What would you say to President Obama as he prepares his State of the Nation speech for January 24th? I imagined what I'd like to contribute...

Dear President Obama,

Our communities are more connected than ever. According to the New York Times, Facebook members have a 4.74 degree of separation. The "Three Degrees of Influence Rule" (research published in the book, "Connections") shows that you have influence over your friends' friends' friends. No joke. If your business is doing well, there's a higher likelihood that businesses on the outer ring (three degrees away from you) are doing well too. And so are their families, neighbors, and communities.

We pull each other up - or down.

As a United States resident, you currently contribute roughly one-third of everything you earn in your partnership with the United States governement for the privilege of living here and enjoying our freedoms. Our freedoms are maintaining through the collaboration of those who like here. We need to come together around three things:

1. Expectations. Whatever we expect to have happen, generally does. People have lost faith in Washington. We don't expect progress any more. We don't expect EXCELLENCE because we no longer think it's an option. Excellence is not an option, it's a NECESSITY and something we all need to live up to.

2. Engagement. No man, woman or business can afford to wait and see what happens - to let someone in Washington figure out what's best for our country without the context of your perspective. We have a call to arms right now in this country to get involved. We must share out needs, our priorities, our ideas, and our participation to make a difference. Only by being a part of the conversation can you ensure that your voice is heard. Participation isnt just a right. Particpation is manditory for success.

3. Emotions. Human beings continually explore, discover, innovate, and refine in attempt to improve the status quo. Change is often uncomfortable and unavoidable - and it is always necessary for our survival. We are masters of change and we recognize that emotions run high during times of extreme change. We need to accept the emotional struggles that are very real and very painful and then through them. Consider "The 10/80/10 Rule" mentioned in the book, "The Surviror's Club,":

        In any crisis, roughly 10% of epople are leaders: they have a vision, create a plan and take action. Leaders    continually look for others leaders in order to discover the latest strategies, best practices, tools and resources.

        Approximatly 80% of people are followers: they are looking for leaders to follow. (That means that 90% of people with a smililar problem are looking to you for answers! This is an unaprecedented opportunity for leadership!)

       The remaining 10% of people are so overwhelmed and so caught up in their emotions that they are in a state of pure panic. They will not survive because thy literally cannot see the help that is available to them.

        We are very fortunate that the United States is a nation of leaders. In low moments, remind yourself that you are not alone. The help is at hand. That we care about each other. That every person in our country is just 4.74 degrees away. When any one person experiences progress, it pulls the rest of us a little highter too.

Currently, roughly one-third of what you earn is given to the government through Federal taxes and sales taxes (assuming 28% FEderal; 7.5%sales tax). That means that you are in partnership with Washington and you should expect a lot for your money, engage in the discussion and vote, and acknowledge and celebrate the wins of engagement. The more people participate and promote whateer they believe in, the better off we are because it encourages education and dialogue around complex issues that require collaboration.

Standing up, sharing your voice, contributing your ideas, and making an effort to serve always makes a difference and inspires others to do the same.

While I don't always agree with your approach, I deeply appriciate your efforts to lead our country. It's not an easy job.

Thank you.

- Elaine Starling, President, Starling Media Services

2012 has arrived with a bang. The coverage of the primaries has reminded us that this is an important election year - not only for the presidency, but also for congress and state legislators. Unfortunatly though, there are not enough women running for office, so WIPP would like to urge you to identify one new member to run for Congress or a state legislature. There are just not enough women running for office and the sad fact is that most women, no matter how skilled or credentialed they are, will not think of running themselves. So - let's take the first step and encourage then to consider running for office because with our support, we know that when they run, they win!! According to the Center for Women in Politics at Rutgers University: "If everyone of your state or local leaders commits to identifying at least one new woman candidate to run in 2012, we will see a record number of women candidates." There is a great resource: The 2012 Project, which stands ready to connect each candidate identifying with resources that can help her become a winning candidate!

For more information, visit The 2012 Project.

Click here to take action or contact us at info@the2012project.us or 650.326.2216

President Barak Obama announced a new plan that would reform the way government agancies work for small businesses and announced a move to elevate the position of SBA Administrator to a cabinet-level position. The plan will consolidate the various departments focused on business, commerce and trade to a single, streamlined department.

WIPP strongly supports this effort and released a statement applauding the President's plan.

This reform should help make the government work better for small businesses by consolidating the efforts fo such agencies as the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Commerce Department, the Office of the US Trade Representative, the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corp. and the Trade and Development Agency into a one-stop shop for business needs.

The plan, which will require Congressional approval, also aims to rpovide a more accessable, more efficient resource for small business owners. SBA Administrator Karen Mills pointed out that the small business arm of this consolidated department would provide a greater range of programs and opportunites for small businesses and assured that small business interests would be at the core of this new department. WIPP has strongly advocated on behalf of its members for reduced regualtions and simplified resources for small business owners and fully supports this major step in that direction.

WIPP also applauds the Presidents' related move to elevate the position of SBA Administrator to a cabinet-level position. WIPP is pleased to see the President's recognition of the vital role that small businesses play in growing jobs and growing the economy and looks forward to seeing the additional progress that the elevation of the SBA can bring to the small business community. With this move, small businesses will have a stronger voice to advocate for change on the policies and issues that affect them. During this time of economic recovery, it is more important than ever that small business has a seat at the policy-making table.

WIPP is glad to see that once again small businesses are creating new jobs. I'm certain many of you have seen the jobs report in the December Labor Department's report showing 200,000 jobs added in December. A report issued by ADP identified that small businesses were responsible for many of these jobs: private employment among small businesses increased by 148,000 while employment on large payrolls (those with 500 or more workers) increased 37,000, employment on medium payrolls (those with 50 to 500 workers) rose 140, 000 in December. Click here for the full ADP National Employment Report and the specific small business breakdown. I'd like to see the breakdown for women-owned businesses.

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