I recently changed jobs – from President and CEO of my own company to Vice President of Compliance at ACE Cash Express, Inc. Over the last twelve years that I’ve been a business owner, I’ve frequently said that I could never go back to “the corporate world”. So I surprised myself when I agreed to talk to the recruiter about the newly created position at ACE. Once I heard more about the job and met the people there, I got very excited about the opportunity and decided to accept their offer to join them. Opportunity knocked – and I almost didn’t listen. Now, I’m really glad I did.

This same concept applies to NAWBO. There are so many opportunities to create valuable connections – are you listening? Have you checked out our Mastermind Groups – your own personal Advisory Board to help you strategize about ways to grow your business and address your challenges? Have you volunteered to serve on a Committee to get to know other NAWBO members and Corporate Partners better? Have you talked to a Board member about the advantages of serving on our NAWBO Chapter Board or chairing a NAWBO Committee – a way to learn and practice your leadership skills in a non-threatening environment? Are you attending our monthly Chapter meetings to take advantage of the educational and networking opportunities? Are you reading our weekly e-mails and monthly newsletter to see what upcoming events and activities would benefit you and your business?

Our NAWBO Chapter slogan is “NAWBO Creates Connections” and my President’s theme for this year is “Create Connections to Make a Difference”. Even though I’ll be back in the corporate world, I intend to stay active in NAWBO. I’ve been a business owner and NAWBO Chapter member for over five years, so I qualify for a full NAWBO membership category called “retired”. And I want to continue to take advantage of all the connections I’ve created in my eleven years of NAWBO membership - to continue to listen for new opportunities. I encourage you to do the same. Opportunity is knocking – are you listening?