Tuesday, September 23, 2008

New Blog created for NAPW members

We've created this new blog for our members to post their comments on being members of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW).

40 comments:

Kimberly said...

I'm excited about this blog, I think it's important for members to be able to voice their comments to eachother. I'm an RN and with the healthcare constantly changing, I believe this is a good way for me to connect with others in the same field as I. I look forward to chatting with my fellow members.

Sharon said...

I am a new NAPW member and excited about the prospect of working with other business owners. My business is also new and I am working hard at getting the word out about my company and products. Every dollar has to carefully spent, so I am particularly interested in ways to increase business by networking and through online contacts. I hate the idea of shotgun advertising that will be viewed as spam or junk email, so need assistance on the best way to develop targeted prospects. I look forward to suggestions and ideas from fellow members

Sharon said...

I am a new NAPW member and excited about the prospect of working with other business owners. My business is also new and I am working hard at getting the word out about my company and products. Every dollar has to carefully spent, so I am particularly interested in ways to increase business by networking and through online contacts. I hate the idea of shotgun advertising that will be viewed as spam or junk email, so need assistance on the best way to develop targeted prospects. I look forward to suggestions and ideas from fellow members

Unknown said...

Hi, am a new member to NAPW. I realize there has not been a lot of activity on this blog thus far. When regard to getting the word out about your business, there are several inexpensive even free options to consider.

-Maximizing social media participation (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter, etc). Answer as many questions and get as many followers as possible.
-Effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) with your business Website. Make it easy for people to find you.
-Create a personal blog, plans start as low as free to ~$5.00/month.

Just a few ideas. And, if you don't have the time, considering outsourcing some of these tasks. The possibilities are endless!

Andrea Dwyer, Virtual Assistant
http://www.staff-advantage.com/

Unknown said...

I would love any advice or comments from anyone with experience in website marketing or Home Business. My website does pretty well, but I know there is room for improvement. www.avmall.biz

Anonymous said...

I'd like to expand my network and hope that NAPW will attract more members. I haven't seen much activity on the site yet but have hope that over time, that will change.

Are there any sponsored events and, if so, have you or anyone you know attended one?

Laurie said...

I recently joined NAPW. I look forward to being part of such an organization. I just opened my own accounting/tax business in October and have been given the opportunity to buy out my business associate. However, I am a single Mom and my credit was destroyed during my divorce. I hope that NAPW Women can give me some advice to help me acquire the need funds to buy this profitable business.

Laurie said...

I am a new member of NAPW. I just opened my own accounting/tax business in October. My business associate has given me the opportunity to buy him out and I am hoping that I can get some advice on how to acquire financing for this venture. His company is a highly profitable business and his health is failing and needs to get out soon. I am a single Mom and due to my divorce my credit has been distroyed. Can anyone give me advice on how to acquire the funds I would need to purchase this very profitable business?

Meg said...

I am thrilled to finally make getting to the NAPW website one of my priorities.
I no longer feel bad for procrastinating for so long in getting on board because I just did it.
Now I am calling on all ladies to get on board. Come out and let us discuss Food Safety issues like women do. I am certain that we have more Food Safety experts out there who can offer me some prudent ideas in this area.

I am anxiously awaiting reading from somebody soon.

I wish you all success in all your endeavors.

Meg said...

I'm thrilled to finally put "getting to the NAPW website" on my calendar.

I do not feel bad any long for procrastinating networking, because I'm out like a flash to call on all our ladies to come on board.

Let us share and discuss ideas like women do. I wish everyone great success in all their endeavors.

Mae said...

This is Great. I am a new member and I tried to sign-up for the mentor program but did not find a mentor. I welcome seasoned individuals who are willing to shed light on some questions I might have as I grow personally and professionally. I would like to learn my way around this site and how to take advatage in all it offers. Also, how to advertize effectively.

Elizabeth J said...

I am a new member to NAPW and I am very excited about this blog. I think that this is a great way to network and have questions answered by my colleagues. I work in a very small company in their accounting department. I am the only one in the accounting department. From time to time it would be nice to have a good network of other accounting NAPW members to turn to for guidance.

Elizabeth J said...

This is a suggestion for NAPW: I think that this blog is a great idea and would get more activity from members if it were easier to find on the website. Maybe make it a link with the calendar, benefits, partnerships, etc. It should at least have a link somewhere on the homepage.

Josie Plancarte-Davila said...

Hello my name is Josie Davila-Plancarte and I am also new to NAPW. It's wonderful to see so many motivated and educated women here who have a great VISION for a wonderful future. I invite all of you to be part of my Vision for a better tomorrow by choosing to be generous and make a difference in our communities. Go to www.gsnnow.com or http://generoussoulsnetwork.ning.com

This is a great networking opportunity for all of us. I look forward to meet you and help you spread the word about your business.

Josie

Anonymous said...

I think this blog is great, I have been a member of the NAPW for several months now and have had the opportunity to meet other members and expand my business. I am grateful for the opportunity and not to mention the discounts with the partners, they're great!

Laurie said...

Elizabeth,call on us if you need any help. That is what good teamwork is all about. We all can learn from one another.

Laurie

Sharon said...

Laurie's suggestion about making the blog easier to find on the website is right on. I just emailed my contact at national with that suggestion, as well as the suggestion that the most recent posts appear first to make it easier to follow. Working together and supporting one another's ideas really works. My simple idea to meet and network with members in the area blossomed into the Sacramento Local Chapter, and we are generating a huge amount of excitement and making a difference. Laurie's idea is probably already under review, since many dynamic changes on the website are in the works right now.

Mae said...

Hi Bottlekatz: Once you get help with your requests for advertising tips, please let me know. being new and unexperienced with the internet makes it hard. I am in the photography business. what business do you have? My website is www.adasaphotographicart.com and I discovered that Texas Tech University did not have fine art presence in the marketplace. the Tech site is www.ttuphotographicart.com

Sharon said...

Hi Mae,

You posted to "Bottlekatz", which is what I started with when I first joined NAPW. I am now posting under "Sharon", which is my name rather than just a posting id. I did not get help from bloggers in response to my original questions about advertising and promoting my business, but after working hard for the last 6 months I can provide some suggestions. First of all, for business promotion you can't beat the FREE help you get from your local SBDC (Small Business Development Center). Just google them with the closest big city to find the one nearest you. They help small businesses with everything from marketing (including Press Releases), website optimization ideas, advertising and promotional ideas, business plans, classes on accounting and business plans, etc. I have found their help invaluable and credit many of the good things happening with my business from their help. Secondly, the NAPW website is a fantastic tool! If you use the advanced search function to search for companies or demographics that are likely to be interested in your services, you can build a database and follow up with email contacts. It takes time, but has proven worth it for me. And don't forget personal networking in your area. I just wanted to meet and network with other local members, and ended up as President of the Sacramento Local Area Chapter! It has been amazing and great for all of us. If there is no local chapter in your area, you might think of forming one. And don't forget the new bulletin board, a great classified page for members. Your membership is a great way to start marketing to people who are already "related" to you and inclined to be supportive.I know this was awfully long, but hope you find it helpful.
Best of luck to you,
Sharon

Unknown said...

I just joined NAPW a few days ago and let me tell you, I am truly excited about the possibilities. As a new virtual assistant and entrepreneur, I am interested in expanding my network and client bases, but mainly I am looking for the support one gets from those who believe in you even on the days you don't believe in yourself. Starting a new business is a wonderful but scary prospect that teaches you a lot about yourself, good and bad. Knowing you have the support of peers and mentors provides a safety net for those tough times. I look forward to speaking with you all in the future.

Sharon said...

Welcome Monique! The NAPW has several things that should help you, including the mentor program, the "In The Studio" training sessions, and this blog. I would also suggest that you see if there is a local group for that personal support. Our Sacramento Chapter provides just the kind of face to face networking and personal support that you are looking for. Starting a chapter is work, but very worth it!

Here's wishing you success and satisfaction in both your business and personal life.
Sharon

WOW! said...

Hi ALL.. I am new in NAPW. CHEERS to all women! WOW World of Women! I feel very proud to be a women and to watch all women increase in success and power in the business.I recently started my business, the Staffing firm for IT and Non IT market.Is there anyone can suggest what are the online trading or product sale business which is hot in today's market? Looking forward to stay in touch and connect. Pl feel free to write to me.

Debra Joy Hart said...

I am a RN with a couple other letters after my name, and I am in the humor field.I am looking for ways to expand speaking opportunities with out hiring an agent. Any ideas?

Onix said...

Hello there! I'm a new NAPW member and I'm here to network with my fellow members. To learn more about me go to: www.clearviewhypnosis.com. I am a small business owner with a Hypnosis clinic in South Florida.

Mae said...

Hi Debra:
Laughter is medicine for the bones. I hope you can take time to laugh at your own humor. You first need to do some leg work to market yourself in senior centers, leagues, organizations, showers, birthday parties, dinners, etc. After this word of mouth is great because people will recommend you because they experienced you. Hope this helps.

VentByPhone said...

Hello everyone! I am new to NAPW also. My company is unique, so I am having to carve out my own destiny.

I am looking for help on advertising my company. Based on some constructive criticism that I received from a few of our successful members, I have changed my website for starters.

I too, hate the idea of shotgun advertising that will be viewed as spam or junk email, so I need assistance on the best way to develop a creative advertising strategy.

Any helpful suggestions?

Unknown said...

I am a new member to NAPW, and I am very happy to be a part of this organization. I look forward to chatting with other marketing professionals to hear their experiences and share mine as well.

WOW! said...

Welcome Cindy!

Unknown said...

I am a recently new member of NAPW and really have not taken the time to take advantage of networking with other women professionals. I am an HR Specialist and lately I have been reading a lot about flexible work schedules, particularly telecommuting. I am not a mom, so I don't know if it's even appropriate for me to ask a business to let me work from home, however I would really like to take advantage so that I can enjoy my work-life balance. What are your thoughts on this?

Debra Nelson said...

I am a new memeber of NAPW and excited about networking with other professional women. I am a new business owner and I am excited to see where this business venture takes me. I look forward to establishing relationships with many of you. I believe I could learn alot the women of NAPW. Thanks for inviting me into your circle.

Anonymous said...

I am a new memeber of NAPW and excited about networking with other professional women. I am a new business owner and I am excited to see where this business venture takes me. I look forward to establishing relationships with many of you. I believe I could learn alot the women of NAPW. Thanks for inviting me into your circle.

Anonymous said...

I am a new memeber of NAPW and excited about networking with other professional women. I am a new business owner and I am excited to see where this business venture takes me. I look forward to establishing relationships with many of you. I believe I could learn alot the women of NAPW. Thanks for inviting me into your circle.

SalliaK said...

I just renewed my 1 year membership! I can't believe it has been a year. I am looking for women in Albuquerque, New Mexico to create a local chapter of NAPW. Anyone interested please contact me.
Sally Lawgrltoo@hotmail.com

Gladys said...

Hi, everyone My name is Gladys and I am a new member. I'm in the area of Education. I am proud to below to this association.

WOW! said...

Welcome Gladys!

guardyourselfnow.com said...

Hello Everyone Donna from http://www.guardyourselfnow.com I am so excited about this whole NAPW membership. This is my first post I am looking for other members feedback. When you get some time take a look at my site and let me know what you think.
I would like your honest opinion good or bad what you think I should change. I would also be happy to do the same for you.
It helps to get other thoughts on this.
Thank looking forward to networking with you.
Has anyone gone to the speed network yet I would love to hear how this worked.
Thanks Donna
http://www.guardyourselfnow.com

Judie said...

Hi I joined NAPW in hopes of learning how to promote my homebased business. I have spent money with nothing in return, so I am trying to find out if there are other avenues to get noticed!

I do hand painted life-like adult collectable babies (dolls known as reborns). I have a website, started a blog and I am out of ideas as to how to get noticed. I look forward to some fresh ideas that work! lol

Sharon said...

Hi Judie,

I would just suggest that you check out the closest SBDC (Small Business Development Center) office and go see their people for a thorough review of what you have done and what you might do to improve, as well as new marketing ideas. Their consultations are by professionals, they are free (paid for by your tax dollars already), and their only goal is to see your business succeed. Just check google and find the nearest one to your city.

Also, don't forget to check out a local chapter of the NAPW, because the networking with the other members will undoubtedly produce excitement for your business and specific marketing ideas from the members.

Good luck!,

Sharon

GuardianDefender.com said...

Hi, I'm a new member of NAPW as well. This is my first post, and I thank NAPW for this opportunity to meet and chat with all of you. I have just developed my first website called www.guardiandefender.com that speaks about home, office, and personal safety and is dedicated to my Guardian Angel. I'd appreciate any helpful tips on growing a brand new web business. Hope you all had a very blest Holiday, and wish you continued success in the New Year.

Unknown said...

Hello, I think this blog is a great way to connect. I'm still learning to navigate in NAPW. I wrote an article on what it means to grow your business; I hope it brings value to your experiences as an entrepreneur. I would post it here, but don't believe we have an article submission site, do we? The link is a 2part series: http://bit.ly/cTf0Ml and http://bit.ly/ab4NDU . To everyone's success! Doris