Break Out of Isolation
Posted by Nell Merlino, CEO and Founder, Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence on June 11, 2009
I am in San Francisco for the national conference of WBENC, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, giving the keynote address at lunch today. As I prepare to speak I am overwhelmed with the importance of women getting together, reaching out and venturing out to talk with other business owners about how they are handling the dramatic changes in the marketplace, the economy and their family lives.
We can learn so much if we get out of our offices and homes, put down our cell phones, Blackberry’s and iPhones and talk with other entrepreneurs, as well as representatives from big corporations and government, about how the game has changed, what the new rules are this week, where the possible business leads are and strategies for survival and future growth. You’ll get very little insight sitting in you office trying to figure out why you are losing customers, clients and contracts all by yourself. The shame, doubt and blaming will set in if the only conversation you are having is with you. So set aside money if you can, and attend a few business conferences or meetings. And when you can’t get away, keep stay connected by attending a few of our webinars.
By traveling to San Francisco this week I have had the opportunity to meet Kat Taylor, the founding Director of OneCalifornia Bank, the bank that made the SBA-insured loan that Linda Russell has been blogging about. (Kat has an incredibly beautiful fish tank on her front steps that feeds an edible garden. I’ve never seen anything like it.) Thanks to Linda’s introduction we are now discussing how to introduce more women in the Bay Area to financing opportunities through OneCalifornia Bank.
I also have had the opportunity to talk with Lorene Arey – Count Me In board member who embraces change and always challenges me to face the future joyfully. I took that picture of the Golden Gate Bridge from her living room. Last night I had dinner with Kath Delaney of the Madera Group who is helping Count Me In optimize our web site and tonight I will be attending a gathering of M3 Racers at Molly Fuller’s business Hands on Gourmet. I know I will come away smarter, calmer and clearer about what lies ahead and how we will all move forward together.
Practice staying connected. Being in a community in person and online is the best way to survive and thrive now.
Believe in you,
Nell
