Formation TEAM is here for YOU!

T.E.A.M. Chapter's
       Formation TEAM . . . .  
             

has been hard at work been hard at work (and yes,  having FUN) while getting everything READY for the March 21st launch of  T.E.A.M. Chapter of American Business Women's Association.

Our TEAM,   Beth, Linda, Tara, Eadie and Cathy are so very excited to be able to share  American Business Women's Association with everyone in Southeast Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, Baytown and everywhere in between. 

As we are out and about, talking about ABWA,  some of the common questions are:

I am not a business owner,  can I still join?   Yes, ABWA is open to ALL women, no matter where your career has taken you.

Can men join ABWA?  Yes,  men can join ABWA,  the Greater Houston Area has one of the highest concentrations of men in the organization.

I travel quite a bit,  so how can ABWA still benefit me?  ABWA is a National Organization with Groups throughout the United States.  While traveling,  it's exciting and refreshing to take time out to attend other meetings and network with members throughout the country.   You can also network with these same members through "WIN" (Women's Instructional Network) . . .learn more about this wonderful system on March 21st at our Formation Meeting.

How often will you meet,  as weekly meetings are really hard for me?  T.E.A.M. Chapter of ABWA, will meet monthly on the 3rd Monday.    We do plan on several social events throughout the year,  and those will be planned by the members joining  T.E.A.M. Chapter.

Why join NOW?  Joining NOW,  when we're just getting under way, allows you to be part of forming the direction that our chapter takes,  what better way to get what you personally need from an organization then being there at the beginning and having a say in the direction that the Chapter takes

How to I stay informed about upcoming meetings?   Send an email to T.E.A.M.ABWA@gmail.com and we will be happy to add you to our evite notification system.

How do I join?  You can print out an application online at  www.abwa.org ,  email us at T.E.A.M.ABWA@gmail.com and we'll email you an application,  we will also have applications at our March 21st meeting.

"You Deserve it!"

Stop by for a quick visit . . . .
Saturday Feb 26th     9 am - 4 pm

"You Deserve it!"

Shopping Extravaganza and Women's Business Expo

YMCA, 2700 YMCA Drive,  Pearland, TX

T.E.A.M. Chapter  of American Business Women's Association

will have a vendor table at this event,  so that you can come by and check out why

we're so excited about bringing American Business Women's Association to

Southeast Houston.

To be added to our evite list for future meetings

Houston ABWA Member to be on Blogradio!

Local ABWA Member and Author of "It's all about  you, you, you"   Suzette Peoples  is scheduled to be on Blogradio on February 23, 2011 at 4 pm. .. we hope that you will be able to take a few moments to listen in.

 

 

 

Author of Its all about youyouyou.Suzette Peoples

www.blogtalkradio.com

 

Suzette will Inspire and motivate you to be a better you She hopes that her inaugural work will help women to get out of their box and change not only themselves but others in the process. She wants to inspire and motivate women to be the best they can be and work together to lead the next generation

Baltimore ABWA Member Receives Local TV Coverage



Flex:  The Virtual Office Advantage

One of the great things about American Business Women's Association is the people you meet.   Pat Troy is an ABWA member out of the Baltimore area.  But she has close ties to our T.E.A.M. Chapter.    You see she's a 2003 National Top Ten Business Woman of ABWA,  of which I have the pleasure of being part of that same wonderful group of 10 Women from across the Country.

Every January as many of the 10 of us that can get away,  get together at a city that was drawn out of a hat for a wonderful 3 day weekend of playing catch-up,  discussing what stumbling blocks are in the way of our next accomplishments.   Everyone always walks away with new information,  and renewed energy. 

During the weekend these wonderful women had the oppoprtunity to listen to our plans for the TEAM Chapter of American Business Women's Association.    But we also had the opportunity to watch the TV interview that Patricia Troy had with a local TV station just after her new book  Flex:  The Virtual Office Advantage was released.

Watch TV Interview

What is a Virtual Office?
FLEX uses the term virtual office to mean an office that is not located in a conventional office facility, but connects owners, employees and contractors through the use of the Internet.

For more information on Pat and her 12  Principles for a Successful Virtual Office Transition  visit her website  http://www.flexvirtualoffice.com/

Catherine "Cathy" James

T.E.A.M. Chapter Formation Chair

2003 Top Ten Business Women of ABWA

Create your Ta-Da List!

By Heidi Richards Mooney  ABWA Member - Flordia

When was the last time You CELEBRATED YOU?  

When it comes to success, many of us loose site of just how much have accomplished in a day, a week, a month, a year and even a lifetime.  How good are you at celebrating your successes?  Or do you tend to focus on your faults and failures more?  A wise woman once said “We must learn from our mistakes.  However don’t let them consume you or you will never achieve greatness.  Celebrate your successes no matter how small or trivial they may seem. After all, that is where the real joy in life comes from.”

Here are some ways you can review and celebrate your successes.

As the year comes to a close, look back at the last several months and make a list of 20 accomplishments. This may be difficult for you to do as you review the past year.  You may only come up with 5 or 10 things.  That’s okay!  Start there.  Add to it as you think of more.  Ask your family and friends what they think you have accomplished.  You will be amazed at how quickly your list will grow.

The next thing to do is to start writing down all the things you accomplished each day.  At the end of the day, list 2-5 (or more) things that you accomplished that day (no matter how trivial they may seem).

You can buy a simple journal and call it your Success Journal.  Keep it near you at all times so that when you have reached one of your goals, a milestone or accomplished a simple task, it is handy for you to write in.
The Ta-da list is a great counterbalance for your to-do list and you will find that you have accomplished more than you thought you had.  In addition, the ta-da list creates an emotional spark to your soul often giving you the encouragement you need to keep on keeping on with the goals you have set for yourself.

And finally, when you have 5-10 things on your list (or even one) REWARD YOURSELF!  Go to the spa, get a manicure, take half a day off, go to a museum, buy a new pair of shoes J (my personal favorite) and remember to pat yourself on the back.  I have one friend who every time she accomplished a major goal, she bought herself a trophy!  The “AWARDS” guy loved her… She has so many now that she spends the money on supporting worthy causes.  This makes her feel good and she spreads her success around.

©Heidi Richards Mooney – is a Professional Motivational Speaker, Business Coach and the Author of 8 books including her latest: "Quirky Marketing Calendar: 365+ Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany and Non-Traditional Holidays" She is also the Publisher of WE Magazine for Women. Stop by http://www.heidirichards.com to get a FREE copy of Chapters 1 and 2 of “Quirky Marketing" TODAY!

SBA announces Contracting Program For Women-Owned Small Businesses.

Women-owned small businesses can begin taking steps to participate in a new federal contracting program on Friday, Feb. 4, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced today. The new Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program will be fully implemented over the next several months, with the first contracts expected to be awarded by the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. As we continue to look to small businesses to grow, create jobs and lead America into the future, women-owned businesses will play a key role. That’s why providing them with all the tools necessary to compete for and win federal contracts is so important. Federal contracts can provide women-owned small businesses with the oxygen they need to take their business to the next level.” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.

On Feb. 4, SBA will release instructions on how to participate in the program, as well as launch the secure, online data repository for WOSBs to upload required documents, on its website: http://www.sba.gov/wosb  http://www.sba.gov/wosb . SBA will also release an application to become an SBA-approved third party certifier for this program on that date. This will be the first version of the application. SBA welcomes comments and suggestions on this first version of the application.

To qualify as a WOSB, a firm must be at least fifty-one percent owned and controlled by one or more women, and primarily managed by one or more women. The women must be U.S. citizens and the firm must be considered small according to SBA size standards. To be deemed “economically disadvantaged”, a firm’s owners must meet specific financial requirements set forth in the program regulations.

For more information on the Women-Owned Small Business Program or to access the instructions, applications or database, please visit www.sba.gov/wosb .

The above information is taken from the SBA press announcement.  You can read the complete press release at: http://www.sba.gov/content/sba-announces-contracting-program-women-owned-small-businesses  

http://www.sba.gov/content/sba-announces-contracting-program-women-owned-small-businesses  or contact me and I'll forward the entire press announcement to you.

5 ways to reduce stress and eliminate anxiety

By Kathryn Watson - ABWA Member, Houston TX

The bills keep piling up, your car is on the fritz or maybe your relationship is going nowhere. You feel as though you are teetering on the edge of a cliff with nothing to hang on to. Regardless of the cause your body is pumping out hormones such as cortisol causing you to feel anxious and depressed.

You can regain your balance. You can lower your stress levels and change how you feel though no matter what is happening around you. From food to fun these five stress tips will keep your life in balance.

1) Pump up on vitamin C
Studies have shown that people who pump up on Vitamin C before giving a speech have lower levels of cortisol and lower blood pressure that those who don’t . Berries are a good source of vitamin C and since the carbs in berries turn to sugar very slowly, you won't have a blood sugar crash. Eat them slowly one by one using the Zen method of completely concentrating on each berry. Or if you choose, peel an orange slowly savoring each juicy bite and just feel your body relax.

2. Go for the Guacamole
Stress quickly depletes your B vitamins, needed to maintain nerves and brain cells. The B vitamins are commonly referred to as the stress vitamin. Chow down on guacamole to get a healthy serving of B. It you are craving something creamy this just may do the trick. Scoop it up with whole grain baked chips. The crunching will keep you from grinding your teeth.

3. Breathe
Consciously. Take just a minute or two to notice how you are breathing. Put one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly. Take a deep breath. Now notice…..which hand moved more? The one on your chest or the one on your belly? If you said the hand on your chest moved more then you are breathing shallow. You are not getting enough oxygen into your body and not releasing enough carbon monoxide. This is a very common occurrence in someone who is suffering stress.

Why is this important? Well for starters, your brain needs 25% of all of the oxygen you take in. If your brain is getting short-changed how effective will your decision making be? Breathing from the abdomen or deep breathing will ensure that you not only get the oxygen your body and mind needs but will also help you to release toxins and waste products that your body doesn’t need. This will help to take the tightness out of your shoulders and neck or the stiffness out of your low back.

Once you get the hang of breathing properly check in every now and then and see how you are doing. Awareness is the key. When your stress levels rise your breath will become shallow. The quickest and easiest way you can lower your stress level is to just breathe.

4. Take the day off
Take a play day and do something you have wanted to do, like go to the museum or a drive in the country. Do something that you tell yourself that you can’t do because you don’t have the time. Just do it! Take the day off with no agenda, just a day filled with time for you. Don’t pick up the laundry or go to the store or do anything for anyone else. This is a “ME” day! If you find guilt creeping up your back simply brush it off and say, “This day is for me. I deserve it and after it is over I will be a much better person because I took time for me!” Your mind will become clearer and you will find that you are able to accomplish more and make better decisions after taking that much needed rest from worry.

5. Take a walk and repeat positive affirmations
When your mind is running amuck with all of the thoughts that are causing you stress lace up your tennis shoes and go for a walk out doors. Repeating positive affirmations over and over will help to replace worrisome thoughts with more pleasant ones. If you are walking out doors and no one is around say these out loud; otherwise repeat them silently in your head. You might say something like, “Each and every day I am getting better, better and better in every way or my good comes in expected and in unexpected ways.” Make up your own or borrow from someone. It may seem silly at first but you will soon find your spirits lifting and your worries a thing of the past.

Download your free e-book, “Release Stress Now!” from Life and Relaxation Coach Kathryn Watson. http://www.relaxforsuccess.com/freebook Kathryn has been teaching clients to develop a relaxed state of awareness for over 15 years. It is from this state that you are able to stay focused on your goals and priorities in life. Her “Take Five Minutes to Relax” is a popular program for both corporations and individuals.

Provocative Words for your call to Action

by Paula Pollock ~ ABWA Member

After writing a passage on your website, newsletter or blog its not uncommon to be "mentally spent" when it comes time for the most important part: your call to action (or CTA as I will use here forward.) I even lock up sometimes. But, knowing that clients need this important piece in their copy I've created a list of words that prompt me to write something compelling every time.

"Click Here" is so Yesterday - Have you ever searched "click here"? You go to an Adobe download page. They locked that in so early in the internet game. You should avoid using the word "click" as it's practically white noise today. If you're trying to generate leads online, come up with something more compelling.

Refer Back to Your Target's Triggers - If you have done your target market persona work you should have created a good list of triggers for your target. If you're late to the party, triggers are the phrases that resonate with all the psychological traits of your ideal client. You really need this step to create solid CTAs. E.g. You wouldn't use the action word "correct" for an egocentric target. (They don't think they have anything to correct, unless its for someone else.)

What Do You Want Them to Do? Based on what your copy is about you need to assess what you have the right to reasonably ask of them at this time. Inbound marketing is like dating. You wouldn't propose on the first date. You need to court your prospect. If they have read through a longer piece with details on your services, then you can ask for appointments and conversions. Odds are, they looked around your site, blog and newsletter already. The newest visitors need to be provoked with subtly.

Pick a Word and Write - Here is a list of a few action words that can help you get started. If you are really at a loss you can find plenty of books that break words down into industries and market segments. I have found a good target persona grid with triggers is even better as you will immediately know the types of words to choose for that individual.

buy call choose
compare correct complete
decide

demonstrate (demo)
evaluate improve organize
plan receive request
schedule select shop
solve test upgrade weigh

These words need not start your sentence, but the are the actionable part of your CTA. Choose the most relevant to your target and compatible with your message. And of course, be sure to capture this lead into a lead nurturing program. You don't want to lose them once they have shown interest.

Paula Pollock is CEO of the Pollock Marketing Group - an inbound marketing agency located in the San Francisco Bay Area that focuses on online lead generation and the foundational elements that drive successful campaigns. You can receive a free copy of her 2011 Online Lead Generation Playbook at http://ht.ly/3OV7X. www.pollockmarketinggroup.com Paula is an ABWA member in California

Networking Tip: Sales Grow out of Relationships

Greet people you've met in the past. Ask how projects they are working on are going, mention news articles you've seen about them, and congratulate them on any recent successes they've had. Sales grow out of relationships, and this is a good way to establish relationships with key contacts and prospects. Be sincere, though. If you're not, you'll be written off as an opportunist.

Join the "IN" Crowd

Join the rnaks of thousands of professionals in every state of the country to support the success of workingwomen everywhere.

Connect 24/7 inside the Women's Instructional Network (WIN) and develop your business acumen through interactive TEAM Tools Training Courses, news, videos, surveys and more.

Get recognized locally and nationally, online, in print, and on the big stage for your leadership community involvement, and other successes.

Positively impact workingwomen by sharing ABWA's Mission, leading your local TEAM or the National organization and mentoring.