Woman Owned Small Business Banter

Speaker for ABC Wedding Connection

2007-10-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sandy Waggett to be featured speaker at the Knoxville Association of Bridal Consultants October meeting on Oct 20, 2007 at Club Le Conte.

Details below:

Title: Put the Web to Work for Your Business

Overview: Learn how to put the web to work for your business, including tips for better search engine rankings, free tools you can use to improve response and conversion from your website, and the power of online social networking.

Presenter: Sandy Waggett

Short Bio: Sandy Waggett, owner or MSW Interactive Designs LLC and The Where Brides Go (TM) Network (including KnoxvilleWeddings.com and SmokyMtnBride.com) is an Internet Marketing expert. With over 90% of her client websites and wedding network sites ranking on page 1 of Google and other major search engines for their primary search terms, she specializes in designing websites that work for small businesses. Sandy has a Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. In addition to her successful website design and hosting business (which serves all industries), Sandy has built the Where Brides Go (TM) Network from its first site, SpringsWeddings.com, to now include wedding portals in 26 cities across the United States and one of the top 5 online wedding retail sites, WhereBridesGo.com. Some of her recent awards and recognition include:

Finalist : Technology Innovator of the Year
National Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs

Finalist : Fastest Growing Company of the Year
National Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs

Finalist : Best Online Marketing Campaign of the Year
National Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs

Finalist : Best Entrepreneur – Service Business
National Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs

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Learn more about the members of ABC on KnoxvilleWeddings.com : Knoxville Wedding Planners

Great Email Newsletter Template

2007-07-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

I found a fabulous new piece of software that installs direct into Microsoft Outlook, allowing you to create gorgeous email templates for newsletters. It's called "High Impact eMail 4.0".

I have been using it now for about 4 months to create email newsletters for my BNI group here in Knoxville. After using several other applications for similar purposes, I was pleased to find one that actually worked well and was super easy to use.

If you've never tried it, visit their website and try their 30-day free trial.

Think Pink - A Great Women's Business Resource

2007-01-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of the magazine "Pink" ?

If not, you must visit their website. This publication is a fantastic resource for women. Articles and features include everything from overcoming challenges in running your business to caring for your aging parents. It really spans the gammut of issues for professional women, proving exceptional tools, inspirations, and resources. They address issues for women of all ages and lifestyles. It's simply one of the best publications and resources I've found.

http://www.pinkmagazine.com/resources/index_08142006.html

Networking and Giving Back : Join Your Local Kiwanis!

2006-10-31T07:57:00.000-08:00

My husband and I recently joined the Kiwanis Club of Maryville, TN. Admittedly we joined because it is tradition that all TEC (Training and Education Commanders) have been Kiwanians. My husband, as the new Commander, felt it important to not break this tradition.

After attending the first luncheon meeting as guests, I was instantly committed to this group. Never have I been so warmly welcomed by so many people who were genuinely interested in having us. This first impression was reinforced by their hospitality and friendliness on the second meeting, the third, and it continues today.

This group has a genuine goal of helping children in the community and they volunteer so much of their time, without complaint, without hesitation. Stepping out of the office every Tuesday to participate in such group is refreshing ... it makes me feel good to give my time and my business donations to such a worthy organization. The friendships and the food are just an added bonus.

If you are looking for a tremendous outlet for community service that doesn't monopolize your time or checkbook, but that continues to give to the children of your community as much as it gives camaraderie and joy to its members, look into your local Kiwanis. http://www.kiwanis.org
Do you have a similar story of a group or worthwhile cause? Let us all know.

Golf FORE Business

2006-10-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Women need to play more golf, especially women business owners. I started playing in 1999 because my husband is an avid golfer -- even though I started playing to spend more time with him, I quickly learned that golf opens doors for business.

My small business has benefited from meeting people on the course and through my membership in the Executive Women's Gold Association ... a fantastic group of women, by the way. We actually sponsor two of their regions websites now, Knoxville and Washington DC. And as if new business weren't enough, I have to confess that golf equally allows me to get AWAY from the business. Golf courses are incrediby serene and beautiful ... your round is all about you and your ball - not much else matters. It's a pleasant and relaxing escape from the day to day stresses of running your own business.

How many other things can you think of that allow you to get away AND possibly gain new clients, all at the same time? Golf is a retreat and networking opportunity. I've noticed that a lot of women are intimidated by golf - it's too hard to learn, it takes too much time, I don't want to embarras myself ... the reasons are many. As someone who never played golf until her 30's, I can definitely say it's not that hard to learn. Take some lessons and just get out there! Join your local EWGA and play with other women at your skill level. It's refreshing and delightful.

Do you play golf? Why or why not? What is your escape from business? I'd love to hear thoughts and ideas on this topic from women golfers and non-golfers!

Laundry and the Home Office

2006-10-18T04:01:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me ... and it happens daily, without fail. My day is going along smoothly, handling clients, handling accounting, filing paperwork, securing new business ... and then my husband calls. That's not a bad thing, I love to talk to my husband. But why ... every day, without fail ... does he have to ask me if I got any laundry done, or if I got the floors done, or what's for dinner?

He knows I work more than full time hours on my business, and he does truly appreciate the hours I put in (I think). But something about the fact that it's a HOME office must mean that on top of all the daily responsibilities associated with operating the business, I also have time for the housework. If I were working in an offsite office, I would equate his questions with my calling him and asking him to the leave the base to run home in the middle of the day throw a load of laundry in and grab dinner.

After five years of doing this, I think I've learned the trick of appeasement. I throw a load of laundry in first thing in the morning and around lunch time I swap it over to the drier. There it is, one load is done ... ready for HIM to fold and put away when he gets home :-)

Do you have a similar story? Do you have great solution? I would love to hear about it!