Category: networking

Ohio Women’s Coalition and Rachel Winder

My guest is Rachel Winder, Executive Director at the Ohio Women’s Coalition.

What is the Ohio Women’s Coalition?

“The Ohio Women’s Coalition is a diverse, non-partisan alliance of women in business, women leaders, women business owners, and men that support the mission across Ohio who are coming together to improve the economic position for all women in our state. The OWC was created to amplify the voice of women in Ohio and to help draw attention to the unique challenges that women encounter, especially underserved women of color and women who live in underserved areas of the state, to gain access to economic opportunities in order to achieve financial stability and prosperity.”

In a very short time, the OWC continues to increase the awareness of women small business owners, and help them find funding and support that is usually elusive to them. Rachel goes in-depth about the exciting initiatives the OWC has accomplished, and what is on the horizon.

Here’s an overview of what we talk about…

Accomplishments on behalf of Women-Owned Businesses in Ohio

• Created a statutory definition of “microbusiness” in the Ohio Revised Code (2016)

• Created a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) program in the State of Ohio (2020)

• Successfully advocated for $10 million in state-backed women-owned business loans at 3% interest rate (2021)

• Successfully advocated for $10 million in state-backed women and minority-owned business microloans at 0% interest rate (2021)

Results

• As of May 2022, $2,297,012 in Women’s Business Enterprise Loans have been approved for 11 companies, and $1,490,511 Ohio Micro-Loans have been approved for 39 companies. Nearly $3 million remains available in both loan programs with an additional $5 million available next fiscal year for each program.

• There are nearly as many WBE’s certified in Ohio as MBE’s, which is a program that was established more than 40 years ago. The OWC is committed to equality and lifting everybody up!

• The State of Ohio is literally making room for Ohio women-owned businesses. Recently, members of the Minority Development Financing Advisory Board voluntarily stepped away in recognition of the lack of women-owned businesses represented. Because of our advocacy, the work of this Board has been mostly focused on women-owned business loans, and they recognized women-owned businesses were not represented equally on the Board.

• For the first time in Ohio history, in 2022, each state agency is being asked to predict how many contracts will be going to women-owned businesses during the next fiscal year.

Also, don’t miss your chance to attend this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference.

WHEN: June 24, 2022, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel

Gain insights and connections with your Columbus professionals during this full-day event featuring:

  • Networking opportunities to make friends, business contacts, and build relationships to grow your career and business!

  • More than 300 professionals in attendance

  • Customize your day with choices from 15 breakout speakers

  • A powerful breakfast speaker

  • A luncheon keynote

  • More than 30 exhibitors

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

The Value of Mentors, Pt. 1

I have two women who completely inspired me at an event that I attended for the Women’s Small Business Accelerator. The WSBA has a gala every fall, and Brady Ware & Company is a big supporter of that organization.

Merry Korn and Sheryl Marrero told their story of how they came together. They started out together as mentor-mentee through a six-month program with the WSBA. As women business owners, we need to be inspired by other women business owners. So I really want them to tell a little bit about their journey together. And then we’re going to talk about mentoring, being a mentor or a mentee.

Merry is the owner of Pearl Interactive Network, Inc., and Sheryl is the President of SavKon Construction.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode, including how and why Sheryl needed the mentor relationship that Merry had to offer to help her with her business debt.

I was in a large deficit and so I was referred to the Mentor Match program through the WSBA. I ended up at the table with Merry. And although her business was totally different from mine, I instantly felt trust in her. And that was one of the things I had hoped for and prayed for, for a mentor who I could trust.

Find out what made the difference in turning her business around, and more detail about Merry’s Wellness Checkup Plan.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Plain and Simple. It’s Hard To Be In Business or A Business Owner

We’re in a new year again, and we just need it to be easier, right?

Many business owners have felt that they can’t move forward because they’re paralyzed. When you’re paralyzed, it means you can’t move. But if you’re a business owner or in business, you aren’t meant to be still, you aren’t meant to be not able to move. So you live in that fear.

But we can’t do that. We have to get to what’s driving the fear.

I’ve put it into a few categories in this episode. I’m sure that there are other things that you could add to it, but you really need to address these things.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

What Does It Take To Be An Inspiring Woman Leader?

For me, an inspiring woman is simply a woman who can fill somebody with the desire or urge to do something worthwhile. It’s someone who lives their life every day, based on the core of what she believes. And it influences me to be open, and maybe even change. So, it’s someone who creates a better world. They have to live their lives on their terms. There’s something very motivating about that. We’re all inspired differently, so take some time to think about it. How can you inspire? I need to have others around me, who are better, and have different insights, so I can be better. I challenge you to dig deep and realize that you have a role to play in that. You need to figure it out, and then do it. Become that inspiring woman leader.  I assure you that someone needs to see it and be influenced by you. And by the way, you might already be influencing other women and you don’t even know it. With me on this episode is Lori Kaiser. She is a chief executive, corporate leader, visionary, and business strategist with a proven track record in assessing risk and creating solutions for Fortune 500 Company C-Level Executives and Boards. As CEO of Kaiser Consulting, Lori provides clients’ value-based services that allow organizations to navigate transitions and successfully execute critical projects. Women need to take more risk and be braver in career decisions. Lori gives us insight on that. Her passion about this subject shines throughout the episode. Her advice to women on how to become an inspired leader. Ask yourself what is YOUR version of success.  Be bold, take risks.  Be a lifelong learner.  And last, but not least, connect with interesting people. Mentioned in the podcast was Shonda Rhymes and her book Year of Yes. How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith. And the podcast How I Built This.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Get Known, Get Connected, Get Ahead

Michelle Tillis Lederman is a people expert who inspires organizations and individuals to build real relationships and get real results.

We live in a network economy – – it’s all about who you know, who knows you, and what they know about you. But in this remote working, socially distant period in time, connecting has taken on new challenges.

She would be the first to say she is “a recovering CPA,” and now is the CEO & Founder of Executive Essentials. And she has written several books.

We focus on one in particular, The Connector’s Advantage. Connectors think and act a certain way that makes things happen faster, easier, and often with a better result. In the book, and in this is episode, we cover the 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact. 

We go in depth on #3, The Abundant Mindset.

She talks about some great key points about why its important to keep this mindset, including,

  • stop comparing yourself to others
  • envy and jealousy are normal, and don’t let it take over
  • feel grateful, practice gratitude

 

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Stop Networking And Start Connecting

Networking is about knowing more people. Something amazing happens when you network and connection happens. That is the moment of success because….connecting is about knowing people more.

What is your goal when you network? When you make connections?

Most connected people are often the most successful. Statistics support that statement. When you invest in your relationships — professional and personal — it can pay you back in dividends throughout the course of your career. The key word was “Investment”. That means you are going to give or put forth effort and resources FIRST, then ROI.

Who is the goal for you in networking and connections?

The what determines the who. Most importantly – figure out who matters. Sometimes you have to network with many to find the few solid connections. Think about the relationships you have right now that started with a person you met one year ago, five years ago, 20 years ago. How you network to make true connections is key.

Frank Agin, the President and Owner of AmSpirit, is just simply the best at networking and connecting. I have learned so much from him over the past 19 plus years. The number one thing I learned? Networking is more about connecting and engagement than to “know” everyone or be known. I am so thankful to have him as a guest on this podcast.

Are you networking, or are you connecting. There is a difference—make sure you know.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Darla King – King Business Interiors

With a successful 10-year career with an established furniture company under her belt, Darla King left her position with an offer to partner in a new start up company. One year later, the partnership had yet to materialize and Darla knew a decision needed to be made. Seeing opportunity in her circumstance, Darla and her husband formed King Business Interiors in November 1998. I was fortunate to have Darla in studio to get her story about growing the business, as a family-owned business, and for our purposes, a woman-owned business.  In this episode we cover a lot ground, including:

  • What Darla has learned from being a family-owned business
  • What the biggest challenges are as being a family-owned business
  • What the biggest challenges (and dare we say, advantages) are as a woman-owned business
  • The importance of registering as a woman-owned business
  • Why women need to help women
  • What challenges and mistakes she made along the way
  • Why giving back is so important, and how King Business Interiors does it right
  • And King Business Interiors unique giving back program, Connecting The Dots

 

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Catherine Lang-Cline from Portfolio Creative

This episode is about taking your business to the next level.  For part of the podcast, I’m going to interview Catherine Lang-Cline. She’s President and Co-Creator of Portfolio Creative, and she has a great story. She’s done an amazing job growing her business. It looks easy from the outside, but she’s been through everything and more that you are going through right now growing your business.

What are the barriers that most women feel are there to getting to that next level? A lot of times you are this original, and you have an idea and you’re different and you’re passionate and you might want to do things. We cover how Catherine overcame these barriers in this podcast.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Are You Hanging With The Right People?

In this episode, I explore why it is so crucial to hang with the right people, for your professional life, and your personal life.  And I speak with Derek Grosso, CEO and Founder of the Columbus Young Professionals Club about finding the right people to hang with. 

Choose your professional life relationships very carefully and make sure that they’re valuable, and that they’re worth the investment and the energy that it takes. You have 40 years to build a career, and hopefully you will be “wealthy” with the right relationships.

Are you hanging with the right people? Only you can make that decision and choice.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Categories: networking