"We All Bleed Red" title from a song by Ronnie Dunn

By Sue Z. Hart, President of NAWIC Puget Sound Chapter.

A topic that bleeds heavy on my heart this month is the state of the economy. I know we have been here a while, and there are some signs that it is starting to slowly turn around. Money and position have never been a driving force for me, and yet it is a very important part of how we are able to live. People on the other hand are a priority. How the economy is affecting people I care about bothers me.

This is not the place to talk politics. We need to do our part by voting and being involved. Sometimes who and what we vote for isn’t enough, and then we must work within those guidelines.

Mother Theresa was known to turn down invitations to attend anti-war rallies but said she would be happy to attend a rally for peace. Some would say they are the same thing, but no, they are not. One focuses the attention to what we don’t like and the other focuses on what we want. Which do you think generates a more progressive energy? If we are fighting, we are losing. Regardless of the economy and our politics “we all bleed red.” Believe and be passionate in what you do but not at the cost of another persons life, physically or emotionally.

Let us focus on what we can do in this moment. How can we survive and even flourish in the months and years to come? I believe we must help each other and partnerships are a great way to do just that. I know most people look at partnerships as a way to further their agenda and this is not a bad thing. My challenge to you is to look at it from another perspective; we can increase our opportunities if we also look for partnerships where we can add value to them. When we look at who makes sense for us to partner with from the perspectives of, which can we help and who can help us we have, at the very least, doubled our possibilities. Partnerships allow us to diversify and generate new areas of revenue.

At the core of all we do are human beings who, when given the opportunity to be a part of the solution, will rise to new heights. Your employees should be the first you think of when you think partnerships. Have you asked your employees their opinions on how to save money and generate income? Are your employees your best advertising? Employees talk about their employers… what are yours saying about you? Are they proud to work for you? One of the key reasons people stay with a company is because they feel valued. Yes, they need to earn a living wage, but they will shine when they feel a part of the company, are given sincere appreciation and acknowledgement.

I hope you will join us on March 14th as we celebrate Women in Construction.