Independent Business Woman

Have you missed me?

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:06:00 +0000

I haven't been around hear much, sorry about that. I actually have clients who pay me and being the responsible type I am, I complete the event management task I said I would in exchange for their payment.

In between meetings work, I have have a few writing commitments as well. I'm pleased to announce my newest is over at SmallBusinessAnswers.com. They are the folks behind the awesome conference (yes, I can say that honestly, I didn't plan it ;) Small Business Unleashed.

My first piece for them is called Teach 'em Why They can't Live Without You and it is about making events less intimidating for small business. Go take a look and tell me what you think.

I'm also looking for topics to write about. Got a question that needs an answer but don't have time to do the research? Send it my way and I'll see what I can do.

Procrsatination

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Ever have a opportunity to do something you’ve wanted to do for a long time and then be completely paralyzed by the thought of actually DOING it?

Yeah, that’s been me over the last six weeks.

I love to write and I’m told I’m pretty good at it. Writing as a professional endeavor is certainly something I’d like to do more of. At the end of August, I was handed the keys to the kingdom so to speak. I was asked to be a contributor to a web site focused on providing small businesses with the resources they need to succeed. I’ve just been sitting here staring a the keys (the ones on my keyboard). I have a million things I’d like to write about and couldn’t pluck one of them out of my head. When I wasn’t having a brain cramp, I was easily distracted completing other tasks that “needed” to be done first. In all fairness to myself, I do have other responsibilities, but still I even upgraded my computer’s operating system before forcing myself to sit down and just WRITE!!

Today, I did it. I drafted my first submission. I haven’t posted it yet, but I’ve proofed it and set it aside for one last reading tomorrow morning. As soon as it posts, I’ll link to it here.

Yay me!

Twitter, the New Customer Service Frontier

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:40:00 +0000

So I've been Twittering. It's fun. It is a release especially for an opinionated woman who works from home (alone most days). I always have things to say, now I have a place to say them.

That's nice you say. Still sounds like a time waster to me. Hold on there, not yet.

Late last month, I received a special email offer from Network Solutions for a buy one get on domains. I've just launched a new personal blog (on Blogger for now) and I wanted to get the domain for that blog. BOGO? Great, I'm there.

I placed the order and noticed that I was charged for both domains. I emailed, but never heard back, so Tuesday, I picked up the phone and called. Net Sol immediately scored points because Cyndi, the woman I spoke was obviously a native speaker of the English language. She asked that I forward the email and then put me on hold (only for like a minute and a half, more points) when she came back she kindly (and I mean that sincerely) pointed out the teeny tiny gray on gray print at the very bottom of the page. She said that many people like to purchase multiple iterations of a domain (i.e. mydomain.com, mydomain.net). Hmm, something I didn't think of with this purchase. Cyndi apologized for the confusion.

They had me, but I wasn't happy about it. So, what's a girl to do? Well Twitter of course!

oooh, I got snookered by Network Solutions!!!! Grr. So far I'm 0 for 2 on domain name registrars. Go Daddy burned me too. 10:58 AM September 09, 2008 from web

Lesson learned, always, READ teeny tiny gray on gray print closely! Later, I was looking at my replies tab when I came upon this:

netsolcares @Fearless I'm Gerry at Network Solutions. I'm sorry, I'd like to help you. Can you contact me at --email deleted-- 11:01 AM September 09, 2008 from web in reply to Fearless

I laughed. Ok, I'll bite. What the heck, I'll see what he can do. What the heck indeed. Gerry and I exchanged a few emails, wherein I explained what happened and my frustration about the teeny tine gray on gray print, and he offered to refund me the cost of the second domain. WHOA! Really?

Really. I spoke to him by phone yesterday. He told me he'd forwarded my complaint about the teeny tine gray on gray print to The Customer Voice, (a place for NetSol to collect customer input). I was so pleased at the outreach, and the genuine effort put in to making me feel better about the transaction, I suggested that instead of refunding the cost of the domain I purchased, that he just add the .nets to both of the .coms I purchased.

I may be opionoinated, but I can be reasonable, especially if I think my complaints have been heard. So three cheers to Gerry and hears to never seeing teeny tine gray on gray print in a Network Solutions ad again!

So I'll keep Twitterin'. Who knows where it might lead. Do you Twitter? Follow me @Fearless.

Shaking off and settlling into a routine

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:17:00 +0000

Summer is over.
School has started.
It is time to get back into the swing of things.

My summer didn’t go exactly as I planned, and as always, I had more on my list of things to do than I could ever have reasonably accomplished even without all the chaos that made up this summer.

There’s always next year right?

I’m actually looking forward to the fall. I’ve started some new projects and so far, the workload seems reasonable. I’ll have more to share shortly.

In the mean time, It is time to pack up the beach toys and get back to business!

I'm Twittering, are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:25:00 +0000

I signed up for a Twitter account a year ago. For the life of me couldn't figure out how it could be anything more than a time sucker, especially for someone like me who is REALLY nosy and likes to know what others are up to. So, my Twitter account lay dormant.

However, recently, Twitter keeps popping into my life. Two weeks ago, I read Is Twitter for the Birds in the High Rankings Adviser and that got me thinking. Then I was catching up one of my favorite bloggers Mrs. Fussypants and she Twitters. The proverbial straw came this morning while talking with a colleague who works for the WC3. She relayed a conversation she had at lunch the other day about using Twitter to generate blog traffic.

So, I'm going to give Twitter a try. Do you tweet? If so, follow me twitter.com/fearless

Tweet, tweet!

I'm still here

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:27:00 +0000

Hello World!

Yeah, it has been a while. Sorry about that. The spring was CRAZY busy. The 10th annual Granite State Human Resources Conference was held May
6th in Manchester New Hapmshire. It was a successful event, but 500+ attendeees makes for a lot of work. Work I enjoy immensely, and that can be handled when I'm healthy, but 2 weeks before the event I was diagnosed with an infection of the lower intestine. OUCH!! I had to stop (something I'm not particularly good at BTW), and then my well choreographed schedule was blown to bits.

I had a back up plan (a must when you work solo), but fortunately, I didn't need it. There were things I would do differently for the event, but it went well all in all.

May was spent recovering and wrapping up the details. June was the end of the school year and all the details that go with that. July started what should have been two back to back trips, but due to a death in the family two became three.

So, here we are in August. Unbelievable. Planning for the 2009 Granite State Conference is under way, and it is time to start thinking about back to school and getting into fall routines again.

Come September I hope to be here more often. I am working during the month of August, but the load is less than other times of the year, so I'll also be spending some time with my family and helping out some friends.

Until then!
Leee

Bag Ladies REJOICE - Bag Borrow Or Steal

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:44:00 +0000

Who says Internet advertising doesn't work?

I was out snooping through The Pioneer Woman's new digs when an ad on the left column caught my eye. So being the obedient consumer I am, I clicked and was briskly whisked off to Bag Borrow or Steal. THE website for fashionistas and IMHO a very unique concept.

Bag, Borrow or Steal is like a candy shop for the bag lady in all of us. They stock the latest in designer bags and some vintage ones too. You select the bag you like, enter a credit card and wait for the nice delivery man to bring you your prize. You can keep it for as long as you want with borrowing fees assessed by the a week or month. When you tire of the bag you drop in in a box and send it back. If you decide you truly can't part with a particular bag you can even "steal it" (a.k.a. buying it out right).

Those who know me know that hip, chic and trendy are probably the LAST words anyone would use to describe me. So, I won't be adding my name to the waiting list for the latest Jimmy Choo bag, but BBOS gets my nod for a truly unique concept.

Have you tried it? I'd love to know what you thought.

Don't miss this blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:42:00 +0000

My friend and colleague Karon Thackston has a way with words.
This is a) an understatement and b) a good thing since she learns her living writing copy for her company Marketing Words, Inc.

I first met Karon through Jill Whalen, Karon was a regular presenter at the High Ranking search Marketing Seminars and she writes regularly for the Jill's e-newsletter the High Rankings Adviser (including an article on consistency in your pay-per-click campaigns in the latest issue).

However Karon is a successful author in her own right. She's written 3 popluar ebooks

Karon's approach to teaching copy writing is process oriented but informative and effective and most importantly, doable. I had many a seminar attendee tell me Karon had demystified the copy writing process for them. I liked Karon's work so much, I hired her to create the copy for my event planning web site. Oh and did I mention Karon is a dream to work with? Always organized, usually ahead of deadlines, NEVER late.

Karon has just launched a blog, at marketingwords.com/blog here she dispenses invaluable nuggets of copy writing wisdom and shares her thoughts on the process as a whole, so pop on over and say hi and partake in the conversation.

It is NEVER too late to pursue your dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:10:00 +0000

I read a story in today's Concord Monitor about John Archer.

John is 99 and hopes to see a collection of poems he wrote at the ripe old age of 92 published this year by Revolution Booksellers in Exeter, New Hampshire. The book is titled Walking Backwards Towards Old Age and is due to be released this fall.

According to the article, he self published the book and it sold at local bookstores, but other than contacting a handful of national publishers, never did much to promote it.

Phil Englehardt, president of Revolution found it and thought it fit perfectly with their mission "to provide marketing and support to authors through a business model based on the independent music industry".

How cool is that to be looking at the end of your life and to know that a piece of you will live on after your passing?

So, how do you want future generations to remember you?

Don't Miss the Small Business Marketing Unleashed Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:33:00 +0000

Unless you are selling the Collected Works of the Luddites, marketing has gone online baby!

"Yeah, that's great" you say, "but I'm a small business and I don't have the budget to hire an expert, or the knowledge to do it myself." Don't despair my friend, I have the perfect conference for you.

My friend Jennifer Laycock and Search Engine Guide along with Small Business Brief have teamed to create the Small Business Marketing Unleashed Conference, in Houston, April 21 & 22. Aside from Jen, I worked with 3 of the other speaker's on the High Rankings Search Marketing Seminar.

Matt Bailey of Site Logic Marketing is a phenomenal speaker. He knows his material and is passionate about usability (making your site user-friendly) and conversion (insuring that visitors become buyers). He speaks in plain English with some humor thrown in for good measure.

Christine Churchill, of Key Relevance knows paid search inside out, backwards, forwards, on the diagonal, you name it, she knows it. She is fanatical about being up to date and thorough in her presentations. When I worked with her, that meant that she was tweaking her information literally until she walked up to the podium. Christine has been around the block a few times with paid search and she has the battle scars to prove it, but she wants you to learn from her mistakes.

Debra O'Neil Mastaler of Alliance Link is the Link Goddess. She lives, eats and breathes linking (washed down with a Diet Coke). Most people don't realize the importance of links to a website's rankings in the search engines. They also don't really know how to go about acquiring meaningful links (HINT: not all links are good links).

Jennifer Laycock is doing a session on Viral Marketing and she knows of what she speaks. She can speak from experience about the good (see this) and the not so good aspects of viral marketing. I bet she'll talk about how she used viral marketing to market this conference. You know like this.

I don't know the other speakers personally, but they are all well known names in the field of search marketing.

Yeah, yeah, yeah you say. The speakers are great, but I've been to conferences before and while I leave with ideas, when I get back to the office, I feel paralyzed about what to do next. Not this time. The total attendance is limited to 200 people, and the individual workshops are limited to 50 attendees. With these numbers you will truly get a chance to have your most burning questions answered (register early and sign up for one of the site clinics, you won't regret it). This time, you'll leave with a plan and the steps to complete it (including worksheets on a flash drive). As an event organizer, my biggest problem with the speakers listed above, was prying them away from conversations with attendees when it was time for them to present. They know what they are talking about and are passionate about sharing their knowledge.

The cost for 2 days is ridiculously reasonable at $950, but if you register before March 15th it is only $850. That's more than what it would cost get just one of these speaker's to consult with you for a day. Oh it is includes your meals too! This is where I shake my head in wonder because I know what it takes to put on one of these conferences and that's a great price.

I am not receiving anything for this post (Jen didn't even ask me to blog about it). I am being sincere when I say this will be an amazing event. If you are a small business and you need help with your marketing, you should not miss this event. What are you waiting for? Go to unleashedconference.com and register today!

All together now . . . AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:19:00 +0000

There is a collective sigh of relief this morning in Central New Hampshire. Our children are finally back in school. Tuesday saw a 2 hour delay turn into a complete closure. Our district also canceled school on Wednesday for reasons, beyond the comprehension of most parents. Today after a 2 hour delay they are back at their desks, and so am I!!!

Making Connections in the World of Social Media

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:15:00 +0000

I am a people person. Anyone who knows me well knows that is an understatement. I know a lot of people, and I have a really good memory that retains all kinds of details about people. I get a kick out of connecting people who might share a common interest. Although I genuinely enjoy doing it for the pleasure of building a community of friends and business associates, I will also say that what goes around comes around and I’ve had the great fortune to be introduced to some really cool people as a result of the introductions I’ve made.

So yesterday I’m minding my own at my computer, head down, nose to the grindstone, when I notice that my friend Jen has changed her status to @ GOT SOCIAL MEDIA. Got Social Media is a one day workshop based conference in Houston, TX that brings together some of the top minds in social media.

I know this because my BlogHer buddy Katie mentioned it on her blog and when I read it, I drooled and contemplated attending for oh about 30 seconds, then reality set in.

So, when I realized Jen was there, I knew that she and Katie had to meet. I just knew they’d hit it off. At first Jen thought I was nuts.

“me: Ok so while you're in Houston, say hi to my friend Katie for me she works for Schipul

Jennifer: lol, I'll shout it out when I'm on the streets after this event :)”.

I narrowed Jen’s search field to Got Social Media attendees and sent her links to Katie’s photo and assured her they’d hit it off. She said she’d ask around. I also sent Katie an email telling her Jen was there and included links to Jen’s info.

Late in the day I got emails from both of them saying they had indeed met (in the bathroom of all places) and each was psyched to make a connection with the other. SCORE!!

Writer's Way North 2nd Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:43:00 +0000

Ok, so the immediacy of blogging sometimes gets overshadowed by running a business, managing a household, and juggling 2 kids and a husband. That said Dear Reader, I don’t want you to miss out on information that could possibly be THE nugget that you need to make huge changes in your life, so you will go on to be successful and renowned beyond your wildest dreams all because you read about Star Dargin on my little ‘ole blog.

Dramatic? Me? Maybe, but then again maybe not :).

The Way North Writer’s Group met for the second time earlier this month. Once again the meeting was held at the lovely home of Linda Formechelli and Eric Martin.

Our featured speaker was Star Dargin a consultant and coach. Star lead us through some goal setting activities for our writing in 2008. We had another great turn out and Star did a great job of keeping us on track while also allowing us to share suggestions and inspire one another.

Coaches are becoming more and more popular. I’ve always though of myself as the kind of person that can self-motivate, but as I close in on my 40th year, I find that while I get many things done, I’m REALLY good at putting of the things that I claim are most important to me.

Star and I have a sample coaching call scheduled for early next month. I’ve told her I’m not sure I’m a) ready or b) have the time to commit a coaching relationship, right now, but I am interested in learning more.

If you are interested, you can learn more about the services Star offers at http://www.starleadershipllc.com.

Three Cheers for Rymes Propane

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:43:00 +0000

Everyone slept late in my house on Saturday morning. Trust me folks, this is a major feat. When I finally stumbled out of bed to greet the little guy, it thought it was chilly, but thought it was just my body grumbling about getting out of a warm bed.

After a while, I decided, it wasn't just me, it was chilly. Turns out, I was right, it was chilly, 56 degrees as a matter of fact (we keep the thermostats at 67). I called Rymes Propane at 9:00am (I checked at the clock as I put on a fleece robe) and left a message for the on call staff. In the mean time, my husband was tinkering with the furnace trying to determine a cause for the cold. Our gas fireplace worked as did our stove, so it wasn't a fuel deficiency.

The phone rang at 9:04 am. Much to my delight, it was NOT a political candidate or a pollster, it was Gary from Rymes. He had a sense of humor, politely asked some questions and promised to be to us within an hour. He was in my door before 10am and had the furnace going by 10:15 am (for those who care, a vacuum hose had dried out).

Can't ask for much better service than that. Thanks Rymes!

Writers Way North

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:48:00 +0000

Last month I attended the first meeting of Writers Way North. The name is a little misleading since we met in Concord, NH, but for some folks “down South”, (you know like in Boston), Concord New Hampshire, may as well be the Canadian border!

Writers Way North is the brain child of Linda Formichelli and Elaine Grant. Both are experienced writers with diverse backgrounds who are looking to share leads and best practices with like minded colleagues.

There were 11 of us at the December meeting held at the lovely home of Linda Formichelli and Eric Martin. There was great food an a lot of laughs. We talked about “Micro Actions” -- the small things that we can all do, with little stress, to further our long-term goals as writers and editors. Linda wrote a blog entry on this very subject in October.

Writer’s Way North is not meant to be a critique group, but rather a way for those seriously engaged in writing to network and learn from each other. The group hopes to meet on a monthly basis with discussions in between via a Google group.

So, have you published at least one piece in a paying market OR started a blog OR worked in a writing/editorial staff position at some point OR have the intention of selling your work, be it fiction or nonfiction? Are you interested in networking with other Northern New England writers? Drop me an email (laughlin at fearlessevents dot com) with WWN Information in the subject and I’ll send you the information.

Our next meeting is a week from tonight (January 10th) a 7pm in Concord, NH we will be discussing goals for our writing. Hope to see you there.

The Ups and Downs of Balancing Work and Family Or, why I didn't make it to the New England Women's Network inaugural event yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:19:00 +0000

I work for myself from home. There are downsides, (no company contribution to health care, no retirement plans and a definite lack of adult conversation during the day). However,this arrangement comes in particularly handy on days like yesterday.

I was really looking forward to the inaugural meeting to the New Engalnd Women’s Network, alas I was not meant to be there. My youngest was not feeling well. I’ll spare you the gory details. It wasn’t strep throat or the flue, but the kind of not feeling well that can be resolved with a little time and effort. He wanted Clifford, water and some privacy.

I answered some email and kept an ear out for any signs of improvement. It didn’t appear the situation was going to be resolved anytime soon. One minute I’d abandoned the cause and was ready to change out of my meeting clothes and the next, all was well. He was back on his feet and back to his normal, high energy, chatterbox self.

We cleaned up and packed up and headed for pre-school. I was basking in the glimmer of hope that I’d make at least the luncheon part of the meeting and maybe squeeze in a little networking at the end. That is until I was sitting completely still on 293 South in Manchester. There was road construction that caused a back up that inched along at a snails pace. With lot of sighing and glaring at my watch, I realized there was no way I was going to make it all the way to Nashua in time to even say hello to the organizers!!

I am sorry I missed the meeting, I heard good things from those who attended. Did you go? What did you think? I understand that a January event is in the works. I’ll post the info when I get it.

At the end of the day, I do what I do, the way I do it so that I can make a reasonable stab at balancing work and family. Sometimes the scales tip more one way than the other, but I feel lucky to be in the situation I’m in.

The New England Women's Network

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:01:00 +0000

I love to meet people, but as previously noted, my family commitments don't always allow me time to attend as many networking events as I would like.
I'm excited about the prospect of the New England Women's Network a brand new networking group with the express mission of creating "a powerful, relationship-network that provides dynamic educational and inspiring events and workshops monthly throughout the year with the goals of increasing exposure, leads, and resources."

The New England Women's Business Network will hold their inaugural meeting Thursday December 6th from 11:30 to 2pm at Rivier College in Nashua.

The featured speakers are:
Betsy Meyers, Past Director of the Office of Women's Business Ownership in Washington, D.C. and National Chair of Women for Obama.

Pam Carriere-Oliwa, M.A., CEO of Success Management Center, Success Coach & Writer

Registration is just $25 before December 4th and $30 after the 4th or at the door.

I'm looking forward to attending. If you want to join me, please call Maria 432-0002 to register. Hope to see you there!

Shop for the holidays AND help troubled teens

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:38:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but a tie or some slippers just won’t due for most of the people on my holiday gift list. I’m always looking for something just a little different. I’m also always looking to avoid the mall during the holiday season.

Here’s a great way to do both, AND help a worthy cause. On November 30th and December 1st, GM Roth in Nashua is hosting a Holiday Home Shopping Boutique to benefit the Nashua Pastoral Care Center’s holiday program. Admission is a teenage appropriate gift (i.e. gift cards or a cash donation) and in exchange, you will purveyors of fine jewelry, purses, crystal, floral designers and other artisans. Sounds like the perfect place to find that unique gift you are looking for.

More information can be found on the GM Roth web site.

Hope to see you there!

Leslie, I hardly knew ye

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:00:00 +0000

I was skimming my Google Reader this morning when I just about sprayed the iMac in tea.

This post was written by one of the 43 Folders guest bloggers. It was conveying the wisdom of their dear friend Leslie Harpold who passed unexpectedly last December. That’s were the iMac almost got the tea bath. Leslie Harpold? Could it be the same Leslie Harpold I’d tussled with over the name of my web design company in 1996? And if so, she was dead????

A little background, in early 1996, I started a web design company called Fearless Media. My idea was to create websites for small businesses and non-profit organizations. This thing called the Internet was in its infancy and I was on a crusade to share it with people who could benefit the most.

One night in October of that year, I got a call out of the blue. Even though it was after 8pm, I answered the business line. On the other end of the line a woman’s voice peppered me with questions about my company, when did it open, what services did it offer, how many people did I employ and on and on. At first, I answered the questions, but pretty quickly I got a grip and fired back with “Hey, who are you and why do you care?”

It seems she had just started her own company and chosen the name Fearless Media for her company. Except when she went to register the domain, oops, someone else had it . Namely, me.

At first I was all about live and let live. We were chasing different markets. She wanted corporate clients after glitz and interactivity. I wanted small shops interested in conveying their message to the world. It seemed to me we could peacefully co-exist. Yeah, I was young and naive.

We couldn’t. There was confusion in the marketplace and that wasn’t good for either of us.

I filed for and received a trademark on the name. I could prove first use in interstate commerce. Woo Hoo! Cease & desist letters were sent and there was a brief exchange between her and my lawyer. Nothing substantial came of it.

Time passed, and I kept and eye on her site from time to time and then the site wasn’t updated anymore. I knew she was from New York and I had an awful feeling she’d been lost on 9/11. But then the site was updated again. She had new staff, and a new address clear across the country.

By this time, I’d moved on to other interests and decided it wasn’t worth fighting about and I let the trademark lapse.

Frankly, I never gave her much though until today. I spent the remainder of my large mug of tea following links and learning more about this woman who I’d always though of as kind of a fly in my soup.

The one time we spoke, she portrayed herself as just a woman trying to carve out her piece of the American Dream. To read the online accounts of her life, she was a visionary who was widely respected and published and very well regarded. By, friends, enemies and colleagues alike.

In hindsight, I wish I’d gotten to know her better. Odd how trajectories can intersect and people pinball off of one another.

So, hats off to you Leslie Harpold. I’m sorry that our time together was on opposite sides of the table, but thank you for all that you contributed to the Internet Community. May you rest in peace and never run out of cigarettes and Diet Coke.

A Room Full of Independent Business Women

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:23:00 +0000

I’ve just walked in the door from the 5th Annual WomenBiz Celebration & Showcase Presented by The Women’s Business Center. This my third time attending the event and I always come away energized and inspired.

First and foremost props to those that made the event such a success. The WBC Board of directors and staff are a vibrant, caring group of women who are truly dedicated to the success of women business owners. Thanks to the event underwriter Citizen’s Bank Foundation and The New Hampshire Business Review for their continued support of women business owners.

The event featured an exhibit of 35 women owned businesses and there was a great variation of products and services. I collected a lot of literature and am looking forward to possibly profiling some of the women I met today.

There was also a delicious lunch and kudos to the C.R. Sparks staff for deftly handling my last minute accommodation for an alternate meal due to a food allergy.

The keynote speaker was Christine Ingemi, the creator of iHearSafe earbuds. iHearsafe earbuds are small in-ear earphones that are designed limit the volume of personal listening devices (i.e. iPods, Gameboys or CD Players) to prevent noise induced hearing loss.

Christine was very down to earth and full of encouragement for other women entrepreneurs. “It takes a village to run a business, don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Ingemi says one of the greatest impacts of her success is her children’s inspiration. She has 4 kids and she told a story of her oldest daughter’s ambition to start a school newspaper. Instead of whining about the lack of a paper, instead her daughter came home saying ‘I want to do this, how do I do it?’. We should all be so lucky to be such role models to our kids.

The WBC is a must-know organization for any women even thinking of starting a business. They offer classes and resources for women entrepreneurs in all stages of the business development cycle, be sure to visit them at www.womenbiz.org.

Webinar for Women On Retirement

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:55:00 +0000

Got an email today from the U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau. They are holding a Webinar on September 28th "Catching on to Retirement". The description in the email reads

Wherever you are in your career, whatever your wage, there is something you can do to plan for retirement. What are the challenges and issues related to retirement planning that women should pay special attention to? What are the solutions to these challenges? What can employers do to help their employees have a secure retirement?

For more information visit www.wiseupwomen.org

I can't attend, but if you do, please let me know how it is.

BlogHer '07 Spnsorship Done Right

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 02:35:00 +0000

I had a ball at Blogher’07. As an event planner, I understand EXACTLY how much effort went into creating an event that ran so smoothly. The BlogHer leadership team made it look easy, but I can assure you it was not. They secured great discounts on hotels and managed to provide an incredible attendee experience, all while keeping the price of attendance reasonable and providing solid internet access to boot! Oh, and I could do a whole other post about the SWAG!! None of which could have been accomplished without the help of the exhibitors and sponsors.

The welcome reception was sponsored by GM and when I saw that in the advance information I groaned and thoguth “Oh no, there’s gong to be a Malibu on the roof!” Thankfully there was nothing that blatant. No in fact it was quite the opposite, GM’s presence at the reception was very understated and that I appreciated. So, GM thanks for the beautiful views and the great snacks. I enjoyed myself.

Saturday night’s reception at the Chicago Children’s Museum was sponsored by Dove Ultra Cear. I’m not an antiperspirant girl (deoderant works just fine for me thanks), but I am devoted user of Dove Body Wash. All in the family right? The party was great. The location, was really fun, there was a TON of food of all kinds and I think a good time was had by all.

Google was also there as a major sponsor too. Oh, Google, how I love thee, let me count the ways!. I’m convinced that Google is trying to take over the world, but unlike Microsoft, Google is doing it in a kinder and more gentle way. :) Despite my strong positive feelings for Google, I did not attend the Meet the Googlers breakfast on Saturday morning. No, at the time, had a much stronger attachment to my pillow.

Yahoo!, sponsored an Internet cafe, and collaboration space. Since I had my laptop and the Internet access was great, I didn’t get up there, but it looked comfy.

There were numnber of exhibitors there too. I stopped by a few booths, including Scrapblog (now that’s my kind of scrapbooking!), PBS Parents and Edleman. I saw Butterball, Kraft Foods and Del Monte Chillers too. AOL Body was there with their video blogging booth and some great tote bags. They also sponsored several lunch sessions with coaches in a variety of areas.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the BlogHer ‘07 sponsors for their support. I’m not going to run out and buy a Tahoe or a Malibu, but it is nice to know that GM and the others take women bloggers seriously.

Women In Business In New Hampshire

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 01:03:00 +0000

I lived in and around Boston for more than seventeen years. Like most cities Boston is very eclectic. I miss that living in New Hampshire. The other thing I miss about living in Boston, is the resources. Boston is awash in resources for event the smallest of niches.

What I’m finding in New Hampshire is that the resources are there, but not as well publicized and those that do exist are more general in nature.

Tonight, I Googled Women + Business + NH. I was thrilled to see the Woman’s Business Center at the top of the list. I’ve had the pleasure of attending several WBC events and have enjoyed them all. Their staff and members are a wealth of knowledge.

Next came the venerable Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of New Hampshire. BPW chapter’s meet throughout New Hampshire. There’s one near me in Concord, but I have yet to make a meeting. Evening meetings are tough with my husband’s commuting schedule. What about you? Have you attended a BPW meeting? Did you enjoy it? Was it easy to talk to the other women? Please share your experiences.

Next came a new comer to the state, Southern New Hampshire Women’s Business Network. Looks like an interesting group. They are on my to-do list to check out. Are you a member? Have you been to any of their events?

Last is the American Business Women’s Association. They meet monthly in the Manchester area. I’ve been trying to get to one of their meetings since January. Again with the husband’s commute schedule!

The Concord area is has two networking groups for women in business. There is a BPW chapter. In my experience, BPW, tends to be women in corporate america or who work FOR someone else. I’m interested in netwoking with women like me who struck out on their own.

There is also Debby Hoffman’s IPPW, in the Power of Positive Women, which meets in both Concord and Nashua. I’ve attended a few IPPW events and even spoke at one. Always a fun and diverse group of women, and they meet at lunch, a plus for me!

So, where do you go for networking and continuing education?

Just HOW did I get here?

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:26:00 +0000

So, now that I’ve told you a little about who I am, I’ll tell you about how I got here.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Boston College and a Master’s in Educational Media and Technology from BC hockey rival Boston University. I spent 10+ years working for other people in the fields of technical support and educational software design.

I’ve been in business for myself more than ten years and it is all my husband’s fault.

It was the roaring ‘90’s and we were both working as contractors. My contract position with a local university came to an unexpectedly abrupt end due to funding issues (ain’t that always the way in academe?). It was November, and while I had some resumés out, no one was in a rush to hire. I drowned my sorrows by making homemade Christmas gifts and teaching myself HTML. I had heard this thing called the Internet was about to take off.

I’m a co-founder of NOAH, a national non-profit that supports people with albinism and their families. I practiced my new found skills creating a web site for the organization.

One night as I was chirping about how much fun I was having, when my husband pointed out that people would pay me to create web sites for them my web design business, Fearless Media was born.

I picked non-profits and small businesses as my target audience because I liked working with decision makers and feeling like I was making a difference. I was fortunate to be able to build a thriving business. By the time my daughter was born, I was able to cut my hours to half time.

I continued my work with NOAH, but now, I was working as local coordinator for their national conference that was being held in Boston. I was responsible for finding a hotel, local speakers and arranging child care for 150 kids ages birth through 15.

After a while, I couldn’t keep up with whirlwind pace of web technology working only half time. I had a decision to make; go back to work full time, or change careers. My daughter was barely two, and I was fortunate to have the flexibility, to start over from scratch.

By then, I was volunteering as National Conference Chair for NOAH and had lead the planning team for a conference held in California. Event planning seemed to be a natural choice my event planning company Fearless Events was born.

I was talking with Jill Whalen, a colleauge from my web design days when my first event came to be. Jill is an expert in the field of optimizing web sites for the search engines. She has a very successful practice and a weekly newsletter with over 20,000 subscribers where she gives away tons of information for free. I asked her if she’d ever considered offering seminars. I was sure that people would pay to hear her speak. She thought the idea sounded like fun, but too much work to organize and execute. We formed a partnership and the first High Rankings Search Marketing Seminar was held in November of 2002. It started out with just Jill presenting for 1/2 a day and has evolved into a two day seminar featuring a roster of as many as six speakers.

So, that’s where I am today. This year we are planning 3 High Rankings Search Marketing Events, Minneapolis, Denver and London. I am also enjoying my second stint as Event Manager for the Granite State Human Resources Conference.

I love what I do, it is challenging and flexible, a perfect combination for me!

Hello World!

noreply@blogger.com (Lee Laughlin) — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 00:53:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome to my blog! I started this blog because I love to learn and I love to meet new people.

My long term intention is to post profiles of independent business women. I hope to meet and introduce you to women you might not otherwise have met. Some work for themselves, some work for companies owned by others. Along the way, I’ll share my thoughts about what it means to be an independent business woman. In the meantime, I’ll start with some information about me.

I am an event planner. I create learning environments where adults can strengthen their skills and broaden their personal and professional communities.

I am a full partner in some of the events I produce, that means I work with a subject matter expert to produce a conference or seminar. I also have clients for whom I act as an event manager the work is essentially the same, but I am paid on a contract basis instead of having a financial stake in the event.

Currently, I am working on The High Rankings Search Marketing Seminar and the Granite State Human Resources Conference.

It wasn’t a straight path to get here, but that is for another post.