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It's one of the first questions I am asked when I talk about Women in Management. In 2000, just two years after buying the company I was working for, I found myself with all of the responsibilities brought by business ownership…contracts, clients, employees, accountants, lawyers, taxes, business plan & marketing…the list goes on and on. I was young and inexperienced but I had ambition and I knew I could live up to the challenge.
So began my quest for cost-effective business and leadership training. Keep in mind that this was before "Google" was a verb, so I started in the reference section at the library. I came across a listing for Women in Management, Inc. in an association manual and found that the Northern Fox Valley Chapter was meeting not far from my office. I thought I would give it a try in hopes of finding a hint as to why everyone was making such a big deal about market research, business plans and financial projections!
What I found in the Northern Fox Valley Chapter of WIM was so much more than I ever imagined. I found an amazing group of women who support each other and offer the wisdom of their experience freely and selflessly. I found a shared commitment to excellence in every aspect of life that is without bounds. I found professional women who offered incredible examples of balancing their faith, families, careers, and volunteerism. I found encouragement, mentorship, inspiration and friendship. Most importantly, I found a part of myself.
Serving as National President of Women in Management, Inc. is truly an honor. Our organization stands at the brink of a very exciting time of growth. The National Board and Committees are hard at work upgrading and updating our website and expanding the online tools available to our members to create a true online community to compliment the Chapter and National meetings. We are updating our marketing plan and membership initiatives while expanding our organization through the addition of new chapters. Planning for the National Conference is well underway with more details coming every day. Check back to the Annual Conference page to stay up-to-date.
For those of you who are new to WIM or thinking about joining, I invite you to attend a chapter meeting. WIM has so much to offer including:
- Education
- Support
- Mentoring
- Business Resources
- Access to Affiliate Organizations
- Networking Opportunities
And so much more.
For those of you who are members of WIM, I hope you will take full advantage of your membership. Attend your chapter meetings and visit the other chapters to expand your network of women who are committed to supporting and mentoring each other. Get involved in your Chapter by serving on the board or a committee and consider volunteering for a National Committee. Check out all of the new features of the WIM website and the bonus content that is available to Member Sponsors.
And SPREAD THE WORD! Share the WIM experience with your friends and colleagues. Women in Management is the best kept secret. I would challenge each member to bring in one new member this year. Each of you knows someone who could benefit from WIM membership while contributing their expertise and talents.
I look forward to seeing all of you throughout the year.
Katrina Laflin
2008-2010 National President
Women in Management, Inc.
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