I’ve been trying to put my finger on the quality that was so distinctive about B.I.G., a women’s organization I had the great good fortune to get to know when I gave the keynote at its first annual summit last Thursday. Energy poured out, as the “pods” of this fast-growing organization connected with each other at the handsome Castle at Skylands Manor in Ringwood, NJ. Excitement was high, and the “atta-girl”s multiplied as B.I.G. members, many of them entrepreneurs or would-be entrepreneurs, shared their story.
B.I.G. ladies in the spirit of what they know now!
This might have been an above-average networking group except that the grim atmosphere of competitive self-interest common to such groups was absent. B.I.G.’s ladies seem to really want to help each other. They also exude joyful anticipation about what’s ahead.
Founder Tara Gilvar, who calls herself “The Mouth” of the organization, was prompted to start B.I.G. because she observed how many smart, highly educated moms were bringing a full artillery of talents to tiny projects that required only a pop-gun or two. Now there’s a place for them to dream up the BIGgest project they can, and go after it.
Tara Gilvar, B.I.G.'s founder
Here I am with Becky Hull, president of B.I.G.
Ellyn – you were amazing! Your genuine manner and humor was a joy to listen to. I love that I can still “hear” you, while I read your inspiring books. Thank you so much for speaking at our Summit, and I look forward to crossing paths many times over the years as B.I.G. grows bigger and bigger.
Helly Ellyn,
It was such a pleasure meeting you at the B.I.G Summer Summit. You truly inspired me and I thank you for that!
Dear Ellyn,
Thank you for speaking at the 1st Summer Summit of BIG. Not only was it a great place, the weather cooperated too!
Your talk was endearing and your warmth contageous.
I was particularly impressed with your comment in my book. Most of us were telling you who the book was for and how it should be inscribed. When it was my turn, you just looked at me, I told you my name and you wrote “What I know now, pass it on!”
That blew me away because I have been contemplating sharing my experiences of starting in the very male dominated new construction field in 1970 when there were very few (if any) women home builders. To this day, there are still not enough women in construction. I am now (and have been for 28 yrs.) doing remodeling and even in this economy, there is still work!
It is a wonderful field for women and I will share my experiences…..thanks for the push!
I hope our paths cross someday soon!
Fondly,
Bonnie Johnson