Women in Focus™ FORUM September 2004 E-Newsletter

UPDATES IN THIS ISSUE

1] President's Message
2] Register Now! Fifth Annual Conference & Gala Awards: October 23, 2004 | 1 - 8 p.m.
3] NEW! WiF Writers Circle
4] Coming Soon ... WiF Virtual Network
5] Business Strategy-Supporting Statistics
6] Congratulations WiF Members
7] Welcome NEW! WiF Members
8] ARTICLE (Full Text): What's a Career Coach? Do I Need One?
9] ARTICLE (Preview): Mentor Collera (tm)
10] Rock-the-Vote!
11] Upcoming Events (Winter 2004/2005)
12] About Women in Focus FORUM

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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Greetings Members & Guest Readers:

Today is an awesome day, and a delight that you are reading our network newsletter which captures the essence of what we offer at the Women in Focus™ FORUM — a place where we come together in pure synergy among a community of highly motivated, like-minded, professional people — serving California since 1999, through our Annual Empowerment
Conference & Gala Awards Ceremony. Our newest additions to the family, since 2003, the Professional Business Network, the Mentorship Match Program and the Annual Leadership Retreat are additional hallmarks of the Women in Focus FORUM name.

This year we celebrate “Five Years of Service!” Although we are an entity which operates solely on its own, the professional services and support we have extended to others, thus our members, can be attributed to the sponsorship, alliances, strategic partnerships and in-kind assistance we have received from more than two-hundred businesses and organizations in California, Illinois, Georgia, Connecticut and New York — proving the classic motto, “Success is a Team Effort!” On behalf of our members, I would like to express sincere appreciation for all that has
been extended to us.

Women in Focus FORUM will continue to challenge people to step onto our platform to receive knowledge, techniques, ‘how to’ information, technical and people skills to propel themselves to the next level of success they have defined and are willing to work toward. So, when you think of success, think of Women in Focus™ FORUM, and think of a place
where you will be embraced, encouraged, filled with synergy, receive friendship, challenged to assess self, empowered to change and grow, and expected to engage with excellence.

In the Spirit of Service,
Jonnetta Chambers, M.A.
Founder & President

Fifth Annual Conference & Gala Awards | THEME: "Be One. Lift One. Reach One. Teach One. Help One." | October 23, 2004 | 1 - 8 p.m. | Commoms Center | Cal-State University, San Bernardino | 5500 University Pkwy | San Bernardino, CA 92407

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Honorable Madelene Muntz, M.S. | Chief Deputy Warden | Chuckawalla Valley State Prison | Women in Focus FORUM 2003 Woman of Leadership

Platinum Sponsors: Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship, Inland Empire Women's Business Center, California State University, San Bernardino, CCTT LLC, Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, Women in Focus FORUM, The Wright Place Television Show. Gold Sponsors: The Personal Wealth Journal, University of Southern California Marshall Women's Leadership Board, Inland Empire Minority Business Development Center, CHARO Community Development Corporation, J & Associates. Silver Sponsors: OFFICETEAM, Countrywide Home Loans, Precious Fruits CCLC, Vanessa D. Brown's Inland Empire Community Cultural Calendar/e.Newsletter, MSM Ministries, Ready-Set-Type, Monique Thomas & Associates, Stampin' Up, She She Boutique.

Workshops for Women -- [1] A Wise Woman Builds; [2] MANAGING YOUR CAREER: Learning Key Trends, Understanding Change and Maximizing Opportunities to Stay in the Game! [3] Feuling Growth Through Business Financing; [4] It Starts with a Dream! ... A Mental Roadmap to Making Your Successes Outweigh Your Circumstances; [5] Conversations with Successful Career Strategists "Panel Discussion" [6] You Can Make it Happen! Empowering Tips for Today's Women Business Owners. Workshops for Teens -- The Power of Professional Development; Using Your Education to Develop Business Skills "Panel Discussion"

AWARDS CEREMONY HONORING: Women 25 and over (Woman of Integrity, Woman of Wisdom, Woman of Community Service & Advocacy and Woman of Leadership); Young Women 18 - 24 (Young Woman of Promise and Potential, Young Woman of Courage, Young Woman of Leadership and Young Woman of Community Service & Advocacy); Teens 13 - 17 (Teen of Academic Excellence, Teen of Promise and Potential and Teen of Community Service & Advocacy).

The event features a "Silent Auction" with proceeds benefitting youth and adults in the areas of literacy and personal enrichment. For more information, visit: http://www.wifforum.com/annualconferenceagenda.htm. If you are interested in nominating a woman, young woman or teen girl for our "Empowerment Awards" visit: http://www.wifforum.com/annualawards.htm. If you do not have internet access, please e-mail 2004Chair@wifforum.com for event information or an awards application. Media/Press Credentials Available Online at http://www.wifforum.com/pressroom.htm. Tickets: $75 adult; $65 Youth 13 - 17.

NEW! WiF Writers Circle: A place where emerging and seasoned writers can build their skills and expertise, while exploring opportunities for publication in a variety of literary areas, such as articles, books, magazines, anthologies, textbooks, business literature, greeting cards, plus more! For more information contact Monique L. Thomas, Facilitator: Call: 909.534.7744 or E-Mail: mlthomas74@hotmail.com

COMING SOON! ... Women in Focus "Virtual" FORUM: Tele-Meetings, Web-Based Meetings, Virtual Events, Video-Conferencing, and much more... be sure to sign-up for details. Send an e-mail to Virtual Info@wifforum.com.

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Business STRATEGY-SUPPORTING STATISTICS
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The Center for Women’s Business Research (CWBR) reports, “Regardless of race or ethnic background,
the vast majority of women entrepreneurs have growth as a primary goal (86% African-American, 71%
Asian, 80% Caucasian, 84% Latina).” ( Source: http://www.nfwbo.org/topfacts.html)

CWBR also reports, August 16, 2004, “Women owners of firms with $1 million or more in revenues cite
business earnings as the most frequently used source of funding. Eighty-three percent (83%) of the women
owners of $1 million firms use and intend to use business earnings.” (Source: The Leading Edge: Women-Owned
Million Dollar Firms, underwritten by AT&T and KeyBank)

Black Career Women (Cincinnati, Ohio) reports that 60% of the 34 million African-Americans are women;
64% of African-American women work outside the home; 405,200 African-American women-owned
businesses, generating $25 billion in sales and 261,000 jobs (Source: http://www.bcw.org)

On August 12, 2004 DiversityBusiness.com contended, “Women hold 13.6% of board seats at Fortune
500 companies. The number of seats held by women of color has increased from 2.5% in 1999 to 3% in 2003. Of the Fortune 500, 54 companies have 25% or more women directors in 2003. Women comprise 6% of the U.S. labor force, 50% of managerial and professional specialty positions.” (Source: Business Women’s Network — http://www.bwni.com)

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What do you think about these numbers? Give us your opinion at the left. Click and share ...
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Congratulations WIF Members
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Timothy T. Rogers, Sr. On Your Retirement from the United States Navy -- Chief Information System Technician (Surface Warfare/Air Warfare/MTS/ATS). We Applaud Your Service to our Country and Give Kudos to the Outstanding Ceremony Held in Your Honor on May 28, 2004 in Oceanside, CA -- WIF was there!

Lareece Chambers, 8-Year Old WiF Junior Member, released her new book: “Come Join Me! Under the Apple Tree!.” You can order her book kit online at: http://www.AchieveLifeSuccess.com/products001.htm

NEW Member Melinda Sewer Muganzo on her new Web Page at http://www.wifforum.com/msm.htm

Member Karen Franks on her new Web page at http://www.wifforum.com/kfranks.htm

Member Monica Isles on her new Web Page at http://www.wifforum.com/mdisles.htm

Last month, three of our members, Michele Broad, Millie LePearl McGhee and Dr. Letitia S. Wright, D.C. were featured in the National Association for Female Executives Magazine. These women were nominated by Women in Focus FORUM for the Annual Awards, given by this entity, headquartered in New York, NY. Only one recipient is selected for each of the five categories offered: Woman of Achievement, Outstanding Entrepreneur, Mentorship Award, Community Service and Rising Star. All of Women in Focus FORUM's submitted women were selected -- sweeping 60% of the National Awards. Honors given were as follows: Michele Broad - "Rising Star of the Year," Millie LePearl McGhee - "Mentor of the Year," and Dr. Letitia S. Wright, D.C. - "Entrepreneur of the Year." This month WiF celebrates their noteworthy honor with a showcase and reception on September 18, 2004 in the midst of family, colleagues and other business and community leaders.

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Welcome Newest Members
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Melinda Sewer Muganzo, President/CEO, MSM Ministries (Colton, CA)
Chrystal Smith, Professional Student, Chaffey College (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)

ARTICLE ( Full Text): Professional Development -- Preparing men and women who work for an entity other than his or her own!

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What’s a Career Coach? Do I need one?
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You may have noticed one of the latest trends in career management is to have your own career coach. It’s not really a new concept. Executives have known for years the value of investing in the expertise of a career professional. You may still wonder, “What’s a career coach?” and more importantly, “Do I need one?” The best way to illustrate the value of a career coach is to compare them to personal trainers. Anyone can go to a gym and work out. Having a personal trainer is not a prerequisite to fitness. The value of a personal trainer is that he/she helps their client achieve their fitness goal quicker and with better results. Similarly, a career coach accelerates the job search process resulting in significantly higher starting salary.

A job-search campaign demands specific skills such as resume and cover letter writing, networking, interviewing and
negotiations. The best jobs don’t necessarily go to the most qualified, but rather, to those with the sharpest job-search skills. An effective career coach provides expert advise, insight and training on these essential skills giving their clients a tremendous competitive advantage.

The most effective job-search campaign has a strategic marketing plan and focus. No corporation would launch a new
product without a marketing plan. Every phase is carefully orchestrated to maximize sales results. A career coaches can
help you develop an action plan designed to 1) uncover more job leads, 2) secure more interviews, 3) maximize interview results, 4) increase the number of job offers, and 5) significantly increase your salary.

Not all job seekers need a career coach. If you already have headhunters calling you with job leads, you’re probably OK
on your own. Here are some situations were job seekers could benefit from the expertise of a career coach: 1) changing industries, 2) moving into management, 3) changing functional roles (like accounting to sales), 4) relocation to a new area, 5) unstable work history, 6) been with the same company for many years, 7) over or under qualified, 8) over 50, or 9) lack confidence in your salary negotiation skills. Another way to tell if you need a career coach is lack of positive results. If you aren’t getting responses from your resume postings or you aren’t getting called back for second interviews, a career coach could most likely help you improve your skills and get your campaign moving forward.

If you decide to invest in a career coach, here are a few things you’ll want to look for. A career coach should be an expert in the field of career management. Ask about their background and how they stay abreast of national employment trends. A career coach should understand employer buyer motivations. Ask if they’ve ever sat in the hiring seat. A career coach must be a good listener. If he/she talks more than listens, your objectives won’t be heard or understood.

Like the athlete running a race, your job search is a competitive event. Prepare to win first place in your job search. As
every runner knows, second place doesn’t take home the prize.
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Deborah Walker, CCMC | Copyright © 2002
All rights reserved | Deb@AlphaAdvantage.com | 888-828-0814
Visit: http://www.alphaadvantage.com/Article_CareerCoach.html

ARTICLE (Preview): Professional Development -- Mentoring and Coaching at a 360-Degree View ...

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Mentor Collera(tm)
By Dr. Letitia S. Wright, D.C. | © 2003
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Mentor Collera™ is a condition that results in being mishandled by a person who sets themselves up as a mentor or coach or life coach as it is popularly referred to at this time. Mentoring and coaching have been the technique of choice for centuries in order to speed up the time it takes to create success in any area of one’s life. Whether is it a young business person being mentored by more experienced and powerful executives or a mother teaching her child to cook, mentors have been an essential part of human culture all over the world. Mentoring and coaching can create success in the fastest possible time. Now in America it is a paid profession. Just as in any other profession, some people are not good at it. If you get a person whose skills are not up to par, you will be mishandled.

If you are interested in tips to avoid or overcome Mentor Collera™, be sure to tune-in to our next WiF Newsletter where Dr. Wright explores realistic views in which you can intellectually, financially, and emotionally capitalize.

ROCK-THE-VOTE! ... You can receive non-partisan voter information: Call 1-888-VOTE-SMART or Log-on to http://www.vote-smart.org | Are you registered to VOTE? If not, please register online at “ROCK THE VOTE” -- http://www.rockthevote.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS
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December 4, 2004 | WiF Annual Holiday Celebration & Awards Ceremony | University of Phoenix -- Ontario, CA | Featuring a GUEST SPEAKER, FINE FOOD, GOAL-SETTING, QUALITY PEOPLE | Gratitude, recognition, celebration and exhortation are key to consistent success. We will honor the contributions and achievements of our members while extending gifts of appreciation to 2004 allies. Awards will be given to celebrate some of the following achievements: PERSONAL GROWTH, BUSINESS GROWTH, EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, LEADERSHIP, MENTORSHIP, EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS SERVICE -- to name a few! The celebration will feature fine food, high energy, excellent business and community contacts and a "special VIP gift" for every attendee.

WiF Weekend Leadership Cruise | January 28 - 31, 2005 | 4 Days & 3 Nights | Includes 1 Day of Fun at Port in Ensenada, Mexico On the CARNIVAL Fun Ship: THE PARADISE!... RELAX. REFRESH. REJUVENATE. — Who Should Attend? Women/Men currently in leadership roles (or who aspire to be); Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs leading or managing small businesses; Women/Men working within an entity, and in a direct role/capacity to lead or influence... ASSESS. ARTICULATE. ACTIVATE. — What Are the Primary Learning Objectives? Learn the qualities and skills you need, before you can effectively lead self, activities, projects and other people; Recognize, identify, mobilize and capitalize from your personal leadership strengths and challenges; Enhance your image, credibility and ability to win people over; Increase and improve personal leadership performance skills and escalate the impact/affect you have.
INSIGHT. INSPIRATION. INTELLECT. — Why Should You Reserve Your Space Today? Gain in-depth knowledge about self, leadership style, approach to leading self, projects, situations and people; Create and discover life parallels and realities of your perceptions, decisions and actions; Re-align leadership style and achieve desired outcomes; Formulate strategies to shape your leadership approach, performance, results, response and support... LESSONS. LEARNING. LEISURE. Your Itinerary Will Include: Welcome Aboard Leadership Kit; 16 Total Hours of Leadership Training Modules; 18 Plus Hours of Free Time; to Enjoy Ship Activities; Includes 1 Day in Ensenada; Leadership Training Manual; Networking Opportunities; 24-Hours of an International Selection of Food and Beverages; Departure Leadership Kit
Some Ship Activities & Amenities: Included: Captain’s Dinner; Karaoke Nights; Vegas-Style Shows; Comedy Clubs
Nominal Fee: Day Spa and Salon; Fitness Classes; Stores and Shops For more information about our Annual Cruise, please e-mail 2005Cruise@wifforum.com or call 909.873.5055. Women in Focus FORUM does not assume any responsibility or liability before, during or after the cruise. Visit: http://www.wifforum.com/2005crusie.htm

The College of Extended Learning at Cal-State University, San Bernardino Offers a Leadership and Team Development Course (WiF Members Receive a Discount -- Just Ask During Registration!) | February 28 - March 28 | Maximize your leadership potential by learning the skills you need to succeed! This course provides managers with a solid foundation for effective leadership and high performance team development. From preparing for a new leadership role to becoming your organization’s CEO, gain the tools and applications needed to be affective among your team. Gain strategies to orchestrate a motivating team environment and influence your employees to achieve their potential. Uniquely designed to explore leadership roles as strategists and change agents, the focus is on the interdependent role communication plays in developing effective and competent teams. The primary learning objectives include: Knowing when to lead and when to manage, Adapting your leadership styles to achieve better results, Identifying, valuing and leveraging the strengths and weaknesses of individual team members, Utilizing effective communication to create an environment which motivates and leads teams to success. Target Audiences: Individuals who want to upgrade their present management skills as their responsibilities increase, Managers with three or less years managerial experience who want to move up to the next career level, Managers who need a quick refresher in modern business practices, Managers with degrees in fields other than business who want to understand common business concepts, Graduates of the Certificate in Management Practices Program. Benefits of Attendance: Gain real-world, ready-to-use learning, Redefine your leadership skills, Enhance teamwork and create a motivating environment, Increase credibility and gain the trust of your staff, and Build a network with peer managers. For more information or to register call (909) 880-5975.

ABOUT WOMEN IN FOCUS FORUM : DID YOU KNOW? ... Women in Focus FORUM is solely a Mentoring Group for women, college students & teens -- men and young men are welcome too! So, get on board. GET SERIOUS. Improve your life. Enhance the life of someone else. It's all about success with support! Join us today. Come to Our Place & Experience a WiF of Success!

Women in Focus FORUM announcements are complimentary. If you would like to not receive further notifications regarding our meetings, event and news updates, please reply to the e-mail you received and you will be removed within 48 hours of request. Thank you.