First, we created a vision. If we’re lost or stuck, or creating something new, it is essential that we create a picture of where we envision ourselves in the future. What’s our legacy? We did this with the “PWN”, and visioning helps keep you on track.

What is the picture of your life on a grand scale? How do you see yourself, what is the picture you see when you succeed on your current path?

Next, a small number of women helped establish the group’s goals. These need to be “SMART” goals. We fleshed them out on flip charts at Bennett’s Office Systems, and each year, we surveyed the members and created new annual goals in order to help us achieve our Vision.

Once you establish your vision, your need to decide what goals will be your stepping stones to reach your vision. While you’re at it, you MUST identify your potential obstacles. It’s like when you set your new years’ resolutions and are trying to lose weight. You may know that Krispy Kreme is on the way to your route to work-and your favorite thing to do is to stop there each & every morning. Could that be an obstacle to losing weight? Yes, it is. So, in anticipation of your goal to lose weight, you need to anticipate the obstacle of Krispy Kreme, and then do whatever it takes to take an alternate route or eat something at home so you won’t be hungry.

Your goal needs to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and trackable.

You’ve got to have an action plan in order to spell out exactly how you will achieve your goal. Without a plan, it’s too easy to fail, quit or miss the goal – also we need to celebrate when we complete a plan, create a new plan and keep the entire process in motion.

The Professional Women’s Network started as an idea. An idea from the Chamber that was relayed to me by Bob Baldwin one afternoon. We had a huge assignment, to enable women in the Chamber’s membership to be more participative, improve the retention of women in the Chamber and offer the maximum benefits to all members.

1. We solicited volunteers to come to a focus group. We had 5 flip charts up in Bennett’s Office Systems on the Westside. On those flip charts, we wrote down ideas, thoughts, dreams – just brainstormed. (That’s a good thing to do in a journal in your own life-or a flip chart)
2. We honed those ideas into a grand vision, a place where women could feel comfortable, network in order to grow their businesses, provide referrals to one another , build their confidence and to grow as professionals.
3. From there, we created goals, (attempted) to anticipate obstacles and created an action plan moving forward.

This amazing organization has helped women in so many ways – increased exposure of women-owned businesses, helped an incredible amount of start-up's warp into successful organizations, helped women start or change careers and raised money and awareness in the community.

At first, our success was shocking to many and we had to fight to become a recognized "council", with 400 members, the largest attendance at the Military Luncheon and more, we were quickly being recognized as successful beyond anyone’s expectations.

The success stories are many and impressive, but it is up to you. If you don't have a vision of where you want to be personally, financially, romantically, spiritually, physically or professionally - if you aren’t aware of your own obstacles to success and if you don’t have well-established goals, this group will mean nothing.

The largest obstacle to an organization like this can be a lack of focus on the Vision, unmet expectations and lack of participation/passion. Members can most serve themselves and others through commitment, creativity and tenacity. A selfless spirit by everyone is extremely important to overcome natural and self-made obstacles. Communication is key – if you like something, say it, if you don’t, come up with a suggestion.

This effort is massive-it takes everyone to make the PWC fly and succeed.

Creating success with the PWC is tied in to creating success in our personal and professional lives, because, it takes a shared vision, goals and effort. Benchmark the best, find a mentor, feed the cause on an ongoing basis – reading books (PWC Book Club?), give back to the community and each other, and break through fear on an ongoing basis. Fear or failure, or of obstacles is the number one reason that visions, missions, goals and action plans fail. Identify the fear and enlist the help of experts to help fill in the gaps of your own limitations in alleviating your obstacle. Admitting vulnerabilities (another self-induced obstacle/fear) and then asking for help is key. Both of which type-A women may have challenges doing – but it’s essential to success.

Then, celebrate successes, honor each other and yourselves – if you are not happy with something, change it – if you are happy with something, share it! Success is in the effort, not necessarily the end result. Too often we become complacent and soon find ourselves afloat, as individuals, as professionals, as sisters – don’t be afraid to change! You’ll feel better….

Surround yourself with positive people, share your gifts, constantly strive to get better and never lose your Vision.