive Excellence Publishing
Co-Active Coaching, Whitworth, et al; Davis, Black Publishing
Masterful Coaching, Robert Hargrove; Jossey-Bass Pfeifer
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| Bottom Line Basics: The Sale Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2007 |
by Carol Wissman – Rent A Writer | 253-851-5101
“SELL! SELL! SELL!” Marketing is good stuff. Sales is better! At least initially. That is, we are sales driven---.” Tom Peters.
It is the proverbial bottom line, the fuel that enables the rest of the company to run—The Sale. It is the ultimate vote of confidence, the meeting of minds between what your company has to offer and the consumer’s wants or needs. It’s your mission statement validated. Out of all of the millions of options available to the buyer, it is that golden moment when they choose to spend their hard-earned dollars with YOU. Sales pays for salaries, rents, inventories, taxes, dividends, benefits, equipment, expense accounts, utilities, loans, petty cash—well, you get the idea. The Sale. Ultimately it pays for everything—including the intangible reasons for going into business in the first place, be it the accomplishment of bringing a new idea to fruition, or the dream of a better life for yourself, your family, and the buying public.
Just as the success of sales is basic to the survival of any business, the basics of selling are critical to the success of the sale. However styles and trends may change, the basics remain constant. As Peters says, “…marketing does have its place.” But where marketing leaves off and the sale begins, what are the necessary steps that lead to the commitment to buy? What are the ABCs—or QPCs of sales?
Qualify. Step 1. The most obvious, the most difficult, and the most often omitted of the selling basics, qualifying is the essential groundwork for the sales process. Simply stated, it is counterproductive to be presenting your product or service to someone who either (1) could not or (2) would not buy it. The prospect who is incapable of buying may not be able to afford it. They may not have the authority to make such a decision. It is possible they would love to buy what you have, if they could. But they cannot, often, as stated, because they lack the money or the decision-making power. Ask the open-ended who-what-where-when-why and how questions to qualify your customers.
Equally as important as reserving your sales efforts for those who are capable of buying what you are offering, save your pitch for those who not only could, but would buy such a product or service. Silly as it sounds, however much they can afford a full carat, why show wedding rings to someone who has no current plans to marry? They will assume, and rightly so, that you have no appreciation of their needs.
Step 2. P is for Presentation. P is for Product knowledge. This is where you tell your story. All of the features and benefits—the beauty of what you have to offer, tell your prospect now.
Systematically add layer upon layer of value. Your client wants to make an informed decision. You are the expert in your field. Learn everything you can about your product or service, so you can facilitate the coming together of what you have with what the buyer wants or needs. Everyone wants value.
By having qualified your prospect in advance, you are already aware of what their hot buttons are. Pepper your presentation with that which will especially excite them. While it is possible to oversell, most people err on the side of adding too little value. Almost never do buyers complain of considering a purchase having just too many valuable features and benefits! Add value—and then add some more.
Step 3. C is for Close. C is also for Create the opportunity to buy—the opening for the customer to say“Yes.” Much as in life in general, the prize goes to the one who actively seeks it. Imagine the young man who has met “the perfect woman,” (i.e.: the qualifying). He tells her just how much he loves her (the presentation). Nice, but not enough. Without the close, without “popping the question,” little is likely to happen. C is for Commitment. Think of the close as simply the natural question that follows a presentation.
The Basics. The QPCs of Sales: Qualify your prospect, Present, overcome objections and Close. Styles and trends may change, but the basics remain the same. Overlook them and you jeopardize your sale. Jeopardize sales and you jeopardize your business.
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| Local Women Athletes Set Shining Examples Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2007 |
by Karen Westeen – Accrue Ink | 253-756-5491
On the links, in the mountains, on land and water, the accomplishments of local women athletes shine like beacons across the landscape of sport. Over the past century women have put Tacoma’s name at the forefront of national athletics. The tradition that began with a lady mountain climber continues on through skiers, golfers, and sailors.
In August of 1890 Fay Fuller’s interest in Mt. Rainier helped “create the sort of publicity that truly put the mountain on the map.” According to an account in Jerry and Gisela Rohde’s book Mount Rainier National Park..., Fuller was the first woman to venture all the way to Rainier’s summit. In an era when women stayed home and raised children, she must have raised more than a few eyebrows. She was clad in a flannel skirt and bloomers, and wore boy’s shoes because women’s boots were not available. Her backpack consisted of three days’ provisions rolled up in two blankets. A local blacksmith made her a climbing stick from a shovel handle. She set out with a group of men early in the day and by 4:30 p.m. they reached the mountain’s top. Fuller describes it as “a heavenly moment...words cannot describe scenery and beauty, how could they speak for the soul!”
Since the hour was late, the group elected to spend the night in the mountain’s steamy crater. How scandalous that was...just Fuller and five men, alone there next to the heavens.
Through her subsequent writing in the Tacoma Ledger as the area’s first female reporter, Fuller helped promote the beauty of the mountain.
Perhaps Fuller’s trailblazing inspired another local lady to venture out onto the slopes at the beginning of a brilliant skiing career. Gretchen (Kunigk) Fraser started skiing Mt. Rainier at an early age. She went on to become the first U.S. skier to win Olympic gold. That was in the giant slalom at the 1948 Winter Games held in St. Moritz, Switzerland. She also won a silver medal in combined slalom/downhill.
Fraser, a Stadium High School graduate, shattered the myth of European supremacy in skiing. She was a member of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and the Washington State Sports Hall of Fame. She met her husband, Don Fraser, also an Olympic skier, while skiing on Mt. Rainier. Both Frasers passed away in 1994.
Tacoma’s not only well-known for its mountaineering ladies, but for those who roam the greens and fairways. The local golf courses have helped produce many nationally-known players, including Marjorie (Jefferies) Shanaman and Pat (Lesser) Harbottle. Shanaman was a state and city champion several times in the 1920s and was recognized as one of the U.S.’ s top amateur golfers for many years. Her son Fred says his mom became a great golfer because the family lived at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club and “dad made her play.” She had a scratch handicap while still in her teens.
Harbottle’s career began in the 1940s, when she was 12 years old. From 1952 to 1955, she was a member of the Seattle University men’s golf team and she captured the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Tournament in 1952, 1955 and 1956. In 1955, she was the U.S. National Amateur Champion. That same year she became the first woman to receive the Seattle Post Intelligencer’s Sportsman of the Year Award, long before separate awards were made to women
In an area where sports abound on water as well as land, it’s not surprising that the nation’s oldest women’s sailing association grew up here. It was founded nearly 30 years ago by women who wanted to learn sailing from someone other than their husbands. There were also women who wanted to sail but had no boats. The creation of the Tacoma Women’s Sailing Association solved both problems. In 1985, the group started the Queen Isabella Regatta. Held on or near Columbus Day, the event honors the woman who funded the explorer’s trip to the New World.
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| The Reason For Recognition Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2007 |
by Emily Reiter – Business Examiner | www.businessexaminer.com
Many things have changed since the 1970’s when my mother put on her mini dress and 2-inch heels (the minimum) and flew the glamorous skies. When I think of those times today, I am amazed at the social changes that have occurred in such a short snippet of our nation’s history.
Until 1994 commercial airlines had policies that required female attendants to weigh less than their male counterparts. In recent years, many lawsuits have been won regarding similar gender and age discrimination, including a petition my mother in the late 1960’s which resulted in covering the bulk of my college education.
For that reason alone, I feel indebted to the women that have challenged the norms and paved the way for me to ask the question, “Why is it that we still have programs to recognize women for special recognition?” Every time I ask that question, I open up the pages of the Business Examiner’s recent Women of Influence program and read about a set of outstanding women and of the stories that deserve to be told.
It can often be tricky when it comes to understanding the significance of historical events and social changes. Each day I live in the now, I celebrate the victories of today, and quickly move on to the challenges of tomorrow. It is recognition programs like Women of Influence that help me to appreciate heroes of past battles – many fought not all that long ago.
Those we have honored through our Women of Influence program are true trailblazers. They are exemplary professionals who forged ahead, many in situations when being a woman in business was a novelty, and roadblocks to financing, promotion, negotiation and equal treatment were faced at every turn. These women vary in age, industry and experience, yet what they have in common is their significance.
In 1965, upon the passing of her husband, Hazel Farber, a 2006 Woman of Influence and icon in the Downtown Tacoma retail business community, took over operations of the jewelry store they owned together. “I had to do it,” Farber said. “I had children to raise. I didn’t build this up to be any sort of statement about women in business. I just did it because I had to.”
Very few, if any, of the women highlighted in the last four years of the Women of Influence program set out to make a point about women’s rights or women’s issues. They simply pursued dreams, built their careers and overcame any obstacles that they encountered along the way.
Every day the U.S. makes strides toward true equality for all its citizens, but it would be ignorant to say that we have accomplished everything in the fight for equality. While laws have been passed to require equal pay and opportunity for all “minority” populations, we as a society are still working against social norms and generational differences that create emotional roadblocks to equal treatment.
In spite of challenges, women-owned businesses continue to thrive. In the last two decades, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, majority women-owned firms have grown at about twice the rate of all firms. In the Puget Sound, businesses where women hold controlling interests constitute 56.8 percent of all privately held firms. With more than half of women-owned businesses in Washington State located in the Puget Sound, we can proudly say we have the second-highest concentration of women-owned businesses in the nation.
There is no way to downplay the significance of female leadership in the South Sound. Throughout the region, we boast college presidents, bank CEOs, directors of arts organizations, board presidents, politicians, city and countless other key leaders.
It is with great pride that the Business Examiner provides a forum like Women of Influence, a place for their stories to be told and their significance celebrated. Nominations can be made year-round at www.BusinessExaminer.com. The recognition event is held each September and a special commemorative publication is produced featuring each year’s nominees and honorees. More information and copies of previous publications are available online.
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| Is It Time To Put The Brakes On And Hang Up The Keys? Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2007 |
by Kelly Smith – Visiting Angels | 800-365-4189
The growing number of older drivers and today’s driving complexities has increased the concern expressed by many Americans about the safety of a loved one.
These decisions about driving are difficult for older Americans to make on their own.
This guide is to help bring about the conversation and assist you when the time is right to discuss the safety of your elderly relative, loved one or friend. More information is available at your state’s department of motor vehicle office or website.
It is important to understand that even after taking steps to correct diminished eyesight or hearing, and after successfully avoiding adverse reactions to medication, an older person still may not feel comfortable behind the wheel. Encourage the older person to discuss this with you, another family member, friend or doctor. As a family member or friend, you must be sensitive to this insecurity and help your elder loved one.
The Warning Signs
MENTAL
Reaction time is one of the most crucial functions to safe driving. This slows with age. Increasing distance between other cars and objects may help some older drivers.
VISION
Good vision is essential to safe driving. An older person may notice difficulties focusing on objects and switching focus from near to far. The ability to see fine detail may diminish. Peripheral vision may also change with age. This is significant, since about 98% of what we see when we drive is seen first peripherally. Driving at night may become more difficult due to clarity in sight issues. As we get older, we need more light to see clearly. Approaching headlight glare may make it harder to adjust.
HEARING
Some hearing loss is common among people age 65 and older. High pitched sounds may become less audible long before low pitched ones do. This is important because horns, sirens & train whistles are high pitched. Studies show people who have hearing difficulties are more likely to be inattentive to their surroundings. Family and friends who suspect an older person doesn’t hear well should recommend a hearing exam and offer to go with the older person to get one.
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| The Rat Who Ran in Circles: Seeds Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2007 |
by Dan Johnson – Dan Johnson Inc. | www.danjohnsoninc.com
Purpose is the soil of life.
Our world view, self-concept and circle of relationships constitute the soil of our lives. No principle is as central to the human condition as sowing and reaping. It may just be the primary principle by which all other principles are governed.
The word “seed” implies potential. Inside every seed is life and a program that determines its growth. Everything necessary for an oak tree to grow is held within the acorn. My wife and I once traveled along highway 101 in California. This is a beautiful and plodding roadtrip past some of the tallest trees in the world. Some of these trees are over 300 feet tall and have lived for nearly 2,000 years! The seed of the redwood tree is tiny, only a millimeter or two long. Yet within that seed is the initial nourishment for the tree and a complete operating program that determines the shape, structure and color of that giant tree.
That a seed has potential is not just a motivational statement, it is science. Each of us begins as a seed. For about 30 minutes, we are one cell in size, a microscopic dot in an infinite universe. William Shakespeare was a seed. Albert Einstein was a seed.
As each of us grows up, we must realize our unique talents. We, who began as a seed, now have seeds in our hands. Some have more than others, and the quality of seeds are different. These seeds are what we think about and believe, what we say, what we can do, what we own. Where we park our bodies and our minds, where we spend our time, determines what tangible and intangible fruits grow in our lives. Some seeds planted grow quickly. Others take time. Most oak trees don’t grow acorns until they are at least 50 years old. Seeds are constantly germinating in our lives, some coming up quickly, others blooming as a crowning achievement at the end of a lifetime.
We can’t determine when our seeds will germinate. We can only choose what seed we’re planting and where we’re sowing it. Patience is the attitude of heart that develops over time so we are big enough to enjoy the seeds that have grown over time.
What seeds have you been given?
Are you “sowing” them or “eating” them?
This article is an excerpt from The Rat Who Ran in Circles: A Little Book of Big Ideas, “Seeds”. Dan Johnson speaks and writes on personal and corporate leadership. He lives in Gig Harbor, Washington with his wife Natalie and two children, Bailey and Alec.
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| The Power of the Boom-Generation Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2007 |
by Cheri Pieterman – KeyBank/Key4Women | www.key.com/key4women
Having been in the work force for almost 30 years and primarily in the finance field most of my career, I am still amazed and pleased how far women in business have come. Women have been the torchbearers of change; they have challenged the status quo and have been instrumental in positive changes in business markets. Women control twenty-first century economic and philanthropic purse strings. As women, we have had a history of nurturing social causes and change. I can remember how it was acceptable for me (a woman) to train and mentor young men for bank financing careers, but when I shared my dreams of becoming a commercial real estate lender, I was often reminded that it really isn’t woman’s work and surely I wasn’t serious! But the funny thing is; I was serious. So as a working mother of two small children, while they slept in their beds at night, I was enrolled in college evening classes, burned the midnight oil studying for mid-terms and finals and finally over a six-year period graduated.
Growing up in the ’70s and early ’80s has so far in the history of our times, been the best of times for women and especially for women in business. Did you know that women are moving into the dominant position as business owners? Your buying power and the decisions you are making are having a significant impact on the economy today. Did you know that the typical woman business owner provides more benefits for her employees than her male counterparts? This time in history is unique. It is important to note that as leaders in business we have made a positive difference, and have left our marks and our legacies on the working conditions of employees in various trades.
As a commercial loan officer and business financial consultant for well over 15 years, I have lived through the life cycles of several successful businesses that I have managed in my portfolio. What I have seen most
recently is the phenomenal number of women in business in your typical “male dominated” trades like
engineering, construction, transportation manufacturing and general contracting. Many women have followed in the footsteps of their fathers. Today, to my personal delight, I see more father-and-daughter run businesses.
From the day you first open your doors for business (and if you haven’t done so, now is the time)you need to start a long-term strategic plan. Decide how you will monitor your company’s health, wealth and progress. Besides sales and profits, what else can you do to measure your company’s performance and success? What kind of legacy do you want to leave, and how will you plan for it? What do you want your business to do for you so that you can choose the time when you can do all the things you have been dreaming to do someday. Develop
relationships with people you trust who will provide the external partnerships that you can depend on, so that your business is not just here to survive, but designed to thrive!
A strong circle of external partners (and consider including your banker too,) can help to provide the tools, networking opportunities and the on-going educational programs that are focused on you, so you can achieve your vision of the legacy you desire and one that supports your vision of making the world a better place. Allow me to celebrate your success and please, take a moment to reflect on all the things you have done, commitments you have made, and connections you have established, not just in running a successful business, but also in balancing a home, and nurturing a family too.
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| Supercharging Your Exit Strategy Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2007 |
by Gail Chafé – Alliance Equity Merger & Acquisitions, Inc. | www.allianceequity.com
“The best time to prepare your business for sale is the day you form or buy it.”
As a business owner you are already familiar with the potential rewards that owning your business can provide. A business is a vehicle for you to leverage your own hard work and the hard work of employees to achieve your particular goals and dreams. A business is an asset, and if it is treated and managed accordingly, there is no other asset that offers the same kind of unlimited returns.
Always operate your company in a way that optimizes its value — whether you intend eventually to pass it on to the next generation, or sell to your partners or an outside buyer.
Unfortunately, most business owners are too busy with everyday activities — satisfying current customers or clients, pursuing new business and responding to crises — to worry about what seems like a distant event. This means that when the time comes to sell, you may find your business unprepared and the
challenges of getting it into shape great.
When you take the starting of a business to its logical conclusion, the primary reason to start a business is ultimately to sell it. It doesn’t matter if it’s one year from now or twenty years from now, ultimately, that’s what you want to do with your business—sell it.
We all know that running a business is time consuming. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day things that need to get done. Many business owners get stuck working in their businesses rather than working on their businesses.
Working in your business is what employees do. They manage inventory, balance the books, hire new employees. Working on the business is what entrepreneurs do. They look at creating new products and services, building systems, and exploring new opportunities. In other words, the job of the employee is to manage the business; the task of the entrepreneur is to build the business.
What can you do to keep from falling into the rut of only working in your business instead of on your business to create more value?
The fact is most of us are much more familiar and comfortable with how to run our businesses, rather than how to increase the value them. Growing your business value involves looking at it from a different perspective. Getting a professional business valuation helps business owners see that perspective...the perspective of a potential investor or individual looking to buy their company.
Just because a company does one million dollars in revenue, doesn’t mean the company is worth one
million dollars. There are companies achieving one million in revenue that are worth only a few hundred
thousand dollars...but there are also companies achieving one million dollars in revenue that are worth
several million dollars or more.
There are many factors, including your industry, risk factors, clients, systems, and more that work together to create a bigger picture of value for your business.
It is crucial for an entrepreneur to know the value of their business if they intend on ever selling that business. Every business owner should ask the question, “What is my business worth today?” If you’re not asking that question, it will be very easy to fall into the trap that “it’s just a job.” You’ve got to
realize that there’s something else going on...that you are building...or losing value every day.
It is similar to a credit report, where you don’t know what you need to do to fix it or make it better
unless you know where your starting point is.
You’ve heard the saying, “What gets measured gets managed.” Let’s take that a step further. “What gets measured gets managed gets improved.” The second you put a sales objective together or do a benchmark business value, the natural consequence is to then say, “Why is it only this?” or, “How do I get to another level, and what’s it going to take?” With strategic planning and metrics to provide
feedback on those plans, you will be in a position to improve value on a daily basis.
The first step of the process is for a business owner to accept the fact that ultimately you are going to sell your business. That simple act of realizing there is a final destination for this business helps
business owners realize the importance of knowing, understanding, and growing their business value.
It is a good idea to go through a simple and short 30-minute exercise with an expert to put a general exit strategy together, even if you don’t plan on selling your business for many years. You’ll find it is a very painless but priceless exercise.
Building a good exit strategy and value can take time. It’s like saving for retirement. The earlier you start, the more value you will ultimately achieve from the process.
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| Boomer Women Will Keep On Working Show DetailsHide Details |
| Apr 1, 2003 |
As the large generation of Boomer women moves toward traditional retirement age, research by Allstate Financial reveals that most (71 percent) don’t expect to stop working completely, ever. Women are more likely than men to say they’ll keep working for the social interaction work provides (69 percent of women and 56 percent of men say so). Men are more likely to say they’ll keep working because they like work (62 percent of men and 53percent of women say so).
Especially important for marketers is the fact that six in 10 Boomer women (60 percent) expect to be just as busy in retirement as they have ever been; just over half of men (51 percent) expect to be as busy.
When asked what they’ll be doing with their time, women are more likely than men to rate family, faith-based, and community activities as very or extremely important to them.
Most Boomers are somewhat worried about being able to pay for health care after they "retire." This concern has risen sharply in the past few years, probably because of the rapid rise in health-insurance premiums: In 2003, 67 percent are worried about rising health care costs, up from 39 percent in 2001. More women than men are worried about getting sick as they age (52 percent of women compared to 45 percent of men).
Female Boomers express greater concern than male Boomers about financial security in retirement. Although 84 percent overall are currently saving money for their retirement, women (64 percent) are less likely than men (75 percent) to feel confi dent they know how much money they’ll need to provide their desired lifestyle in retirement.
More than half of Boomer women (55 percent) are worried that they won’t have enough money for retirement, as are 48 percent of men. A similar proportion of women (54 percent) are concerned that Social Security may disappear, while only 40 percent of men are worried about losing that source of retirement income.
Women are more likely than men to be currently working with a financial advisor for retirement planning: 48 percent of female Boomers are doing so, compared with 38 percent of males. A third of those who don’t currently use a financial advisor feel they could benefit from doing so.
Contrary perhaps to expectations, women are less likely than men to believe financial institutions are not interested in having them as a clients: only 29 percent of women think this is true, compared with 41 percent of men.
Source: Marketing to Women, April 2003
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| Size Down! Show DetailsHide Details |
| Jan 1, 2003 |
Eating smaller portions of food is one of the easiest ways to cut back on calories—but it can also be one of the most challenging, in view of the current trend of super-sizing. Huge portions, all-you-can-eat-buffets, and extra-large single servings of chips, candy bars, and other snack foods can all contribute to overeating.
How do you know a reasonable portion of food when you see it? Visualize the objects mentioned below when eating out, planning a meal, or grabbing a snack. For example, the amount of meat recommended as part of a healthful meal is 3-4 ounces—and it will look to be the same size as a deck of cards.
Source: American Cancer Society, Inc | 2003 | www.acs.org
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