Passion, Productivity and Perseverance
9th Annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference: Strategies for Success
Choose your own path and make your own destiny. Network. Be persistent, creative and innovative. Have passion. That was the message to students and some of the Philadelphia area's most prominent entrepreneurs and business owners from panelists and speakers at the 9th Annual Women's Entrepreneurial Conference, held on Oct. 28, 2008, in Mitten Hall's Great Court. Tracy Davidson, NBC 10 news anchor and consumer reporter, moderated the event, marking her 6th year of involvement in the conference.
The conference occurs annually each fall and is a collaboration among Temple University's League for Entrepreneurial Women, Fox School of Business, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, School of Communications and Theatre and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute.
The Women's Entrepreneurial Conference is held to promote entrepreneurial leadership among not only Temple University students but also women and men, who are currently entrepreneurs and business owners or those who are interested in starting a business, and focuses on timely issues impacting entrepreneurs in business. "I wanted to be my own boss," explained Michelle Farmer, executive senior sales director of Mary Kay Cosmetics. She has been building her business for 23 years and was a first time attendee of the conference.
Temple University President, Ann Weaver Hart, delivered a passionate and inspirational keynote address, which highlighted the "ABC's" of entrepreneurial, innovative and history-making women. Past keynote speakers include, Tracey Davidson, Ritz Carlton and Rebecca Mathias.
President Hart used one of her favorite quotes by an influential woman, author and activist Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, to make her point. "Well behaved women seldom make history." President Hart’s ABC’s consisted of a list of prominent women (doctors, scientists, teachers, singers and athletes) who experienced hardships in their quest to make their own paths and shape their own goals. These women made history by not allowing society to put them into categories and roles that were expected. These women were revolutionary pioneers in their respective careers. They transcended race, age, time period and accomplishments, and ranged from Philadelphia’s own Marian Anderson to athlete Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias. "We mustn't let others slot us into any category to make history," said President Hart.
This year's event highlighted the various aspects of small business, including funding, planning and execution. Each panelist reinforced the importance of formulating an effective and realistic business plan, and creating a brand or face that enables a product or service to be distinguished from others in the market. Three of the panelists, Candice Caprice, Brian Linton and Jason Smikle, are Temple alumni.
"This year’s panelists said 'Yes, you can do it.' I thought our group was very inspirational. They spoke about how their dream became a reality," said Dr. Betsy Barber, associate dean of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the conference co-chair.
The panelists encouraged participation in the Fox School of Business Annual Business Plan Competition, recently renamed "Be Your Own Boss Bowl," which is available to Temple University students, faculty, staff and alumni. The goal of the competition is to launch a brand new business in the Philadelphia region; however, it is not to be an extension of an already existing business. Two of this year’s panelists were previous winners: Karen Moustafellos, president and co-founder of Elements and Alloys (EnA), the 2006 winner, and Brian Linton, founder of Sand Shack, who won last year.
Each year the Women's Entrepreneurship Conference honors influential female alumni who make a significant impact in the Philadelphia community and business world through creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership. This year’s inductees into the Women's Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame were: Wanda D. Paul, senior vice president of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sarah M. Hetznecker, director of project development for Conergy Americas --both Temple alumni. "Every year we have the same criteria, we're always looking for women who make a difference," explained Dr. Barber.
When asked about her expectations for the conference Dr. Barber said, "I just hope women will walk out inspired, and they will walk out thinking anything is possible. Follow your heart, follow your dream."
