Wheatland Business Women creating change

Mountain Lion Leadership

 

Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey reports there were 950,000 self-employed women in Canada in 2011, accounting for about one third of all self-employed persons. Business women may face additional challenges to those of their male counterparts because of gender but their natural abilities and life skills, such as networking, negotiating and the ability to multi-task are advantageous.  

Based on a desire to see women achieve industry success, in September 2004 some forward thinking business women joined together with support from Community Futures Wild Rose to form Wheatland Business Women. The group, which is now completely self-sufficient and independent, aids business women in developing success strategies such as creating strong networks, understanding the power of the Internet, learning new ways to integrate work life and home life, and provides inspiration from others who are succeeding in business. This is achieved through hosting relevant speakers and workshops, networking and building connections in a safe environment where business challenges and insights are shared.

 In January, Maria Doll, an image consultant and volunteer with Making Changes Association, shared on the ABCs of Image in the Workplace – Appearance, Behaviour and Communication. Attendees learned the importance of the first seven seconds in a meeting and that less can be more. According to Doll, communication is 55 per cent body language, 38 per cent voice and seven per cent what is actually said. 

Acting as ambassadors for our businesses and organizations, it is important to focus on customer needs and expectations to build strong, long-term relationships. The presentation included a great interactive discussion, that led to awareness that  an appropriate business wardrobe should be industry and client specific.

The topic for the upcoming Feb. 12 meeting is “Self Care for Successful Entrepreneurship” with Lin Walker, Lin Walker Consulting, and Alicia Flint, Thrive! Health and Wellness. Despite all the information about business life and personal life, we truly only have one life. Taking care of ourselves, the heads of our own lives and careers, can lead to new opportunities and growth in our businesses.

Monthly meetings (the second Tuesday morning of each month) focus on networking, educating and establishing connections. Meetings are held at the Days Inn Suites Strathmore. Guests are welcome. For more information, visit businesswomen.ca or contact us via e-mail (info@businesswomen.ca).