Women-owned businesses are on the rise, and with them come numerous tax benefits and resources to help these businesses grow and succeed. From tax credits to government-sponsored grants and loans, there are many opportunities available to women entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. Tax Benefits for Women-Owned Businesses One of the primary tax benefits … [Read more...]
Why the Best Business Advice Comes From an Unexpected Source
Last July, I had a bit of a meltdown. I got sick and tired of being in Facebook groups and not seeing much return. I felt I had to be in them all the time, and I was so obsessed, it interfered with my sleep. Before that, I had tried letters of introduction, LinkedIn, and a million and one other different strategies trying to make the business work. But there was always a piece … [Read more...]
How Authenticity Empowers Leaders – Even Introverts
I’ve learned a lot about leadership over the years. The biggest lesson? Being authentic makes you a better leader. That means showing up as your true self at work — and for me, that means embracing being an introvert. Doing that has helped me improve the way I communicate with others, embrace new thoughts and ideas, and foster trust throughout my team. Years ago, I was part … [Read more...]
The Inequity of Equal Pay for Equal Work
From the very moment I decided to jump headfirst into an industry nontraditional to women, I was always clear about needing to show up with my full self. There was never a time when I believed in not giving my very best in pursuit of professionalism and skill mastery. Because of the intrinsic nature of wanting to be the very best at whatever it was I was doing, there was never … [Read more...]
It’s Not You, It’s The System: Reframing Imposter Syndrome
Recent headlines have touted the record-breaking 10% representation of female CEOs in the top Fortune 500 companies for the first time in its 68-year history. Forbes, for example, led with New Year, New Glass Heights: Women Now Comprise 10% of Top US Corporation CEOs. But should we really be celebrating a figure like 10%? At a time when women outnumber men in college … [Read more...]
Why You Should Start PR Now, Before a Crisis Hits
Effective crisis management communication is essential when something goes wrong – but it’s often the PR activity that takes place before a crisis hits that determines if and how well you and your business recover. Businesses that have a strong crisis communication plan prevent and lessen the damage a crisis may cause. Failure to effectively manage a crisis can seriously harm … [Read more...]
I Should Have NEVER Hired My Spouse
If you've hired your spouse, I hope that it's working for you. It didn’t work for me. I discovered things about both of us that I wish I had considered (or known) beforehand. I'm not saying that hiring family doesn’t work. It can and does. In fact, I have two members of my family who work for me now. However, the process of hiring them, the on-boarding process, and the review … [Read more...]
3 Brand Marketing Strategies to Add to Your Instagram
Are you looking to market your business on Instagram? Depending on who you’re targeting and where your audience is, this free platform is a great inbound marketing strategy to add to your plan. Below you'll learn what brand marketing is, the Instagram stats you should know, and three important tips to uncover. What is Brand Marketing? Let’s start off the boat with the … [Read more...]
How to Hire Staff for a Small Business
Small business owners have to wear many hats. One of the most critical roles is knowing how to hire staff. But it can be overwhelming to contemplate how to go about finding the people to help you run a business that’s so near and dear to your heart. Every small business is different, but there are some general principles that are important to keep in mind. Here’s a guide on … [Read more...]
Women in Business: How to Run a Successful Business Online
Now, more than ever, women are becoming business owners. And not just any business owners but online business owners. What has brought on this change? Many different things. For some women, owning their own online business has given them independence and freedom, both financial and non-financial. Other women entrepreneurs use online businesses as a source of additional income, … [Read more...]