Smart Women And The Art of Self-Promotion

By Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC
Success Coach and Mentor to Women Entrepreneurs
Founder, Smart Women Smart Solutions®  and Advisory Board Member, Broads Circle

One of the questions I’m frequently asked by women entrepreneurs is, “When I meet someone who is a potential referral source and/or ideal client, how do I mention my business without feeling pushy?” Great question! Being able to communicate your marketing message with confidence is key to attracting more clients, increasing your income and becoming known for your expertise.

The idea of “self-promotion” or “selling” leaves some women feeling like they are bragging, being pushy or not considerate of others. It can create anxiety and fear which in turn keeps you stuck and unable to reach your business goals. Women are nurturers by nature and the thought of putting their needs in front of someone else’s may feel unnatural.

I understand the feeling (I’ve experienced it too), however if you are determined to achieve your business goals, it’s essential you communicate your message about what you have to offer and how you help people. Do so often and to as many people as possible (otherwise, you will remain the best kept secret in town which in this case, won’t serve you). People are super busy and can’t read your mind so it’s up to you to take on the responsibility of creating interest in how you support people with your product or service.   When I have an opportunity to share how I support women entrepreneurs, I use the R&R approach (Relationship + Results). It feels both authentic and comfortable for me and I think it will for you, too.  

Independent Contractor or Employee?

What are the new laws and penalties?

By Olivia Goodkin
Partner, Employment & Complex Business Litigation
Greenberg Glusker
Broads Circle Premium Member

It is business as usual in California, with stricter employment laws now in effect to vex companies of all sizes.  My challenge as an employment attorney is to advise my clients on compliance with the law, but in a way that contemplates the practical aspects of running a business.  This year I will be focusing on the new penalties for violation of the laws regarding classification of workers as independent contractors instead of employees (one lawsuit under the new law already has been threatened against a client of mine), drafting commissions agreements for salespersons, which will be required for all California salespersons as of January 1, 2013, and revising arbitration agreements to comply with ever-changing judicial opinion.  Click here for more information about arbitration agreements.

Happy New Year!!

I have decided that the word for me in 2012 is STRATEGIC!!!  In 2012, which promises to be a complex year, I will be working on strategic growth of my business and assets, strategic positioning and strategic alliances. It is part of my realization that with the complexity that this year promises, time and resources are particularly limited, and that I need to plan, position and deploy resources carefully, and execute brilliantly to make this year count.  Plan, position and pounce!!!

Let’s tackle the challenges and sieze the opportunities together!   Building relationships and having authentic conversations is what makes my life fun, and we got to do that at the January Broads Circle members-only Monthly Huddle – Meet the CFOs.  At this lunch, we created the first Broads Pod! The CFO Broads Pod was created with new members Berenice Officer, Dogswell; Dawn Olsen, VCA Antech; Jen Petrovich, Body Armour; and Anne Plechner, CFO Consulting.  If you know of other members (or potential new members) who are CFOs and would like to join the CFO Broads Pod, please let us know.

The February Monthly Huddle is Meet the Investment Bankers and women in private equity, and will be on February 8th.  Hope to see our members there!  If you know of any women general counsels, please invite them to Broads Circle, as our March Monthly Huddle will be Meet the GCs.

Broads Circle is going to Orange County!  Our first event in OC will be held on Feb 15th.  Broads Circle is looking for C-Level women leaders in the OC to join the panel.  We have formed an OC advisory board to help plan and produce our events in OC. If you know of any OC professional women who would like to get involved with Broads Circle OC, please contact us.

Human Resources – A Strategic Weapon in Driving Revenue

By Kimberly Congdon
Regional Vice President, Human Resources
Time Warner Cable, West Region
Broads Circle Bottom Line Broads Member

As a Human Resources Executive, having to convince others of the value of our function is not a new phenomenon.  The role of HR has changed as well as the name. Many forward thinking organizations refer to the role as People and Organization or Human Capital.  Me, I really like the terminology Human Resources as long as people think about both words – Human and Resources – instead of conjuring up that nice HR lady that helps me when I have problems with my benefits.  Frankly, her job was outsourced a few years ago.  There can’t possibly be a savvy business person out there that doesn’t understand that people are expensive, but the question is: Do you view it as strictly an expense or as capital that is at your disposal to either use effectively or waste?  Once the concept of maximizing human capital instead of getting rid of expenses takes hold, you’re ready to welcome a Human Resources executive in as your partner.

In my own experience, I have been engaged in lead roles of five sweeping and dramatic organizational changes over the past 7 years.   The bigger the ship, the harder it is to turn it, and the West Region that went through those changes consisted of 9,200 people and was a little over $3billion in revenue.  Those five changes were:

Buy the CEO Spot

By Renee LaBran
Partner, Rustic Canyon/Fontis Partners, LP

Whether because of a glass ceiling or other reasons, women may find themselves wondering what else they can do to obtain the CEO title.  Or maybe they have been a CEO and want to figure out their next move.  In these situations, few women think about “buying” the spot.  What do I mean by that?  As a private equity investor, we look for strong operators to back.  These executives come to us with a company that they have identified to acquire and are looking for investment capital.  These executives are almost always men.

Where are the women?  I believe that there are a number of reasons for the dearth of women seeking to do a private equity backed acquisition.  For one thing, women are less likely to take risk than men.  Buying a company is risky, no doubt about it.  But it can also reap big rewards, personally and financially.  Second, women tend not to be as self-promotional as men, and you have to be willing to put yourself out there with a high degree of confidence when you go ask someone to invest millions of dollars into your plan.  Finally, women tend not to be connected into private equity networks in the way that men often are.