women

I have found it fascinating to watch this political season unfold.  Realizing again that the old ways continue and the new ways fall to the way side when power is involved.  There are NO changes that I can see that either party offer ~ it certainly seems that way from the campaign adds, digging up dirt, and unkind words at play.  Instead of seeing this election as a powerful change the media and both campaigns have brought it down to the same old same old......so here we are....
 
We are seeing history play out.  The first African American man to run for president and the first Woman on the Republican ticket to run for VP.  Yet we GO AFTER them too. We aren't divided by race and gender as much as we are divided by politics and the way WE each think it should be.  Instead of embracing each campaign and learning about each platform ~ we quickly divide into two categories. (DEMS and REPUBS).....
 
That fact that we've broken almost 250 years of one demographic running for the presidency and in turn running our country. Both campaigns are playing the same game of politics.....? 
 
As we continue to watch this unfold and history being made with no regard on either ticket for real CHANGE we can only hope that the "best team" wins.  In other words, whatever team wins will either of them really be looking at the country's best interest over there own.  Georgia Dudley, Founder & CEO Empowering Women Network, Inc.

This week Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska made history and became a STAR!  John McCain's choice is a huge step forward for women!  As soon as the annoucement was made by John McCain however the media and left wing pundits questioned the Senators choice of running mate?  They quickly attacked her ability to run a country and her leadership skills based on her "motherhood" and "inexperience"?. 
 
On Wednesday night Sarah Palin made history, calmed the storm and silenced her attackers by sharing her experience and showing her leadership acumen through her witty, detailed and amazing speech at the Republican National Convention.  From her experience and responsibility as Governor of Alaska and her experience and responsibility as a "hockey mom" she shared with those watching her accomplishments in both of those all important ROLES.  Those roles that define all working mothers!
 
As professional women many of us can relate to Sarah Palin's life and current criticism.  For years we have tried to "balance" both family and work.  Fortunately I have met many women who have "done it all".  It seems that their success comes most often from supportive families especially husbands who support their journey and take care of the family, giving women the support and freedom to pursue leadership roles in business and public life without guilt.  I have also met women who's husbands work ~ yet through a true loving partnership they have found ways for both to flourish in their careers and home life!
 
I see Sarah Palin as a beacon of light.  A woman to watch and learn from. A woman who will open doors for women and teach us how to "have it all".  She is a woman for all women....and I look forward to seeing her grow and flourish as she takes on Washington as she did Alaska! Georgia Dudley, Founder and President, Empowering Women Network, Inc.

Hello Everyone
 
Staying connected in the 21st century and beyond?  What's it going to take?  Based on member feedback and member requests, EWN has developed a new type of  "social networking offering" one with true value, easily accessible and worth our time to contribute and "get connected"!  
 
With the popularity of social networking, pod casting, blogging, teleconferencing and webinar(ing) EWN announced this week it had added two New Services: EWN's Virtual Membership and the creation of an EWN LinkedIn Group!
 
An EWN Virtual Membership will offer professional women throughout the United States and beyond access "online" (LIVE) with other liked minded professional women.......through teleconferencing, webinars, pod casts, blogs our virtual members will receive advice, professional development, personal marketing ideas, business development all leading to new ideas and potential new business opportunities. 
 
In addtion to LIVE teleconferencing and Webinars EWN Virtual Members will be listed on a Who's Who Diretory and have access to EWN's LinkedIn Group!  
 
Stay Tuned!  Georgia Dudley, Founder & CEO, Empowering Women Network, Inc.

I had the good fortune to be a Speaker for the Wheaton, Illinois Chamber of Commerce - Business Women's Organization last Friday.  The Topic: "Negotiating Your Way to the Top".
 
As I thought through the topic/title it occurred to me that before I learned to negotiate through life and business dealings I had formed a sense of self confidence. I took some time to think through the words SELF CONFIDENCE and came up with 6 words all beginning with the letter "C" to explore the elements of the word. 

• Courage
• Communication
• Contribution
• Competence
• Concept of Self
• Control (Setting Boundaries).

As women we are typically good at the 3rd and 4th C (Contribution, Competence)....We have an amazing desire to contribute and we tend to be preparers! Perfering to be over prepared vs. under prepared for almost any occasion. Courage takes "faith" in our abiltiy to do something and the desire to take a risk.  Communication is the ability to deliver a clear message so we can convey our ideas, needs and wants. Concept of Self is our belief in who we are and the ability to effectively self promote ourselves to others.  Control means we can clearly set boundaries and as easily as we say YES we can say NO.
 
Negotiating itself as defined by "Negotiating Skills" (Essential Managers Guide). "Negotiating involves parties, who each have something that the other wants, reaching an agreement to exchange through a process of bargaining."
 
The TOP is the "thing" we are negotiating and differs for all of us. The TOP could be a business contract, career advancement, higher pay, etc.
 
So you see that with the four "C's" mastered we will have the SELF CONFIDENCE needed to start Negotiating Our Way to the TOP! Georgia Dudley, EWN Founder and CEO

HAPPY NEW YEAR! As we bid adieu to 2007, become adjusted to writing 2008 on documents, wonder what lies ahead, and make New Year resolutions, what are you thankful for last year?
1. Think of at least one hurdle in your career and personal life that you jumped last year. 
Before we can move forward we need to be grateful for the past. What are you thankful for in your career? Perhaps you and/or your team reached the department’s goals. Maybe you took a risk and asked your boss for a raise. Or, followed your intuition and passion, took the leap and started your own business this year, like several non-members I met at the holiday (speed networking) program. I am sure they sprung at the chance to join the best women’s group, EWN.
Are you thankful of the fact that you enrolled in a Masters Degree program? You have delayed this decision due to the cost and commitment factors on you and your family. But, after researching your field you discovered that obtaining this magnificent achievement would put you ahead, or in line with your colleagues.
How about your personal life? What are you pleased that you accomplished? Congratulations on meeting your 2006 goal of learning how to dance like on “Dancing with the Stars”, even though you know you will never tango with celebrity winner and two-time Indianapolis 500 champion driver, Helio Castroneves. Who cares that you step on your partner’s toes and forget the steps time to time. It is the fact that you make a commitment and followed through.
We are all thankful of our health. Even though we are a year older, hopefully, a year wiser, without good health we would have difficulties managing our career, personal life, and family. So, no matter what 2007 brought you, be thankful of the challenges and opportunities.   
2. Invest in Yourself First.

You have heard financial experts tout paying yourself first - and saving it - well the same goes for your career and personal life. I am sure you know a woman who has a wonderful family, a great job, and volunteers on a plethora of boards, and obviously does not have time for a bubble bath or a massage. Maybe that person is you. For many women it is easy to give to others. Somehow we were raised that way. Maybe it was the unwritten rules. The house must be clean and straightened – even if you have a cleaning lady. The laundry basket must never overflow. …and the list goes on. What is on your responsibility list? Write down what, or how, you can have “me” time.  Whether it is an hour a week or daily you be the judge. Stretching yourself thin will lead to burn out.

 
3. Underpromise to Overdeliver.
When creating your New Years Resolution or goal(s) for the New Year, instead of reaching for the moon, reach for the telescope first. Forgo the all or nothing thinking too. Why make an unreasonable resolution? Would you make an offer your client or customer that you knew you could not deliver? Of course you wouldn’t. So, avoid doing it yourself. Instead of giving up sweets entirely, reward yourself to one serving size once or twice a day, as long as you eat healthy the rest of the day. (Yes, you have to carefully read the label.) As you time progresses alter your goal. For example, you want to obtain 12 new clients this year, and then cut the goal down into smaller increments. Define your strategies to publicize your company, and then set monthly and weekly goals to make it more achievable.
4. Tell and Lean on Others.

Don’t keep your goal(s) a secret. Tell your family, friends, co-workers, and hire a coach if need be. (You can find one through EWN.) Why tell someone? These people are your cheerleaders and coaches. If you share your resolutions and the value of your goals with others the more likely you will meet the finish line.
5. Create a Plan B.
Just like in business you need a back up. Have a strategy in place if you break your goal. That way you will have a game plan to jump back on course. Remember it is just a set back. Learn from it and move on.
6. Celebrate the Accomplishments Along the Way.
As you reach closer to each goal reward yourself. It doesn’t have to be your favorite food or beverage; it could be downtime to see the symphony with a friend, or a massage from your spouse. Celebrate – because YOU’RE WORTH IT!