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Though
there are many groups for women, few actively support women
who reach a higher level of business growth. The Women Presidents'
Organization is an opportunity for top women business owners
whose firms are at the same level to meet and together drive
business breakthroughs.
The
key factor for the chapter members is the peer-to-peer learning
they are exposed to. WPO provides a forum for women CEOs and
presidents who often feel isolated and would like to talk
to peers about issues that arise from owning a business, including
personal and emotional issues that might be avoided in a less
intimate setting. WPO members develop relationships with peers
who can serve as sounding boards and sources of ideas and
strategies for growing their business (not unlike a board
of directors). The group also expects members to take an active
role in discussing other members businesses, and to share
their expertise and experience. Chapters are limited to 20
women and only includes one member from any particular industry
for competitive reasons.
Founded
in 1996 by Marsha Firestone, WPO has grown from 15 members
to over 900 members in over 500 chapters in North America.
The nonprofit membership organization's mission is to improve
business conditions for women entrepreneurs and to promote
the acceptance and advancement of women entrepreneurs in all
industries. Members report that their companies average $12
million in annual revenue and 113 employees. Combined, member
firms have revenue of $8.5 billion and 82,500 employees.
The
Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Learning
According to research conducted by the National Commission
on Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial-focused networks benefit
their members by accelerating growth and increasing the chances
of business success. WPO members report that discussing pressing
issues with a group of like-minded individuals increases confidence,
improves mental health and sharpens management skills. Just
the opportunity to talk through a problem can produce enormous
benefits; when combined with objective, supportive feedback,
the results are even greater.
The greatest benefits from belonging to a WPO is being exposes
to best practices and improved management decisions, which
empower you to sustain and grow your company. Companies with
executives who regularly meet with peer groups tend to grow
faster, weather business cycles better and provide economic
stability and prosperity to their communities. Peer groups
also offer a source of civic leadership, benefiting the local
community.
Additional Member Benefits:
- Monthly meetings with a peer advisory
group and professional facilitator
- Highly individualized support
- Gain innovative ideas and solve
problems
- Attend WPO's Annual Conference
- Yearly online and hardcopy membership
directory
- Receive monthly newsletters
- Media and public relations referrals
- Preferential benefits from national
and local sponsors
- Weekly updates on business opportunities
- Opportunities for renewal &
revitalization
How to Qualify:
To qualify, a woman must have an ownership interest in their
business. Since the group focuses on the experience of growing
a business from start-up, currently WPO is not open to corporate
division heads or employed presidents. The chapters consist
of women who are presidents or CEO's who run firms with at
least two million in revenues for product-based firms and
one million for service companies. Participants are added
to existing or new chapters as determined by the Headquarters
in consultation with the chapter facilitator.
Contact E-Magnify for more information.
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"Our goal is to make these
businesses so strong and very successful that they contribute
to the economic health of their communities, their state and
the country. They also provide economic stability for themselves
and the women they employ."
Marsha Firestone, WPO President
"The greatest help is the
peer-to-peer networking. Before joining WPO, I felt like an
island. I didn't have anyone to talk to about the issues I
was facing with my business. WPO provides a forum where other
women can provide insight and advice into the major challenges
every business owners has in running and growing a company
in today's economy."
Dorothy Andreas-Tuel, President of The Sewickley Spa, WPO-Pittsburgh
member
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