Women’s History Month: Women on the Move!

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Nicole Vasquez, owner of The Shift, a local coworking and community space located in Chicago’s uptown neighborhood for Women’s History Month to ask her a few questions about her new successful business and what’s ahead for the future.

Nicole Vasquez
The Shift, Owner

What has been the greatest achievement in the past year? 

Launching The Shift of course! It took a year of researching, planning, and countless meetings over coffee with advisors, going to events to strengthen my professional network and drum up excitement ahead of time, and last but most intense was the buildout and design process. On November 4th we opened our doors, and every day here I watch our coworking community grow, and I see our Members pursuing their own passions and working to develop their own careers. It makes me really happy to know I provide a space where people can work to achieve their dreams, and I feel proud that I’m a part of that.

Tell us about one woman who inspires you and why?

Sheryl Sandberg. In her book Lean In, she describes the many ways men and women are perceived differently in the workplace, at home, and in their abilities. There was nothing in her book with an “I am woman hear me roar” or “up with women, down with men” attitude. Rather, it was a simple unveiling (supported by statistics and case studies) that women are perceived negatively when they are driven, successful, or in positions of power, whereas a man in the same position would be respected and admired. Her book ignited a passion in me to work towards changing those unequal perceptions by supporting and empowering women to achieve their career and personal goals, and helped me to understand that I can make a difference in the way women are perceived just by being a confident, strong, and supportive leader.

What does the future hold for your business?

The Shift is constantly evolving based on the needs of its members. I don’t make a change or new purchase for our space unless I run it by our Members, to make sure it will improve their comfort, productivity, and engagement with other members. As for additional locations…I’d love to open more! I’m currently looking for partners and sources of funding, but not just anyone – I’m looking for a community steward from a neighborhood, someone who is vested in the area, and has a pulse on the local scene and its residents. The Shift is a neighborhood coworking and community space, so it must be reflective and understanding of it’s location.

What advice would you give to early stage entrepreneurs?

Start building your network NOW. I was making the rounds at professional meetings, panel discussions, networking events, etc. for years before I opened The Shift. I attended anything that peaked my interest (a class, workshop, seminar), and I made sure to talk with people there. I asked them to meet for coffee, learned about what they did and what they were passionate about, and told them my interests and goals too. It takes years to build strong relationships, so start now! Plus, it’s fun meeting new people and you’ll learn something new or interesting from every single person you sit down and chat with.

You can learn more about Nicole Vasquez and The Shift on TheShiftChicago.com and on Twitter @TheShiftChi.

Client Success Saturday!

Yovette Drake, owner of Flirtatious Lingerie Boutique, first accessed the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) through a Business Plan Critique Clinic, a small group setting that provides expert advice and precise feedback along with practical strategies to develop your business plan in conjunction with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which helps entrepreneurs start a new business or expand or improve an existing business.

With 25 years of executive level experience and after conducting months of research and development, Yovette thought she knew what it would take to begin this entrepreneurial journey. However, within 3 months of opening her business, she realized that she couldn’t sustain the business with just selling lingerie.  Shortly after realizing this, and that she couldn’t rely solely on foot traffic and word of mouth, she went back to the drawing board. The idea of expansion and building out space not being utilized was the key to unlocking an entire set of new goals and developing a new plan. Flirtatious Lingerie Boutique now offers Kiss Studios, a space that allows their customers the opportunity to take fitness and dance classes, plus host parties and events.

While going through the process of finding methods to improve her business, Meg Herman, the Director of Entrepreneurial services at the WBDC helped Yovette see things from a different perspective. The experience with WBDC helped her validate some of the things she knew but it also lead to question ideas she thought she knew in a more practical method.

When it comes to balancing personal life and work, she says “There is no real balance – it’s all a juggling act in which I work 90 percent of the time and sleep only 10 percent of the remaining time.” If you’re not ready to make that type of commitment to the business, you won’t last.”

Yovette is very excited about the direction her business is going, but as any entrepreneur thinks, she is already strategizing ways to grow her business with the WBDC and other business partners. That is why she developed a series of workshops and events that will serve to bring the next generation of women entrepreneurs together to help empower and improve their businesses. In the next five years, Yovette hopes to see her business profitable with a strong client base.

Client Success Saturday!

Paula Rodriguez, owner of Paula Interiors, learned of the Small Business Center (SBDC) at the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in November of 2013 through Starting a Business in Illinois, a workshop that explores the legal, licensing and general requirements of business ownership. At the time, Paula’s only objective was to see if her business idea was good enough to become reality. At an early age, Paula knew she wanted to be a designer but was uncertain as to what type of designer. When it was time to decide which path to follow, she asked herself what she wanted to accomplish in life. Paula knew that she wanted be able to create functional spaces and help people create a beautiful home and a space where family and friends can gather and create new memories. Through interior design, she is able to fulfill her creativity as well as express the passion that she has developed for structures and planning.

On August 2, 2014, Paula’s dream turned into a reality with opening her own design studio and retail space full of original pieces of art and sculptures along with a mix of vintage, antique and new furniture. She contributes her success to the help and support of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the WBDC.

“They (WBDC) guided me in all steps and laid down a path of how to start. I went to the WBDC to be paired with someone who helped me create a great business plan.”

Paula goes on to say, “The counselors gave me a lot of feedback, answered all my questions and pointed me in the right direction. They also helped me analyze my financial options.”

Paula’s goal is to continue to strive to create a style that reflects the uniqueness of a house and its owner(s) by creating a space where functionality meets innovation.

What is a Coworking Space?

The first time I saw one, I was intrigued, and inspired and became a believer.

There were people working independently at their desks, groups working together in clusters or on a marker board, people standing and talking with each other, and others eating lunch or taking a break. All in one room. All of whom it was somehow clear did not work for the same company, or perhaps even in the same industry.

I watched, and could feel the energy in the room, as if the creativity and collaboration occurring was a tangible thing that I could touch, and if so, wanted to absorb and be a part of.

I had seen a coworking space, and it changed my life so much that 1 year later, I started my own.

The Shift, located in Uptown, Chicago.

As someone who had spent years in traditional office environments, I was used to cubicles and seating arrangements by departments, working with lowered heads and hushed voices.

Conversely, I had recently transitioned to outside sales and consulting, and had quickly become a cafe-hopper, settling for a crowded table, hunting for an outlet, and killing my back on uncomfortable chairs. Or worse, making calls and writing emails from my car.

Both environments had left me feeling isolated, working hard but alone, and confined to my own industry associates.

The core concept of coworking is simple: it’s a style of work, where independent activity is performed in a shared environment.

Isn’t that a cafe?

No, and that’s the beautiful part of a coworking space, it’s so much more than just sharing a physical space. It’s the magic that happens when people of varying professional backgrounds, each with their own knowledge, experience, and networks, come together.

People start to talk, as humans inevitably do, and people start to learn from each other, help each other, and many of them trade professional services, contacts, or better yet, collaborate.

So how do I start coworking?

First, write down your individual needs for a work environment. Then, read this extremely helpful article “How to Pick the Right Coworking Space For You” written by Jamie Russo, founder of Enerspace Coworking, and an industry expert on the topic.

Then, just like we do for almost everything else:

– Perform a Google search, or

– Ask someone who works out of a coworking space

You can also conveniently search coworking space listings on sites like DeskTime where you can view photos of the space, send an inquiry, or request a booking, all in one place.

I recommend everyone visits a coworking space (most of them provide free, and regularly scheduled tours), and furthermore, try one that looks like it could work for you. At the very least you’ll enjoy a change of scenery, and they’re usually really cool looking too.

Written by guest blogger:
Nicole Vasquez, MBA, is the Founder and President of The Shift, A Local Coworking and Community Space in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. For more information please visit http://www.TheShiftChicago.com, or, contact her directly at: info@theshiftchicago.com

Get out and #shoplocal on #SmallBizSat o

Get out and #shoplocal on #SmallBizSat on 11/29! Snap a pic, tag WBDC and we’ll share it! http://ow.ly/i/7Giaw

Women’s Small Business Month at the WBDC

We live in a world where women truly mean business. Women businesses have made great strides in the last decade. 60 percent of all personal wealth in the U.S. is held by women. 85 percent of all consumer purchases in the U.S. are made by women. Women over the age of 50 have a combined net worth of $19 trillion. And globally, women are responsible for $20 trillion in spending, a number that is expected to rise to $28 trillion by the end of 2014.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Office of Women Business Ownership (OWBO) and Women’s Business Center programs (WBCs) has paved the way for women business owners (WBOs) to succeed in business and expand in the opportunities created from the Women’s Business Ownership Act. The 25th anniversary of the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, a landmark piece of legislation that put an end to state laws that required women to have male relatives sign business loans, has also given women entrepreneurs increased access to counseling and training, capital and contracts.

Despite October being Women’s Small Business Month, the WBDC recognizes and commemorates the fact that women are a dominant driving force to economic growth and development – creating jobs with 8.6 million women-owned businesses in the U.S year round.

It was not that long ago in 1986, when less than 10% of U.S. businesses were women-owned.  In the workplace, women earned only $24,479 to men’s $38,088 in annual wages. These statistics, and the lack of women in positions of power and leadership, spurred Hedy M. Ratner and Carol Dougal to create the WBDC, one of the first women’s business assistance centers in the U.S. The WBDC has grown from a two-person operation to a national leader in women’s economic development.  The WBDC has grown to a staff of 32 full-time employees and consultants, a roster of expert trainers, and a powerful Board of Directors comprised of successful women business leaders from across the WBDC’s nine-state Midwest region.

But importantly, our clients, speak for what we stand for. Ninva Concepcion, owner of Little Kid n Me Daycare/ Learning Center, explains “As a woman entrepreneur, there will always be obstacles and people who try to bring you down, but for every person who doubts you, there will be three people, like Janice, Eva and I, who will encourage you to keep going, stay determined and follow your dreams!” Women like Ninva Concepcion helps to propel the mission of the WBDC, which is to provide services and programs that support and accelerate women’s business ownership and strengthen their impact on the economy.

Think of women like Hedy, Carol, Ninva and the millions of other women business owners as you build your business or make your purchasing decisions.  Make every month Women in Small Business Month.

28th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference Award Winners

Meet the 28^th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference (EWC) 2014 Award Winners being honored at the Opening Night Reception, September 16, 2014 at the Prairie Room Hyatt McCormick Place – Chicago. Click here to learn more about EWC.

28th Annual Entrepreneur of the Year

Rosemary Swierk
President, Direct Steel and Construction

 

As with every success story, Direct Steel has faced its share of challenges. Swierk founded the company in 2004 after over 16 years in construction-related sales and marketing, and real estate development and management experience. At the beginning of the recession in 2008, the demand for commercial construction declined dramatically. To keep her business viable, Swierk leveraged her certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) to target governmental organizations and large corporations. The strategy not only kept her enterprise afloat but propelled it to even greater success. Direct Steel has completed commercial building projects for companies such as Unilock, Navistar and Intermatic. Swierk has received numerous awards for her accomplishments and business success.

 

28th Annual WBE of the Year

Linda McGill Boasmond
President, Cedar Concepts Corporation

 

A chemist by trade, Linda left a management position at an international manufacturer of chemical and petroleum products to work for Cedar Concepts, eventually becoming its owner and president in 2004. As the country’s only African American, woman-owned chemical manufacturer, Cedar Concepts processes raw materials for use in a wide variety of personal-care, household, industrial and agricultural products marketed under many brand names familiar to both consumers and businesses. Her customers include some of the nation’s largest companies, such as Proctor & Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, Citgo Petroleum and Boeing. Under her leadership, Cedar Concepts just completed the construction of Chicago’s first ground-up, chemical manufacturing facility in more than 50 years.

 

 

28th Annual Woman Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year

Kaney ONeill
President, ONeill Contractors, Inc.

 

An accident while serving in the U.S. Navy left Kaney ONeill a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. She set out to rebuild her future by attending Northwestern University, earning B.S. and M.A. degrees in Organizational Change and Science. When jobs did not materialize after graduation, she followed in the footsteps of several generations of her family by entering in 2007 into the roofing business. ONeill Contractors specializes in roofing, roof waterproofing, carpentry, insulation and flooring installation for corporate and government clients that have included Boeing, Northern Illinois University and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Her goal is to grow to $5 million in yearly revenues in the next five years.

 

 

28th Annual Foundation Impact Award 
Deluxe Corporation Foundation

 

Amanda Brinkman
Chief Brand and Communications Officer

 

The Deluxe Corporation Foundation focuses on long-term solutions that help people, businesses, and communities thrive and grow. Since 1954, the Foundation has donated nearly $100 million to charitable organizations. The Women’s Business Development Center is proud to honor Deluxe Corporation Foundation as its 28th Annual Foundation Impact Award recipient for their ongoing commitment to the advancement of women and minority-owned businesses.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Deluxe Corporation Foundation is Amanda Brinkman.

In January of 2014, Amanda was recruited to Deluxe to help tell their amazing new brand story. As a big supporter of “buying local,” Amanda was excited to help entrepreneurs focus on their passion. Actively involved in the community, Amanda serves as the Vice Chair for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund Board of Directors, on the Make-A-Wish Foundation Board and Jeremiah Program’s Circle of Influence.

 

28th Annual Public Sector Impact Award
Illinois Small Business Development Center

 

Mark A. Petrilli
State Director

 

The Illinois SBDC, a division of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is receiving the award for its leadership and guidance of the state’s small business assistance efforts. In partnership with the U. S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois SBDC Network has been providing information, expert one-on-one business advice and management training to pre-venture and established small businesses throughout the state of Illinois since 1984, and now celebrating 30 years of success. Accepting the IL SBDC’s award is the Illinois State Director, Mark Petrilli.  In his position, Petrilli has oversight of the 36 Illinois SBDCs, 12 Illinois SBDC International Trade Centers, 9 Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, and the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program.

In 1985, Mark Petrilli joined the Illinois Department of Commerce with ten years of small business management and ownership experience. The Women’s Business Development Center is proud to honor the impactful work, guidance and leadership of its longtime supporter and collaboration of Mark A. Petrilli and the Illinois Small Business Development Center.

 

28th Annual Corporate Champion of the Year
ManpowerGroup

Shaleta Dunn
Manager of Supplier Diversity

 

ManpowerGroup’s Supplier Diversity Initiative was designed to provide innovative approaches to recruiting, developing and increasing their diverse supplier base. Their program includes women, minorities, veterans, disadvantaged and small business owners who share their mission of providing quality services to customers. They collaborate with diversity suppliers who share their vision of being the best provider of higher value staffing services and the center for quality employment opportunities. Through these collaborative efforts, ManpowerGroup can help strengthen the economic wealth of the diverse business communities, which will, in turn, contribute to overall growth.

Shaleta Dunn is the Manager of Supplier Diversity for ManpowerGroup. In this role, Shaleta cultivates and supports strong relationships with diversity suppliers and strategic external organizations to enhance ManpowerGroup’s brand and leverages them to support company objectives.

 

 

 

Crisis Manager Judy Smith to Deliver Keynote Address at Women’s Business Development Center’s 28th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference

CHICAGO, IL, July 7, 2014 – Judy Smith, the crisis management expert portrayed by actress Kerry Washington on ABC’s hit series “Scandal,” will deliver the keynote address at the Women’s Empowerment Luncheon during the 28^th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference, presented by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), on Wednesday, September 17, 2014, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Chicago’s McCormick Place-West, 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Smith is the founder and president of Smith & Company, a leading strategic and crisis communications firm with offices in Washington, D. C. and Los Angeles. She honed her skills through experiences with some of the most historic and sensational events of our time, including the Iran Contra investigation, the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Justice Clarence Thomas; the President Clinton scandal involving Monica Lewinsky, and the General Petraeus CIA scandal. She has also provided counsel to several heads of state and numerous Fortune 500 corporations.

Before starting her company, she was the senior vice president of corporate communications at NBC and was a special assistant deputy press secretary to President George H. W. Bush and his Cabinet. She appears frequently on major television networks to offer commentary on topical issues of the day. She also lectures on crisis management before corporate boards and other professional institutions. As a result of her groundbreaking career, Smith became the subject of ABC’s hit TV series “Scandal,” which resolves around the life and work of a professional fixer. She serves as co-executive producer of the project and provides insight and technical expertise on its crisis management issues.

In addition to the luncheon, the Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference – themed “Your Growth Is Our Business” – will feature an opening night Awards Reception honoring successful female entrepreneurs and supporters of women’s economic development; the Women’s Business Fair Midwest; Contract Connections, the WBDC matchmaker, and four breakout sessions featuring expert panels speaking on topics ranging from online branding to mergers and acquisitions. Marquee sponsors for the event include BMO Harris Bank, BP America, Inc., The Deluxe Corporation Foundation and US Bank.

For more information, visit www.WBDC.org/EWC.

A Closer Look at Early Childhood Education Entrepreneurs

Child care providers have a tremendous role in a child’s life. They are responsible for providing a safe environment and engaging programs to meet the needs of children at multiple ages. In addition to providing a place where parents are comfortable leaving their children, providers must meet state requirements related to safety and care. There are many factors that play an important role in being a successful child care provider.

The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) offers an Early Childhood Education Entrepreneurship Program  designed to provide a full range of business services to prospective and existing child care entrepreneurs for home and center-based child care businesses. At our annual Early Childhood Education Entrepreneurship Expo we highlight a few outstanding child care providers that have benefited from our program. Take a closer look.

 

“I definitely want to make a name for myself. I want to be known as great and quality in childcare. I’ve always had a love for children.”

 

Josephine Garrett, Owner, Learning for a Lifetime Childcare Center 

Josephine went back to school to obtain her Early Childhood director credentials, worked on her credit and waited for the right opportunity to present itself.  She acquired an existing day care in the South Loop licensed for 34 children, has retained the staff and is making improvements to increase enrollment.  Also, she is a recipient of a WBDC loan.  Josephine has a sound plan in place to grow the program and improve business operations.  Her goal is to be able to offer quality programs that will enrich her children and prepare them for school.  She participated in the WBDC’s 10-week Developing Your Child Care Business in 2012 as she was ready to make the transition from corporate to entrepreneur. Josephine was selected for the Fast Track award as she embodies the spirit of a true entrepreneur.

 

“Childcare was a passion. As a young girl I knew that I wanted to work with children. I knew that I wanted to own my own childcare program.”

Shanetha Pollnitz, Owner, Tiny Tots Tabernacle

Shanetha Pollnitz has been a home based provider for the past 11 years in Bellwood, IL.  She is licensed for 12 children by day and 7 at night for a total of 19 children.  Shanetha came to the WBDC through our entrepreneurial training sessions conducted through our South Suburban Assistance Center with Cook County.  She is a leader in the industry and very active with Illinois Action for Children, participating in providing input around policies that affect the child care industry.

Last November, she became the President of the West Suburban Providers Associations previously lead by Faith Arnold.  Shanetha also mentors her peers to improve their programs and provides support around operating a home based business.  She recently completed the WBDC 10-week program as she is looking for the opportunity to expand into a center-based business.

 

For more information about the Women’s Business and Development Center and its 16^th Annual Early Childhood Education Entrepreneurship Expo, visit http://www.wbdc.org/home.aspx and http://www.wbdc.org/Events/EarlyChildhoodEducationEntrepreneurshipExpo.aspx

Building Your Virtual Brand

5 Tips on Blogging for Your Business

Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to run a company that has no online presence. Even if your business has yet to develop a website, chances are it’s been reviewed on Yelp, discussed in a message board or bragged about on Facebook. 

Yet there’s a lot of value in taking your online appearance into your own hands and creating a landing page for yourself. Companies as small as your local laundromat have already jumped on board.

So what’s the next step in building your virtual brand? Many business owners are launching a company blog in order to humanize their product, connect with their audience and share new initiatives without spending a lot of time or money. The great news is that, with the right tools, they can make an enormous difference for you and your potential customers – or even go viral. The flipside is that they can also fall flat without an audience at all. It’s all about how you do it.

Here are five tips on blogging to grow your business’ web prowess and hit a home run in the virtual world:

1. Keep it short

Gone are the days of long, flowery descriptions and thorough evaluations. Today’s reader is looking for the meat of your article, and they want it now. Often, someone perusing a blog has five or six other tabs open on their browser while reading your words. Keep your sentences short. Limit your paragraphs to two or three sentences if you can. Try to keep your articles around 500 words. And write with passion!

2. Use numbers

A great way to keep attention on your blog is to use numbers. Create a list and number each heading (like we did with this one). Include the number in your title. “4 Ways to Go on a Greek Vacation”. “8 Activities Not to Do Before Bed”. “3 Things my Mother Taught Me”. For extra effectiveness, try making your sub-headings count down (5-1) rather than up (1-5).

3. Media is your friend

If you want to make sure your online article is never read, make it long, use big words, and don’t include any pictures. Fortunately, visual media is easier to get your hands on than ever. There are great stock photos available for cheap for small businesses. There are amazing videos that can be embedded from YouTube and Vimeo. Use them, and don’t forget to cite your source to keep your Internet karma intact.

4. Ask the audience

Nothing is more important than your audience when it comes to writing a blog post. Always keep the intent of your article in sight, and make sure it’s creating value for your readers. Engage them by asking a question at the end of the post and encouraging them to answer it in the comments section. Bonus points for giveaway items and contests. There’s a lot that someone will do for a free water bottle.

5. Join the community

If you really want your blog to be popular, make sure you know your community. Just like your parents taught you, you can’t make friends only talking about yourself. The blogging life is similar. Find your contemporaries and comment on their posts. Join social networks and retweet others’ articles. Make yourself a member of the community, and the community will reward you.

Want more tips on how to grow your brand using your blog? Join Go Girl Travel Network at the first-ever Women in Travel Summit for female travel bloggers and brands. Learn more at http://www.witsummit.com.

Beth Santos is Founder and CEO of Go Girl Travel Network, a resource and community for women travelers and the creator of the Women in Travel Summit. Beth is a current MBA candidate at the Kellogg School of Management and runs the monthly Chicago Founders’ Stories events with venture capitalist and social entrepreneur Pat Ryan at 1871. Visit her website at bethsantos.com for more information about her projects and to learn about her blogging classes and speaking engagements.