Lessons From Today’s ESPN Desk From the Perspective of A Woman
Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
Periodically I take a “lunch break” from my entrepreneurial duties and turn on ESPN to change my business mind to something else for a few minutes. I happened to turn on ESPN today just as they were announcing the Baltimore Ravens Football Team released Ray Rice from their team and the NFL banned Rice for a year. I wasn’t mesmerized by the headline as much as I was by the commentators – all men – supporting the decision based on the cruelty of domestic violence.
I am personally surrounded by men – a husband and two sons – who wonder periodically why I am so adamant about standing up for women in business and women’s rights in general. I don’t expect men to feel the exact same women feel about certain issues but I have always tried to give a female’s perspective on world issues around my table, in the living room and when I’m playing sports with my sons. They need to hear my voice – a female’s voice.
After watching the ESPN news, I received a phone call from one of my members and we had a conversation about women in politics. We discussed the fact more women’s voices need to be heard from around more than our own tables and in our own living rooms, but in the media, politics and business. If I learned one thing today from these two occurrences, it’s that the world is changing – everyone’s perspective is changing. It’s becoming more pink and not so much blue. Living in a world of purple where everything is equally female and male should be the goal. Ironically purple is the color of the Baltimore Raven’s team colors.
I’m proud of my 20 year commitment to help women entrepreneurs earn more money and to give them the opportunity to even the financial playing field for themselves. I’m proud of the women in my organization who support their sister entrepreneurs across New York State. I am also proud of the men in traditional settings like around the ESPN news table who declare their support in ending domestic violence. The world it is a changing….and it’s for the good of its entire people. The horizon might just have another hue – purple.
What Is Your Moment of Entrepreneurial Commitment?
Business Advice for Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
“What was your moment of commitment to your business,” was a question asked to three women entrepreneurs yesterday. The women answered the question with unique answers. One said, “It was when I started my business in debt and I knew I had no choice but to make it financially successful because I owed money.” Another one replied, “The moment I realized I didn’t have a true mission and vision for my company and it was imperative to create one to take the business to the next level.” The third one said, “When I added staff and was committed to their financial future as well as my own.”
I thought about my answer silently as the conversation continued. Would you know how to answer that question if I asked you right this minute to tell when you knew without a doubt you were committed to the financial success of your business? I’m sure your answer is as unique as the women at yesterday’s meeting.
As women business owners, we possess passions that propel us to start our companies. But as you know entrepreneurship is not easy. The road is not even, the vistas ahead unknown, the turns and curves unexpected; but at some point when we are driving down the business highway about to make a decision to get off, we stay the course. It might be because we have an “Aha” moment – a moment of commitment – when we discover we need to step up our game to keep our businesses alive.
As much as we need passion to keep running our companies, we need something more important – profitability. We must commit to making our enterprises that much stronger financially. The women who were at the meeting yesterday will be part of the Women TIES Retreat Financial Roundtable sharing how they made their companies more profitable in order to inspire other women to do the same.
Today’s business post is meant to inspire you to think about the recent or past moment when you committed to making your business better. It might have been when you decided there was nothing else you wanted to do or nowhere else you wanted to be in your career. Perhaps it was when you were tired of not making enough money, taking on the wrong clients, or keeping things too status quo to excel; those were your moments of commitment. Write them down. Keep them visible. Let them inspire you. If you don’t have one, maybe today is the day to have your moment.
Commitment is a promise, a pledge, or an obligation to something. Embrace your moments of commitment to your profession, your business, and your entrepreneurial life and make it financially better.
Sponsorship Support: A Great Business Advertising Option
There are as many ways to advertise a business. Besides traditional advertising in the paper, radio or television, an entrepreneur can also use social media marketing like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterst, Google, YouTube, and blogs. Every day new social media marketing options are making it easier for entrepreneurs to market their latest developments.
But one significant way to promote your name you might forget about is sponsorship. By sponsoring an event, program or even an organization, you allow other companies to market your name in exchange for sponsorship monies. Sponsorship marketing is often seen as a fun and creative way to create a buzz about your business – especially to a specific demographic you are interested in reaching.
The promotional benefits of sponsorship vary depending on the sponsorship contribution and the marketing avenues of the company/organization hosting the sponsorship opportunity. Ask for a sponsorship packet if you consider supporting a local business or non-profit event. The marketing exposure should be outlined extensively for you and the organizer willing to answer your questions.
At our annual September conference for New York State women entrepreneurs, my company offers outstanding promotional benefits for other women business owners who want to market their companies to our demographic. Not only do they benefit from the exposure, their funds help us produce a quality event and support some complimentary tickets for women who might not be able to afford to attend the event otherwise.
As a woman entrepreneur, you should also consider obtaining sponsorships for your own regular or annual events if you feel you have the promotional, marketing and advertising avenues to promote other companies interested in your demographic.
I would personally like to thank our current sponsors of our annual Retreat and hope you click on their links to find out more about them. That’s how symbiotic marketing relationships work!
A special thank you to: SUNY Oswego, Becky’s Graphic Design, John Arquette Elenore Arquette of John Arquette Properties, The Business Journal News Network, Brophy Services, The DeClutter Coach, Tap Into Your Center, Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center of New York State, Income 180
Communication Power
Business advice for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
Sometimes it is difficult to be extremely honest when handling a thorny situation as a woman. Most women like to smooth out rough patches in relationships and compromise to keep communications flowing. But sometimes unprofessional behaviors or unfair situations challenge women to communicate assertively to get their point across.
I discovered this a couple times this week in two circumstances that took me off guard. Being known as someone who gets along well with a majority of people, I was surprised at my reaction by two tough situations that prompted me to use powerful words to convey my honest sentiments. It’s much easier to say nothing, than to say something sometimes.
What I know is if we fail to speak our minds, we lose the power of our voice. There is nothing more powerful than owning your beliefs and letting others know where you stand, especially if you disagree with a circumstance, opinion or action.
We all wish we were perfect communicators getting our points across or opinions understood for the sake of business success. As our September Retreat keynote speaker Lisa Giruzzi, President of Transformational Conversations, states “Speaking powerfully in every business situation is essential for success especially in today’s world where women still feel like they are not being heard. Your power is seen and felt dramatically in the way you communicate.”
Today’s post is meant to have you ask yourself, Am I powerful communicator? Do people I love understand and respect what I say? Do my customers comprehend my mission? As the leader of my company, do I communicate brilliantly all the time or do my skills need improvement? Have I paid attention to my communication style lately and whether it is hindering or helping my business?
A majority of women entrepreneurs were not communication majors and yet conversing with everyone who comes in contact with our business is essential for our public relations health. If it’s been awhile since you fine-tuned your communication skills to be a more effective entrepreneur, why not come hear Lisa’s expert advice and walk away with the secrets to speaking powerfully and getting better results.
Women Entrepreneurs: An Invitation to “Retreat” in September
One month from today, if you are a woman entrepreneur, you could be sitting in a beautiful wooded setting overlooking a pond with golden leaves adorning the trees in the view. The sun will filter in an amazing tall window wall as women gather. Beside you will be other women business owners from the six regions we travel to during the year.
The fireplace room will be lined with women exhibiting their wares and services. The binder you hold will contain a way for you to reach all the women in your midst when the day ends to create business “ties.” Your ears will ring with wisdom from ten successful women business owners sharing business strategies with you all day long. You may laugh or cry at the stories they share.
Your spirit will fill as you open yourself up to the lessons of the day. A harpist will serenade you; a vocalist will move you and a plethora of awarding winning food will fill you.
This is what the “Inspiring Success: The Women TIES Retreat” looks and feels like. It garners a 90% approval rating every year. We keep the program the same, the women together, the program flowing with the main thought of educating, inspiring and connecting women who we love and help promote year round.
If September 25th is open on your calendar, I hope you’ll pencil this special event in and register soon. We work hard year-round for one reason – and one reason only – to help women become more financially successful by gathering them together at events, online and through social media to increase their brand name and sales potential.
I hope you take me up on this special invitation to “retreat” from your business for one day. I look forward to greeting you on September 25th in the stunning lobby of the Lodge at Welch Allyn which is snuggled into one of the quaintest towns in New York State. It will be a day to remember so click here for more details or to register. I hope to see you there!
Viral Marketing: The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Phenomenon
Business advice for women entrepreneurs and small business owners
You have seen it everywhere….the buzz, the videos, the ice buckets. If you ever wondered how viral marketing works or how to create a viral marketing reaction, you can witness it in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge sweeping the nation now. I have seen stars like Justin Timberlake, athletes like Derek Jeter and whole teams like the Cortland State Football Team partake in the icy challenge.
I was nominated and participated in the challenge last week for a couple reasons: I was nominated by one of my customers, my son graduated from Boston College where Pete Frates, another BC alum, and the inspiration behind the challenge began, and because I have a SUNY Oswego college classmate suffering from ALS.
If you follow my business blog you know I always find entrepreneurial inspiration in everyday occurrences. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has motivated me to highlight simple business advice for other women entrepreneurs to use to gain similar attention and goodwill for their own companies like it’s done for the ALS Foundation. Here are the tips:
* No matter how serious your business products or services are to the community, use fun, engaging and shareable marketing campaigns to get them talking about your company or mission. It doesn’t take more than a bucket of ice, some water and creativity to create a fun and memorable marketing campaign.
* Social media marketing tools like Facebook and Twitter are excellent ways to engage your followers and friends to share your message with others. Like anything else in life, you have to “ask” for the help in sharing your news. Don’t be afraid to promote business news, helpful information for consumers, and fun tidbits to help the community on social media. If you don’t ask, you won’t have anyone helping you.
* Reflect on other unique ways you can create a “buzz” about your business. Think about what matters to your customers when it comes to what you do for them and what you offer and then play with some ideas. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a buzz, you need inspiration.
I have loved Boston College for a number of reasons and to me the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is also about Pete Frates and its alumni doing something great to “light the world on fire.” In this case, it was done with ice.
Business Wisdom: Do You have Sophomore Year Mentality
There’s something special about first-time experiences whether it’s opening up your first business, traveling to a new destination, buying your first house, going out on your first date, or watching your child drive off in the car for the first time. First-time occasions are the best for so many reasons but mainly because you are experiencing them without knowing their outcome.
If you remember back to your own school days, you might recall your sophomore year wasn’t nearly as exciting as your freshman one. If you are like most women entrepreneurs, your second year in business probably was harder than your first one. Enthusiasm during the first year launching a company wanes its sophomore year. I know for a fact after twenty years of speaking to hundreds of women entrepreneurs the second year is the hardest year; when you really need to put your nose to the grindstone for sales.
As my son settled into his sophomore year at Syracuse University yesterday he said to me, “I don’t think this year will be the same as last year – not nearly as fun. I have to really focus on studying, joining professional clubs and doing more work.” It sounds familiar to any business woman entering their second, fifth or tenth year in business. The glamour of being a business owner fades as revenue projections aren’t realized, customer numbers aren’t increasing, more competitors enter the market, and their perspective changes.
Nothing feels the same forever. What is new; always becomes old. So when it comes to maintaining a positive energy, a forward thinking mindset and progressive changes to our once-new-companies, we must dig deep to get back to work, bring new education, connections and light into our entrepreneurial lives to keep moving forward and accomplishing goals.
Today’s post is meant for you to ask yourself, “Have I been living in a sophomore year mentality lately?” Have you developed a lackluster approach to your business? Do you feel like running your company is more about the grindstone than the glory? If so, contemplate why you feel the way you do or why your enterprise is running the way it is. It might be a natural part of its evolution or maybe you need to revitalize yourself to move forward with more energy. Fall is the perfect time to get charged up again.
Remember we can never repeat the first time experience in anything in our lives, but we can use their memories to re-ignite and strengthen our minds and spirit and fill us with enthusiasm again.
Reasons to Grow Your Business
I loved the response to a phone call I had made to one of my busy members. The message said, “Feel free to reach out to my new business manager this week” For the past two years this member has extensively promoted her company. Like many busy women entrepreneurs she promotes and sells whenever she can; but this particular woman had a goal and that goal was realized this year.
The goal was to increase the number of divisions in her company and the staff to run the divisions. She wanted to grow to the point where she couldn’t handle any more duties on her own – a time that would allow her to work “on” her business, not “in” her business. Now she has talented individuals handling jobs she has created out of hard work and a lot of effort.
So if you are a solo business owner wondering how to get to the point when you can say, “Feel free to reach out to my business manager” than consider the advice we’ve witnessed from this highly successful woman over the years:
Realize You Cannot Do It All By Yourself – “Another mouth to feed” can be scary in itself, but if you want to grow your business, you have to grow your business. Dependable employees can and do make all the difference.
Don’t Just Create a Staff, Create a Team – Why should you hire staff because your Business standards become difficult to maintain; your work/life is out of balance; and you need to free up time to work on expanding the business.
Benefits of Hiring Staff – It will enhance professionalism and create increased creditability. It also sets the stage for additional business growth.
Use the Fear – If you are scared about making the decision to add staff, check your gut. It is scary because it is a big step or because it is wrong. Follow your instincts, then call create a plan if you want to move ahead.
Highlights of “Running” A Business
Business advice for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
As I ran over the bridge leading to Cousin’s Island with the calm Maine waters below my feet and the morning sun rising over the horizon lighting my path, I rejoiced that it was August 8th once again, the day I was “born” a woman entrepreneur. The setting for signing my DBA papers was not as picturesque as my morning Mid-Coast Maine run, rather a sterile government business office where my entrepreneurial life began 19 years ago. I couldn’t have guessed then the brilliant hues that would invade my life as a woman entrepreneur.
I’ve learned a lot about business, myself and other women business owners during my 19 year run as I reminisced crossing Cousin Island’s bridge. Not only were the tide waters flowing into the cove, but my mind and heart were flowing with lessons I learned the past two decades. They came to my mind as my joy and gratitude of the morning run greeted my happiness and thankfulness for my long 19 year business “run.”
I run every morning because it keeps me healthy and brings me peace. I run a business that promotes, supports and connects women entrepreneurs because it’s my personal mission to help as many women entrepreneurs as I can become more financially successful by doing business with each other across the great state of New York. I have never needed a sunny morning run to make me feel good about what I do, I have only needed to listen to my heart, my soul and the words of women who tell me my company does for them makes a difference.
I hope you have an extraordinary business day. Remember the words of your customers. Celebrate your successes and bask in the personal motivation you have always had to run your amazing business. You are making a difference in this world. Keep on running.
Check back on Wednesday when I’ll recapture the five top business lessons I want to share with you after 19 years of witnessing successful women entrepreneurs and running my own businesses. I am sure they will illuminate your business day.
Women Entrepreneurs: Soak in the Compliments
After hosting a national speaker who spoke on a new topic which I created for her she said after the event, “Thank you again for having the idea for this new topic. You really can’t imagine how much of an impact that decision is going to make on my speaking career.”
Recently a new member approached me at an event exclaiming how her membership had landed her a paid speaking gig because she listed herself on our Speaker’s Bureau of Women – which has become a popular place for members to be found and offered speaking opportunities. There was something about these two compliments that has stuck with me for a week.
As woman entrepreneurs we hope our products and services benefit others. We are in business to not only make money; but to provide positive assistance to our customers and the marketplace. It’s why we are so passionate about our offerings. So when we hear compliments or receive testimonials, do we take them seriously or just push them aside because we are too busy to soak them in?
It’s a proven fact that when a customer complains, we focus more on the negativity of their remarks and replicate them repeatedly in our minds. It also occurs when we personally experience poor customer service or a bad business situation ourselves. We will share the negative experience with many more people than when we have a positive customer experience.
Today’s post is meant for you to ask yourself, “Am I truly valuing the positive feedback, remarks and compliments I receive from customers or am I too focused on the negative critiques I receive periodically?” Do you keep a list of client testimonials? You should! Do you harbor criticism from your customers? You shouldn’t! Really ask yourself today, “Do I relish in my successes or am I stuck in client failures?”
What you choose to focus on every day will determine your outlook and positively or negatively affect your decisions. Choose wisely and take my suggestion to soak in those glorious compliments more often.
Women TIES 