Ladies Who Launch Pictorial 1 & 2

Hi Ladies,

I have posted two wonderful pictorial of the Ladies Who Launch LIVE event. It is set to music. Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=578997061&k=321X25R2Q2ZM5CMAXC3XWW
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=578997061&k=Y2D34WP6432M5CMAXC3XWW

Namaste'

PS: Check me out on part 2 @ 1:25.

Arm Candy...making millions one at a time.

I love sharing inspirational stories. Jen Groover has bagged herself to the TOP! These coveted bags are wanted by the stars.

Enjoy and Namaste' Girls

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

by Jen Groover, Creator, Butler Bags

When the Butler Bag Company was only a few months old, a buyer for QVC wanted to place a large purchase order for it--a dream come true for most!! But my gut felt that it was the wrong move. I agonized over the decision because I knew neither I nor my brand were ready for that type of magnitude.

I knew I really needed to focus on building the infrastructure of the company first as well as build the demand for the brand. I sadly declined the chance fearful I would never have that opportunity again. The good news is that now the opportunity has come full circle and I am a more established brand! The opportunities surrounding it are even greater!

The lessons that I learned from this experience were profound and I am presented with these types of challenges on a daily basis--a great problem to have, right? Well, yes, if you understand how to handle them; otherwise it could be brand disaster.

In growing a company/brand you need to constantly be aware of your long term goals and vision for the company.

As the company grows this might call for regular reassessment but knowing and defining your goals helps set the boundaries for big decisions. Obviously, striking a deal with a major player like QVC right out of the gate was tempting I knew it could dilute my brand before my brand even got started. It could have failed miserably because it was a "fashion product" without any branding--therefore brand equity or demand. I could have financially got in over my head as well as operationally, not even knowing or understanding all the rules for delivery. Looking back, the lesson I learned most from this is to not jump on short-term gratification if it jeopardizes your long-term strategy and growth of your company.

Five steps to use when facing a big decision:

1) Identify my your long term goals

2) Evaluate (write down) pro and cons of this decision and how it affects your long-term goal

3) Ask other trusted people their opinions--you may get to see different perspectives you couldn't see on your own

4) Do activities that allow you time to think away from distractions i.e: a walk in the park, yoga class, relaxing on the beach by yourself

5) Listen to your gut - think back to your initial reaction when the decision was posed, how did you feel. Every successful person I have ever met have all agreed that this is the greatest indicator.

- Jen

For More information, please see:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/consumer&id=6328973

http://blog.unfoldingyourlifevision.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1ZX15hnMAg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsYnH36q0Ag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBXcQUf5tdo

My Journey from Dream to Realty to Oh So Fabulous

Today was a great and interesting day. I went to the… oh so great: Ladies Who Launch event: BYOB. In their words it was a day to connect with others to grow your dreams, business, and creative projects and to celebrate big ideas, entrepreneurial spirits, and creative talents. That is exactly what we did.

Everything was great about this event from the networking, ease of parking and the shopping. Yes, I said shopping. My girlfriend scored a $400 purse on sale for $140. Don’t you just love sales! Check out the bag on her arm below.

The inspiration from all of the great speakers was phenomenal. If I had one thing that I would say that did not put a smile on my face it was the lack of AC in the Design Center and, the most unfortunate, BYOB ran out of food.

Now, if you knew me, you will know that I am a bit of a Sun Goddess. Yes, I love Walnut Creek (location of my full-time job) in the summer. I do not believe that the Bay Area has a beach worthwhile because it just too cold. In my book Walnut Creek is the perfect beach weather, so heat does not get to me mainly because I am a Texas girl through and through. This heat was a little different because when one is dressed in their girlie-network attire any moisture, well let’s just say, is not in my book lady-like.

My friend, Dr. Karen M. Horton of the Women's Plastic Surgery, www.womensplasticsurgery.com (Don’t you love shameless plugs, and I decided that we will cool off in the courtyard during lunch. We nabbed a cool shaded area and gabbed for about 20 minutes. After our quick chit chat we went inside hoping that the 300+ cattle call for food had dwindled.

"How Does Your Garden Grow"

There was no line, PERFECT! She and I moseyed right up and ask, “Hi, where is the lunch?” Well, you should have looked at the face of the guy, “It is gone.”

Hmmm…

That is okay because we were stilled thrilled about what the rest of the day had to offer. Off we went on our excursion for chow.

Below is the speaker line up:

Victoria Colligan, Founder, Ladies Who Launch
Allison Covarrubias, Bay Area Director, Ladies Launch
Zach Nelson, President and CEO, NetSuite.com
Ann Crady, Founder, Maya’s Mom
Daryn Kagan, Founder of DarynKagan.com
The Queens of the Wed: Ning, Facebook and etc
Arcadia Maximo, Founder, Maximo Construction
Kathy Preston, Bestselling Author, Conscious Living Counselor

I took a little bit from some of the speakers to share with you:

Zach Nelson of NetSuite.com says that the three most important aspects of starting, running and exceeding in your business are to 1.) have a great vision and stick to it 2.) be financial savvy and lastly, 3.) have great people on your team. Having a great combination of all three will be the deciding factor if your business grows or falters.

Ann Crady founder of Maya’s Mom believe in building social networks either on Ning.com or Facebook. She was a phenomenal speaker, can you believe that she went from launch to selling her business to Business Center in 18 months. Can we all be so lucky?! The key to her success is having her elevator pitch ready, one page business plan and a 10 page slide presentation showing your Unique Value Proposition, Why the Customer will need your services and your marketing plan. However, without being extremely persistence non none of the above will work.

Be Inspired. Daryn Kagan says that, “Inspiration comes in pieces” for it is all a bit of a treasure hunt. One is always chasing for that glowing star and when they find it, they are elated. Each is a joy that one must tend to in order to see it grow. Kagan says that the best Google Ads, Amazon Associates, CafePress.com and Voxant.com

Well, there were so much more, now you would either have to incubate or join the online network. www.ladieswholaunch.com

Allie Covarrubias, SF Bay Area Director

Queens of the Web

Founder, Victoria Colligan, Ladies Who Launch

Be Prosper. Namaste’ Girls.