Member Testimonials

Four years ago, I decided to take the post-it note off my computer which stated the 3 C’s of life and put them into action. The three C’s? Choices, Chances, and Changes. “You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.” Having been in the field of Geriatric Activity Services for over twenty years and working for everyone else, I found my values were not in harmony in the corporate setting. I made the choice to take the chance to fulfill a life-long goal to own my own business. As I organized Activity Pathways, a mobile education service for Activity Professionals who work in eldercare, I felt grounded in my clinical skills but lacked a working knowledge of business organization. Investigating local resources, I was fortunate to find the Women’s Business Forum. My choice to join with you, like-minded professionals who strive to make a difference, was a turning point for the depth and width of my business. I learned how to manage administrative tasks, develop my marketing skills, improve client relations, and think strategically. I am grateful to the peers who have encouraged me to stretch myself. For me the WBF has lived up to its mantra, “how can I help you grow your business?” Thank you all for energizing me. - Nancy Richards, ADC,CDP- Eldercare Activity Team Trainer, Activity Pathways, LLC (215.872.1657)

Upon moving to the Bucks County area a few years ago, I decided to pursue my dream of starting my own business. I wasn't quite sure how to accomplish this, especially not knowing a single person in the area, but was determined to reach my goal. I soon stumbled upon the WBF, and what I have gained from the organization has been invaluable. Not only have I created a successful business with the knowledge I've obtained from the WBF and the contacts I've made, but I have also met many amazing women (and men), some of whom have become my closest friends. This group has genuinely helped me on both a professional level and a personal level, and I am truly grateful for the Women's Business Forum! -Sarah Clark, True Blue Design Solutions

I have been attending the monthly Women's Business Forum meetings for almost two years. My background is in the corporate world and until my retirement I knew more people in Seattle than in my own back yard. What I found from attending these meetings, as I launched my new career in Nutrition, was invaluable. Here's what WBF means to me: W - stands for WEALTH. Yes we are all trying to increase our business wealth but what I found was more important - a wealth of knowledge, a wealth of experience and numerous introductions to men & women in the local area. B - stands for Becoming Better by meeting the Best. Everyone in this group willingly shares their experiences to help you become your best. F - stands for Fun. Why go somewhere if you're not going to have fun. So Thank You Women's Business Forum!!! Christine Ballantine Certified Holistic Health Coach (267) 337-2147 www.ChristineBallantine.com

All I really needed to learn I learned in WBF I joined WBF a month after it was formed and became the first Margaret Mead, or lifetime, member. By getting involved, I have grown as a businesswoman and a person: stretched by the Mentoring and Mastermind programs, marveling at our Most Inspiring Women and earning my entrepreneurial education at the monthly programs. I have learned so much from the clients and colleagues, mentors and partners, vendors and friends I met through WBF. To borrow some lines from Robert Fulghum. I learned: • Share everything. • Play fair. • Don't hit people. • Put things back where you found them. • Clean up your own mess. . . • Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. • Take a nap every afternoon. • When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together. Maria Evans, past-President WBF, Martino Evans Communications

Thank you Mary Lennon (http://www.womensbusinessforum.org/member-directory/search/Mary+Lennon) for your professionalism and expert work at our rental property this week! Mary is on the ball with price quotes and followup (rare in her male-dominated profession!). Mary also recently joined the WBF Board of Directors and she does an AMAZING job with our membership committee. I look forward to having Mary work on more of my household 'to do' list!

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