Sneckner's Simple Advice: "Put People First"
In response to the question, "Which tried-and-true 'balancing acts' enable you to successfully manage your business and family?" The winner, Diana Sneckner, of San Antonio, Texas, submitted the following entry:
"The most important lesson I have learned from running a business and raising four children as a single parent, is an adage I made up which says, 'Put people over things, never things over people.' Remembering this always keeps me balanced."

Debbi Fields, one of the world's most-recognized female entrepreneurs and mother of five, chose Diana's entry from among hundreds of others because it was so simple, while at the same time genuine. "Like Diana, I have a strong belief that you must set your priorities to accomplish any dream or objective. Putting people before things is essential to growing a healthy family and a business," said Debbi Fields.

Diana Sneckner began her career as a model and went on to become agency director of Avant Models and Casting, before she purchased the agency six years ago. Diana began with twenty-five clients and has successfully expanded her agency to represent nearly one hundred models and actors. In addition to managing models, Diana coordinates fashion shows in both Texas and Mexico. She realizes the importance of constantly evaluating her family's and the agency's needs, in order to maintain equilibrium. Other female entrepreneurs cited prioritizing, utilizing technology and including family members in business affairs as key factors that enable them to enjoy gratifying family lives and run thriving companies.

Women Expected to Own Half of All Small Businesses by the Year 2000
The Small Business Administration predicts that by the new millennium, women will own half of all small businesses nationwide. "Intuit recognizes the specific challenges female entrepreneurs face. QuickBooks provides all entrepreneurs with an easy, efficient way to quickly manage their businesses, so they can spend more time enjoying both their personal and professional lives," said Jim Heeger, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intuit's Small Business Division. "The 'QuickBooks Women In Balance' Contest represents a part of Intuit's commitment to helping entrepreneurs achieve balance and prosper in both their business ventures and in their lives."

About the "QuickBooks Women In Balance" Contest
The "QuickBooks Women In Balance" contest, which ran from September 29 to October 31, 1998, was open to small business owners who had been in operation for at least six months and employed 20 or fewer people at the time of entry. All participants qualified to win the grand prize of a trip to meet Debbi Fields at her headquarters in Memphis, $ 2,500 cash, an all-expense paid trip to New York City and a free copy of each upgraded version of QuickBooks for the next five years. Ten finalists won a free copy of QuickBooks Pro 6.0.