Savvy Business Women's Conference: Kickin' It Up a Notch

WHEN: Friday, September 18th, 2009 8AM - 3PM
WHERE: Cheyenne Mountain Resort 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road
COST: $50.00 for ABWA members; $65 for non-members
REGISTER at cswen.org, or call Cris Carter (719) 359-4127
KEYNOTE Speaker Dr. Mary Kelly. Light brunch, full lunch and three tracks of 3 presentations each covering LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, NETWORKING and THRIVING IN TOUGH TIMES to choose from with Speakers Laddie Blaskowski, Kevin Knebl, Pam McManus, Sarah Michel and Carol Odell. RSVP at www.cswen.org

Full Speed Ahead

With the bar exam behind me, I am excited to be opening my law practice in Colorado at last. Now I can get back to work and find ways to help as many people as possible. Colorado Springs has so many resources. It is incredible. You can call or email me today for a complimentary appointment during the month of September. I will send you directions to my new office.

The Center for Powerful Living is this afternoon from 3 to 6 pm at 635 Southpointe Ct Suite 200 (off of Lake Avenue) They are partnering with the Dress for Success Program of the Women's Resource Agency so you can bring business attire to donate. I can't wait to see the Center.

Lynne Rosiak of Heartquest Mentoring is presenting "Attract Clients and Create Awesome Relationships." A 2-hour workshop to "jumpstart' your relationships!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 6:00 -8:00 P.M. for $25.00. RSVP no later than September 11th to lynne@lifequestmentoring.com

September 17 from 7 to 9 pm, Kandiss Bartlett Horch is presenting Women in Network Marketing at Panera Bread at 1832 Southgate Rd 80906. The purpose is to provide knowledge, skill and support for women creating successful businesses. There is a $15 materials fee which includes the book, "The 45 Second Napkin Presentation That Will Change Your Life", by Don Failla and an audio cd, "Brilliant Compensation", by Tim Sales, with Dr. Charles King, Ph.D. Additional opportunities on September 22 and 29th at other locations can be found at www.WINMSuccess.com

And if that isn't enough to float your boat, Meredith Masse is presenting a career design workshop on September 15th and 29th entitled LOVE YOUR JOB! Join fellow job hunters and career professionals for serious introspection and lively discussion in discovering the three elements of YOUR ideal career: function, passion and environment. Register at http://www.mpower-consulting.net/career-coaching/design-my-career/

Seize the Day

Carpe Diem! I always loved that phrase even before Dead Poet's Society. And that is precisely what I am doing...seizing the day. To those who follow my blog, I apologize that I have been "out to lunch!" All is well although time is at a premium which is why I haven't been blogging. But it is all good. Busy hands are happy hands in my world.

Saturday's Mentor Walk that Jr League held at UCCS, in spite of the weather, was a rewarding venture. I met many amazing women as well as up and coming amazing women to be. Many women expressed interest and support for the mentoring program that is in the developmental stage. I am looking forward to the brainstorming session later this month with prominent community leaders.

The Colorado Springs Women’s Express Network continues to thrive. At this weeks meeting, the nominating committee will hold elections for next years leadership. The nominating committee did a phenomenal job and presented a slate of leaders that are sure to take CSWEN to higher levels. Way to go!!! Remember reservations can be made at www.cswen.org but if not made by the end of the day on Tuesday, May 5, the price jumps from $25.00 to $35.00.

I will be attending an Action Coach event this Thursday evening, with Janna Hoiberg. It will be a fun and mind provocative event as we play Leverage to enhance our business awareness.

There is an interesting seminar coming up “How to Use Social Media for Networking and Business Success” Presented By: Kevin Knebl, Knebl Communications Wednesday, May 13 5:45p to 7:30p at Tri-Lakes Business Incubator, Colorado Springs, Colorado. I have not met Kevin yet, except on line, but I am told by a very reliable source that he is brilliant.

The Chamber of Commerce Small Business Expo is on May 24th at Phil Long Expo. Chamber info is at http://www.coloradospringschamber.org They also have an event calendar. CSWEN will have a table at this event.

Nice catching up with you. But remember, you may not get the most current information here as I have to start studying for the bar exam soon

I am so sorry to say that life has caught up with me. Between all that I am presently engaged in, which if you know me, you totally understand, and studying for the Colorado Bar, I have to focus my energy in other places and not my blog. I trust that after July, I will be able to return to my blog and let my friends and followers know what is going on in Colorado Springs, what I am up to and once again, share my thoughts, opinions and insight. As always my very best regards, to my friends and to those that I hope to connect with in the future! Ciao~!!

Fashion to the Rescue Friday February 27th

Ladies, One of my favorite causes that helps women transition from difficult circumstances to independence, The Women's Resource Agency of Colorado Springs, is having a wonderful event on Friday, February 27th at 6:30 p.m. at the Antler's Hotel. Dinner, cocktails, a fashion show and a silent and live auction featuring members of the Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters (woohoo....and they strut their stuff for a good cause). My ticket is held close to my vest. For tickets go to www.rainc.org
Hope to see you there!!!

A Ladies Networking Night Out with the American Business Women's Colorado Springs Express Network

Engage, Experience, Excel!

Live Auction with Professional Auctioneer Ms Sam Rush-Walton!

Friday, February 6, 2009 For Invitation or tickets contact
5:00pm until 8:00pm Christine Chiaro at (719)264-5438
Gallery Two Ten Or Cris Carter at Cris@Carter.net
210 Cimarron Street
Colorado Springs

Enjoy camaraderie, make new friends and renew old friendships while enjoying lively bidding, wine and hor doevres. Join this dynamic group of women for a lively & fun event. Join us to bid for the items of your choice such as:

Complete Photo Shoot
Art Work
Silk Floral Arrangement from Tansi’s
Gift Certificates for Dinner
Glamorous Purses filled with Goodies
Color Me Beautiful Packages
Beauty & Spa Baskets
Wine & Cheese Gift Baskets
Overnight Stay & Breakfast at a Retreat
Salon and Massage Gift Certificates
High Tea at The Harp and Rose Tea Room
Gourmet Coffee
Professional Services Certificates
Beautiful tiered glass tray with hand made Valentine sweets
AND MUCH MORE!

Can’t attend? You can still participate in the Silent Auction. Contact our Fund-raising Chair
Christine Chiaro (ChristineChiaro@coloradospringshomes.biz (719) 264-5438) for a complete list of auction items. If you find something you want to bid on, let Christine know what item you are interested in and what your maximum bid amount is by February 5th. A Mystery Shopper will take care of making your bids during the auction and will contact you if you win. Checks and cash gladly accepted.
Www.cswen.org

Rocking and Rolling into 2009..........What a Ride!!!!!

Thursday, January 15 at 4:15 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Janna Hoiberg at the Antler's Hotel.RSVP at www.coloradospringschamber.org under Calendar of Events. From 4:30 to 7:00 stick around for the Chamber of Commerce Business after hours networking. Cost is $10 Chamber members, $15 partnering organizations and $25 non-members.

Thursday January 22, 2009. Women in Business Breakfast(WIBB): Networking and brunch at 7:30; program at 8:00 a.m. sharp. Location: New England Financial, 7350 Campus Drive, Suite 300, 80920.

The Women in Business Breakfast this month will be an interactive program entitled Dream City 2020. Together we can inspire, educate and mobilize this community to create a better place for us all to live, work and play. Join us in this landmark visioning project on Thursday January 22, 2009. Program begins at 8; networking and brunch at 7:30 at New England Financial, 7350 Campus Drive, Suite 300, 80920. Suzanne Tulien of Brand Ascension accompanied by Karole Campbell will be our facilitators for this program. This project is sponsored by the Gazette, Leadership Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Library District and COPPeR (Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region).RSVP to Cris@Carter.net Cost $5.00. Mark your calendars for the third Thursday of each month.

FUN, FUN FUN
LIVE AUCTION WITH AUCTIONEER MS. SAM WALTON-RUSH
Friday, February 6, 2009 at 5 p.m. LIVE AUCTION WITH AUCTIONEER SAM WALTON-RUSH (of full power fame!) At Gallery Two Ten, 210 Cimarron Ave (if you haven’t been there Gallery Two Ten has incredible contemporary art of every medium by Colorado artists) Come bid on incredible items such as new clothing, jewelry, a complete professional photo package, gift baskets, purses, gift certificates for facials, spa treatments etc. Donations are being accepted if you would like a unique and fun way to advertise your product/services. Tickets are $20.00 and include wine, cheese and hor douevres. RSVP & tickets cris@Carter.net

American Business Women's Express Network Program Friday, February 13, 2009 (must register on line at www.cswen.org no later than Tuesday February10th). Janna Hoiberg presents "WANT TO DOUBLE YOUR REVENUE IN 2009?" Program will focus on 3 areas to improve your business. These will be Management of Time and Money, creating your Niche and getting the most from your Team.

MORE TO COME!!!

Bigger, Better, Brighter and More

The holidays are rushing by and I have not had a chance to catch up with my blog. This time of year means different things to different people. For me, the older I get, the more I love this season. I love the snow on the ground and being able to bundle up. I love spending time with family (especially when it involves five days at Starbucks Ranch and watching the Clydesdales romp in the snow).

I love thinking about how my life has changed for the better with each new season. I also love the hope that grows into bigger, better, brighter and more. Now mind you, I am not talking bigger, better, brighter and more in the sense of "stuff." I am talking about an abundant hope that can only come from within. With the coming of the new year, I choose to focus on the weeding, pruning, and reshaping of my life. What needs to be to cut out? What hinders my path? What diminishes who I want to be?

Thus, I would like to share with you what I choose to focus on for my New Year from a study on “peace of mind” by Duke University. This is my starting point for my New Year and my being bigger, better, brighter and more:

1. I must learn forgiveness and work harder on not taking offense or holding onto resentment.

2. I have to let go of past mistakes and failures as only through those challenges have I become who I am now.

3. I have to invest my time and talent in places where I can make a difference and not waste time and energy fighting conditions I cannot change. I must cooperate with life.

4. I must force myself to stay involved with the world and resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive because it is safer emotionally.

5. I must refuse to indulge in self pity when my life encounters some sorrow or misfortune.

6. I must continue to cultivate the old fashioned virtues of love, humor, compassion and loyalty.

7. I have to stop expecting too much of myself and be proud of my accomplishments.

8. I need to continue focusing on and believing in something bigger than myself.

It's Great to be a Florida Gator!!!!! The SEC Champions 2008!!!!!!

Need I say more?

Out and About: Networking Opportunities

Thursday, December 11: WOMEN IN BUSINESS BREAKFAST BREAKFAST HOLIDAY EVENT AT GALLERY TWO TEN (210 E. Cimarron Street 80903) Thursday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. Each member is requested to bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share in wine tasting. Hor d'oeuvres will be provided. As we all will be busy generating holiday cheer for our loved ones there will be no regular meetings will be held in November and December because our meeting day is on the actual holidays!!!!

Friday, December 12: The AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION EXPRESS NETWORK (CSWEN) will hold a Holiday Gala at Tansi's, the newest and classiest boutique in the springs. Mark your calendars now for Friday, DECEMBER 12th 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are not an ABWA member and would like to attend, please contact me at Cris@Carter.net and I will get an invitation to you.

Mark the evening of Friday February 6, 2009 on your calendar for the ABWA Colorado Springs Express Network's Annual Fund-raiser with a live auction and wine and cheese affair at the Gallery Two-Ten, Colorado's newest and best contemporary art gallery, the venue of which has been extended to us for our use by our member, Marianne Gunter, who is the Director and Owner of Gallery Two-Ten.

GENERAL AND ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES:
Would you like to visit my BNI group? Success Partners meets at The Plate restaurant for breakfast at 8:00 every Thursday morning. Contact me directly if you would like to be a guest.

GET IN SHAPE WITH FRIENDS IN TRAINING. I don't know about you but gaining pounds during the holiday season scares me. So in conjunction with the Entrepreneur Club, you can get a discount on membership at Gold's Gym. Email me at Cris@Carter.net if you are interested.

Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels

I am one happy camper right now. For the first time, I can finally wear two pair of pants that I received as gifts last Christmas!! Woooohoooo!!! I've lost 12 lbs since I started the Metabolic Research Center diet November 7th. Their guarantee is 2-5 lbs weight loss per week if you stay on the plan. Today was the end of week 4 and I was 12 lbs less! This Metabolic Diet really works. And it is getting easier. Just what they guaranteed. Amazing. Not hungry, not craving, high energy and no drugs! And I love the cranberry green tea and the strawberry banana jello!

Now don't tell Julia, my weight loss coach at Metabolic, but I have cheated. Not a lot mind you, but a cheat is a cheat. Luckily after a cheat, I have managed to get back on the horse quickly! Although I am still not getting to the gym regularly, as life is a bit to busy this holiday season, I am seeing a skinny new me for 2009 and am delighted in the process. Just think, when I hit a plateau, then I can hit the gym hard. Life is good and getting better every day!

Xerox will send a card to a military member on your behalf

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. Encouragement and appreciation from home, goes a long way. Be blessed as you share with others.

When the student is ready, the teacher will come.

I have found in my life that when I think that I am running the show, I have to have the same lesson presented to me over and over again until I get it. Often times, the lesson has to become more pronounced and the consequences of my failure to learn the lesson become more severe. But then there is that “aha” moment when I get it. And I thank my God that the lessons have persisted long enough and without too severe a consequence and that I now have a new tool in my toolbox.

I think perhaps that is what is happening right now with our economy. We, as Americans have not been paying close enough attention to what is in our best interest. We have become frivolous and glutenous in our consumption of material things.

What better time of year to rid ourselves of those bad habits then the holiday season. This year, just maybe, we will come closer to recognizing the real gratitude lesson that we have given lip service to in the past, but have not held onto once the Thanksgiving meal is off the table. This year my shopping will be with the reality that others close to me cannot shop at all as they have lost their job, their home or are close to doing so. Many of my friends and I will not be gifting each other at all, but rather giving money to charity instead.

I hear people say, we have seen this economic crunch before. May I suggest that the race this time is not going to be a sprint, but a marathon. For anyone who has ever run a marathon, you know that there will be moments of highs and even more moments of lows. Some may find a point where he or she is ready to give up as they are weighed down by the insecurities and doubts that slow us down in this life. Let’s pull together and realize that we are not running this race alone. Let’s surround those who are in this same race but struggling with greater fear and pain. Perhaps together we can learn this important lesson for the last time and live our lives accordingly in the future! Wouldn't that make for a wonderful holiday gift for us all?

Battling the Bulge Once Again!

I have bitten the bullet. I knew I had a little extra weight to lose but when I finally got on the scales it was a bit more discouraging then I was contemplating. I began having nightmares of how much worse it could be if I gained the typical 5 or so pounds that Americans usually gain around the holidays. The thought of starting the new year with an additional poundage on top of the already bulging waist line did not look pretty.

Gold's Gym here I come. Something for everyone there...cardio cinema with new released movies, active classes, restful classes, dodge ball (how long has it been since dodge ball was on your mind?) and a salt water pool along with all the spa facilities. Okay things were looking up. And the price was right! If anyone wants to join me, I have free passes for a one week trial of the gym from my good friend, Antoinne. Just send me an email and I will get a pass to you.

Think I am serious? Yes I am! My next stop was to see Julia Archer at the Metabolic Research Center. A balanced diet, a counselor and accountability. With a guarantee weight loss of 3 lbs a week if I follow the plan, I could be done within two weeks of the New Year! So far so good, my motto is going to be "Nothing Tastes as good, as Skinny Feels."

UPDATED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Wednesday, December 10: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN NEWCOMERS GROUP holds their annual holiday meeting starting at 9:30 a.m. Meeting is held at the Broadmoor Community Church (not church affiliated), 315 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Lunch will be served after the holiday program. The Newcomers have 34 subgroups that meet throughout the month based upon varying interests from educational, fitness and health, charitable, card games of every variety and food, food and more glorious food.

Thursday, December 11: WOMEN IN BUSINESS BREAKFAST BREAKFAST HOLIDAY EVENT AT GALLERY TWO TEN (210 E. Cimmarron Street 80903 (719) 632-2132, Thursday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. Each member is requested to bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share in wine tasting. Hor' deours will be provided. As we all will be busy generating holiday cheer for our loved ones there will be no regular meetings will be held in November and December because our meeting day is on the actual holidays!!!!

Friday, December 12: The AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION EXPRESS NETWORK (CSWEN) will hold a Holiday Gala at Tansi's, the newest and classiest boutique in the springs. Mark your calendars now for Friday, DECEMBER 12th 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are not an ABWA member and would like to attend, please contact me at Cris@Carter.net and I will get an invitation to you.

Mark the evening of Friday February 6, 2009 on your calendar for the ABWA Colorado Springs Express Network's Annual Fund-raiser with a live auction and wine and cheese affair at the Gallery Two-Ten, Colorado's newest and best contemporary art gallery, the venue of which has been extended to us for our use by our member, Marianne Gunter, who is the Director and Owner of Gallery Two-Ten.


GENERAL AND ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES:
Would you like to visit my BNI group? Success Partners meets at The Plate restaurant for breakfast at 8:00 every Thursday morning. Contact me directly if you would like to be a guest.

GET IN SHAPE WITH FRIENDS IN TRAINING. I don't know about you but gaining pounds during the holiday season scares me. So in conjunction with the Entrepreneur Club, you can get a discount on membership at Gold's Gym. Email me at Cris@Carter.net if you are interested.

Colorado Springs Dreaming

Have you heard of DreamCity 2020? It is a new approach to charting the future of Colorado Spring's. It allows people of every walk of life to input ideas as to what we want our Colorado Springs community to be like in the year 2020. From my perspective, this is an opportunity to allow our input to generate ideas about our future, and together inspire, educate and mobilize this community to create a better place for us all to live, work and play. The Gazette, Leadership Pikes Peak, Pikes Peak Library District and COPPeR (Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region) have come together in supporting this landmark visioning project. Please check out www.dreamcity2020.com.

Brand Ascension Group Pilot Program.....free if qualified

The Brand Ascension Group (www.brandascension.com) is looking for Colorado based companies for the PILOT launch of a new program. Participants must be able to speak and comprehend English. Company size is 10 to 50 members. You can email me for the specific Brand DNA webinar syllabus, Application for the Pilot (FREE course), and the Promo flyer (as it would not attach nicely here). If you have colleagues or clients that you believe would ‘fit’ the profile and would appreciate taking this course (and providing feedback to Brand Ascension) contact by email is Suzanne@BrandAscension.com or by phone 719.265.1707. I have seen a Brand Ascension program before and this is a great opportunity. Of course, be sure and tell them you learned about this here on MsCrisCarter's blogspot!

THE MORNING AFTER

So here we go. Many debates, many signs, many votes later. Soon it will be the morning after the 2008 elections. Some of us will feel elated; others will be disappointed. However we will have taken part in a historical election no matter who wins or who loses. If Obama wins, the country will see the first acknowledged President of a mixed race. If McCain wins, we will have a first woman Vice President. There may be recounts, there may be disappointment in the electoral process and there may be the ongoing debate of the delegate system compared to the popular vote. But we will have validated another election and at the end of the day, we must continue to respect the process.

Certainly, this election has brought out deep sentiments this year. People seemed to be more vocal, more involved, more impassioned, than in prior elections. While the spectrum of possible morning-after reactions runs the gambit from complaining to an outbreak of violence, what we must acknowledge is that the future of the world economy and the Iraq war are in the balance.

As Americans the best we can hope for is that the winners do not spend the next four years in continuing petty battles attempting to punish or mete out retribution to the losing party. Our American ethic as people who are strong competitors must yield in order that we can regroup and move forward together. What is clearly more important than who you voted for or who won, is that we stop sneering at each other and reunite as Americans. We must, together, accept the winner, even if things don't go the way we wanted. We have to do whatever is necessary to insure that whoever wins will put nation above politics. And it is our job as the electorate to support our President and not do anything to undermine him.

Lift Your Vision Higher..........it is worthy of repeating

Fall has arrived. The leaves fluttering in the trees and being returned to the earth in beautiful hues of yellow, orange and brown. The smell of fireplaces beginning their annual toil to produce heat, light and ambiance. Kitchens actively adding the fragrance of soups and stews percolating and baked essences arising from the ovens. I was probably more aware of the beauty and abundance of Colorado as I had visitors from Florida in last week that oooohed and aaaaawed at every sight, sound and smell that makes Colorado Springs so special.

Remember that life is not about the markets, money or possessions. How often, in the inner depth of our souls, do we realize that the most important things in life are people and relationships? I suggest now is the time to focus on relationships; support each other, give of yourself. The investment you make in people and relationships will continue to grow in abundance. Lift Your Vision Higher, You Can See the Lord.

LADIES...MORE OPPORTUNITIES ADDED!!! Check it out!

RSVP for the next Express Network meeting of the American Business Women's Association on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14. This month's program features Mandy Egolf of Via Voce. Mandy is a communication coach and will be providing practical strategies for improving your communication style. Meeting starts with Networking at 11:30. This is the new ABWA group in town and yours truly is the charter President!! Dynamic, exciting meeting at the exquisite Garden of the Gods Club. RSVP at www.cswen.org no later than Tuesday November 11.

Women in Business Breakfast Holiday Event at Gallery Two Ten on Thursday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. No regular meetings will be held in November and December because our meeting day is on the actual holidays and we all will be busy generating holiday cheer for our loved ones. Keep posted for further details!!!!

GET IN SHAPE WITH FRIENDS IN TRAINING. I don't know about you but gaining pounds during the holiday season scares me. So in conjunction with the Entrepreneur Club, you can get a discount on membership at Gold's Gym. Email me at Cris@Carter.net if you are interested.

The American Business Women's Association will hold a Holiday Gala at Tansi's, the newest and classiest boutique in the springs. Mark your calendars now for Friday, DECEMBER 12th 6 PM to 8 PM. If you are not an ABWA member and would like to attend, please contact me at Cris@Carter.net and I will get an invitation to you.