I came into this presidency dragging my feet-- I won't fib to you. Having only been in business on my own for 4 years at that point, I was not sure how to divide my time, energy and attention. But as the quote above highlights, it's as simple as saying yes- I'll make a commitment and put forth my best effort. After that, life seems to have a way of pulling the people, resources, and details together to allow it to work. Have you had those experiences in your life? I know that many of you have. I hear this same principle resonating out of the stories that many of you share about starting your business. Isn't amazing how life tends to take us precisely where we need to go? Presents us the opportunities, stirs our curiosity, nudges us in a particular direction and propels us onto our next step, or decision, or commitment. Life is cool that way.

I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to serve as the WBO President for 2007. I found the experience to be invaluable in many ways.

We had a great year with wonderful speakers and programs- everything from revisiting our finances and future to taking care of our health now. In reviewing our meeting forms, we received a lot of kudos. We had a great time with our July Meeting- Thinking Outside the Box and our Annual Dinner and Expo gave us a chance to mingle more as well as listen to a fabulous, inspirational speaker.

So, in closing, I send my final thank you out to Mary Rasmussen the 2006 WBO president. She was the one who called me - numerous times. She highlighted my strengths and encouraged me to get involved. Isn't that what its all about- one woman business owner encouraging and supporting the next and so on and so forth- with everyone benefiting along the way. T Rose Roane takes on the Presidency for 2008. She is a dynamic and capable leader. I am excited about the energy and ideas that she brings to the organization and I hope that you will join me in encouraging and supporting her efforts and that of the 2008 board in the upcoming year.

And my final quote-
"If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves." -Thomas Edison

Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Speaker, Joyce Anderson, Author of "Help, I'm Knee Deep in Clutter"
Time: 6:00-8:00
Let Joyce help you begin the New Year in a more organized fashion, so you can spend time doing what's really important- Growing Your Business.
Sponsor, Carolyn Anderson-Fermann, Simply Organized Life

YOUR WEDDING TEAM is putting on a Wedding Shows called "Your Wedding Team & Friends"-- January 13 from noon to 4pm at Travis Point. Please spread the word about the show to any perspective couples you know. Also, we are looking for other vendors that have services that can be of benefit to the Bride and Groom. Tables are $100 for the show. Contact Mary Stevens at life_cycles@comcast.net for more information.

NEW POWER GROUP FORMING
Any WBO member who works in the Wellness Industry and is interested in forming a Wellness Power Group please contact Sara Brintnall at 734/ 369-8893 or sarabrintnall@hotmail.com. This group will encompass all areas of the health and wellness field and as a group our goal will be to create a symbiotic relationship in which we can plan events and find business for each other and ourselves.

ANNUAL MEDICARE PART D CHECKUP
The Health Experts at THE Pharmacy want to remind everyone that Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D is December 31. If you are interested in signing up or reviewing your plan or perhaps helping with a parent's plan, Kiela Samuels of THE Pharmacy has appointments from 9:00am - 11am, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to give you a "Check Up". Call for your free appointment today- 734-547-9100

The OPPORTUNITES section of this newsletter provides you, the membership, with the chance to announce opportunities that support you as a business or benefit our members. See the Newsletter page for more information and feel free to send Opportunity information to hillaryh@ix.netcom.com

What Does Our Personal Health Have to Do with Our Business Health?
Many of us invest time, money, and energy into making sure we're healthy by eating right and exercising, even if it's only two or three times a week. By taking this action, our intention is to extend the good health we're having by improving our current level of health and wellness. We also recognize that by not exercising and watching what we eat we risk losing our good health. As business women, many of us are really good at putting out fires and alleviating our business problems by calling the computer repair guy, the payroll company, the graphic designer, web designer, accountant, etc. But we're not really good at implementing the habits or investing the time and energy into our long term development and improvement as professional business women. What do you risk losing, missing out on, or settling for by neglecting your own personal development?

Athletes Know the Secret to Getting Results. Do You?
Athletes, musicians, and actors understand the concept of coaching better than most business professionals. They are conditioned to look for the little things that will improve their technique so they drive the ball farther, hit higher notes with greater resonance or embody their character so believably the audience is visibly touched. When these people work with coaches, they see results, both quantifiable and qualitative. The same theory applies to business, life, leadership, and executive coaching. When a person hires a coach they are investing the time and energy in improving themselves, becoming more self aware, developing new skills, gaining confidence, reinventing themselves by tackling old habits or creating new and better habits. Guess what happens? They see both quantifiable and qualitative results!!

Here are a few of things I provide as coach to my clients:
- identifying core values
- identifying strengths
- developing action plans
- brainstorming
- serving as a catalyst
- role playing difficult conversations
- analyzing your business goals
- cutting corners on the learning curve
- strengthening and setting boundaries
- serving as an accountability partner

I can attest to the value of coaching because I use a coach. She has helped me work though some fears as they related to my business as well as develop workable action plans that benefited both the growth and development of my business. Many times I have felt like I was creating in a vacuum until I talked with her. She either affirmed, added her brain power, or acutely assessed the real issue at hand. It has been invaluable to me. It is good for all of us to have

See you in January at Cafe Marie, our new meeting space.

Kelly Smith, America's Best Sewer & Drain Service, LLC
Mary Seibert, RN, BSN, CHTP, BC-HN HEALING TOUCH PRACTITIONER

TLCI, Website Design, Development, Consulting, SEO, Marketing, Updates 12% discount, 662-0154
Healing in Motion, $20 discount for Myofascial Release and Exercise (Wellness Program), 913-4816
Contours Express, Women's Fitness, 1 month free, 761-8663
Cafe Marie of Ann Arbor, Breakfast/Lunch Cafe, 20% off, 662-2272
Strickfaden Photography, Complimentary Professional business portrait session $150 value. 734-996-4030
Instant Imprints, 10% discount, 734-929-0577.
J'spaa at Eastover, 10% discount, 734-827-9775
Genesis Service Associates, LLC, 10% discount off first graphic design project. Call Sue Stoker, 734-994-3900
Juice Plus, Free canister of plant-based Complete Shake with order of capsules or gummies. Contact Sara at 734-369- 8893
Rubenfeld Synergy, Complimentary Introductory Session, contact Peggy at 734-994-3719
I Sold It, 5% off on first $500, (734) 761-6187
Julie Battjes, 15% off any Arbonne purchase, (734) 765-6905
SKO Enterprises, Complimentary Website Critique, valued at $100, (734) 426-3613
1-800-Got-Junk? , 10% off any junk removal service. Please be sure to mention this discount when scheduling your appointment.734-.904-1992
Theresia Radtke, Shaklee is offering 15% off all products, 734-646-0793
Cynthia Hagan is providing 10% off a Staging & Design Solutions consultation, 734-483-9555
Geraldine Markel, PhD is offering a 20% discount on all services or products from Managing Your Mind Coaching & Seminars.
Mary Seibert, RN, BSN, CHTP, BC-HN HEALING TOUCH PRACTITIONER, 10% off services, 734-323-2520