Kelowna Women in Business

KWIB MARCH EVENT - From Burn-out to Brilliance in your Business

2012-02-27T11:56:00.000-08:00

Presents
From Burn-out to Brilliance in your Business

March 14, 2012
Bohemian Cafe
524 Bernard Avenue

Register by March 9th
Price for members: $39
Price for non-members: $49

5:30pm – 9:00pm

Register at kwib.org

Payment is NOT accepted at the door.
Please register online in advance.

This dinner is a great way to start the new year. Here is a little information on this year's speakers.

Karen McMullen

If you could RAPIDLY, RADICALLY, and PERMANENTLY change your Relationship with Work so that you free yourself from the daily grind forever, would you?

Many Heart-Based Professional women start out on a fulfilling quest in their business. Quickly, their initial success means more computer time, more details, greater complexity...less enjoyment...and then a daily grind of unwanted tasks.

Join International Genius coach Karen McMullen as she walks you through three proven steps to turn your daily grind into the fulfilling, freeing business that you set out to enjoy in the first place.
Celebrate International Women's Day with us and you will:

• uncover where you're trapping yourself in the wrong role or spinning your wheels with the wrong product.

• clarify the #1 way to focus your time and energy to fulfill your calling at work.

• give you a new job description that leverages your natural brilliance.

• inspire you to change your relationship with work forever...so that you live the mantra: "If it's not my Genius, it's not my job."

Karen McMullen specializes in helping Professional women who are feeling drained to move beyond burn-out in their business. With over a decade of international success in the world of transformation at Outward Bound and for the past six years as a Certified Coach, Karen has mastered the art of uplifting her clients so that they tap into their innate brilliance and create success with ease. She travels throughout North America as a speaker sharing her message and enlivening her audiences with her blend of crystal clarity, gentleness and wisdom.

March’s meeting has been sponsored by:

http://www.prospera.ca/
Patricia Chandler

Register at kwib.org

Please register in advance. Online payments may be made by credit card at time of registration. Payments cannot be accepted at the door. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Feel free to bring any door prizes you wish to donate to the meetings. We always announce the donors and promote your business.

KWIB is officially LINKED-IN!

2012-02-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

What a great luncheon at the Ramada hotel yesterday! Thanks to all who attended, and a huge thanks to Melonie Dodaro of Top Dog Social Media for arming us with the essentials for creating a great LinkedIn Profile that produces results!

We learned some awesome tips and tricks to optimize your Linkedin profile, including how to update your headline, summary, experience list and more, to get the most from your Linkedin membership.
For your own copy of these Linkedin tips and more, check out: www.topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-guide

There are many great downloads on social media available on The Top Dog Social Media website: http://www.topdogsocialmedia.com/

You can also Check out the blog: www.topdogsocialmedia.com/our-blog
Follow on Twitter: @MelonieDodaro
and Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/topdogsocialmedia

Top Dog Social Media provides social media marketing services to clients who are interested in having their business thrive using social networking with tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+ and Blogging.

Whether you’re a business in Kelowna, Vancouver or any other city in North America, if you’re looking to attract more customers, improve your visibility and stay top of mind to the people in your community, social media marketing is an effective and affordable tool that can do just that. Top Dog Social Media provides business clients with Social Media Training, Consulting and even Done-For-You Social Media Management packages so that you can focus on what you do best, and let them do what they do best for you.
Contact Top Dog Social Media today. They look forward to successfully launching you into cyber space and helping you become a leader in your industry, and a viable and profitable business in your community.

We hope everyone gained some helpful insight from this event, and we'd love to hear your feedback via one of our many social media links!
Email: info@kwib.org
Twitter: @OK_KWIB
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelownawomeninbusiness
Also join our 'Kelowna Women in Business' Linkedin Group!

Thanks again for another great KWIB Event!!

KWIB February Event - Growing your Business with Linkedin!

2012-01-25T11:12:00.000-08:00

Kelowna Women in Business is pleased to announce

How You Can Significantly Grow Your Business Through LinkedIn

February 8, 2012

Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
2170 Harvey Avenue
Registration is at 11:30 am

Register at kwib.org

Payment is NOT accepted at the door.
Please register online in advance.

Register by February 3, 2012.

Members: $28
Non-members: $38

Melonie Dodaro

LinkedIn is the premier social network for business. With over 120 million professionals using it, LinkedIn is often overlooked but it is the secret weapon. In this interactive session, Canada’s top LinkedIn specialist, Melonie Dodaro, will walk you through her proven tactics to developing a LinkedIn presence that will attract your ideal clients to you and dramatically increase your visibility and credibility.

In this dynamic session you will discover:

How to become a significant center of influence and trusted resource on LinkedIn
3 of the most important elements you need in your LinkedIn profile that 99% of LinkedIn users miss
How to create a LinkedIn strategy to grow your business and not just your social life
The unspoken rules of LinkedIn etiquetteundefinedand the common mistakes people make that drives potential customers and referral partners away
How to attract more clients that you can handle without marketing

Melonie Dodaro is a passionate social media speaker and trainer, specializing in creating profitable social media strategies for her clients. As one of Canada’s top LinkedIn specialists, she’s a regular contributor to LinkedIn and Business magazine and has the Top Rated and Most Read articles. With her popular blog at TopDogSocialMedia.com and her large following on LinkedIn and social media, Melonie is considered one of the top resources in the world of LinkedIn and profitable social media marketing. Melonie is currently writing a new book called The LinkedIn Profit Formula. To learn more about Melonie you can visit her web site at http://TopDogSocialMedia.com.

This event is sponsored by:

Kelowna Women In Business

Register at kwib.org
Please register in advance. Online payments may be made by credit card at time of registration. Payments cannot be accepted at the door. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Feel free to bring any door prizes you wish to donate to the meetings. We always announce the donors and promote your business.

More information and online registration: KWIB Lunch - Grow Your Business Through LinkedIn

To register please go to http://www.kwib.org/

KWIB Woman of the Day - Laura Goldstein of mashu mashu jewelry!!

2012-01-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

LADIES, I THINK I'M IN LOVE!!

Please meet and get to know one of our newest members; Laura Goldstein of Mashu Mashu jewelry!

mashu mashu means ‘Wow that’s something!’ in Hebrew.

Formerly a performing arts publicist and writer for Canadian House & Home Magazine, Laura has parlayed a painterly sense of color and texture with her love for flowers and the sea, to create unique hand-made jewelry collections that are intricately detailed. Her "signature" petal pearl florets, unusual sea charms combine freshwater pearls, gemstones and shells to create, as one writer said, "a midsummer night’s dream for the modern woman." (Toronto Star)
Laura's pieces have appeared in InStyle, Coastal Living & Wedding Bells U.S. Elle Canada, LouLou, Fashion, More, Chatelaine, and many national newspaper fashion spreads. Having lived in Toronto all her life, she is now based in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

Laura's unique Nautical/Floral inspired pieces have been featured by editors in Elle, MORE, LouLou, Chatelaine, Fashion, GlobeStyle, Vancouver Sun, Toronto Star, National Post as well as InStyle, Coastal Living, MORE U.S. and Wedding Bells U.S Sarah McLachlan wears pieces from her "Castaway Collection".

You can Check out Mashu Mashu's amazing collections at:

http://www.mashumashu.com

http://facebook.com/mashumashu

or email for a personal viewing at designer@mashumashu.com !

Mashu Mashu is offering all Kelowna Women In Business a 10% discount on all jewelry purchases either when you visit the studio or online (just include Discount code: kwib2012 at checkout)!!!! yes!!!

January's Event: Health, Wealth and Fitness!!

2011-12-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

Presents:
Health, Wealth and Fitness
Come and Join Us to Hear These Ladies’ Remarkable Stories

January 11, 2012
Cabana Grille
3799 Lakeshore Road

Register by January 6th
Price for members: $39
Price for non-members: $49

5:30pm – 9:00pm

Register at kwib.org

Payment is NOT accepted at the door.
Please register online in advance.

This dinner is a great way to start the new year. Here is a little information on this year's speakers.

Cassandra Tompkins

The Woman’s Place Fitness Centre has been helping women to achieve their health and fitness goals for 30 years! Memberships are flexible for today’s busy women and dues include over 70 group fitness classes per week such as yoga, pilates, cycle, step, kickbox, sculpt, bellyfit, bootcamp and more. Other great amenities include day lockers, towel service, complimentary filtered water, coffee, tea, and much more. In honour of their 30 year anniversary, TWP recently opened a brand new 2000 sq. ft. group fitness studio.
TWP offers many additional services such as child minding, personal training, sports specific clinics, and nutrition counseling. It also boasts an energy Spa with a full service Esthetician and Massage Practitioner, as well as a Far Infrared Sauna.
Overall TWP Fitness is about women helping women and it has transformed a typical “gym” atmosphere into a comfortable, non-intimidating environment where women feel welcomed, safe and judgment-free.

Pam Nielson

Pamela has been helping individuals improve their personal money management habits for years as a business advisor, financial coach and business loans analyst.

Once a solo-parent and provider for her own household, Pamela had to dig herself out from under massive post-marriage debt and overcome her own financial struggles through proactive and cost-cutting strategies. Pamela began to keep more money from each payday and was soon achieving her financial goals and providing her son with opportunities she thought were out of her financial reach. Soon Pamela started coaching others and sharing her strategies for success. Pamela's applications, resources and coaching helped many others to overcome their own financial challenges by effectively decreasing debt, successfully managing between paydays, and obtaining financial goals.

While earning her master's degree in business, Pamela took a special interest in consumer behavior: the behavior related to spending money. In Broke-Free Forever Pamela melds her practical approach and real-life experience with principles of business financial management and consumer behavior, culminating in strategies to help anyone who wants to stop being broke, and break the cycle of living payday-to-payday, for good.

In her presentation Pamela will share the reasons why budgets often fail, the 8 key factors of behavior change and how they relate to creating the financial future you desire.

Liz Talbott, the Executive Director for NOW Canada Society in Kelowna will be speaking a little about NOW Canada and the services and programs they offer in our community. She's also planning on bringing a special guest to share her experience and how NOW Canada has helped her. Kelowna Women in Business will be raising funds for NOW Canada through various fundraising efforts and our annual golf tournament in 2012.

NOW Canada provides programs and services, as well as emergency shelter, transitional homes and affordable, independent housing for women, youth and their children. We work with some of our community’s most vulnerable and at-risk individuals who have typically experienced addictions, abuse, exploitation, homelessness and often present with mental health challenges.

Since 1998, NOW Canada has been providing front-line programs and services for vulnerable and at-risk women, youth and children in our community and province. Over the years, we have developed an extensive continuum of care to help women become independent and resilient - offering them the opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes, resulting in long-term life improvement so they can reintegrate back into the community as contributing and caring individuals.

January’s meeting has been sponsored by:

Chantal Diaz

http://www.dfsin.ca/

Special Offers from THE WELLNESS SPA

2011-11-21T12:21:00.001-08:00

Check out these Great deals from The Wellness Spa! Check off some things from your christmas shopping list and get something for yourself while you're at it!

If you wish, you can bring an item for our Food Bank hamper.

The Wellness Spa
2402 Highway 97 North (Harvey Avenue)
Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites Lobby
Kelowna, BC

Phone 250-860-4985
Toll Free 1-866-860-4985

Web: http://www.wellnessspa.ca/

Conciousness is the New Currency

2011-11-17T13:47:00.001-08:00

Big thanks to all who attended last nights AMAZING dinner at the Delta Grand. Shame I couldn't force myself to finish that dessert! Sooo good.

Our big speaker for the evening was none other than Internationally known consultant, speaker and presenter Yvonne Evans!
Yvonne taught us that conciousness is the new currency, that we are the answer, and we have the power. She spoke of the importance of letting our souls be our drivers and keeping the big picture in mind. Inspiring.
For those of you who missed this event; check out some of Yvonne's links:

Web: http://www.yvonneevans.net/
Blog: http://yvonneevans.blogspot.com/
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/yvonne-evans/1b/68b/37a

We also had a great speech from Jules at Chase Office Interiors. Thanks for the laughs and we hope your car's ok!

Be sure to sign up for a chance to win an amazing office furniture facelift from Chase Office Interiors and EZ Rock radio

It is really easy to get involved!

Enter for your chance to win, or vote for your favourite entry:

http://kelowna.myezrock.com/Chase/index.aspx

Share the opportunity through facebook! Simply “SHARE” the contest posting on our page for your chance to win a fabulous gift basket!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Chase-Office-Interiors/137006612984330

Check this out! AMAZING prizes to be won!!

2011-11-14T08:53:00.001-08:00

"We at Chase Office Interiors are really excited about sponsoring the fabulous KWIB ‘Personal Greatness’ event with Yvonne Evans on November 16^th. In the meantime, we wanted to give you the heads up on an amazing competition we are running!

If your office is looking tired, you have an unwelcoming reception… stuffy boardroom…unappetising lunchroom?… read on!

Chase Office Interiors and EZ Rock radio have partnered to bring you the chance to win an amazing Office Furniture Facelift, valued up to $30 000!

It is really easy to get involved!

Enter for your chance to win, or vote for your favourite entry:

http://kelowna.myezrock.com/Chase/index.aspx

Share the opportunity through facebook! Simply “SHARE” the contest posting on our page for your chance to win a fabulous gift basket!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Chase-Office-Interiors/137006612984330

Stay tuned to 101.5 EZ Rock for more contest information and the results!

Chase Office Interiors. Proudly Redefining Responsiveness in the Okanagan."

We're SO Excited for November's event!!

2011-10-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Presents
Personal Greatness
with Yvonne Evans

November 16, 2011
Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

Register by November 10, 2011
Price for members: $39
Price for non-members: $49

Registration opens at 5:30 pm

Register at kwib.org

Payment is NOT accepted at the door.
Please register online in advance.

Yvonne Evans

“There is a bigger story to your work and a bigger story to your life. No one is destined for greatness. We choose greatness by putting down the small story of our life and reaching for the bigger story, the story of our Soul. Your future success is intricately linked to the evolution of your own Soul. Your business arena is simply another theatre for you to play out the dramas that are relevant to the story of your own Soul. When we are aligned with our true purpose, when we are expressing our authentic gifts and talents, our work and life take on a different shape. “

YVONNE EVANS is the founder of Personal, Corporate and Global Consciousness PERFORMANCE programs and seminars. An international consultant, speaker and presenter Yvonne analyses the mind-sets of business corporations, Chief Executive groups and private individuals to diagnostically ascertain the limits, boundaries and challenges affecting future success. For the previous three years she consulted for PricewaterhouseCoopers partners across Asia.

Her work has spanned over 25 years and has expanded into including extensive experiential and theoretical research into change and performance models. Within the corporate arena she is unique in creating behavioral and leadership shifts that lead to the ever sought after high competency outcomes and “discretionary X factor” and is quietly revolutionizing the culture of CEO’s, Boards and Senior Management within all business sectors.

Clients commonly in the highest echelon of the corporate arena have praised her work as offering “priceless” and invaluable information for today’s challenges. Currently finishing two books whilst writing in BC she is a substantial and powerful presenter, who inspires leaders and groups to reach for their personal best and lift their momentum beyond the paralysis of fear and confusion into a potent force for change,

This meeting has been sponsored by:

Jules Galloway
Chase Office Interiors

Fall and Christmas Shopping with Cowan Gourds!

2011-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

The lovely Michelle Cowan will be selling her wonderful gourds at the following upcoming events:

Saturday November 5th at the First Lutheran Church and School on 4091 Lakeshore from 9-3
Saturday November 12th at the Ellison Heritage School on 4411 Old Vernon Road...swag bags for the first 50 guests from 10-5
Sunday November 13th at the Benvoulin Heritage Church Craft Show on 2279 Benvoulin Road from 9-4

Here's a glimpse of what she's got :)

Happy Shopping!

Starting to think about Christmas shopping? Check out the 3rd Annual SIMS Jewelry show & Spa!

2011-10-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

KWIB Woman of the Day - Jann Harrison from Royal LePage!

2011-10-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Jann Harrison is a Royal LePage Canada nationally-recognized REALTOR® for her outstanding sales achievements. What does Jann do differently than other REALTORS®? Most Realtors take the traditional approach of closing a deal and moving on to the next one. Jann’s passion is in building relationships with her clients & their families and devoting herself to serving all her clients’ needs before, during and after each sale. Jann provides expert service is all areas of residential real estate and especially loves working with women purchasing their first homes!

Contact Jann today!

(250) 878-8554

Email: jannharrison@royallepage.ca

Web: www.JannHarrison.ca

KWIB Woman of the Day - Laurie Bartley from Sun Life Financial!

2011-10-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, enjoy meeting and helping people, and want the control that comes with business ownership, I'd like to hear from you.
Let's talk about what it could mean to your life to become a Sun Life advisor.

Contact Laurie Bartley, CFP, CLU, STI
Sales Manager, Sun Life Financial
250 860-6403 ext 2201 or email laurie.bartley@sunlife.com

sunlife.ca/laurie.bartley

Giving Back to the Community - Don't Miss the KWIB October luncheon!

2011-10-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Kelowna Women in Business is pleased to announce

Giving Back to the Community

October 19, 2011

Coast Capri Hotel
1171 Harvey Avenue
Registration is at 11:30 am

Register at kwib.org

Payment is NOT accepted at the door.
Please register online in advance.

Register by October 14, 2011.

Members: $28
Non-members: $38

Lenetta Thordarson

As the Associate Executive Director for the Kelowna Community Food Bank, Lenetta Thordarson assists the Executive Director in the day-to-day management of the Kelowna Food Bank; providing leadership to staff and volunteers and ensuring the strategic direction and policies of the organization are followed. Recently, Thordarson was nominated for the Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Young Entrepreneur Award’ for her hard work and accomplishments as the Owner of Curves - Westside. Thordarson is also known for her dedication towards establishing the Central Okanagan Healthy Food Council; her facilitation in such forums as the ‘Westside Visioning Forum’; her work on such committees as the Poverty and Homelessness Action Team of the Central Okanagan, Central Okanagan Community Gardens and Westside Daze. Born and raised in a family that is all about community, Thordarson has a passion for volunteerism, humanitarian work, politics and community development – dedicating her life to improving the lives and the community around her.

This event is sponsored by:

Romany Runnalls

The Mortgage Group ~ Aquarius Mortgages Inc.

Register at kwib.org
Please register in advance. Online payments may be made by credit card at time of registration. Payments cannot be accepted at the door. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Feel free to bring any door prizes you wish to donate to the meetings. We always announce the donors and promote your business.

More information: Giving Back to the Community - Lenetta Thordarson

Go Glam, Go Hollywood!

2011-09-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday, November 5th, join TMG in helping to make a difference and support our furry friends at the 4th annual BC SPCA Kelowna Gala!

KWIB Woman of the Day - Mortgage Mama Carol Dorn!

2011-09-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

As your independent Mortgage Specialist, Carol works for you not the Lenders. Carol is dedicated to find the best mortgage to fit your unique needs. As a detail oriented and conscientious individual, Carol cares deeply about the needs of her clients. Her expert, unbiased, fast service is FREE!

Call Carol Dorn – Mortgage Mama for all your mortgage needs.

250-808-5521 Email: carol@mortgagemama.ca http://www.mortgagemama.ca/

KWIB Woman of the Day - Lynne Glata from Lavish Accessories!

2011-09-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

Lynne Glata - 6 years in Kelowna. Member in KWIB, Synergy, Connect.

Independent consultant with Lavish Accessories, a BC based company.

Lynne loves helping ladies find accessories for their wardrobe, or helping men & women find gifts for special ladies in their lives.

Check out a few of Lynne's upcoming events:

Lavish Shopping Spree, Wed, Sept 21, 11-3, Guisachan Esthetics, 2365 Gordon Dr

Build Your Own Business Fair, Sat, Oct 1, 10-3, Martin Ave Comm. Centre, 1434 Graham St

Connect's Fabulous Fall Fair, Sat, Oct 29, 10-2, 1st United Church auditorium, Bernard & Richter

Hope to see you there!

Grow Your Business so it's Right for YOU!

2011-09-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

PRESENTS

Grow Your Business so it’s right for YOU! WORKSHOP

When: Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 9am – 12pm

Where: Landmark Conference Centre
            Landmark IV Basement Level
            1628 Dickson Ave
            Kelowna

Enthusiastic about growing your business but not sure where to focus your energy? Feeling overwhelmed about making ‘good’ decisions? Looking for a confidence boost? If this sounds like you, join us to ignite your business growth this fall!
This interactive workshop is designed to help you build your business so it’s right for YOU! You can have it ‘all’, whatever your ‘all’ is. It will provide networking opportunities, inspiration for new ideas and provide resources to help you meet your business goals.

Facilitator: Heather Martin, Skills Development Manager, Women's Enterprise Centre
In partnership with CFDC Central Okanagan & Kelowna Women in Business

For general pricing information and to register: http://www.womensenterprise.ca/catalog/GROW_KEL

The Women's Place Health Expo!

2011-09-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

In Support of the Kelowna Women's Shelter; Join us on Saturday September 24th for a great day of classes, workshops and lots of other fun stuff!

Check out the TWP website for more details - http://www.twpfitness.com/health-and-fitness-blog/upcoming-events/twp-health-expo-in-support-of-the-kelowna-womens-shelter.html

I Am A 10!!

2011-09-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

Did you wake up feeling fabulous today?
Thanks to John Glennon, I sure did! I'm a TEN!

Last night's Kelowna Women in Business event was a blast. John (from Sandler Training Center) gave us some great insight into how we can overcome our struggles in the sales world. From defining our billable hour and financial worth, to dropping the guilt and taking pride in small steps towards progress; we definitely gained some useful tips and valuable hints on how to kick some butt in sales (not to mention the rest of our lives!).

Didn't make it out last night, or just craving some more of the greatness John has to offer? Check out www.glennon.sandler.com for more solutions, training services and calendar of upcoming events.
You can also check out inspiring articles and more useful tips at www.sandlerblog.com, or browse through more than 80 sales tips videos YouTube - www.youtube.com/SandlerWorldwide

Thanks also to our Sponsor for the evening, Heather Martin from the Women's Enterprise Centre.
It's so heartwarming to know that we have such a wonderful resource in our community. The Women's Enterprise Centre offers everything you need to start-up or re-vamp your business including:

Business loans
Goal oriented Mentorship programs
Group workshops
Teleconference workshops
Mentor advisory forums
Business start-up and loan information sessions
A huge library of business resources
Free advice

And so much more! We're so lucky ;)
For more information on the Women's Enterprise Centre and how they can help your business, check out their website at www.womensenterprise.ca

Thanks to all who made it out last night; see you next month ladies!

Welcome Back Ladies!

2011-08-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

Is it just us, or has this summer just flown by?

We can't be too down about it though; we're too excited for a new season with Kelowna Women in Business!! Our first speaker this year is one you won't want to miss:

Kelowna Women in Business is pleased to announce

Why Many Women Struggle in Sales

September 14, 2011
Ramada Hotel & Conference
2170 Harvey Avenue

Registration opens at 5:30 pm

Payment is NOT accepted at the door.
Please register online in advance.

Register by September 9, 2011.

Members: $39
Non-members: $49

John Glennon is an authorized licensee of Sandler Training® in the Interior of British Columbia.

John is an accomplished sales person and manager with over 17 years sales and sales management experience. Beginning in sales in 1990 as a sales representative, he progressed to territory manager, sales manager, division manager and national sales and marketing manager roles throughout his career.

In 1997, John became a student of the Sandler Selling System®. This introduction changed his sales career and over time propelled John and his career to new heights.

Successful in accelerating growth through strategic leadership, John knows firsthand the value of a sales training approach that follows a learning philosophy of ongoing reinforcement. He is experienced in driving the behaviors, attitudes and techniques required of an effective sales team.

Sandler Training is offered on a regular basis from their Kelowna, BC training center and through innovative distance learning programs to the rest of the BC Interior.
www.glennon.sandler.com

Another Great Year with Kelowna Women in Business!

2011-07-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all for another wonderful year with Kelowna Women in Business! We’re up to 210 members and still growing; and we’re so grateful to be part of such an inspiring group.

We’ve got some great things planned for 2012: As always we’ll have brilliant Speakers, amazing Sponsors and endless opportunities for networking and referrals, and next year we’ll be adding to those opportunities by helping you get out there and be known!

KWIB will be offering ‘Social Media Blasting’ to all of our members. Each of you will have to opportunity to submit your Bio/Profile for posting on our Blog. The blog automatically posts to our Linkedin Page, as well as Facebook and Twitter. Your information will then be searchable on the blog as well as Google! You can also submit write-ups/links regarding any upcoming events or promotions for your business, and bam! Posted! Are you excited? I’m excited!

Along with Profiles and events, we’ll be posting Articles and other useful info for Women in the Business world. We’re focusing on all aspects; work, finances, health, time management, families, and keeping it all balanced.

We’ve also got some great plans for enhancing the ‘networking’ end of the group, and showing praise for referrals passed between us J.

So, over the summer take some time to get into our Social Media networks. The links are as follows:

Web: www.kwib.org (subscribe to our discussion forum)

Email: info@kwib.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kelownawomeninbusiness (click to like, and post business updates on our wall)

Twitter: @OK_KWIB (click to follow, we’ll be sure to follow you back)

Blog: www.kelownawomeninbusiness.blogspot.com (follow by email)

Check out www.youtube.com for tutorials on any of these networks.

Beyond that, enjoy the sun, go for a swim, have a mojito and we’ll see you in September!

Happy summer!

Look what our Lovely Locals are up to!

2011-07-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Cowan Gourds has 2 New Locations and one is from our very own KWIB Executives Team! Pick up these beautiful gourds from the Best CupCake Shop in Kelowna, Cupcasions. Go on down and take a peek, Cowan Gourds are Beautiful and Unique. Great for Wedding Gifts, Birthday Gifts, or just because gift.....and don`t forget to get your cupcakes, make sure you order ahead of time those lady`s are rockin in that shop. The gourds are also available at My Country Garden on KLO, happy shopping!

How to Build Win-Win Networking Relationships

2011-06-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Written by Sharon Michaels; a business coach and the author of How to Give Yourself the Power to Succeed

Here is a business-building rule of thumb: Don’t waste your time networking if you are not prepared to develop win-win relationships. Trust me when I say, I know what I’m talking about.
I am the organizer of a local business organization with a membership of over 400 self-employed women. I was shocked when I learned that most of the members attended only one or two meetings and then did not return. When I sent out a survey asking why they stopped, the majority replied that it was because they had not gotten any business.
Hadn’t gotten any business! Were they kidding me? They expected people to buy what they are offering after only a couple of visits? Hadn’t they heard that potential clients/customers need time to get to know, like and trust you? What happened to building win-win relationships?
Here’s my advice: If you aren’t networking for the long haul then don’t bother networking at all. Frankly, you are wasting your energy if you expect instant gratification.
Here are five key networking tips that I share with my organization of women entrepreneurs:

1. Understand your target market.
Spend time doing your research so you can network with your target market. It’s important to strategically pick and choose networking opportunities. Plan to attend networking functions where you can connect directly with your target market or with people who can introduce you to your target market.
Success Tip: Networking that produces long-term business-building results is not about meeting a lot of people; it’s about meeting the right people.

2. Know exactly what you bring to the networking table.
When preparing to build your network, ask yourself this question: Why would people want to network with me? Networking isn’t just about what you are going to get, it’s also about what you are going to give to others. Take a good hard look at what you can offer as an effective networker. Are you willing to consistently spend time and energy building and nurturing your professional network?
Success Tip: Networking is a powerful marketing tool when it is a win-win for all involved.

3. What is your networking goal?
As with any element of a profitable marketing plan, you must have a realistic understanding of how networking fits into your overall business-building plan. What is your networking objective? How will you measure networking success?
Success Tip: Don’t go to networking functions as a wandering generality. Know what you want to accomplish, why you want to accomplish it and how you are going to accomplish it. In other words, what is your networking goal?

4. Networking rule of thumb: Give value to receive value.
A successful networker knows that it is not just what she receives from others but what she gives that determines whether she is building solid relationships or simply wasting time. The entire purpose of networking is to build solid trusting relationships—business relationships that are of value to everyone involved. It’s important to have a mindset that allows you to give as much in time and effort as you expect in return.
Success Tip: Remember the “Law of Reciprocity”: Whatever form of value you give, be it service or monetary, you will likely receive the same or greater value in return. Giving value, though, must come from an open heart.

5. Follow up promptly to develop and maintain win-win relationships.
If you do not intend to follow up with the people you’ve met, stay home and don’t waste your time, or the time of others. The entire purpose of building a network is to develop solid win-win business-building relationships. And in every productive relationship, the key is to get to know, like and trust one another. The business-building “gold” is not in collecting business cards but in the solid relationships you build.
Success Tip: It’s not just about what you want to achieve. Let your fellow networkers know that you want to support their successes as well. A key question to ask during the follow-up phase is: How can I help you succeed?
I’m going to say it again. If you are not networking for the long haul, stay home. Networking that will grow your business, attract long-lasting business associates and develop a solid referral base is about developing relationships built on trust and respect. Don’t waste your time going to networking functions unless you are willing to work at building solid professional relationships. Remember, too, that while some relationships develop immediately, others can take much longer.

Is Busy-ness Taking you in the Wrong Direction?

2011-06-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Too often, we get so caught up with the “busy-ness” of living that we don’t stop long enough to ask ourselves if the direction we are traveling is one that actually inspires us. Check out this article from www.womensmedia.com:

If you’ve ever set out on a road trip, you know the value of having a clear destination in mind. And a map, or GPS, to guide you. And yet I’m sure that you have met many people during your life journey who have no clear idea where they want to go. And some of those people have probably found themselves in places they’d never have consciously chosen. Perhaps you’ve landed in just such a place yourself.

Regardless of where you are right now, or how much (or little) you love where you are, I encourage you to take a moment to think about where you would like to go from here. I’m giving you a little push to create a vision for yourself and consciously choose the route for your life’s voyage.

Why do I encourage a vision? Because a vision can unleash enormous power. Not only does a vision act as a compass to guide your choices and allow you to see opportunities you might otherwise miss, but it brings greater meaning to your present circumstances, and it empowers you to deal more constructively with life’s challenges. When you have a vision that inspires you, it leaves you feeling purposeful and powerful in every aspect of your life.

Helen Keller once said, “The most pathetic person is one who has sight but no vision.” The fact is that in any aspect of your life where you have no vision, you have limited or little power. Power is something I define as your ability to affect change. Without a vision to work toward, you can end up being like a rudderless ship sailing aimlessly through life, moving in the direction of least resistance, and generally settling for less than you’d really like. Accordingly, people who have no vision often find themselves

Spending years doing things they don’t truly enjoy
Making choices that are driven by self-doubt and fear
Saying yes to nearly every request, offer, or opportunity that comes along because they can’t think of any better way to fill their days
Blaming their lack of success or happiness on external factors rather than taking responsibility for their experience of life
Failing to fulfill their full potential and ultimately living a much smaller and less fulfilling life than they could have

Think of people who have achieved something truly great in the world—Oprah, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King. Note that what distinguishes them from others is not the size of the homes into which they were born, but, rather, the size of their vision. None of them were born extra-ordinary. Far from it. But in having the courage to dream big, they were compelled to powerful action and became extra-ordinary as a result.

Ultimately, a great vision brings out the greatness in she who holds it.

So, what vision do you have for your life? What could you do with your time, energy, and talents over the next five, 10 or 30-plus years that would leave you feeling a deep sense of fulfillment in the twilight of your life? The greater tragedy is not that you one day die, but that you arrive at that day not having fully lived your life.

No matter how great or small your life is right now, I challenge you to ask for more of it, and to give more to it, from now on. However much you have accomplished or failed to accomplish up until now, you are capable of much more than you think. We women, as brilliant and talented as we are, have a special talent for underestimating ourselves and second guessing our ability to achieve what we want. But we also have a vast reservoir of courage just waiting to be tapped. Courage to rise above the “who are you to do that?” doubts that drive you to play it safe. Courage to step through the “what if I fail?” fears that cause you to play safe and avoid risk.

Anais Nin once wrote, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” The first act of courage is to take responsibility for your life experience and create a vision that honors the gifts and blessings as much as it does the heartaches and hurdles in your life so far. While I do not know what path you have walked so far, I do know this: Within you is all the courage you need to step boldly into action and to stay the course toward that which tugs on your heart and beckons you forward. After all, courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the presence of fear.

Four Steps to Harnessing the Power of Vision

1. Write it down. On a clean sheet of paper, write the heading “(your name) Dreams Bigger!” Then choose the life areas in which you would like to harness the power of vision. For example: Career/Business, Relationships, Finances, Health/Well-being, Recreation/Social, Service. Under each heading, answer the following questions:

What would constitute ideal circumstances in this area of your life five years from now?
How would achieving these circumstances improve your feelings about this area of your life?
What needs to change for this area of your life to be ideal?
How will you feel about yourself one year from now if you take no action? Describe the personal cost to your sense of well-being, happiness, and peace of mind.

2. Create an action plan. List the first few actions you can take (however small) that will move you closer to your vision in each of area of your life. Then put a date next to each action indicating when you will complete it.

3. Design a supportive environment. Write down the various ways you will build a support network to ensure you stay on course. For example, you could share your vision with friends, find a mentor, hire a coach, join an association or group of like-minded individuals, attend a seminar, and read books to build your competence and confidence.

4. Step boldly into action. Don’t get overwhelmed with the size of the gap between where you are and where you want to be. All that matters today is that you take the first step. Then tomorrow, take a second step. Creating change is never easy, but by staying in action, even when the going gets tough, you will proudly reach your destination. Life rewards action! Get to it!

Written By Margie Warrell, best-selling author of Find Your Courage: 12 Acts for Becoming Fearless in Work & Life

KWIB Golf Tournament Photos!

2011-06-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Stand proud you noble swingers of clubs and losers of balls....
A recent study found the average golfer walks about 900 miles a year.
Another study found golfers drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.
That means, on average, golfers get about 41 miles to the gallon.
Kind of makes you proud. I Almost feel like a hybrid.

Thanks so much to all who attended; What an AWESOME day!

Teaser Alert!! What's up for grabs at the KWIB Golf Tourney?!

2011-06-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about this year’s Golf Tournament, taking place this Thursday, June 9^th! (See our website for details – http://www.kwib.org/ )

And you’re about to see why…..

This year we have some FABULOUS items up for grabs for our Have a Heart Radiothon Charity Auction. Here’s a taste:

A Gift Basket from Olive & Elle, including a set of plush white Turkish Cotton towels, 'Amelie et Melanie' French bath products, tealight candle holders & candles in a beautiful basket.

Also,

One night accommodation in a Theme Suite at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre. I checked out some pictures online; loving the ‘New York’ room!

Guess you’ll just have to be there to find out what else we’ve got!

Hope to see you ladies!

Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden??

2011-05-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

Did the word "golf" originate as an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden"? That's a common old wives' tale. Or, in this case, more likely an old husband's tale.

Like most modern words, the word "golf" derives from older languages and dialects. In this case, the languages in question are medieval Dutch and old Scots.

The medieval Dutch word "kolf" or "kolve" meant "club." It is believed that word passed to the Scots, whose old Scots dialect transformed the word into "golve," "gowl" or "gouf."

By the 16th Century, the word "golf" had emerged.

The ladies are, in fact, more than welcome to partake in this super-fun and social sport. You're especially welcome to join us on June 9th at the Sunset Ranch Golf Club for the Working Women's Twilight Golf Tournament!
Check out the Details and Register on our Website - http://www.kwib.org/

In the Social Network

2011-05-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Social Networking within Kelowna Women in Business

Get your name out there by: participating in discussions on Linkedin, advertising events etc. on Facebook, and following us on Twitter. Review the list of our Twitter followers and follow some yourself. Add the women from our Linkedin Group to your personal network, and get to know them.

And the most important thing (in my opinion), is to sell Yourself, not your Business. Before people buy, they want to know, like and trust you. If you're passionate about what you do, the business will sell itself.

There are an abundance of online resources for social networking, one local provider is Red Giraffe Marketing.

If you're wondering how Social Media sites such as Facebook, Linkedin, Blogger and Twitter can further help you grow your business, sign up for one of their free webinars
http://www.abovetheherd.com/webinars/

KWIB Golf Tournament & Charity Auction Sunset Ranch Golf Course

2011-05-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Kelowna Women in Business is pleased to announce

It’s time again for our Year-end
Golf Tournament & Charity Auction!
Partnered with SunFM, EZ Rock and AM1150

Working Women's Twilight Golf Tournament
Thursday, June 9th, 2011
Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club
5101 Upper Booth Rd South
Kelowna, BC

There will be a 9 hole Texas Scramble shot gun start at 4:30 pm; Arrive at 4:00 pm
Cocktails followed by dinner will start at 6:00 pm
Member - $85.00 Non-Member - $95.00
Dinner Only - $50.00
Plated dinner after & Silent AuctionHalibut will be served, so please flag any seafood allergies.
Hackers and above welcome.
Register by June 4, 2011.

There is a silent auction and networking evening to raise funds for Have a Heart Radiothon. This is going to be an amazing event!
The Have a Heart Radiothon raises much needed monies for the Kelowna General Hospital each year.

There are numerous sponsorship opportunities available:

Diamond Sponsorship

3 sponsorship spots available, Investment $1000

Your company will be posted on our website and recognized as a diamond level
Banner/ signage privileges on carts
Sponsor will be on signage at the registration table
Two (2) hole dedication, one on the front nine and one on the back nine
Signage privileges on all tables and at each place setting
Special Mention at the venue
One table for sponsor to man and distribute information and gift for attendees
Two dinners included

Sapphire Sponsorship

5 Sponsorship spots available, Investment $500

Your company will be posted on our website
Sponsor will be on signage at the registration table
One (I) Hole dedication
Special Mention at the venue
Place setting privileges which would be a GIFT from their business for all attendees
Two dinners included

Ruby Sponsorship

7 sponsor spots available, Investment $200

Your company will be posted on our website
One (I) Hole dedication
Special Mention at the venue
Sponsor will be on signage at the registration table
One dinner included

Please contact Chantal at chantaldiaz5@gmail.com if any of these opportunities is right for your business.
Donations for KGH Children's Unit
All donations for our SILENT auction can be dropped off at Cupcasions located at 170-2000 Spall Road or if other arrangements are required you can email Joanneatcupcasions@hotmail.com.
Donations for you to promote your company
We want everyone to have the opportunity to promote their business; you can do this by simply donating a door prize. All door prizes can be dropped off at CupCasions, at unit 170-2000 Spall Road or they can be brought the evening of.

Register at kwib.org
Please register in advance. Online payments may be made by credit card at time of registration. Payments cannot be accepted at the door.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you to everyone who has donated items for the silent auction!

Have you booked your spot yet?
There is limited space, so don’t delay. Book now.

More information and online registration: KWIB Golf Tournament & Charity Auction

To register please go to http://www.kwib.org/

Social Media? Oooh la la!

2011-05-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Ladies!

Welcome to the first of many wonderful blogs for Kelowna Women in Business!

For those of you who don't know us; we are simply the most beneficial and inspiring networking group in the Okanagan, and solely for Women!

In addition to our monthly networking events; we're branching out into the world of social media to spread the word about our organization and the wonderful women involved.

The plan for the Blog is to post summaries on KWIB events, updates on the organization, spotlights on our individual members other generally fun stuff.

More info to come; see you after the long weekend!

Cheers,

Carly Banks

Social Media Director