March & April 2007

:
Empowering
Women
To succeed in business personally &
professionally through Networking &
education while building key
relationships & having fun!

Y o u r r o a d m a p i s y o u r f u t u r e
F r o m o u r P r e s i d e n t — K a t h y H a r d t k e

Embrace CHANGE and You Have passion for what you

Embrace Success!
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE: How do you perceive change?
Do you embrace it with en-
thusiasm or cower in the cor-
ner? Change is inevitable in
everything we experience in
our life, our relationships, our
career, our finances, and
even our perceptions. We all
March
Dinner meeting 4 know that life’s only guaran-
tee, besides death and taxes,
is change. So, why do we
hold on so tightly or resist
with all our might? We need
to learn to surrender and ac-
Member Spotlight
cept that change is a guaran-
tee.
Randi Goodman
2 How do we do we transform
Gwynne Knutson acceptance into our daily lives
3 you that are resisting
and live for today, letting go
of the past, while planning for
the future. It all begins with
surrendering to the now, ac-
cepting what we can not
Meet the Board 5 thing we desire comes into
change, changing what we
can while creating our future.
Ideas for coping with
change:
Change your perspective –
Adjusting the way you see a
Ambassadors 5 situation with a positive atti-
tude
Consider the hard times as
blessings - You can’t have
flowers without rain
do
Learn from other people’s
knowledge - Seek higher
council in the field and hear
from people who have over-
come obstacles in their life
Erase self imposed images -
Re-evaluate your personal
vision of success
Focus on the lessons - Not
the failures
Tackle adversity head on -
Uncover what is causing the
struggle and address the
source
Stay motivated – No matter
what the cost
For many of us, when some-
our life whether it is a fabu-
lous relationship, a great
career, financial abundance,
etc., we hold on for dear life
afraid to lose what we so
desire. The opposite is true
for the losses that we ex-
perience in life. We resist
these losses then run and
hide or call our doctor to ask
for some magic pill. While
we don’t resist nature as we
accept that the sun will rise
tomorrow as equally as that
it will rain again so the ques-
tion becomes; how do we
transform this type of accep-
tance into our lives? How do
we begin to live in today
embracing change while
letting go of the past and
maintaining direction for our
future?
The first step is simply ac-
cepting that change is inevi-
table and an integral piece
of our journey, then surren-
der to the process.
For some of us this is easier
than others. For those of
change and would like fur-
ther direction, I strongly
urge you to read the book
“Who Moved My Cheese” by
Spencer Johnson. It is a
short read and puts it to the
point quicker and simpler
than any other I have read.

• Leadership development programs

• ABWA-KU MBA Essentials
• ABWA-KU Management Certificate Series
• In-depth business skills training
• Continuing education certificate programs
• Tuition reimbursement for approved accredited classes

M e m b e r S p o t L i g h t
R a n d i G o o d m a n
Background/Current Business:
I have probably been doing interior
design in one way or another since I was
a child. While other children were out-
side playing, I was pushing the furniture
around in my bedroom, and rearranging
the posters on my walls.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed doing
things like this, I had no idea that it was
something one could do for a living! So,
when the time came to look for a career,
I chose Accounting. It seemed to me
that Accountants would always be nec-
essary, and it was something I could do anywhere in the country. I
earned both Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in that subject, became
employed, and eventually went on to study, part-time, for an MBA,
which I received in 1985.
I was an Accountant for almost 15 years. It was OK--nothing thrilling,
nothing creative. Something was missing, but I didn’t know what it was. I
was still pushing my furniture around, and rearranging my artwork and
accessories on a regular basis. So I went for career counseling, and
found out that I had strong inclinations toward artistic endeavors. In
discussing the results with the counselor as well as family and friends, it
was suggested that I take these inclinations more seriously and pursue a
more creative, artistic career path.
Back in 1992, my husband was offered a transfer from the facility he was
working in, in New Jersey, to one here in Arlington Heights. I decided
that this move would be my opportunity to make the career change I was
dreaming about. So, after we relocated I went through the Interior De-
sign program at Harper College in Palatine. During those years in
school, I worked in the design industry. I spent two+ years working at a
paint and wallpaper store. Then, I worked as a Design Assistant for a
residential Interior Designer, and then for a Kitchen Designer.
After graduation from the Design program, I spent another two+ years
as the Design Assistant for a very talented designer in the Northern sub-
urbs. Under his tutelage, I learned SO MUCH about the design business
that they don’t teach in Design school. He introduced me to many
showrooms at the Merchandise Mart, as well as to various talented
tradespeople. I had lots of client interaction, and learned about all of the
administrative things a designer has to do to keep a business afloat.
In 2000, I decided to leave my mentor and open my own design practice.
It was a bit scary to go out on my own, but I have LOVED EVERY
MINUTE OF IT!! It has been my privilege to design rooms, furniture,
bedding, window treatments and paint schemes for many wonderful
people who want their homes to be more comfortable, beautiful, func-
tional and welcoming.
Involvement in WLN
Kathy Hardke called and emailed me. She was going through various
publications that showcase local businesses. I confess I wasn’t inter-
ested, at first. I already belonged to other networking groups, and after
all, how many can one go to and still have time to conduct business?
But when a friend told me SHE had been invited and asked if I was
going, I changed my mind and tagged along. I joined the first night.
Page 2
The room was full of excitement generated by many talented,
capable, gutsy women, and I wanted to be part of it.What Keeps
Me Ahead Of My Competition:
One of my best clients summed it up for me: (I’m paraphrasing)
“Nothing you’ve done in this house is anything I would have
imagined—it’s better than I could have imagined. I understand
why it all works and fully appreciate the beauty of it.”
Most homeowners get their product knowledge and style options
from TV or retail establishments. But there are so many more
things out there that they never knew existed, and I believe it’s
my job to expose them to those things.
While I believe it is extremely important to listen to what the
client wants, I take it one step further: I try to find out WHY the
client wants it. Is it because she thinks she should want it? Or,
because “that’s the way it’s always been done.”? Or because
some external force (friend, relative) thinks it should be done
that way? Sometimes the reasons have nothing to do with her
real needs and wants. I believe it’s my job to help the client fig-
ure this out, and empower her to make informed and educated
decisions that will positively impact the outcome of the design
process and project.
Perfect Client: Is someone who believes that having a beautiful,
comfortable, functional home is a top priority. In addition, she
appreciates quality, is open to new ideas, understands that “you
get what you pay for,” and values the contributions of an expert.
Power Partners: A Realtor who sells medium to high-end real
estate to people who have not made themselves mortgage-poor
with their purchase.
An Architect and/or Builder who believes that the interior of the
home she’s designing is just as important as the exterior, and
wants to provide her clients with a complete design package.
Dealing with Stress: I see a Life Coach regularly, and I work out
twice a week with a trainer. If I share my stress with other peo-
ple, it dissipates. So probably my most important way of dealing
with stress is to talk about it.
 M e m b e r S p o t L i g h t
G w y n n e K n u t s o n - F i n e G r a p h i c
Tell us a little about your
background and your current
business. What makes you
successful?
I've been a graphic designer
for over 20 years and have
had my own business for
over 5 years. I have worked
at ad agencies, corporate
marketing departments and
publishing houses before
starting my own business. I graduated from college
with a bachelor of Fine Arts and have recently had
work accepted into the Women's Works 20th anniver-
sary art show at the Woodstock Old Courthouse Arts
Center. I guess I'm an artist first and that is why I of-
fer "artistry in advertising" as my tagline for my busi-
ness. I think I'm successful because I am motivated
to succeed at being self-employed! I also am honest,
many a client has told me that they trust me, which
means alot to me personally. I want to provide cus-
tomers with high quality graphic design that helps
them grow their businesses and keeps me self-
employed.
How did you get involved in WLN – any success
stories?
An associate of mine, Anita Smullin, invited me to a
meeting and I joined about 6 months later - I was in
the midst of planning my daughter's wedding and had
to wait till that was over before joining WLN. I have
done some business with a few women and met alot
of good contacts.
Who is your perfect client?
A mid-size business that needs on-going graphic de-
sign help. My best clients are very proactive in their
D e s i g n
advertising and keep me busy with ads in
magazines like North Shore and Chicago
Home & Garden magazines. I do all their
corporate literature that is used in marketing
their product or services. I also specialize in
helping new businesses design a logo and
their corporate ID package.
What keeps you ahead of your competition?
I offer advertising that is "excellent yet af-
fordable" because my clients can work di-
rectly with a graphic designer, instead of
through a marketing firm, to bring their ideas
and promos to life!
Who is your perfect power partner?
My best power partners are my satisfied cli-
ents who tell other people about me.
What tip can you give to a business looking
for your services?
Make sure the potential graphic designer is
up to date on all technology. Printers and
publishers only use cutting edge technology
and expect all work coming from graphic de-
signers to be the same...and it could cost
you money if its not.
How do you deal with stress? Would you like
to share any tips?
A positive attitude is a big plus and a little
prayer can go a long way. Surround yourself
with other positive, high enery people who
are working hard to grow their businesses -
its contagious. Thats why WLN is an enjoy-
able group for me.
Page 4
 President: Kathy Hardtke
Milestone Mortgage
847-489-5053

President Elect: Pat Kolodziej

PK Tax Services
847-608-6451

VP of Membership: Anne Ward

Monthly meetings are located at Creative Core
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiono 847-854-1111
1524 South Randall Road
Algonquin, IL 60102
2nd Wednesday of each month
5:30 pm — 7:30 pm
VP of Finance: Sandra Larkin
Lost & Found Life Coach
815-301-5802

If you should have any questions please contact

one of the board members listed or visit us on VP of Programs: Kris Freeman
the web. Body Talk Practitioner
847-975-9406

VP of Marketing: Ginger Imes

DS&P Insurance Services
847-485-2408

Ambassadors:
Ambassador of Membership: Siree Sandberg VP of Administration: Robin Braga
Ambassador for Visitor Welcoming: Norine Wiebmer Silpada Designs
Ambassador of Events: Carol Palframan 847-961-5526
Ambassador of Events: Lisa Krupp
Ambassador of Events Wendy French
Ambassador of Programs: Terri Williams
Ambassador of Marketing: Mary Anne Muscat
Ambassador of Events: Kathy Glink VP of Events: Kim Gaxiola
Ambassador of Membership: Lisa Davidson AG Edwards
Ambassador of Membership Gwynne Knutson 815-338-2550
Ambassador of Membership: Susan Skawinski