Ramblings: Theme Change, In the Press and Deadlines Approaching

written / posted by Amanda M. Gladden

ramblings I’m considering updating the site’s layout since the current theme does not look as good in Explorer as it does in Firefox (Explorer often does not show the 3 column layout), but I’m torn because I like the vibrant colors and I’m not sure I want to give up the color scheme. What do you think?

Do you like the current color scheme ? Let me know in the comments below.

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goodnewsOn another note, Woman Start Your Business Now was mentioned briefly in an article in the New York Times by Brent Bowers,
Advice on Taking an Entrepreneurial Leap. Ok, so it was only a brief mention, but it’s the NY Times all the same :))

We were also mentioned as one of the 96 Women Bloggers to Watch for Spring 2008 on the Virtual Woman’s Day blog.

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So, anyway, for April, I’ll continue to bring you some of the more obscure contests, other places to compete for startup funds and opportunities to improve our entrepreneurial skills. For your part, please continue to leave your comments and start dialog, bring other useful information to share (even when I’m too busy to reply to every comment, know that I appreciate every comment that adds something useful for myself and the other readers).

Remember to check out the Free Magazines section of the blog monthly there’s always something new being offered that may be useful in your line of business. This month the offers include free subscriptions to

  • Target Marketing
  • Successful Promotions
  • BtoB Magazine
  • Internet Retailer
  • and at least 100 more.

    Finally, deadlines are near for the following opportunities:

    Please tell me more! »

    Enterprising Women and Women’s History Month

    written / posted by Amanda M. Gladden

    enterprising_women

    Today, (March 31, 2008) marks the official end of Women’s History Month here in the U.S. In tribute, I decided to post about a great site dedicated to enterprising women like the women who read this blog :)

    The site, Enterprising Women, is an exhibition organized by The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University and the National Heritage Museum. It covers the stories of over 40 women entrepreneurs both past and present, from Madame C.J. Walker and Elizabeth Arden on to Meg Whitman and Martha Stewart.

    Enterprising Women’s site notes that:

    It’s estimated that American women own more than 7.7 million firms and represent 40 percent of businesses operating in the United States. Enterprising Women tells the story of the women who paved the way for this success.

    There’s a section about Mentorship where you can find a mentee or search for a mentor, you can also add your story in the Stories section and discover other enterprising women you’ve never heard of.

    Visit the Enterprising Women online exhibit here: http://www.radcliffe.edu/schles/exhibits/enterprisingwomen/index.html

    Develop Your Vision for Change-Here’s Your Chance to Attend Women Rule!

    written / posted by Amanda M. Gladden

    women_rule!

    O, The Oprah Magazine and The White House Project have partnered up with American Express to offer a three-day leadership training program for 80 women who demonstrate leadership potential.

    To get one of the 80 coveted spots, you must enter the Women Rule! contest and explain your commitment to leadership, your project or idea, and a few other things.

    According to the Women Rule! site:

    Women Rule! will propel women to break through the barriers to their leadership and develop fully their vision for change. Women Rule! will reach women who are ready to step forward and lead in business, in philanthropy, in politics, in the community and in the public square.

    Please tell me more! »

    Are You a Handbag Designer? Get Your Line Noticed With this Competition!

    written / posted by Amanda M. Gladden

    peterkenthandbags3_418w.jpg Billed as the only handbag competition of its kind in the world, the Second Annual Independent
    Handbag Designer Awards™ has put out an open call for handbag designers and aspiring designers.

    Here’s your chance to present your handbag design at a high profile New York event and compete for one of six Awards for Handbag Design Excellence.

    Entrants are required to upload a digital jpeg image in any one or more of the following categories:

    Please tell me more! »

    Present Your Business Plan Successfully: 8 Surefire Tips

    written / posted by Amanda M. Gladden

    Michael Margolis, a semi-final judge and new venture mentor to teams in the social enterprise track
    of New York University’s 2008 Business Plan Competition is today’s guest blogger.
    feather

    Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to serve as a semi-final judge and new venture mentor to teams competing in the social enterprise track. Having coached several teams already, here’s what I’d say are EIGHT KEY LESSONS for teams eager to sell their business idea in a business plan competition.

      1. Explain Why YOU
      People invest in people, not ideas. So give the judges/audience a sense of why you’re the right person. illustrate your commitment, knowledge, and expertise. How many years have you been doing this? How has your life experience prepared you for this endeavor? Show the judges that you are real, genuine, and passion-driven.

      Please tell me more! »