Saturday, April 2, 2011

Lynn's Presentation on "Intentions"

Lynn Thomson, who gave us a great presentation on "Intentions" at our last meeting, has graciously agreed to let me post my notes here for you. Enjoy!

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We often use the word “you” to keep things at somewhat of an arm’s length. It becomes more powerful when we use the word “me” instead.

(Lynn drew a bull’s eye diagram with ME in the center, OTHERS in the next circle and COMMUNITY in the outer circle.)

We need to claim the ME space. Think about ME and the roles I play.

Then Lynn had us do a “Falling Still” exercise. Sit straight and comfortably with your feel flat on the floor. Close your eyes.  Now breath in – all the way to our toes – and then breath out. Repeat this several times and pay attention to your breath – how the air feels cool as it enters and warm as it exits. When she had us open our eyes, she made the comment that breath has the power to make you lose your mind and come to your senses.

Lynn then took us through a series of questions.

What made me get up this morning?
(Don't overanalyze this - just a simple answer like - to go to work)

We were then asked to define the word Intention.
Ÿ    Goals
Ÿ    Reason
Ÿ    Purpose
Ÿ    Choice
Ÿ    Motivation
Ÿ    Commitment
Ÿ    Wants
Ÿ    Desire

It can be more helpful to set intentions for the day than to set goals. Consider setting your intention for the day in the morning – perhaps by doing the Falling Still exercise. If you have an intention set for the day, it makes it easier to measure your success at the end of the day by how well you kept or acted upon your intention.

What was my intention in coming to the meeting tonight?
(and you are not allowed to use the word “should”!)
Ÿ    Build relationships here that then affect my client relationships too
Ÿ    Meet other business women, to learn more about the CBC
Ÿ    Share my business
Ÿ    Learn
Ÿ    Socialize (and get to have some adult conversation J )
Ÿ    To challenge and encourage

What needs to happen here to keep me coming back?

What would make the CBC really successful for me?

(We discussed a bit about celebration – What does that look like for me? Note: Celebration cannot have guilt attached to it.)

Where do we network?
Ÿ    At sports events
Ÿ    Moms groups
Ÿ    Organizations
Ÿ    Hobbies
Ÿ    Volunteering
Ÿ    Church

Where do I network?

What is something specific I want to walk out of here with tonight?

What do I have to offer?

Lynn finished her presentation with this list of Rules for Networking.
Ÿ    Be open-minded
Ÿ    Be prepared
Ÿ    Treat all as equals as a source of your referrals and info (ie, the waitress as well as the leader or speaker)
Ÿ    Don’t be afraid to ask
Ÿ    Don’t waste resources
Ÿ    Give without expectation of return
Ÿ    Always say thank you
Ÿ    Set realistically achievable goals
Ÿ    Be committed

Lynn then took us through a networking exercise where we met each other member. We teamed up two by two and were each given 45 seconds to give our elevator speech and to ask a specific question of the other person. As in, this is what I do in my business, and tonight I am specifically looking for such and such.

A great presentation – very practical. Thank you Lynn.

(Notes by Evelyn Marinoski)

Friday, April 1, 2011

Invitation to learn about Social Media for your business

Hello Chicks,
 
Social Media is the in thing when it comes to marketing these days. If you're like me, that feels like a daunting task to add to all the other stuff I already do.
 
However, if you would like to learn about it, the Cochrane Business Network is bringing in a speaker for their next meeting on Friday, April 8 at 7:30 am, who will be filling us in on why and how to use social media.
 
The fee is $10. You can sign up and pay online at http://calgarybiz.net/cochrane/ or you can pay at the door this time. We do need a head count, so if you could let me know you're coming that would be great.
 
The meeting is next Friday morning in the Community Room at Cochrane Toyota.
 
Thanks,
Evelyn

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Gala Awards

As you know, the Chamber is hosting the Community Gala Awards on Sunday May 29th  from 2-5pm, at the RancheHouse, in the Chinook Dining Room. 

I would like to invite the Cochrane Business Chicks to attend.  The Cochrane Business Chicks were nominated for the Business of the Year Award in 2009 and although we did not win, it gave the group great exposure in the community. 

The tables are sold in groups of 8.  It would be great if we could fill one or two tables.  Tickets are priced at $26.25.   You are welcome to invite a spouse, significant other, family members or friend(s). Tickets can be purchased at the Towne Offices, IGA or Chamber Offices, online at the Chamber website.

Please consider attending and REMEMBER, it you know of someone, or a business in town who is deserving of one of the awards, please go to the Chamber website and nominate them.  Nominations close April 8th, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.

Thanks!

Vinny

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

March Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting March 28/11

Registration – fees & nametags

A display table was provided for business cards and promo materials.

Meeting began at .

Welcome by Vinny

A member business presentation was made by Kym Johnston of BioDry Carpets.

Followed by a Feature Presentation by Lynn Thomson on Intentions (Notes to be posted later). This also included a networking session.

Chamber Announcements by Vinny

Evelyn noted that a Bank Account has now been set up for the CBC.

Request for approval to register a new domain name  ($15.70/yr) – moved by Dianna Meyer, seconded by Jeannie Kennedy, passed.

April meeting date – last Monday in April is Easter weekend – so agreed to move the April meeting date to the week prior - April 18

Discussion re elections. It was agreed that we would have a business year end date of June 30. Elections to be held in June so that the new leadership can start with the fall session in September.

Dianna Meyer volunteered to be our treasurer. Moved by Jeannie Kennedy to accept this and to have Dianna added as a signing authority to our bank account, seconded by Kathy Haigh and passed.

Sandra Scott volunteered to be our secretary. Both accepted with thanks!

Because of time, there was only a brief Presentation re Mastermind groups. It was agreed that those who are interested in being part of the mastermind program are to meet on April 11 at Evelyn’s place to set up the groups and get started. Responses will need to be given to Evelyn as soon as possible so the results can be e-mailed to the group prior to the meeting.

Meeting adjourned.

Monday, March 28, 2011

March Meeting

Just a quick reminder that our next meeting is on
Monday, March 28
at
at the Days Inn in Cochrane.

We are having our own Lynn Thomson as our guest speaker to do a special workshop with us. I was told not to give out the topic, as it’s a surprise, but while we will be working on this for our group, this can also be a great tool to use for your business. So come prepared to get involved and to learn lots.

By now you should have received an e-mail from me (Evelyn) personally in regard to the CBC Directory Listing info needed and the info we need for the Mastermind group selections. Please respond to that as soon as possible.

Oh yes, a reminder. If there is anyone else who would like to do a 10-15 minute presentation on their business at this meeting, please let me know ASAP (deadline is Friday, Mar 25).

Please bring your business cards and any promotional materials you have for your business. We will have a display table available for those. Also come with your elevator pitches for your introductions.

We look forward to seeing you on Monday!
Evelyn & Vinny

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Cochrane Labour Day Parade

Ever consider entering the parade as an advertising vehicle?  An opportunity to promote Cochrane Business Chicks and increase membership?  And to have a lot of fun!

I am also a member of Chickwagon! Foundation for Women and we have a parade float and chick costumes.  There may be an opportunity to use their parade float and costumes to promote our organization.

There will be some costs in changing the float banner and finding a tow vehicle. 

Anyone interested?

Wendy Petryk

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

GALA Awards

Note: Information about the Cochrane Community Awards can be accessed on the town website at Cochrane Community Awards or on the Cochrane Chamber of Commerce site (bottom of page).

From Vinny:
Many of our ladies may not know that the annual gala awards are for ALL businesses in Cochrane.  There may be a business or business person in amongst our group that is worthy of recognition but who may be missed because members do not know about the awards.

Nominations can be sent to the Chamber of Commerce web address between now and April 8th @ 4 pm.  Nomination Forms are online also.

Also Chamber AGM is March 30th. Anybody is welcome to attend.  Again, they can nominate someone for one of the Board positions coming available.

Thanks,
Vinny

PS. Information about the Cochrane Community Awards can be accessed on the town website at Cochrane Community Awards or on the Cochrane Chamber of Commerce site (bottom of page).