OVERLY SOCIAL? MAKING SENSE OF THE MADNESS

Social Networking has been and continues to be all the rage. But for someone who is coming late to the party, the whole web 2.0 landscape can be pretty confusing and intimidating. I imagine that it is a full time job just keeping up with everything new. Never mind about catching up on the already well-loved tools.

However, I do want to share two things with those fellow resisters out there.

First is the a Business Week article by Auren Hoffman, The Social Media Gender Gap, where Hoffman discusses how women are outpacing men in the use of social media tools. Although initially surprising, the rational seems to make sense.

Hoffman writes, "Women's behavior online, on the other hand, is less transactional and more relationship-driven. They spend more time on social networks building relationships, communicating with friends, and making new friends. Married women use social networks to share pictures and treat their network profiles as family home pages to share with friends and relatives. And because they use social networks to be social, a dollar spent marketing to acquire a female user goes a lot further than on a male user.".

This seems especially important given that many of us (women business owners, at In good Company in particular) have businesses whose target market is women.

Seems like it is time to get on the bandwagon! But, how?

Enter my second resource, a book called Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies, by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff, and recommended to me by IGC Member Frances Spark of Spark Consulting.

Authors Li and Bernoff use Groundswell to decipher and describe various social media tools and link them to business goals and outcomes. Thank Goodness. Fears about stumbling around in cyber space are assuaged and time can be can be spent productively.

I imagine the key to success is to focus on a few tools that meet your business goals and to use them well rather then open an account on everything available. Hopefully Groundswell can help me pick the right ones....ah, more homework.

shared by Adelaide

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

I am very excited to attend the next Entrepreneur Training Session facilitated by Golden Seeds on July 30th. It seems like an amazing opportunity to learn about pitching your company to angel investors, raising equity capital, and company valuation. I am including the event information below in case anyone wants to join me.

What a wonderful way to learn from these incredible women! I am interested to meet the other participants as well...

Entrepreneur Training
Half day educational training session to prepare you to successfully raise equity capital from angel investors

WHEN: July 30th, 9am-1pm
WHERE: 750 Lexington Ave. NY, NY
COST: $280
TO REGISTER


Shared by Adelaide

BOOK SUGGESTION

I came across another interesting bok on the power of female friendship to add to your summer reading list. Here is a quote from the author, "Being Assertive is always good for friendship because it shows you're willing to own your needs and that you can be trusted to pull your own weight." - Paul Dobransky, M.D., author of The Power of Female Friendship

HEART & SOLE

Donate your old sneakers to the NIKE Reuse-A-Shoe program and they'll be recycled to create tracks, fields and playgrounds. All brands are accepted.

For drop-off locations visit: www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe

HELP WITH A SMILE - INDEED!

We are always asked for technology resources and referrals whether it is for help with software, hardware, troubleshooting, or consultative advice. I have always been very frustrated that I haven't had a great resource to recommend, especially when people feel that they need help with a minor issue. Until now.

I have finally found a GREAT tech resource for small business owners, or I guess I should say they have found us. Help With A Smile is designed specifically to service the technology needs of small business owners. Pledging that no problem or question is too small, Help With A Smile offers on-demand support either remotely or on site. Michael Spodaro, founder of Help With A Smile, and his team are not only skilled at fixing things that are broken, but also advising business owners on what software/hardware to use and how to use it most effectively. Above all they have reasonable rates and no monthly minimum.

For those of you aspire to be proactive with your technology needs, please note that Help With A Smile offers a Complimentary Consultation/ IT Evaluation.

And for those of us who are more content being reactive, be sure to bookmark Help With A Smile, so you have them when you need them!

EVERYTHING WE HOPED IT COULD BE AND MORE
Thank you Malia and Carol!

Last night we held the first of event in our new series In Good Company Conversations, and we were honored to have Malia and Carol Mills of Malia Mills join us for a completely inspiring, motivating, and meaningful conversation.

The goal of this series is to increase our exposure and access to real, local female entrepreneurs who are building compelling, innovative and successful businesses; to witness the complexity involved in building a business with integrity and vision; to hear these home-grown success stories first hand and find out how they arrived at their current success; and to learn from their experiences, decisions, and defining moments.

It might seem like quite a lot to expect from a single event. But not surprisingly, Malia and Carol, completely over-delivered and exceed our expectations.

Really, they were so incredibly generous and genuine.

Aside from being utterly impressive and cool in their own right, they openly shared their entrepreneurial war stories and their sage words of business wisdom.

Among other things, they discussed mission and importance of staying true to your business purpose; individual strengths and recognizing what you do best (a favorite topic of Amy and mine!); integrity and the value of ownership; compromise, learning when you can’t and when you can; vitality and staying challenged as your business grows; reward and focusing on what really matters; innovation and learning how to keep your business fresh; determination and the importance of staying focused; resolve and the value of patience with the process…I could just go on and on and on!

Malia issued a particularly savvy reminder to us all, by highlighting that the crux of each of our businesses is really problem-solving and story telling. How so very true!

We are so grateful for all they had to share. Thank you, Malia and Carol.

And, 2 more special thanks to:

Galia Gichon, owner of Down to Earth Finance and amazingly thoughtful IGC member, who initiated the introduction to the Malia Mills. Thank you for thinking of us!

Kelly and Jeanette from

Fancy Girl Catering for the unbelievably good food. It was elegant, delicious, expertly prepared and presented, organic, and local…what else could you want? We were so wowed by them!

SUMMER READING FROM THE MILLS SISTERS
Additions from Malia and Carol Mills to the Summer Reading Book List!


Malia and Carol Mills referenced two books that they have found very valuable in thinking about their business practices.

Naturally, they are being added to my summer reading list! I can't wait for days on the dock at the lake with my books! Yay, June vacation.


Hug Your Customer, by Jack Mitchell








** And they really practice what they preach! We all got to benefit from the Hug Your Customer principle with the lovely coupons that Malia and Carol so generously provided to all those who attended.

E-Myth Revisited, by Michael Gerber

STARTING MY SUMMER READING BOOK LIST

I love to read. Well, I love to read non-fiction. Fiction for me is harder – harder to get into, harder to relate to, and harder to finish. But I just can’t seem to have too many non-fiction books. Especially if those books relate to psychology, organizational development, business, entrepreneurship, women’s professional development, etc. I know, it sounds riveting, but it is what I like.

Anyhow, last Thursday, when I was given three book recommendations (completely unprompted) by interesting smart women, I paid attention! These suggestions prompted me to start my summer reading book list.

So, the first three on my list are:

Bitch in the House:26 Women Tell the Truth About Sex, Solitude, Work, Motherhood, and Marriage, by Cathi Hanauer.

Recommended by Jessica Shambora

**Supposedly very funny and entertaining, and I just love compilations - 26 professional writers collaborated on this one! This book also has a dedicated website with lots of good info on it.


Basic Black:The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life), by Cathie Black. Recommended by Meredith Barnett, of Store Adore.

**Considering that Cathie Black is the president of Hearst Magazines & one of the first women to take a major role in American newspaper and magazine publishing, she probably knows what it takes!

You’re Wearing That?:Understanding Mothers and Daughter in Conversation, by Deborah Tannen. Also recommended by Jessica Shambora

**This book doesn't need its subtitle. Any woman who hears the title knows what it is about. Tannen is a best-selling author & renowned Georgetown professor who studies human interaction through conversation.

Happy Reading to me! Ill let you know my thoughts and add other books as they get added to the list!

STORE ADORE, WE ADORE YOU!

Store Adore is the answer to all shoppers' prayers. In the past, finding a new favorite boutique only came about from luck or lots of sleuthing. No longer! Part directory, part zagats, part daily candy, part facebook,...and exactly what you need!

Whether you're in boutique-overwhelmed New York, or an unfamiliar city altogether you can use Store Adore to find exactly the types of independent stores you need and want without a lot of hustle. Store Adore offers ways to find stores similar to those you love and it also shares exclusive deals, discounts, and sales. it is a one-stop shop for shopping information.

This is all on top of the fact that Store Adore is run, of course, by two fantastic women entrepreneurs: Meredith Barnett and Cristina Miller.

Building a profile on the site was fun and easy. It allowed me to mark LillaP and Tulle as favorites among others. And to scope out new stores in my neighborhood to visit, such as Pippen Home and Housing Works.

Check it out!

FIERCE & FABULOUS FESTIVAL COMING TO NYC:
MAMAPALOOZA Outdoor Extravaganza

Mamapalooza, headed by mom rocker Joy Rose, is a national force that is hosting a weekend packed full of fantastic events from May 17th-18th in NYC. Join in this unique opportunity!

MAMAPALOOZA Workshop Events
A day of Love, Life Coaching, Health, Music, Autobiographical Storytelling Workshops and Panels.
WHEN: Sat, May 17th, 11-4pm
WHERE: NOLA STUDIOS250 West 54th St
TO REGISTER: CLICK HERE
** Includes presentation by IGC Member Jen Edwards of Relaxation on the Go!**

MAMAPALOOZA Outdoor Extravaganza
Full Day of Kid's Activities, Mom Rock Bands, Face-Painting, Food, Vendors, Shopping, Maternal Dance and Families rocking out together; featuring Audra Rox, Swingset Mamas, Housewives On Prozac, Catholic Girls, Annie Sidley and Lunatic Fringe.

WHEN: SUNDAY, MAY 18th: 12PM-5PM
WHERE: Riverside Park South on The Pier(Entrance at 68th St West Side)
SHOW UP AND GET YOUR GROOVE ON! FREE FOR ALL!

SUGAR SYNC!

I learned of this amazing resource through IGC Member Rossanna Figuera. SugarSync allows you to access all of the documents on your computer remotely, and sync documents from mulplie computers. Far cheaper and easier than getting your own server. It has already made a huge difference in my productivity and flexibility! Great for those who work from multiple locations...hint hint.

STUNNING SEAMSTRESS SHOW!

Wow. We are so excited about the new art exhibit at IGC. Photographer Sam Lamb came all the way from Oklahoma to bring us: The Sea, The Surge, and The Seamstress; A Story about Salt & Morning Light. The pictures, presentation, and story are absolutely enchanting, as is Sam herself. We will be celebrating the Official Opening on Friday, April 25th, 7-9pm, so please join us for drinks and snacks.
You can see Sam's work online at:
http://www.samanthalambphotography.com/

WE LOVE OUR PRODUCTS, BUT DO THEY LOVE US?

I am a product lover. Once I have found a product that I like, I will usually stick with it for years. I have a stocked supply of the same face wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, lotion, etc. Recently, I have been replacing some of my tried-and-trues with newer organic and all natural products. Before, products really only had to pass the "smell-test" in order to get selected. Then, thanks to the influence of Marta Edmisten, owner of green cleaning business, Plain Jane's, I began instituting new criteria into the selection process...such as the "can I pronounce all the ingredients?" test, and the "do I see the word paraben anywhere on here?"

Today, however, I learned of a new way to evaluate products: Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database (referred by Marta again, of course). Skin Deep catalogs and rates thousands of products based on toxicity levels. It is easy to use, extremely comprehensive, and has managed to capture my attention for the last hour or so. I am thrilled that several of the items that I use have received lower toxicity scores, and am a bit surprised and horrified by those that didn't - silly me to assume that things I buy at WholeFoods are A-Ok.

You can use Skin Deep to see each category's worst offenders and best performers. Perhaps the best feature however is the comparison factor, which allows you to see how your product of choice compares to other products in the same category. For example, my deodorant has a toxicity score of 4 out of 10 (not bad), but reportedly 52% of other deodorants are better for you (hummmm). Unfortunately my face wash scored as an 8 out of 10 (yikes) and is bested by 82% of other face washes (get to the store STAT). I am thrilled to report however that my body soap received a toxicity score of 0 and is only beat by 2% of other cleansers. At least I am doing one thing right...

As an FYI, you can learn more about the toxicity of products and other things in your home at Marta's upcoming seminar:

Spring Greening: Detoxify Your Home
Marta Edmisten, founder of plain jane’s green cleaning products will discuss the hidden (and not-so-hidden) toxins found in the home and simple, healthy alternatives. Ms. Edmisten will teach you how to clean “smarter, not harder” and how to make your home safer for your family, your pets and yourself! Topics covered will include: “How we got here” - the history of chemical production in America, non-toxic house cleaning, laundry alternatives, cosmetics, safer food storage, reducing household waste and easy ways to “go green”. www.plainjanes.biz

WHEN: Wednesday, April 23 12:30-2:00
WHERE: In Good Company, Large Conference Room

REGISTER: Email Adelaide at Adelaide@ingoodcmpny.com to secure your spot. Free for members

JOIN THE MOVEMENT - HELP A REPORTER OUT

Some of you may know that Help A Reporter Out started as a facebook group, but has recently launched as it's own website. It is a FREE service that helps to connect reporters with sources and experts. If you sign up you will receive three emails a day with a list of reporter requests. Peter Shankman, the founder, has gotten tons of press recently and is attracting of reporters and readers. This is a potentially great way to connect with press prospects. I have thought of many IGC members as I have read the listings over the last couple weeks.

If you can stand to get just 3 more emails a day - I highly recommend it. However, please heed Peter's warnings! As tempting as it might be to reply to as many queries as possible, it is important to reply only to those queries for which you are qualified. Read the reporters requests closely and follow the directions!

VERY YOUNG GIRLS: A GEMS BENEFIT


I have known of GEMS (which stands for Girls Educational and Mentoring Services) for sometime and respect the work they do a great deal. Rachel, their executive director, recently sent me information about a special screening of a documentary, Very Young Girls, they produced and are showing at the Tribeca Grand Hotel this Thursday (April 10th).

Very Young Girls is a Showtime documentary that highlights the experiences of the girls that GEMS serves. This compelling film provides an opportunity to hear the girls’ tell their own stories in their own words.
Help support the cause to end commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking by joining GEMS for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6:00pm and for the screening which begins promptly at 7:00pm.

To purchase a ticket, visit http://www.gems-girls.org/donation.html, follow the link to Network for Good, and designate your $300 or $500 donation for the Very Young Girls screening.

All proceeds benefit GIRLS EDUCATIONAL & MENTORING SERVICES.

LESS ABOUT WHO, MORE ABOUT WHY

Often when Amy and I are working with our female entrepreneur clients, we talk about the importance of understanding 'why' you are starting a business. What is the motivating factor or goal? Financial stability, earning power, flexibility, autonomy, filling a social need, engagement...etc. Understanding this why will not only help you to set your business infrastructure and determine appropriate offerings and products, but will also help you to solicit and find advice and resources that are relevant to the kind of business that you want to create!

It is frustrating when the variety of reasons that women have for starting businesses are not properly recognized, especially when women's businesses are compared to men's. People start businesses for very different reasons, and therefore very different results will determine success! I was heartened to see a blurb on a study in Business Week Small Business Magazine, which not only acknowledges the variety of reasons that businesses are started, but also shows men's and women's businesses perform equally well when compared to the business owners expectations for the business.

Gender Non-Gap
It's often said that men make better entrepreneurs than women. Not so. Companies founded by men and those started by women are equally profitable, according to research commissioned by the Small Business Administration. What matters isn't gender, but a founder's motivations and expectations.
The study, by Scott Shane, a professor of economics, and Case Western Reserve University graduate Erin Keppler, examined data from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics, the first national collection of information on why people started businesses. The survey tracked 685 entrepreneurs who were launching a venture and followed them for four years, compiling financial data as well as information on how founders expected their businesses to do.
When comparing the performance of a business with its founder's expectations, "there is little evidence of differences between male and female entrepreneurs on either effort or performance," says Shane. What's more, the data offered clues to why some people perceive women-owned companies as underperforming those owned by men. More women started businesses with the goal of flexibility, not, as most men did, with the goal of making a lot of money. And more women started companies in service industries where profitability and growth tend to trail those of male-dominated industries such as technology. The perception that women are less skilled reflects a lack of understanding of why many became entrepreneurs in the first place.
—By James Mehring

THINKING BIG, CHANGING THE WORLD, CREATING MEANING

Last night I attended my first NYSWE (New York Social Women Entrepreneurs) meeting, and lucky for me it was held at in good company! NYSWE is a newly re-launched chapter of the national organization YWSE (Young Women Social Entrepreneurs). The women were terrific, not all entrepreneurs, in fact there were many intrapreneurs as well!

The speakers were just phenomenal though. Lara Galinsky from Echoing Green and Ruth DeGolia from Mercado Global. Ruth is one of Echoing Green's fellow and she spoke so passionately about her company, the work she is doing, and her involvement with Echoing Green.

I was most struck by the level of integrity that was present in what both Lara and Ruth had to share. Ruth has clearly thought so much about the absolute best ways to run her organization, the best ways to meet her goals, and the best ways to employ the practices of social entrepreneurship.

Lara was able to speak so clearly about the importance of Echoing Green's role in the funding process, what they look for in fellows, and about the incredible value associated with mentoring and support network in the Echoing Green Platform.

They both highlighted some of my favorite key lessons that I hear again and again from the entrepreneurs I admire most.

* You must ask for help!

* You can't do everything yourself. instead surround yourself with great talent who are motivated to help realize the mission of the company.

* It is important not to grow too fast and to maintain the integrity of your purpose and brand in order to build an innovative and truly sustainable organization.

A new thing that I left thinking about was how to dig down to the 'root cause' of the problem that you are trying to solve. In Ruth's case she has found creative, meaningful, and sustainable ways to employ women in Guatemala, but what Mercado Global is ultimately addressing is poverty, and how do they measure success? school attendance rates in their partner communities. fascinating, and smart. if you had met Ruth, you'd expect nothing less.

Much of this thinking and behavior is reflected in a book that Lara co-authored called Be Bold! Create a Career with Impact. It emphasizes the "Gall to Think Big" in addition to 3 other key characteristics.

I feel sufficiently challenged, inspired, and motivated!

ALPHA DOGS AND SMALL GIANTS

ok, so Small Giants has been my favorite book for years. It is written by Bo Burlingham from Inc Magazine who decided to profile companies who choose to be great instead of big. I admire and am inspired by this principle. I also learned a whole heck of a lot from this book. I think that it is extremely helpful to hear the inside experiences of growing successful entrepreneurs...what were the critical decisions...the best decisions...the things they would do differently. Anyway, I have been known to obsess over this book and this approach.

So imagine my delight when I was introduced to Alpha Dogs by Donna Fenn, who profiles companies who are 'leaders of the pack' in a similar 'small giants' style. This book includes another dozen inside looks to interesting, innovative, and growing companies.

life lessons by osmosis, i love them!

RESCUED PAPER NOTEBOOK!

green and cute simultaneously. this notebook is composed of discarded paper. perfect for notes, journaling, and to do lists.

FAVORITE DESIGN SITES

a few of my favorite blogs...
Decor8
SuperMarket
Apartment Therapy

AND STORES....
ThreePotatoFour
Binth
Mothology
Wisteria

And only in Philadelphia...
Material Culture

And one I am dying to visit when it reopens this season...
Two Buttons