Jan Davies McDermott: The Right Kind of Peer Advice

I found your interview particularly intriguing. I was not aware that such an organization existed out there for women who were running companies. I think that this is an innovative idea and I was very impressed with the interview. I found it very interesting that the women are categorized by the amount of sales their company produces. I never thought that the problems of a company that sold $1 million in sales would be different from those who sold $50 million. I now see from the interview that the problems are much different as the sales increase. As a student at Eastern Michigan University taking my first Entrepreneurship class, I found the Women Presidents Organization very interesting. I was not aware that such a group existed and is nice to know that help is out there for women who start or run their own company. I find that some of the aspects of business to be overwhelming. I think that this organization would provide great feedback to those who may not have had experience dealing with all of the aspects of a business. I agree that the problems may not seem similar at first, but when talking about hiring, firing, training and leading there are similarities. In the many courses I have taken at Eastern Michigan I have found that even though each class is different they all seem to fall back on the same main ideas in regards to leadership, training and other topics. I find it a relief to know that this is true in the real world. It is always nice to know that the things you learn in school can translate to the real world. I am sure that the women of these groups can provide insightful information on the problems that other women face. What kinds of channels do these women have to go through to become a member of this organization? Are there annual meetings? Or is there a more informal way of discussion, maybe via email. You mentioned having your own network to turn to via email if necessary; does the organization have the same resources? Sincerely, Jennifer Kaiponen Eastern Michigan University student