Women’s Independent Press

Business Exchange Networking Lunch

* Give a 1-2 minute commercial for your business.
* Bring business cards, brochures, and samples.
* Make new business contacts.

Four Dates and Locations:

June 5- Wexford, Atria’s, 12980 Perry Highway, Wexford
RSVP: email Michelle Zmijanac at
Michellezmijanac@bestpracticesdelivered.com

June 12- Mount Lebanon, Atria’s, 110 Beverly Rd, Mt. Lebanon
RSVP: email Tina Noblers at
TinaNobers@CMNNutritionGroup

June 19- Murrysville, Bella Luna Trattoria, 5060 William Penn
Hwy, Monroeville, Pa 15146
RSVP Carol@CarolBrineyWorkFromHome.com

June 26- Fox Chapel, Comfort Inn (Old Holiday Inn) in RIDC
Park, Ohara Twp
RSVP: 412-781-8773 or PlanBConsultant@comcast.net

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 (Bring cash; No-shows will be billed for the lunch)
RSVP: By Monday prior to the event

For more info, go to http://www.blxnetworking.com

The WSBA Network Lunch

A Networking Luncheon for Women Business Owners & Professionals

“Get Heard, Get Noticed, Get Leads”

A networking event open to any business woman who would like
to increase her business contacts/clientele. Our networking
format will be structured to provide participants with high
profile and networking. Bring 20-30 business cards/brochures,
cash for your lunch check, and be prepared to give a 60-second commercial about yourself.

June 5 - 1:00 p.m. - Butler
June 6 - 11:30 a.m. - Allegheny Valley
June 10 - 1:00 p.m. - Beaver County
June 12 - 11:30 a.m. - Shaler/Gibsonia
June 14 - 1:00 p.m. - Robinson/Airport
June 18 - 1:00 p.m. - East End

June 19 - 1:00 p.m. - South Hills
June 21 - 1:00 p.m. - Monroeville
June 25 - 1:00 p.m. - North Hills
June 26 - 5:15 p.m. - After Work
(Wiggle Whiskey, Smallman St.)
June 27 - 1:00 p.m. - Washington
June 28 - 12:00 p.m. - Westmoreland

Host: Women’s Small Business Association
Fee: $5 meeting fee (plus the cost of lunch)
RSVP: Required (Note: Any “Yes” RSVPs who do not show
will be charged a $20 no-show fee.)

For more info and to register online,
http://www.wsba.ws

Date: June 5, 2013
Prospecting 2.0: How to Use Social
Media to Grow Sales
For CEOs, Presidents, Senior Managers, and Sales Professionals

An overwhelming 95% of salespeople surveyed tell us they can sell, they just need to get in front of more prospects. That’s why the best prospectors often close more business than expert closers.

Please join us as sales expert Scot Teachout of Sandler Training/Peak Performance offers tools for leveraging your existing networks through social media to prompt sales opportunities.

Use social media to take control of your sales pipeline:

* Why traditional sales tactics do not work in today’s environment.
* Why you only win competitive business by competing on price.
* How to avoid falling victim to unpaid consulting.
* Networking strategies to connect with like-minded individuals.
* How To use social media to involve your customers and prospects
in ongoing meaningful interactions.
* How to use existing social networks to reach new audiences in
the exact way they choose to communicate.
* How to be seen as a thought leader in your industry.

Scott encourages open dialog, attendant participation and idea
sharing, thus the size of the group is limited.

Date: June 5, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Place: Duquesne University, 108 Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes
Ave., Pittsburgh, PA
Host: Duquesne University Small Business Development Center
Cost: $45

Register online at:
https://sbdc.duq.edu/eventregistration?id=445

Date: June 6, 2013
Inspired Women in Business and Life
An Empowering Day of Education, Inspiration and Networking!

Laugh with luncheon MC Michelle Wright of WTAE as she shares her favorite “constructive criticisms.” Connect with an array of coaches specializing in Life, Business, Marketing, Health, Finance, and Style. Take Advantage of our Media Studio and get a Professional Headshot or 1-minute Business Video! Attend a variety of educational and inspiratioal workshop sessions.

Date: June 6, 2013
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Four Points Sheraton, 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars, PA
Host: Team Effort Events
Cost: $95 (Includes Morning Continental Breakfast, Lunch,
Afternoon Chocolate Fix, Vendor Stroll, Inspired Woman
Award, and Martini Happy Hour by Kru Vodka)

Event Contact: Debra Dion Krischke, 724-935-6100

For more information and registration go to:
www.InspiredWomen.com

Date: June 12, 2013
Marketing Isn’t Magic, But You Are
Free practices to help you make marketing
work for you
Speaker: Nikki Watson, Account Rep, IN Community Magazines

Join us for a refreshing and uplifting take on marketing and how
you can make it work for you on a limited budget. Learn about what works, how much it should cost and what to do if the customers don’t come!
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Place: Volunteers of America, 1650 Main St, Sharpsburg, PA
Host: Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
Cost: Free (Bring a brown bag lunch)
To register, call 412.782.5344 (x209) or email
volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

Brown Bag Lunch
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
12:00 – 1:00pm

Speaker: Nikki Watson, Account Representative, IN Community Magazines
Title: Marketing Isn’t Magic, But You Are: Free practices to help you make marketing work for you
Join us for a refreshing and uplifting take on marketing and how you can make it work for you on a limited budget. Learn about what works, how much it should cost and what to do if the customers don’t come!

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series
Friday, June 14, 2013
7:30 - 9:00am
Venue: James Laughlin Music Hall, Chatham University
Cost: $25.00 per breakfast
Online register: http://www.chatham.edu/cwe/events/wblbseries/index.cfm

Topic: “Mompreneurs: Changing the Way Business is Done Using Social Media”
Speakers: - Rachel Blaufeld - Freelance Lifestyle Writer, Blogger, Social Media
- Deborah Gilboa- MD, International Parenting Speaker and Writer, Founder of AskDoctorG.com
- Kiya Tomlin - Founder and owner, KIYA Tomlin, Pittsburgh LLC

Date: June 13, 2013
Wellness Expo

You’re invited to a free Wellness Expo designed to appeal both to employees interested in leading a healthy lifestyle and managers who are charged with developing wellness programs for their companies. The Wellness Expo will be held before the Healthiest Employers in Western Pennsylvania awards presentation. And if you’re really interested in workplace wellness programs, purchase a reservation for the luncheon after the Wellness Expo.

You’ll learn more about how companies are encouraging employees to lead healthy lifestyles. We’ll honor 38 companies for their efforts to keep their employees healthy.
Position your company as a leader in health and wellness products and services in the Pittsburgh region. Exhibitors will receive exposure to hundreds of business professionals and business owners. Reach decision makers across industries interested in health and wellness.

Exhibitor information is available now by contacting Kelli
Komondor at kkomondor@bizjournals.com.

Time: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Place: Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Host: Pittsburgh Business Times, UPMC Health Plan
Cost: No charge (Exhibitor packages starting at $395)
RSVP: Suggested by June 7th

RSVP/Info: Kelli Komondor, 412-208-3845,
kkomondor@bizjournals.com

Register online at:
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event/79381

Date: June 18, 2013
BizMix Networking Event

Join the Pittsburgh Business Times and their partners to mix,
mingle and network with Pittsburgh professionals at BizMix, an
evening networking event presented by the Business Times. This is also a great opportunity to meet and visit with Business Times
editors, reporters and staff in an informal setting. Bring your
business cards and get ready to make new acquaintances. Most of this open-house style event will be informal networking.

The event will be held at Latitude 40, ann award-winning,
65,000 square foot, two level restaurant/entertainment complex
located in Robinson Pointe that includes the 360 Grille, luxury
bowling lanes, an interactive game room, the Axis Bar & Stage,
live music and comedy every weekend, a live performance theater, an outdoor patio and later this year, the Cinegrille, a dine-in movie theater.

Want to showcase your product or service at BizMix? There are a limited number of display tables available for this event.
Please contact Dena Trusiak at 412-208-3814 or
dtrusiak@bizjournals.com for information and pricing.

Date: June 18, 2013
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Latitude 40, 200 Quinn Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15275
Hosts: Pittsburgh Business Times and Visit Pittsburgh
Cost: $31.50-Business Times Subscribers; $35-Others
(Include hors d’oeuvres and drinks, Advance payment required)
RSVP: Early registration encouraged (Limited Space)

For questions or additional information, contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or kkomondor@bizjournals.com
Register online at:
http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/event

Shadyside Business Networking Happy Hour 6/19 6-9 PM
“NetworkOut is holding a business networking happy hour event at the Steel Cactus on Walnut Street in Shadyside on June 19 from 6-9 PM. The event promises to be a great opportunity to network, exchange ideas and collect leads with other professionals from the area. Admission is $10 with RSVP if paid online in advance or $15 at the door. For more information and to RSVP visit: http://networkoutevents.com/shadyside-b2b-networking-happy-hour/  Can’t make this event? Sign up for our mailing list to be informed about future events at: http://eepurl.com/vwMGz  We hope to see you at the event June 19th. Join our LinkedIn group at: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/NetworkOut-Pittsburgh-Business-Networking-4850726/about

Disability Resource Breakfast
Thursday, June 20, 2013
8:30 – 9:30 AM

Speaker: Cindy Moore, Pittsburgh Food Bank
Topic: Eat Well on a Tight Budget
Work takes energy. Learn how you can access the food you need when you find yourself between jobs, when you are working a low wage job, or when you are starting a business and need to make ends meet. Join us to understand how to qualify for resources from the Food Bank.

Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
1650 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
FREE
RSVP: 412.782.5344 x 209 or volunteersofamerica@voapa.org

June 20, 2013
Entrepreneurial Thursday Networking Event

A casual weekly networking event for those interested in what’s
innovative and positive in Pittsburgh. A jazz, soul & blues happy
hour show plus open-mike interviews with local executives.

Date: June 20, 2013
Time: 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Place: Little E’s, 949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh
Host: Jessica Lee
Cost: $5 (hors d’ouevres included)

For further info, email smarshall@pghgateways.org.

The Entrepreneurial Thursday networking event is held each Thursday evening. For information on upcoming events and featured themes, visit http://www.entrepreneurialthursdays.com

June 21, 2013
Women’s Power Lunch
Come be a part of the longest running networking luncheon in the Pittsburgh area. Bring 50 business cards or brochures to hand out and be prepared to give a short presentation on your business to introduce yourself to other business women and professionals.

Date: June 21, 2013
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Place: To be announced
Cost: $22.00 (Prepayment required)
RSVP: By June 19th

Questions: Contact Suzanne at Suzanne@womenspowerlunch.com
or 412-389-3420.
Register online at: http://www.womenspowerlunch.com

Business Growth Expo

Join the Pittsburgh Business Times and hundreds of local business professionals for our fourth annual Business Growth Expo. This business-building event will include expert local speakers, a business tradeshow and plenty of time for networking. Spend the day meeting fellow business executives, gaining valuable business-building information and getting motivated to increase and improve your business.

This year’s expo has a top-rated lineup of speakers who will
provide business-building information on sales and marketing,
goal setting, management, social media and much more.

Date: June 26, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Westin Convention Center Hotel, 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh
Hosts: Pittsburgh Business Times
Cost: Regular Ticket - $15 (includes speakers & tradeshow)
V.I.P. Ticket - $55 (includes speakers, tradeshow,
luncheon & keynote speech)
RSVP: Required
Questions: Contact Kelli Komondor at 412-208-3845 or
kkomondor@bizjournals.com.

For complete info and to register, visit:
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/special/2013/bge2013/bgepghtickets

Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013
Time: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Borough Municipal Building

Self-Defense for Seniors
Presented by David Holzer, Master of Shugo
Self-defense for seniors is NOT about the ways to body-slam someone to the pavement - far from it.
Instead, self-defense (or protection) starts with awareness of surroundings, a fearless presence, and an understanding of your capabilities.
In this session you will learn:

Simple steps to help you stay safe and out of Harm’s WayWITHOUT lifting a finger!
How to establish a presence and an Aura of Confidence that keeps Attackers at bay, and second guessing their actions with you
The secret Art of Deception And Disruption to fend off attackers If,
God-forbid, someone does enter your personal space
And much more!

About David Holzer:Born and raised in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, David has been training in the martial arts steadily for the past twenty-eight years. His interest in the martial arts has lead him to explore numerous combative arts across the globe and with many teachers. From boxing to kali, wing-chun to budo tailjustu, David has a very unique, eclectic view of the marital arts and shares his methodology with his students. David emphasizes the concept of “Shugo” which means protection and he is the founder of the Pittsburgh Combat Club - an all reality, all the time system of self-defense. “We do not train for sport or for exercise. We train so that we can, if called upon, defend ourselves, our family and/or those in need when under personal attack.” His objective is to truly teach others how to effectively protect themselves when confronted by an attacker.

Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013
Time: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Cost: Free
Location: Carnegie Borough Municipal Building

One Veterans Way

Carnegie, PA 15106

For more information or to register:
Email: info@singlestepsstrategies.com
Web: www.singlestepsstrategis.com
Phone: 412-341-2888
Space is limited. Register now.

By Anne Fleming
www.women-drivers.com

On an average, the price of car drops by as much 30%-40% in the very first year since its purchase. While this means bad news for people looking to sell their cars, it is quite the contrary for prospective buyers of used cars. By buying a used car, you will save money not only on the cost of the car but also on the insurance. Having said as much, looking for a used car is no child’s play as there are a number of factors that need to be considered. As a buyer, you will need to do your homework before and during the actual process of buying a used car.

Here is a step by step guide for buying a used car:

1. Choose the car you want according to your budget
Before you even start searching for a car, you must have a clear idea of a few things including your priorities, your expectation from a car and your budget. Be very sure of what you are looking for in a car – are your demands purely utilitarian or are you considering additional features or appearance etc. Depending on such concerns, narrow down your choice to 2-3 cars. At times, you might need to make some compromises according to your budget. It is important to understand that the most popular cars are usually more expensive than others which might offer the very same features. If you are willing to consider different options, you might find a better deal for yourself.

2. Gather information about the used car
Once you have narrowed down your options, you must try and gather all the information you can including details about warranty, safety and standard features. Also look for photos and reviews. You can use online resources like ISeeCars’s review section to get a compilation of professional reviews. It is imperative that you run a history check on the used car you want to buy. Using the VIN or the Vehicle Identification Number of the car, you can access complete vehicle history reports through websites like AutoCheck.com. In some cases, people roll back the odometer rating through a process known as clocking to impress prospective buyers. Alternatively, some cars are written off by insurance companies and people try to sell these off by getting some superficial repairs. A vehicle history check will alert you of any suspicious activities.
A vehicle history check becomes all the more relevant if you are buying an uncertified used car without any warranty provided by the original manufacturer. A certified used car, on the other hand, is deemed fit for sale by the manufacturers themselves and sometimes, it even comes with factory warranty. Finally, check the car for any signs of visible damage and be sure to take a lengthy test drive, to insure you are comfortable with all aspects of driving the car. Even ask family or friends to join you in the test drive; it’s that important!

3. Get the documents in order
Buying a used car involves a lot of paperwork, right from inspecting the original certificates to making new ones to indicate transfer of ownership. To begin with, you must ensure that the car is completely debt free by checking all documents related to financing. After this has been done, you will have to sign documents stating the transfer of ownership and the registration of the car in a new state or province, if necessary. As the golden rule goes, never drive a car without proper insurance. Soon after the transfer has been completed, a representative from an insurance agency will contact you regarding the car’s insurance. He or she will offer a variety of extended warranty options and you can choose according to your needs. Finally, a contract will be prepared which will contain details including the cost of the car, the registration fee, the license fee etc. Read through this document carefully before you sign it. This should be the final step before you get to hit the road with your new car.

4. Drive home in your ‘New-Used’ Vehicle!

www.score.org

An advisory board is an informal group. This is not a board of directors. It is a group of mentors. The group has no financial interest in your firm. This is a group of outside advisors who share their knowledge to help you be more competitive, think strategically and offer specific advice in key skill areas.

First and foremost do NOT accept any member to an advisory board who is unwilling to sign a non-disclosure agreement and a non-compete agreement. Make it formal and clear in writing that these are confidential meetings.

The benefits of an advisory board include: setting aside time to think strategically, obtain feedback and insights from outside the company, and gather information and expertise from peers who have knowledge in different areas than your own.
In general, a three to five person board will likely meet your needs.

Advisory Board Attributes:

• Objective and honest.
• Knowledge and expertise outside your skill set.
• A genuine interest in helping you and your business succeed.
• Problem solvers who are good communicators.
• Diverse in skills, work and life backgrounds.
• Top or well-respected individuals in their field.
• Well-connected with networks that might be leveraged to assist you.

Legalities/Ground Rules:

• Require a non-disclosure and non-compete agreement.
• Set expectations for the time commitment you expect & duration of appointment.
• Provide a written invitation letter and spell out if there is an honorarium or not.
• Let each member know the specific type of assistance you hope to gain from him/her.
• Always provide a meeting agenda. This is your elite advisory team. Respect their time.
• Say thank you. This is mostly an honorary role. Express appreciation.

Advisory Board Value:
• Identify the result you want from engaging an advisory board.
• Ask yourself, how will my business be different in one year, because of this board?
• Think about the questions you want to ask your advisors. Prepare in advance of meetings.
• How often do I plan to rotate members? Is this ongoing or just a one-time board?

For more advice on how to succeed, www.score.org
online or Find a SCORE chapter near you.

www.womenforahealthyenvironment.org

How healthy is the air around you? Much of your overall health
can be improved by simply breathing better air and there are many
small things that you can do to help increase your air quality. Studies have shown that indoor air has higher levels of toxins and pollutants than outdoor air. Factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality include:

1. Poor ventilation – a major problem and said to cause half of all indoor air problems
2. Toxic fumes – emitted from products found around the home

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that “volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.” EPA further indicates that concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. Products that contain VOCs include: paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.
• What You Can Do to promote a healthy home:
• Open a window to help to reduce indoor toxins in the air and run exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen
• Choose non-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, stains and adhesives
• Eliminate smoking in the home
• Change your furnace/air conditioner filters every three months and vacuum carpets regularly (use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum for a cleaner environment
• Purchase natural flooring and non-toxic wool carpets, allow newly purchased carpets to air before installation
• Select natural wood furniture – particle board or pressed wood products are known to contain formaldehyde
• Use natural cleaning products
• Check that combustion appliances such as stoves, fireplaces, furnaces are vented to the outside
• Avoid air fresheners and candles, instead opt for safer alternatives including fresh/dried flowers; spices such as cinnamon, clove, or orange; and essential oils such as lemon, eucalyptus, clary sage and rose
• Test for radon, asbestos and lead and install a carbon monoxide detector
• Add houseplants to decrease the amount of pollutants in the air and absorb harmful gases

For More Information
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/is-imprv.html
http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/indoor-air-quality.htm