The New England Women Business Owners (NEWBO) honored me this week with its Woman of Distinction Award. I received the call from Gretje Ferguson–a member of the nominating committee– back in the dark, cold days of February. It wasn’t something I’d applied for or even known about. It was a gift from the Universe and lit up the rest of my New England winter. “You’re a voice for entrepreneurial women,” Gretje said when she told me why I’d been chosen.

As soon as I figure out how to download the video from my Lumix digital camera I’ll make a youtube clip and post it. Meanwhile, here’s my acceptance speech:

“I want to share my very first reaction when Gretje called me to describe this award and my selection. After hanging up the phone I took a really deep breath in and thought, ‘Ah, recognition for all I’ve done. What great publicity this will generate! I bet I can raise my fees.’

And then I exhaled…

and thought, ‘What will I wear? What if no one shows up? Who did they ask before me?!’

And that pretty much typifies the life of a woman business owner, right? Those ecstatic highs and dramatics lows–all in the same breath?

At my first meeting of women entrepreneurs, like this, I had on a name tag that read: An Egg by Jane. I was in my late 30′s, had school age kids and a home-based business that was about 10 years old. I didn’t know there was anyone else out there running her own entrepreneurial enterprise. I was completely isolated and thought I’d struck gold when I attended that first luncheon filled with so many other women like me.

You asked me questions like, ‘What IS an Egg by Jane?’ You wanted to see my stuff, hear what I offered. And, oh God, you asked me for my marketing materials! You gave me the opportunity to repeat over and over again what I did so that I could get clarity myself. I listened to you, watched what you did and learned from that.

I got to re-invent myself in the shelter of other women business owners as I went from egg decorator to author to textile designer (that lasted about 10 minutes) to professional speaker and coach, each time trying out my new 30-second commercial and offerings in front of you.

Where else can you go where your primary identity is woman business owner? Not the local PTA, not your sports club or fitness center, not your extended family, and not, unfortunately, the Chamber of Commerce or Rotary which are still predominantly male.

What’s so special about NEWBO is that here is where you can let your hair down and find others like you. You can brag about closing a deal–and you get it. You can cry about losing a deal–and you get it. You can laugh about not being LinkedIn to 1000 other people–and you get it. And you can ask for help…and get it.

I was so thrilled the first time I was asked to speak at a NEWBO meeting. I’ve loved being connected to you and receiving your feedback all these years. Your support and appreciation have kept me fueled to continue carrying my message.

In rooms like this I met a woman who taught me the skills of time management and goal-setting. I’ve since kept daily, monthly and annual goals and also a ‘bucket-type’ list of 100 things I’d love to accomplish.

In preparation for this talk I pulled out the list which resides in my December tickler file and read through it. Something I’ve wanted for many years (#76) is to attend the Oscars. Well, actually, I wanted to win one, but knew that wasn’t realistic. I mean, who wouldn’t want to win an Oscar? Get all dressed up? Meet Meryl Streep (#60 on my list) and be recognized by your peers.

I’m going to check that one off when I get home, because this is even better. YOU are my Academy. We get each other. And your recognition means everything to me. For that, I thank you.