Pamela Charity Blog

What can we learn from Vanoc and the 2010 Olympics?

Are you as glued to the TV set these days as I am? Are you feeling the excitement in the air, and enjoying this amazing time where the Olympics brings the world to our fair city? Everywhere you look there is a sea of red and white cheering crowds! Admit it; there may have been a time when you said “Olympics, shlympics!” Yet now, as if by some miracle, most of us are caught up in the spirit of this exhilarating moment in history.

While we don’t want to discredit the amazing efforts of all our Olympians, this enthusiasm didn’t happen by accident. There was a tipping point; a point where everyone got on the Olympic bandwagon. As Malcom Gladwell, author of ‘The Tipping Point, How little things can make a difference’, says, The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire.”

In order to reach this tipping point, we need to remind ourselves that the Vancouver 2010 Olympics have been seven long years in the planning. Seven years ago, some individuals dreamed a dream, set a goal, and went after it. They never wavered in their belief that the Olympics would be the most exciting thing to ever happen to Vancouver. Based upon that, they put the right people in place, planned out each and every step, worked hard and stayed true to the dream.

In alignment with Vanoc’s business strategy, Sandra Yancey, eWomen Network Founder and CEO, www.ewomennetwork.com has shared some business Olympic success tips of her own for 2010:

1. Know where you are going. Set your goals.

2. Focus on the fundamentals. Now is not the time to focus on fancy – cute, extra activities that get you off course. Many businesses are in survival mode. If you know where your customer is at and what is most important to her, you can then best meet your needs. Focus on the fundamentals.

3. Remember, there’s no substitute for hard work. Throw away that old quote, “work smarter, not harder.” This is a time to work smart and hard! As my mother used to say “There is never a traffic jam in the extra mile!” Now’s the time to take the lead by putting in some extra effort.

4. Setbacks are only set-ups for something bigger, greater. If you don’t like the results you are getting, change what you are doing. Doing more of the same will most likely get you more of the same! Be willing to get out of your comfort haven and spread your wings to experience something in a new and different way!

5. Remember that often the only difference between success and failure is …. quitting. So, re-engage and restart right now!”

Do you know what you want your business to accomplish this year? What activities are you undertaking everyday to help you reach those goals? What can you learn from the Olympic planning that will take you to the business podium at the end of 2010?

Pamela Chatry

Your Managing Director, eWomen Network, Vancouver

pamelachatry@ewomennetwork.com

“Remember, if I don’t know you, I can’t connect you!”

Pamela's 'Don't Miss Business Reading Picks for January 2010

1. I was so excited when I saw that Tom Peters has a new book out! He is truly the Guru of Business Excellence. According to the Vancouver Sun Article by Nitch Joel, Tom’s new book is a must read. Check out, ‘The Little Big Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence. www.tompeters.com

2. You can never go wrong with Malcom Gladwell. ‘What the Dog Saw: and other Adventures’ is a compilation of his writing from the New Yorker. Don’t buy the book. Go on his website and follow him. www.gladwell.com

Having said that, if you haven’t read his other books, buy or borrow them. Well worth the read.

3. ‘Lifestyle Selling for Women, How to Sell More in Less Time and Enjoy Life’ by Pauline O’Malley and Brenda Page. Intrigued by the title? Pauline will be speaking at the eWomen Network dinner on March 25^th. So, the dilemma…read the book first or hear the speaker? Either way, book your dinner! www.ewomennetwork.com

Oh no, not another Christmas party!

Can any of you relate to this statement, “It just feels like last month when I put the Christmas decorations away? Where did the year go?” Perhaps you feel your life is travelling at the speed of light and that there just wasn’t enough time this year (again!) to connect with both old and new friends.

Well, one of the best things that seem to happen in the month of December is that, by very early in the month, we are bombarded with invitations to attend social events. However, it can often be easier to ignore these invites, go home and snuggle down with your cozy blanket. Don’t do that! Get into the wonderful spirit of the season.

The joy of December is that we are given the perfect excuse to call all the people we wish we had stayed connected with throughout the year.

Often, December social events are ways we can give back to a charity, can demand less time from us as you can slip in and out, and are definitely more fun than the stodgy breakfasts and dinners held throughout the year.

Be sure and attend with the right seasonal attitude and enjoy the event. Get dressed up, put on some bling, and be remembered as the woman who shone as bright as the Christmas lights on the tree.

Wishing you the joy of new friends and a life filled with love from all the others.

article for TimeFinders Magazine October 26, 2009

Things that Forward Thinking Entrepreneurs Should Do

written by Pamela Chatry for TimeFinders on-line magazine www.timefindersmagazine.com

In my work I have met thousands of entrepreneurs, yet only a small few stands out for me. I call them 'Forward Thinking Entrepreneurs' or 'FTEs'. They all share some amazing personality traits, but today I want to share what they do to stand out from the rest.

Let's look at the five consistent activities 'Forward Thinking Entrepreneurs (FTEs) always build in to their days, weeks and years and learn from them.

FTEs identify where the company goals are for the next year and then work backwards in segments of three months. They establish what revenues the company will need for each quarter and ask: What costs need to be kept in line? How many new customers do we need?
They receive financial reports for each quarter and then book quality time to review progress to-date. The owner asks important questions: Are we on target for the quarter? How does the company stand year-to-date? Then they react, revise and plan accordingly.
FTEs create and work from a marketing calendar. They look ahead and book monthly activities. They include task deadlines, persons accountable, and costs attached. They always include a date for a marketing review meeting. This gives the owner the opportunity to assess whether the marketing activity or advertising was worth it. They ask hard questions, and at the end of the review make a recommendation for next year.
FTEs make big business decisions based upon knowledge and fact, not on gut or spontaneity. The wrong decision can be very costly. Sometimes the right decision can be as well, but at the very least it was made carefully. Research is a big word for FTEs. They know their industry, competition, community, finances, etc. They ask difficult questions in order to give them information and eliminate risk. No time or money is committed until all the questions are answered.
This is the big one! Forward thinking entrepreneurs believe that it takes a community of like-minded people to make a successful company. They know what they love to do and what they don't and hire accordingly. FTEs are constantly on the lookout for the right people with the best talents, skills and values to contribute to the success of their company. The 'Forward Thinking Entrepreneur' has also set the benchmarks of excellence and holds everyone accountable. They are a success team!

a big marketing mistake

I don't normally include pieces like this in my blog but I just couldn't resist putting it out there! Whether an urban myth or not, the business message is brilliant! Kudos to Wendi Aarons, real or not, for giving us a reminder of the necessity of product and market research. It doesn't hurt to have a sense of humor in our marketing either!

"This is an actual letter from an Austin woman sent to American company Proctor and Gamble regarding their feminine products. She really gets rolling after the first paragraph. It's PC Magazine's 2007 editors' choice for best webmail-award-winning letter.

Dear Mr.Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call 'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills'. Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you f------ kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy' about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say
something that's actually pertinent, like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong'.

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have
chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your
brand of condescending bull. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always. . .

Best,
Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX "
.

Let me introduce you to Kathrin Lake

I've met a new wise woman, Kathrin Lake, www.survivaltothrival.com Check out her blog and, if you live in Vancouver, hear her speak at the eWomen Network event, November 18, 2009 at The Teahouse in Stanley Park. To register go to www.ewomennetwork.com Vancouver.

Kathrin has very kindly given me permission to reproduce her latest thoughts. Let me know what you think.

Kathrin's Blog

Procrastination and Power

October 9^th, 2009

Just when you think you are rid of it, it rears its ugly head again. Those who know me, and have been to one of my workshops, know that I like to look at what’s behind procrastination. And a large part of what’s behind it is self esteem issues. So, being an “authority” on this subject, what happens when I notice that I am procrastinating again? There are four steps: 1) I become aware of it and don’t make excuses. 2) I ask myself if I have been maintaining my self-esteem. 3) I ask myself what frightens me about this thing that I am procrastinating on. 4) Take the action to undo those things I discover and move forward.

Step One

How do I know I am procrastinating? Essentially, I know I am procrastinating when I am ignoring priorities. The thing that is important (but not urgent) gets ignored while I do the menial things which may or may not be urgent, but have no great consequences to my life if left undone, or delayed. Usually the important thing is important because it can change the course of my future in some way.

Step Two

I ask myself if I have been maintaining my self esteem because I know that people with high self esteem do not tend to procrastinate. I also know that self esteem isn’t something that comes with a lifetime membership. Just like with our bodies, we have to maintain our self esteem. So, am I telling myself positive things about myself consistently? Or is there something negative happening, that I am allowing, that is chipping away at my self esteem? Do I nurture my soul by including enough soulful things in my life daily, like laughter, hugs, playful fun, positive people, art, music, and other things?

Step Three

I ask myself what frightens me about this thing that I am procrastinating on? I do this is a gentle way, as if I were asking a child about the monsters that she is sure are under the bed. I know it frightens me if I am avoiding it that much. It means that I have given that thing greater power. I have decided that it may be more powerful than me. I am not up to it. It is overwhelming to me. But is that true? That is why this is so carefully linked to your positive self image. Who has the power? The thing that is sitting there inert? Or me, who has the power to accomplish and change things? If I keep asking myself, what frightens me about this thing, I discover what is at the bottom of it. Maybe I am avoiding it because, I am really avoiding making another choice that my heart and soul wants me to make, but my self image right now thinks I am not ready for, and better to play it safe. Yes, sometimes it will reveal that I am procrastinating for a positive reason. However, remember that most of us freeze from doing anything at all in these cases because we are afraid of making a mistake with consequences, whichever way we go. If I ask my higher self esteem self what it thinks may happen if I take the next small step towards this thing that frightens me? What’s the worse thing that can happen? In most cases, my high self esteem self says, in essence, that the worse that can happen is that I will learn more. I will learn more about this thing, but also I will learn more about myself, and will be more certain of who I am and what I want.

Step Four

After analyzing why you are not progressing, you need to take a step forward in one direction or another. If the direction is to close the book on one path, but open another, then so be it. If the step is that you need more information or guidance, you can go get it. Think small. Think first steps. Think about focusing on the positive you and giving yourself more pats on the back for each thing you do.

It has been repeated many times that the things we regret are the things we didn’t do. It also is true that we give things more power by making them big, when we can start with the small. We can realize that the consequences, especially for first steps are not as great as we thought, or may have only positive consequences. This is the power of viewing things realistically from your higher self esteem self. You may want someone to coach you through this process, in order to ask you, and get the answers to those important questions. Remember, even coaches have coaches.

Bobs & Lolo do it again!

Wow! I am so proud of these two amazing women. Lorraine and Robyn have done it again! Not only have they been my clients but more importantly, they are the Chatry family favorite for children's music! www.bobsandlolo.com

Check out this press release..

AN ACTION PACKED NIGHT AT THE WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS:

Action Packed, the latest album from critically-acclaimed BC duo, Bobs & Lolo, has received a 2009 WCMA Award for Children’s Recording of the Year. Following on the heels of a 2009 Parents’ Choice Gold Award - essentially the Grammy’s of the kids’ music world – Robyn Hardy (Bobs) and Lorraine Pond (Lolo) continue to garner national and international attention for their third album’s refreshing lyrics, rich harmonies and original, ‘get on your feet’ tunes for preschoolers.

Let me introduce you to Kat Simmons, the funniest woman on earth

I attended the eWomen Network International conference a couple of weeks ago. It is always amazing when 3000+ women come together. It sounds like a cliche but the energy in every room is unbelievable and in the case of this conference, the women are so friendly and supportive!

The final night there was an eWomen event called, "eWomen got talent". I was stunned at the brilliance of all the talent that performed but the best of all, and the winner, was Kat...the funniest woman I have ever heard!

Check this out “Dreams do come true”—this is so special and incredible. This is a fantastic feel good story. Click on Dreams do come true Her story gives us all motivation to follow our dreams and our heart....never stop believing! www.katsimmons.com

More.com and Jill Crossland

I was recently interview by Jill Crossland for her on-line magazine called Timefinders. http://jbcrossland.com

The theme for the article was about how most business plans get written and then gather dust. More.com just picked it up! Congratulations Jill!

Check out http//www.more.com/money_and_careers/start_a_business

Let me introduce you to Vancouver summer events for women in business

Wow! There is absolutely no reason to stop networking in Vancouver in the summer. There are some fun events coming up that you absolutely need to get out to.

On August 13th at Surrey's Eaglequest Golf Course, there is the Vancouver chapter of eWomen Network's Accelerated Networking event. Check out www.ewomennetwork.com for speaker and registration details.

'Beach, Blanket, Business' is back for the 6th year in a row on August 26th How about a picnic lunch at Jericho Beach, a business lesson and an amazing group of women? What a great way to get out of the office and still do business! Email meganchatry@shaw.ca for registration and details.

Join Pamela for an intimate introduction to other women in business on August 19th. 8 - 10 talented women will come together for coffee and connecting at a 'Strategic Business Introduction' session. Be one of this amazing group by contacting Pamela @ pamelachatry@ewomennetwork.com Pamela will waive the fees if you contact her directly and ask to be invited!

Courage, Entrepreneurs and Business

Entrepreneurs are some of the most courageous people I know. It takes courage to believe so much in a product that you spend years developing it. Courage to open a business on little or no money and courage to get out of bed everyday and believe that you are, or will be, running a successful company.

Entrepreneurs take risk and risk takes courage. What business owner do you know that deserves an extra pat on the back or a 'Courage' Award for continuing to believe when no one else did? Give them a call and acknowledge their courage. You'll make their day!

"He who loses wealth loses much;
he who loses a friend loses more;
but he that loses his courage loses all."
~Miguel de Cervantes

Today's nomination for Courage and Bravery in Business? Isabelle St. Jean. www.inspiredmomentum.com for continuing to believe!

Remember:

"If I don't know you, I can't connect you"

Pamela

Managing Director, eWomen Network Vancouver

Personal Business Manager to Entrepreneurial Superstars

www.pamelachatry.com

www.ewomennetwork.com

http://twitter.com/bizmanager

An interesting perspective on business planning by Jill B Crossland

Just recently, I had an interesting call with Jill Crossland, Business and Life coach, on the myths and usefulness of writing a business plan. She gave me permission to print the outcome of that call. Perhaps this will help you to think differently about why you are going to all that work to write a plan!

'Gathering Dust'

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs didn't have one, mine is non-traditional, some sources state that it should 'conform to generally accepted guidelines regarding form and content' and it is rarely possible to get funding without one. I am of course talking about business plans.

Business planning has become its own industry; books, courses and entire websites dedicated to telling you how to prepare one. In today's fast paced, ever changing business world what is its value? Some fledgling entrepreneurs never get their business off the ground as they struggle to get their concepts down on paper within the guidelines set by governments and financial institutions. Others work so hard to stick with the plan that the completion overtakes them in motivation and resourcefulness.

This is in direct opposition to the very definition of an entrepreneur, as a person who is forward thinking, innovative and willing to be somewhat fearless.

I don't usually work with a business at its planning stage instead I choose to coach entrepreneurs whose businesses have plateaued or are not reaching their potential. At some point though the business plan usually comes up in our discussions and I often ask the client to go back even further to that initial scrap of paper that gave birth to their business as that is so often the best place from which to reassess and rework a stuck company.

I did ask trusted colleague Personal Business Manager, Pamela Chatry for her opinion on how a business plan can work for today's female entrepreneur.

"Traditional business plans are at odds with women and their values. They don't speak to them." Pamela therefore works with her clients on something she calls a "Living Business Plan". This plan is more fluid and less structured but it does create the reality of doing business in today's world. It incorporates vision, strategic alliances and possible best & worst case scenarios.

Pamela recommends that her clients check in with their plan once a month and that their financial advisor be included in the process. Key components such as examining customer base, marketing and a review of the financial situation can be examined and decisions made on what is working and what needs to be adjusted. From there the entrepreneur can return to her business with confidence and renewed passion for what she enjoys.

If your business is feeling stagnant or weighed down by the constraints of a rigid and old fashioned business plan; hire a business coach, manager or consultant. Find one who shares your values and takes the time to listen to you. Together you will be able to create the type of prosperous & vital business that you had intended it to be.

Jill Crossland

jill@timefinderscoaching.net

http://jbcrossland.com

June 23, 2009 Newsletter

Let me introduce you to Bobs and Lolo, amazing childrens entertainers

I am so excited and just had to share a big brag piece! My clients, BOBS & LOLO www.bobsandlolo.com just sent out this press release:

"BRING GOLD TO VANCOUVER ONE YEAR PRIOR TO 2010 GAMES:

DYNAMIC DUO CELEBRATES PARENTS' CHOICE GOLD AWARD FOR LATEST CD - ACTION PACKED

Vancouver-based children's entertainers, Bobs & Lolo, garner further international recognition for their growing collection of award-winning recordings and performances. The Parents' Choice Awards program honours the best material for children. Fewer than 15% of the items submitted receive a commendation in one of the six award levels: Gold, Silver, Recommended, Approved, Fun Stuff and Classic. www.parents-choice.org "

If you have small children and haven't yet heard of them, check them out! The music they create is 'parent friendly' and carries such wonderful messages for the small set. Dancing and singing along will be the order of the day!

Check out the new Action Packed CD - available now!

Let me introduce you to Margaret J. Wheatley

I admit when Zoey Ryan, (www.postivelyoutrageouswomen.com) co-creator with me of the 'Business Book Club' suggested the book, 'Finding our Way, Leadership for an Uncertain Time' by Margaret J. Wheatley, I was cynical. The book was ordinarily something I would pick up lightly and believe it could be applied to my business.

Well, was I wrong! It is full of amazing quotes, provocative thinking about organizations and leadership. This book is a reminder that out of chaos people can create healthy functioning living systems. Business owners, community leaders, teachers...anyone wanting to believe there is a better and kinder way to motivate and lead will want to visit her website: www.margaretwheatley.com

Here's a sampling:

“People only support what they create.”

…Margaret J. Wheatley

Let me introduce you to Rhonda Britten and Daniella LaPorte

I attended a two day women’s conference this past week. Out of the four speakers, only two delivered what I considered, messages of worth….Rhonda Britten, of ‘Starting Over’ fame and author of 5 books. www.fearlessliving.org and Danielle Laporte, co-author of ‘Style Statement, Living By Your Own Design’, www.whitehottruth.com

Rhonda’s story is like something out of a terrible movie, sad and tragic. However, it’s not the tragic part of her story that is the most inspirational. It is her message of personal truths. Yes, she is a phoenix, rising from the ashes of a kind of grief that, hopefully, most of us will never experience. However, she is also a no-nonsense, realistic, incredibly candid woman who challenges us to be more than just mediocre.

Her presentation called, “Fearless Living”, takes the audience through why we fear and gives each listener introspection exercises and practical skills to fight our demons, both business and personal. As Rhonda would say, “Becoming fearless creates opportunities and doesn’t stop you from doing things…fear does.” Check her out. She is worth listening to.

Let me introduce you to….my blog. For business owners who love introductions…

People often refer to me as ‘The Networking Queen’. I love meeting new people, hearing their stories and connecting business owners, services and products. It is so exciting to hear that, through an introduction I made, two people were able to do business or support one another in some way.

So, having said all that, when I decided to launch a blog on my website, I figured it may as well serve the same purpose. Don’t we all love hearing stories of business owners who, in spite of the odds, made it? How about stories about weird and wonderful products that no one knows about until someone introduces it? Isn’t that business planning tip useful or doesn’t the motivational quote magically appear at just the right moment? Well, my blog site will be used to introduce you to magical moments, stories, tips and quotes in business.

Now all I need is to hear from some folk who believe they have a story to share or something worthwhile that may help others. Ladies and Gents, please introduce me to….