Activate Your Dreams – Touchpoint Teaser – Teleseminar- Monday April 4th

We’re excited to announce the Activate Your Dreams Teleseminar Monday, April 4th.  This is a Touchpoint Teaser for our spring tour to give you an experience of what the events are going to be like.

This FREE teleseminar will help you activate your business dreams and take your new or existing business to the next level.  Register here.

This call will feature Heather Madder, “The Coach for Change Makers”;  Lainika Johnson-Colbert, founder of  FEMnomenal Women In Business; and Startup Princess Founder Kelly King Anderson as they discuss business strategy that will help you live organized in your life and your business and why the abundance mentality is the key to unlocking your next level of success.

Heather and Lainika will be speaking on Thursday, April 7th at the Startup Princess Touchpoint Tour in Chandler, AZ.

Just for registering for the call, you’ll receive over $350 in gifts:

- The Startup Princess Marketing to Women Online Audio Series –  It’s SEVEN sessions and over FIVE hours of online marketing strategy.

- The Startup Princess Vision Board Tutorial

- The Startup Princess Transformational Questions Journal Exercise

- The Startup Princess Finding Time for your Passions Bonus Video

On the call, you’ll receive a special discount code to register for the Touchpoint Tour, exclusive to callers.   Attendees will also receive access to Heather Madder’s “Seven Tips for Reaching Thousands” Audio Seminar.

Once again call details:

Monday, April 4th, 2011   1:00 PM-2:00 PM MDT

The call will be recorded, so you will be able to download the audio and listen later if you aren’t available at that time.

Once registered, you’ll receive the conference call details.

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT and Activate Your Dreams!

Meet Steph Flies & Joy Cherrick, Founders Scottsdale Moms Blog

We’re excited to introduce Steph Files and Joy Cherrick from Scottsdale Moms Blog!  Steph will be on our panel at Touchpoint in Mesa, Arizona on April 7th. They came highly recommended by our friends at Crave – Phoenix.  We can’t wait to meet all of you next week!

Name: Steph Flies & Joy Cherrick

Education: BS in Exercise Science (Steph) & BS in Communications/Journalism (Joy)

Professional Background: Events Director (Steph) and Marketing (Joy)

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Moms

What you are: Stay at home mama’s and Bloggers

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Upon having our first children, Joy approached me with the idea of providing an online place for local moms to connect with other moms. I LOVED the idea and we got startedthat week! Ever since  then we’ve learned so much about ourselves through working together and have made a ton of new friends along the way.

Where you are located: Scottsdale, AZ

Company Website? www.scottsdalemomsblog.com

What inspired you? All of the other great mommy bloggers out there! BUT what we love specifically about what we’re doing is providing an online AND offline experience for our readers.

How long have you been in business? Just a little over one year

How did you fund it? It has been a joint personal investment for both of us and we also offer ad space and sponsorships to cover some of our expenses.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother? Lots of other great mommy bloggers. SimpleMom.com, Blogging with Amy, too many to count really.

Current Business Challenge? Bringing our online community offline. Our main objective with starting ScottsdaleMoms Blog was to connect other mom’s and although an online platform is great we want people to get out from behind their computers and meet face-to-face.

What are you doing about it? We offer weekly playgroup opportunities, monthly Zoo Walks and various Moms Night Out events.

Family? Both of us live in Scottsdale, AZ with our hubbies, daughters and babies-to be (both of us are due in May 2011).

How do you balance family and business? Family is always going to come first for us! One thing to always keep in mind is that we always like to evaluate what we’re doing by asking ourselves “Is it 95% fun?”  If it isn’t, we re-evaluate what we’re doing.

Favorite book? The Bible (Joy & Steph)

What do you do to relax? When not pregnant, I love to go out with friends or my hubby and get a glass of red wine.(Steph)

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Keep at it! Success doesn’t come without a lot of sweat labor. I know, I know –Princesses don’t sweat, right?! Well both of us did – a lot.

Favorite Magic Wand? GOOGLE! Seriously – we didn’t get to where we are without using Google A LOT!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds of course! They are a girls best friend, right?

Meet Steph and Joy and a whole lineup of impressive women entrepreneurs at Touchpoint!  We’re coming to Mesa, AZ; Portland, OR; Boise, ID; and Orange County, CA.  Register today!

Five Scholarships Available to Touchpoint in Mesa/Chandler, AZ

Startup Princess and My New Enterprise are proud to provide scholarships to 5 lucky, well-deserving women to attend Touchpoint in Mesa, AZ.  If you would like to apply for one of these scholarships, please email us your name, company name (or if you don’t have a company, but have a dream in development you can still apply), contact information and why you feel you are deserving of one of our spots to startupprincess (at) gmail (dot) com.  Deadline to apply is Monday, April 4th at 8:00 PM MST.

Make a Wish, Make it Happen!

6 Surprising Ways to Make Business Travel Easier – Mentally AND Physically

By Sarah Burningham

The modern world is mind-blowing, isn’t it? You can start your day in New York, email people in Los Angeles, and be in London in time for a dinner meeting. How did people do any sort of global business 50 years ago? Sure, they could fly to Hong Kong, but they couldn’t forward their phone calls and communicate with clients in real time while doing it. And yet, for all of these modern technologies, business travel is still exhausting. Probably more so. The fact that you can, and are expected to, continue working, even when you’re 10,000 miles above sea-level, can wear-out even the most energetic of entrepreneurs.

Since launching my business, Little Bird Publicity, 18 months ago, I’ve found myself traveling more than ever (I’m writing this while on a flight to London) and these trips have taught me a few important lessons for staying energized and productive while on the road. And since I wish someone would’ve told me these things long before I packed my first bag, I thought I would share them with you.

1. Check in online. You probably do this already but if you don’t, you must begin on your next trip. Printing your boarding pass at home and knowing that you’re ready to head for security the second you pull up at the airport, starts your trip off right and can give you an extra 20-30 minutes taking care of important stuff at home or the office (stuff like watering your plants and brushing your teeth) before you leave for the airport.

2. Take a cozy sweatshirt. Yes, it takes up precious room in your carry-on, but how many times have you ended up freezing from the uncontrollable temperature in the airplane cabin or just wanting to curl up in your hotel room after a really long day of meetings? Even if you end up using it to cushion your back on a really long flight, you won’t regret it.

3. Give yourself permission to NOT use the in-flight wireless. Here’s the thing about work travel: you end up working 24/7 and yet none your day-to-day work is actually getting done. Which means, at night in the hotel room or when you get back, you have a lot of catching up to do. I know you’re thinking, “Doesn’t that mean I should use the in-flight time to get some of that work done?” No! Don’t underestimate how exhausting the physical process of traveling can be. Give yourself a break and tune out for just a few hours. Read a book. Flip through Vogue. If you must do something “productive,” read a business magazine like Fast Company or write a blog post (like this one). But use the time as your own. No kids. No colleagues. No email. Just you, a bunch of strangers you will never see again, and a flight attendant delivering you water and coffee. Try to enjoy it.

4. Do one thing you will remember. This is harder than it sounds because after all, you’re traveling to get work done, right? But what if you pick one thing–one tourist attraction, one local boutique, 30 minutes in a local art gallery–and try to do that one thing while you’re in town? I was in Kansas City recently, a lovely city I’d never visited before, working with one of my favorite clients, but we got so absorbed in our work that I never got to see the charming downtown area. I just wanted to drive down the main street and yet, I didn’t make the time to do it. And when I got back home I was disappointed in myself for missing the opportunity to see a new place. Next time I’m there, I’m going to plan a dinner meeting in the historic district. That way, I’ll get to actually see some of the city while being productive at the same time. You’ll be surprised how invigorating it is to do something new while you’re traveling for work, and oftentimes you can involve your client and give them a chance to show you something in their hometown. It ends up being a good experience for everyone.

5. Never travel without Q-tips. They are mini, multipurpose miracle workers. Once, while putting on my makeup in a tiny hotel bathroom (it was actually more of a closet than a bathroom), I dropped my eyeshadow brush in the toilet. Bummer, but luckily, I had some Q-tips to do the job until I got home and could replace it. Another time, i got stuck in the last available room right outside the elevator and I could hear the elevator bell dinging the entire night. I pulled the cotton off a few Q-tips, smushed it together, and fashioned some makeshift ear plugs. I’ve even used cotton from Q-tips to cushion a blister on my heel (because you only have so many shoe options when you’re traveling). They are a travel essential.

6. Always have the front desk give you a wake-up call. Yes, your cell phone is great. But what if it dies? What if you accidentally leave it in airplane mode and the time zone doesn’t automatically change? You’re already going to lose sleep just based the fact that you’re in an unfamiliar room, in an unfamiliar bed. Take some of the pressure off so you aren’t waking up every hour to make sure you didn’t sleep through your alarm.

There are countless other tips I could share:

• Take your own headphones–the free ones on the plane suck.
• Bring an apple even it’s just an hour long flight. These days you never know how long you might be stuck on the tarmac.
• If you’re worried about being away and missing important calls, forward your office line to your cell phone while you’re gone. This is actually free with most phone services and super easy.

I’m sure you have some amazing travel tips as well since I can always use advice to make traveling easier (who can’t?), I hope you’ll share them. Is there one thing you always pack? A service you can’t imagine not using? A toiletry item that has changed your life? Please share. And in the meantime, happy travels! (I’m off to indulge in a few rounds of solitaire. Rule #3, remember?)

Sarah Burningham, founder of Little Bird Publicity offers 10 years of publicity, marketing and branding experience to her clients. Before founding Little Bird in 2009, Sarah worked in publicity and marketing at a number of national publishers, including HarperCollins imprints REGAN, HarperStudio, and William Morrow. Sarah is the author of How to Raise Your Parents: A Teen Girl’s Survival Guide and Boyology: A Teen Girl’s Crash Course in All Things Boy. She’s been featured on many national shows along with local TV and radio programs around the country. She writes an advice column with ABC Family and is working on a third book, also for tween and teen girls. Twitter @SarahBurningham

How to Hire Employees When You Can’t Afford to Hire Employees

By Kim Flynn

Before we talk about how to hire employees when you can’t afford them, let’s build a little foundation. Think back to when you started your business.

In an ideal world, we would all announce our business was open and immediately customers would come running and line up outside of our establishment. I am the founder of five businesses and so far, this has never happened to me. Nope, I have had to pour money into the business before it is profitable. I have had to spend money on marketing before I made my first dollar. This is a known and accepted fact for most business owners–we know we have to spend $5 on marketing to make $15 in profits. We have to step into the dark, spend some money on marketing and hope that it comes back to us with a nice return. We accept this risk along with millions of other men and women who take this risk every day as they head into the world of entrepreneurship.

Fast forward a couple of years. That same risk-taking business owner that took that initial step into the dark now has a business up and running. She is working really hard and making some money but because she spends so much time running the business she is getting nowhere fast. Sound familiar? Most entrepreneurs find themselves in this position, in what I call the “swamp” of business. They have seen some success, but feel stuck and don’t know how to take their business to the next level.

Do you want to know the secret to taking your business to the next level? Here is the big secret: you need to hire employees to do the work for you. That’s it. That’s all. For you to grow your business, you must move beyond the world of solo-preneur and into the world of leadership. If you don’t hire employees, your business is nothing more than a glorified job, and statistically you will work more hours and get paid less than if you just worked a regular job. Disheartening, isn’t it?

So why are business owners so hesitant to move to the next level of business ownership? Why do so many women in particular get stuck in this swamp stage? I have coached hundreds of women on this topic and this is the response I usually get: I don’t have the money to hire employees.

That excuse doesn’t fly with me ladies! You didn’t have money to put into marketing before you made your first dollar, and yet you did it. You aren’t going to make money as a solo-preneur either until you are ready to step into the dark and make that leap of faith.

Do you remember that Indiana Jones movie when Indiana is standing in front of a giant cliff, and he sprinkles dirt in front of him and a glass bridge appears? Then he does what all successful business owners have learned to do: he steps off the cliff and onto that bridge, having faith that it would be under his feet. And it is!

That has been my experience in hiring. If I wait until my company is rolling in the dough before I hire an employee, I will be waiting an eternity. If I spend all of my time doing the mundane day-to-day workings of my business, I won’t have enough time to spend on the things that really matter. And the things that really matter are always things that will bring in more customers (marketing) and take your business in a new, upward direction (leadership). It is impossible to move into the creative, big-picture mentality that a leader needs if you are answering customer phone calls and putting out daily fires.

So here is your challenge: make a list of all of the things in your business that you hate to do, things I call energy-suckers, and hire it out! Yes, you will have to pay some grateful college student $10/hour to do it, but assuming your college student will work 20 hours a week, you will have 80 more hours a month to focus on marketing and leadership. Imagine how much value you can create in your business with 80 more hours a month.

Put that ad up on Craig’s list, and take that step into the dark sister!

Kim Flynn is a devoted wife and mother of four, as well as a business coach, a speaker, and the passionate founder of five businesses. If you have an established business and are struggling to take it to the next level, she can help you design an organized business that aligns with your life. Visit her website at www.KimFlynn.com

Meet Lainika Johnson-Colbert, Founder of FEMnomenal Women In Business

The more I learn about Lainika, the more impressed I am with her drive, her knack for business and her generosity when it comes to sharing her knowledge with others so they can succeed.  But don’t take our word for it, read on…

You can also see Lainika live on the Startup Princess Touchpoint Tour in Mesa, AZ on Thursday, April 7th, 2011.  She’ll be speaking on Living Organized in Life and in Business.

Current Residence: Phoenix, AZ

Education: BS Marketing – University of Phoenix

Professional Background: Started professional career as a Project Manager, also worked as a General Manager for a Commercial Real Estate Firm

What you wanted to be when you grew up: I just wanted to wear a suit and high heels. I knew that I would need to be in business but had no idea WHAT BUSINESS.

What you are: Professional Spokesperson for major brands and CEO of FEMnomenal Women in Business

Brief Summary of your Start Up: FEMnomenal Women in Business is committed to fostering the growth of women entrepreneurs by providing tools and resources that they need to develop their businesses.

Where you are located: Two chapters, Phoenix and Sacramento

Company Website? www.femnomenal.com

What inspired you? I am inspired by two things -  Innovation and light bulb moments. It is often said that you don’t know what you don’t know.  When I see the paradigm shift in a woman’s eyes, I know I am walking in purpose and am instantly inspired.

How long have you been in business? I have been in business for myself since 2002.  FEMnomenal Women in Business was started in 2009 with our second chapter added this year.

How did you fund it? I learned a term from a good friend of mine, Kendra. She calls it the grustle – a combination of grind and hustle.  So, I worked a part-time job while I built my business.  I also focused on opportunities to partner with companies that had an interest in my demographic and tapped into their marketing dollars.  Now, we have several sponsors that underwrite our organization.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother? I have several mentors.  I believe in gaining mentors for different things.  I have a small business mentor, a relationship building mentor, a spiritual mentor and a media mentor.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am the Phoenix President of the National Sales Network.  Through FEMnomenal, we have built strategic partnerships with The Small Business Administration, Several Chambers of Commerce, SCORE and The Sacramento Business Journal.

Current Business Challenge? Limiting spending. When you are a start-up, there are several places you have to spend money.

What are you doing about it? We are focused now on strategically placing our dollars for maximum impact. We are very focused on our ROI.

Favorite motivational quote: Successful people do what unsuccessful people don’t feel like doing.

Tell us about your family: Married for 10 years to Dupree. Have 2 children. Samara (8) and Kacey (7)

How do you balance family and business? I am a firm believer in systems.  You have to have a system in order for it to work. There is a time for everything. Family time and work time must be clearly defined.

Do you have a favorite book? E-Myth, By Michael Gerber

What do you do to relax? I read a ton of books and I write short stories and poetry. I must admit that I am often asked by my friends to “relax” and my response is usually, “teach me how and I’ll do it.” I am intensely focused on my business and relaxing is an area that is under construction in my life.  We are all a work in progress, right?

What do you want to change most about your world? I want women to know that they have most of the tools within them to succeed.  Now, the resources are a different story.  My goal is to provide the resources and the missing tools to help women take their lives to the next level.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my children. They understand at a very young age that focus and choices are what can make or break a person.  They focus on their goals and make good choices (most of the time.)

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Get educated!  Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say that you just don’t know. It is the only way to grow!

What is your favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Elance.com – get skilled professionals to help you build your business at very low rates.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Pearls.  I think of the all of lessons I learn as pearls of wisdom!

For event details and registration for the Startup Princess Touchpoint go here.  Join us for a day of connections, hands on workshops and fun!

Adjectives, Nouns and Verbs…Oh My!

By Susan Bock

Do you have any special memories about a favorite (or not-so-favorite) English teacher from your early school years?  I do – her name was (I say was because she seemed ancient at my tender age of 9) Miss Clausen, and I have very fond memories of her.  Her wrinkles, gray hair and ‘old lady shoes’ could not compete with her warm smile, words of encouragement and caring manner in which she patiently taught us the building blocks of constructing a sentence. Although I may have loathed the drills, memorization and effort required, today, I am grateful.

The words we chose to use, the sentence construct, and the pesky punctuation, come together and send a message – to ourselves and to whoever is listening.  Where am I going with this?  To a subject that emerging business owners need to take seriously….setting goals.

Here is the question: Why do we need to set goals?  Author Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland) provides us with the answer; “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”  Goals give us direction, clarity and a map.  I recently read an article by Martha Beck where she talked about the importance of adjectives when setting goals.  A common occurrence is to set a goal using nouns and verbs – ex. I want my business to succeed, or I want to find a life-mate.  The noun – success or life-mate, often leads to disappointment or outright failure.

Dictionary.com provides this definition:  An adjective modifies a noun or a pronoun by describing, identifying, or quantifying words.  The key words are describing, identifying or quantifying.  When we utilize specific, descriptive words in our goals, they become much more powerful, alive and meaningful.

Here’s a tip, after writing your goal, add one more sentence about how achieving that goal will make you feel.   Again, use adjectives to describe what you will experience when your goal is achieved.  Business success may give you financial security, a means to travel or provide a life-style you desire.  A life-mate will make you feel loved, cherished, have companionship and be a trusted mate.  See how powerful the adjectives can be?  Another benefit is that in listing the adjectives, you may discover that what you thought you wanted is not what you ‘really’ want.  Again, a powerful discovery to make.

Here are the steps suggested by Ms. Beck to help you achieve the experiences you want.

1. Pick a goal: Think of the typical noun-verb goal, such as I want to lose weight.
2. Look forward: You do not need a crystal ball.  Use your grey matter – engage your brainpower and imagine what your life would be like if you realized your goal.  Create details, get specific, and live there for a few moments to take in the powerful feelings.
3. Adjectives on stage: Here is the heart of creating successful goals.  List all of the adjectives that describe how you feel in #2 – again, be specific.  Spend time here and wander through the various emotions, sensations and feelings such as energetic, focused, delighted, powerful.
4. Focus: Now, step out of the fantasy and back into your reality while you concentrate on your list of adjectives.  Is your stated goal sharper, more defined?  Does it feel real? If your goal is to lose weight and your adjectives are strong, confident, and healthy, you might realize that your actual goal is to get fit.  That rules out crash/fad/short-term fixes.  Rather, you might what to consult with a nutritionist, hire a personal trainer, and create new experiences around eating.

Sounding a little woo-woo?  Yes, it is.  And, that does not negate the fact that it works!  Our words are powerful – to us and to others.  When you find yourself longing for some unrealized circumstances, indulge yourself and search for the meaningful adjectives.  One day, perhaps in the near future, you could find yourself experiencing those very words.

Guiding women through the halls of uncertainty toward the successful future they are destined to create.

 

Susan@SusanBock.com

www.SusanBock.com

714-847-1566

As little girls we dream about our fairytale future …as teenagers we vow to do everything better than those before us …then something incredible happens. It’s called life, and it takes us for quite a ride. Sure, some of us get the fairytale …whatever that is… but what about the rest of us, OUTSIDE the castle?

At the age of 48, I chose to leave the corporate world and embark on a more selfless path of helping other women find the confidence to handle their problems. I pride myself on being both a mentor and guide to women who question their own strength. I am passionate about helping my female clients discover and harness their true decision-making potentials.

 

Announcing the 2011 Startup Princess Touchpoint Tour!

 

To celebrate our FIVE years bringing quality events to women entrepreneurs, we’re taking Touchpoint to FIVE cities. Though Salt Lake will always remain our premier Annual Conference for Women Entrepreneurs in September, we’ll also be visiting Mesa, AZ; Portland, OR; Boise, ID and Orange County, CA this spring.

You will enjoy powerful keynote speakers, informative workshops and sessions, lunch and unique networking opportunities.  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best in a city near you!  (If we aren’t coming to a city CLOSER to you, we’d still love to have you join us!  Pick a location and make plans to attend one [or all!] of our events this year!  We’re mindful that many of you will have travel costs so we’ve designed these events to be cost effective! )

MESA, AZ – April 7th, 2011

PORTLAND, OR – April 21st, 2011

BOISE, ID – May 6th, 2011 (Details Coming Soon!)

ORANGE COUNTY, CA – June 3rd, 2011 (More Details Coming Soon)

 

LOOK AHEAD AND SAVE THE DATE!

TOUCHPOINT – Our 5th Annual Conference for Women Entrepreneurs – September 2011

Click here to Sign up for our newsletter on the homepage to get event updates and details straight in your inbox!

 

Meet Jennifer Bourgoyne, Founder & Designer of Czela Bellies Cesarean Wear

Hometown: Houston, Tx

Current Residence:  San Jose, CA

Education: Fashion Institute – Houston, Tx

Professional Background: Founder & Designer, Czela Bellies CesareanWear

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A life in fashion… or Tammy Wynette.  Ah, those foil covered coat hanger microphones were so much fun! Alas, I wasn’t given the voice to go along with it!

What you are:  I have a life in fashion!

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Czela Bellies CesareanWear is the original comfort and fashion underwear made specifically for c-section moms.

Company Website? www.czelablue.com

What inspired you? I was laid off at the age of 40 from my tech company career of 11 years.  Did I mention I happened to be 9 months pregnant at the time I got my pink slip?  Layoffs really are a time of reflection, and after a difficult pregnancy, I was hoping I could find something that would offer more time at home.  With a repeat cesarean section birth, I was inspired to start a line of comfortable and fashionable undergarments Czela Bellies CesareanWear was born.

How long have you been in business? 5 years

How did you fund it? I used some of my severance package.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Yes, Allison Covarrubias of San Francisco, CA, co-founder of The Hatch Network, and former director of the Bay Area chapter of Ladies Who Launch.  You know how some women you meet you instantly want to befriend?  That was my Allie. (my ally!)  Allison has changed my life by being the first “cool chick” woman entrepreneur I ever met.  Not a bit of selfishness or personal agenda going on with this amazing gal.  I remember meeting her and thinking “I want to be like that.  I want that “it” that she embodies.”  What that “it” was, turns out, was confidence.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Hatch Network & former Ladies Who Launch

Current Business Challenge? Continuing to grow awareness for a product that I invented.  It’s one thing to grow brand awareness, and another animal completely when you talk about growing *new product* awareness.

What are you doing about it? In my journey, I have found out that I have a true love for PR.  I’ve got mad skills and love finding new ways of getting our story in the press.

Favorite motivational quote: “If you don’t feel like throwing up, you aren’t taking enough risks”…Allison Covarrubias.

Family? Yes, wife and mom to three boys, ages 5, 13 and 19.

If so, how do you balance family and business? The whole motivation behind starting my own business was to be able to enjoy my family to the fullest.  Being my own boss I can decide if it’s a playground day or a day for Quickbooks.  I bet you can guess which one usually trumps the other.  That said, it is hard to turn business off.  There is rarely a day, when you work for yourself, that you aren’t working.  If you have to stay up until 2 am, then that’s what you do.

Favorite book? How’s this for a balance?  Anything by Jen Lancaster (because her style, humor and wit are the things your funniest best friend would tell you), and Brian Weiss, Ph.D, and author of thought provoking and deeply core shaking philosophies on past life experiences and regression therapies.

What do you do to relax? Will I really admit this? Ok, sure, I love me some Marshall’s and TJ Maxx browsings. ..kind of like garage sales without the funk.

What do you want to change most about your world? My level of anxiety could be tweaked.  I am so blessed and need to take a breath sometime to remind myself.

What are you most proud of? I’m proud that I was finally able to find my voice. I’m proud of our children.  I’m proud of my husband.  I’m proud that I am Ethel Varga’s granddaughter.  I’m proud that I invented a product that women love and helps them be more comfortable.  Oh, and I’m proud that I didn’t eat a whole sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for breakfast…again.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Don’t be afraid to be naïve.  I would say my “green-ness” or naivety in the beginning was such a benefit.  If you think you know it all at the start, you will no doubt fail.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? As much as you might not be comfortable joining a networking type of group, join.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Emeralds, emeralds and more princess cut emeralds.  I must have spent bank through the years always searching out the candy machines that held the coveted green “emerald” solitaire on its flimsy little gold band.  Turn after turn, I’d wait in anticipation as the bubble dropped down the shoot hoping for the powerful green stone. The green emerald is part superhero, part princess.  It symbolized strength, independence, beauty and power to me.

 

From Business Idea to Booming Business

By Deborah Sweeney

One of the most daunting tasks facing a prospective business owner today is transforming a vague business idea into reality.  Starting a business takes time and money, things you probably have little of.  Here are some tips to make the start-up process a little easier, and before you know it, you’ll be looking for ways to expand!

1) Decide what Kind of Business You Want and Do Some Research. Before you do anything else, ask yourself some questions.  What are you passionate about?  Do you like to work alone or with a team?  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  Then, take these answers and do some research about your desired field.  Keep in mind what you love to do, and what you’re good at.  Starting a business takes a lot of time and you will definitely want to be spending that time working on something you enjoy.

2) Create a Long-Term Business Plan. Next, come up with a written business plan that takes in to account the questions you have asked yourself.  If you work better with a team, plan for employees or partners.  If you aren’t very good with accounting, think about easy ways to keep your financials in order.  In your business plan, focus on where you want your business to be in 5 or 10 years, then work backwards to this start-up phase.  Your long-term goals might dictate your current plans, and having a path set out for you will save you time and energy down the road.

3) Find Financing. The next step is financing your goals.  There are many ways to get the money for your business, including friends and family, personal credit, and loans.  Be sure to also look for partners/investors and associations that are looking to invest in people like you!  This is also a good time to be thinking about building business credit.  Business credit will allow you to take out loans in the name of your business, and these types of loans can have higher amounts and lower interest rates than personal loans.

4) Use an Online Filing Company to Make your Business Official. Creating a legal business entity early on in the start-up process is important to protect your personal assets from liability.  Online filing services will create your business for you and save you lots of money in the beginning when it really counts.  Lawyers can cost around $200 an hour but online filing services will typically charge less for filing your entire business, a process that could take a lawyer more than 4 hours.  Using an online filing service guides you through the filing process and helps ensure you do it right the first time.

5) Protect your Business with Trademarks. After you’ve worked to bring your business idea to life, protecting it becomes important.  Companies with similar names or offering similar products can steal customers away or negatively impact your reputation.  Registering your business name and product protects against this scenario and allows you to be a unique company, saving you from consumer confusion.

Congratulations on coming up with a business idea!  One of the most exciting things about the entrepreneurial process is the information you learn and the experiences you have.  Using these tips and applying them to your own situation will help you on your way to success!  As long as you stick with what you love, work hard, and seek advice when necessary, you’ll be well on your way to business success!

Deborah Sweeney is CEO of MyCorporation Business Service, Inc., and  an advocate for protecting personal and business assets for all consumers. With her experience in the field of corporate and intellectual property law, Deborah can provide insightful commentary on the benefits, barriers and who should consider incorporation and trademark registration.  She also has extensive experience in the start-up and entrepreneurial industry as she has been involved in the formation of hundreds of thousands of MyCorporation.com’s customers.

 

 

 

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