Tuesday, April 29, 2008
RE: e-Mentoring Entrepreneurs.
Back in March, RE:INVENTION's blog announced a call for applications for Yahoo's new Seeds for Success competition for women. Well today the winners have been announced. Over 5,000 entries were received. All 3 winners run businesses focused on babies and children:
- Karla Duncan of Birmingham, Ala., Founder of Head2Toe Publications, a developer of toys and educational materials for special needs children.
- Abby Port of Woodstock, Ga., founder of Red Koala, which makes custom home décor with an eye on children's rooms and nurseries.
- Dana Rubenstein of New York City, co-founder of Dapple, a company that produces earth-friendly and baby-safe cleaning supplies for babies' hands, toys, and feeding tools like bottles and kids cups.
In addition to business grants, winners will receive e-mentorship and share their progress online via a group of integrated blogs at
http://seedsforsuccess.smallbusiness.yahoo.com/.
A mentors' blog has also been created, with a "Salute to Mentors" kickoff post by Carolyn Kepcher.
As a former student of
Dr. Georgia Chao (Michigan State), I remember her research which revealed that people participating in formal "mentoring programs" received less compensation and achieved less success than those who had informal "mentoring relationships." Her findings suggested that formal "mentoring relationships" offered less psychosocial and career development and satisfaction than informal "mentoring relationships."
Other studies -- from the likes of
Perren, Sullivan, and
Stokes -- have explored the pros and cons of e-mentoring entrepreneurs. The headline: busy small biz owner schedules and global business demands make e-mentoring increasingly viable.
With much respect to Dr. Georgia Chao, Carolyn Kepcher and the esteemed e-mentoring researchers, I suggest that the entire notion of "mentors" is a little outdated. In today's world: there are people you collaborate with for mutual benefit, people who have knowledge you want, people who have influence you wish to benefit from, and people you just like. At any given time an individual may fall into more than one category or they may move to another category. It is not a conscious thing either, just a way to view your colleagues. In the end, successful business leaders commit themselves to helping others when they can, accepting help when it is offered, and helping themselves.
But education, a shared sense of community, and support are always inspiring. And those three aspects of the Yahoo campaign may indeed sow seeds of success.
Labels: Chao, Dapple, e-meontoring, Head2Toe, Kepcher, mentors, Perren, Red Koala, Seeds of Success, Yahoo
Monday, April 28, 2008
RE: The Profit of Smear.
Gracing Fast Company's May issue cover: gorgeous and brilliant Gina Bianchini, CEO of Ning, self-professed "girlfriend - turned friend - turned business partner" of acclaimed serial entrepreneur and former Netscape co-founder Marc Andreessen. The article titled, Ning's Infinite Ambition, explores Ning's 0.4% daily "automagical" growth and mission to host 4 million networks by the end of 2010, with "billions and zillions" of daily page views.
If you don't know Ning, the company hosts a social network platform that allows users to create their own online communities for the world's most random topics (such as a forum for girls like me who are fond of pink patent pumps with bows). And Ning is worth half a billion dollars.
Ning's business model? "Incorporating virality into the functionality of the product" via "viral expansion loops...the most significant business accelerant to hit Silicon Valley since the search engine." BRIEF PAUSE HERE while I consult Wikipedia and a dictionary. Viral expansion loops are fondly known in certain circles as "viral marketing on crack."
We won't analyze the merits of Ning here (nor the subtle hyperbole in the story). Instead, we are tracking with great interest negative public response to the Fast Company story.
What an intriguing Negative PR case study. Deliberate reputation and image attacks make for interesting business battles.
Over at SpinHunters blog, Ivana Kalay
reviews 5 classic Negative PR tactics:
- Smear
- Demonizing the Opposition
- Straw Man
- Obtaining Disapproval
- Ad Hominem
Poor Ning. It seems Ning is encountering all 5. "Negative PR is not propaganda" -- and we aren't recommending these techniques -- but it's important for entrepreneurs to know the vast arsenal of Negative PR tactics used by spin professionals and naysayers. Is all PR good PR? Can Negative PR result in positive outcomes?
Umm no. That's pure myth. Perhaps one of the only times that the "any PR is good PR" mantra holds true is when you can turn the tables to portray yourself as victim. Who profits from Negative PR? Inevitably your competition.
Want tips about how to deal with Negative PR?
Start here. Then read this
Managing Crises Through Social Media Tip Sheet from Robbin Goodman.
Labels: Andreessen, Bianchini, Fast Company, mantra, myth, negative PR, ning, PR, propaganda, spin, viral marketing loops
Dilemma for Women Business Leaders
Women in the United States are continuing to launch and grow their businesses at an exciting pace. According to The Center for Women's Business Research, nearly 10.4 million firms are owned by women (50% or more), employing more than 12.8 million people, and generating $1.9 trillion in sales. For the past two decades, majority women-owned firms have continued to grow at around two times the rate of all firms (42% vs. 24%).
While this is seemingly good news, we must also look at the low number of women who have climbed ladder to become CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies in the last 35 years - only 43 women. Another disturbing trend is the continued pay inequity for female managers. An example featured yesterday in Blogher, Lilly Ledbetter worked as a supervisor at a Goodyear for years and was paid between 15% and 40% less than her male counterparts on the management team.
A research report conducted by Catalyst, The Double-Bind Dilemma for Women in Leadership: Damned if You Do, Doomed if You Don’t, revealed that gender stereotypes can create several predicaments for women leaders. Because they are often evaluated against a “masculine” standard of leadership, women are left with limited and unfavorable options, no matter how they behave and perform as leaders.
How can we cultivate a welcoming environment for women leaders? The Center for Women's Business Research suggests companies could enhance perceptions of fairness and voice by taking the following steps related to equal opportunity:
• Advancing and promoting more women.
• Ensuring diverse corporate leadership.
• Accepting diverse individual working styles.
Labels: Catalyst, CEO, ceos, CWBR, equity, women, Women Business Owners
Friday, April 25, 2008
RE: Observations from my First Communications Conference
Yesterday, I attended my first communications conference as a RE:INVENTION team member – the Authentic Communications 2008 conference in the Big Apple. It’s always exciting to go and network with other communication professionals and to hear the perspective of industry thought leaders. I was particularly impressed with Paula Berg, the Public Relations Manager at Southwest Airlines, Steve Rubel, Director of Insights at Edelman Digital and Author of the Micropersuasion Blog, David D. Burnstein, Founder and Executive of I’m 18 in 08, and RE: INVENTION’s own CEO, Kirsten Osolind.
However, what I found particularly interesting was a key note presentation from the President of Toy, Anne Bologna. Anne is one of the masterminds behind the successful OfficeMax ElfYourself Digital Campaign. ElfYourself was a great online initiative that reached 1 in 10 Americans and helped cure boredom in offices across the nation.
Anne said a few things that really got me to thinking. She explained how simple the ElfYourself concept was - it was just a dancing elf that users could post their head on. As PR professionals, we are often so engulfed with trying to come up with a catchy, viral campaign that we often over-think EVERYTHING. Now that’s not to say that creating a viral campaign is easy, because the bottom line is it’s not –AT ALL. But it might mean that maybe the creative ideas really are simple and staring us in the face.
Anne also went on to say that ElfYourself gave back in a really simple way – it made people laugh, making the day a little better. The campaign was also unapologetic - there was no hiding the fact that the campaign was presented by OfficeMax. So often companies and PR professionals try to mask what the campaign is actually for. But consumers are smart; they can see when a campaign or company isn’t being authentic. And being authentic and truly caring about what makes you customer tick is what in my opinion, creates brand loyalty. And isn’t that what we all want for our clients?
Labels: Authentic Communications, Brand Loyalty, Consumers, Steve Rubel, Viral
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Power of GREEN
Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the environment. In recent years green has not only become a buzzword, it is also big business. In 2007, a study from the University of Maryland found the potential for $104 billion in sales for environmentally friendly consumer products and technologies. Not only are corporations driving this trend, it is also the power of environmentally conscious women as business owners and consumers.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council surveyed 1,200 members and found that 71 percent are working to make their businesses greener. The survey also found that 60 percent are working to make their products greener.
The founder and CEO of Big Green Purse, Diane MacEachern, recognizes the power of women’s buying habits. Because women spend $.85 of every dollar in the marketplace, she is passionate about influencing ladies to make eco-friendly choices to protect the environment. Big Green Purse is on a mission to encourage a million women to shift at least $1,000 of money they already spend for an initial $1 billion impact.
“Women have a whole planetful of power in their purses,” says Diane in her new book Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World. “When they use it to buy green, they force manufacturers to make products that reduce pollution, slow global warming, and eliminate dangerous chemicals.”
Labels: business strategy, green, Women Business Owners, women's buying power
Friday, April 18, 2008
RE: A Survey About Online Business Surveys
RE:INVENTION is conducting a very brief survey about online business surveys. Can you help us out? Click on the link below. The survey should only take 2 minutes of your time. Thank you in advance!
CLICK HERE to take the survey.
RE: If you want your business to thrive...
Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade.
- Kipling
Are you good at what you do but still struggling to build buzz and win customers?
Are you tired of seeing your competitor constantly quoted in the media?
Are you notable and quotable?™
If you want your business to THRIVE, you must MAXIMIZE your marketing efforts.
It's time to roll up your sleeves, get out those gardening tools, and plant the seeds. Register for RE:INVENTION Marketing’s "Grow Your Business" PR POWER Package. You'll receive:
- A local media list, with full contact information for reporters and editors.
- A daily feed of e-mail queries from a database of 10,000 reporters and editors looking for story sources.
- A Package of 3 PR and Media Gardening Tip Sheets: The Power of Social Media, How to Write an SEO-Optimized Press Release, How to Become Notable and Quotable™.
- A list of local “must attend” networking events, where you can rub shoulders with media.
$795 for 12 months (a $2500 value). For a limited time only. Some restrictions apply.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
RE: Late Morning and Mid-Day Media Hours Are for Women...
The Republican women are hitting the Morning Shows. This week The Today Show announced that President Laura Bush and her daughter will guest host the 9 AM EST hour on April 22. According to the Huffington Post and the Republican camp press release, the nine o'clock hour "is usually set aside for issues that affect women, who make up the majority of the audience during that time period." And Cindy McCain will now co-host The View on April 21 at 11 AM EST.
No word on whether these ladies will talk about politics, changing tables, or potlucks.
After all, remember what happened during the Future First Ladies Debate.
Labels: cindy mccain, laura bush, media, morning shows, politics, republican, the view, today show, women
RE: Knowledge is the New Status Symbol.
Knowledge is the new status symbol.
Everyone today wants more and more and more information. We can't get enough. We pride ourselves on finding the best deal, the most exotic vacation, the cheapest iPod, the fantastic hotel no one else knows about, the most comfortable seat on a specific model of airplane, the exact calories in a McDonald's Big Mac, and so on. And in spite of their often-overwhelming schedule of commitments, women tend to be even more committed to being educated before making a buying decision.
Find a way to help a woman achieve the status of knowing something unique and useful--especially if she knows it before her friends--and you will have captured her heart and most likely her pocketbook. Hmmm. This begins to sound a little like the pissing contests men conduct with each other. Only, the typical pissing contest centers around material goods--the old-line method of achieving status--and often requires lots of money. Knowledge status doesn't. And though the toys required to get more of it and get it faster (like the Sony Ericsson mobile phones that allow Google Mobile searches from any screen) do fall into the goods category, the knowledge itself requires mainly your time and creativity.
The Internet has truly leveled the playing field for women in many ways. As informed consumers who make 80% of all buying decisions and influence or directly control $7 trillion in purchasing power--from the brand of peanut butter to the HVAC equipment in a woman's home and business. As members of society who want to acquire and share stories about their knowledge -- women can now do so easily through the power of the web.
Labels: Google, Google mobile search, knowledge as status symbol, knowledge is power, Sony Ericsson, women's buying power
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
RE: Wired Introduces Alternative to AP StyleBook Standards
It's high time - Wired Magazine is introducing a (much needed) alternative to AP (whoa - way too old fashioned) Stylebook Standards. According to Wired's Editor, Evan Hanson, their proposed Standards will go beyond language, grammar, and usage to highlight anti-spam techniques, online community standards, SEO-PR tips, and appropriate digital technology behavior (Take that @ 1938media on Twitter!).
Drum rolls, not eye-rolls, warranted.
Thumbs up from RE:INVENTION.
RE: Let's Network Ladies!
As a women-owned PR and Marketing Firm, RE:INVENTION is always interested in the many ways that business women can network. And living in Chicago, there are always plenty of opportunities!
On April 22, NAWBO will host their Annual Celebration of Achievement Luncheon at the Hilton Chicago. NAWBO stands for National Association of Women Business Owner and is the voice of America’s women-owned businesses. Since 1975, NAWBO has worked to strengthen the wealth creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; create innovative and effective changes in the business culture; build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations; and transform public policy and influence opinion makers.
The event hosted by Harris and Crain’s Chicago Business will begin at 11 AM and will even feature a chocolate hour (who can pass up chocolate hour?)! The keynote speaker will be Kay Koplovitz who is the founder of USA Network and the first woman network president in television history. She is the author of Bold Women, Big Ideas, which she wrote to inform and inspire women entrepreneurs to create wealth through equity. Koplovitz also created Springboard Enterprises, a national organization that fosters venture capital investments in women-led high growth companies. Other event highlights include the presentation of the Woman Business Owner of the Year and Member of the Year Awards. For more information visit: http://www.nawbochicago.org/events/#Ach.
The second event is the Ladies Who Launch Chicago Live Event, which is co-sponsored by yours truly – RE:INVENTION! Ladies who Launch, founded in 2002, is a for-profit organization that describes itself as "an innovative platform for women interested in broadening their vision in any capacity." The organization serves as an education model and lifestyle network that combines creativity, style, friendship, and fun.
Speakers include Katrina Markoff, owner and chocolatier of Vosges Haut-Chocolat (do I see a theme here?), Debi Lilly, chief eventeur of A Perfect Event (whose following includes Oprah), and Amy Schroeder, founder and editor of internationally distributed magazine, Venus Zine.
Ladies Who Launch Chicago LIVE will take place on May 10 at the Women’s Club of Evanston and will begin at 9 AM. For more information visit: http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/ .
Labels: Crain's Chicago Business, Ladies Who Launch, NAWBO, Networking, Women Business Owners
Monday, April 14, 2008
RE: Star-studded Event Raises Funds and Awareness to End Global Poverty
World leaders, Hollywood actresses, and non-profit activists gathered on April 13 at the unprecedented summit titled Breakthrough: The Women, Faith, and Development Summit to End Global Poverty held at Washington National Cathedral. Highlighting the urgent needs of women around the globe, speakers explored topics ranging from maternal mortality, gender violence, women's advocacy, empowering adolescent girls and preparing women for success.
According to event organizers, this new global effort has catalyzed commitments worth over US $1 billion to empower women and girls and fight global poverty. Corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, have donated to this cause. In their mission statement, Johnson & Johnson’s focus is on making life-changing, long-term differences in human health by targeting the world's major health-related issues. Johnson & Johnson contributed $544.8 million in cash and products to philanthropic causes worldwide in 2006.
UN figures show that women represent 70 percent of the world's poor, own just one percent of titled land, and make up two-thirds of the world's illiterate people. One way to empower women – beyond smart cause marketing initiatives such as this event - give them the tools they need for entrepreneurship. For more on women and necessity entrepreneurship visit this blog post.
Labels: marketing strategy, nonprofit, philanthropy, poverty, women
Thursday, April 10, 2008
RE: Couric on Her Way Out?
Yesterday the Wall Street Journal reported that Katie Couric's time with CBS News Evening News may be coming to an end. Couric began her five-year contract with CBS News in June 2006 to the tune of $15 million a year. The high salary and media speculation added to the high expectations placed on Couric.
If Ms. Couric leaves CBS, she won't have even made it halfway through her five-year contract. But CBS executives are under pressure to cut costs and Ms. Couric's broadcast has often come in third in her time slot behind NBC and ABC.
Since Katie made her debut in primetime news, many have speculated why Katie has not reached the high expectations placed upon her. Of course, the number one reason for most is her gender. It seems the public likes their "girl next door" to deliver sunny news and fluff pieces rather than the hard-hitting news delivered by her male peers.
Yesterday, RE:INVENTION met with Carly Fiorina, Republican National Committee Victory '08 Chairman and one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business. Ms. Fiorina said something in the interview that really resonated – "As a women leader you just have to be realistic that it's different for women...it is...Secondly, I think, you can't let it get to you, you know, you have to accept that it is there. But you can't cause it to change your behavior because the one thing people recognize - I believe - is authenticity. If you get so focused on what people are saying about you that you can't be yourself and connect with people, I think it negatively impacts your leadership capabilities."
What does this tell us about Ms. Couric's situation? Maybe she let the public scrutiny get to her and it impacted how she did her job. But more importantly, I think it tells us that women are still, and may always be viewed differently than men (i.e. people not responding well to Couric delivering hard-hitting news). However, it doesn't mean that we can't still work towards our dreams and goals and that if we keep redirecting people's focus on what we know and can offer and stay true to ourselves…we can still get there. Wherever "there" is for you.
If Couric and CBS part ways there is the possibility that Couric could take over Larry King's job on CNN as reported by the Wall Street Journal. And if so, I will certainly tune in.
Editor Post-Script Note From Loretta: As this post has sparked some debate, I thought that I would list a few of Katie Couric's credentials prior to The Today Show.
- Between 1984 and 1986, she worked as a general-assignment reporter for WTVJ in Miami, Florida.
- In 1987 and 1988, Ms. Couric reported for WRC-TV, an NBC station in Washington, D.C., work which earned her an Associated Press award and an Emmy.
- In 1989, Couric joined NBC News in 1989 as Deputy Pentagon Correspondent.
These are the credentials of a seasoned reporter.
Sources:
CBSNews.com
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/06/eveningnews/bios/main1781520.shtml
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Couric
Labels: carly fiorina, CBS Evening News, Katie Couric, Wall Street Journal
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
RE: Women: the money, the savvy, the power
How's this for news!? "IRS data indicates women comprise 39 percent of the top wealth holders in the U.S." That's people with $625,000 or more in assets. Wow. Can anyone say "financial clout"?
A real estate industry newsletter report says the numbers of young single women buying homes accounts for 22% of U.S. home sales--or a whopping 1.76 million deals in a year (July 2005 to June 2006). And the trend is growing stronger. Inspired by the younger generation, more women are gaining the courage to handle their own financial welfare. More women are determined to become financially independent early on--the idea of Mr. Right showing up and "rescuing" a damsel from independence is rapidly falling out of favor--and are less afraid of investing when it feels "right" to them.
In the 38 years since 1970, women have grown from a tiny 1% minority to a solid 50% of business travelers. And hotel owners and marketers, guess what gender the majority of corporate meeting planners are? Yep, women like to choose hotels that treat women big shots and guests with the special things, like personal services, that make traveling less stressful for their female clients.
Labels: corporate meeting planners, marketing to women, marketing trends, Mr. Right, women finances, women travelers, young single women home buyers
RE: More From Today's Interview with Carly Fiorina
Today RE:INVENTION's team had the pleasure of meeting with Republican National Committee Victory '08 Chairwoman, sought after speaker, author, and former Hewlett-Packard Chairwoman and CEO, Ms. Carly Fiorina. 
Ms. Fiorina, a law school dropout at age 23, went on to become one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business and the first female CEO of a Fortune 20 company (HP). She is an entrepreneur in her own right, running her own business, Carly Fiorina Enterprises, with two employees. She's been increasingly active in politics working with President Bush and Governor Schwarznegger, the Department of Defense and the CIA. Earlier this year, Ms. Fiorina became Victory Chairman of the RNC, and it is generally expected that she will assume a "Secretary of ---" role under Senator John McCain should he be elected, or eventually run for California governor. Ms. Fiorina has been outspoken about government and corporation aversion to risk, stereotypes of women in media, and the definition of failure.
Here is a transcript of today's interview:
Q. You didn't just break the glass ceiling - you obliterated it. What do you think were the keys to your success in corporate America?
A. Well, I guess what I would say...well, let me start by saying...I didn't expect to become a CEO, I started out as a secretary. I didn't expect to become involved in politics either and I say that because I think that sometimes the key to success is not to think of a far away goal, but to deal with the opportunities and challenges that are right in front of you and to deal with those the best way you can. People assume that I had a career plan to become a CEO - I didn't. But I took jobs that were interesting, which generally meant that they were challenging. Challenging jobs mean that there is risk associated with them – you can succeed or you can fail. You have to learn new things and I think that willingness to tackle challenges, to be willing to take risks, to not be afraid of the opportunity to learn new things...I think those are important.
Q. You've talked about risk aversion in the government though, and even said that companies "rise and fall" based on their ability to deal with change. As a leader, how do you measure risk aversion -- how do you know whether or not you are doing the right things?
A. Well, it's a really interesting question, given the credit crisis that's going on because the genesis of the credit crisis was a whole bunch of people...really smart, banker, investor types who measured risk wrong. You know, they thought...risks were less than they really were. I think you're talking about it at a more elemental level. But I guess what I would say is all organizations resist change - all organizations do. It's human nature to resist change even though we say we want it - when it comes right down to it, most people would prefer to keep doing what they know then to try new things. So I think in order to drive change or to encourage people to take risks, you must first understand that people are afraid of change in many ways - no matter how loudly they talk about it. Which is why I think change requires vision. It requires the ability to communicate why change is important and why where you're going is better than where you're leaving. But it also takes guts and courage because you have to push through resistance. There's plenty of resistance to change in big bureaucracy - be it government or business.
Q. You've become such an esteemed expert on social and information technology. What are some technology initiatives that you think our government or, if he is elected, Senator John McCain, could be undertaking to better connect citizens, create a new level of transparency, and improve our country's competitiveness?
A. It's a really important question. First of all, John McCain is a guy who appreciates the importance of innovation and that's actually the subject upon which I first met him back in 2000. I was talking with him about the Internet and how we should think about it. In particular, whether or not we should tax it. I start with innovation because its innovation that grows economies. But it's also innovation that keeps organizations vibrant, whether it's a bureaucracy in Washington D.C. or elsewhere. The problem is to your previous question, an innovated environment requires risk taking; it has to celebrate risk-taking and a lot of times what is celebrated in a bureaucracy is safety - not risk-taking. The good news is that all organizations, particularly government organizations, are now becoming more transparent and accountable, whether they want to or not, because there is so much information about them available to everyone else. This is a question now of embracing what technology permits instead of resisting it. I know that sounds fundamental, but you know, think about the information that pours out now on every government organization. You can't keep things secret anymore, there's too much information that gets out there, but I think there are some very creative ways of using technology to remind the government bureaucracy that it's the people they serve.
Q. Such as?
A. Well, such as, if you look at some of the things that have been done in state government, you know, let's start with something really basic like automating their driver license removal process. Its' sooo fundamental and yet, it cuts huge amounts of waste and bureaucracy out of the system and more than that, it causes citizens to say "well, thank goodness that I don't have to stand in line for ten hours" and it influences their opinion of the government concerns for them and I think we need to do more of that in Washington - but it will be very difficult. Which is why as someone who has lead change many times, I believe in order to change Washington you got to have somebody who knows it and knows where the bodies are buried because it's hard to change something you don't understand.
Q. You've suggested that media often focused on your gender, appearance, and personality - instead of your results and decision making skills. From a woman's perspective -- uh strike that -- from a leader’s perspective -- what are some things that Senator Clinton or Speaker Nancy Pelosi or you in this political environment can do to combat some of those media stereotypes - their tendency to focus on gender or personality in interviews? Is there something women leaders can do to redirect Media towards focusing on our results and decision making?
A. As a woman leader you just have to be realistic that it's different for women...it is, as cleavage gate with Hilary Clinton amply demonstrates. Secondly, I think, you can't let it get to you, you know, you have to accept that it is there. But you can't cause it to change your behavior because the one thing people recognize - I believe - is authenticity. If you get so focused on what people are saying about you that you can't be yourself and connect with people, I think it negatively impacts your leadership capabilities. But what I think we need to do is when necessary, have a sense of humor about it, when asked, be honest about it, say "yep, it's true, it's different." And keep refocusing people on the substance of the argument, "okay, great! You love my shoes, now let's get back to taxation policy." Or whatever it is, you know.
Kirsten: And then bridging to your key messages...
Carly: Yeah, what matters to people.
Q. When people talk about the Republican Party in general, they often times say, "Well, Republicans don't understand women's issues, they don't care about women's issues." They're focused on the war and the economy, but they're not concerned about work/family balance, the Family and Medical Leave Act, child care, health care for mothers and children, the women's small biz procurement act. In your perspective, what are some of the things that John McCain and the Republican Party are doing or plan to do for women – both working women and stay-at-home moms?
A. Well first of all, the fact that women have that perception of the Republican Party is a problem that we have to address head on. You know, perception is reality. One of the things that I've been very explicit about is that one of my roles as Victory '08 Chairman is to reach out to people who may not think of the Republican Party as their party. So let's talk about women's issues. The fundamental difference between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party is the Republican Party wants to put money, power, choice, and control in the hands of people. The Democratic Party wants to put money, power, choice, and control in the power of the government. And I think those are very stark differences. So on the subject of healthcare for example, John McCain wants to be sure that healthcare is affordable and accessible to everyone. But he would put money into the hands of a woman through a tax credit, for example, and give that woman the power to make her own choice of 1. Who insurance carrier is 2. Where she gets her prescription drugs and 3. What clinic she walks into. He would not put the money, power, choice, and control in the hands of government to mandate the situation. In terms of small business, most small businesses today file income tax on the personal tax schedule, not the corporate tax schedule. Well, if you are a small business and your taxes are going to go out, that has an impact on your ability to create jobs. So in other words, we have to speak to people in terms they understand and that are responsive to their most basic issues and concerns. And if we don't do that shame on us as a party.
Q. Let's talk a little about the Republican Party and young people and YOU being a business leader and you potentially, eventually, oh, I don’t know running for office yourself...
A. Well right now, I'm just campaigning.
Q. A lot of young people out there are very apathetic about politics. What's the message to them from the Republican Party - from you as a business leader to young people? How can we encourage young people to get more involved in politics and how can they be inspired to pursue a future career in politics?
A. Well, first let me start off by saying, I have never campaigned. I have never publically endorsed a candidate before. And when I was a young person I voted - but I was pretty apathetic about politics. So I understand why people are because you have grown up with the right to vote so you take it for granted, or you might think "gee it doesn't really matter if I vote." But what I have come to learn is, it really does matter and we have had elections over the last couple of cycles where it has been so close, that I think anyone could look at the results and say "you know what, a couple 100 votes actually mattered in terms of a very significant outcome." But what I would also say is this particular election matters a lot because the differences are very clear. Whatever people's politics are.. the differences in terms of philosophy decisions that will be made if John McCain is in the White House or one of the Democratic candidates is in the office - those differences are stark. Is it higher taxes or lower taxes? Is it free trade or protected? Is it healthcare mandated by the government or is it healthcare you are permitted to choose? It really does matter and I guess the last thing I would say is it is pretty fun. It is fun being out there with people from all walks of life and hearing what is of interest and importance to them. This is what makes this country great.
Q. More fun than corporate America?
A. It's different. But for me it's fun because I'm learning something new. Although it does have some characteristics of a Proxy Battle by the way. (laughs) When you're going around the country trying to win every single vote! So it's not totally foreign to me, but corporate America is its own world in many ways and one of the great things bout politics is you get to learn from all different kinds of worlds. Although we are all Americans exercising our right to vote.
Q. There's been talk about you running for California governor. Is running for a political office in your future?
A. I've learned in my life never say never. My life has been so unexpected in so many ways that I've learned that anything is possible, so sure, maybe that will be too.
Q. You dropped out of law school when you were 23, sort of a first "failure" ...but hey, failures are good. What advice do you give, not just to women, or young people, but to anyone, about how to bounce back from a failure, battle, or challenge that didn't turn out how you planned? What are some of the things that you would recommend to change direction or change paths and be a come-back kid?
A. How you define failure is really important. You see, I think as long as you are choosing and acting, you are not failing. That doesn't mean that you don't make mistakes. I've made plenty of mistakes. Things sometimes turn out differently than you plan, you know, that's life. Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect it to. Life would be really boring if it always turned out exactly the way we planned. I don't consider being fired a failure because it came as a result of some very clear choices that I made that I knew the consequences of. So I think it's all about: do you view your self as a victim - things are happening to me? - or do you view your self as a person of action? I choose not to go to law school anymore because it was no longer exciting to me. I choose to stand up to two board members and say this behavior is unacceptable - either you change the behavior or you are going to change me. As long as you learn the lessons and there are always lessons to be learned and you don't make the same mistake twice and as long as you're acting and feeling in charge of your own destiny - that's what life is all about.
Q. What other things do you want RE:INVENTION blog readers to know, our friends, our network in business to know, about John McCain, you, your book?
A. Well, one of the things I would say is... everyone is afraid of something. And I bring that up, because I believe for many, self-esteem is one of the biggest barriers, for women in particular. And (low self-esteem) is something women struggle to overcome. And I think sometimes women convince themselves that "I'm afraid and nobody else is and because I'm afraid I can't do something." Everybody is afraid of something - everyone. And you make progress in life, whatever your challenges are, by overcoming your fears. That's one thing I've learned. The other thing I've learned is what matters the most is character and integrity and judgment and authenticity. Those are the things that guide a person through their life and will help keep them on the right path. And those are the things that attracted me to John McCain. I think he is a man of extraordinary authenticity and character and judgment and perspective. I think those things matter.
Q. So you want all of us to go out and vote for McCain? (laughs)
A. I want people to go out and vote no matter what. I would like most of all, for them to go out and vote for Jon McCain. But if they don't want to vote for John McCain they still ought to vote.
Q: Thank you for giving us this opportunity to meet with you today, Ms. Fiorina.
A. Well, thank you.
# # #
Video clips will be loaded onto YouTube later this week...
RE: Ms. Carly Fiorina (Kinda, Sorta) Announces Intentions to Run for Office.
Today RE:INVENTION's team had the pleasure of meeting with Republican National Committee Victory '08 Chairwoman, sought after speaker, author, and former Hewlett-Packard Chairwoman and CEO, Ms. Carly Fiorina.
Ms. Fiorina shared her thoughts on using social and information technology to connect citizens and improve our country's competitiveness...suggested ways that female leaders can overcome media stereotypes and scrutiny about gender and appearance...and outlined Senator John McCain's positions on "stereotypical women's issues" (healthcare, the women's small business procurement program, the Family and Medical Leave Act, work/family balance). We'll soon be publishing our full interview with video clips, but wanted to share an excerpt:
RE:INVENTION: There's been talk about you running for California governor. Is running for a political office in your future?
MS. FIORINA: I've learned in my life never say never. My life has been so unexpected in so many ways -- I've learned anything is possible. So sure –- maybe that will happen too.
More to come!
Labels: california, carly fiorina, CEO, Chicago, mccain, politics, RNC, victory, women
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
RE: Advice for Ann Taylor.
On this morning's Today Show, former full-time mom Marilu Henner shared thoughts about her eighth book, "Wear Your Life Well," an inspiring guide to making your life work for you, whatever your age or condition. Perhaps she would be a good spokesperson for failing Ann Taylor, downgraded recently by Piper Jaffray from a buy to a neutral rating. Like many retailers, Ann missed fourth quarter targets and has been slipping most of the year.
Ann Taylor's flagship brand "Celebrations" and "Collection" lines are not redeeming the brand. Neither are their Behind the Scenes with Supermodel Petra Nemcova runway videos, Body Care beauty line, or European contest getaways. Ann Taylor Loft didn't do the trick, as the "little sister brandlet" also suffered double-digit traffic declines during fourth quarter.
Poor Ann. Last month, Ann Taylor Marketing VP Jennifer Goodman Linn departed for Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids.
In the spirit of another classic and formidable Ann, Ann Landers, think of this as an advice column for Ann Taylor in reverse.
********
Dear Ann:
With much respect, you are never going to attract the upscale shopper or young hipsters. Embrace who you are. With a little creativity, you might reinvent yourself among moms. Moms deserve to be recognized as resilient, resourceful heroes.
- There are 82.5 million moms in the U.S.
- For the first time in history, four generations of mothers comprise the Mom Market
- 11,000 new moms enter the market every day
- 80% of moms have watched an online video in the last week
- 87% of moms read blogs
- According to the new Women and Digital Media Lifestyles Study, women lead men in visiting social media sites and women between the ages 35-50 are the fastest growing segment on social networks. And guess what - the largest group of single moms are 35 to 44
- 90% of mothers use the same products at home and the office
- 6 million moms own their own business
- 88% of mothers refer to themself as "Household CFO"
- Moms have a high "get it" factor, they are highly connected, they understand what is important to other moms, and they screen their purchases twice
Laura Bennett once advised work at home moms to: "Get dressed everyday a little bit nicer than you would have and see if it makes a difference in your day. See if you feel better." What great advice - and it should have come from Ann.
Now remember Suave really angered women when their ads declared that "89% of moms have let themselves go" -- don't make that same mistake. Better to compliment and acknowledge multi-tasking moms for the efforts they are making. And remember that today's moms are a diverse group - old and young, single and married, ethnic and non-ethnic, surprisingly uber-educated, working for the man and self-employed.
Here's a step in the right direction: Ann Taylor Loft Maternity. Already generating buzz among current and future moms.
We believe in you Ann. Stay in the game. Start honoring Moms for being More Than Mom, in a nontraditional, non mom-centric way. Think about lifestyle not just style. And start exploring Social Media and Web 2.0.
With Admiration,
The Team at RE:INVENTION
Labels: Ann Taylor, Marilu Henner, marketing trends, Mom, Mothers, PR, Suave
RE: Spring Cleaning? Donate a Used Suit to Empower Women!
Contributing your used suits can not only help create much needed room in your closet, it can also aid in improving chances for disadvantaged women to create greater economic independence for their families. This is what the worldwide organization Dress for Success aims to do and you can easily take part by offering your used suit to any of their 85 worldwide locations. Moreover, you can be eligible for tax deductions if you keep the proper documentation.
Dress for Success is an international nonprofit that helps underprivileged women by providing professional apparel and programs for career development. You can further the cause by coordinating an office-wide suit drive. Not only does it feel good, it is also smart business strategy for employee retention.
According to the Cone Millennial Cause Study in 2006, 64% of those interviewed say their company’s social and charitable activities make them feel loyal to their employer.
NOTE: Dress for Success Worldwide Gala Something to Share will be held on April 9, 2008 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.
Labels: business strategy, Dress for Success, employee retention, nonprofit
Monday, April 07, 2008
RE: Sk*rt: Social Bookmarking for Women.
Monday morning means guest posts on RE:INVENTION's blog. Today we feature Heather Johnson, freelance writer, and her new Social Media news tip...
Heather Johnson On Sk*rt: Social Bookmarking for Women.
Though it is still the new kid on the block,
Sk*rt is quickly proving to be one of most popular social bookmarking sites on the Web. Many people are referring to it as "
Digg for Chicks," though I think that does a disservice to the site.
Sk*rt stands on its own against the Diggs, the
Reddits and the
Farks of the world. While women can certainly belong to those other sites, they often have to wade through a slew of disgruntled fanboys in order to find what they're really looking for.
In a very crafty move,
Sk*rt does not come out and call itself a female social media site. However, it is operated by a team of female editors and the main categories include:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Design & Crafts
- Family & Parenting
- Fashion & Style
- Food & Home
- Internet & Technology
- Mind, Body & Spirit
- Travel & Leisure
- World & Business
...not to mention, the name of site certainly implies who it's intended for.
I've seen niche social media sites come and go over the past few years and this is the first female-centric bookmarking site to really take off. There seems to be a very active and diverse community here, making it one of the leading new places to market sites and products to women.
Though niche sites often die a quick death, as I said, Sk*rt's business plan seems shrewd and ad revenue appears to be hopping. So, it looks like those "other" bookmarking sites have some real competition to deal with now. Personally, I find it refreshing to surf a bookmarking site that isn't riddled with Apple vs. Microsoft flamewars. And, as an Internet marketer, Sk*rt is now high on my list of resources.
Heather P. Johnson is a freelance writer, as well as a contributor for Credit Card Lowdown, a site for finding credit card reviews. Connect with Heather at: heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.RE:INVENTION says: Ever try to digg anything related to women's issues? Digg is a male-dominated world. Give
the girls behind the Sk*rt a chance.
Have something you want to share or say? Interested in being a Guest Monday blogger on RE:INVENTION? Send us your tips and ideas. Labels: bookmarking, digg, farks, marketing trends, reddit, sk*rt, Social Media
Friday, April 04, 2008
RE: Speaking of voice recognition
We were talking about "what women really want" in an earlier post. One of the dream items was voice recognition that really works. Why is that? Well, because women are the master multitaskers. Women can be performing three things at once and still remember they're supposed to do X tomorrow or next week. And if the three things they're doing happen to be things like 1) driving, 2) watching for photo-enforced intersections so they won't get a ticket, and 3) glancing at the map with directions she printed out so she could find the destination of her next appointment, the problem with remembering something else at that moment is that she has no way to write this thing down--let alone transfer it into her task/time management program.
Well, we're getting a little closer to that dream. Enter Jott.com, a handy little online program that translates your spoken thoughts into email (and/or text) reminders. The way it works is you designate your cell phone to be your Jott reminder tool. Then when you're doing those three other things and remember something important, you simply press the speed dial you've set up for Jott (the letter J seems like a logical choice), tell it who you want to send a note to (yourself or any other party you've set up in advance), it asks you when (today, tomorrow, etc.), what time (9, 10, 11), what M (a.m. or p.m.), and what you want to say (e.g. "call Joe Smith about catering"). And voila! When you get back to your desk, or download your email to your cell phone, you've got a neat little email with your message right there in the subject line.
It says you can also set it to remind you of the appointment. I did that for a call I'm supposed to make this morning. It hasn't happened yet, so I can't tell you how that works. You can also keep your to-do lists right on the Jott site if you want. But either way, you'll have that email reminder that you can transfer to your own system if you want.
I'm guessing women are going to be the biggest users of Jott. And if they're smart, they'll market this like mad to us busy women.
Labels: appointment reminder, email reminder, jott, market to women, multitask
Thursday, April 03, 2008
RE: Wal-Mart Rethinks its Latest Court Battle
Perhaps Wal-Mart read our blog from last Friday. After much negative publicity, Wal-Mart has decided not to seek out the reported $417,000 from Debbie Shank after all. This decision comes after much scrutiny and criticism from both media and consumers.
Wal-Mart's top executive for human resources, Pat Curran, wrote that Shank's extraordinary situation had made the company re-examine the situation.
"Occasionally others help us step back and look at a situation in a different way. This is one of those times," Curran wrote in the letter.
As we stated last week, Wal-Mart has not always made the best PR moves and the more often these types of situations occur, the more difficult it will be for Wal-Mart to be viewed favorably. This latest news is however is a step in the right direction. And for that we give kudos to Wal-Mart.
RE: Hop Online to Women's Hubs.
Radar reports that former Vanity Fair and New Yorker editor Tina Brown plans to partner with InterActiveCorp's Barry Diller to launch her own news aggregator website. According to Radar, Tina is doing so because she is "jealous of her friend Arianna Huffington's success with the Huffington Post." Alright - not a direct quote - we take some paraphrasing liberties - but STILL.
Leave it to media to try to turn it into a chick catfight. Perhaps Tina has read the research and is simply making a smart business decision. According to the new Women and Digital Media Lifestyles Study, released this week by Solutions Research Group, women lead men in visiting social media sites, DVR use, watching streaming TV shows, and casual gaming.
The New York Times recently reported that the Huffington Post is worth $200 million -- more than $50 a visitor based on current site traffic. Of course this has spurred fierce debates about the "Internet Newspaper's" actual valuation.
RE: Girls Going Places.
Interesting Fact of the Day:
According to Worldwide ERC, an association that focuses on worker relocation, women's careers now account for one-third of corporate job transfers and relocations -- double the level of the mid-1990s.
Research studies have suggested that the adjustment period and return to productivity following a move is considerably longer in duration for executive women than their male counterparts. The surprising reason why? In addition to family concerns, a woman must find a new hair stylist, a manicurist, and a sundry list of other personal service providers.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
RE: What Small Biz Owners Want: Dreamy and Desirable.
From BusinessWeek, freelancer Gene Mark proffers five apps deemed most dreamy and desirable by small business owners. His five:
1. Google Reports
2. Computers that Just Turn On
3. Immediate Data on the Web
4. RFID Already
5. Voice Recognition that Actually Works
Ahh. Shades of MyDreamapp. Remember the MyDreamApp competition? Just a little reminder of a great small biz marketing campaign idea for Facebook, Microsoft, Intuit, and Apple. :)
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
RE: Latina Magazine Inspires Beyonce to Go Green.
In a September 2007 Latina Magazine interview, beautiful Beyonce quipped: "I'm jealous that I wasn't born Latina." Today's news should turn Beyonce even greener with envy...
LATINA Style Magazine, a magazine for Latina women and Latina women business owners, will kick off the 2008 LATINA Style Business Series 10 Year Anniversary Tour in Anaheim on Friday April 11. High profile Latino women leaders will be on hand including: Maria de Lourdes "Lulu" Sobrino, Founder & CEO of Lulu's Desserts; Theresa Ynzunza, National President of National Latina Business Women's Association; and Martha Montoya, President of Los Kitos Entertainment, LLC. Event sponsors include Macy's, Sam's Club, State Farm, and Wal-Mart.
Latina women entrepreneurs are a rapidly-growing business segment. According to a 2006 Center for Women's Business Research study, Hispanic women-owned businesses grew by nearly 121 percent between 1997 and 2006. Hispanic women business owners report a greater incidence of immediate family - spouse, children or parents - involvement in their businesses. Although Latina women business owners self-report greater barriers to capitalization versus Caucasian women business owners, events like this one sponsored by Latina Magazine are inspiring confidence and forging opportunities.
Yes - we took a few liberties with this blog headline. Hey - can you blame us? Celeb mentions help with blog search engine optimization!
Labels: beyonce, entrepreneurs, Hispanic Women, Latina, Macy's, Montoya, NFWBO, Sobrino, State Farm, Wal-Mart, Ynzunza
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