If you are passionate about helping women to be successful,
starting your own group will help you achieve that mission. Skip years
of trial-and-error, experience success and see profitability within weeks
when you use my proven system.
Build friendships and power partnerships, and step up to become a
recognized leader in your community.
"You DON'T have to already be a well-known leader to build your own fabulous group that supports and educates women."
"It doesn't matter if you're new in town . . . you can still build a successful, profitable group that women will want to belong to, as long as you create an environment that supports members and helps them become more successful. Let me tell you more . . ."
Dear Fellow Women Entrepreneur,
I've been leading and coaching women for 8 years now.
I've had my share of trial-and-error. In my past, I spent months searching for an organization that would supply me with a “turn-key” system and support me in building my own women's business group.
The group I wanted would allow members to:
· Connect to like-minded women in business,
· Build strategic partnerships, and
· Learn from expert speakers on business development topics.
If I could have found the group I was looking for, I would have jumped right in with both feet . . .
It was 2005.
I had moved to Southern California from Chicago and decided I wanted to take my online coaching business to the “real world” by doing in-person workshops and seminars.
However, I didn’t know much about marketing my business in the “real world.”
I also didn’t know anyone in my new community.
Most of my business marketing experience at that point was based in the online world. Online if you want to learn anything you can take a tele-seminar or join a group to learn from and connect with others. I decided to look for the same type of thing in my new local community!
Things dramatically changed for me when I realized that what I was looking did not yet exist.
So . . . I decided to create my own group . . . the group I'd been looking for all along.
This took A LOT of time, effort, and energy.
In fact, I put my own coaching business on hold to start this group, improving the group each and every month.
In February of 2006 when I launched the Women Entrepreneurs of Santa Clarita Valley (WE of SCV), our group started with 12 members and a mission. WE were dedicated to connecting women and building relationships focused on business growth and development.
Before the end of that first year, WE had grown to over 130 members.
Apparently I was on to something.
I've seen some AMAZING things happen with my personal life and business connections during that time . . .
· Because of the group, I've made friendships and connections with interesting people in my community . . . including the president of our local community bank, marketing director of our local newspaper, the owners of our community magazine, and all the fabulous speakers that come speak to WE of SCV.
· I've been nominated twice for the Zonta Club's Carmen Sarro award and recognized for my dedication to improving the status of women in our local community.
· I enjoy great conversations with the intelligent, ambitious women of WE and I have developed friendships and even an amazing MasterMind Group with women I might not have otherwise had the opportunity to connect with!
But what brings me perhaps even greater satisfaction is the positive effect our local group has had on our members and on our local community.
· I create an environment for my members where they are supported. At our local group's events, members enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They have the opportunity to share with other woman in business more about who they are and what they do.
· Members receive support from like-minded women. At our main monthly event, I randomly connect members to set up Troikas, these are follow-up meetings in groups of three. Here is where the women connect, collaborate, and brainstorm solutions to business issues.
· Members are inspired by speakers to try new things. At a recent Business Success Seminar, our fabulous Featured Speaker Craig Duswalt of the RockStar System for Success talked about the status boost that comes from publishing a book on your field of expertise. He shared his system for writing a book in 30 days. Our WE of SCV Members formed two different mastermind groups to support other members who decided to write a book—see what self-starters we've attracted!
· Members can put motivation on their calendar. Because of our consistent format and high standards, members can look forward to quality events where they will be educated and inspired regularly.
· WE've partnered with a local non-profit. Our partnership with the local 501(c) (3) Betty Ferguson Foundation (BFF) provides this worthy cause with monthly community exposure and additional monthly cash flow. WE of SCV chose the Betty Ferguson Foundation as a strategic partner because they have a similar mission to our own: to train, develop and empower women and youth of our local community. I’ve since been appointed as the VP of BFF, what an honor this is!
My group inspires and educates members, coordinates events of a high caliber, and supports our local community.
(And members feel great about being involved with all of this . . . )
"WE are family! Thank you to all WE of SCV Members who have shared their time, talents and love for women with the Betty Ferguson Foundation! I think, no I know....... if I posted a need, WE of SCV Members would come running. Can't go without saying..........Tera Rocks!"
–Jane E. Bettencourt-Soto, The Betty Ferguson Foundation
"Membership in WE of SCV has brought me a wonderful opportunity to make my networking count. I have really enjoyed learning more about the WE members at our Business Success Circle and I recently formed an amazing bond by creating a MasterMind with a group of WE Members. They are my rocks, and have helped me to grow as a businesswomen immeasurably."
–Julie Scher Molinare, The Grass Is Always Greener Designs
Friendships and joint ventures are common among the members. The events offer a regular opportunity for members to connect, which in turn allows relationships to deepen.
The tasks involved in making all this happen are spread out between myself and the members of my volunteer team.
I carry a manageable workload and the systems and checklist I developed now allow me to run the group right alongside my other business projects.
My group brings me personal satisfaction, helps me to market my business, generates additional revenue and allows others a place to grow safely, but now that all my systems are in place, running it does not take up all of my time, effort and energy!
"The opportunity to learn from other experts in their field is invaluable. The speakers are motivating and informative and offer a broad range of resources available to all entrepreneurs. I always leave a WE of SCV function feeling better equipped to handle the daily challenges of running my own business."
–Linda Clements, www.mind-ability.com
"My life has changed enormously since I joined WE of SCV the first year it was formed. The friendships I have made, the business connections I have nurtured, and the information I have received from the excellent speakers each month have enriched my life forever. I have never felt so supported within a network of women in my life as I have felt with WE of SCV. Thank you, Tera, for providing such a professional forum for expanding my personal existence."
–Harriette Birnholz Knight, www.charityclarityjewelry.com
It's been amazing.
The experience of developing my WE Team, hosting monthly Business Success Seminar Events, connecting with amazing speakers and building a community of like-minded women has given me the confidence, support and belief in myself that I can create anything that I desire!
The relationships I've developed with the members, the speakers and other business leaders in my community has not only helped me to grow, but has opened up so many opportunities in my personal and business life.
This group has seriously changed my life!
I am so grateful for the friendships and business relationships I have developed from being the Group Leader of the Women Entrepreneurs of SCV.
Over the last few years, I have developed systems for the way WE do EVERYTHING so that I can run my group smoothly right alongside my business.
Insert testimonial from speaker here!
Each month I would hear from our Featured Speakers that every community needs a group like WE of SCV.
Members would bring guests to our events from outside our local community and they, too, would tell me they wanted a group like ours in their area.
So, I decided to figure out how I could expand without me having to be in each community to run the group.
I wanted to help others start their own group.
It took some time to create a program that could easily be taught to others and that shares all that I had learned and developed.
But now, it is ready.
And now, you have an opportunity to use my system and start and run a successful group like ours in your local community.
The Association of Women Entrepreneurs provides consulting, resources and support to women that are leading affiliated groups in their own local communities.
Currently WE have affiliated groups in Southern California, Northern California and Georgia.
WE are branching out across the United States . . . to communities, towns, and suburbs.
WE are sharing our vision of what a women's business group has the potential to be.
This opportunity is geared toward communities with a population of 250,000 or more that are located just outside a major city.
I am pleased to announce that I am now accepting Diamond Leader applications from across the United States.
If you want to:
· Stand-out above all others
· Instantly build that "know, like, and trust factor" that is essential for marketing you and your business, and
· Surround yourself with amazing, like-minded women in your local community
This might be right for you. I'll tell you in a minute how you can find out whether YOU qualify to become a new Diamond Leader for A of WE.
"You are the average of the 5 people you hang around most."
–Jim Rohn
Each month, our WE Diamond Group Leaders are coordinating these events for their members:
1. Business Success Circle. This casual 90-minute meeting has attendees sitting in one big circle. Each attendee has the opportunity to share more about who they are and what they do. This puts members in the perfect situation to refer business appropriately and share resource ideas . . .
2. Business Success Seminar. The two-hour monthly Business Success Seminar is held at an upscale, exclusive venue over lunch and features an expert speaker on a business development topic. This event offers continuing business education to our members and provides attendees with a forum to connect and build relationships focused on business growth and development. Members also have additional opportunities to gain exposure for their businesses at this event by being our Featured WE Expert or by bringing a raffle item for this event.
"I enjoy the opportunity to be a WE Member Expert. This gives the WE members a better understanding of my knowledge in my industry and how I am able to help them better in what they do. After the first time I was a WE Member Expert I saw an increase in business and better yet a huge feeling of pride in my business. WE is the catalyst to move your business in the right direction."
–Hillary Broadwater, QM Design Group
I firmly believe that organizational strength lies in the systems.
Everything I do to run my successful group is now documented and systemized.
I have constructed
· forms,
· checklists, and
· procedures,
and I am ready to share them with those that are selected to be WE Diamond Group Leaders.
If you are accepted to become a WE Diamond Leader, you will have access to the complete, successful system I created, honed and now use today to coordinate my highly successful group events.
"I was introduced to the possibility of starting a new A of We Group unexpectedly while having coffee with Tera one morning. Over the next few days, I started getting excited about how awesome it would be to initiate this type of group in a new territory! I had been to a few WE of SCV events already, and was amazed and impressed with the quality and camaraderie of the women there. I knew I couldn't go wrong with the reputation of WE I'd be bringing with me!
Tera had pulled the program together into a neat little package for new group leaders . . .providing just the right combination of assistance and autonomy. The modules and regular discussions have proved very useful to me in holding myself accountable and keeping me on track. And although the program start-up was somewhat intensive on the front end, it has been a thrilling experience watching it all come together! I SO look forward to watching this new group grow and thrive, and I owe it all to Tera!"
–Kim Duffy, MA ~ Diamond Group Leader
Women Entrepreneurs of San Fernando Valley
My turn-key ”Start Your Group” Program,
Personal mentorship and support,
A Diamond Leader Community where you can receive support and encouragement from other women leading A of WE affiliated groups in their area,
Checklists, systems, and forms for launching and maintaining your own financially viable organization.
The Start Your Group Program is set up so that if you follow it on schedule you will:
· Have your first paying members within ten days of starting the program. You will start to see a return on your investment within a few weeks.
· Your group will hold its Launch Event between six and eight weeks into your start-up phase, giving you an additional opportunity to earn more membership revenue.
· Before the twelve-week program is up you will be ready to host your first Business Success Seminar.
If you are accepted to become a WE Diamond Group Leader, I will walk you through step-by-step what to do to launch your group during that twelve-week period.
Our next Start Your Group Program will begin on Tuesday, February 2, 2010!
· In week one WE focus on developing your team. WE will walk you through how to attract members and plan your team. You may feel nervous but excited as your group starts to form. WE will be here to support and celebrate with you every step of the way.
· In week two WE will focus on research! WE will walk you through researching your local community to find the gaps that other networking and business groups are leaving open for you to fill. You will research venues for your events and decide on your membership fee and event registration fees. WE will guide you in developing your financial projections.
· In week three, you will hold your introductory team meeting and share the vision of your local group with potential team members. You will get them excited and on board with what you're all going to create and the impact that your group will have on your local area. Then together you will focus on coordinating your group’s Launch Event. This team meeting is your opportunity to begin to develop your membership. By week three, you have the opportunity to see a return on your investment.
· Weeks four through seven WE will guide you through training and leading your team, setting up your web site, holding your launch event, and creating your first Business Success Seminar Event.
· Weeks eight through twelve WE will leave no stone unturned and teach you more about being the leader of your group. We will talk about member benefits, strategies and solutions, mindset and how to ensure the group benefits you! You will learn from my mistakes and I will share all my success secrets as well.
· Beyond week twelve, WE offer you continued accountability and support as you lead your group and also give you the opportunity to connect with other amazing women leading A of WE affiliated groups in their local areas.
Just to recap, here's everything you will be getting if you are selected as a Diamond Group Leader:
Twelve modules of the "Start Your Group” Program, each including checklists, worksheets, audios and resources teaching you how to launch and run your own successful affiliated group.
Weekly MasterMind call for each of the twelve weeks to hold you accountable as you move through the 12 modules of the “Start Your Group” Program,
Three one-on-one strategy sessions for additional support,
Access to our exclusive online Start Your Group forum, to get your questions answered in-between weekly MasterMind calls,
A monthly subscription to an event and membership management service to use as your web site for as long you affiliate your group with the Association of Women Entrepreneurs,
A complete web site template, custom url, email address and web hosting, all included as a package to make things as easy as possible for you,
Access to our private Association of Women Entrepreneurs Speaker Directory,
All our proven systems, checklists, and processes to successfully start and run your group.
I've been interviewed and featured in local newspapers and magazines.
I've been nominated for and won awards and gained recognition for my leadership role. I've also been elected as the Vice President of a local non-profit in my community because of my role as Group Leader of Women Entrepreneurs of SCV!
Last, but, certainly not least, the respect and admiration I've received from friends and family, especially my husband and my children, well, that has been incredible! They tell me how proud they are of me and what I have created in our local community!
I AM truly grateful for the opportunity to lead this group.
Now I Am Offering My Proven Model and My Personal Support to You. You Can Get Your Group Going in a Fraction of the Time . . . and Benefit from My Experience!
WE are looking for a few good leaders to start groups in their areas.
Is this group for everyone?
No.
This group is not for you if:
· You are interested primarily in a get-rich-quick business model.
· You are not passionately interested in the success of others.
· You want to focus more on your success than on the success of others in your community.
This is something that does require commitment, passion, and values.
But . . .
If you are:
A big thinker
A natural connector
Someone who wants to help other people learn and grow
This might be just what you've been looking for. . .
There are many business group and networking group licenses out there that you may look into aligning yourself with.
Here are some criteria to help you determine whether A of WE or any other group is a good match for you.
This list is adapted from Entrepreneur.com, and outlines certain criteria a savvy businessperson should consider before deciding to invest.
Credibility: An organization must first be credible in the eyes of its prospective licensee.
WE has been around since early 2006. WE attract high-quality speakers and members and have a high member retention rate. WE use a highly organized system to create quality events and provide a great deal of support to train new leaders to start groups on the fast track.
Differentiation: An organization must be adequately differentiated from its competitors.
A of WE fills gaps left by other networking and business development organizations for women. We offer seminars, success circles, masterminds, troikas, and opportunities for members to build strategic partnerships.
A of WE is a professional venue for personal and business development.
Transferability of Knowledge: The organization must have the ability to teach its system in a relatively short period of time.
The A of WE twelve-week “Start Your Group” Program compresses the time required to start your own group into a very manageable three-month span. This means you can get things going right away.
The twelve modules of the Start Your Group program offer checklists, worksheets, audio and resources to support you in launching your group. You will not have to reinvent the wheel; you can use the proven resources that keep my own personal group running smoothly and profitably.
Adaptability: The concept must be adaptable from one market to the next.
In module two of the twelve-week program, WE will support you in researching your own local community to secure appropriate event venues, attract informative and inspirational speakers, and help you to determine appropriate membership and event registration fees that are right for your community.
The Start Your Group Program is designed to be adapted for the unique needs of your market.
Refined and Successful Prototype Operations: A refined prototype is
necessary to demonstrate that the system is proven.
My flagship group, Women Entrepreneurs of Santa Clarita Valley, is the prototype on which I have based the A of WE licensee system. WE of SCV is a successful group with a good retention level and systematized processes. Having this systematization helps us consistently deliver the same high caliber of events and keeps planning and administrative time to a minimum.
Documented Systems: All successful businesses have systems. These systems must be documented in a manner that communicates them effectively to licensees.
If you qualify to become a Diamond Leader, you will have access to ALL my success tools: worksheets, checklists, and forms that will keep you organized and productive.
In running my group, I really thought a lot about what I would be willing to pay for the full line of services and support offered by a parent association such as A of WE.
Of course you'd expect it to be a reasonable monthly fee for all the time and resources provided to you, more than $50, but less than most monthly car payments.
Basing licensee fees on a monthly fee schedule also gives licensees the flexibility of spreading the yearly obligation out so that as you make money each month from event registration and membership fees, the association dues you pay are only a fraction of what you bring in.
Profitability: A licensed business must, of course, be profitable. But more than that, it must allow enough profit after a royalty for the licensees to earn an adequate return on their investment of time and money.
Though there is an investment required to gain access to your A of WE Diamond Leader group tools and the training modules, you must remember that ALL businesses have start-up costs and a cost of doing business. I am, however, very focused on helping you earn that investment back right away.
Market Trends and Conditions: These trends are key to long-term planning. Is the market growing or consolidating? How will that affect your business in the future?
Especially during economic downturns, service-based businesses need opportunities to get out and network to stay in business.
A of WE affiliated groups provide women entrepreneurs with a fabulous opportunity to get out and network with a quality group of women entrepreneurs to stay in business and to continue to learn strategies that help business growth.
Market Statistics:
Between 1997 and 2006, the number of majority women-owned businesses increased 42%.
65% of women entrepreneurs reinvest business earnings to foster future business growth.
—The Center for Women's Business Research
The number of women playing an entrepreneurial role in business is increasing and this bodes well for you as you start your own group.
Commitment to Relationships: Successful licensors focus on building long-term relationships with their licensees that are mutually rewarding.
Not only will WE be there for your weekly MasterMind calls giving support and advice for your start-up phase, but WE will also be offering Diamond Leaders a community with coaching and accountability calls on a continuing basis.
You will be checking in with your Leader Community and sharing your milestones, struggles, and challenges so you will receive support and celebrate success!
Strength of Management: Finally, the single most important aspect contributing to the success of any license program is the strength of its management.
For any organization for which you are considering starting a chapter or group, I encourage you to investigate the strength of leadership by examining the following criteria:
· Does the management or leadership have a track record of hosting successful events?
Tip: Attend an event hosted by the organization and gauge the success yourself.
· Does the management or leadership have integrity and honesty? Look at the retention rate of the organization to see how satisfied the membership is over time.
Tip: Ask for references or testimonials, and ask about the retention rate.
· Is the management or leadership consistent?
· Do they do what they say they will do?
· Are they genuinely interested in helping people?
In addition to the above pointers, please consider whether any particular group is a good fit for you.
I encourage you to ask the leader for their leadership philosophy and see if it is something that meshes well with your personal values.
Because you'd probably like to know, my philosophy is:
"We all have diverse categories of expertise and different strengths. Basically, I don’t believe in competition.
—The Business Philosophy of Tera McHugh
A of WE is not a category-protected group. I feel that everyone does what they do uniquely and our job as business owners is to educate others on what makes us different. Building relationships with potential clients, strategic partners and power partners is the best way to communicate your individuality.
If you are interested in starting your group, please click the link below and fill out my brief questionnaire to see if YOU qualify to become a Diamond Group Leader. You will then be prompted to schedule an interview to talk with me personally.
I will answer all of your questions.
And we will determine whether this program is a good fit for you and for your community.
If, during the first thirty days of your Twelve-Week “Start Your Group" Program you decide this is not for you, you can ask for and receive a hassle-free full refund and we'll part as friends.
Click this link now to fill out your survey and schedule your personal interview with me:
Best wishes,
Insert graphic of signature here
Tera McHugh
P.S. Once you have filled out the "Do I Qualify" questionnaire, you will receive by email a "Getting Started" tool that outlines the first steps you must take to begin your marketing plan for your local group. This "Getting Started" tool is my gift to you. You can keep it and use it regardless of whether you decide to be affiliated with the Association of Women Entrepreneurs.
