For many business owners and entrepreneurs, there are just not enough hours in the day. When it comes to running a business, there are many elements that need your attention, and it can feel like you're constantly spinning plates hoping that nothing comes crashing down. It can be hard handing over control of some elements of your business, but by delegating daily … [Read more...]
5 Unconventional Ways To Grow Your Consulting Business
When someone says they're a consultant, they probably fall into one of two boxes. They're either leveraged and running an online, scalable component to their business, or they're struggling to find 1:1 clients (hey — it's hard out there). Like most industries, there's a lot of noise in the consulting space. It can be hard to stand out and set yourself apart from your … [Read more...]
3 Mental Health Challenges Solopreneurs Face
When I was pregnant with my first child, I was in a stressful corporate job working as Business Development Executive driving across town. I was so tired that I was petrified I was going to fall asleep on the wheel, and the sheer amount of work made me want to hide in the bathroom and cry, albeit, it could have also been the hormones. Regardless, I knew the stress and … [Read more...]
Denied for An SBA 7(a) Loan? Here Are Some Common Reasons Why
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s 7(a) loan program is the most popular source of small business financing backed by a federal guaranty. Loans can be approved for amounts up to $5 million, with maturity rates from 10 to 25 years, and average APR rates of 6.30%-10%. Since SBA 7(a) loans have strict requirements, a majority of small business owners do not get … [Read more...]
Starting Your Own Business – What is the Hold Up?
“Women make me the most money.” This is the abbreviated headline from a March 22, 2018 CNBC article featuring an interview with millionaire investor and Shark Tank celebrity, Kevin O’Leary. I follow the Shark Tank show in moderate gusto, due to my significantly limited TV watching time. It's always an experience to see the "Shark" investors in their world, deciding with … [Read more...]
Franchising – Is It Right for You?
Franchising is a great way to start a business without having to start from scratch. An established and reputable franchisor will help you with everything from operations, legal, and finance to marketing, sales, and human resources. Since many aspects of running a business might be outside of your expertise, franchising makes it a lot easier to become a business … [Read more...]
Business Planning is a Business
Starting a business seems easy enough. Obtain a business license and do what you like forever all while making money. Sounds like a dream come true. That’s pretty much what I thought when I started my first business 10 years ago. No, I wasn’t quite that naive, but I did think it would be easy. It was far from. There were easy parts of course, building the website, marketing, … [Read more...]
Social Media Business Pages vs. The Traditional Business Website
I had someone recently ask me, "Do I need a website of my own since I already have an active social media presence?" The short answer: No. A website isn't a requirement, no different than any other marketing medium. You’re the boss, and you’ve earned the right to decide what marketing strategies you’ll pursue and what marketing strategies you won’t. It all boils down to your … [Read more...]
Setting up Your Business Entity
Hello Women on Business community!! I am so excited to be a contributing writer to this page. I can’t wait to connect with you all, and I hope to provide value and helpful information over the coming weeks and months! One of the most frequent questions I am asked about starting a business is how to create a business entity, and which business structure to choose from – an … [Read more...]
5 Critical Steps to Choose the Right Business Partner – Infographic
Choosing a business partner is a big decision -- really, really big. This is the person you'll work closely with for years to come if you're successful, but you won't have a chance of reaching your goals if you and your business partner are not the right match. As business partners, you'll be tied to each other. Decisions made by one partner will directly affect not just the … [Read more...]