NLOWE Head Office2nd Floor, Regatta Plaza II84-86 Elizabeth AvenueSt. John’s, NL A1A 1W7 TEL: (709) 754.5555 FAX: (709) 754.0079TOLL-FREE: 1.888.NLOWE.11E-MAIL: info@nlowe.org

NLOWE I e-Newsletter I August 2015

www.nlowe.org

Send your feedback, inquiries and Spotlight Q&A forms to info@nlowe.org.

NLOWE offers services to women in business thanks to the financial support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

What’sInside

• Top 10 ways to make the most of any networking opportunity

• Regional Profile: Western

• NLOWE welcomes new staffer

• Spotlight: Krista Byrne-Puumala

• Events & News

• Upcoming Trade Mission

Networking is an essential, yet often terrifying, aspect of business growth. If walking into a room full of strangers is not your cup of tea, you’re not alone. Everyone understands the value of networking, but few enjoy it. So, what can you do to make networking more fun and productive for you? Here are some tips to help you overcome your fear of networking:

1. Use the buddy system. Having someone to go with to a network-ing event can make walking into a room of strangers a bit more com-fortable. Make sure they know your business and you know theirs. You may be able to help one another make beneficial connections.

2. Set a goal prior to heading out. Make a commitment to yourself before the event. If you are new to networking start small, perhaps a goal of making one new connec-tion will be enough. If you are go-ing with someone, share your goal with that person. They may be able to help you fulfill it.

3. Find the wallflower. Chances are you are not the only person in the room that fears networking. Find a person that is not engaged with anyone else, and see if you can help them make a connection.

Continued on page 4

Top 10 ways to make the most of any networking opportunity

Regional Profile: Western

www.nlowe.org

NAWN Community Projects:Following in our Grandmother’s Footprints; Realizing Our Leadership Potential & Collaborat-ing to Advance the Financial Preparedness of Women: Preparing for the Future — A New Path

Centre which would offer many ser-vices and resources to local residents and visiting tourists. Unfortunately the plans for this Resource Centre did not move forward due to a number of rea-sons.

NAWN is now advancing a new proj-ect called Collaborating to Advance the Financial Preparedness of Women: Preparing for the Future — A New Path. This 2-year project seeks to identify the barriers which exist or are perceived to exist which prevent Aboriginal women from becoming financially prepared.

The project will focus on bringing together Aboriginal women & men, stakeholders, service providers, com-munity agencies and resource people to identify and develop strategies, and will ultimately make recommendations aimed at improving programming and services required for women to be-come more financially prepared.

The target audience for the project is Aboriginal women -- from youth to el-der. All age groups will benefit from the focus groups being held in the com-munities of Bay St. George region. It is expected that these women will bring a broad range of ideas and information along with their needs and concerns around making themselves more fi-nancially prepared. The project will also provide Aboriginal women with a voice on barriers and issues on a personal and family level.

Year OneNAWN plans to engage the support

of local stakeholders, service providers and community agencies to identify the process necessary to gather infor-mation from focus groups which will be held with local women. NAWN will form a 14 member Working Commit-tee who will meet on a regular basis to determine that the correct information and process is taking place. The Work-

ing Committee will consist of 4 Aborigi-nal women, 2 Aboriginal men, 1 elder and 7 stakeholders.

Year TwoNAWN will develop a strategic plan

which will include recommendations to institutional changes if necessary to address financial preparedness for women. NAWN will also identify gaps that exist in programming and services in our region.

In moving forward, the continued commitment of service providers, stakeholders, communities and indi-viduals to work together to bring about tangible results for women is vital. They will work together to foster an environ-ment where women can access, ac-quire and maintain a level of resources, which will not only support basic finan-cial literacy needs but afford a quality of life that includes full participation in the life of their community.

The Newfoundland Aboriginal Wom-en’s Network is a non-profit organiza-tion that strives to promote, enhance and encourage the health, social, edu-cational, economic, cultural, and po-litical well-being of Aboriginal women within Newfoundland.

NAWN has recently completed a 3-year project called Following in our Grandmother’s Footprint’s; Realizing Our Leadership Potential. The focus of this project was to identify the barriers, real and perceived, which prevent Aborigi-nal women from achieving economic security.

The Project focused on bringing to-gether Aboriginal women from two communities with community stake-holder, local business owners and re-source people to develop community plans to promote women’s economic security. The communities identified were Benoit’s Cove and Stephenville. Both communities have worked hard over the past 3 years to develop their community plans. The communty of Benoit’s Cove has identified the oppor-tunity to start a retail business called, Sunset Cafe & Crafts which will be a co-operative model. They will also partner with the Seniors Club to work together in planning and developing a commu-nity garden.

Stephenville had identified the possi-bly of opening an Aboriginal Resource

Western ContactsJoanne Gillis

Business Start-up AdvisorPhone: 709.632.5122

Toll-free: 1.888.NLOWE.11 E-mail: jgillis@nlowe.org

Marvella WellsBusiness Growth AdvisorPhone: 709 . 632.5069

Toll-free: 1.888.NLOWE.11E-mail: mwells@nlowe.org

www.nlowe.org

The deadline for submissions for the next issue of NewsLink is Wednesday, September 30th. Member news may be submitted to info@nlowe.org. NLOWE reserves the right to edit and/or decline submissions.

4. Avoid friends. Don’t spend the entire event talking to people you know already. Networking is about making new business connec-tions. It’s okay to build on current relationships, but you shouldn’t spend the entire event doing so.

5. Have a well-prepared (and prac-ticed) elevator pitch. A well-pre-pared pitch doesn’t have to sound like an advertisement. It’s about having an understanding of your offerings, knowing who your audi-ence is, and being able to deliver the message in a concise manner.

6. Ask questions. By asking ques-tions, you are not only engaging potential connections in the con-versation, but you are also provid-ing yourself with valuable follow

“The Top 10 ways to make the most of any networking opportunity...” con’t

up information. This information will help you tailor your pitch, as well as customize your follow up to how your products/services can solve their problems.

7. Value your business cards. Don’t just hand out business cards to ev-eryone you meet. Take the time to understand if what you are offer-ing is applicable to someone, or if they can help you in your business growth.

8. Dress your best. If you feel good about your appearance, you will automatically be more confident in talking to someone new. Above all, wear something you are sure will present the right image about yourself and your company.

9. Take notes. Keep notes on impor-tant people that you have met. It will help you remember who’s who when you get back with a stack of business cards. It will also help you personalize your follow up, which will be much more effective.

10. Have a follow up plan. When you schedule in a networking event, schedule in your follow up time as well. You should be following up on connections you make in a timely manner. You will be more likely to be remembered if you make your follow up within a week of the event. It’s also a great way to set yourself apart, which is where most people fall short.

NEWSLINK

NLOWE welcomed new Business Start-up Advisor for Labrador, Betty Morris to the team in August. Betty was born in Mary’s Harbour, and grew up and now resides in Port Hope Simpson both on the south coast of Labrador. “I grew up here, left home after completing high school, and returned in 2001 and have mainly lived here ever since.” Betty completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) Degree from MUN in St. John’s, NL in 1994. She also attended a French Immersion Program at University du Quebec a Trois Rivieres in 1994. Betty has completed the National Aboriginal Communications Society Management Training, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Small Business Counsellor Training, and the Assessment Component to Career Counselling with First Work in Toronto, ON.

Betty worked previously as the Town Clerk with the Port Hope Simpson Town Council. Before that she worked for five years as a Substitute Teacher for grades K-12 in various schools on the south coast of Labrador. She also worked with an aboriginal group, NunatuKavut, as the Partnership and Job Development Coordinator. From 2006-2009, Betty worked with NLOWE as a Business Development Coordinator and worked with the zonal board, Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation on a number of programs over the years, such as: Business Retention and Expansion Program, Bridging the Gap Program, and the Youth Ventures Program. “Having previously worked with NLOWE, I found it an absolutely wonderful organization to work with and was eager to return. And I have a

lot experience working with counselling women in business, preparing business plans, and providing public presentations, so its a good fit.”

NLOWE Welcomes New Staffer in Labrador

Betty Morris Business Start-up Advisor, Labradorbmorris@nlowe.org1.8888.896.8494

www.nlowe.org

Newslink

What’s happening this Fall at NLOWE

Networking in CarbonearSept. 10, 7-9 p.m195 Water Street, Carbonear Artists, Tammy Wrice & Michelle Penney-Rowe host us at the their new gallery at 195 Water Street in Historic Downtown Carbonear. Along with a spectacular ocean view Tammy & Michelle will provide an Art demo, door prize, coffee, tea & desserts.

Networking in Deer LakeSept. 22, 5-7 p.m187 Goose Arm Road, Deer LakeJoin host Terri-Lynn Robbins, for a tour of Robbins Enterprises Gardens & Landscape and some networking! Refreshments will be provided. Networking in TorbaySept. 22, 7-9 p.mSt. Nicholas’ Anglican Church Hall, Torbay Host Joy Rybakov, 4D Floor Plans will provide a short presentation on what Classical Feng Shui is and how it should be applied to homes and offices during this networking session in Torbay. Tea, coffee and a selection of sweets will be provided.

Networking in St. John’sOct. 15, 5-7 p.m1 Church Hill, St. John’sHosted by Kim Hickman, Business Portals.

Responding to RFPs WorkshopOct. 8NLOWE Training Room, St. John’s More details coming soon!

Bonavista Open HouseSept. 23, 1-5 p.m. & Sept. 24, 9-12 p.m.Bonavista Public Building, Church St. Have a business idea but need help starting up? Are you a women business owner interested in growing your business? Join NLOWE Business Advisors, Colette Crosbie & Betsy Saunders for a coffee and discover how our programs and services can help you. For more info or to book a one-on-one meeting contact: Colette, Business Start-up Advisor at 1.866.786.6408 or ccrosbie@nlowe.org, or Betsy, Business Growth Advisor1.888.533.9486 or bsaunders@nlowe.org.

Financial Survival for EntrepreneursOct. 21, 8:30-10:30 a.m.NLOWE Training Room, St. John’s One of the keys to starting and growing a successful business is managing finances. During this session, you will learn: Managing growth and expansion - Are you ready?; Understanding and monitoring the numbers and ratios that make or break your business; Effective tax strategies; and, Financing - what are investors looking for? Presented by Debra Feltham, FCPA, FCGA and owner of Feltham & Associates, NLOWE is pleased to partner with the BDC and CPA to delivery this workshop.

SAVE THE DATE November 19th

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is celebrated as part of Global Entrepre-neurship Week, hosted in more than 140 countries and is the world’s larg-est celebration of innovators and job creators, who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. This year NLOWE will be taking the celebration province wide, so stay tuned for more details about events happening in your region!

Pictured (l-r) Michelle Penney-Rowe & TammyWrice

Small Business Week Open HouseOct. 22, 9-11 a.m.NLOWE Training Room, St. John’s Celebrate Small Business Week with is! Stop by our open house and meet some of our Board of Directors & staff while enjoying coffee, tea & pastries.

2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards GalaOct. 29, 6-10 p.m.Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, St. John’sFor the past 18 years, NLOWE’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards have recognized women whose successful businesses contribute to the provincial economy and their communities. Join us as we honour the 2015 winners. Registration is now open!

Stay up to date on all our events by visiting:

www.nlowe.org/events

Members

Krista Byrne-Puumala, Environmental Consultant, Director & Owner of Sus-tainable Energies Inc. believes finding happiness is about spending your valu-able time doing what you believe in. And that’s exactly what she has done in setting up her business, Sustainable Energies Inc, located in Conception Bay South. The company, incorporated in 2014, is a family operated and owned renewable energy business. With ex-pertise in solar – hot water, passive and net metering – as well as wind energy, home environmental inspections, en-ergy monitoring and energy audit-ing, Krista says her biggest success has been getting a contract with NL Hydro to install power cost monitors to over 220 participants across the prov-ince. “We have been in operation for 5 months and to achieve this education awareness pilot program has brought opportunities and the chance for con-tinual growth in Sustainable Energies Inc.”

Spotlight

agement and Practice. Previously, she worked as Director and Environmental Consultant for Lakehead Renewable Energy Inc. and was a co-owner of a renewable energy company with her husband, Kevin Puumala in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She says her husband, Kevin has been and is her mentor and one of her biggest inspirations. “I’ve been blessed, and hard work paid off, working together with such an amazing partner and team player.” Krista’s words of wisdom for want-ing to pursue the entrepreneur-ial path? “Speak the truth and find your truth for it will set you free!” To contact Sustainable Energies Inc., visit www.sustainblenergies.ca or call 709.781.1575.

www.nlowe.org

Krista Byrne-PuumalaSustainable Energies Inc.

A graduate of Lakehead University’s Honours Environmental Studies and Geography program, Krista is also pur-suing her ECO-Canada Environmental Professional in Training designation and a Masters in Environmental Man-

Marketing” provincial award. Cookie Starts with C is a home-based bake-shop located in Gander that is dedi-cated to inventing customized sweets. Way to go, Charlotte!

Member and board member, Hil-da Broomfield Letemplier of Pres-sure Pipe Steel Fabrication Ltd., was featured by the National Ab-original Economic Development Board. Check out her profile at www.naedb-cndea.com/success-stories.

More certified WBEs Congratulations to Lynn Best owner of CreAction Consulting and Carla May, Corner Stone HR Inc.! Both Lynn & Carla recently received WEConnect International certification. Share Your Accomplishments If you are a member of NLOWE and would like to share your recent accom-

Member Mentions Welcome to our new members!Stephanie Blackwood, Blackwood & Associates

Dominique Hurley, Intuitive Art & Inspiration

Bill Kenkins, Provincial Benefits Pro-gram Inc.

Ellisa Sinnicks-House, Livewell: Health Promotion & Screening

Chantal Welsh, Newfoundland & Lab-rador Credit Union

CongratulationsCongratulation to artist, Dominique Hurley, on the launch of her new web-site. Check it out at: www.dominique-hurley.com.

Charlotte Gushue, owner/operator of Cookie Starts with C took home the 2015 Youth Ventures “Excellence in

plishments with our membership and the business community, then send it in to Judy Raske, Office Manager, at jraske@nlowe.org for inclusion in our next edition of Newslink!

Update your membership profile We are updating our membership directory to better serve our member-ship and their clients. We are asking all NLOWE members to take a few minutes to complete a membership profile form.

If you haven’t done so already, head to www.surveymonkey.com/r/nlowememberto update your profile.

Your NLOWE member profile will help others learn about your business, and the products and services you offer and will be featured in our online directory and in a new print directory.

Events & News

HEAD OFFICEPaula Sheppard, Chief Executive Officer

Kristy Martell, Chief Operating Officer

Tammy Hapgood, Business Start-up Advisor, Avalon

Deborah Inkpen, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Deborah Moores, Business Growth Advisor Avalon

Judy Raske, Office Manager

Melissa Wheeler, Supplier Development Coordinator

Deborah Youden, Export Consultant

REGIONAL STAFF Colette Crosbie, Business Start-up Advisor, Eastern

Paula Flood, Business Growth Advisor, Eastern

Joanne Gillis, Business Start-up Advisor, Western

Lindsay Mercer, Business Start-up Advisor, Central

Betty Morris, Business Start-up Advisor, Labrador

Betsy Saunders, Business Growth Advisor, Central

Marvella Wells, Business Growth Advisor, Western & Labrador

BOARD OF DIRECTORSAlison Stoodley, President

Bernice Walker, Vice-President

Paulette Fudge, Executive Member

Renee Attwood, At Large Director

Hilda Broomfield-Letemplier, Labrador Director

Eddi Kenny, Avalon Director

Cathy Martin, At Large Director

Pauline Pennell, At Large Director

Andrea Sharpe, Eastern Director

Mandy Woodland, Appointed Director

www.nlowe.org

Join us on an upcoming Trade Mission

WEConnect International in Canada Nov. 12-13, Toronto, Ontariowww.weconnectinternational.org The WEConnect International in Cana-da conference offers targeted education for business owners seeking to grow their businesses, as well as a rich envi-ronment for corporations interested in creating or improving their inclusive sourcing programs. The agenda in-cludes world leaders in supplier diver-sity and inclusion, inspirational keynote speakers, successful women business owners, valuable networking opportu-nities, concrete business leads, and the high-powered energy and enthusiasm of hundreds of impassioned advocates for powering up women’s contributions to economic growth.

MAGICFeb. 18-21, 2016, Las Vegas, Nevadawww.magiconline.com MAGIC is the world’s largest fashion marketplace. The event is comprised of ten unique communities showcasing the latest in apparel, footwear, accesso-ries, and manufacturing. Twice annually, 60,000+ industry insiders meet in Las Vegas to shop and celebrate style. The event’s 11 can’t-miss markets feature the most comprehensive collection of men’s, women’s, juniors and children’s apparel, footwear, accessories and re-sources. From the fabric to the finished product, the hottest brands to the top designers, and the tastemakers to the power buyers, if it’s fashion, you’ll find it at MAGIC.

Register on Supplier Diversity NL Any woman-owned business interested bidding on work in the natural resources sector should register as a supplier on Supplier Diversity NL. Visit the website at supplierdiversitynl.com to register in the supplier database. The site also contains resources and information on supplier diversity, as well as provide links to corporate supplier diversity programs and notices for procurement opportunities.

To learn more about Supplier Diversity NL contact Melissa Wheeler, Supplier Development at mwheeler@nlowe.org or 1.888.NLOWE.11.

Have you considered growing your business through exporting?If you are interested in learning more about our upcoming trade missions, or in entering a new market, no matter where the location, we can help you explore effectively any opportunity that may exist for your business and help you evaluate the market. Contact our Export Consultant, Deborah Youden at dyouden@nlowe.org or 1.888.NLOWE.11.