Entrepreneurial Wisdom: “I Was Born To Do This”

Sometimes life’s wisdom comes to you when you open your office doors in the morning and turn on your computer to start your day. Four beautiful quotes from three historic women, who have changed the world, welcomed me as I prepared my own words of wisdom for the women entrepreneurs I support, promote, unite and serve. The inspirational words were too good to keep to myself this cold February morning so I have folded them into my editorial.

The first quote was by Susan B. Anthony which made perfect sense as I glanced out my window at yesterday’s snow pack, “The older I get the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball – the further I am rolled the more I gain.” This second sentiment stated by modern day woman Maya Angelo, mirrored Anthony’s quote, “Nothing will work unless you do.” The third sentiment came from a four minute video recording of Jane Goddall, an environmental activist, who said, “If you really want something you have to be prepared to work very hard, take advantage of opportunity and above all never give up.”

Lately I have been hosting thirty minute conversation with my members – female business owners – who have asked me to talk to them about recent entrepreneurial dilemmas and struggles. Every situation they share appears unique to them; and yet is universal based on the women I have worked with for two decades. Listening to them discuss the difficulties when it comes to making money, most likely is the reason the three sentiments moved me this morning. Lending my advice and support on subjects like not making enough money and wanting to give up their companies, doesn’t feel like sufficient at times although listening to their worries appears to help them.

Women love to be inspired by other women and perhaps that is why the words from Susan B. Anthony, Maya Angelo and Jane Goodall were meant for me to read and share this morning. They provide a spark of hope to push forward with hard work to change the world and pay ourselves a good living. We can have both of these if we want but it takes resolve and fortitude to press on. Jane Goddall at the age of 80 said, “I wish I could go back in time and contribute even more to the world because there is so much left to do.”

Today take notice on how you feel right now about your business endeavors. If you are feeling like your efforts aren’t producing enough results, like enough customers, revenue or contributions to the world, there is still plenty of time to change that starting today. Ask yourself in Jane Goddall’s words, “Do I need to work harder and take advantage of more opportunities to be more successful?” If the answer is yes, seize educational opportunities, speak with other women, hire a consultant, join an industry organization, set very specific goals and action plans to do what needs to be done to change your situation to a more fruitful one. First it takes realization and then hard work and action like these three women did.