September 14 ZWIN Meeting
Zionsville Women in Network (ZWIN) met September 14th, 2017, at the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center to discuss developing business pitches and growing as leaders. We heard from guest speaker Julie Kratz, a leadership trainer from Carmel, who has helped some of our own members shift focus and develop new aspects of their careers.
Debbi and Kathy opened the meeting by thanking Cynthia Young of the Sullivan Munce Center for hosting us. Cynthia offered visitors a tour after the meeting. She announced upcoming events like the Cindy Wingo art exhibit, the Gala on the Farm fundraiser, and the annual Ghost Walk in downtown Zionsville.
Welcome to ZWIN, Visitors!
- Marci Rusk, Integrative Medicine Laser and Aesthetics
- Lucy Hill, Integrative Medicine Laser and Aesthetics
- Katie Haun, Wellness Center
- Barb Schroeder, Community Foundation of Boone County
- Eileen Adam, Noteworthy Expressions (graphic designer)
Business & Community Updates
Shelley Johnson, Member Care, provided a baby gift to Emily, who is due in two weeks. Congratulations also to Whitney on the birth of her son and daughter!
We recognized the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build — Sue, Susan, Jill, Jessica, Kathy, Lona, Debbi, Becki, and Lisa. They were all part of the group that erected the walls of a new home for a woman in our community. Thank you, ladies, for giving your time and strength!
On October 26, ZWIN will host a luncheon for the town’s fire department, police officers, and town hall employees. It will be at the new Town Hall. Members may sign up to bring items and serve. Look for the SignupGenius.
Jill King is coordinating our efforts with Project Purse Indy. A link on our Facebook site has a list of items to include in purses and a link to Amazon to order items. We will put these together at our December meeting. Until then, we will be collecting new or gently used purses in very good condition for this purpose. Collection points will be Century 21 Scheetz and Old National Bank, or any member can collect them. We will bring the collected purses with us to the December meeting.
Maureen Damer, VP of Programs, gave a brief plug for Indiana Honor Flights, a service to show honor to our veterans. She said it was the best gift she ever gave her father-in-law, and she encourages others with family members who are veterans to look into this amazing opportunity.
We drew names for our monthly raffles. Congrats, winners!
ZWIN’s Spotlight Speaker
Erica Edwards was our spotlight speaker. As a cabi stylist, she helps women select and purchase cabi designer clothing. She encourages members to host a fashion event, which allows them to purchase items at 50% off. All it takes is opening your home, serving a few simple snacks and beverages, and inviting friends! Erika presents the clothing and discusses new fashion trends.
Writing Your Elevator Speech
Amy Connolly, Career and Life Coach, explained how we can present our business in 30-60 seconds using an “elevator speech.” She led with an example – her own elevator pitch. It included memorable lines like “I can help you turn your passion into a paycheck.” She provided a handout that summarized four key steps for developing pitches:
- Know yourself (What do you offer? How do you bring value?)
- Know your audience (When time permits, get to know your audience first through conversation. Be flexible in different situations.)
- Be memorable (What is your hook? Show personality.)
- Craft and Practice (30 seconds, 75 words. End with a call to action.)
Featured Speaker: Julie Kratz, Leadership Consultant
Julie’s book is titled Pivot Point: How to Build a Winning Career Game Plan for Mid-Career Women. She has developed a workbook to accompany it, and shared that with the group via a link and handout. Julie began coaching women in business about 2 ½ years ago. Prior to that, she worked in the corporate world for several years. But every Monday morning, she was not excited about getting up to go to work. She made a career change to focus on coaching other women to be confident leaders.
Here are her six main points:
- Be authentic, even vulnerable
- Express confidence
- Build a career game plan, based on “what is my purpose?”
- Connect strategically (form connections meaningful to your goal)
- Ask for it (don’t be afraid to ask for what you want)
- Lead with influence
She also made the important point that as leaders, we should give people the opportunity to give. Giving in itself is rewarding.
For more details, go to www.nextpivotpoint.com.
Upcoming Meetings
- October 12, back at the Zionsville United Methodist Church. Bring business cards and prepare your 60-second talks! Those with last names ending in N-Z will go in October; A-M will present at our meeting in November.
- October 26, luncheon for the town employees at the new Town Hall. Please come help us thank these special members of our community!
We look forward to seeing everyone next month!