Why I’m a fan. The 2011 Telstra Business Women’s Awards

When was the last time you expressed gratitude and thanks to another business woman for showing you the way, for providing insight or inspiration? I just spent two-and-a-half days with over 100 inspiring women at a conference in Rio. I’m in the process of going back to many of them to say thank you – for the inspiration, the sharing, the support. Nominations are now open for this year’s Telstra Business Women’s Awards. And, I’d like to invite you to show another women YOUR support by putting them forward for these awards. The awards have, for many years, celebrated the achievements of women in business. And, I’m a fan of them. Here’s why. I was lucky enough to be nominated in 2000. A well-meaning colleague put my name forward as someone worth recognising for my achievements in business. I felt like a fraud*. Who me? Get an award? But why? I was just focusing on the day-to-day and growing my business. And, since I’d only been in business six years… the accolade seemed beyond me. What I realised was that when I started to complete the application form, I was able to do an audit of all I’d learned and achieved in business. It was a great review of where I’d come from and a glimpse into the future that I could create. (And to my delight and surprise, I ended up a finalist. Something I’m still proud of.) I found completing the application process to be both exciting and daunting. Most of all though, it was rewarding. This important program honours and celebrates the achievements of deserving and inspiring women. The Australian Businesswomen’s Network is proud to support the program and encourages you to nominate someone that inspires you today. Nominations are now open until midnight AEST 20 June. You can make a difference to an inspiring woman in your life. Nominate them today. They may, or may not go on to win (as many members of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network community have over the years), but they’ll know that you think they’re pretty darn special. And, that you feel that they should be celebrated. And THAT acknowledgement is something that many of us don’t get to hear from our peers. I encourage you to enter… or to nominate another woman. You’ll find more details and information on the various award categories on Telstra’s Business Women’s Awards website. I invite you to support this important initiative. Sincerely, Suzi Dafnis Community Director Australian Businesswomen’s Network ps: Watch our In Her Shoes interview with 2006 Telstra NSW Business Woman of the Year Margaret Lomas – best-selling author of six property investment books, Founder and Director of Destiny Financial Solutions and Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia.