Do a Little More; Be a Lot More.
“Hello, I am the President of NAWBO Columbus.”
Introducing myself in this manner, even as I begin the third month of my term, seems surreal and humbling. I have been reflecting on the path that led me to this point. My first President’s Message centers around these reflections and my call to action for the year: "Do a little more; be a lot more." Be more than a NAWBO member, be an engaged NAWBO member.
My path to and within NAWBO is likely similar to many members:
Woman owns business –
Works hard
Tries to grow business
Reaches some level of success
Feels rather isolated
Lacks in support system and resources
Realizes she needs to network
Seeks support in numerous ways Woman carries on…
Tries industry, professional, and business groups,
Doesn’t quite find a fit
Woman finds NAWBO
Meets other amazing women who think like her, are serious about their business
Finds owners who are genuinely interested in helping each other
Woman joins NAWBO.
What happens next is where there is a fork in the road for many members. Each of us must choose our level of involvement in the organization. Like many joiners, most members attend events and take advantage of some resources. A few take the path less-traveled: they join a committee or otherwise do something more with the organization.
This was the path I chose, or maybe it chose me.
Why? Because participating in NAWBO was good for me, even if it was not always apparent at first. In some way, shape, or form, my involvement in NAWBO is tangibly, measurably, and intangibly good for me: my business, my professional development, my personal growth, and my social life. What I discovered as I stepped up is that I grew as a person, got to know members, understand each other’s business offerings, and trust enough to want to do business with and refer business to each other. That’s when the magic of membership happens. It took a little time, but it was worth it. By doing a little more, I got a lot more out of NAWBO.
I am asking all of our members to do a little more with NAWBO and become a lot more of what you and your business can be. Each of you are already busy running a business and a packed personal life and yet I am confident that the rewards of getting involved will enrich the other areas of your life, be it joining a committee or taking a leadership path in NAWBO. Make the time to increase your involvement.
Attending our stellar programs and networking events brings value; however, I don’t believe you will realize the full benefit NAWBO without getting involved.
Align your goals and your strengths with our organizational needs. There is a place for each of you to shine. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment or time-consuming endeavor. There are lots of small tasks to be done, too. Find where you fit.
If we all do just one more activity in NAWBO, big or small, we all benefit. We will continue to become the organization we envision it to be: strong, valuable, supportive, resourceful.
As President, and along with the leadership from our Board of Directors, our goal is to tap into each of your skills, and ask you to do a little more this year. Our commitment is that, as an organization, we will help each of you find your place in NAWBO and grow professionally and personally, too.
If you don't know where to start, please talk to me, a Board member, or a committee member, and find your place in NAWBO. You will also feel my heartfelt appreciation for every contribution, big and small, as we inspire each other this year.
Take the path that yields you the maximum benefits for your NAWBO investment (Do a little more). See where it will lead you (Be a lot more).
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