Expanding Possibilities
We have all seen financial crises before and how they have helped transformation and innovation and have been pivotal in developing our societies. The present COVID-19 pandemic will arguably not be an exception; entrepreneurs can be expected to rise to the challenge.
Along with hope comes help.
I am part of an amazing, supportive, kick-ass group called Victory Circles, here in Boulder, CO. We are all women dealing with the love/hate relationship with the entrepreneur life for years now and we know that collaborating instead of competing is the only way businesses can survive challenges we are all currently facing. So we would like to offer some advice to the women contemplating ownership.
Dr. Sara Knickerbocker, Chief Empowerment Officer, Original Educator
My advice to an entrepreneur wanting to begin a business is to START DOING whatever it is you would love to build a business around. I don't think most folks have all the pieces in place--website, logo, social media, content, online course--and THEN take the leap. I sure didn't, and still don't! Maybe it works that way for some entrepreneurs, but my experience has been to build while serving the people I want to support and add these pieces as you can, learning along the way. For me, the clients and the exciting work opportunities continue to come the more I put myself out there. The other advice I would give is to have the mind of a learner which is challenging for successful women. We have been do-ers. We are used to exerting our will, our gifts, our creativity and hitting the target! Entrepreneurs have to let some of that go and embrace the uncertainty of the journey. Embrace the learner mindset and release the expert persona. Ultimately, there is so much support out there for us, we just have to take the first step!
Cheri Ruskus, Business Growth Coach and Constant Helper, Business Victories
One of the most important elements to striking out on your own in a business venture is belief in yourself. As Dr. Russ Harris say in the book, The Confidence Gap, “The actions of confidence come first; the feelings of confidence come later.” It begins with the power of asking for what you want and then serving the needs of your customers. Especially those customers who you have the opportunity to build strong, long lasting relationships.
As women we can be too afraid to ask, in the fear that we will be told no. You will hear no’s, but they will lead you to many yes’s. As you gain and give value to others in your quest to put your product or service in the marketplace your life will be forever changed. After 36 years of being an Entrepreneur I cannot imagine my life any other way.
Sasha Milhous, Esthetician, Owner, and Queen of Skin, Sasha Milhous Skincare Studio
I would say to a new entrepreneur: stay true to your path and heart if starting your own thing is what you have a desire to do and don’t let the opinion of others or the economy stop you. It won’t always be easy; in fact it might be one of the hardest things you will achieve in life, but it is tremendously rewarding to create something of your own. You will have to wear many hats, but that will only make you a better and stronger person all around. Having your own business will bring out the best in you and it will also bring the things you struggle with to light. It will teach you to keep striving to be better at business and also a better human.
Jen Cavallaro, Chief of Everything at Upward Spiral Fitness
I try to remember that in this time of uncertainty, I have a say, both in my perspective/mindset and my actions right now. A tough economy requires innovation, substantial action and a willingness to stay flexible and practice resiliency.
My advice is to be very resourceful. Be willing to do what others won’t. Use all the platforms at your disposal, get better at different mediums (video, written) and work to overcome your insecurities because ultimately, it’s not about you, it’s about service.
Also, adopt an objective perspective. Getting emotionally attached to every little thing that doesn’t go perfectly will not serve you. Instead of making struggles about YOU not being good/worthy, get clinical and ask: what’s working? What’s not? Stay flexible and try not to get too attached to one way of doing things.
Maggie Fouquet, President and Networking Expert, IBCircle
Once you start networking, remember that nobody wants to be sold to, but everybody likes to be helped. Always keep in mind that people you are talking to may be asking themselves: “can this person help me?” That’s why we have a ‘no pitch policy’ at our events. That way, people start their conversations at a different, more personal level and start building a relationship first. It doesn’t mean that they don’t exchange what they do or end up working together; it just sets the foundation for a stronger connection.
Adriana Giorgetti, Founder and Marketing Do It All, PostingBee
Research, research, research. Who will your customers be? How will you get supplies? Does this type of business make a profit in your area or do you need to be strong online? Before you throw everything you have into your new business, you need to take an honest look to see if it is a viable idea. Also be open and allow professionals to help you in areas you’re not an expert; being flexible is a huge quality as a business owner.
Overall, whether you’re looking to network, meet mentors or gain insights on the latest industry trends, joining and participating in a group has an abundance of benefits that can make you a stronger and more effective entrepreneur. We highly recommend it!
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