Alliance for Affordable Services

Bay Area Business
Women News

Munday and Collins

Our membership is constantly seeking advice, support, training and information from service providers to help further their business practices. If you or someone you know would be interested in participating as a one-time sponsor at a WIC monthly meeting, held the third Thursday of each month, please contact us for more information.

As the year ends, it's time to step back from your business, establish goals for 2004, and determine what steps you need to take to get there. The most successful businesses are those that have some sort of written plan, which attendees of our November meeting will walk away with.

The WIC board is now planning for 2004, both in terms of new board members we are actively recruiting to fill open slots, and for key initiatives and objectives of the business in 2004. Please email or call me if you want to get involved to improve the organization next year.

Our silent auction in October was a smashing success, and as a result we will enter into 2004 with a strong financial base. The auction generated more than $7,000 in revenue for WIC. The proceeds from this event will be used to enhance our infrastructure, introduce new value-added programs for our members, and build greater awareness of WIC as a leading source of consulting resources for businesses. A special thanks to Deb Henken, Lisa Goldman and the silent auction committee for the flawless execution of the event, and to the generous members who donated goods and services for the event.

Stay tuned for the Holiday Party invitation — I've previewed the details and this year's event will be the best ever!

Sincerely,

Kate Purmal
President, Women in Consulting

Business Plans vs. Marketing Plans: Do You Need Both?

Do you know the difference between a business plan and a marketing plan? Although they are related and both very important to growing your business, it's important to understand the function of each and why you need both. To find out more, read Cymber Quinn's new article on Business Plans vs. Marketing Plans.

WIC is pleased to announce that almost $7,000 was raised last month at the first annual networking and Silent Auction event! Over 100 enthusiastic WIC members attended this event in October, with a total of 80 winners! Thirteen people won the photography session, 12 people won lunches with VCs, 8 people each won Martinis and Manicures and Tips and Teas. In addition, there were bidding wars on the website consultation, logo design, AT & T pro-am golf tickets, wine and search engine optimization, and networking events.

WIC members enjoyed an evening filled with networking tips and suggestions by Cynthia Stringer, a buffet dinner as well as the Silent Auction. Members who attended agree that this was one of the "most exciting and fun-filled events" so far this year.

Congratulations to all silent auction winners!

Stay tuned for registration information, coming soon!

There are still some exciting and rewarding volunteer positions available with WIC in 2004:
Education Committee Chair
Contact Niqui Hunt at: nhunt@mcleanhunt.com

Board Member, Director of Marketing
Continue to drive the brand, publicity and promotion of WIC. Supporting you is a team of Committee Members - Publicity, Special Events and Company Direct Newsletter. Requires an efficient program manager with a marketing/communications background. If interested in the Director or Committee positions, contact Laura Vavrunek (laurav@maxminmarketing.com)

Managing Editor, Company Direct Newsletter
Help promote WIC consultants to hiring companies by sharing our stories through the Company Direct Newsletter. Develop the editorial calendar, manage writers/editors, work with our sponsor Netline to deliver regular HTML formatted newsletters to a growing subscriber list.
Contact Laura Vavrunek (laurav@maxminmarketing.com)

This Month's Quote:
"Drive thy business or it will drive thee." — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

We'd like to welcome our new WIC members! Please make sure to introduce yourself to these women at the next WIC meeting!

Elizabeth Becker	Kim Weins
Elizabeth Vattuone	Susann Cloutier
Shelly Gordon	Kathleen Kusek
Robin Close	Barbara Fagan-Smith
Anne-Christine Strugnell