HP-Good Resource for Entrepreneurs

This past February, I participated in another focus group arranged by Maria Bailey, Author, Radio Talk Show Host and Founder of Blue Suit Moms http://www.bluesuitmom.com/ . These photo's were from last years big HP (Hewlett-Packard) with managers from all over the US. The computer-printer-digital-equipment manufacturer has been working at reaching out to women entrepreneurs.

Having a focus groups provides essential information to management on the needs from business owners. There were about 10 panelist that gave input about our entrepreneurial needs.

Following our panel discussion, we participated in group for mini-seminars conducted by HP reps. These mini-seminars were so informative and educational. Talk about short, sweet and essential for entrepreneurs. I felt like a kid coming out of a candy store.

I found my first session with Yvonne very interesting. They have a website www.hp.com/go/gowomen that addresses the needs of women business owners. I carry and sell the very well know key finders from Sandy Stein from Alexx Inc that was a featured entrepreneur on HP's website.

Once I came home, I took inventory and did not realize how much HP product we have. I love my HP Photosmart R927 Digital Camera. This is the camera that I use for all my family and business pictures you see on my website, blog, My Space...

Another mini-seminar was on preserving and sharing data. Many of us sometimes take things for granted and never think that we may experience any thing that could keep us out of business. In Katrina over 1,500 business were affected and in San Diego, over 1,000 business owners were wiped out during the fires. Natural disasters account for a small percentage of business data loss compared to, perhaps you may have a disgruntled employee (or spouse) or, your your system may crash and or server! Not to fear, there is a solution to HPUpline.com https://www.upline.com/ .

It was nice to see a fellow entrepreneur along side of HP. Did you know that there are 70 million bloggers out there? Anita Campbell, from Small Business Trends ww.smallbiztrends.com/events discussed social media and blogging . I visited her website and was extremely impressed...no wonder she has such a following. Anita also has her on radio show, too, with small business tips.

Another really cool sight was http://www.logoworks.com/ . They demonstrated how a logo changed from mom and pop to having a corporate look. The prices were also affordable for small businesses that puts a team of experienced designers on your project. They can assist with logo design, business cards, stationary, websites, brochures...etc.

The event concluded with an expo and a networking social.

"Stay tuned as Addy's drives away in the Addy mobile with sparkle and bling. "

Assembly Tran-CSBA Small Business Advisory Council

Left to right(George Blanc, Tom Jewett, Betty Jo Tocolli -President of CSBA, ? , Assembly Member Van Tran, me, and Mark McCurdy)

This year, I received an invite from the The California Small Business Association (CSBA) to serve on a Small Business Advisory Council meeting with Assembly Member Van Tran. The purpose of the meeting was to sit down and discuss the issues that are affecting small business and potential solutions to those issues.

Some of the topics that were discussed were the following:

Access to Capital

*Regulations and Paperwork
*Tax & Budget
*Health Care
*Technology
*Infrastructure
*Labor
*Workers' Comp Reform

What a powerful jam packed meeting it was! There is currently a 16 billion deficit in CA consequently cutbacks are being felt by everyone, especially small business owners.

Prior to attending the meeting, I emailed and communicated with various of my business contacts. Some folks were business owners, Directors of SBA funded groups such as the Women Business Centers, SBDC, SCORE and Hispanic Chambers.

Everyone is seeing the challenges that business owners are having, from restaurant owners, to collection agencies, business organizations, less revenues coming in, harder to collect funds and memberships dropping.

It is imperative for business owners in being informed on the trends and how it will impact them. Knowing what is occurring and seeing how one can adapt to change is critical for survival. Knowing the trends can allow some business owners to redirect their business strategy into opportunities. Not doing anything can lead to the demise of a business. This experience allowed me to see how I can shift some gears and help others while it helps me.

The California Small Business Association is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that makes its mission to provide small business with a meaningful voice in state and federal governments.

Founded as a grassroots outgrowth of the 1980 White House Conference on Small Business, the group advocates on behalf of small businesses at the state and federal level, conducts research on issues and develops policies that benefit small businesses. That work includes supporting small business friendly candidates; communicating information on government programs to members and relevant public policy makers, acting as a liaison between the legislature and members, and helping members grow their businesses.

This is a picture of last years CSBA "California Small Business Day- "A Salute To Small Business -May 2007". Here is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's welcoming and recognizing all the small business owners for their contributions to the economy of CA.

I couldn't believe how surreal the experience was last year in being recognized in Sacramento with various other business owners.

When I had a chance to meet Betty Jo Tococoli, President of the California Small Business Association at our meeting , I was so impressed with her passion and commitment to business owners in CA during the yearly celebration!

CSBA arranges 81 meetings with assembly members through out CA. I was so thrilled to have had the opportunity of meeting her.

Here I am.....receiving my recognition from Assembly Member Van Tran in 2007 in Sacramento. To the left is my wonderful friend, Diana M. Borroel President/CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. http://www.sachcc.org/.

"Stay tuned as Addy's drives away in the Addy mobile with sparkle and bling. "

Entrepreneur Children learning

As parents, we work hard at being positive role models for our children. We some times wonder whether these little people are listening to what we are saying and are they being influenced in a positive manner.

In February, I was so touched that both of my children would be receiving an award at their school assembly.

When I picked up my son from kindergarten he had a little envelope with a safety pin on his shirt. I asked him what is this? The teacher aid mentioned that James would be receiving an award next week. I was so proud of my little guy...my eye's teared ... I hugged him and we happily walked back home.

My little guy loves life and loves dealing with adults. He's a happy little spirit that enjoys making himself useful and having fun at the same time. He really is a very considerate little guy with a big heart and is a very good communicator. Gosh , when I was a child I was so meek and quite and shy.

Then we took another walk and picked up my little girl. Once we were home, I went through her backpack and opened an enveloped addressed to us. Wow.. it said your child will be receiving an award on February 21st.... I couldn't believe it.

This was a major accomplishment for my little girl. She had problems with math but she learned how to focus, learned how to be patient and did not give up. She would some times break down in tears when she could not comprehend her assignments. I explained that math was not easy for me as a child and that I had to practise, practise, practise until it came to me. It was so good to see how my little girl gained her confidence and how she improved. She also recieved a necklace for reading a certain number of books.

Talk about coincidence..... I was a nominee for the Orange County Business Journal Seventh Annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards "For extraordinary success and contribution to the Orange County Business Community". I showed my certificate to both my children and we talked about what it took in order to receive that recognition. They both hugged me and said "We're proud of you mama"!

Children are like seeds.

They will blossom with love, support and patience.

It's what we teach them, the examples that we set and we explain the process. Having fun is critical and learning how we can improve will help us grow.

"Stay tuned as Addy's drives away in the Addy mobile with sparkle and bling. "