Monday's Motivational Makeover - Creating a Virtual You!

In last week's Monday's Motivational Makeover post, I touched upon how women are becoming "ageless" through the use of proper nutrition, exercise, and yes, an occasional "lift" courtesy of some talented Plastic Surgeons such as my friend and fellow 85 Broads member, Dr. Shirley Madhere.

I created this blog as an outreach to women who, for a variety of reasons, may not feel like their current circumstances allow them to go to events, or become involved in some of the initiatives I highlight from time-to-time.

Very often this is due to a low self-esteem, or a feeling that "what I do really doesn't matter".

In short, they need to begin writing a "social biography", but lack the confidence, or do not know where or how to begin.

For those of you currently "stuck" in this situation, the key to getting motivated and involved may lie in creating a "virtual persona" first, then work on getting face-to-face in groups as you gain confidence.

The fact that you are viewing this blog is an encouraging sign. It tells me that you are interested in what other women have to say about some of the issues you face, and research shows you are not alone in using blogs and other social media as a vehicle for doing so.

Here are some interesting facts regarding women and blog usage from a study published by Blogher and Compass Partners. Although these survey results are a bit dated, it shows a trend which is only going to increase if history is any indication.

36.2 million women actively participate in the blogsophere every week (15.1 publishing, 21.1 reading and commenting)

* Women are so passionate about blogging that large percentages of women said they would give something up to keep the blogs they read and/or write:

- 55% would give up alcohol

- 50% would give up their PDAs

- 42% would give up their i-Pod

- 43% would give up reading the newspaper or magazines

BUT, some things are sacred … only 20% would give up chocolate!

* More than half of women maintain the original blog they started

* Our time shift from traditional media is accelerating. In the general Internet population:

- 24 percent of women surveyed say we watch less television because we're blogging

- 25 percent of us say we read fewer magazines because we're blogging

- 22 percent of us say we read fewer newspapers because we're blogging

* "It's about me": Our own lives are our favorite topic -- but don't assume you know all the different topics our lives represent by lifestage.

* More than half of women surveyed consider blogs a reliable source of advice and information

* Half of women surveyed say blogs influence their purchase decisions

* Despite hype, few women report discontinuing blogging due to problems with trolls or being “outed"

For a copy of the original report please click here.

I encourage each of you to widen your knowledge base by seeking out blogs such as WWRG that are reliable sources of information, and focused on what's important to you. If you enjoy sharing your expertise or opinion, you may even consider starting your own blog.

Either way, you will be taking the first step in making over a "virtual you", and a social biography.

The World will be your stage!

Wednesday's Women of Courage - Delilah Rothenberg

This week's profile in Women's Courage features Delilah Rothenberg. She and I met at a HBS Club/85 Broads event last year. What struck me immediately was the intensity and passion with which she spoke about her work helping bring prosperity and hope to the disadvantaged in Africa, and beyond. More remarkably, this is a mission she has felt strongly about from a very young age. Among a generation that has a generally "ME" focus, she is truly a standout. It has taken a lot of courage to leave the security of a privileged background to make a difference in the world, but this is the essence of writing one's Social Biography:

She is the Founding Principal of Development Capital Strategies, LLC (DCS). Previously, she worked with Bear, Stearns & Co in Institutional Equities. Prior to Bear, Delilah developed educational programs with industry executives for investors at Gerson Lehrman Group. She also has experience with emerging markets private equity, having worked with Zephyr Management. Delilah serves on the Business Council for Peace Executive Council and Board, is the founder of their Young Professionals Committee, and was on their founding mission to Rwanda. She is an active member of Angel Africa, 85 Broads, and Seeds of Peace. Delilah has a B.A. in History, Politics, and Africa Studies from NYU, where she received the Dean’s Award in Politics, served as Co-President of Pi Sigma Alpha, and studied Swahili. She holds the Series 7 and Series 63 licenses. Delilah’s work has been featured in the New York Times, on CNN, NPR, among others.

We will continue to follow her activities and I will post upcoming events around her work as they become available. In the meantime, please take a look at her website and contact her directly if you want to become involved in any of her efforts.

Branding Tips for WoW

In Tuesday's post I mentioned that so much of who we are and how we are perceived comes from the importance we place on leveraging our personal brand value.

After all, isn't life often reduced to a few paragraphs in an obituary or maybe an article if we are worthy enough to have one written posthumously!

How will your story be told? Who will read your social biography and come away with a true sense of who you were and why you mattered?

The often overused term "first impressions matter" is actually fairly accurate. Some statistics I have read claim that first impressions are made in the first 20 seconds, and a bad first impression takes 20 additional contacts to rectify that bad first impression.

Maybe that is why many cultures place such an emphasis on the use of customs such as gifting and the sharing of business cards.

What does your first impression say about you? One of my dearest friends and esteemed colleagues (and a terrific guest blogger!), Evie, presents a business card that was designed and printed by the prestigious Alpine Creative Group. Her logo is pictured above, and her card is printed on fine card stock, and nestled in a small envelope - very impressive.

Evie is an international spokes-model and cultural exchange diplomat and no doubt these cards come in handy when meeting dignitaries, celebrities, and Heads of State.

Maybe that is why Sean "p-diddy" Combs and LeBron James are listed as clients on the Alpine website along with numerous corporations, and the US Government.

Next week we will cover gifting and how wrapping a certain way can go a long way to a great first impression.

Until then, remember to Believe, Achieve, Receive. SDG, JBHIV

TGIF - National Chocolate Mousse Day!

Those of you who share my passion for chocolate - rejoice and celebrate! Today is OUR day. There is perhaps nothing more comforting than a piece of fine chocolate. Despite many downsides, moderate consumption of chocolate has been shown in recent medical studies to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and slow down the aging process. Chocolate may not bring order to our current economic condition, or promote world peace, but we should all stop what we are doing today, and pause to reflect on our social biography while enjoying any form of it.

On this day in 1860, the Pony Express was established. Women's role in this historically significant method of communication is largely a mystery. For a glimpse at what is known may be found in a book by Melba Rey-Jeal titled "Women and the Pony Express: A Modern Tale of Changing Tradition". My, what progress we have made in the area of rapid communication, and in women's rights and influence since the introduction of this chain of individuals that took an oath on the Bible of honesty and devotion to duty and went on, despite the daily threat of death, to carry the mail 616,000 miles--equal to 24 times around the earth--during the 18 months the enterprise operated. Sadly, it was the introduction of the telegraph - a precursor to today's Internet that led to it's demise.

And so it is with countless other institutions -including the breaking of "the Glass Ceiling". It is the so called "Innovators Dilemma" at work, which has been studied by HBS Prof. Clayton Christensen and others, seeking to determine how sudden shifts in technology or social conditions can bring about rapid change.

We are clearly in a period of rapid change. Some of it good, some bad. But one thing remains constant -women will continue to play an increasingly significant role. Take time today to reflect on YOUR role. And enjoy that chocolate!

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

What's the Longest River in Emerging Markets?

"de-Nile". This is a quote from a recent piece in the Washington Post on banking and the emerging market economies. It provides a good perspective on how financial markets can be manipulated by few, to the detriment of many. While there are precedents to the current economic crisis that we can analyze and learn from, the situation is much like a strain of flu that "mutates" into a stronger more virulent form, and becomes resistant to drugs created to combat it. These are truly uncharted waters, and many outcomes are possible.

For Women of Wealth, what is most important is to be aware of the "macro" economic perspective, and use this to create up a "micro" or tactical approach to financial planning and build toward a positive outcome. The ultimate goal is to provide financial independence by which you can live out your social biography, and create a better world - for your children, your parents, and yourself.

There will continue to be pockets of opportunity amid the current crisis to invest into Emerging Markets. This has traditionally been the areas of highest growth. Once we get past the current set of issues with the world banking system, these markets with continue to grow. What we need to prepare for, is the strong possibility that the US may experience a prolonged period (a decade?) of stagnant growth, much like Japan in the 1980's. With a well conceived social biography and underlying financial plan, you can get past the present and into a bright and prosperous future!

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

Spring is Here!

TGIF and TGIS. Those of you who live in the Northeast, Midwest, and Canada will be happy to know that Spring officially arrived about one hour ago EST today. Yes, it has been a LONG Winter, in more ways than one. In 1594, William Shakespeare put into print the now famous phrase "Now is the Winter of our Discontent..." in his play, Richard III. Very few are able to quote the remaining portion of that line "...made glorious summer by this sun of York". The 'sun of York' wasn't of course a comment on Yorkshire weather but on King Richard. In this play Shakespeare presents an account of Richard's character that, until the late 20th century, largely formed the popular opinion of him as a malevolent, deformed schemer. Historians now view that representation as a dramatic plot device - necessary for the villainous role that Shakespeare had allocated him. It isn't consistent with what is now known of Richard III, who in many ways showed himself to be an enlightened and forward-looking monarch.

Shakespeare scholars believe that in this part of the play, he meant to convey a feeling that "The time of unhappiness is past". So too, can the passage of Winter into Spring. So it can be in your life, and the lives around you.

Have you been misunderstood, maligned, or falsely judged? Maybe you need to take the opportunity with the change of seasons to rethink your priorities. If you are fortunate to be a Woman of Wealth, think about how you can use this capacity to change the world.

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

F.E.A.R. or F.A.C.T

I heard a statistic on an AM news program this morning that on it's surface, is quite disturbing. The number quoted was 345. No, I am not speaking of the millions paid out in the AIG bonus controversy. This is allegedly the number of known conflicts (on-going wars, border skirmishes, standoffs, etc) that are being tracked. Coincidentally, this is the same number used by Sweet Briar College to designate their Govt 345 course titled " International Conflict Resolution". It is also the number of times the papers of Prof. Allan Stam, Dartmouth, have been sited in scholarly discussions of Armed Conflict..

When I first heard the news report this morning, my first reaction was one of fear. Not "stop in your tracks" paralyzing fear, but "pause for threat assessment" fear. Then I snapped to my senses. I realized that this is just another instance of False Evidence Appearing Real. How can anyone really track ALL the worlds conflicts with any degree of accuracy. And just as the media has created a false sense of how bad our current financial crisis is, citing statistics that boggle the mind and seem to change almost daily, taking too much stock in them just creates further Fear, Uncertainty, & Doubt (FUD).

I'd rather see more of the behaviour I have seen Women of Wealth, and indeed, Women in general exhibit during tough times - Females Act Courageously Too. Over the next few weeks, I will dedicate my Wednesday post to female "profiles in courage". I hope it will serve as inspiration to the many of you who still believe that they are "the weaker vessel". The creation of Financial Independence coupled with a strong Moral Compass can create a Social Biography very much like the Women I will profile.

Take time today to think about how YOU react to F.E.A.R, and choose F.A.C.T-based living, instead.

Until next post, continue to Believe, Achieve, Receive. SDG- JBHIV

The Ides of March + 1, Friday 13th + 3

Well, two traditionally "unlucky" days have passed, and I hope you came through unscathed. Although March 15th was a very unfortunate day for Julius Ceasar, it did fall on a Sunday this year, and very few of us can argue that this "day-of-rest" does not give us a respite as we contemplate the week ahead.

Remember, also, that the Romans used the Ides of March date to mark the official beginning of Spring - a time of renewal and hope. Although the winter is still not officially over by today's standards of seasonal measure, the warming temperatures and singing birds give us a brighter outlook.

For those of you who missed Fed Chmn. Ben Bernancke's interview on 60 Minutes last night, I have included the link here. While he certainly sounded a note of optimism that a depression has been averted, and the recession should end this year and recovery should begin next year, he did caution that this all depends on the stabilization of the banking system. As I have stated in earlier posts, our addiction to the debt drug peddled to us by his predecessor, Alan Greenspan, and the creation of the Fractional Reserve Banking system in the early part of the last century, is just now beginning to collateralize into other areas of our economy and beyond. Click here for a viewpoint by Jacki Zehner, and here for a link to the original oped piece.

I believe the next few months will be critical in determining the course and speed with which we navigate through these troubling economic times. The important thing to remember is that fear and anxiety only complicate the situation and like the superstition of Friday the 13th, most of what will happen to us should not be influenced by past belief, but rather on our willingness and ability to create our own future.

Please take time today to review your Social Biography, and begin laying out the chapters that lie ahead. If we all do this, we will bring about meaningful change, and create a better world for every one.

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

Remote Possibilities

Many of you have asked how you can participate in activities or projects that Women of Wealth are currently involved in, or are are now contemplating. I will be adding a section in the sidebar of this blog shortly that will allow interested followers an opportunity to receive email updates on a regular basis. As I come across interesting articles or projects looking for support, I will pass these along to those who sign up. Even though these groups may be scattered geographically, they may benefit by your support.

This blog and your participation in it is evidence that with today's technology, even remote participants can make a difference. This ability, coupled with a well thought out social biography, can magnify the impact Women of Wealth can have on their local community, and the world. There is a popular phrase "Think Globally, Act Locally". With a strong Moral Compass, and the capacity that wealth brings, it is possible to now "Think Locally, Act Globally", as well.

Please join us as we bring meaningful change into the lives of others.

Until next post, continue to achieve, believe, receive. SDG - JBHIV

Should a sudden drop...

...in cabin pressure occur...an oxygen mask will drop... put your mask on first, then put them on small children. Those of you who travel via aircraft are familiar with this directive, mandated by the FAA as part of the pre-flight checklist that the crew has been trained to deliver. This is but one of several directives (warnings) we are given, all of them designed to prepare us for an in-flight emergency. Most seasoned air travelers, like myself, tend to tune out during this monologue. We hear these words so often that they lose their meaning, or we think the chances of something happening are so remote, we may no longer pay attention.

In the case of the air mask, something struck me recently as I began to think about the current financial crisis and how I have responded. For one, it seemed to me that is selfish to think of placing a mask on me first, then my children. After all, aren't we taught (and innately feel) that we should put the needs of our children first in these situations? The other thing that came to mind was how much I had been "tuning-out" during the last 12 months, despite all the warning signs that things were about to get ugly.

A few observations from this analogy that keep me positively focused during this unsettling period:

• Yes, there is an emergency, but yes, I have been prepared for this eventuality, and have a plan to deal with it.
  
• There is help available, the oxygen mask if you will, which has been given to me to use if needed.
• I must first ensure that I have pure oxygen flowing to me, before I help others with their need. It is essential that I be strong and available to help those unable to help themselves.

Do you have an action plan in place to deal with an ever-deepening crisis? Are you able to take care of your needs, so that you can take care of the needs of your children? If the answer to this question is no, then I ask you to take time TODAY, to listen again to the instructions of others who are willing to help you. Trust your intuition, not the people around you who have gotten us into this mess. They didn't have your best interests or the interests of your children in mind.

Yes, the flight attendant's drone will go on, but this time pay attention.

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG -JBHIV

A Tale of Two Soccer Moms

We are in the middle of the biggest snow storm of the season, and once again, school has been canceled. While children delight, working moms experience fright. "How am I going to get to that important meeting with _____ (fill in the blank)? Who is going to care for my kids?" One of the results of setting up your life plan and social biography, followed by a closely-coupled financial and retirement plan, is freedom. Freedom to spend time with your family during times when it is most critical. To have balance in your life even if you want it all.

I have had the good fortune to know two local Women that have been able to make such choices. I met both of them on the soccer field. I had no clue that both were powerhouses in their respective careers until much later - when they were "off-the-clock", they were totally "standing down" from their corporate lives.

One of them Brenda Barnes, was an executive at Pepsico at the time. She and husband Randy both held senior positions. Often they would arrive for weekend games having just landed in the corporate jet from a meeting. One day, Randy appeared at school to pick up his children after school. He was dressed casually, and looked relaxed. This was unusual, as their nanny typically handled these duties. He told me then that he and Brenda had decided to leave Pepsico and return to Illinois. They would both do some corporate board work, but spend more time as a family. As Brenda later said during an interview, "I made my decision not because my children needed more of me. I needed more of them". Now Brenda is back at number 6 on the Fortune Top 50 Women in Business list. I'm sure her four children are benefactors in her social biography, which she had the foresight to craft for success - family, career, life.

Another "Power Mom" is Jacki Zehner. I have her blog, Purse Pundit, in my recommended resources list. She and her husband, Greg, were soccer coaches in our local rec program when I met them. I had no idea that she and Greg were both partners at Goldman Sachs - she the youngest invited to join the partnership. They have since left their positions to focus on family and faith. Jacki has become a frequent media commentator, and recently appeared on CNN's Morning Show. Both are building a social biography that includes philanthropy and service to others.

Take today's snow event to think about your social biography. Spend time with your children. You'll be glad you did.

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

What ifs: a crucial step in the financial healing process

A few days ago, I posted a list of ten things that Women of Wealth can do today to gain more control, and better assess the impact the current financial crisis may have on their social biography and underlying financial goals.
One of the biggest hurdles to the success of any economic recovery plan is the fear of "what ifs" - what if I or my spouse loses their income, what if the trust fund I rely on is now not able cover my needs, etc.
Losing wealth may be difficult to deal with for those who did not see the financial storm brewing a year ago, or who relied on others to manage their wealth but never kept a close eye on their statements.
Here are few suggestions from Dr Theodore Soutzos, a consultant psychiatrist in London, on how the process of "financial healing" can begin*:

"Treating the fear around the loss of money is a three-step process. First is cause, Dr Soutzos says: “You have lost money. Can you do something to keep it?” Next comes perception: “Often people will exaggerate the extent of the damage.”

Finally comes response: “When you’re actively doing something about it, you feel less stressed,” he says. “If people say ‘I will end up on the street’, I challenge them.” In some instances, losing wealth can offer an escape route. It can allow you to pursue another career, move home or shed a partner. Dr Wolman says: “Getting off the treadmill can bring enormous relief. You’re always losing something. There’s always someone out there with a bigger house and a bigger boat.”

After financial pain comes financial healing, though this cannot happen without the willingness to accept the situation (blame and denial are two forms of escapism).

A realistic breakdown of all assets left is the first priority after which it comes down to support structures. “Anxieties go down as soon as you process them,” says Dr Wolman. And this means talking about them.

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

*This first appeared in the February print edition of Wealth Bulletin as part of Wall Street Journal Europe.

P.O.T.S or P.A.N.S ?

Today marks the last day that our local House of Worship will participate in a Food Drive in support of a Homeless Organization in the NYC area. Over the last two weeks, I have made an effort to take advantage of the recent dip in the price of Peanut Butter due to the salmonella scare, buying as much of the "Manager's Specials" that are available, and taking these to the bins that are used to collect our donations.

At first, the donations trickled in. The goal charts that the teen group sponsoring the drive have posted, looked more like the latest corporate earnings of GM - far short, and looking more and more unattainable as the weeks wore on.

But then, almost overnight, the peanut butter category, and others, blasted past the top of the charts, and it appears that by the end of the drive today, there will be plenty of food to bring to others in need.

I have learned a valuable lesson. I have received a huge blessing by participating. In some small way, I was able to help overachieve their goal by putting into play some of the talents I have picked up over my decades of financial experience - by taking advantage of "arbitrage" in the PB market, and the "price deflation" of a commodity that is a staple to many households, including our own - to benefit those who are in desperate need of food, shelter, and Hope.

Yes, my hope is that the donations we collected make their way into the belly's of children whose lives have been shattered by the loss of a job, the foreclosure of a home, or the closing of a business. These are the innocent victims of "Finance Gone Wild". Their lives will be changed forever by the greed and evilness of men and mammon.

Don't get the wrong impression - I remain committed to using the Wealth of the World for the good of society. That is why the creation of a "social biography" is so essential with the privilege that wealth brings. I will continue to use my talents to help Women of Wealth, carry out their mission of Hope

But more importantly, I hope those that see a need will not choose to merely Pontificate And Not Serve, but choose instead, as I have, to be Part Of The Solution!

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

A Morning Resolve

I would like to share with you a meditation that may be useful as you begin the process of building your social biography through discernment:

I will try this day to live a simple, sincere, and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking.

I will instead cultivate cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of silence. I will exercise economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in my work, fidelity to that which has been placed in my trust, and a unshakable faith in my intuition, spirit, and soul.

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV