Destined to WIN in 2010

All set for tomorrow!

2010-01-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

Everything is packed. The planning team went over the final details. The conference programs created by May Advertising look absolutely wonderful. The surprise gifts are ready to go as are the gift bags.

Be sure to arrive close to 8am for the continental breakfast and expo.

And we don't want you to miss any of the kickoff keynote, "Wish Upon a Star...Act On It!" by Martha Carlson of The Bailey Group.

Martha will help us to get clear about how we will be using the day to make real progress toward our big goals. You'll then be able to choose the breakout sessions that will help you reach those goals.

We can't wait for tomorrow!

Goals and surprise gift!

2010-01-22T21:41:00.000-08:00

Everyone registered for the conference will receive a surprise gift as a reminder or talisman of sorts to help keep them focused their big goals and to allow themselves to be lifted up by others to reach their goals. They are all packed up and ready to be distributed. I cannot wait for the secret to be revealed!

Speaking of goals...

In our keynote, When You Wish Upon a Star, Act On It!, Martha Carlson of The Bailey Group will get us focused on how to use the day to really hone in on our goals and take action to be successful in them.

One of our breakout session choices is: Put It On Paper: Goal Setting for 2010 by Cathy Paper Bottern, MA of RockPaperStar. Harvey Mackay (author: Swim with the Sharks) is one of Cathy's long-term clients.

Make this the year that your goals really mean something and accomplish them!

More items just arrived for gift bags: value is now over $400!!

2010-01-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

More items have arrived for the gift bags and let me tell you, the gifts are very generous! A conservative estimate on the value of everything each attendee will receive is over $400.

Here is just a sampling--after all, we should keep some of it a surprise

Up to 2 hours complimentary meeting space at one of OffiCenters four metro locations (imagine not having to shout over the loud hiss of the local coffee house's espresso maker)
Classes such as MBTI assessment and a technology seminar
An hour of business coaching
250 professional business cards
100 complimentary color copies + up to 1 hour design assistance
plenty more including just for fun things, too!

This doesn't even include the surprise gift attendees will receive to remind them of everything they gained from the day ($40 value) or staying afterward for complimentary chair massage, brow shaping or lash enhancements (in my book, anything that helps me to feel and look better is priceless).

So what are you waiting for? Don't kick yourself after the conference. Do kick yourself into high gear by attending!

Register now at: http://winconference2010.eventbrite.com/

Your gift from Upsize Magazine!

2010-01-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

Everyone will receive an issue of Upsize Magazine in their gift bags. Upsize is Minnesota's magazine for small businesses.

The mission of Upsize Magazine is "to help Minnesota's small-business owners build bigger and more profitable companies, and to connect CEOs with the people, products and ideas they need to grow."

Attention WIN members, you are eligible to receive a free subscription to a full year of Upsize Magazine. Be sure to stop by WIN's table in the Expo Area to pick up your special invitation. This is a $20 value!

The gift bag value is already far higher than the conference cost

2010-01-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

You might already be thinking that attending the conference will more than pay for itself by the way of business connections, learning, goal-setting and other perks including the gift bags.

Well, here is another perk that will brighten your day. We just received confirmation that everyone registering for the conference will receive a 100 free color copies and up to an hour of free design assistance from 7 Corners Printing. The total value of that gift alone is $125. When this is added into all of the other wonderful gifts that will be included, the value of the gift bags alone is several hundred dollars.

I'm not a math whiz but this adds up to one fantastic deal. We know you aren't registering just for the gift bags but it sure will be fun to receive them!

Question from a member: May my staff attend at the member rate?

2009-12-30T22:09:00.000-08:00

We received the following question and wanted to share the response with everyone.

Q: I'm registered for the conference and would really like someone else from our staff to attend as well. Should she register at the member rate or the guest rate for the conference?

A: Thank you for asking! Since you are already a member, we are happy to have your fellow female staff register at the member rate so that you can make the most of the day. A few tips to get even more value:

1) We encourage you and your fellow staff to attend different breakout sessions to expand the information you'll receive.

2) We suggest sitting at different tables during the keynotes and luncheon so that representatives from your business can meet as many people as possible.

3) Schedule a time to debrief the experience within the next week following the conference with your fellow staff. Repeating the information while it is still fresh will make it stick for you, while being useful to staff who weren't at the conference or the same breakout sessions. You can then also share your action plans for the big goals you focused on at the conference.

When your staff registers at: http://winconference2010.eventbrite.com/, please ask them to include your name in the field that asks how they learned about the conference. That way, it will be clear why they are registering at the member rate. Thank you!

Gift bag items are beginning to arrive!

2009-12-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

Enormous boxes from The Thymes have arrived and the contents will be in your gift bags!

Fitting with our conference theme of shooting for the stars, they have generously sent Moonflower body lotion with a "glimmer of twilight" to be included in each of the gift bags. If you are familiar with The Thymes, you already know you're in for a luxurious treat. If The Thymes is new to you, they are a woman-owned local business which now has quite a fan base across the nation. Click here to read the story of how they started as a small home based business. Now, you can find The Thymes in specialty shops and boutiques across the country.

The Thymes has also provided an amazing gift basket of full-size Thymes Essentials for WIN's prize drawing at the Expo. For a chance to win, be sure to stop by WIN's table at the Conference Expo and drop in your business card!

Oh, the conference day just keeps getting better!

2009-12-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to announce that you'll be able to end your conference day with a burst of beauty. Artisans from blink will be stationed in the lounge during happy hour to provide your choice of one of the following complimentary eye enhancements:

the art of beautiful brows . At blink we are dedicated to restoring strength and beauty to our clients inside and out. We believe that beauty is specific to the individual, so each service is always customized to you. Don’t be afraid to have bold and beautiful brows.... Let us help you find the perfect shape to best balance and enhance your natural beauty.

lash out. Lash out and have luscious lashes that make you the envy of all! An individual temporary false-lash application will allow you volume control and give you lashes that demand attention. Can last 1-3 days.

For those of you with very sensitive skin:

threading . Threading is a centuries old method of hair removal with origins in India, Arabia and South Asia. At blink we use special thread which is twisted and pulled along the area of unwanted hair. The thread lassos and lifts each hair follicle directly from the root. Threading is 100% natural which allows skin irritation to be kept to a minimum.

So join us in the lounge for Happy Hour to celebrate, continue your connections and to end your business day in a beautiful way!

Thanks to WIN member, Christina Snead, brow artist and co-owner of blink for making this possible!

Afternoon breakout session- How to Stand Out from the Crowd: Step Out of the Shadow and Into the Spotlight

2009-12-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

How to Stand Out from the Crowd: Step Out of the Shadow and Into the Spotlight

Lauren developed The Empire Within System™ to help guide others through life's transitions, bringing forth their inner light, developing their inner beauty, and creating an impression that says, "WOW." In this powerful session, you'll learn the seven steps of The Empire Within System™, why image is important, how to determine what your image is reflecting to others, some quick tips for updating your image right now, and how to have congruence between your inner and outer images.

Presenter: Lauren Johnson, Image Consultant/Coach

Lauren Johnson, Image Consultant/Coach and owner of Empire Within, believes in empowering beauty. She works with high-achieving, heart-centered individuals who are currently in transition and/or looking to transform their image to take them to the next level in their life. Lauren has studied inner growth and transformation independently and through The Fireheart Institute and Sancta Sophia Seminary, and has over 10 years of experience as an image consultant.

Afternoon breakout session- Market Like You Mean It

2009-12-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

Description to be posted soon.

Panel presented by Renee Godbout, May Advertising and Design; Stephanie Hansen, Printz.com; Katrina Hase, Mix Creative.

Afternoon breakout session- Kick Butt Sales

2009-12-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

Kick Butt Sales

Pat will show you how you can truly WIN in 2010 with just three key actions. Pat knows that you have the ability to do these three things which will lead to your increased success this year: get comfortable in the money/commitment conversation, show confidence in your product/service without bragging (your confidence translates into dollars), and do the follow up needed to take care of and feed the client "seeds" you have planted.

Presenter: Pat Schuler, Sales Trainer

Pat Schuler is the founder of The Gemini Resources Group, LLC, the home of the Kick Butt Sales Training™ program. Whether a business is at a critical crossroads or the client wants to blow the doors off with increased revenue, the 9-week program works. For the last 11 years, Pat's clients have been averaging a minimum 37% increase in their revenues, without being mean, pushy, or manipulative.

Mid-day breakout session- Put It on Paper: Goal Setting for 2010

2009-12-12T20:23:00.001-08:00

Put It on Paper: Goal Setting for 2010

Going back to the basics really works! This session will help you get clear on what you really want to accomplish, individually and professionally so you can then set realistic goals based on customer, financial, sales, marketing or personal development goals. Cathy will help you create a traction plan to evaluate past performance and create a road map for reaching the results you desire. Revisit the basics of specific goal setting, feedback and communication, motivation, engagement and time management. As Cathy says, “We all have the same amount of time each day - it's how we use it that makes the difference.”

Cathy Paper Bottern, MA has founded, developed, and sold three companies including JumpStart Results, PaperPerformance and Live Dynamite. Currently, Cathy is launching RockPaperStar, a coaching and product development company, for helping clients such as Harvey Mackay, Chairman of MackayMitchell and New York Times best-selling author of Swim with the Sharks.

Mid-day breakout session- Trapped or Tapped: The 5 Things Every Woman Needs to Know to Succeed

2009-12-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

Trapped or Tapped: The 5 Things Every Woman Needs to Know to Succeed

If you're like many women, you know you have untapped talents and abilities. But you may also doubt that you know enough, that you're good enough to get that job, that new client, or the recognition you deserve. Sher will help you realize that succeeding isn't always about working harder, and it isn't just about working smarter. This session will prepare you for protecting yourself from difficult people and situations, recognizing and working effectively with classic gender communication differences, and increasing your confidence and credibility so that you are recognized and rewarded appropriately.

Presenter: Sher Foerster, owner of Leader's Theater

Sher Foerster has worked with hundreds of leaders through workshops and consultations to help them learn, practice, and apply creative communication techniques to strengthen team relationships, deal with difficult people, and launch successful change efforts. Her more than 20 years of experience includes working with leaders at a wide variety of organizations including GE, American Express, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and Honeywell.

Mid-day breakout session- The Nitty Gritty of Effective Networking

2009-12-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Nitty Gritty of Effective Networking

Networking is one of THE top ways to increase your capabilities in business. Make this the year you now only network more confidently and effectively, but have fun while doing it. This session covers everything from preparing for a networking event, to getting the most value out of the event, to doing strategic follow up. Gretchen will help you gain increased confidence in all the key networking areas including starting and ending conversations, initiating introductions, determining what to wear, working the room effectively, and making post-event contacts. This face-paced session provides the tools you need to expand your network and create great first impressions.

Presenter: Gretchen Shoup

Gretchen Shoup is a business owner and professional speaker committed to helping clients build powerful first and lasting impressions through image and etiquette. She is a graduate of Arizona State University, The Protocol School of Washington, and the Stoltz Image Institute. Gretchen spent several years at a leading financial firm coaching financial advisors on the fine art of image and first impressions.

Morning breakout session- How to be a Media Magnet

2009-12-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

Description to be posted soon

Morning breakout session- Small Changes=Big Profits; 5 Ways to Bigger Profits

2009-12-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

Small Changes=Big Profits: 5 Ways to Bigger Profits

Make 2010 your most profitable and exciting year. Barbara will share what she has found to be the most powerful business growth concept ever. This simple yet powerfully effective model, “5 Ways to Bigger Profits,” will provide you with small, specific, and consistent changes you can make to attract more customers, more revenue, and more profit in your bottom line.

Presenter: Barbara Zuleger, certified business coach
Barbara is a certified business coach with ActionCOACH MetroNorth, the #1 business coaching firm in the world. She is passionate about business coaching and the potential it brings to the owners of small and medium-size businesses. Following a proven system step by step that is personalized to each business owner's needs. Barbara helps clients stretch their visions, reach their goals, and even transform their lives.

Morning breakout session: Manage Your Stress Resistance

2009-12-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

Manage Your Stress Resistance: The Cortisol Crisis™

Stress carries a high cost, not only personally, but professionally as well. As a solution, Jenny Evans has developed PowerHouse Hit the Deck™ to help clients combat the Cortisol Crisis™: short bouts of intense physical activity that release endorphins, “the bliss molecules” that flush out the toxic stress hormones. In this session, you will learn nutrition, exercise, and sleep techniques providing multiple benefits including boosting your threshold for stress, elevating your overall levels of productivity and energy, improving your immunity, and heightening your level of fitness.

Presenter: Jenny C. Evans, B.S., C.P.T., C.F.T.
Jenny Evans is an internationally recognized expert on stress, exercise physiology, nutrition and performance. Her dynamic presentations inspire, entertain and educate Fortune 500 audiences worldwide to increase their capacity for stress and ability to recover from stress. Jenny is founder and CEO of PowerHouse Performance Coaching and the creator of PowerHouse Hit the Deck™, NBC KARE 11 TV’s Health & Fitness expert and a published author.

Conference Planning: It's a tough job but someone has to do it :)

2009-12-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

The conference team met last night over sparkling wine and chocolate strawberries. We'll share our secret: we found out that if you go to the lobby at the Westin Galleria between 5-7 pm, M-F, for just $5 you can enjoy wine and a special treat. Previous visits have included wine flights with canapes. Last night we sampled two types of sparkling wines. It's a lovely quiet place to meet. But I digress...

A few updates from our meeting:

Registrations are coming in nicely. We have a shooting star chart that we are filling in as we move toward our goal. As a visual person, it makes it more fun and sinks in more than just hearing numbers
Christina Snead from blink will be providing complimentary individualized brow/makeup consultations available during the Happy Hour. We love pampering!
We've received almost all of the breakout session descriptions from the presenters so we'll be able to post them all very soon

Conference Schedule

2009-11-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

Destined to WIN in 2010 conference schedule

Thurs, January 28, 8AM-4PM
Continue your connections in the lounge for Happy Hour afterward!
Minneapolis, Zuhrah Shrine Center

Keynote: When You Wish Upon a Star, Act On It! Martha Carlson, The Bailey Group

Schedule (titles and times subject to change):

8:00-9:15am: EXPO, continental breakfast & informal networking, pick up gift bag

9:15am: Welcome & Keynote

9:45am: Awards

10:30am: Breakout Session 1

How to be a Media Magnet
Raise Your Stress Resistance
Small Changes=Big Profits

1:30-1:00pm: EXPO, lunch & informal networking

1:00pm: Breakout session 2

Five Things Every Business Woman Needs to Know to Succeed
Goals: Making Them Real
The Nitty Gritty of Effective Networking

2:00pm: Breakout session 3

Market Like You Mean It
Kick Butt Sales
Projecting Your Best Image with Confidence

3:00pm: Closing Session, Keynote & surprise to cement your big goal for the year

Followed by optional happy hour in the lounge to celebrate and continue your connections

Cost: $129 early-bird registration until 12/19

(just $99 for WIN Members)

You won't want to miss out!

Meet the conference planning team!

2009-11-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

WIN's conference is coming along so well and so smoothly because we have an experienced team planning the event. Let me introduce you:

WIN Conference Planner and Awards Coordinator
ANN NELSON
Ann Plans, LLC
P: 651-308-9824
E: ann@annplans.com
W: www.annplans.com

WIN Conference Expo/Sponsorships Coordinator

Principal, CMP (Certified Meeting Professional)
DIANE PEARSON
Event BizNiz
P: 612-916-8890
E: diane@eventbizniz.com
W: www.eventbizniz.com

Registration links

2009-11-21T14:24:00.001-08:00

Register and make 2010 your best year yet!
★Conference registration: http://winconference2010.eventbrite.com/

Support the conference as an ~~expo vendor~~ (sold out) or participate in the gift bags: http://reachwomeninbiz.eventbrite.com/

If you are interested in sponsoring the conference, please contact Diane Pearson at diane@eventbizniz.com.

Just learned that the surprise gift is valued at $40!

2009-11-18T20:54:00.000-08:00

A few posts ago, I mentioned that everyone registered as a conference attendee will receive a special gift to remind them to set their sites high for 2010 and about the circle of support they are forming around them through WIN. It's a talisman of sorts and one that we know you will love.

I just received the following e-mail from the vendor we are working with for this gift (I had to edit out some words to keep it a surprise):

"Retail value of this ------ as we have set up would be $30-$50. So you could comfortably use $40 for the value of the "surprise" take away from the conference!! Great marketing tool!! :) I'm just so excited about all this for your attendees!"

Spread the word, ladies! This is going to be the type of conference that if you don't attend, you'll feel like you missed out. While that would set a nice momentum for the following year's conference, we don't want you to miss out in 2010.

EXPO Vendors

2009-11-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Please visit these vendors in the Expo Area:

The Expo area is now sold out. To be included in the gift bags, you may register here: http://reachwomeninbiz.eventbrite.com/

If you have any questions, please contact Expo coordinator, Diane Pearson at Diane@EventBizNiz.com.

Please nominate deserving members for Connector Award, Destined to WIN Award, and Inspired Leader Award

2009-11-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

Time to Plan for 2010

Make 2010 your most successful year yet by joining us for Women in Networking's first annual all-day conference. "Destined to WIN in 2010" takes place on Thursday, January 28 at the Zuhrah Shrine Center in Minneapolis.

The conference provides abundant opportunities for connecting with colleagues old and new, learning and recharging your batteries for 2010. Workshop options include Goals: Making Them Real, Market Like You Mean It, Raising Your Stress Resistance, Networking Etiquette, and Five Things Every Woman Needs to Know to Succeed in Business and more. Other conference highlights include breakfast and lunch, vendor expo, quality gift bags, and end-of-the-day happy hour.

Early bird registration is available through November 21. Don't miss this opportunity to save $40 on your conference registration, and consider sharing this event with colleagues who would appreciate a successful jumpstart to their New Year.

In conjunction with the conference, I am delighted to announce WIN's new awards program. Three awards have been created to honor members who excel in the areas of helping others make connections, leadership and inspiration, and intentional business and personal growth. The three winners will be presented with their award at the conference.

Anyone may nominate one or more members for one of the three awards: Connector Award, Destined to WIN Award, and Inspired Leader Award. Information, including the award descriptions and quick and easy nomination process, is available here. The nomination deadline is Friday, December 18. By investing just a little of your time, you can help a member receive the special recognition she deserves!

We look forward to your participation in WIN's first annual conference. You truly are "Destined to WIN in 2010!"

Ann Nelson
"Destined to WIN in 2010" Conference Planner
ann@annplans.com

Ann Nelson has been a member of WIN since January 2008. She is an event planner and the founder of Ann Plans LLC.

Printz Treated Me Like Royalty

2009-11-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

We had postcards created at Printz to promote the Destined to WIN in 2010 conference. Stephanie Hansen was great to work with and the process was easy. A designer worked on the layout, a proof was sent to me online and bing bam boom a few days later I have 2,000 cards in my hands.

Q from registrant re: Gift Bags

2009-11-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

Question about Gift Bags (from WIN member, Peg Tuttle of Tuttle House Gardens):

I'm glad to be participating in the gift bags for the Destined to WIN conference. Are you also planning on a table or giveaways at the next Women's Foundation Joint Dinner for Women's Professional Associations? If so, I'd like to participate again.

Answer:

Hi Peg, So glad you asked! This is what we are doing for gift bags:

For members who register for the conference, they will get to include a promotional gift in the bags at no charge. We are requiring that they are actual gifts such as your seed packets and not just a discount or marketing materials. Non-members and non-attendees may provide promotional gifts, too (click here for details).

We will be putting together 250 gift bags for the conference (capacity for the venue in hopes that we sell out). Any left over gift bags will then be distributed at the Joint Dinner so they will still get into the hands of professional women. :)

If we meet our registration goal and end up using ALL of the gift bags at the conference, I'm confident we'll figure out a way to also do gift bags for the Joint Dinner.

All my best,
Teresa

Mystery gift anticipation

2009-11-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

Today, we dug in to the details of planning the mystery gift that all conference registrants will receive. Even though we won't reveal the mystery gift until the conference here are some hints:

It's purpose is to serve as a daily reminder of what you learn and experience at the conference.
It is highly symbolic.
All of us conference planners can't wait until we have our own in hand.
The conference will convey information in ways that appeals to various learning styles including visual, auditory, tactile/kinesthetic.

We just know you are going to love it!

Brockman Law, Ltd: Protecting Your Creativity supports Destined to WIN!

2009-11-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Brockman Law, Ltd for supporting the Destined to WIN in 2010 conference!

WIN has had wonderful experiences working with Sharra Brockman of Brockman Law, Ltd. We have heard from WIN members who have worked with Brockman Law on intellectual property issues and they have also been delighted with the quality of attention, care and expertise. Brockman Law offers a complimentary initial consultation for WIN members.

Thank you to Brockman Law, Ltd for your sponsorship!

May Advertising and Design rocket fuels conference with sponsorship

2009-10-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

May Advertising and Design is a huge in-kind sponsor for WIN's conference! They are designing and printing the conference programs. They were the first company to step up and say, "Count us in!

May Advertising and Design is "Loved for their responsiveness, versatility, and 'right the first time' creative thinking." How true that is! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts May Ads!

Gift bags for participants are off to a fantastic start!

2009-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Each conference registrant will receive a certificate for 250 free business cards from Printz.com. Talk about high value! The Destined to WIN conference is going to knock you out of your socks and launch you to the stars.

Printz is also providing the promotional postcards to spread the word about the conference. They look fantastic. Thank you Printz!

You'll get to meet Printz owner, Stephanie Hansen at the conference where she'll be a presenter and a panelist in two breakout sessions (one on becoming a Media Magnet and the other, Market Like You Mean It). In addition to owning a highly successful printing company, she is a regular Talk Show Host on FM 107. Her background in the media includes having worked at several other radio stations (KSTP FM, KFAN and K102) and for City Pages, the alternative arts and entertainment newspaper for the Twin Cities. And to top it off, she is also President of the Twin Cities Advertising Federation.

Introducing our keynote presenter

2009-10-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Keynote: When You Wish Upon a Star...Act on It!

Approach this day and this year with clear intentions. Then maximize the opportunity ahead of you and propel forward.

Martha Carlson, MBA, CPCC, The Bailey Group
Martha is committed to helping professional women find their unique style and voice as leaders. Her clients appreciate her ability to turn personal insights into actionable goals and inspire the focus to achieve them.

Martha specializes in leadership development, executive coaching, team building and facilitation. She also leads The Exchange - A Forum for Women Leaders, providing networking and development opportunities for professional women.

Prior to joining the Bailey Group, Martha founded Carlson Coaching and Consulting. She also spent 15 years as an executive in the financial services industry leading a variety of functions and business units. Martha, who earned an MBA from the Carlson School of Management, completed coaching training and certification with the Coaches Training Institute (CTI).

Follow the exciting developments for WIN's conference!

2009-10-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Things are coming together beautifully for the Destined to WIN in 2010 conference! Keep track through this blog of the exciting announcements and developments as we approach the big date, January 28, 2009.

For registration, please visit: http://winconference2010.eventbrite.com/

For sponsorship/expo table/advertising, please visit: http://reachwomeninbiz.eventbrite.com/

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to be in touch:
WIN's conference planner, Ann Nelson of Ann Plans at ann@annplans.com

WIN's sponsorship/expo planner, Diane Pearson of Event BizNiz at diane@eventbizniz.com