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Chic Perspectives

Business Advisor Elizabeth Gordon interviews Bonnie Ross-Parker, CEO/Founder of The Joy of Connecting, and The Latina Joy of Connecting, and Joy of Connecting Licensees – Annette Walden Mason, of Painted Lady, Enterprises and Carole McNichol of Kylen Financials Inc. on The Chic Perspectives Show

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JOC on Chic Perspectives

Today on the Chic Perspectives Show, we shined the Chic Spotlight on The Joy of Connecting.  My guests were Bonnie Ross-Parker, CEO/Founder of The Joy of Connecting, and The Latina Joy of Connecting,  and 2 of the many Joy of Connecting Licensees – Annette Walden Mason, of Painted Lady, Enterprises and Carole McNichol of Kylen Financials Inc.

Bonnie – A seasoned speaker/author and creator of a national/non-membership organization called The Joy of Connecting.  With 27+ years of networking experience, Bonnie’s focus is to support entrepreneurial women, professionals and business owners with her customer acquisition/marketing model.

Annette Walden Mason has a background in customer service and sales.  She is a marketing solutions consultant, entrepreneur, speaker, and facilitator. Her company is Painted Lady, Enterprises. She helps businesses with their relationship marketing both online and off line.  Annette is also one of the contributors for the book ‘42 Rules for Effective Connections.’

Carole McNichol is a Financial Adviser with Kylen Financials with over 22 years experience in the insurance and financial services, specializing in helping women to feel comfortable with their finances and empowering them to take charge of their financial future. Carole currently holds the following licenses series 7, 65, 63, variable, life and health.

Bonnie talked about how she identified a need in the market for Joy of Connecting while at Mail Boxes Etc. and why she decided to move forward with the business – 8 years later it is thriving and growing.


With so much emphasis on on-line marketing, or ‘social media’ as many people call it, Carole talked about why she thinks it’s important to also have off-line marketing.


It is very important for businesspeople to have off-line marketing in addition to an online strategy. The industry that Carole serves does not allow me to do any social media to advertise her business. It is a highly regulated industry and all print advertising must go through compliance.  Seminars that have been her largest marketing tool – and with all the networking and connections she makes through The Joy of Connecting – she’s been packing the room at her seminars.

Annette talked about some of the off-line opportunities available today – There are lots, BNI (Business Network International),  The local chambers of commerce, PowerCore, and a number of local types of groups both open and closed.  The ladies talked about what make the Joy of Connecting experience so unique in comparison.

Bonnie touched on some of the differences between the genders when it comes to networking.

Bonnie, explained why she decided to add another networking venue to the marketplace.  Even though there were already several women’s organizations in place, with The Joy of Connecting, the format, style and flexibility make it a truly differentiated opportunity to meet new people in a way that fits a busy woman’s schedule.

Since the ladies are involved with The Joy of Connecting – they described how the meetings work and what they each derive from participating.

Carole talked about how The Joy of Connecting has been and continues to be a unique marketing tool for her. She has used it as a way to gather an audience to market her financial seminars. Instead of trying to sell to her networking group  she asks the women to help her invite other women for an educational fun event. By giving these events it as made a significant difference to her business. She has also helped women within her group by helping them to showcase their expertise within the events.

The more we talked about the benefits of this connecting experience, it’s apparent just how special it is.  Layers upon layers of benefits.

Annette said that what she most wanted was to develop relationships with other entrepreneurial women.  Over the years these relationships have helped to grow her business and have also turned into wonderful friendships.  It is a warm and nurturing environment.  Women who are just starting a business and come to a Joy of Connecting always commit about how at ease they felt.

Carole talked more about some of the benefits for women to participate at a Joy of Connecting event.

Annette, added in some great Zig Ziglar wisdom – reminding us that   - People want to do business with people they know like and trust.  It’s about building the relationship.  She related networking to what Zig Ziglar says about motivation and taking a bath….you can’t do it just once and expect it to last.  She recommended finding places you feel comfortable networking and keep going on a regular basis.

Bonnie explained more about the licensing opportunity for someone wants to own a license and offer The Joy of Connecting in her community, the first thing she should do is check out the information on the website and fill out an application to be part of this great organization.

We talked about the reach and ripple effect The Joy of Connecting has had on Atlanta business community and far beyond.

LIsten to the replay and visit the websites to find out more about these fabulous ladies and The Joy of Connecting with them.   www.TheJOYofConnecting.com, www.TheLatinaJOYofConnecting.com and www.BonnieRossParker.com

Annette:  Website – www.PaintedLadyEnterprises.com

Blog www.PaintedLadyMusings.com

Twitter – PaintedLady1 – www.Twitter.com/PaintedLady1

Facebook – PaintedLady – www.Facebook.com/PaintedLady

Carole: www.kylenfinancials.com

Thanks so much for tuning in to hear how these ladies are succeeding and style and get their Chic Tips on how you can too.

Thanks for listening and thank you to my lovely guests.

I’ll talk to you next week.


Stay Chic !

Elizabeth

Bestselling author of The Chic Entrepreneur, Elizabeth Gordon, asks successful entrepreneurs Julie Sue Auslander of cSubs, Lindsey Peddar of Beauty Ticket, and Jacqueline Edelberg of How to Walk to School to share their Chic Tips

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This week on the Chic Perspectives Show I had on Julie Sue Auslander  President, Chief Cultural Officer of cSubs, LLC (CSMS), Lindsey Peddar founder of Beauty Ticket and BeautyTicket.com and  Jacqueline Edelberg Author of How to Walk to School


Business Advisor Elizabeth Gordon interviews Julie Sue Auslander of cSubs, Lindsey Peddar of Beauty Ticket, and Jacqueline Edelberg of How to Walk to School on the Chic Perspectives Show

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This week on the Chic Perspectives Show I had on Julie Sue Auslander  President, Chief Cultural Officer of cSubs, LLC (CSMS), Lindsey Peddar founder of Beauty Ticket and BeautyTicket.com and  Jacqueline Edelberg Author of How to Walk to School

First in line was Jacqueline Edelberg who wrote the book, How to Walk to School: Blueprint for a Neighborhood School Renaissance (Foreword by Arne Duncan and Afterword by Rahm Emanuel).

Jacqueline has been the driving force behind the Nettelhorst School’s dramatic turn around, a story that has been featured on Oprah and Friends, NPR, CNN, 60 Minutes, Education Weekly, and in the local Chicago media.

A community organizer, writer, and nationally recognized fine artist, Jacqueline has led workshops for the Community Schools Initiative, Northside Parents Network, and Chicago Public Schools on how public schools and reformers can improve public education.


Her influential book has a very simple message: Every kid, in every community, deserves a great neighborhood public school. Jacqueline led eight moms in a Chicago diner to make our dreams come true. They succeeded because they treated the school like a business start-up.


The Library journal had this to say about the book and the blueprint it lays out.:

“This is a fascinating account of the collaboration between a public school principal, Kurland, the parents of young children considering her elementary school, and the community that transformed a failing public school into an outstanding and revitalized one. In the face of disastrous, widespread public school system failures across America, parent dissatisfaction, and teacher despair, the Chicago-based Nettlehorst School’s success story is a beacon. Edelberg, one of the Nettlehorst parents, and Kurland offer educators hope that change can happen in any public school, given the right mix of parent-teacher patience, willpower, community involvement, pluck, creativity, collaboration, and ability to overcome adversity. They provide a blueprint that schools can use for revitalization projects, detailing, for instance, how to procure donations from area businesses and to ask questions that will get answers about difficult educational problems such as coping with dysfunctional and unsatisfactory teaching. VERDICT: This book is essential reading for all elementary school parents and teachers, especially those who have lost their faith in the American public school system and are looking for ways to improve it. Here are solutions and inspiration.”

You can take a virtual tour to see the transformation @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPZr6BYJSGc

Jacqueline shared her about when she and a friend ventured inside Nettelhorst, their neighborhood’s underutilized and struggling public elementary school, the new principal asked what it would take for us to enroll our children.

Stunned by her candor, we returned the next day armed with an extensive wish list. The principal read our list and said “Well, let’s get started, girls! It’s going to be a busy year…”

They were eight park moms who galvanized neighborhood parents and then organized an entire community to take a leap of faith, transforming a challenged urban school into one of Chicago’s best, virtually overnight.

If eight park moms could pull their little neighborhood school out of its twenty-five year nose-dive, surely other driven parents could do the same thing.

Jacqueline’s work is sparking the possibilities for a national grassroots school reform movement that would pull us all out of the giant mess we’re in, now wouldn’t that be something?

Check out the whole story at www.howtowalktoschool.com
or listen to NPR’s Chicago Matters piece:
http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=2055
or her other NPR interview:
http://kcurstream.umkc.edu/walt/WALT_1-13-2010.mp3

and “Never doubt that a group of small thoughtful citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”–Margaret Mead

Next up on the Chic Perspectives Show was Emerging Entrepreneur Lindsay Pedder, CEO BeautyTicket.com

Laid-off from an executive position at a premium skin care company (and seven months pregnant), Lindsay used her new found time, beauty background and business school education to start BeautyTicket.com a discount site for Premium Beauty Brands.  BeautyTicket.com  just celebrated its first anniversary and is projecting aggressive growth for year two.

Lindsay talked about

While not quite as risky as being an entrepreneur, being an employee is risky too

Network, network, network

A good business plan is key to understanding what you are trying to do

Follow the business plan but allow for flexibility

Know how you are going to make money

Understanding the market, the customer and the space is key to being competitive

It was harder to start without investors but worthwhile in the long run

If you have a partner make sure it is the right one

The family work life balance is more intense as an entrepreneur but far more rewarding

www.BeautyTicket.com

Twitter @beauty_ticket

And finally was Julie Sue Auslander is an established women business owner, bordering on Expert, (25 years of success) in the Professional Services arena.

Julie Sue Auslander is President and Chief Cultural Officer of cSubs, LLC (CSMS), where she guides Inc. Magazine’s 5000 to reduce their spends 15-20% on publications, memberships, site licenses and online services.

Julie spoke with a unique perspective and wit on innovation, leadership, targeting a market, building a customer base; customer loyalty, systematizing processes; the emotions of hiring and firing, taking risks, overcoming fear, and the personal growth that comes with business growth.

Julie has created an employee/client centric eco-system, through an internal culture that fosters total team engagement, believing if given what they need to succeed, her team would channel their own efforts toward a high quality customer experience.

Formerly, Julie Auslander presided over her prior company’s liquidity event to a public company, overseeing a $14 million budget. She sits on the Advisory Board of the Center for Women and 50 Top Women owned Business in New Jersey.

Julie is an expert blogger on FASTCOMPANY (www.fastcompany.com/blog/julie-auslander/company-you-keep). She earned her MA and M.Ed from Columbia University and most recently, was awarded a scholarship to the 2008 tuck-WBENC Executive Program at Dartmouth College.

Julie talked about what makes her company unique: As a woman-owned company, we have found many innovative ways to support the needs of families and honor the individual as we continually inspire growth in our business by serving our clients. Regardless of the challenges experienced in the difficult situations encountered in business life, we actively manage our thoughts, feelings and actions to attract what we want and what our clients need.

At cSubs, we continually recreate our business from an intention of serving. Our strategies used in sales and marketing feel right because we under promise and over deliver. Wanting more from life, working less, finding deep satisfaction, making more money and having fun while accomplishing our goals is our way of life.

All of us at cSubs are rewarded for listening to our inner voice and feeling you’re part of something bigger than yourself. This notion of having a business serve its employees and its customers with ethics that live in our actions not on our mission statement, has become the foundation of my company’s mission and the reason for its success.

Julie Sue Auslander, M.ED, WPO, WBEPRESIDENT / CHIEF CULTURAL OFFICER of CSUBS | Subscriptions Simplified
jsauslander@csubs.com_ www.csubs.com Visit Julie’s blog: http://csubs.com/blogs/jsa
A Service of CSMS, LLCA Nationally Certified Women’s Business Enterprise

Thanks everyone for listening and thank you again to my fabulous Chic Entrepreneur guests.

Remember – Heel to Heel We Rise.

Tune in again next week for more Chic Perspectives on women succeeding with style.

Elizabeth


Business Advisor Elizabeth Gordon interviews Gail Dunn of Women’s Automotive Connection and Anne Fleming of Women-Drivers.com on the Chic Perspectives Show

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This week on the Chic Perspectives Show I had on Gail Dunn, President of Women’s Automotive Connection, Inc  www.womensautomotiveconnection.com and Anne Fleming of Women-Drivers.com.

To start with Gail Dunn brought her extensive and varied business background and unique perspective to the Chic Show today.  Gail worked as a Consultant in Organization Development before entering the automotive field in the collision industry. As estimator and body shop manager, Gail has had opportunities to interact with the public extensively regarding their problems with repairs. She is dedicated to the premise that customer service needs to be brought back and the needs of the customers must come first. Gail is I-CAR platinum certified, ASI trained, and has a reputation in the industry for her scrupulous honesty and grim determination.

Gail talked about why she began focusing services on women (even though many of her clients are men).  Women have long been treated with disdain when entering the arena of automotive service, sales and related repairs. Gail intends to reverse that process and elevate the women to the level of astute, competent customers, who will be a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Her company Women’s Automotive Connection gives the customer the recognition and care they deserve.

She helps consumers buy a car and avoid the nerve-wracking hassle that many assume is inevitable in the car buying process.

Gail talked about doing your research. Starting with exactly what you want to purchase. Gathering the information on the cost. Her company can get dealerships fighting over you to sell the car at the lowest price. She can tell you about holdbacks, rebates, and dealer costs that will save you money.

Gail’s Women’s Automotive Connection offers great tips on car maintenance too.  Definately check out the free newsletter as well to up your car savvy – a must for any empowered chic woman.

Did you know how important correct tire pressure is in aiding increased gas mileage?
Or that tires and brakes are your first line of defense ? Or the number one factor in engine performance ?  Gail talked today about how to maintain and get the most out of your car.
» Email Gail to retain her services in buying your next car.

Watch Gail’s video:  http://www.ecstreams.com/omegamedia/wma/wac_02_wmv.asx

Also Check Out ThriveAmerica:  http://thriveamerica.com/video/dunn-right

My next guest was Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate & President, Women-Drivers.com

Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate & President of Women-Drivers.com®, once struggled with negotiating at a car dealership. Now, she has vast knowledge in this area and shares her insights on negotiating and creating the best dealership experience possible.

Anne’s goal is to empower women to take charge of their automotive experience and have it be rewarding each and every visit. Appearing in the Wall Street Journal, ABC News, USA Today, Anne has effectively used social networking to elevate her company to the national spotlight.

Anne talked abut what can women do to empower themselves at the dealership.  Her site www.women-drivers.com allows women to share their voice—write a review and share with family and friends

Listen to learn how you can be empowered at the car dealership.

Make  a contribution to other future women car buyers of your city and write a review.

Anne talked about how to determine what kind of negotiator you are.  Take her Interactive Negotiating Test and find out if you are a Driven Diva, Brazen Babe, Cozy Chic or Virtual Vixen?

Read HER & HIS Car reviews—from two Points of view.

Anne talked about what women experience buying cars and the findings of a new report that compares the car buying experiences of Women over 40 to under 40.  The report reflects the Women Satisfaction Index® scores, or WSI® as well as other data found in the reviews of women’s experiences.

The consumer rating company found that the experience of purchasing a vehicle was less satisfactory for women under 40 than for women over 40. The top line data suggests that women over 40 are more confident, relaxed and expressed when buying a car than their younger counterpart.

Her company research the rating data provide insights and trends regarding the purchase experience at car dealerships.

What the report concludes is that regardless of age, ethnicity or marital status, women want to be treated with respect, spoken to truthfully, and to feel included in the process.

More importantly Anne says women want to feel confident about their ability to make good decisions, in a process that may or may not be familiar to them.

www.women-drivers.com

Friend and follow anne and women drivers on Twitter.com @womendrivers, FaceBook women-drivers.com

Thanks to my fabulous guests and our loyal fans and listeners for following, friending and tuning in.  Talk to you next week.

Chic Success,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Gordon interviews Dave Savage, Inventors Association of GA President, Sue Watson, IP attorney, from SC Watson Law Firm and Inventor Donna Difloe, a Furniture Industry veteran and book author of How to buy furniture on The Chic Perspectives Show

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Today on the Chic Perspectives  show I had on the Inventors Association of Georgia

Joining me in the studio to talk about all things inventive were:

Dave Savage, Inventors Association of GA President (dave@davesavage.com & http://gainventors.org/)

Sue Watson, IP attorney, from SC Watson Law Firm (Scwatsonlawfirm.com )

and Inventor Donna Difloe, a Furniture Industry veteran and book author of How to buy furniture.

Dave Savage is the president of Pres. of the Inventors Assoc. of GA, an organization that’s been in existence for 30 years.  In addition Dave also provides Inventors Advisory Service, family history & story video recording, Microsoft Word shortcuts trainer

45+ singles parties producer, Pre-paid Legal Attorney HMO plans & ID theft restoration, CLEAR 4G Mobile Internet sales, Direct TV satellite program sales, 4G wireless closed circuit TV sales, Alternative Bar & Bat Mitzvah preparation and ceremonies, Asian woodland landscape design, inexpensive home storage solutions, Home Party Support Services, Bartering & connections, resources.

Dave talked about how he teaches inventors to talk about their ideas without disclosing material details and how to get feedback, advice and find the best plan of action to move forward.  There is a lot to learn and be aware of as an inventor and surrounding yourself with those who can give advice, feedback and suggestions is very important in minimizing your losses and maximizing your returns.

Sue Watson of SC Watson Law Firm shared her expertise on Patents, Trademarks, Service Marks and Trade Dress as well as Copyrights, Patent Clearance Analysis, Patent Portfolio Evaluations, Patent Intelligence.

Sue’s firm has extensive experience assisting start-up companies, universities, research foundations, and large, global corporations in achieving significant intellectual property protection.

We discussed the strategic reasons why having a patent portfolio is more powerful and puts you in a better negotiating position than just a single patent.

Sue talked about business model entrepreneurs can use to capitalize on their idea, what to do first and how to avoid rookie mistakes.

Sue shared about the importance of intellectual property protection in order to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced world.   It’s crucial to rapidly protect your intellectual property in order to enhance  your business growth and secure your business success.

She explained how a step-by-step, cost-effective plan in critical for a company to achieve optimum intellectual property protection of their technology.

Donna Difloe shared her success story or how she turned an idea for an innovative and versatile furniture into a flourishing business.

Donna started her own company, Design Dynamic, which became the “umbrella” for product design and development, intellectual property, marketing and speaking and training engagements.


Before going out on her own Donna was the first Exec. Dir. of the Interior Design Society, and also in Chicago, the Product Manager for Kroehler Furniture.

Donna wanted the comfort and fashion of living room furniture for her outdoor patio. So she created and patented drainable, upholstered seating – an industry first.The furniture wears and washes well. It is mildew resistant and it looks as if it would fit in perfectly with a well-decorated living room.

Lane/Venture of Conover, N.C., incorporated Difloe’s drain system into the cushions of a group of wicker furniture called WeatherMaster. Donna’s patented furniture system has been licensed to Laneventure for 20 years.  Love seats and soft wing chairs as well as wicker with cushions in various patterns are available.

—

Got Ideas??

Check out the Inventors Association of Georgia, sign up for the free newsletter and find out more about upcoming meetings and the resources offered – membership privledges provide lot’s of value all for a very affordable price.  http://gainventors.org/

Thanks so much to my fabulous guests Donna Difloe of Design Dynamic, Sue Watson of SC Watson Law Firm and Dave Savage of Inventors Association of Georgia.

Until next time… wishing you all Chic Success,

Elizabeth


Business Advisor Elizabeth Gordon interviews Mollye Rhea, President of For Momentum, Lori Rosen President of The Rosen Group and Managing Partner of Blacksock

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Elizabeth & Mollye

Thanks for tuning in to the Chic Perspectives Show today on Business Radio X where we hear the success stories of women business owners, industry trends and innovative ideas – and help other women business owners put themselves in ‘higher heels’ and ‘succeed in style’- their own personal style.

My first guest joined me in the studio – Mollye Rhea, President and Founder of For Momentum, www.formomentum.com,  in addition to being a successful entrepreneur Mollye is also an expert in the area of cause marketing.

For 25+ years, Mollye Rhea, President of For Momentum, has conceptualized, developed and spearheaded programs for cause and partnership marketing to benefit non-profits and corporations at both national and local levels.

When Mollye Rhea founded her company, For Momentum, in May 2003, she realized that there were very few agencies specializing in cause marketing. Since then, For Momentum has grown to become one of the leading cause marketing firms in the country.

Mollye talked about how she got started in her business by leveraging her broad base of experience  working in advertising, corporate marketing, and nonprofit marketing.

This background created the right synergy for the For Momentum business model.

Mollye talked about how she created For Momentum to strike a better balance with her lifestyle wishes and values.

She selected cause marketing because it is her passion.

For Momentum serves three specific target audiences:

  • Nonprofits who desire to expand their resource base through corporate partnership.
  • Corporations who want to leverage their philanthropic support for expanding their business -- also known as strategic philanthropy,
  • Traditional marketing, advertising and pr agencies who want to round out their full service services with a cause marketing offering.
    • 

     
    

    Mollye talked about what cause marketing is, why it works and how companies do it. 
    

     
    

    CSR are an important part of today’s business model. 
    

     
    

    She talked about how businesses of all sizes are leveraging the power of cause marketing to generate sales, positive PR and community reputation, employee loyalty and affordable solutions are possible — you don’t have to be a huge corporation to make a difference. 
    

     
    

    As entrepreneurs, Mollye said we have the opportunity to establish a business model that matches our lifestyle and life stage needs.
    

     
    

    Her advice to other female business owners — Develop systems that match your business and budgetary needs
    

      

    1. 

        

      • project-based compensation models
        • 

      

        

      • telecommuting business model
        • 

      

        

      • employee-specific definition of “full time”
        • 

      

        

        • 

      

       
      

      You also won’t want to miss Mollye’s “Chic Tip”: As entrepreneurs, we have the opportunity to establish a business model that matches our lifestyle and life stage needs. Don’t let the “conventional models” limit your thinking.  If you have a will, you can make your own way.
      

       
      

      Go to www.formomentum.com and sign up for our Cause Alliances Insights e-publication — found on our website under “News You Can Use”
      

       
      

       
      

      My next guest was Lori Rosen who called into the Chic Perspectives Show from the Big Apple to share her entrepreneurial experiences with us.  Lori is the owner of a public relations firm in New York, The Rosen Group http://www.rosengrouppr.com which celebrated its 25th anniversary in November 2009. 
      

       
      

      Last year, Lori solicited a company in Switzerland, and became Managing Partner of Blacksocks (www.blacksocks.com) NA, a web site that delivers socks by subscription. It’s aimed at busy men, who want the luxury of having socks delivered to them (rather than going to a store) –just when the one sock disappears. Blacksocks is a thriving business in Europe, with 40,000 active customers. 
      

       
      

      Lori talked about operating her PR agency, managing the ebbs and flows in the economic cycles, and how her company has evolved over time.  She also got into wha it was like starting a new business with its own set of challenges in a down market. 
      

      

      

      Blacksocks is run out of the agency-and most of the marketing is done through PR, in addition to google ad word and SEO.  It was interesting to hear Lori talk about how from a PR perspective what’s it like to be both the client and the agency and for the first time, have a very clear understanding from the client’s point of view. 
      

      

      Lori talked about both businesses-owning and operating aspects of a PR agency; and 
      

      what she’s learning from customers about the sock-scription business model, need vs. want, purchasing timing and creating urgency. 
      

      

      Thanks to my wonderful guests for sharing their stories and advice with our ever growing listen base. 
      

      

      Tune in next time for more chic business talk. 
      

      

      Until then… wishing you all Chic Success, 
      


      
Elizabeth 
      
 
		
      
		 
	
      
	 

	
	

      
	
      
		
      Business Advisor Elizabeth Gordon interviews Amber O’Neal, Owner, Café Physique Fitness & Nutrition & Jacqui Rosshandler founder of Jacquean Products & creator of Eat Whatever on the Chic Perspectives Show
      

		 
		
      
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      Elizabeth Gordon & Amber O'Neal
      Elizabeth Gordon & Amber O'Neal
      

      

      My first guest in the studio with me was Amber O’Neal.  Amber is a certified personal trainer & nutrition expert, and the owner of Café Physique, an Atlanta-based fitness & nutrition business. Café Physique specializes in mobile personal training, yoga, pilates and nutrition programs designed to meet the healthy lifestyle needs of clients in the privacy and convenience of their homes. With over 8 years of experience, Amber is well-respected by her peers in the health and wellness community. 
      

      

      In addition to speaking to audiences across the nation, she is a freelance fitness and nutrition writer and media expert who has been featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Marie Claire, and Heart & Soul. Her television appearances include CBS, NBC and FOX affiliates as well as the NBC Nightly News.
      


      

      

      Amber talked about how she started Café Physique, why she decided to pursue a mobile service model and what the benefits have been and what they do.
      


      

      

       
      

      She also talked about  the biggest challenge with the model and well as her biggest challenge as an entrepreneur.
      


      

      

       
      

      Amber recently launched AmberONeal.com as a personal branding website that promotes her speaking, writing, and one-on-one weight loss coaching services.  She talked about what led her to that decision to separate her personal brand from the main business.
      


      

      

       
      

      Café Physique – Who we are and what we do Amber shared tips and success secrets for what she calls “Side-launching” and talked about how to do so with success.  She encourages would be entrepreneurs to build a business on the side before leaving the steady income of their day jobs.
      

       
      

      She also talked about the necessity of changing your personal lifestyle in order to survive of lower salary when launching a business, the benefits of running a mobile business (bringing the services to the client) – and how to make this challenge to opportunity leap of thinking. 
      

       
      

      We also discussed Who you are vs. What you do:  When it is better to separate or combine business and personal brands…and how to create a personality (personal branding) apart from your company. 
      

       
      

      Find out more about Amber O’Neal and
      

      www.CafePhysique.com and www.AmberONeal.com 
      

       
      

      Twitter: CafePhysique
      

      Twitter: Amber_ONeal
      

      Facebook Fanpage: Café Physique
      

       
      

      My next fabulous guest was Jacqui Rosshandler, owner of Jacquean Products, LLC
      

      and creator of Eat Whatever www.eat-whatever.com
      

       
      

      Jacqui talked about her product, how she came up with the idea and how she went from concept to actual product.  She talked about the science behind how it works and why and how she recognized this unique niche in the marketplace. 
      

       
      

      Jacqui talked about how she has marketed Eat Whatever, and how she’s been able to land some pretty great media coverage. 
      

       
      

      We talked about where Eat Whatever is currently available www.eat-whatever.com
      

      and what’s next. 
      

       
      

      Jacqui revealed what the biggest challenge has been and her biggest surprise about being a business owner as well as her own personal growth in the process of building her company. 
      

       
      

      After 2 years in a business up against multi-national companies she has learned what works, what doesn’t and how to maintain your motivation (and sanity) working for yourself in a market you have little experience in.  Check out Eat Whatever @ www.eat-whatever.com 
      

       
      

       
      

      You can also find Jacqui here at – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu6xWvpFzSY
      

       
      

      Thanks so much to my awesome guests for sharing your inspiring stories. 
      

       
      

      Until next time… wishing you all Chic Success, 
      

      Elizabeth 
      
 
		
      
		 
	
      
	 

	
	

      
	
      
		
      Elizabeth Gordon interviews emerging entrepreneurs Judi Gerhardt, Owner of Career Fashion Consignment and Karen Robinovitz, who just launched the new beauty brand Purple Lab
      

		 
		
      
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      CIMG3087Today on the Chic Perspectives Show we shined the chic spotlight on 2 women entrepreneurs with inspirational stories of success.  They triumphed over obstacles, remained resilient in the face of fear and disaster and building thriving businesses with powerful value propositions. 
      

       
      

      First up was Judi Gerhardt, Owner of Career Fashion Consignment and an expert on professional image and non-verbal communication
      

       
      

      Judi Gerhardt is a former political powerhouse, survivor of 2 hurricanes, a nasty divorce, chemo, & a spinal tumor. After her surgery and deciding that she’d had enough hurricanes, she moved back to Atlanta. In August of 2009, Judi launched Career Fashion Consignment. CFC is an extremely high end career clothing consignment store for men and women in Atlanta. Judi is committed to social & financial responsibility and helping Atlanta’s business community benefit from the retail excess of the last decade.
      

       
      

      Judi Gerhardt is an incredible woman who was one of Maynard Jacksons campaign managers for mayor. She served as a political consultant for years in both Atlanta & DC until her travels took her elsewhere. She ended up in New Orleans where she owned a large equestrian farm for 16 years until Hurricane Katrina came in and destroyed everything she had built, including her 20 year marriage. Determined to stay in New Orleans and help rebuild, she was set to open another business when Hurricane Gustav came in and blew away that business, too. And, in the middle of all of this, her doctors discovered a tumor on her spinal column.
      

       
      

      After her surgery and deciding that shed had enough hurricanes, she moved back to Atlanta. In August of 2009, Judi launched Career Fashion Consignment. CFC is an extremely high end career clothing consignment store for men and women in Atlanta. Judi is committed to social & financial responsibility and helping Atlantas business community benefit from the retail excess of the last decade.
      

      Judi talked about what got her started in this business, what the company does and who their customers are.  Her business model actually serves two populations – those who bring in clothes for consignment sale and those who buy them. 
      

       
      

      We talked about how she came up with the idea to start Career Fashion Consignment (CFC)
      

      Judi talked about some of the road blocks she has faced in her career and how she overcame them.
      

      With such an interesting career with many twists and turns, Judi explained how she has been able to reinvent herself so many times. 
      

      We also discussed the green elements of her business. 
      

      Judi recommends women: 
      

        

      •  Shop Responsibly by Shopping Consignment
        • 

      •  Pay attention to the impact of non-verbal communication & professional dress
        • 

      •  Use consignment to get a return on your fashion investment   – I just love this way of looking at it
        • 

      •   Understand the importance of social responsibility and the role consignment plays
        • 

      

       
      

       
      

      For more check out the website @ www.CareerFashionConsignment.com 
      

       
      

      Become a friend of Career Fashion Consignment @ http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Atlanta-GA/Career-Fashion-Consignment/253100746996?ref=ts
      

      And follow on Twitter @  http://twitter.com/jrgerhardt
      

       
      

       
      

      Judi’s story is an amazing example of how resilient people can be, not to mention the art of reinvention and the business of social responsibility.Shes truly persistent, resilient, and the queen of reinvention. Judi is firmly committed to taking personal responsibility for her life and her happiness. She is truly an inspiration and a great example of someone who bounced back! Additionally, her commitment to helping Atlanta’s business community be more socially and financially conscious is a great story for the times we are living in.
      

       
      

      Thanks also to Judi’s PR rep – Andrea Rizk, Founder & CEO of Rizk Public Relations
      

      andrea@rizkpr.com Twitter: @andreahrizk
      

       
      

       
      

      Next up – another chic entrepreneur – Karen Robinovitz, Creatrix of Purple Lab Beauty. 
      

       
      

      Check out this awesome new beauty brand and start enjoying its multiple benefits @: www.purplelabnyc.com
      

      www.thefacebook.com/purplelab
      

      www.twitter.com/purplelabnyc 
      

      www.youtube.com/purplelabnyc
      

       
      

      purple labKaren Robinovitz is an acclaimed fashion/beauty insider/journalist/author/media vet turned marketer turned creatrix of the new beauty brand Purple Lab where she merges insider tips and tricks with ground-breaking ingredients, cutting-edge delivery systems and trend-setting style.
      

       
      

      Karen launched a beauty brand Purple Lab, www.purplelabnyc.com in small, high end boutiques last May. The company have recently expanded the brand and launched on Home Shopping Network with five new products. Karen called in from New York City to share her story of success – She talked about how all of the stages of her career (journalist, marketing consult, brand and social media strategist) and using her chic network prepared her to build a successful line that fills a high value niche in the marketplace.  She talked about knowing her customer base, doing market research, taking risks, overcoming fear, and the personal growth that comes with business growth. 
      

       
      

       
      

      Karen talked about how she discovered Purple Lab and how do they market the products. Karen explained what makes Purple Lab different than other beauty brands out there and what it was like to launch on HSN.  She also shared how to successfully market a brand via social media, why Purple Lab is changing the way people think about beauty  and how to launch a business during a rough economy. 
      

       
      

      

      Find our more about Purple Lab @ www.purplelabnyc.com
      

      Follow Purple Lab on Twitter
      

      Follow Purple Lab on Facebook
      

      Find the products & on HSN
      

      

      You don’t want to miss the Chic Tips either of these amazing women had to share.  Thanks so much for listening and thanks to my wonderful guests. 
      

      

      Until next time wishing you all Chic Success, 
      

      

      Elizabeth 
      
 
		
      
		 
	
      
	 

	
	

      
	
      
		
      Elizabeth Gordon interviews Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) – on the Chic Perspectives Show – Samantha Lueder of Ant Hill Communications, Carolyn Saffold Wilson of Womble Carlyle and Tonya Creekmore, Vice President  of General Growth Properties
      

		 
		
      
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      It was my pleasure this week to have on 3 fabulous businesswomen from CREW Atlanta, Commercial Real Estate Women. 
      

       
      

      First up was Samantha Lueder of Ant Hill Communications. For more than fourteen years, Sam Lueder has been managing consumers’ perceptions of brands through integrated marketing and Public Relations programs. 
      

      With a supportive and collegiate management style, Sam’s strength lies in being able to work and secure substantial results for brands within both the corporate atmosphere, some of the worlds best-known agencies and now with her own boutique agency – Ant Hill Communications. 
      

      Her love of the actual work of Public Relations and marketing drove her to start her own company, Ant Hill, in 2009, with a corporate mandate of providing big brand experience, ideas and contacts to small, entrepreneurial companies looking to do some good and to make a difference.   In this vein, Ant Hill aims to partner with new companies and people, who are excited about their brands and willing to make loyalists out of their supporters and brand ambassadors out of their customers – the sweet spot of all that Ant Hill can achieve.
      

      Sam started her career and secured the fundamental knowledge of Public Relations with Hill & Knowlton in London. Past credits include Corporate Communications Manager for Philips Consumer Electronics, and Marketing Manager for Song, Delta Airlines low-cost, high style airline.  She’s done marketing and PR worked with clients including Motorola, Cheerwine, Applebee’s restaurants, Earthlink and Mansfield Plumbing, Publix and Sports Authority. 
      

      Sam talked about what CREW is doing in terms of programing and events and why she was attracted to the organization, as well as her unique perspective on why an organization for women in commercial real estate is so necessary. 
      

       
      

       
      

      Next up was Carolyn Saffold Wilson of Womble Carlyle 
      

       
      

      Carolyn Wilson advises banks, companies and individual clients on commercial finance transactions and real estate matters.  She specializes in commercial loan workouts, evaluation and enforcement of lender’s rights and repayment/recovery efforts to maximize the client’s return. Her practice includes resolution of problematic unsecured loans, as well as loans secured by business assets, special purpose buildings, offices, shopping centers, condominium and other multifamily complexes, residential developments and industrial projects. She also has experience in identifying and solving title issues that might adversely affect the value and marketability of real property collateral.
      

       
      

      Carolyn is a a CREW past president and has been active for many years as an officer, board member, legal counsel and speaker for the Atlanta Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network, a national organization of executive women in the commercial real estate industry. She is a recipient of the CREW Distinguished Achievement Award and has been named to Atlanta Magazine’s 2008 and 2009 Georgia Super Lawyer lists.
      

       
      

      Carolyn is a magna cum laude graduate of  Duke University and Washington & Lee University School of Law. 
      

       
      

      Carolyn talked about what a impact CREW has made on her career and her advice for other businesswomen. 
      

       
      

      Tonya Creekmore, Vice President  of General Growth Properties was my next guest.   Two years ago Creekmore joined General Growth Properties as Vice President responsible for securing catalyst anchor retailers for re-development of regional malls throughout the Southeast. Prior to joining General Growth Properties, Creekmore was Partner at North American Properties where she was responsible for development and retailer relations throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Creekmore spent ten years as a Senior Leasing Representative at Ben Carter Properties before North American Properties.
      

      She currently serves on the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network national board representing over 8,000 commercial real estate professionals and has consistently volunteered for International Council of Shopping Centers nationally and locally.
      


      
Tonya’s career includes an impressive list of awards, professional affiliations and accomplishments, including being a 40 Under 40 Atlanta Business Chronicle 2007 Up and Comers in Atlanta and Commercial Real Estate Women – Atlanta (CREW):  Past President 2006 (the year Atlanta hosted the National CREW Convention).  She was the CREW Representative on Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s Grant Making Committee, an active member and Co-Chair of yjr International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) 2004 Southeast Conference and Chair 2005 Southeast Conference (approximately 4,000 attendees). Tonya is also a CREW Network National Board Member. 
      

       
      

      Tonya has spoken at a variety of conferences and CREW events talking about Re-Development Trends and Opportunities, Retail Development in Atlanta,  Growth in North Seminole County and has also a frequent panelist at CREW meetings over the years. 
      

      

      Tonya talked about her experiences with CREW and the substantial impact the organization has had on her professional development and network. 
      

       
      

      It was such a pleasure to get to know these amazing and accomplished women and to shine the Chic Spotlight on all that CREW is doing for the women in commercial real estate.
      


      

      

      

      Thanks for tuning in, be sure to check out the Chic Perspectives Aftershow of this episode on the Chic Entrepreneur Facebook Fanpage http://www.facebook.com/TheChicEntrepreneur
      

      

      Until next time, wishing you all Chic Success, 
      

      

      Elizabeth 
      


      

      
 
		
      
		 
	
      
	 

	
	

      
	
      
		
      Elizabeth Gordon interviews Jennifer Shields Founder & President, Posh Tot Events and Susan Rae and Gale Middleton of roam Atlanta on the Chic Perspectives Show, co-hosted by Laura Scholz of Scholz Communications and CRAVE Atlanta
      

		 
		
      
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      Susan Rae, Gale Middleton, Elizabeth Gordon, Jennifer Shields, Laura Scholz
      Susan Rae, Gale Middleton, Elizabeth Gordon, Jennifer Shields, Laura Scholz
      

      

      Yet another fabulous line up on the Chic Perspectives Show this week.  Laura Scholz of Scholz Communications http://www.facebook.com/scholzcommunications and CRAVE Atlanta was my guest cohost this week on the Chic Perspectives Show.  So we got to chat about all that’s up with CRAVE and the great events going on around Atlanta.  For more on all that go to  http://thecravecompany.com/atlanta/ 
      

       
      

      Our first guest was Jennifer Shields Founder & President, Posh Tot Events
      

      After a 12 year corporate career in marketing Jennifer Shields left corporate America, (and all the perks) behind, to follow her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. She turned her passion for planning events into Posh Tot Events, a full service event planning company that specializes in children’s birthday parties and baby showers
      

      Jennifer talked about why someone would hire an event planner for a kids birthday party. 
      

       
      

        

      •  Posh Tot Events provides a niche service for busy moms that want to throw a great party for their children but are short on time, creativity or both!
        • 

      •   Posh Tot Events takes ALL of the stress out planning a party making it fun and relaxing for the moms 
        • 

      •   We are offering a summer Princess Camp this year for girls that is targeted towards 4-6 year olds with an emphasis on manners and etiquette. Registration info available at poshtotevents.com
        • 

      •   We have several themes for boys as well as girls and many of our clients come back year after year and always get something fresh and new. 
        • 

      

       
      

      Be sure to check them out @ www.poshtotevents.com
      

       
      

      And become a friend of Posh Tot Events @ Facebook.com/poshtotevents
      

       
      

      Keep up with the latest @ twitter/jenshieldsATL
      

       
      

       Next up were the wonderful women of roam Atlanta, a one-of-a-kind business cafe and meeting space that is open to the pulic located at 5815 Windward Parkway Suite 302, Alpharetta, United States, 30005
      

      www.roamatlanta.com
      

       
      

      Susan Rae, roam writer and Marketing Director and Gale Middleton, the Director of Membership @ roam Atlanta joined me in the studio. 
      

       
      

      Suan and Gale talked about how members and patrons enjoy free wifi in the cafe and can order breakfast, lunch, coffee, wine & beer.  They also have access to 8 small, medium, and large conference rooms for private meetings, seminars, and networking events. 
      

       
      

      Susan promotes roam sponsored & member events as well as launching roam’s marketing programs.  Gale provides support to members to help them grow their businesses. 
      

       
      

      I can speak from experience and say that roam offers “insanely great” meeting experiences.  f you are the kind of person who wants to maintain a professional image without paying for expensive office space or meeting clients in coffee shops, roam is the place for you. 
      

       
      

        

      • roam is the only co-working and meeting space that is open to the public. 
        • 

      • roam serves its patrons as a co-working spot, its members as a private meeting space and corporations as an off site meeting space, and the community with seminars, special interest groups and education. 
        • 

      • roam members get marketing support as part of their membership.  They promote their events via the roam newsletter, website, social media sites and with flyers and inhouse marketing and through the Georgia Alliance of Private Clubs. 
        • 

      • roam patrons meet other entrepreneurs in the cafe and at events to network, share experiences and make new connections. 
        • 

      

       
      

      Susan and Gale told us all about a new program roam just launched called the “Get a Room” campaign.  They are offering 2 hours free in a small conference room with free coffee service of their award winning custom blend – Just mention that you heard about it on the show – and stop by roam Atlanta and take advantage of this great free offer to try the place out – and get a room! 
      

       
      

      roam has also formed a relationship with Steelcase Corporation and is test driving their media:scape collaboration furniture from April 13-May 1.  They also have a new series especially for women call WE @ roam: Women Entrepreneurs, Women of Excellence and Women’s Events – Check out what’s coming up: 
      

       
      

        

      • The One-page Business Plan Workshop is Wed. April 21 from 9-11am
        • 

      • Shop the Swap: Clothing & Accessory Swap – Sat April 24, 2-4pm, with dropoff 11:30-1:00pm
        • 

      • And I’m speaking there at an after hours mixer on May 6th at 6pm  – so you know that will be awesome : ) 
        • 

      

       
      

      find out more about roam atlanta @ www.roamatlanta.com and become friends and followers @ facebook/roamatlanta and twitter.com/roamatlanta 
      

      

      Thanks again to my co-host Laura Scholz of CRAVE Atlanta and Scholz Communications and to Pink Payments the Merchant Services for women providing Commerce with a Conscience. 
      

      

      Thanks to you all for listening. 
      

      

      Until next time
      

      Wishing you all Chic Success, 
      

      

      Elizabeth