|
Welcome to the
Next Step Solutions E-Newsletter!
We've come a long way, Sisters!
 Dear Margaret,
I want to take a
moment today to set aside the gloom that pervades our economic world
right now. Yes, the economy is bad, unemployment high and business slow
for many of us business owners. We are all facing some very serious
challenges. However, if you can step away from this for a moment and take
a broader view, you may find much to cheer you up.
I would like to ask all of my readers, but especially my
female readers, to look back a few decades. For women in particular, it
was a different world. However, in just a few short decades, incredible
things have been accomplished. Women who were raised to grow up and marry
doctors or lawyers, decided instead to become doctors and lawyers. And
business women and entrepreneurs. And the list goes on.
Look back, or if you are a young woman just starting out
today, read your history. There is so much progress for us to celebrate!
And if, like me, you lived those decades, there is much to be proud of.
So, this month, I celebrate successful women. In the words
of the old advertisement, "You've come a long way, Baby."
Recognize what we have accomplished and join me in celebration. Sisters
(not babies), we have indeed come a long way!
Who the heck is
Nellie Cashman?
by Margaret
Purvine
For a number of
years now, I have been a member of Women Business Owners, an organization
dedicated to creating a supportive community for business women. This
year, I am honored and privileged to be the President of the group. Our
signature event of the year is a gala where we present The Nellie Cashman
Woman Business Owner of the Year Award.
This begs the obvious question. Who the heck is Nellie
Cashman and why would an award be named after her?
Well, she was one heck of a gal! She lived from 1845 to
1925. Born in Ireland, she left during the potato famine and came to
America with her family seeking a better life. Her incredible travels and
brave actions earned her a very gutsy legacy.
Nellie started in Boston, then kept moving west, founding
businesses in each new location. She opened Miner's Boarding House in
Panaca Flat, Nevada in 1872. She opened additional boarding houses and
restaurants in Nogales, Jerome, Prescott, Yuma, and Harqua Hala, all in
Arizona. Bitten by gold fever, she moved on to California and Alaska,
founding still more businesses.
Although she never did strike it rich in gold, she was very
successful financially. She was also a philanthropist. She founded
hospitals and passed out many a free meal to starving prospectors.
Ultimately, her business enterprises were all created to support her
mania for gold and silver.
Nellie earned enduring fame during an expedition to British
Columbia in 1875, specifically to the Cassair Mountains. According to an
article by Chuck Thompson, "she personally funded and led a 77-day
winter expedition through snows as high as 10 feet to rescue a group of
miners stranded by severe weather."
All this from a woman barely 5 feet tall, weighing in at
less than 100 pounds. (I should be so lucky!) Obviously, she wasn't held
back by her stature! She was known for sharp opinions and ruthless
negotiating, when it came to business.
There is much more information available out there about
Nellie Cashman. Just do a quick Google search and enjoy what you find.
Clearly, she was a role model during her life and remains one today.
Hence, the award for outstanding accomplishment by a woman business owner
given in her name!
Interested in joining the celebration? Please do! This
year's event is scheduled for October 8th. Here are the details:
- What: Nellie Cashman Award Gala
- When: Thursday, October 8, 2009
- Where: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
- Time: Reception at 6:00 PM, Gala at 7:00 PM
To preview our
2009 finalists and make reservations, go to: www.womenbusinessowners.org
You can also call 206.575.3232. And let's hear it for gutsy, strong
women!
Celebrating the
success of women
 My latest column was just published in the
Puget Sound Business Journal. It is a timely collection of some of my
thoughts about women and how far we have come. I am including a couple of
excerpts below to whet your appetite, along with a url. Please remember
that the article is available only to print subscribers for 30 days.
After that, it is available online to all.
"We are living in interesting times - seriously
challenging times economically. As a business owner, I am fighting to
keep my business going and growing, in spite of the economy. Worrying
about the economy and my business is very draining. To keep myself out of
the doldrums, I take a step back, consider the larger picture and find
something to celebrate.
"Fall is here, a time of year when many awards events
are held, including events specifically celebrating the success of
businesswomen. It begs the question of why we should single women out.
Why not just celebrate the success of all business people, men and women?
Isn't it time to move beyond victimhood and just join the business
community as full-fledged and equal members?"
Read
the entire article here.
Non-verbal
courtesy - Should Miss Manners make a come-back?
I read a
fascinating article in the Wall Street Journal - Why Gen-Y Johnny
Can't Read Nonverbal Cues. The basic premise is that Gen-Y'ers are so
caught up in social networking, all of which is written, that they
haven't picked up on the non-verbal cues that are basic to courtesy when
meeting face-to-face.
Continue
reading here.
Free Resources
from Next Step
Great sources of
business information and commentary
Next
Step Solutions Business Book List
We are avid readers at Next Step. So it naturally follows that we would
have an extensive library. Our book list is where we can share it with
you. Check it out!
Quotes from
movers and shakers
"There are no
great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people
rise to meet."
Fleet Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey, Jr., USN
|
