Business
Latina Business Strategies Breakfast
| October 15, 2009 |
Latina Business Strategies Breakfast
Latina Strategies Breakfast
Date:Thursday, October 15th 2009
Time: 7:30am-12:30pm
Place: Hotel Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf
2500 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Join us for this stimulating morning brought to you by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-SFBA) and the San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFHCC) partnering together, dedicated to your success.
NAWBO UNIVERSITY
This year, in conjunction with the San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, NAWBO-SFBA is proud to present the Latina Business Strategies/NAWBO-U Breakfast on October 15, focusing on providing educational resources to women business owners during this challenging economy.
This current economy is not business as usual, and we are being challenged as women business owners to find new ways to do business just to maintain our current market share. How can we grow our business in this unpredictable market?
Join us for this diverse panel of women entrepreneurs who will share their experiences and tips for navigating and succeeding in this economy.
AGENDA:
- 7:30a Registration
- 8:00a Welcome Remarks/Breakfast Served
- 8:15a Growing Your Business in a Down Economy: Women Entrepreneurs Share Their Secrets TOPICS: How to Shift and Create New Marketing Strategies, How to Look Beyond your Typical Target Customer for New Contracts, How to Create Strategic Alliances with Other Women-Owned Businesses, and more.
- 9:30a Secure New Contracts for Your Small Business: Demystify the Terminology and Process of Procurement This panel will discuss the ways in which small business, micro-business and minority businesses can secure new contracts through the procurement process. Panelists will share their own successes and pitfalls in securing contracts from corporations and government. Included will be the terminology of procurement and how to cut through the jargon and process to make it easier to bid on and secure the right contracts.
- 10:45a Wrap-up
- 11:00a Networking
- 12:30 Program Ends
Fees:
SFHCC Members
$35 Register
Non-Members
$50 Register
Latina Business breakfast
SFHCC – 703 Market Street, Suite 611 – San Francisco, CA 94103 – (415) 278-9611 – www.sfhcc.com
Popularity: 2% [?]
Matching tracksuits optional
Do you have a workout partner?
When I launched my business, I had a “office” in a walk-in closet off my living room. The view wasn’t so great. Back then my “enterprise” consisted of me and the cat. I would often venture out to Starbucks for a little human interaction. I knew all the baristas on a first name basis.
Studies have shown that we are more likely to stick with exercise program if we have a workout partner. Someone to be accountable to, to encourage you, someone to share goals with, or simply someone to laugh with over the misfortune of the day.
And yet many of us go it alone when we launch our businesses? Why not find another business owner to be your workout buddy – you don’t have to walk into networking events alone – you can tag team the room. Someone to share with – what technology worked, what was the work around to that Internet gliche or simply share a cup of coffee occasionally. The baristas tend to get busy!!
And matching tracksuits is completely up to you . . .
Popularity: 1% [?]
Chatting with Just For You Owner – Arienne Landry
Recently, I had the chance to sit down with NAWBO-SF’s new policy chair Arienne Landry. Arienne is a small business owner in San Francisco who owns Just For You Café.
How did you get into business?
I purchased Just For You Cafe nineteen years ago with a business partner, Julie Campbell. I eventually bought out her portion of the business. The restaurant was then located on eighteenth street on Potrero Hill. We kept the original menu but expanded on it. It was a tiny place, what people in New Orleans call a “shotgun” (because of the length and width ratio). During the dot com era we were basically pushed out because of high rent. In 2002 I was able to move the location to where it is now, on 22nd St. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with an emphasis on Southern and American style cooking. Some of our specialties include; New Orleans style doughnuts called Beignets, New Mexico (Hatch) green chili huevos rancheros, grits, creole crab cakes and awesome Reuben sandwiches. We have an extensive menu with daily pasta and fresh fish specials. We try to use as much organic produce and locally made meat products as cost allows and our eggs are produced locally in Petaluma. All of our food is prepared in house from scratch, with the exception of chili con carne, Acme rye bread and Royal bakery French rolls.
Why did you want to get into business for yourself?
I went into business for myself because I think that I am an entrepreneur to the core. I like risk taking, I get bored easily, and in this type of business there is never a dull moment. The responsibility is intense, but I like calling the shots.
What is your biggest challenge?
I think the biggest challenge of all business owners is managing people. Since I am not a natural leader this has been my most difficult challenge.
What is the greatest reward?
All of the amazing people that I have met over the years and continue to meet everyday in the restaurant. And providing employment to many people who might have had to settle for menial jobs with lesser pay.
Do you belong to business organizations?
I have participated in the Renaissance Center and belong the National Restaurant Assoc., Potrero Hill Merchants Assoc., National Association of Women Business Owners of which I am the Public Policy Chair, Small Business California and Public Policy Institute of California.
Do your employees have a nickname for you?
To my face, they call me Mommie!
What challenges do you face doing business in SF?
The challenges of doing business in S.F. are almost insurmountable and too numerous to list. I think most small businesses in San Francisco are really struggling with the frequency and costs of laws and regulations. San Francisco is one the most expensive cities, in the country in which to do business. I often wonder how long I can continue here. Many other business owners that I speak to say the same thing. San Francisco doesn’t want franchises, yet it does nothing to promote or help small businesses to thrive.
Do you have a role model?
My most important role model was my father. I learned my values, ethics and perseverance from him.
What piece of advice would you offer a newby restaurateur?
Find a mentor and learn everything you can about food and how a professional kitchen works. Focus on the Food. This is your product and it’s one the basic necessities of life. People bring a lot of emotion in with them when they eat, actually expectation, and your number one goal is to try to match or exceed those expectations.
Popularity: 2% [?]
