Category: Entrepreneurs

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Entrepreneurs Networking Professional Development

Network Marketing:  The Magic of Entrepreneurship for Women

First meeting of Women's issues support group meeting, group therapy concept

Ever since ‘becoming an entrepreneur’ in the early 80’s, I have never lost my admiration and appreciation for females choosing to ‘fly solo’.

Their determination, energy and unrelenting focus toward success are powerful indicators that never quitting has unlimited possibilities. Comparing traditional employment to building a network marketing business is, among other things, the difference between a defined/predictable paycheck and unlimited rewards.

Self-motivated women are the best example of overcoming obstacles, discounting naysayers and never giving up on their dreams.

Over the years, I have personally participated in networking marking. However, while no longer representing a specific company, I continue to support women in that arena through mentorship, purchases and belief.  I have witnessed women who went from the starting gate to across the stage recognition for their hard work. I have dear friends who have learned to balance home life with entrepreneurship, who have continued to believe in their company and risen to the top.

It is my belief that one of the cornerstones for success in network marketing is the strong and consistent emphasis on personal and professional development.

In most traditional work environments, the ‘job’ equals a ‘paycheck’. Stay the course, do what’s expected and benefit on pay day. While I can’t acknowledge through my own experiences, I question how much enlightenment is derived from a traditional ‘9 to 5’ job.

Women have always been traditionally eager to learn.

When you think of what it takes to be a mom, to making a household run smoothly, to meet the demands of community and family,  I’d venture to say ‘learning while doing’ are cornerstones have endured to create female success. Network Marketing is all about learning!  Whether it’s product knowledge, team work, self-confidence, building relationships, time management, learning and implementing are all key factors for success.

Community

I will never forget my first network marketing conference in ’96 (The People’s Network/TPN).  I was not a student of personal development. I did not know who Les Brown or Zig Zeigler were.  I had never before attended a rally. I became 100% hooked. I couldn’t wait to read, to learn and to build my team.  I couldn’t wait for the next conference and the one to follow. The opportunity to be with like minded individuals, to build an income without limits and to be motivated  and rewarded by my own efforts all had major appeal. I can only imagine that now, 20+ years later, what I’ve described continues to infuse women with the belief that they, too, can reach for their own unlimited success.

Business Models

Sure, there will always be skeptics.  Of course, people will continue to view the network marketing industry with distain and distrust.  True there are companies who have fallen short of promises and folded. Is that not the case, however, of some mainstream businesses in general? (Sears, Sport’s Authority, K-Mart, Blockbusters to name a few).  For example, as pillars of the network marketing industry, Amway, AVON and Mary Kay business models have stood the test of time because of their unwavering commitment to their representatives and to personal/professional development.

Women are natural nurturers.

We embrace, care and support others as part of our DNA.  What better way to demonstrate these attributes than through a system whose entire platform is based on support and teamwork?  If you represent a company that has demonstrated consistency, unwavering values and great products/services, than the only missing piece is your own determination and effort toward success.  Women have that drive. They reflect to their family, their team, their company and to their customers commitment and integrity. Reward comes with diligence.

I would not want to imply that network marketing is easy.  I don’t underestimate that as with any worthy endeavor – patience, perseverance and time are necessary for desired results. Reality is that for any woman to be successful she has to be willing to face trial and error, spend time and money and be committed to staying the course.  While, it may take months or even years to reach determined goals, history has proven by combining tenacity and focus one can unquestionably create winning outcomes. I wouldn’t bet against a woman who has that kind of drive and ambition!

Networking Marketing is a Business

It is in everyone’s best interest to take women in seriously.  Network marketing is a business.  It’s in the business of engaging, sharing and moving products and services through a time tested system.  Women who represent this model deserve respect. They deserve encouragement and support. The industry is the perfect vehicle for women and especially those who have families and the responsibilities that home life requires.  Network marketing offers flexibility. It offers long term opportunity.

While there are those who will discredit the industry, believe it is flawed or misrepresents itself, there are thousands of women who make it work, benefit from the model and are empowered in ways that traditional businesses don’t offer.

Self-motivated women who believe in themselves are an asset to our economy. It serves all of us to pay attention, to encourage and to realize the huge contribution they continue to make in the world of commerce.

Read the original article here.

What are your experiences in network marketing?

Categories
Entrepreneurs Professional Development

Break Through Your Comfort Zone to Achieve Your Entrepreneurial Dreams

Strong female boxer knocking out her opponent with an uppercut while fighting in a boxing ring
Strong female boxer knocking out her opponent with an uppercut while fighting in a boxing ring

Young smiling business owner in workwear scrolling in smartphone, having drink and looking at you

You’ve dreamed of starting a business so you can “call the shots,” set your own schedule, and enjoy unlimited wealth-building potential.  If you’re like most Americans, however, one barrier is keeping you from turning your dream into a lucrative reality – your comfort zone.

In one ear, a voice whispers all the benefits that come from being your own boss.  In the other ear, a voice reminds you of how good you have it now working for someone else – a steady paycheck, paid vacations and health care benefits.

What the second voice neglects to point out is how much you’re missing in life by not embracing risk.  How do you snuff out this voice of “status quo” to move forward in life? What can you do to break free from your comfort zone to achieve greater success?

1.  Define your dream.  What do you want for your future?  Do you want more time to spend with family or greater freedom to travel the globe?  What would make life more fulfilling to you? The more specific your dream, the more likely you’ll be to attain it.

2.  Determine the right vehicle to make your dream a reality.  Read business opportunity magazines and books to see what kind of ventures interest you.  Talk with people you know who run home-based businesses. Find out why they chose their particular industries to help you in deciding what type of business you want for yourself.  Research what initial investment you need to make and the income potential you should expect. The more clearly you identify your target, the more confidence you’ll have in your ability to hit it, giving you the psychological boost you need to take the first step out of your comfort zone.

3.  Design a road map.  Once you have set your goal, what steps do you need to take to achieve it?

For example, suppose you’re a staff writer for a PR firm looking to start a home-based public relations writing business.  Where do you begin?

Start by putting your goal — your destination — down on paper. Next to your goal, write a deadline as to when you want to achieve it.  Then ask yourself what you need to do to reach your destination. How much money should you save? What research do you need to complete? What training or formal education should you acquire?

By writing down your goal and planning action steps to achieve it, you’ll increase your conviction and determination to break free from your comfort zone at whatever the cost.

4. Identify your hurdles and challenges.  What’s keeping you from stepping out of your comfort zone?   List your answers on paper. Then for each obstacle, brainstorm at least ten possible solutions.

For example, suppose one of your obstacles is the fear of criticism.  Ask yourself, “What can I do to overcome this barrier?” One solution is to repeat affirmations such as, “I like myself . . . I like myself” over and over until you are so confident in yourself that you no longer feel fettered by other people’s attitudes toward you.  Remember, don’t stop with one or two solutions – go for all ten. Usually your most creative ideas come in the last few.

When you pin-point the barriers that keep you in your comfort zone, you enhance your capability to overcome them.

5.  Find a mentor.  Before Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile barrier in the 1950’s, the world thought it was an unachievable goal.  A few days after Bannister’s ground-breaking performance, several other runners broke the once “impossible” barrier. How could this happen?  Bannister’s accomplishment abolished the self-imposed limitations in the minds of the other milers as they saw first-hand that breaking four minutes was really possible.

This is the kind of impact a good mentor will have on you.  The accomplishments of this person will inspire you to achieve great things yourself.  You will gain practical wisdom on how to overcome barriers to success specific to your business.  A mentor will encourage and motivate you to move full-speed ahead toward your goals.

6.  Surround yourself with like-minded people.  Who you spend time with strongly influences whether or not you break out of your comfort zone.  People who don’t understand the entrepreneurial life (and don’t care to) will hold you back. These people say things like, “Why don’t you come back down to earth.”  Or, “You better keep your day job.”

Look for friends who know the ups and downs of running a home-based business and can offer the insight and encouragement you need to propel yourself out of your comfort zone toward your business dream.

6.  Always think positive.  If a boxer, during a match, allows any negative thoughts to enter his mind, he’s doomed for defeat.  Why? Negative thoughts undermine his confidence. Instead of thinking of what he needs to do to win, he begins to panic.  His fears become self-fulfilling prophecies, and within a few punches, he’s knocked out.

The same goes for entrepreneurs.  If you allow negative thoughts to prevail, you’ll undermine the confidence you need to break free from your comfort zone.  Even when you muster up enough courage to pursue your dream; fear, doubt, and worry will quickly shove you back.

Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.  Never allow “I can’t” to spring up in your mind. Think “I can, and I will!”  Read books on personal development and attend seminars by top motivational speakers.  This way, you fill your mind with high-octane thoughts that will fuel your desire and enhance your ability to achieve great things outside your comfort zone.

7.  Commit for the long-haul.  Don’t take a “try and see” approach because when times get tough in the early stages – as they do in any start-up business – you’ll feel compelled to give up your dream to find a more stable “real job.”

Draft a contract to yourself.  State your goal and list the steps you need to take to get there.  Then commit, for a period of at least one year, to do the activities you need to do to succeed in your business.

When you make a long-term commitment, you’ll develop a strong belief in yourself.  Nothing will be able to hold you back from pursuing your dream.

Why stay in your comfort zone?  How can anyone be fulfilled in life by dwelling in a cocoon of mediocrity?  Take the first step toward your entrepreneurial dream, no matter what your fears.  Over time, the knots in your stomach will dissipate and you’ll see your dream materialize into a profitable reality.

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Entrepreneurs Professional Development

Seven Traits of True Women Entrepreneurs

Woman opening her store with an open sign

Being an entrepreneur in today’s economy is tough, and women entrepreneurs don’t have it any easier than men. Some may say it is harder for women, but in either case, there isn’t going to be any easy successes anytime soon in the entrepreneurial world. What is it about the successful entrepreneur that is integral to that success? Do women entrepreneurs have common traits that help with success? Is it luck, is it the product, or is it something about that woman that meant she would probably be successful at anything she tried?

The woman entrepreneur will need a little bit of luck, but she will also need a lot of drive, faith, energy, and vision to reach her goal. Here are a few common traits of the successful female entrepreneur:

Drive. Failure is not an option for the committed entrepreneur. Bumps in the road will not set her back, but will only steel her resolve. She is on a mission and knows she will get to her goal.

Vision. The female entrepreneur is a big-picture person. She can see her successful business, what it looks like with all of its components. She can see her product on the shelves, her services in action. She is not only not afraid to dream big, but she views daydreams as achievable.

Autonomy. This woman likes to be in control and isn’t afraid to make decisions by herself. She is comfortable with being alone and has confidence in her intelligence. She is a take-charge person. This woman doesn’t wait for someone else to act and doesn’t second guess her choices.

Intuitive. The woman entrepreneur trusts her instincts about her product or service, the market, and her business management skills. She uses her instinct as well as her research and her knowledge to guide her business decisions. She knows that her instincts will be what sets her apart from her competitors and will ultimately lead to her success.

Distinctive. People remember this woman. She’s distinctive, her product or service is distinctive, and her company is distinctive. There is nothing ordinary here.

Planner. This woman not only devises and puts down on paper her business plan, she follows it. She doesn’t lose sight of her goals or her methods for reaching her goals. When she reaches a fork in the road, she might explore the alternate route and add it to her business plan, but she never forgets her vision. Her business plan is the written version of the vision she sees in her mind.

Risk-taker. Starting a business isn’t the first time this woman has thrown the dice. She isn’t afraid to bet everything on herself. She has been known to jump before.

True entrepreneurs are a rare breed. They lead their own business. They combine vision with realism. For the true female entrepreneur, the stakes may be high and the odds may be long, but there is no other option.  She’s 100% committed!

Does this resonate with you? What traits do YOU have?

 

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Entrepreneurs Life Professional Development

Action Over Intention

Woman In Shopping Mall Using Mobile Phone

Do these statements sound familiar? “I meant to call you.” “I intended to finish the project before the weekend.” “I’m sorry I forgot your birthday.” I had every intention of being on time.” “I’ve been wanting to take a class, write a book or volunteer.” The truth is we all mean well. The reality is even the most sincere intention has no value without action. The world is full of dreamers. It lacks doers. Intentions are a barometer of what is possible. Actions are putting your intentions in motion. Action, not intention, creates results. The expression, “Action speaks louder than words” is familiar to all of us because it’s so true. Telling me you’re going to do something and not carrying it out is intention, not action.

We measure someone’s character not by what they say, but rather by what they do. Action, on the other hand, always brings results. Results are measurable. Our lives are shaped by what we do consistently. Think of those times you put your dreams into action. How did you feel? Many people don’t actually do what they know needs to be done. Every time you put momentum behind your plan you are already ahead of the crowd! We learn by doing. It’s easy to sit up and observe what’s happening. What’s difficult is getting up and taking action. The stronger your conviction, the stronger your action.

For any intention to become a reality it has to be launched into orbit. To get ahead you have to get started. While the majority of people have ideas; only a minority do something about them. Thinking about what you want to do or hoping something will happen, gets you nowhere. If you don’t make things happen, things will happen to you anyway -without your consent. What have you intended to follow through on? What have you told yourself you were going to do but neglected to implement? What keeps you from moving forward? Every action is a step that will increase your strength, your skill and your confidence.

Getting started has its own reward; action energizes. It strengthens one’s resolve to do more. Putting your thoughts into action requires focus and determination. Begin where you are and go where you want to be. Implement a plan and get started. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Do what you’d rather not do to prepare for what you want. Choose performance over promise; choose action over intention. There is no better time than right now.

What is your plan?

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Entrepreneurs Life

The Treasure of a Journey

11870401 - beautiful child smelling rose against spring flowery background


The following message is taped over my desk: It was given to me by a friend. “If you knew where the treasure is would you enjoy the journey as much, or, would you miss things along the way by focusing on the treasure?”

It’s been my experience that regardless of the outcome I anticipate, sometimes the fulfillment comes from implementing a plan rather than actually achieving the goal! Think about a time that you planned a surprise, arranged the details for a vacation, the years you were in college to earn a degree, overcame a job loss or spent weekends looking for the perfect home to purchase.

While every journey of value has its challenges, how meaningful would reaching the destination be if there were no stories or excitement related to the experience? A significant part of getting what you want is in the road taken to achieve it.

While intellectually this makes sense, if you are like me, I get impatient. When will my plans come together? How much longer must I wait to achieve the rewards I desire? Why is it that the closer I get to something I want, a challenge shows up creating a set back? Are road blocks treasures in disguise? Do we willingly learn life’s lessons or are the lessons we learn the result of our having to alter our course to reach our destination?

The reality is that there is no end to one’s journey. It simply continues day to day, as one experience follows another. The journey embraces the people who impact us, circumstances and changes we can’t control, the choices and decisions we make and the effect of those actions over time.

The road is comprised of trial and error, risks and opportunities, pleasure and disappointment. Through it all, we learn and grow as we move closer to our destination. I encourage you to be patient with yourself and the universe. Take time to experience your journey and enjoy the treasures along the way.

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Entrepreneurs Life Professional Development

10 Ways to Empower Your Soul

90312767 - 2018, silhouette of a woman standing in the sun, blue sky

In 1999, a friend gave me a gift – the following booklet on empowering one’s soul. I recently came across it and thought you, too, would appreciate this simple wisdom.. Sometimes, even the basic lessons of life can have the most profound effect. Consider beginning today to enhance and enrich your life and the lives of those you touch. May 2018 reap limitless rewards and well-being.

Ten Ways to Empower Your Soul

One: Simplify! Simplify! Overcome by clutter? Overweight? Mind and senses on overload? Uncomplicate your life by remembering this simple adage: “Less is more.” Drop the unnecessary and nonessential. Avoid gossip, useless clutter, overindulgence. Cultivate cheerfulness, neatness and a positive attitude. Dress simply, eat simply and practice simplicity in thought, speech and action. Simplify, simplify as you seek a higher purpose in life.

TWO: Choose a Direction. Racing from one commitment to another, overscheduling, trying out one self-improvement method after another, can leave you tired, confused and unsure of what to do next. It’s time to decide what’s important. Slow down! Let your mind become clear as you refocus your intentions. Make conscious choices. Always choose the best possible option. Be unwavering as you choose a direction for your spiritual and worldly life and let life’s distractions pass you by.

THREE: Transcend the Ordinary. If your life lacks spontaneity and surprise, your zest for life has probably fizzled. Unleash the power of your imagination! Walk down a different street. Transform frustration by cultivating patience and kindness. Smile at a stranger. Experience the world with a beginner’s mind. Remember that life is a gift and enjoy each moment.

FOUR: See the Light. Do you feel like you’re existing rather than living? On the brink of boredom? Expand your inner and outer vision to look for beauty and delight in yourself and the world. Choose to be cheerful. Practice being positive. Share your energy by reaching out to help others. Respect and love yourself, your companions and your world. Let your inner self shine and radiate light.

FIVE: Meditate. Mind full of scattered thoughts? Feeling disconnected from your self? Meditation is the answer. Give yourself a few minutes each day to sit quietly. Calm the body and mind. Take notice as you become less affected by the turmoil of life. Through meditation you can return again and again to the center of your being. Meditation gives you the best of life. Love your practice. Doesn’t your spiritual life deserve a few minutes every day?

SIX: Be Fearless. When you’re full of anxiety and fear, be bold! Watch your emotions and breathe deeply as you release tension, anxiety and fear and let them float away. Without condemning yourself or others, correct your misstates and move on. Life in the present moment rather than in past of future thoughts. Avoid procrastination – do what needs to be done at the moment it needs to be done. Become fearless and happy.

SEVEN: Wake Up! If you’re walking blindly through life and have tunnel vision, it’s time to wake up! Our habits deplete or enhance vital, creative energy. Start now to cultivate good habits. Practice breath awareness daily. Take a brisk walk to invigorate body and mind. Set aside time for relaxation. Stretch. Laugh with your loved ones. Learn to see every moment as a chance for new and refreshing opportunities.

EIGHT: Eat for Life. We live in an overfed and under-exercised society. A simple, balanced diet keeps us healthy. Choose whole foods. Prepare them with love. Eat slowly. Chew food thoroughly. Take time to taste the food you’re eating. Whenever possible, eat your main meal at noon and a light meal for dinner. Don’t eat between 7 pm and 7 am. Give thanks for your food and your life.

NINE: Keep Good Company. Just as good food makes you healthy, good company makes you cheerful and uplifts your spirit. The greatest blessing on the spiritual path is the company o fellow aspirants. Cultivate the friendship of those you aspire to emulate. Keep good company to become good company.

TEN: Be Flexible. Backaches, headaches and indigestion can be signs of being stressed out and uptight. Don’t sweat little things. Compromise when possible. Exercise your body – consider yoga, dance, hiking, bike riding, swimming. Exercise your mind – read, reflect, expand. Watch your life change.

I’d love to know which of the 10 ways spoke to you. How will you empower your soul in 2018?

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Entrepreneurs Life

End of Year Round Up

I’m sure I’m in great company with all the other December writers asking you to consider doing an ‘annual’ review! What did you set out to accomplish when 2017 was ushered in?  How often did you review your ‘goals’ list as one month followed another?  Did you fall short, meet or exceed your expectations?  Or, just maybe, you didn’t bother because either you simply ‘live life’ as it presents itself or setting goals just isn’t your thing.  In any case, you’ve made it this far, had experiences both favorable and not so pleasurable and you are now facing yet another New Year.

Wherever you are in your personal/professional life, at some point you’re likely to ‘look back’ to consider what did or didn’t work.  Did you carry out your exercise commitment?  Did you finally lose and keep off unwanted weight?  Did you take the class you told yourself you would?  Maybe you really did stay connected with those that are important to you.   Did you learn new skills, strengthen your spiritual beliefs, volunteer or reach out to others in need?

It’s not for anyway to judge or hold you accountable for anything you did or didn’t do. That’s up to you.  As for me, I find that my focus strengthens, my resolve stays consistent and my outcome worthy of my efforts when I do outline future plans based on past results.  Maybe you will consider ‘looking back’ and deciding for yourself what you might do differently in the future based on the year about to spring forth as 2018.  

You and I know, life is a gift.  Regardless of what we do, what happens with or without our consent, life is still a gift. Being grateful and not taking time for granted are reasons enough to make the best of the days you do have.  As you usher in the new year, take some time to consider your good fortune and implement a plan that fits your style, your desires and the outcome you want when the following ‘next’ year rolls around.

I welcome you to comment on one or two choices you will pursue and for which you will hold yourself accountable! It’s an exercise worthy of your time and you are worthy of having the best life possible!
 

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Entrepreneurs Networking

Discover the 80 – 20 Rule!

I know, you think it’s 20% of the people do 80% of the work OR maybe you’ve heard or read it under different descriptions. Well, I’ve decided to give 80-20 a new relationship:  80% is showing up and 20% is following up!

Others often comment they see me everywhere! IF someone sees me everywhere, doesn’t that imply they’re there, too? The truth is, I do participate often at events in my area.  They may be info seminars, after hours, mixers, regular monthly membership meetings or any other networking opportunity that I believe can produce value.  I like to show up.  Connecting with friends, colleagues and creating new relationships are reasons to show up. You never know who you will meet and the difference you can make it someone’s life. You never know who you will meet and the difference that person can make it your life. The reality is, if you don’t show up, you’ll never know!  

Sometimes, just the thought of changing outfits, getting in late day traffic and being sociable is enough to cause me to think twice about showing up.  Would I rather switch into my sweats, engage in a book or watch mindless television after a full day?  Sometimes, simply “YES”.  Well, what usually happens is I force myself to get up, get out and get going.  With few exceptions, it results in my having a great time.  I’m seen – I’m engaged – and I undoubtedly create new contacts.  When I get in the car,  revisit the event, this is the familiar message that fills my head:  ‘This is what you would’ve missed had you NOT shown up!’

Showing up is a critical part of building one’s business.  How can anyone expect to be ‘top of mind’ if you remain invisible? Sure, there’s social media, email and phone. They are, without question, relevant in today’s crowded and competitive marketplace.  However, for me, showing up – creating conversations – being present for possibilities is 80% of the marketing game. What’s the point of showing up if you don’t want to be remembered AND if you don’t follow up with the contacts you meet when something of mutual benefit is possible? One of the most significant strategies you can implement right now is follow up.  

Reward is in the follow up.  Rarely does anything of monetary value happen between chicken wings, artichoke spread on crackers and wine. The social, networking scene for the most part is a crowded event where conversations are loud, business cards are exchanged (After all, you need a real estate agent, a new insurance agent or financial planner right now, correct?) and the way people think business is conducted.  

I approach it differently. Who might I meet – the few treasures I can discover among the crowd –I think I can assist or might be genuinely interested in speaking with me and learning about my organization? I don’t push a business card on anyone and only ask someone for their card if I believe there’s something of value for both of us. I request someone’s card when I intend to follow up!  Notice, I didn’t say, if.

Don’t get me wrong. Although money may not directly result from a developing relationship, there’s a much better chance for it to happen when a conversation continues, a thank you note is sent, an invitation to a future event is offered or a referral is given. Your ability and commitment to consistently follow up builds your reputation and that’s worth its weight in gold. The respect you create, the relationships you cultivate and the professionalism you deliver will ultimately result in business.  

You must show up and follow up if you want to distinguish yourself from your competitors. By doing so, you are strengthening and building your share of business. Don’t believe me. Test it for yourself and let me know.  You have the first quarter of 2018 to prove me right or wrong.

Categories
Entrepreneurs

The Entrepreneurial Woman In The Marketplace

Who is she? She is empowered, enlightened and enterprising. She exudes energy, enthusiasm and confidence. She has embarked on a journey and created a mission only she can fulfill. She’s a risk taker. She connects. She collaborates. She gives back. The entrepreneurial woman will not be denied. She deserves success and takes pride in her accomplishments. She sets the standard of excellence in all that she does and in all that she is. She endures.

The entrepreneurial woman is unstoppable. She does it all. She creates. She markets. She promotes. She shares resources. She supports other like minded individuals with her ideas, her time, and her talent. It requires courage to be an entrepreneurial woman in today’s marketplace. There’s no fall back. No pay check. No employee benefits. No paid vacations. It’s you, your products and/or services, vying for consumers in an already established economic environment. It’s possessing the fortitude to differentiate yourself from everyone else by finding a unique way to be memorable.

In the early 80’s after completing my 12th year in the teaching profession, I left to pursue my entrepreneurial dream and purchased a franchise. Everyone thought I was crazy. A typical comment was, “How can you give up your career, vacations, benefits, etc to owning a retail business? You’ll have to work year round including weekends!” No one and nothing could persuade me. I was ready. I was determined. I was tired of someone else directing my life. I wanted control even if that meant long hours, hard work and facing the unknown. Twelve years later I owned 6 franchises and became the Regional Director with responsibility to oversee 22 other stores.

I look back on those years with huge satisfaction. I went from school teacher to entrepreneur. I went from a single pay check to multiple streams of income. I proved to myself and those who doubted my determination that I could meet the challenges and survive. I know firsthand what it takes to break away and go out on your own. I know the amount of faith it requires. I also know the rewards that come from doing what you really want to do even if it means following unfamiliar roads to travel an uncertain journey.

The entrepreneurial woman in the marketplace is doing better than surviving. She’s thriving. She’s unique. She’s a gift. She’s a person who endures. It serves us all when we pay attention and support the entrepreneurial woman economically. She takes her tasks seriously, often under promises and over delivers and shows us what is possible by her example. If you are an entrepreneurial woman, congratulations! If you are considering “stepping out on your own”, go for it! I for one am eager to support you, your talent and ideas. I believe others will, too.