<![CDATA[ - [aC] Blog]]>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:30:43 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[NEW Year, Same Mission!]]>Sun, 09 Jan 2011 10:42:24 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2011/01/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlI really hope all of you are as excited about 2011 as I am!! I just have a lot of good feelings and vibs about this year. Small Business Saturday promoted by American Express at the end of the year last year and all of the many, many ways we looked to support small business throughout the year have really built some serious momentum going into this year. I do hope you will join me in continuing to support 'small' and put your money where your mouth is! Here's to a NEW YEAR supporting local people and local missions!

Cheers,
Stephanie Williams]]><![CDATA[The 80/20 Rule]]>Tue, 05 Oct 2010 09:18:19 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2010/10/the-8020-rule.htmlYou've heard of this idea right, the 80/20 Rule?! Basically it's saying, 20% of something will drive 80% of the results. Some examples: 20% of your sales staff will drive 80% of the company's sales, 20% of your clients will be what drives 80% of your revenue, 20% of your contacts will lead to 80% of your connections...etc. It is SO true and applicable in every area of our life so WHY do I get so surprised when my results aren't 100%?! Maybe it's because I'm a perfectionist that wants to please everyone and win everyone over.

But, here's the reality....alphaChicks ARE the 20%. We are the 20% that will give to our community 80% of its support. We ARE the women in the top 20% of your contacts that WILL provide 80% of your connections. And, we ARE in a smaller pool of like-minded women and NOT for everyone.

I struggle with this battle in my head to "win the numbers war". I struggle and compete with wanting more followers and more 'likes' and more women in our email distribution list. But, I know we don't need to win that war to be successful. We don't need that to provide HUGE value for those who commit their time and energy to alphaChicks. We are the TOP 20% and at alphaChicks, we are 100% committed to each other, our businesses and your dreams. Who could need more than THAT?!?!

-Stephanie Williams, Founder

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. It's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
]]><![CDATA[FALL 2010 FASHION TRENDS by Andrea Liebross]]>Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:32:55 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2010/08/fall-2010-fashion-trends-by-andrea-liebross.html* SPARE ME Let’s get right to the point. Simplicity, done well, is sublime. All you have to do is take one look at the streamlined, sculptural shapes of Fall clothing and you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

* METAL MADNESS A shine has been taken to metallic finishes this Fall. Of course, I adore the golds and bronzes and silvers. But I’m really crazy about is the unexpected. I love the shimmery pinks and glimmery greens.

* CLASSIC RULES The classics have been given a little nudge. Just enough to push them in a more disarming direction. It’s about being careful not to jump too far, while still giving each piece a little added zing. Why not wear a classic menswear pants suit with a sheer little blouse underneath?

* BLACK OUT I admit it. I still can’t live without black. I love how it’s elegant and rock ‘n’ roll at the same time. The sleek pieces I chosen for Fall make me want to absolutely fill my closet with black. There are so many unique details and mix of fabrics.

* MODERN MOJO It’s not that I have no respect for tradition, but I am just not constrained by it. After all, if you can’t turn convention on its ear once in a while, what fun is it? So, take a jacket, crop the sleeves and the silhouette and turn it into something new and altogether more irresistible.

W www.worthw.com
Fall through July 15
Winter September 15-23
Andrea Liebross aliebross@worthw.com
317-407-7016 ]]><![CDATA[Vacations...do they exist?!]]>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:47:05 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2010/06/vacationsdo-they-exist.htmlOkay all, I need some support here. Do vacations exist for anyone? Okay, revise the question...do they exist for [alphaChicks] like you and me?! I'm having a hard time believing it.

This past week I took a "vacation" with my husband back to the beach we got married on 7 years ago, Sunset Beach in North Carolina. I even went the entire long weekend "un-plugged". AKA: NO Blackberry and NO laptop. And, I've got to be honest, it was really great the first few days and then the anxiety settled in. Anyone else get that? The worries of what you are coming back to, what you forgot while you were gone, what has been piling in your absence? So, I just wonder today, can an [alphaChick] really have a vacation that makes her come back home relaxed? And, if you have, PLEASE share how!! I can't be the only one that needs some advice...

-stephanie]]><![CDATA[Over-Networked?! Focus on quality]]>Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:11:27 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2010/03/over-networked-focus-on-quality.htmlIt was a time in my life when I had two children at home and I was working to build my business that I found myself out and about everywhere. I attended just about every event I could find and that result was a HUGE stack of business cards sitting on my desk, haunting me daily. Also, was the amount of meetings I had added to my calendar for "one-on-one" appointments at local establishments like Starbucks.

These meetings were always interesting and I did truly enjoy getting to know other people and how they came up with the business they are in or how they found their way to the role they were in. And, I REALLY enjoyed my meetings with those people where it just clicked. You know what I mean?! The ones where you talk for two hours and didn't realize how that happened. You had a back and forth conversation of ideas, passions, dreams, etc...etc..

The problem came when I got busy after those awesome meetings to go on and have the "flip-chart" meetings. I'm sure you have been there (and hopefully you weren't the one doing the flipping...). The one where the other person gets out their flip-chart and proceeds to talk to you one-sided for 45 minutes and asks you at the end how you can refer them or join their business? AAAHH!! I HATED those and one day I had had my last one. I came home from work to my two kids, turned to my husband and said, "there HAS to be a better way". There has to be a more efficient way to meet and stay connected to those people I "clicked" with and avoid the ones that I just don't.

Now, I'm NOT saying quit trying to meet people, or start judging from the cover, but I am asking you to look at the places you have gone and analyze the ones where you found those people. Maybe there is a pattern, maybe there is a single source, and spend your time there. Work to meet those people and the people they know. It is great to have the opporunity to gather 60 business cards in one meeting, but what does it really mean? It probably means you will end up over-networked, lose some quality productivity time trying to filter through them and probably sit through some flip-chart meetings. Save yourself, your business and your family some time and just focus on the quality sources that bring you the support you need.  ]]><![CDATA[Optimism...]]>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:25:36 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2010/02/optimism.html

I just have to talk about optimism today as I personally wonder how to find the balance of reality to fantasy. I would consider myself an overall positive person, as I work to see the best in any given situation. But, I cannot deny those days and moments where it just doesn't seem possible. Maybe it's because I'm overwhelmed with my to-do list, maybe it is a personal situation. Whatever it may be, I have to ask; when is it just okay to grieve for your particular hardship and not worry about sugar coating or looking for the silver-lining?

I believe overall optimism is huge AND I believe in getting up every time you get knocked down, but I also have to believe that there are just some moments we need to just let ourselves hurt, get the emotion(s) out (in a productive way), and move on to better days.

At the loss of my mother, I didn't cry for days. In fact, it took several months. I keep telling myself, "but there are other people who have had it worse", "I have to be strong for everyone else", "at least I got to say goodbye", "some children lose their mother at a much younger age", etc, etc, on and on. It wasn't until I allowed myself to grieve for my own situation as it was (IT SUCKED AND IT HURT), that I finally started to heal. I tried to stay positive but letting myself finally accept the pain and hardship gave me a sense of freedom to move on; it finally was OKAY to say it WASN'T okay.

In the end, we all go through trials and conflicts that give us our own challenges in both our businesses and our personal lives but I do think it's okay to grieve for whatever the situation is and not just cover it up with positive quotes and/or worse-off comparisons. That is what I intend to do; and I like to call it "hopeless optimism". Or just simply, reality... And then, when we are okay with it not being okay, we can grow stronger bonds with each other as we lean on each other with support and work to help each other

]]><![CDATA[What motivates you?]]>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:56:46 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2010/02/what-motivates-you.htmlWhat is it that really motivates you to be better, to do better? I have found a personal struggle in defining this for myself and wonder if you've figured it out. Is it money, recognition, control? Is it a combination of many things?

Our quote for the month is: "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman.

Passion and control (of my time and energy) are what I've found to be the most motivating to me but I know it is different for everyone. Please share your thoughts!

-Stephanie
]]><![CDATA[Business Plan for your Wardrobe?!]]>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:15:23 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2010/01/business-plan-for-your-wardrobe.htmlI ran across this blog post from Diane K. Danielson on the www.pinkmagazine.com website and it caught my eye so I thought I would re-post it and see what you think. Enjoy!

How to write a business plan for your wardrobe

When Carrie Bradshaw discovered on Sex on the City that she really was the Little Old Lady Who Lived with her Shoes, we all laughed.  But, that was a few years ago when the world was an entirely different place.  Today, many of us wouldn’t find that episode quite so amusing, as the economy has us all scaling back on our expenses.  So, how do you prevent Carrie’s fate?  By creating a business plan for your wardrobe – and sticking to it. 

1.  Write a mission statement.  “I want to dress like a c-level executive.”  “As an entrepreneur, I want to express more of my creative side,” or “I need a wardrobe where everything coordinates and travels well so I no longer have to think in the morning.”

2.  Find your signature look and stick with it.  Hillary Clinton found her pantsuits.  Michelle Obama has her sundresses.  It’s time to discover your own signature look.

Which outfits do you feel comfortable in (both physically and mentally)?
Which outfits have you been complimented on?
Which ones do you know go together without any thought required? 3.  Promote from within.  Are there certain clothes that you always travel with because they don’t wrinkle, or do you have a luxurious item of clothing or accessory that makes you feel special every time you wear them?  It’s time to give them a promotion and move them to the front of the closet for everyday wear.  Costume jewelry can dress up a classic cardigan sweater and that white non-wrinkly t-shirt can work well under a suit.

4.  Downsize strategically.  Get rid of any clothes that:

Do not fit either your mission statement or signature look.
Has not been worn in 3 years.
Do not fit well or needs tailoring that would cost more than to replace it.
Do not make you feel better about yourself every time you put it on.

5.  Employ best practices.  French women do not have the largest of closets, yet they seem to have the most style and fashion sense.  How do they do this?  They buy a few quality, yet chic, investment pieces and wear them over and over.  Investment pieces are a great suit in a neutral color; items made of leather, suede, cashmere; and other classics as that are always in style.

6.   Scale down expansion plans.  Now that you’ve pared down your closet, it’s easier to see what you need to complete your wardrobe.

Purchase only pieces that complete your signature look, travel well, and don’t require a lot of tailoring or drycleaning.
Save trendiness for accessories and pick them up at low-cost stores (H&M, TJMaxx, Kohl’s)

7. Negotiate lower prices with vendors.  This is something you don’t have to do yourself.  Shopping at sites like www.RueLaLa.com  or www.shopittome.com or using rebate sites like www.eBates.com automatically ensure that you never pay full price.

Diane K. Danielson is the founder and chief social media strategist for the Downtown Women’s Club and the author of the eBook, The Downtown Women’s Club Beginners Guide to Facebook.  ]]><![CDATA[LOVE this quote!]]>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:02:13 -0800http://www.indyalphachicks.com/2/post/2010/01/love-this-quote.htmlSo, I'm trying the blog thing again on the website now that the new layout makes it easier to read. If you would like to contribute to the blog (and are a member), then please let me know and we will include you! So, to start it off I thought I would share a quote that my cousin posted on her facebook status today that I couldn't resist spreading.

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles." ~ Audrey Hepburn

Have a great weekend!
-Stephanie]]>