in the spotlight

Rocio Ramirez

Los Angeles' Rocio Ramirez

Step Up Teen of the Month

Rocio Ramirez has been a Step Up girl since 2008, when she started 9th grade. Over the years, she has grown academically, professionally and personally. This summer, Step Up facilitated an internship opportunity for Rocio at Ellen Richards Educational Services.

Her internship supervisor has been so impressed with Rocio that she nominated her for a prestigious scholarship program. The following excerpt from the letter illustrates Rocio's resiliency and drive to succeed. "Recently, before coming into my office to fulfill her duties as a summer intern, Rocio found herself alone and terrified as a local gang member attempted to break into her house. She not only mustered the strength to call 911 and stay safe - even as she heard the glass in her window shatter as the criminal tried to gain entry into the house - she managed to arrive at my office on time. I strongly believe this one example fully illuminates Rocio Ramirez's strength of character and I, for one, will never forget how she refused to allow anything to stand in the way of her commitment – even a confrontation with a gang member that must have been a terrifying experience for her."

In the last semester of her junior year, Rocio received straight A's for the first time. She is now ready to embark on her senior year with a bang, and Step Up will be there every step of the way!

Kristen Brown

New York's Kristen Brown

Step Up Volunteer of the Month

When Kristen Brown first joined Step Up last fall, she felt she was not taking advantage of her membership. So, she took the initiative to reach out to Program Manager Margaret White and see where she could best contribute her time and talent. Kristen plugged right into the network by getting involved with the Membership Committee. Kristen immediately started raising her hand to host an Open House, as well as to staff the membership table at different events. She has also taken active part in brainstorming to promote membership and how best to utilize her own resources and connections to help out the organization. Kristen is a wonderful example of the Step Up spirit, and we are grateful for her energy and enthusiasm!

Taryn Rose

Step-by-Step with... Taryn Rose

a monthly chat with Step Up's inspiring membership

Taryn Rose created one of today's most successful brands, Taryn Rose footwear. An orthopedic surgeon-turned-shoe designer, Dr. Rose married fashion and function in 1999 and changed the footwear industry forever. Her idea of being dressed with a sense of well-being touched a nerve with women from coast-to-coast, creating a dedicated following for her footwear collections. A longtime Step Up supporter, Taryn recently shared her expertise with members in Los Angeles by hosting a July Power Breakfast, and will host a Power Breakfast later this month in Chicago as well. Here, Taryn chats with Step Up members everywhere.

Step Up Women's Network: Describe an upcoming professional initiative that you are proud of.

Taryn Rose: I'm bringing my new line Haute Footure by Taryn Rose to the Middle East and other global locations and relaunching the Taryn Rose collection.

SUWN: Favorite word?

TR: "Mama" because I always smile when I hear my children's voice.

SUWN: What advice would you give your younger self?

TR: Be more patient!

SUWN: Heels or flats?

TR: Heels - it is a woman's prerogative so we should use it!

SUWN: Favorite color for fall?

TR: Deep crimson red.

SUWN: Of all the typical "yearbook awards" in high school, which award bests fit you?

TR: "Most likely to succeed" because failure has never been an option for me. Besides, it's hard to be "most popular" when you're focused on being successful.

SUWN: If you could only wear one pair of shoes for the rest of your life, what pair would it be?

TR: A pair of Taryn Rose gladiator sandals on a platform heel.

SUWN: What gave you the confidence to make the jump from the doctor's office to the runway?

TR: Ignorance about how hard the shoe business really is.

SUWN: If you could walk a day in another woman's shoes, who would it be & why?

TR: Meg Whitman, because I've always wanted to be CEO of a multibillion dollar company AND be married to a doctor at the same time. Or Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, because I've always wanted to be able to sing and wear Dior and Chanel as part of my official duties.

SUWN: Other than shoes (!), what accessory best shows off a woman's personality?

TR: A man or a handbag, depending how much you have to carry for the day.

SUWN: If you were not in your current career or industry, what would your profession be?

TR: A film producer, because it involves again both logic and creativity.

SUWN: What's the best advice you've received from another woman?

TR: "Hire really good people who are smarter than you." - Anne Sweeney, president, Disney/ABC Television Group

SUWN: What's your favorite part of the day?

TR: Going to bed and cuddling with my children.

Liz Dennery Sanders

Step Up To Success: HOW TO BE A TRAILBLAZING NETWORKER

Luminary Circle founding member and former chair of the Los Angeles Board of Directors Liz Dennery Sanders offers Step Up members insight each month into key steps to success.

Every person you meet has the potential to become a valuable connection. You also have the power to be of service to everyone you come in contact with. In fact, the more generous you are with your time, knowledge and expertise, the more likely that you will become a master connector. The more diverse your network of connections, the more powerful and effective your network becomes. Doors will open for you that might have remained closed otherwise.

But not everyone is comfortable with the idea of networking. It sometimes gets a bad rap as a "pushy sales pitch" or "insincere chatter." But if you're in it for the right reasons, then it doesn't have to be like that. It's really all about connecting and sharing with others – your knowledge, your network and your compassion. If you look at it as adding value to every person you come in contact with – even if it's just a smile – then your connecting experience can be transformational.

Here are eight non-traditional networking ways to connect with friends, clients and business associates – and not a rotary club breakfast or cocktail party in site!

1. Invite five clients to lunch – Create "Raving Fans." Pick five past or current clients who you feel would be your best referral sources and take each of them to lunch or dinner individually. Ask them what you can do to help them in their business and let them know that you want them on YOUR R&D team. Let them know that you would like to survey them occasionally to find out what their greatest needs are. Ask them individually the following three questions – in order:
   • What is it that you like about doing business with me?
   • How can I improve upon my service to you?
   • You are one of my ideal clients. My goal this year is to work with more people exactly like you. Do you know of any people like you that you could make an introduction for me?
2. Stay in touch with friends, clients and acquaintances with cards – birthday, holiday, anniversary etc. Pick a special occasion that you love to celebrate (mine is Valentine's Day) and send a custom card to your list/database.
3. Under-promise and over-deliver. In other words, add value when it's least expected to set you apart from the rest. Get creative with what "client extras" you can include in your business such as: special notes, gifts, surprise lunch, movie tickets, great new business book, articles, jokes etc.
4. Write hand-written thank you notes each week. You can always find someone to thank and be grateful for.
5. Be willing to WOW and SURPRISE the members of your cheering squad – your personal brand ambassadors. Don't underestimate the power of a small gift such as a great new business book, a box of chocolates, a gift certificate for a massage or a delicious lunch delivered right to their office. Develop a referral acquisition strategy. Be willing to ASK and the REWARD those who send referrals your way. Constantly nurture those who become a part of your cheering squad.
6. Refer business to your clients. I guarantee that your clients are looking for ways to build their businesses too.
7. Reward people for sending referrals. I am a big fan of sending gift cards with a thank you note – Starbucks, Container Store, Barnes & Noble, AMC Theatres etc.
8. Once a month, ask someone you admire and respect for lunch, coffee or even a brief visit at her office. Show up prepared, with questions, and use this time to discover the "secrets" to her success. Make sure you follow-up with a hand-written thank you note and maybe even a small gift.

©Liz Dennery Sanders 2010

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©Liz Dennery Sanders 2010

Liz Dennery Sanders wants you to build your buzz and be successful beyond your wildest dreams. As the CEO of Dennery Marks Inc., a brand development and celebrity outreach firm, she founded SheBrand, to help female entrepreneurs, executives and small business owners build powerful personal brands with style, attract more clients and position themselves as experts in their industries. You can reach her directly at liz@shebrand.com or www.shebrand.com.