Tuesday, November 28, 2006

. . . Hear Us Roar

Wow, I was just blown away by some amazing statistics. Check them out for yourself:


Women-Owned Businesses Continue to Outpace Growth Rates for All Other Firms
09-12-2006

Washington, DC – Women-owned firms continue to grow at twice the rate of all firms, according to the biennial update by the Center for Women’s Business Research.
As of 2006, the Center estimates there are 7.7 million majority women-owned firms (firms at least 51% owned by a woman or women). Between 1997 and 2006 the number of majority women-owned firms increased from 5.4 to 7.7 million, an increase of 42%, almost double that of all firms (23%).

OPEN from American ExpressSM is the exclusive underwriter of the 2006 biennial update.
“The number of women-owned firms has grown at around twice the rate of all firms for more than two decades,” said Marjorie Alfus, chair of the Center for Women’s Business Research. “Women business owners are significant players in the nation’s economy and their momentum shows no sign of slowing down.”

The new projections also show that there are 10.4 million businesses 50% or more owned by a woman or women that employ 13 million employees and generate nearly $2 trillion ($1.9) in revenues.

In 2006, majority women-owned firms are expected to generate more than $1 trillion ($1.1) in revenues and employ 7.2 million workers. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of all women-owned firms are majority women-owned.

“OPEN from American Express is an active partner of women entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses,” said Susan Sobbott, president, OPEN from American ExpressSM. “Our work with the Center for Women’s Business Research helps quantify the significant contribution women are making in the economy in terms of economic growth and job creation. And through our Make Mine a $Million Business program (www.makemineamillion.org) we are changing the lives of women entrepreneurs by helping them turn high-potential businesses into million-dollar enterprises.”

The fastest growing industry sectors for majority-owned firms (between 1997 and 2006) are wholesale trade (283%), health care services (130%), arts, entertainment and recreation (117%), and professional, scientific and technical services (83%). The largest percentage of majority women-owned firms is in the service sector (69%) followed by retail trade (14%).
The 2006 regional, state and metro updates of women-owned businesses will be released in late fall of this year.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Thoughts for Today


I have been thinking about what I have learned over the years at various trainings. This is what immediately came to mind. I hope it encourages someone today.

"Failure is an event, it is not a person."
"Action conquers fear."
"When the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing, change will happen."
"I can't, but God can so I will."
"If it's to be, it's up to me."
"Winners do what non-winners won't."

I wish I knew who said all these great things. All I can do is share them.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Out Of The Mouths of Babes

Yesterday we had an amazing storm. We had high winds and rain. The streets were like rivers and I was dodging debris as I drove. Finally as the storm started to clear, there was an amazing rainbow. It was the most vibrant rainbow I had ever seen. In fact it made the who sky look pink. I called my boys and we ran out to enjoy one of God's miracles. We love sharing rainbows with each other. After a while the rainbow started to fade. My son David who is now 4 said "Mom, look the rainbow is disintegrating." For me I was amazing at the insights of my guys and their great vocabulary. They are like my little rainbows. Thank you God.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Too many choices and not enough time

Today I finally did it. I made a call to a business associate who has been trying to get me to join his group. After saying no several times, he sweetened the pot enough that I had said yes and then as the first meeting date arrived, I realized it was going to be impossible. For me it meant a substantial time commitment of more than 6 hours a month. I know I would have benefited both financially and personally, but I could not squeeze another day out of my already full life. So I did it, I called. Ah, there it is done. I must say I am relieved, yet sad at the same time. But I had to make a choice.

I also read an article about women who have balance in their lives. Today was a good start towards achieving that for myself. I have turned down this opportunity. I have also started a new bible study which will be a weekly commitment. I know that does not make sense since I said I had no time, but I feel it is important to make time for that. It based on my priorities. Now as I look at my calendar I have realized that I have time for my clients, to grow my business, for my spiritual enrichment and for myself. It's a start. Now I just have to work the plan.