Inevitably in the life of an entrepreneur there comes a time where friendship, money and business collide. Sometimes the collision is disastrous, sometimes it is a saving grace but the one thing that is certain is that it is never easy. I recently encountered a situation where all three of these things collided and here is what I learned. Be specific and be sure Communication … [Read more...]
Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Be Productive: Lessons From My Dad
Don't Worry Be Happy and Be Productive A simple phrase, or lyrics as it may be. My father uttered these words to me on a regular basis as a child, and occasionally still does today. I remember listening to that song in my dad’s old den, and not really getting it. I lived with my dad, and to his credit I think he raised a me to be a pretty awesome woman with a strong sense … [Read more...]
Let Your Business Grow
We all need a little help along the way. Making the decision to go out on your own is difficult but a ton of fun if you do it correctly and have the right pieces to the puzzle. Women are becoming more prevalent as entrepreneurs, it can be a very empowering thing to have your own business and be successful at it. It doesn't matter what your business is, you can make it work, … [Read more...]
Women-Owned Businesses Employ More People Than Walmart and More
Did you know that women-owned businesses in the United States employ 40% more people than the top three employers (McDonald's, IBM, and Walmart) combined? That's just one of the statistics from the American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Businesses Report. In total, 7.7 million people are employed by women-owned businesses in the United States, which is a 9% increase over … [Read more...]
What Marissa Mayer should bring to Yahoo
Marissa Mayer is a 37 year old executive of a technology firm that alone should create energy and excitement around leadership potential. She is joining Yahoo from Google and to be frank some rigidity is needed at Yahoo. So as we wait with bated breath to dissect her every move as CEO, here are things that I would like to see her bring to the troubled company. Well rounded … [Read more...]
Growth and Struggles of Women-Owned Businesses [Infographic]
American Express released its second annual State of Women-Owned Businesses report that provides insights into the state of women-owned businesses in the United States. The study shows that the growth of women-owned businesses has exceeded any other group over the past 15 years -- 1.5 times greater than any other business counterpart. The growth rates are impressive. As … [Read more...]
What’s a “GUTSY CHICK”?
When I was working on the cover for my new book, “GUTSY: How Women Leaders Make Change”, I spent time with the designer looking at all the overt and subtle meanings of the word "GUTSY". Karrie, www.karrieross.com, asked me what the smallest visual I could think of to demonstrate what "GUTSY" means. I sat with closed eyes and saw a hand with elegant long fingers and well … [Read more...]
1 in 2 Independent Consultants are Women [Infographic]
Statistics show women are joining the growing independent consulting sector at a rapid pace. Women make up less than half (47%) of the traditional workforce, but they make up 53% (8.5 million) of the independent workforce. A new study from MBO Partners reports that 77% these women are satisfied and 74% plan on remaining in independent work. The top reasons women cite for … [Read more...]
President Obama Weighs in on Women’s Issues at Women’s Leadership Forum
I was invited to listen to President Obama speak at the Women's Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. today on behalf of Women on Business. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to watch listen in person, but I do have some excerpts from the President's speech to share. It's an election year, and women's issues are drawing a lot of attention in a variety of ways from both … [Read more...]
What’s Your Worth?
Yesterday I had the good fortune to have lunch with an established mentor and the question floating around the table was 'how do you know your worth as a consultant'? I thought the answer rang true for any business owner and here’s what I got from the conversation. When you’re not sure of what you know, you charge for everything This is true for all industries, when you … [Read more...]