The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) organization is one of the country’s premier business groups and is widely respected for propelling women-owned businesses and business owners onto the national and international scene. Enterprising women from around the state of Michigan recently came together to recognize the accomplishments of their sisters in business and show their support for women entrepreneurs at NAWBO Greater Detroit Chapter’s Top 10 Michigan Business Women 16th annual Awards Luncheon in Birmingham, Mich.
“Partnerships and working together are the way to get [to success],” explained Janice Will, president of Main Office Mailers in her acceptance speech of NAWBO’s Warrior Award.
Winning women from all spectrums of business interests and an array of business enterprises offered additional and valuable advice.
—roz edward
What is your personal mantra for success in business?
Miriam Mulèy
founder, The 85% Niche
president, NAWBO Board of Directors
Keep the pressure on and the diamonds will come. The idea is persistence. If you have a vision and it really is your passion stay committed to it and don’t give up. You don’t know at what point you are in the cycle … you could just be on the cusp of change, so that persistence is really important. And you have to a strong financial plan, a business plan to anchor you. Once you have the idea and that emotional connection to a vision, then you have to sketch it out into a business plan.
Pamela Murff-Jackson
CEO, PLM Staffing Systems
Don’t be afraid to hire someone who knows more than you. Surround yourself with a great group of people who have your back no matter what. Strive to be your best and always expect to make money, look for the profit. Put together a great business plan and make sure you have the financial resources to back you up before you get started.
Donna Strickland
supplier diversity program manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield
NAWBO Diversity Award Winner
To have a purpose that is worthwhile and is steadily being accomplished is one of the secrets of a life worth living. In my role as supply and diversity manager, I will continue to use my influence and do what I do best and that’s fight for you and make sure that you get the chance to shine and participate in opportunities at Blue Cross. Remember to do what you believe and believe in what you do. All else is a waste of time and energy. We all have possibilities we don’t know about and we can do things we don’t even dream we can do. So keep dreaming, because dreams really do come true.
Sabrina Jackson
CEO, Sabrina Jackson Enterprises
NAWBO Global Business Award Winner
One of the things I’ve learned that has made me successful at what I do … is that I care. I care means that one, I’m coachable. I know how to take feedback and to implement that feedback. I have an attitude of gratitude and that helps to elevate me in what I do. I am righteously responsible; I own my own stuff and I embody excellence.
Lori Ballard
small business facilitator, Wayne County Airport Authority
Red Tape Buster Award Winner
Women business owners should investigate (joining) organizations such as NAWBO where they can get info about how to do business, get info about the various types of certifications that might be available that would help facilitate their business. Research and get out in the business community and network. It’s important to know who’s out there and build relationships.
Jill Jordan
author, Get Ahead By Getting Known
You must have focus and a true passion about what it is that you do. Be authentic and be yourself and you have to have a business plan. You have to put it down on paper because they are dreams when they’re not written down but when you put them on paper they are goals.
Delora Hall Tyler
president and CEO, First Media Group
You have to remember that your business is bigger than just you – it’s all the people that help you to make it happen. You have to treat people the way you want to be treated and that [extends] to your clients, your employees, and your staff. You must always pursue excellence and keep learning and improving. But no matter what, don’t give up. No matter how bleak things look today, they can completely turn around for you tomorrow.
