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We had a wonderful turnout at my first-ever Boston area event held at the beautiful Chestnut Hill Eileen Fisher store. I love bringing together Remarkable Women, and this group was no exception.
We had women in travel, communications, catering, financial education, entrepreneurship education, radio and more. After the round of self-introductions for the entire group, we broke up into smaller conversations to help each other focus in on key issues. The sparks were flying. We even had some of the Eileen Fisher staff sit in our circles sharing their expertise and getting feedback.
What always impresses me so deeply as I’ve worked with Eileen Fisher’s employees is their devotion to the brand, the company and to Eileen as a visionary. As Laura Moretti-Gold–this store’s manager– said as she proudly introduced her staff members and how long each had been with the company, “We don’t leave!”
In a conversation I had with one of these women, I was told how generous Eileen is with benefits, profit-sharing, wellness allowances, etc. I can’t think of another company where I’ve heard that devotion and caring verbalized.
In case you didn’t know this, Eileen Fisher has a Business Grant Program for Women Entrepreneurs. The deadline is soon, but if you’re interested, here’s the link for an application.
I so enjoyed having lunch with Eileen Fisher yesterday at the Pierre Hotel in NYC. She’s been a role model for me for the past 15 years, so seeing her again was a joyful experience.
I did have to share her with about 300 other working women, but I didn’t mind. We had all signed up to attend the WCBS Radio Working Women’s Luncheon. Eileen graciously stood by the entrance greeting the audience as we filed into the dining area. I was thrilled to shake her hand again and thank her for allowing me to share her beautiful stores with my Remarkable Women’s Network attendees.
As you can see from the photo on the right, it was a packed house. Eileen was the first to be interviewed by Pat Carroll, WCBS-AM Morning Anchor. Waiters circulating and latecomers getting seated made for a rather chaotic atmosphere. Eileen did what I’ve come to admire her for. She recognized what was going on, her own comfort (or lack of) level with the ambiance, and made a request.
“This is what I do before meetings in my company. Can we all get quiet and take three breaths?” It took a moment for everyone to even hear her ask for this. She led the group in getting quieter. “Breathe and say to yourself, ‘Let go.’”
Pause.
“Take a breath, and say ‘Be still.’”
Pause.
“Breathe and say, ‘Now what?’”
It got much quieter and the interview continued. I was impressed with Eileen’s courage, in the exact moment of discomfort and disconnect with the space we were in, to step beyond the expected–just go along to get along–to ask for what she needed. We needed it too, but someone had to name it, and she did.
The interview portion extended to include Nell Merlino and two winners of the Make Mine a Million contest for women entrepreneurs. Then, the floor was opened for questions.
When asked about bouncing back from failures, Eileen openly shared about a disaster for her company in the early days. It involved a fabric–French terry–that unexpectedly stretched and contorted the garments her company was producing. It forced her to take a keener look at her offerings, re-evaluate and extend her line. Although it was a ‘crushing blow,’ from it came her greatest success–a diversified line in a variety of fabrics.
Another audience member said to Eileen, “You look pretty unbruised. [She's quite beautiful and serene in person.]. How do you do that?” To which Eileen candidly shared, “Oh, I’m bruised. But I get up again.”
“I always went to therapy,” she added. It proved a means for helping her understand her own intentions.
What a courageous, generous and soulful woman Eileen Fisher is! She continues to inspire me, and I hope you, too, as I share this.
I’m just back from a great event for women entrepreneurs called Savor the Success. It will continue tomorrow, but I’m completely filled up. I met terrific women, heard great speakers and practically floated home afterward. I’ll be sharing quotes and thoughts I heard there for weeks to come. It was that rich.
My favorite speaker this morning was Poppy King, the Lipstick Queen now featured at Barneys and on HSN, who hails from Australia. She emphasized that her greatest successes invariably came after her biggest setbacks. (She doesn’t like the word failure). I also appreciated her profound understanding that “simple is hard.” She said there is “no nobility in being complicated.” Sticking to her vision of non-shiny lip color has been her hallmark of success.
She reminded me of my favorite woman business owner–Eileen Fisher–who has maintained her vision of simply beautiful garments in solid colors, high quality fabrics and attractive styles that enhance the wearer.
I’m often distracted by new promotions/seductions that lead me in a different direction than I intend for myself. Usually there’s a dollar amount that seems attractive. But when I stay true to my values, keep focused on my ideal client and in my groove of what I do best, I’m able to keep it simple and walk away from business that doesn’t serve my ultimate goal of leading remarkable women to uncommon success.
There’s a misconception out there that when you get published the automatic result is fame and fortune. That’s the power of the press. If there’s ink about you, you must be successful and rich. Not so.
A colleague and I were comparing notes over coffee yesterday. She had seen a wonderful article about me and my Remarkable Women’s Network events in the Greenwich Time that morning. She referred to a full-page feature that had been written about her which resulted in only one phone response that had nothing to do with that article’s contents. I nodded in recognition of that outcome. Been there!
I commiserated. There have been many times where the article I thought would change my life didn’t. I’ve learned through experience that it’s not the press that gets you business. It’s what you do with the press that gets you business. The word is out there. You’ve received that coveted third party endorsement. But we all know how fleeting that is. It’s our job to take that promotional material and continue the promotion.
I intend to make copies and send them to the wonderful women who were quoted. I’ll also snail mail a copy to Eileen Fisher whom I refer to in the article as my role model as a woman entrepreneur. Talk about third party endorsement. In addition, I’ll add links to my website and make copies for future promotional kits. Getting published is just the beginning of the PR journey. Reaping the rewards is a long-term prospect. Your name is in the ozone, but getting the word out and enjoying the benefits of that only begins after the excitement of publication wanes.
Since I believe in walking my talk, I have my own coach and two cherished sessions with her a month. On our last call discernment was the topic that we spent most of our time on. I’m in the enviable position of having many opportunities coming my way, several of which I created. But there are have been some unexpected surprises arriving as well that look attractive. My work is to decide where to put my energy and focus.
Recently I was invited to be a part of a nationwide educational program to offer teleclasses on the subject of Mastermind Groups, a business building program that is near and dear to my heart. I lead Mastermind Groups and participate in them as well. They serve as the most important tool in my own business’ growth and accountability. I’m a believer and want to spread the word. I thought the opportunity to be a part of a larger mission would suit me…at first.
What was required of me, though, was to cross-market with the other providers, which I know and appreciate is a way to build your contact list, database and renown. But I wasn’t crazy about the materials I started to receive from one of the other providers. I don’t have products that are ready and available for sale that would make this kind of marketing more viable. I could feel my heart and my gut saying, “Uh-oh!”
When I discussed it with my coach, she helped me remember how it feels when I’m involved with alliances where my heart sings–like with Brad Isaacs this past weekend delivering our Get Real program. Or with my promising collaboration with Eileen Fisher and my Remarkable Women’s Network. I understand the relationship. I know, admire and respect the individuals. It feels right.
As Michele said, “You’re driving around in a Jaguar with these collaborators, and someone is offering you a free Ford. Do you want that?”
The temptation is there, but I have to stay clear on my chosen destinations, my traveling companions and the quality of the ride. While it was still challenging for me to reject the teleclass offer, having that analogy made it crystal clear and slightly easier. I said “no” and “phew”.
Last January I hosted my first Remarkable Women’s Network event at Kate Eisemann’s Studio in Wilton, CT. Eighty women came out on a wintry night to meet each other and share something about themselves with the group.
It was such a successful night that I knew I wanted to continue offering the opportunity for remarkable women to get together in a meaningful way. I invited the first 30 women who signed up for a repeat event in April. This time the focus was not only on meeting each other, but also on having important conversations in small groups. Again, it was a terrific hit. Two more great evenings followed, one in Wilton, one in Fairfield, CT. Over 200 women have now participated in this experience.
On August 31st I’ll be hosting my first event in Westchester. I’m THRILLED to be holding the networking evening at the Eileen Fisher store located at The Westchester–a magnificent shopping plaza anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Eileen Fisher has been a role model for me since I heard her speak at an AWED (American Women’s Economic Development) Conference back in the 80′s. She has always maintained a clear vision for her company and holds the same values as I do.
“Life-fulfilling work is never about the money–when you feel your true passion for something, you instinctively find ways to nurture it,” explains Eileen. (From the EileenFisher.com website)
There are only a handful of spaces left for the event on Monday night, August 31 from 5:30 – 7:30pm. If you’re a remarkable woman and you’d like to participate in this event, you can still sign up by clicking on this link and registering today.
