Jackpot Dreams for Entrepreneurs
Business inspiration and advice for entrepreneurs
Hearts are racing, hope is mounting, and dreams are brewing as the anticipation grows for tonight’s $1.5 billion dollar Powerball jackpot. I am positive high on the list of any Central New York winners waking up this morning might be escaping today’s arctic blast for the rest of the winter in the Bahamas or buying a second house in Hawaii where the winter winds don’t blow.
Tucked in the dreams of an entrepreneur winning the jackpot might be the same as the non-business owner or it might be filled with a long list of improvements to their company, hiring staff, buying the latest technology, and serving a much larger audience. Perhaps their dreams would include starting a non-profit foundation, donating money to cure cancer or financing the dreams of other people they care about. We would feel unbelievable if we could do all the things a billion dollar jackpot could provide to us.
If the numbers on your lotto ticket are not the perfect match to every red ball rolling out of the jackpot machine tonight, it doesn’t mean you can’t start some of your billion dollar dreams. We might not be able to give as much away or help as many people, but if those items were important to us before we landed the incredible sum of money, why can’t we budget some time and resources this year to do them anyway just on a smaller scale.
Today’s post is to challenge you right now to write down the list of things you would do with the billion dollar jackpot to boost your business, support more customers, serve clients better, give to important community efforts, and support funding for health related causes close to your heart. When you awake tomorrow morning perhaps not rolling in the billion dollar dough, I hope you will seriously consider doing what is on your list. We really don’t need $1.5 billion dollars to make a difference, do we? Sometimes it takes recognition of what changes we want to make coupled with the passion to make a change.
I know tomorrow will be like any other day for me as I market, promote and unite women entrepreneurs online and in person across New York State to help them increase their opportunities for sales and create new economic connections. If by chance I have the right six numbers, I will continue my dedication to the women I’ve served for 21 years but with some surprise free funding for them. Whatever the outcome tomorrow, let’s keep dreaming big together today and every day.
Taking the Next Step in an Entrepreneurial Venture
Business and entrepreneurial wisdom for women entrepreneurs
A few years ago I met a woman entrepreneur who was on her way to making a million dollar in sales. By all accounts, she appeared as a successful businesswomen to the community. Little did anyone know she had created and failed with two other companies.
Through numerous conversations with this woman, I discovered she felt the success of the third enterprise rested on the lessons she learned from the failures of the first two. She also admitted creating a highly successful business was because she was truly ready and prepared to achieve victory as an entrepreneur. The quote “Adversity is so much a part of business that it just might be the key ingredient to success,” rings true in this example.
As women we have an instinct of knowing when we are ready for personal changes like getting married, having children, moving away from home and leaving behind poor relationships. We might not realize we have the same instinct when it comes to business transitions. The number of years running a company,fluctuating sales figures, changing economic times or our personal maturity as an entrepreneur can cause an instinctive desire to embrace transformation if we just pay attention to the voice inside.
When we are confused about the next step in our entrepreneurial venture, we need to dedicate time to hearing the instinctive message resonating within. Our instinct combined with facts, figures and a plan can lead us in a new corporate direction. Any angst we sense, and any adversity in the way, can be exactly what we need to finally more forward and create the success we really desire.
Today’s I suggest you find time this week to focus on what your instincts are telling you. Flush them out. Focus on what they mean. Determine what you want to do with this new knowledge and then take some risks towards moving in a new direction.
A quote that has always helped me in times of decision has been, “If I don’t try, I won’t fail; and if I fail I’ll just get up and try again.” It has served me well during adverse times; I hope it does the same for you.
Be the Solution – The Power of YouTube Tutorials for Entrepreneurs
Business advice for women entrepreneurs and small business owners
Yesterday instead of watching the NFL Playoff games which I waited for all week, I found myself staring at a repetitive computer email problem I just couldn’t fix. As time went on the frustration mounted and my usual logic and clarity was frozen like the fingers of the fans watching the Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks game. There was nothing I could do to override the feeling of despair and my lack of computer knowledge so I finally walk away from my screen with a loss much like the hopeful Vikings.
When everything rides on the shoulders of a woman entrepreneur or solo business owner and trouble arises, we can be overly zealous in our attempts to correct the problems on our own. We are fiercely independent to a fault and have a tendency to waste time trying to figure out a solution to a problem rather than calling in support especially when a problem arises on a weekend.
The fantastic thing about Monday mornings is the hope and resolve entrepreneurs face to get up and start anew with a fresh week. As I watched the recap of the playoff games I missed at 5 a.m. this morning on my treadmill, the sudden idea and clarity of searching on YouTube to find a tutorial to solve my dilemma spiraled into my mind like a perfect Russell Wilson pass. Boom.
Fifteen minutes later after watching a simple YouTube tutorial on how to fix my computer email problem, the issue was fixed. No longer was I frozen with worry about not being able to communicate with my membership or send out vital communication to clients, I was up and running with a new breath and life after watching a 15 minute video clip.
Today’s Monday Motivation is to remind you that YouTube has videos to help you with most problems – from learning how to fill out a W-4 form to setting up a Gmail account to even writing a press release. The next time you are frustrated turn to YouTube to find a solution. It’s much easier than sitting in a sub-zero NFL game cheering on your favorite team.
Star Wars & Me…Who Knew?
This is a special blog written by one of our Women TIES members who has an adventure in Ireland every single time she goes there to buy jewelry for her business. This trip is tied in with #StarWars….see why.
When I headed off to Ireland this past August, I never thought that I would be climbing the vast, jagged rock featured at the end of the new STAR WARS movie The Force Awakens.
A little background…the vast, jagged rock is named Skellig Michael, a UNESCO world Heritage Site. Located off the coast of Kerry, it is home to the ruins of a monastery built by monks between the 6th and 8th centuries. For safety and conservation reasons, visitors are limited to 15,000 per year and the only way to access the island is by boat from May to October. One must climb 660 treacherous steps to reach the ruins of the monastery. A risky trip for sure with many risks — 2 American tourist fell to their deaths in 2009.
Since I kept a diary during my trip, here is a first hand account of the scariest day of my…
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Business advice and inspiration for women entrepreneurs
As I sat in the beautiful venue that was converted from a garage to an event room at a beautiful spa in Clinton, New York, I realized I was sitting inside a woman
entrepreneur’s dream. The space which once occupied cars, lawn mowers and garden equipment was now filled with 25 women from all walks of life discussing their unique hopes for a wonderful new start to the year. Transformation has a way of converting the ordinary into something extraordinary in so many different ways.
As I participated in a unique visioning session being held in this quaint new space, I was transported to a quiet place within where my own expectations for the
New Year existed. I found myself walking on the beautiful white sands of Sanibel Island, Florida, my most favorite place in the world, looking out at a sea foam
green ocean contemplating my thoughts and hopes for my life, business and the women I serve.
Although I was in a creative space at the moment, my mind was flooded with comments from an end of the year survey I conducted with members and women who read my inspirational e-newsletter each week. I wanted their comments to surface in this quiet space so I could best see how to help them more. Images of green dollar bills floated on the salty green water sending me the quiet message I needed to receive.
What I realized from the survey comments was no matter how hard women entrepreneurs work at their companies, they are not satisfied with the amount of money they make. I can attest to this after 20 years as an entrepreneur. I know if I compared my salary the past twenty years as a business owner to what I would have earned in a career in higher education, the retirement fund would be larger, my dream of having a house on my favorite island more of a reality and the pain of paying my son’s college bills less.
No matter how much I want to reside in this tranquil place one day, the reality is my salary as an entrepreneur will not afford me this dream. I am not disappointed by the revelation because my purpose as an entrepreneur is about more than the money in the bank; it is about trying to change the world for women. I did walk away from the vision was a focus to bring the discussion of money into the forefront for women entrepreneurs this year. I want to ensure women are doing all they can to make as much money as they forecast instead of burying our heads in the white sand about it.
Today’s post is to encourage you to commit to focusing harder on your financial figures and income dreams in 2016. If you are satisfied with what you earn for the time, I applaud you. If you struggle with equating what you make for how hard you work then join me in some lively discussion and plans to help our financial situations. Everything in life and business is possible if we commit to enlightening conversations and action plans.
Someday I want my vision of the white sands of Sanibel Island to be dotted with pink houses owned by women entrepreneurs who have worked smart to earn what they need to live a good life and retire in peace. I hope you join me in this vision and walk on the beach.
The Value of a Press Release
Business and marketing advice for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
In 2016 I have pledged to share more of my 20 years of business knowledge with the women entrepreneurs I served and my faithful followers of my blog and weekly e-newsletter. After 2 decades in business, I know my wealth of experience and education should be shared with more entrepreneurs through my writing and speaking engagements. My business life, like my personal life, has always been about service to others. Here is a new way to serve my constituents.
The Value of a Press Release
Keep in mind the media is looking for news 365 days a year, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. They scour resources for interesting information and experiences of the average person who can enlighten, educate or share an experience to help their listeners, readers or viewers. Your news – whether personal or business – can be directed to the media to help them with their stories.
Below is a perfect example of a really exciting press release I wrote for one of my Women TIES members who will have an international spotlight shined on her and her company. She was wise to know being interviewed for an international story like the Oscar Pistorius case might be of interest to local, regional and national media. Women TIES was happy to produce this simple press release for her and to send it to 50 media outlets. After receiving a few calls from media already, we know her story resonates with them.
The question today for you is “What story, experience, knowledge or event are you involved in 2016 that the media may find useful for their audience?” I challenge you to make a list and learn more about how to write or distribute press releases or hire a firm to help you. Good luck. Remember, “Any PR is Great PR.”
Here is a copy of the release we sent on our member’s behalf:
CENTRAL NEW YORK WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR SELECTED TO REVIEW EVIDENCE IN OSCAR PISTORIUS CASE AND FEATURED IN SOUTH AFRICAN DOCUMENTARY
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK: Anita Zannin, Founder of AZ Forensic Associates, LLC, a Central New York company, has been selected by a South African based television production company to discuss key forensic issues not addressed in the Oscar Pistorius case.
On January 2-3, 2016 Carte Blanche, South Africa’s premier current affairs and news program, similar to CBS’s 60 Minutes Show and highly respected for its integrity and quality of journalism, will be in the United States to interview Anita Zannin, Founder of AZ Forensic Associates, LLC regarding the Oscar Pistorius Case. Zannin created AZ Forensics, LLC, in 2010 to provide an objective and accurate evaluation of legal cases requiring applications for forensic science. The company was founded in Syracuse, NY and recently relocated to Buffalo, NY.
Zannin will discuss key forensics that were not addressed or very superficially discussed during the investigation and presentation in court regarding the bloodstain evidence, pathology and shooting reconstruction of the Oscar Pistorius case.
“I am honored to provide expert insight on this well-known case based on my qualifications and reputation,” stated Zannin, who has two Bachelor of Science degrees from Buffalo State and a Master of Science degree from Syracuse University. Zannin’s background also includes creation of a tissue bank to better serve the Central New York community and teaching courses in the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute at Syracuse University for 4 years.
Carte Blanche has aired in Africa for 27 years and goes out on a satellite platform which is seen in 48 countries in Africa. They were responsible for the live court broadcasts during the Pistorius trial that was seen around the globe. Their new documentary is intended for wide international distribution.
For information on the interview, contact Anita Zannin 716-913-8530 or to learn more about AZ Forensics at http://www.az-forensics.com. ####
Today we hope you are inspired in 2016 to use press release more often! Reach out to us if you need one produced. We love sharing other entrepreneurs news.
Goals for a Fresh New Year
Business advice for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
Fresh fallen snow outside my window this first Monday morning of a new business year correlates with the blank, white notepad ready to be inked with my “to do list.” As I begin to put pen to paper and fingers to keyboard, I realize I begin my list with too many small details as I begin. It is only 4 days into a new year and I’m already trying to micromanage my duties.
I stop. I back up for a moment, push my chair away from my desk, take a look outside the tranquil setting and begin again. On the top of the list the second time I write 4 bullet points:
* Big Goals
* Timely Goals
* Small Goals
* Budget Time & Money Per Goal
Although my writing mind is creative and free, my business mind is logical and practical – a perfect balance similar to being enveloped in the air of the toasty fireplace in my office with the cool crisp chill emulating from the large picture windows next to my desk. “Balance is essential if 2016 is to be successful,” I tell myself.
As I begin my 21st year as a woman entrepreneur I also know that time, money and priorities must be planned out wisely if one is to achieve business, financial and entrepreneurial goals. Although it can be hard to ink our desires, stick to them and see them evolve, we must begin in order to move forward. It’s mandatory to set goals, check back on goals, applaud successes, revise failures and continue to proceed in order to achieve.
Today’s blog post is to inspire you to stop before you start this morning. Glance outside your window especially if you live in Upstate New York with a blanket of fresh snow and take your time to set big, timely and small goals for 2016 followed by a weekly or monthly action plan to accomplish them. Today is the day to embrace a blank slate and fill it with what you envision for 2016. Stay warm and inspired my friends.
Reaching Your Pinnacle of Success in 2016
Business Advice for Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business in 2016
As the ball dropped in Times Square on January 1st with Ryan Seacrest, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and a crowd of millions cheering on the New Year, I thought of these superstars’ individual successes and the hard work needed to perch them high above a crowd of adoring fans. It’s easy to think that fame, fortune and national success happens easily because the media makes it look that way.
The truth is every single person in this world, no matter what profession they are in, must work extremely hard to arrive at the pinnacle of success within their field. If we could flash back to these star’s early days, we’d find no cameras following Carrie around, less fans cheering on the popular country male singer and millions less in their bank accounts. Basic, bare bone existence is where they started and also where the average person or a woman entrepreneur must start to make something glamorous occur in their lives.
Building a singing career or a business as a woman entrepreneur are similar because people aren’t handed money in the beginning of their ventures or adoring fans following them or the media profiling their stories. They must care deeply about their own success to do really well. Achievement only happens after years of hard work are completed.
But sometimes we get a little help from outside sources when our competitors, the marketplace or a shift in interest sets us back momentarily only forcing us to return to our roots to rebuild wiser with the knowledge and experience we have gained and with fans, media, and followers cheering us on.
Change doesn’t have to be an excruciating process; it can be an enlightening one. There are times on everyone’s entrepreneurial road when deconstructing a business to structure it again or jumping into our competitor’s mindset or re-evaluating our new goals empower us to strive bigger, better and higher than we imagined. My hope is 2016 is the year you reach the pinnacle of success in your field.
Holiday Blog Post: Live Your Life to the Fullest
Inspiration for women entrepreneurs and business owners
Today’s special blog post has a holiday message meant for our faithful blog followers. It has become a tradition to share this special post each year because its meaning is timeless and because the holidays are about starting and celebrating traditions. This unexpected Christmas gift was one I was given two years ago but one that resonates in my heart every day. I hope it inspires and blesses you this holiday season.
I received an unexpected Christmas gift two years ago – one I could have never imagined or ever hoped for.
A good friend of my husband and I who battled ovarian cancer for five years was admitted to Francis House in Syracuse. Understanding the Francis House provides a beautiful home and an extended family to people with terminal illnesses so they can die with dignity and experience the unconditional love of God, I knew our friend had a week to live. The news came as a shock although we knew she was still battling the disease.
Debbie was a woman who had a very large spirit and joyful personality. She was tenacious about beating the disease and not letting the disease beat her. So when we received a special invitation from her husband to join him for a surprise “celebration” at the Francis House one evening we accepted immediately. Knowing how much she wanted to see all the people she loved, he threw her one last party and invited 40 of her closest family and friends.
I’ll never forget the smile on her face and the joy that radiated from her as she entered a room full of loved ones. She had the grace and dignity to thank everyone with a powerful speech that couldn’t have been written better by Hollywood writers. Everyone had a chance to celebrate with her one more time and with each other, to take a photo with her, to say good-bye to her when she was alive and not at a funeral home, to say all the things that mattered, and to leave with a lighter heart than when they arrived.
I said to her husband as I left, “You have given everyone here one of the greatest gifts of all time – you gave us the gift of being together to celebrate her while she was still alive and to see her happy one last time.” I will always remember her in that happy moment.
Two days later Debbie passed away with her husband by her side and 40 people very grateful for the amazing memory of her last celebration filled with pure love and friendship. It was an early Christmas present and a gift I will never forget.
This special blog post is to remind you to live life with as much joy as you can. To take the time to tell the ones you love, what they mean to you. To celebrate the good and bad times together with those who mean the most to you. It’s truly a gift for the ages and one we must give ourselves every day of our lives.
I wish you and your loved ones a very blessed Christmas and prosperous new business year.
Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham, Women TIES
Great Entrepreneurs Apologize When Needed
Business advice for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
I couldn’t help but notice the full page letter in this morning’s Syracuse Post Standard from Chipotle Founder Steve Ellis apologizing for the recent E. coli outbreaks that sickened 140 people in a Boston restaurant. I paid extra attention to the story because I am positive my son who was a Boston College Basketball Manager two years ago would have eaten there with the team who got sick in the outbreak if he didn’t graduate a year ago.
Last week I also happened to catch Steve Ellis’ interview on Today Show. I applaud him for is his honest approach to rectifying this major incident and his sincere apology seen on air and in print. I am sure the Syracuse newspaper isn’t the only place this full page ad appears across the nation.
Women entrepreneurs and small business owners can take a lesson from Mr. Ellis. First of all, we must be willing to recognize when we make a mistake that affects our customers and be forthright and honest in addressing this issue. We must then find an immediate solution. We must be strong enough to apologize for our company’s errors because as the CEO of an enterprise we hold ultimate responsibility for any negative that occurs.
Although I have not eaten at a Chipotle Restaurant Steve’s apology, his commitment to making his restaurant chain the safest in the industry by implementing superior improvements to ensure this doesn’t happen again and then spending advertising dollars to share the information with consumers, makes me willing to eat at his restaurant in the future.
Business owners should never forget public relations is an essential tool when trouble arises. We must be educated in when and how to deliver important media statements when needed. We must be willing to communicate honestly with our valued clients. We need to deliver an apology when it is necessary because it will counter act anything bad that occurred under our watch and because it is the right thing to do.
Women TIES 