Member Testimonials

The “power of the purse” is a reference to the power women exert when deciding what to buy and what not to buy. Because we control the majority of the spending in our country, we have purchasing power that we can use to push for change when needed. One of the ways I use my power is by spending money with women-owned businesses. I do this because I know that when women prosper, they invest in their families and their communities and everyone prospers. The Women’s Business Forum allows me to live out my spending philosophy. It’s especially nice because I get to know the women I’m buying from, including my beauty consultant; my marketing strategist; my website designer; my logo designer; my life coach; my social media maven; and all of my future service providers too. What’s more, I’ve noticed that anytime anyone new to the WBF expresses an interest in starting a nonprofit organization, somebody (sometimes several people) points them in my direction. Not because they have to. Not because of quotas or a sense of obligation. They do it because they genuinely care about that person’s success and about mine, and they believe the connection would be good for us both. It’s a powerful thing. We’re lucky to have this group and I know I’m lucky to be part of it. Kathleen Welsh Beveridge President Spark Nonprofit Consulting, LLC

The Mastermind evening groups have been a wonderful experience. I brought an issue that I was having with my business to the group (keeping an assistant for the long term), and they helped me brainstorm. I found the insights and suggestions invaluable. It was also a wonderful way to connect with other businesswomen in a more individual and personal way. If the large crowd in the morning meetings is a bit intimidating for you, this is definitely a great way to connect. - Deana Corrigan, Keller Williams Real Estate

I've been raving about the last WBF Mastermind meeting. I really needed something like that. Just speaking with other women who are responsible for their own businesses in a supportive environment was great, especially since it was a small breakout that allowed us to really connect. Most of my friends don't own their business, and the business owners who are my friends are men, and they just see the world differently. - Donna Roberts, Roberts Training

I started on my "adventure" as a business owner nearly four years ago when I decided to take a real leap of faith and purchase and publish the Bucks County Women's Journal. Very early on I was introduced to the Women's Business Forum. From the very start I felt welcomed by everyone in this group. The support and feeling of camaraderie made such a difference to me as someone who was new to the "crazy" world of the entrepreneur. I've formed some great relationships and made some wonderful friends through this group. The programs have been very helpful and informative. With every year, I've seen this group grow and get even better. - Robin Coppinger, Bucks County Women's Journal

The members of the WBF are a forceful bunch: 1. These women force me to step away from the computer, change out of my pajamas, brush my teeth and hike up the hill at least once a month. 2. These women force me to step out of my comfort zone—which, when you think of it, is sitting alone in my office, connecting to clients and colleagues by phone or e-mail or not at all. Way too often "not at all." 3. These women force me to look at my business with a fresh eye instead of staying stuck in a rut. 4. These women force me to consider new ways to market myself to clients. 5. These women force me to stop saying "no" to new technology and all that goes with it...because there are plenty of people right in the room who can help me out at any level I choose to jump into it. 6. These women force me to share myself with others and to discover what talents and experience I have that might help another member with some of her business or life struggles. 7. These women force me to get out of my own way. 8. All in all, these women are a force to be reckoned with. And I'm grateful to be a member. - Anne "Cookie" Biggs, Anne Biggs Inc. Business Communications

"I have learned how to use GoogleDocs for my business, how to run a Mastermind group, and some of the finer points to running a nonprofit, choosing a web designer and coordinating a business expo. While I've learned many other things from monthly member meetings, I learned these from being on the board of the WBF. For the two years I was the secretary of the WBF, it's been the most enlightening experience of my business career." - Pat Achilles, Illustrator

"Two and a half years ago, I had a database of 1,000 e-mails and a passion to help women succeed in business. I took my new networking group to the Women's Business Forum because they had the same mission as I did. Instead of looking at me as competition, they collaborated with me. I want to thank the Women's Business Forum for welcoming and supporting me when I was starting out." - Jamie Broderick, Network Now

My first WBF meeting was 5 years ago. My nervousness grew as we went around the large circle with introductions – there were at least 5 other graphic designers in the group; what in the world would I say? I managed to get through it but what happened after the program surprised and honestly floored me, I was used to a fairly competitive, male-dominated* environment where words like ‘support’ and ‘inspiration’ were seldom heard. Multiple people, including other graphic designers, took the time to meet me, wanting to welcome and support me as I started up my business. When it comes to choosing groups to become involved with I've heard the advice "choose wisely and go deep" – becoming a member of the Women’s Business Forum was one of my first great business decisions. And I love that it’s NOT about exclusivity and referrals, but about collaboration and support. Simply put, you leave each meeting energized and inspired that yes, you can do this! Then at every turn, there are people and programs ready to help you succeed. *note to you WBF guys, I mean no insult to you – I always say SMART men network with women ;)

My first meeting, I was overwhelmed by the positive energy and support so early in the morning … It was a bit nerve-wracking to get up and say I was unemployed and trying to decide what to do, but seeing women who had been in a similar position and were now following their dreams was very inspirational. When I did decide to start my own company, it was very validating to have a public forum to announce that and people to support me in turning the idea into a reality. Much of what I heard from the various speakers gave me tools I needed to move forward. - Cathy Fishman, CMF Small Business Accounting