ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN: A Wonderful "Win-Win" for Women: The WIN Online

Especially For Women with Ann Barczay Sloan

Introducing:

Paula Fellingham

Founder and CEO,

The Women’s Information Network

www.TheWinOnline.com

“The Online Home for All Women, All Ages”

What does a woman do who through the years has already achieved major success in founding large family-oriented organizations; creating and presenting training seminars nationwide / worldwide; authoring five books, producing an award-winning parenting video -- not to mention birthing seven children and raising them to adulthood?

What’s next for such a super-achiever? Why yes ─ of course! She simply proceeds to create an even more gigantic organization: a dynamic on-line network of successful women that offers great value to participants and can easily expand to unlimited size.

I have great news for you: Today is your day to meet this amazing woman. Her name is Paula Fellingham.

How Paula and I first crossed paths

I first met Paula at a CEO Space Forum in Los Angeles several years ago – perhaps 2004. Paula probably has no recollection of me (I’m not sure we even spoke at that time), but I do recall her distinctly: I seem to have a terrific memory when it comes to “who’s who and what’s what”... And it may actually have been Maria Simone who first introduced us. (A bit more detail on Maria below.)

I recall how impressed I was by Paula’s accomplishments even back then. She had written several books, created and presented huge seminars all over the country ─ and had that confidence born of leadership and achievement written all over her… And it wasn’t only her bright red suit that gave rise to this impression!

Fast forward five years, to present time: Just last month, it was definitely Maria Simone who invited me to take a look at a brand-new enterprise she’s deeply involved with, newly launched in September: The Women’s Information Network (The WIN.)

When Maria told me Paula Fellingham was at the helm, I said to myself: “Paula? Yes, of course! That’s just perfect!”

But first, meet Maria Simone: Conscious Business Architect

In my mind, the words “Fast Forward” immediately evoke Maria Simone – the very woman who introduced me to The WIN. Why is that? Because “Fast Forward to Success™” is the title of Maria’s Business Acceleration E-zine for her company, Passion 2 Prosperity: http://www.Passion2Prosperity.com .

Maria (with good cause) calls herself “The Prosperity Diva” and is quite a delightful and successful woman herself. And of course Maria has set up her own program on The WIN, titled “The Passionate Business Show.

I’ve known Maria for ten years, and I want to say Hi and Congratulations to her via this paragraph. FYI, I showcased Maria in an earlier “Women’s Networking” article: find it in TNNW archives at

http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/articles/2008_03_womensnetworking.shtml

But let’s focus on Paula now!

Who is Dr. Paula Fellingham, and what is she all about?

Here are a few excerpts from Paula’s official bio. (Please believe me: there were many more accomplishments, but I had to cut something somewhere!)

Paula Noble Fellingham

Recipient, Doctorate of Education in Human Relations.

Author of five books, including the best-seller Believe It! Become It! How to Hurdle Barriers and Excel Like Never Before.

Honored as Washington State Young Mother of the Year 1986, and Utah State Woman of the Year 2003.

Founder of “Women Celebrating Life”, an organization for women 40 and older to help them reinvigorate their lives.

Currently, Paula is CEO of The Women’s Information Network (The WIN) The Online Home For All Women ~ All Ages. The mission of The WIN is to strengthen women and families worldwide by offering high quality audio/video presentations and articles on a wide variety of topics and many ways to connect.

In 2007, Paula presented 48 seminars in 32 cities across America. Her seminars were entitled “Ignite Your Life!” Especially empowering are her trainings on how to turn one’s passion into a lucrative business, how to become a published author and/or professional speaker, how to excel online, and how to eliminate debt.

Internationally-acclaimed speaker, Dr. Paula Fellingham has given presentations at the United Nations, for the World Movement of Mothers in Paris, at the International Conference of the Worldwide Organization for Women, and numerous other places. Paula participated in the World Congress on Families in Geneva, and at the World Movement of Mothers International Conference at NATO Headquarters.

Former Director of Women-to-Women Life Success Seminars™, giving individuals and women-owned businesses vision, voice, and clear direction. Writer and producer of the outstanding 55 minute parenting video, “Creating A Successful Family: Six Essential Steps.” This video won “Best-Seller Publishing Outstanding Video” award in 2000.

Magazine contributor, Paula has written articles for People Magazine, Family Living, and Executive Excellence. Author of the parenting manual used in churches and communities nationwide: “Turn on the Light of Love and Learning in Your Home.”

…

Paula received her B.A. in 1971 and her Doctorate in 2004. Dr. Gilbert Fellingham (Professor of Statistics, Brigham Young University) and Paula are the parents of seven children, and the grandparents of twelve.

Entering the World of The WIN

Now that we’ve traversed this lengthy – and please remember, only partial! –list of Fellingham achievements, let’s go visit the virtually brand-new site – www.TheWinOnline.com -- and enter the world of The WIN.

The opening page displays our Welcome message. (Note: Links have been deactivated.)

Welcome to The WIN!

The Premier Media and Social Network for Women

We're the very best place online for women who want to:

• Get Solutions: Enjoy 30 channels of shows on a wide variety of topics; presented by experts; Easily downloadable; Great articles
• Share Ideas: Write on the Conversation Boards, Comment on shows/articles; Join a Webinar or Conversation Circle
• Really Connect: Make friends; Join a WIN Group; Start a WIN Group; Attend future WIN Conferences and Retreats

The WIN is a network for women by women ~ and we're glad you're here!
The various options offered on this page include:

• The WIN ezine - You're gonna love this!
  
• Exerpts From the Experts
  
• Featured Video
  
• Conversation Boards
  
• Recent Articles
• The Daily WIN features a different special product every day. All items are deeply discounted and offered exclusively on The WIN.

Menu options on Opening page:

CHANNELS

Lists of various types of shows available

SHOWS

Listed by Title or by Expert

WIN SHOW

Come join the fun… The WIN Show features Paula Fellingham, Kim Coles, and Lauralee Christensen who interview special guests. Each guest is a content expert on issues affecting women's lives.

COMMUNITY

Welcome to the WIN Community! From here you can connect with other WIN members, get updates on upcoming events and keep current with WIN News and eZine.

WIN STORE http://thewinonline.com/catalog

Merchandise categories: Apparel / Electronics / Events

MYWIN http://thewinonline.com/user

Access to Profile / Friends

ABOUT THE WIN http://thewinonline.com/about-win

About Us / Show Hosts / Press Room

But now, enough of exploring what’s available on TheWINOnline.com ─ it’s time to converse with the CEO herself!

Interview with Paula Fellingham

Thanks so much for sharing your latest creation with our readers, with me!

First off, how would you briefly describe what you do ─ your “elevator speech” or similar tag line?

“My mission is to strengthen women and families worldwide. That’s also the mission of The Women’s Information Network (The WIN) – “The Online Home for All Women, All Ages”. It will become the Premier Media and Social Network for Women. You can find us at www.TheWINonline.com .”

What makes you / your company / organization unique? In other words, what is the so-called Unique Value Proposition of your product or service?

“The Women’s Information Network is far more than a website. It is a thriving Community of women helping women ~ online and offline. We help women Get Solutions, Share Ideas, and Really Connect. They ‘Get Solutions’ through hundreds of audio/video shows and articles; they ‘Share Ideas’ through our message boards and groups; they ‘Really Connect’ during our online webinars and our offline conferences, retreats, and expos.”

What is your primary goal, the mission of what you do?

“There’s an ‘About the WIN’ section on our site that clearly summarizes our mission:

Women as a group tend to live longer, earn less and take time away from paid work to care for families, and typically have less in retirement savings. Now is the time when women are focusing on these life-changing issues and are paying attention to their situations in a new way.

With that reinvention in mind, The Women’s Information Network (The WIN) was created in response to the growing need to strengthen women and families worldwide. The WIN becomes the first entity of its kind to provide content-rich solutions addressing relevant, timely topics for women—the largest demographic group online today.

The WIN will provide hundreds of free, high-quality audio and video shows and articles presented by experts allowing women to receive fast solutions and focus on life-changing personal and business issues. Far more than just a content provider, The WIN allows women to connect and create relationships with like-minded women in ways no other entity has embraced.

I must also add that that philanthropy is an integral part of The WIN. We’ll work with many charities; especially targeting GlobeMed.org initially.”

Wow, Paula – I keep wanting to say Wow!

Now, would you please describe how you got started in all this, and how you arrived where you are currently?

“In 2007 I presented ‘Ignite Your Life’ Seminars to women in 32 cities across America, spending multiple days in each city. I met thousands of wonderful women who were seeking the same thing: sustained joy. They were searching for solutions to the challenges in their lives. At the end of my nine month seminar tour I was exhausted and I thought, ‘There’s got to be a better way! I need to create an entity where hundreds of experts can share their “solutions” with millions of women, worldwide, from home, for free. And the women will connect with one another and strengthen each other.’ And The Women’s Information Network (The WIN) was conceived. Truly, our community of women helping women can touch the hearts and change the lives of millions of people across the globe.”

Was there a time of breakthrough: a turning point when you chose to change your course? Any specific quantum leap(s)?

“Let me put it this way: The WIN continues to grow, day by day, into something far more comprehensive and glorious than I first imagined, in large part due to our marvelous Team.”

Which of your projects are you currently most excited and passionate about?

“The WIN!!!”

Whom does your network currently include? How far does your network extend? What is the size of your outreach?)

“We currently have an accumulated database of over 2 million people.”

Bottom line, Paula – What do you feel is really working well for you, for the WIN?

“…Working with our fabulous Show Hosts to expand our reach quickly.”

I’m wondering ─ how would one go about becoming a Show Host?

“We're receiving many requests a day from prospective Show Hosts. We don't need to "advertise" per se ─ but we WILL soon be putting up info on Show Host requirements.

What’s the achievement you’re most proud of at this time?

“Clearly, it’s the 200+ incredible experts – our Show Hosts ─ who are committed to The WIN’s success.”

What are your plans and goals for the future ─ especially regarding networking activities?

“The WIN will become The Premier Media and Social Network for Women Worldwide. Our first International Conference will be held on April 17, 2010, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.”

In conclusion, anything you’d like to add ─ some words of encouragement, inspiration for our readers?

“There’s a place for every woman on TheWINonline.com. Come join us!”

That’s so great, Paula! – Thanks so much for taking time to share yourself and The WIN with us. It sounds sensational, even now at its beginnings. But what a powerful start! And Yes ─ I will follow up on your invitation!

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Contact information for Paula:

Paula Fellingham

paula@TheWINonline.com

801.768.1720

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Key Words:

Paula Fellingham, Women’s Information Network, The WIN, women, Ann Barczay Sloan, The National Networker (TNNW), Media Network, Social Network, International Conference, Show Hosts, Community,

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Ann Barczay Sloan, M.A.

Author & Editor / Creative Writing Coach

www.GeniusUnbound.com

www.linkedin.com/in/AnnBarczaySloan

Featured Columnist,

www.TheNationalNetworker.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author of the forthcoming book:

How to Use the Pieces of a Broken Heart:

Recipes for Rebirth

http://AnnBarczaySloan.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more information, please visit Ann's TNNW Bio.

Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free - Click HERE.
The National Networker Companies

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ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN: A Wonderful "Win-Win" for Women: The WIN Online

NETWORKING WITH TODAY'S MOTHERS: Ecomoms, MainStreetMoms

Networking with Today's Mothers By Noelle Southwick

Before the internet existed mothers were building community relationships, sharing knowledge and keeping neighbors informed. The role of mothers has always included the abilities we now call networking skills.

With the use of technology mothers are expanding the number of people they support and to whom they contribute out to a worldwide audience.

There are approximately 82 million mothers in the United States. The internet is giving them a powerful tool to connect them with what they need/want and with each other.

The ability to create a group of mothers with similar beliefs/goals has created communities of mothers supporting one another in a variety of ways. I count myself in the growing number of mothers using technology to build relationships and create a new type of support system.

Ecomoms ~ http://ecomom.com

With a goal of promoting healthy living Ecomoms is a community of environmentally conscious mothers. The members of this community are authentically searching for ways to live in a balanced and sustainable way.

The Ecomoms provides many of the things mothers are looking for:

• A social network to gather and share information about the sustainability movement: a way to build relationships.

• On-line shopping for a wide variety of items to improve our environment such as organic clothing, earth friendly toys and sustainable home items: a way to take action in the day to day choices.

• An eco-media channel bringing together people, products and green news: a way to get educated and stay informed.

• A way to stay connected with and support environmental policy: a way to take action on the big picture.

This site offers real solutions for moms who want to connect, to learn to be more green and make a difference for our planet.

Main Street Moms ~ http://mainstreetmom.com

This site is a much broader site then the Ecomoms site. Their forum has over 20,000 threads. Categories for the forum include such categories as parenting, family budget, let’s talk food, spiritual grow and entertainment. The categories are more general but the site is a great resource of information.

Additionally, Main Street Moms includes articles on topics such as crafts, budgeting and health and fitness. The site even has printable lists to assist with meal planning, packing for a trip and household tasks.

The site was busy with lots of Google ads. Since Mia Cronan is a mother with five children running the site from her home, the ads support her ability to offer the free resource of helpful tips and advice to other moms.

Mothers have the ability to create huge change in our world and networks allow them to organize and support one another. If you are a mother who wants to know how to create a lifestyle that is conscious of the impact on the environment then check our Ecomom. If you want a wealth of helpful information addressing the many issues we face as mothers then check out Main Street Moms for the support of a large network of mothers.

For more information, please visit Noelle's TNNW Bio.

Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free - Click HERE.
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NETWORKING WITH TODAY'S MOTHERS: Ecomoms, MainStreetMoms

ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN: The Woman of One Thousand Women

Especially for Women with Ann Barczay Sloan

The Woman of One Thousand Women

Introducing Paula Constantino

Chief Visionary Officer of 1000 Women Can Change The World

”1000 Women CAN Change the World ─

by Empowering Women Globally”

How did I manage to connect with Paula?

I was immediately impressed by Paula Constantino’s executive powers when first introduced to her in early 2008 by two women high on my admiration list: Marcia Brixey and Suzanne Kincaid. (Read my interviews with these stellar ladies in our TNNW archives ─ see links at end of this article.)

Paula and I met by phone, of course: she lives in Maryland, I’m in Washington State. Even long distance I could observe her crisp and direct communication style, and I continued in awe of this powerful spirit who had envisioned and created the huge resource network:

http://www.womenssupportteam.com , with the purpose of supporting and mentoring women in a broad spectrum of ways.

Our interchanges were summarized in my article, “The Power of Women Mentoring Women”, published in The National Networker (TNNW) http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/articles/2008_03_womensnetworking.shtml

A continuum of connection

Since this event, Paula and I have stayed on each other’s e-mail lists. We are also connected on LinkedIn: a prime business network into which she has poured herself with great gusto.

And now, once again, here I am talking with Paula! She recently sent an e-mail inviting women to participate in creation of her Audio Information Modules (AIM), i.e., to generously share our individual expertise in order to assist at-risk women via a digital format easily accessible around the world. (More on AIM later.)

I eagerly responded to this opportunity, given I’ve loved my past experiences as an educator. Then in a flash I got: here was a bonus for me! I realized it would be interesting to re-interview Paula for TNNW, given how much wider her outreach must surely be at this time. I mean: now she’s “only” aiming to gather 1000 dedicated women who aim to change the world! See all this explained at http://www.1000WomenCanChangetheWorld.org .

So, here we have Paula Constantino revisited! What is this lady dynamo up to now?

We can set the stage with Paula’s bio on the “1000 Women” site:

President / CEO Paula Constantino ~ Attorney by profession, but visionary by choice, Paula is currently following her passion, focusing on creating ways for women to help other women achieve more success with less stress globally - including supplemental training tool. First, she founded and built WomensSupportTeam.com and now she is applying those resources to help inspire, enlighten and empower women worldwide with 1000 Women Can Change the World.

The “1000 Women” site: Details

The site http://www.1000WomenCanChangetheWorld.org is the portal for great new inspiration. On the opening page we see a photo of three smiling women, accompanied by the message below (condensed):

WE = Women who are Empowered!

Together, WE can inspire, enlighten and empower women worldwide with useful, lifetime skills
by building an information highway using 21st century technology.

WE harness technology to…

Inspire women and motivate women to tap into to their own inner strength
Enlighten women to learn how technology can enhance their lives
Empower women to reach their full potential both inside & out with practical skills

Empowering women benefits them AND their families
AND their communities AND ultimately the world!

WE ─ Our TEAM of Mentors – record 30-45 minute audio presentations sharing our expertise with at-risk women
via the Internet and... where there is limited or no Internet via preloaded,

handheld, battery-operated audio players.

At-risk women can access these Audio Information Modules (AIM) anytime anywhere in the world
over and over again & easily share them with others.

Moving on through the site, under the About tab we can find key topics such as Mission, Vision, information on the Board and Founder/Executive Director and Financial Status.

Two tabs of special interest are: Visionaries and Invest.

The Visionaries page defines the word: “A visionary is a prophet, creative thinker, seer and/or futurist.” It then specifies what it takes to be a Visionary in the context of “100 Women”:

As an investor/supporter of 1000 Women Can Change the World, you in deed are a visionary – one who sees how Women Empowered with practical, useful life and business skills can truly change the world.

Since our initial goal of 1000 Women Can Change the World is for 1,000 women each to invest at least $1,000 to raise one million dollars… the Visionary status starts when you invest at least $1,000.

By increasing one’s investment level, one can rise to higher visionary rank, escalating from Silver to Gold to Platinum.

The Invest page reiterates the immediate goal, i.e., booking for

1,000 women to each invest $1,000 to reach $1,000,000

to fund our providing practical, useful skills and information

to women globally

A “Donate Now” button is also provided.

Again, the “What we do” is listed:

What we do...

Build a 21st Century Highway -
Using technology to provide
women with useful,

practical information - easy

to access, understand &

pass onto others

The ways one might be of help are also specified:

We need your help...

Expertise in women's issues

Linguistics & language

Fundraising

Sponsors

Media

But enough of web site visitation! It’s time to get into the interview with Paula: the live source and living heart of this information.

Might as well start with your so-called elevator speech: How would you briefly describe what you do?

“As Chief Visionary Officer of 1000 Women Can Change the World (‘1000 “Women’), I work with organizations to deploy digital technology to inspire, enlighten and empower at-risk women with practical, ‘how to’ information to enhance their lives so that they become the best that they can be – reaching them in the most remote areas of the world – even where there is no internet or even electricity.”

That is a hugely important point – this “no electricity” aspect. Brilliant!

Now -- What makes your organization unique? In other words, what is the so-called Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of your product or service?

“It’s our use of digital technology makes the ‘1000 Women’ model unique – we create Audio Information Modules (AIM) – 30 to 45 minute audio presentations recorded by women mentors. These AIM are uploaded to a dedicated website page to be accessed by the at-risk women in the program from anywhere at anytime.”

So it’s at-risk women who are your target, your intended audience at present?

“Yes.”

What is your mission – the primary goal of this work you’re doing?

“Having started law school at age 40, I was a trial attorney in the New York metropolitan area for a dozen years and then in-house legal counsel for a technology start-up in Maryland. My passion, however, has been finding creative means to empower women to be all that they can be.”

I suppose we could call this a humanitarian / philanthropic aim?

“Yes – I might say my humanitarian/philanthropic work focuses on bringing practical, useful information to women who need it the most through my social enterprise ─ which I have named “1000 Women Can Change the World ─ at www.1000WomenCanChangeTheWorld.org “

I’d like to know where this passion of yours originated! Would you describe how you got started in this direction, and how you arrived where you are now?

“As an attorney by profession, most of my time was in a male dominated environment where I observed the ‘good ole’ boys’ network at work. Believing that women would benefit from a similar support system to help them meet the challenges of balancing their work, home and family, I came up with the idea of creating an online, one-stop resource for women – resulting in Women’s Support TEAM at www.WomensSupportTeam.com – where women can achieve more with less stress.

If I recall from our first article, the letters T.E.A.M. are an acronym?

“Yes!” Paula smiles. “’Together Everyone Achieves More’. And sometimes we at WS Team lengthen it as follows:

‘Together Everyone Achieves More success globally through Synergy’

So, continuing on, in the spring of 2008, after discussions with my advisory board, I formed the 1000 Women Can Change the World, a 501(c)(3) public charity. This for impact social enterprise is poised to empower not only at-risk women here in the USA, but also to achieve more economic and social equality for women in developing countries. Our digital audio program model enables us to bring AIM to women in remote regions of the world.”

That’s powerful ─ and highly practical. Now another question: was there a time of breakthrough – a turning point when you chose to change your course? Any specific quantum leap(s)?

“Going from the practice of law to philanthropy has indeed been a quantum leap – even though it has evolved over a period of years. In actuality, I have undergone a major shift of mind and spirit – essentially evolving from life as an intellectual transaction lawyer pushing paper to an innovative social entrepreneur who seeks to change the world – eradicating poverty from the grass roots up.”

Wow ─ I want to keep saying Wow! And my next question is: which of your projects are you currently most excited / passionate about?

“I am so excited that ‘1000 Women’ is the on the verge of launching its first dedicated website site for participants of a local abuse and domestic violence program. This website page has AIM+ – digital audio information modules plus written materials for most of the modules. Sample modules include the ABCs of Life: Attitude, Belief & Commitment; Living & Leading with Courage; How to Design Your Destiny; Dance of an Abusive Relationship; and more.”

Sounds like a phenomenal resource ─ well be a lifesaver for some! Actually, how much of your work is focused toward women?

“At this time, 100% of my work is focused on women: both with our online resource Women’s Support TEAM and 1000 Women Can Change the World.

The underlying concept of ‘1000 Women’ is based on the well established premise that when we benefit women, we benefit their families, communities and society at large. This is the basis for most microfinance, starting with the Grameen Foundation and Mohamed Yunus who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.”

What are some of the ways / places you promote your enterprise?

“As indicated earlier, I have extensive websites for both ‘1000 Women’ and Women’s Support TEAM with ancillary websites at www.FindACoachOnline.com and www.PackageYourself4SuccessOnline.com . I also keep up a blog at http://1000WomenCanChangeTheWorld.typepad.com .

Online networking has been the primary means of promoting both Women’s Support TEAM and ‘1000 Women’, but focus this past year has been primarily on ‘1000 Women.’

I have set up groups for ‘1000 Women’ on both LinkedIn and Facebook, in addition to a Women’s Support TEAM group on LinkedIn. I have also set up ‘1000 Women’ as a Cause on Facebook with a presence on Twitter @1000Women.

I have been interviewed several times on BlogTalk Radio by Dr. Sally Witt and Tonya Ramsey on her Journey to Self show, plus being interviewed live WomanTalk Live in Baltimore, MD, and by telephone on SAFM Radio in South Africa. Janet Powers interviewed me online for her Diva Toolbox, and Debba Halbert interviewed for her Girlfriendology.

I also network in person by attending meetings, conferences and social gatherings, primarily in the Washington, DC area. One of the most productive has been an informal group of women who meet monthly for breakfast at the Four Seasons in Georgetown.”

Whom / what does your network currently include? How far does your network extend?

“My email network is global with contacts in Africa, especially South Africa; Australia, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada and other countries, as well from coast to coast in the US. I network with some of the international women via Skype ─ which is really quite cool to be speaking with these women oceans away but kindred spirits at heart.”

That really sounds great!

What has been the best about building a network: Positive experiences?
Benefits, expected and unexpected?

“One of the coolest benefits of networking globally is that I can reach out to these women on Skype, set up a time for us to speak and talk as if we were neighbors chatting over the backyard fence. One time I was on Skype with a young woman in South Africa for more than two hours just getting to know each other and how we could help each other’s causes.”

What challenges (if any) have you found in your networking experiences? Any unexpected events? Any benefits that emerged from challenges in the long run?

“At times, the difference in time zones is challenging. For example, the live telephone interview from South Africa was set for 5 AM my time. I have found such challenges, however, to be quite worthwhile and rewarding.

As I work to expand my network in South Africa, it’s often challenging to follow up as effectively as I might if the woman were here in the US where I could just pick up the phone and call. I need to develop a more effective system for following up with my network contacts.

The goal is to become more proactive and not be so reactive. This is an exercise that I am working on improving.”

Bottom line – What do you feel is really working well for you?

“My expectations for ‘1000 Women’ and where I thought we would be after its first year were amazingly high… and I have come to realize not overly realistic, especially with the downturn in the economy that is impacting even well-established charities.

Overall, we have made significant progress in increasing awareness of our mission and vision to make a difference in the world by empowering women with knowledge and information to empower them to be all that they can be.”

Besides networking, how else are you promoting your company? Which do you view as the primary vehicle and what makes it more important than the other(s)?

“In addition to networking both online and in person, I believe that we need more PR to get the word about our unique value proposition.

What ‘1000 Women’ needs most at this moment is for a contact with a major organization to step forward so that we can launch a full-scale pilot project to demonstrate that by using digital AIM to reach women – especially in emerging economies – the success of their programs would increase exponentially.”

What’s the achievement, the accomplishment you’re most proud of at this time?

“I am most proud of having come up with concept of using AIM to empower at risk women with practical, ‘how to’ information… being able to use digital audio to target the content being produced to fit the specific needs of the women receiving it. For example, for women in villages in Africa, we have the women mentors record information on health (HIV/AIDS, malaria) hygiene (water, sanitation), financial literacy (banking basics, benefits of saving) and so on. We can indeed begin to impact lives for the better.

Once we have our proof of concept so that we can get funding, the potential is unlimited!”

What are your plans and goals for the future ─organizational / personal─ especially regarding networking activities?

“My goal is to network more with organizations in the DC area to meet contacts who can open doors to funding for this social enterprise. Funding is key to the implementation of our mission and vision. Networking with individuals with microfinance and microenterprise institutions fits into our global vision.

In addition, I’m looking for contacts in any women’s organization – domestic or international – that offers us the opportunity to implement our proof of concept. In the USA, I’m looking to work with women’s organizations that assist at-risk women – victims/survivors of rape, domestic violence or any other abuse. We can set them up with a dedicated website page with invaluable information for their women – modules on how to build self esteem, confidence and motivation; enhance communication skills; foster entrepreneurship; and so much more.”

Sounds great! Again, I must repeat myself: Wow!

“We offer women’s international organizations an effective and efficient supplemental tool that greatly increases their likelihood of success. Deploying handheld battery operated audio players with pre-recorded training materials is much less costly than providing live training – especially in remote regions where travel is challenging. Groups of women can listen to the ‘how to’ information together – stop the player – discuss the ideas – restart the player and repeat the process.

This is process that I sincerely believe can change the world from the grassroots up – because when we benefit women, we benefit their families, their communities, their society and beyond!”

Amen to that! Any other point you’d like to emphasize at this time?

“Think about the concept of Getting More by Giving Back; think about what you know – that you may have learned the hard way – that you can share with other women to enhance their lives. It only takes about an hour or so for someone to create an AIM”.

Sign me on, Paula… You’ve got me inspired!

Paula smiles. “Yes! Think of how much good an hour or so of time can do for so many others. You can make a difference in the lives of these women who need your know-how and guidance.”

In conclusion, anything you’d like to add for our readers? Some words of encouragement, inspiration?

“We are all works in progress – so when we share our tips, pointers, ‘how to-s’ with others, it can make us feel so good about ourselves. As the head of a nonprofit – actually I prefer to think of it as a ’for impact’ social enterprise – I am always looking for donations and funding. But knowing the times are unsettled at the moment – maybe a gift of time and expertise would fill the bill – leaving you feeling good about yourself as you enhance the lives of others.”

By way of goodbye here, Paula, I’m moved to say “1000 Thanks” for your rich inspiration ─ and for modeling such extraordinary executive as well as visionary power.

“You’re very welcome, Ann! Also, I invite you to set an appointment to create your first Audio Information Module for ‘1000 Women’!”

Contact information: Where can people reach you?

“Let me hear from you – your thoughts, ideas and any input are all much appreciated – email me at paulac612@gmail.com or check out website at http://www.1000WomenCanChangeTheWorld.org

and our blog at

http://www.1000WomenCanChangeTheWorl.typepad.com .

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P.S. to Readers: In early August, I’m scheduled to create an AIM with Paula over the phone using Audio Acrobat. I’m excited! I wonder who might end up hearing what I have to share – and where???

Earlier TNNW Women’s Networking articles referenced:

Suzanne Kincaid:

http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/articles/2007_09_womensnetworking.shtml

Marcia Brixey:

http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/articles/2007_10_womensnetworking.shtml

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Ann Barczay Sloan, M.A.

Author & Editor / Creative Writing Coach

www.GeniusUnbound.com

www.linkedin.com/in/AnnBarczaySloan

Featured Columnist,

www.TheNationalNetworker.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author of the forthcoming book:

How to Use the Pieces of a Broken Heart:

Recipes for Rebirth

http://AnnBarczaySloan.blogspot.com

For more information, please visit Ann's TNNW Bio.

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ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN: The Woman of One Thousand Women