Written By: Gwen Faulkner, Faulkner Financial, LLC of Cherry Hill and Southern Region, President of NJAWBO

Dubbed “New Jersey’s Most Powerful Network” by Business News New Jersey, networking, partnering, leadership, education and political advocacy are the hallmarks of the NJAWBO experience. As of today, NJAWBO has grown to approximately a thousand members, organized in twelve chapters, and three regional groupings, with members serving as officers at the chapter, regional and state levels. Together, we are a diverse, dynamic, and powerful group of women business owners.

The increasing success of women-owned businesses in our society will continue to build on itself and contribute to the development of still more confident women, running thriving, thoroughly accepted businesses. And the very special place of NJAWBO – women supporting women – will continue to be an important environment for women business owners in New Jersey.

As the population of seasoned women business owners grows in New Jersey, our membership mix is evolving to match this.  And as the businesses of our current members grow, their expectations change. It is increasingly clear that, to continue to meet member needs, we must reach new heights and expand our offerings. In January of 2008 we launched our Gloucester County Breakfast meetings that have had great success. We are very excited to announce our April and May presenters. Both topics for the meeting are engaging and very needed in today’s busy society, communication skills and time management.

Our April speaker is Merle Margolese, president of Merle Margolese Presents…, a firm that specializes in customized business training will be speaking on effective communication skills. Her business offers hands on workshops on this topic and includes but is not limited to individual business coaching, team building exercises, motivational speaking and team motivation.

Merle worked for Tupperware Company for 12 and one half years. In that time she was in the top 1% in the country in sales, recruiting and promoting other folks into management positions. Merle traveled around the country speaking and doing seminar/work­shops in these areas. She strongly believes that when you build your people, your people will build your business.

In May of 2002, Merle began offering her ideas to other com­panies. She presents her thoughts and shares her ideas in a way that will help the most experienced person right down to the brand new trainee. The attendees actually participate in the training; they do not just hear what they should do, but get to interact with Merle to learn and become comfortable with the new ideas.

Then in May Joan Nowak, Action Coach, will speak on our most valuable asset as women business owners, your time. Do you often find yourself wishing that there were more than 24 hours in a day? The laws of nature prevent us from extending the day, but good SELF management enables us to get more done in those same 24 hours (including sleep!)

In this workshop, you’ll learn: How to analyze your relationship with time and determine what’s holding you back, the keys to effective time (self) management and the strategies that will enable you to accomplish more and stress less.

Joan Nowak started business coaching by applying the marketing, business development and operation skills acquired from 17 years of experience with Mobil Oil, as well as an energy start-up and service franchise business. Over the past three years, Joan has worked with hundreds of small business owners – from manufacturing and professional services to contractors and business services – providing them with the knowledge and execution, focus and accountability they need to achieve the financial and lifestyle results they want from their business. Joan holds a bachelor degree in Marketing from St. Joseph’s University and has done workshops and speaking engagements for chambers, business associations and professional organizations throughout South Jersey.

We hope to see many new faces at our upcoming meetings. We are happy to serve the South Jersey women business owner community.

Sincerely,
Gwen Faulkner,
Southern Region President,
Owner of Faulkner Financial

For information about other chapters: Gwen Faulkner,Southern Region President, NJAWBO 856-673-4045 or Gwen_Faulkner@hotmail.com