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LATINA Style Business Series San Francisco
by Dalila Lira
Many Latina women gathered in the Hyatt Regency hotel in San Francisco with one goal- to be successful Latina entrepreneurs. This year Latina Style magazine celebrates its 10th year of publication. It is no mistaking that this year the event is taking place in San Francisco. It is coming back to where this series began two years ago. The Latina Style Business series on February 20 empowered many Latina women to peruse the business fields. One could feel the aura of excited and ambitious Latinas ready to learn and proceed with an informative day. There were expert-led presentations, exhibits, and networking for small-business owners. This seminar was designed to provide business solutions for Latina professionals and connect them with agencies and corporations that offer critical recourses for today's entrepreneurs.
The event began with enthusiastic speakers from Small Business Administrations, Citibank, New York Life, Cisco Systems Inc, US department of energy and Latinos 2010. Among these speakers, also other representatives were tabling throughout the event giving brochures and helping to network with the participants.
Statistics such as those shown by the small business administration demonstrated that women in general are the leaders in the small businesses world. Being a woman and Latina gives an edge in the entrepreneurship. Besides the statistics are promising-Latinas starting businesses are at three times that of the national rate.
Besides the promising statistics women at the participating at the event learned a variety of tools that could be applied directly to their business. They learned to access to capital and financing growth, strategic sales and marketing, professional services including technology, communications, insurance and corporate and federal procurement opportunities.
As the event preceded Dena Rodriguez representing Citibank, spoke about financial options for small business owners, stressing that "planning a long haul" is the goal, but not the expense of enjoying today." Dena also talked about loan applications, tax returns, financial statements, and projecting a business plan. She noted the importance of the Latina figure in the business world and the impact it is leaving in today's economy.
New York Life's Marielena Scanlon urged women to take control upon their financial issues instead of relying on the husbands to take care of things for them. She emphasized how women have an important role in the economy and how many are not aware of financial issues such as writing their own wills. Another issue that was brought out was that of retirement funds and how many in general are not prepared. She gave out the many sources where the participants could investigate and also start planning for the moment.
Mauricio Perez from Cisco system gave a talk on growing the business with technology. He discussed how technology has facilitated the business world and encouraged women to state updated with it. Having a business with latest technology could lower cost of networking and provide a better service for the customers.
Jose Ulloa, president for Latinos 2010, described how advertising via internet is a vital tool for the success of a company. "One could reach out more and in a cheaper way- the key is how you advertise." He advised how to best design a web page and does and don't to include in it. He warned the audience not to go extravagant on the web page but something useful that anyone could easily use.
Keynote speaker Belinda Guadarrama, president & CEO of GC Micro Corporation shared her story of the rollercoaster experience as a Latina entrepreneur. When she started with a software company she had many dreams of climbing the ladder of success. However after a devastating disappearance of the company left her with nothing. Stranded in another state with nothing to depend on, she along with her coworkers decided to start a new business. Times were not always easy. But Belinda was a determined woman with goals to whatever her mind was settled. Her secret to her success was the "ganas," the believing in herself, building relationships with customers, focusing on her natural strengths, and being proud of herself.
The Latina style magazine is grateful to our sponsors, including all the events presenters, panelist. The product sponsors of the event were Citibank, New York Life, Cisco, US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, American Airlines, Hyatt Regency and all partner organizations and media partners El Bohemio and Muybueno.com.
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