Conference season for women entrepreneurs is in full swing! Over the next few weeks, I’m attending multiple events as a keynote speaker, as well as an attendee. This time of year is perfect to get out of the office and connect with potential business resources and new clients. The key is to be ... Views: 1203
Have you ever heard the phrase opposites attract? This can be true of my husband Greg and I when we go out for dinner together. I like fine dining with beautiful menus, fine wine and those heavy linen napkins. Greg prefers more casual dining where someone takes your order or you place your ... Views: 1662
One of the birthday “traditions” in our family is when a member gets to a certain age, they share one “pearl of wisdom” for each decade they have lived.
Today is my 50th birthday! The five decades behind me were all wonderful and as I reflect on each one of them, I can clearly see how each ... Views: 1791
Today, I wanted to give you something special, yet practical that you could use right away to create momentum and positive energy in your life as you step into 2011.
In my work with women, one of the essential exercises we do together is peel back the layers of their lives both personally and ... Views: 960
Women entrepreneurs everywhere are experiencing the same dilemma and asking themselves the same question: “How do I manage my business while navigating the kids during summer break?”
You’ve just spent the last 9 months with a structured number of days and hours to work on your business and ... Views: 1195
Do you know what WIIFM stands for? Sure you do! You ask yourself this question every time you think about making an investment or purchase---“What’s In It For Me?” Am I right? We purchase everything based on the “benefits” that we will receive when we use the service or product.
I have the good ... Views: 928
Over Memorial Day weekend, I unplugged completely from the online world and left the office behind. Even though I work out of my home, I made a conscious decision not to enter the office or think about anything having to do with business. I do this periodically because I know the dangers of ... Views: 987
Recently, our family took a trip to the "Big Apple" where we met up with my parents for a special vacation. It was lots of fun and we created a memorable experience. When traveling to a new city, it's exciting to think about all of the sights and adventures that you will experience. Knowing what ... Views: 1096
There I've said it- the "s" word. I sometimes see women cringe when the word comes up in conversation, however if you don't master the art of getting the sale, you may find your business is always up and down with cash flow.
I was involved in a sales process recently (I was the buyer) and it ... Views: 1108
My favorite quote by Einstein is "Vision without execution is merely hallucination." The first time I read this I was surprised at the glaring truth to this simple statement. At the same time, I realized it's sometimes easier said than done.
Goal setting, New Year’s resolutions, dreams, and ... Views: 1191
A few weeks ago, I had surgery to remove one of my healthy kidneys in order to donate that kidney to my husband Greg, whose kidney was failing, so that he would enjoy a more vital, healthy life. On December 1, we both were admitted to UCLA Medical Center. Everything went well regarding the ... Views: 1470
Remember the Alice Cooper song, "School's Out"? The lyrics are running through my mind as I write this article. The last bell rang, the kids are running through the house at all hours of the day and their summer camps are spread all across town. My schedule has become a mere shadow of the nice, ... Views: 1326
Recently my children’s little league baseball team was defeated---badly. At one point, I looked at another mom and said, “Please let the bloodshed end!” After the game, the coach brought the team into the dugout to review what worked and what didn’t work. He began with a review of the other ... Views: 1165
In my work with women, a frequent question is, "How important is it for me to finely niche my marketing message?" My answer is always, "Extremely important." The reason is 3-fold:
1. You save more time because you know exactly who you're looking for.
2. You save more money because you ... Views: 1180
When you begin your journey as a woman entrepreneur, your most important action step is to get clients and create a “buzz” about your product or service so you can keep the business alive and get on a path to profitability. With effective marketing, your business will grow and over time, word ... Views: 1021
Recently, I've had the opportunity to travel to multiple women's conferences and speak to scores of women entrepreneurs about their Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals. Questions come up on a range of topics including how to start a business to taking an existing business to the next level of success. ... Views: 1025
Did you hear about “Carmageddon?” Several weeks ago, the 405 freeway (noted to be one of the busiest freeways in the nation) that runs through Los Angeles closed for a weekend period of 53 hours for repairs. This created a frenzy here in Los Angeles called “Carmageddon” which forced residents to ... Views: 1236
Yesterday, as I was on my way to pick up my kids from school, it occurred to me that I was feeling exhausted—I mean really tired. As I made a mental scan of my day, I realized that I had been in a “reactive” mode most of the day rather than a “proactive” mode. We do need to react to situations ... Views: 2174
Commitment. It’s a powerful word that conjures up a mix of emotions and can be a scary thought– especially in business. Being committed to something means you’re choosing not to be committed to something else – sounds simple, right? In essence, you’re pledging or engaging in a relationship to ... Views: 1308
I have the good fortune to listen and learn from women all around the globe about their big ideas, dreams and goals and a common theme is women start businesses based on their values and a desire to make a difference in the world. The idea of giving back or helping others is exciting and it gets ... Views: 1479
Yesterday, we had tree-trimmers here at our house to clean up the trees that were overgrown and also to make room for new growth in the future. We live in a house that is very light and bright, however I was surprised this morning when I discovered how much more light and clarity of vision we ... Views: 980
Have you ever felt "stuck" when it comes to making decisions or stalled on a project that needs to move forward? It's an unsettling feeling that can prevent you from realizing your big ideas, dreams and goals. I'm working on my first book for Smart Women and recently, I've been feeling stuck on ... Views: 1281
At the end of each year, I take an inventory of my life and business to shine a light on what proved to be most effective.
Here are my top nine timely tips for women entrepreneurs who are ready to make a big leap in 2013:
1. Trust Your Instincts - It's essential that you hone your ... Views: 1262
If you've been following me for awhile, you know that one of my top business building tools is creating relationships and connections with your ideal client and potential referral sources. Follow-up is the binding agent or the glue that strengthens the bond you have with these people. The good ... Views: 1046
Sitting in your office day after day wondering what people might want to buy from you can be frustrating and a waste of valuable time.
I'm going to share 4 no-cost to low-cost strategies that will save you time and money and get you the answers you need to attract more clients and make more ... Views: 1067
One morning last week, I was helping my 11 year-old son, Jack, get ready for a day of skiing during our family vacation. It was sunny, 55 degrees and gorgeous outside. I handed my son his face mask and he looked at me puzzled and said, "Mom, there is no way I'm going to need this today--have you ... Views: 1339
A few days ago, I was sitting with my good friend and Smart Woman, Suzanne, in her backyard and I was complementing her on how well the yard was laid out from the play area, pool area, and lounge area. Everything flows so well in accessing the home and the backyard. Suzanne shared with me that ... Views: 1039
I'm finding that many women entrepreneurs are reflecting on their year and a question that seems to be on the minds of many is: "What are tools and strategies I need for my business to take a big leap in the New Year?" As I reflect on this question, I realize the answer is two-fold. If you are ... Views: 1181
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend the day strategizing with a group of smart women entrepreneurs from different parts of the world. It was an energizing day focused on topics such as effective marketing, clear messaging to attract your ideal client, time management and money.
At one ... Views: 1234
Have you ever wondered what the real secret to success is? Do you ever read articles about women entrepreneurs who’ve accomplished their dreams and think, “Now how did she do that?” I know I have. I’m always in search of better, more effective ways to achieve my goals both personally and ... Views: 1120
A few days ago, I happened to get caught in the typical bumper to bumper LA traffic near the location of my last “job” before I began my journey as a woman entrepreneur. I had some time to reflect on where I was back then and where I am today. As the images of my life passed through my mind ... Views: 1170
In my work with women, one bad habit that I see creeping into their daily lives is Procrastination. This one bad habit can create a struggle in your business and wreak havoc on your personal life too.
I have a bad habit of procrastinating on making timely doctor appointments. The result? My ... Views: 1073
Are you a woman who wants to have it all? Do you have a desire to experience your life and business on your own terms? I've certainly felt that way in the past, however I've come to realize that I have to choose what's most important to me right now in my life. I know that over time, my ... Views: 1943
With summer behind us and kids back in school, women entrepreneurs are flocking to conferences and events to connect with other entrepreneurs and discover new ways to grow their business. Whether you’re in a startup phase or you’ve been in business a few years, getting out from behind your desk ... Views: 1115
A few weeks ago, I took some time to evaluate where most of my clients come from and the two areas where I consistently receive highly qualified clients are referrals from happy clients and public speaking. It’s essential that you spend your valuable time doing the things that consistently ... Views: 1074
My 7 year old daughter Jenna loves to play baseball. In fact, she loves it so much she’s willing to play in a league where over 90% of the players are boys. We are nearing the end of the season and playoffs begin in a few days. She’s struggled to keep up with the team, playing mostly in the ... Views: 1605
A few nights ago, we watched “Mr. Magorium’s Magical Emporium” with Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. It’s a fun and light family movie with a wonderful message. I won’t give away the plot or ending, however at one point in the movie, Dustin Hoffman (Mr. Magorium) smiled and said to Natalie ... Views: 2870
A few weeks ago, while vacationing with my family in Park City, I injured my low back ice-skating with my daughter Jenna. It was quite painful and required me to lay low for a couple of days. I watched a few movies, did some reading and caught up on emails. Some of the email promotions really ... Views: 1105
Have you ever had a Big Idea that you were over the moon about only to have your hopes dashed because you shared it with someone who you trusted and they told you (typically in a very flat tone) “that will never work.” I’ve had this unfortunate experience happen to me on more than one occasion ... Views: 1163
This summer, I traveled with my family for our annual vacation to Telluride, Colorado. An interesting event occurred en route that made me pause and reflect on what we really, truly need. We had arrived at the Denver airport and were transferring from a jet to a small commuter plane. It seated ... Views: 1119
I have the good fortune to spend meaningful time with a lot of smart women who keep me on track about what’s going on in women’s lives. One topic that resonates with many of these women (and with me) is the idea of busyness. This issue is of great interest in my Women’s Learning Circles. Not ... Views: 1405
I was sitting in a park recently watching my children play with their grandparents and all at once I heard this deep, booming voice from a distance say, “You must make contact if you want to stay in the game.” I turned to my left and saw a coach working with a girl’s softball team – instructing ... Views: 1222
Recently, I walked through my family room and stumbled upon papers belonging to my son Jack. He had been working on a kindergarten project. His paper said: Plants grow from seeds. The project required him to cut out four pictures and paste them in the correct order. The pictures were of a seed, ... Views: 1162
Recently, both my children participated in a science fair at their elementary school. My son, Jack, did an experiment that involved an electromagnet. My daughter, Jenna, was curious about how batteries work so she chose to make a "homemade battery." Needless to say, my husband and I were ... Views: 800
A few days ago, my husband Greg and I had dinner with my good friend and smart woman, Diane Elander and her family. (http://www.dianeelander.com) Diane is a "food stylist." She is an artist who creates that appetizing, desirous emotion that you feel when you see her creations in cookbooks, ... Views: 1127
Like millions of people all over the world, my family watched the Academy Awards on Sunday night. People watch “the Oscars” for different reasons. Some people watch because they enjoy the fashion show and like to see the costume choices. Some people watch because they can’t wait to see who won ... Views: 828
No, I’m not talking about your cell phone or the phone in your home or office. All the women in my Success Circles know that I don’t believe in picking up the phone every time it rings. I do believe in listening to my messages and returning calls and emails within a reasonable time period. I’m ... Views: 603
A few days ago, I did something that I've never done before. I went hiking in the desert mountains with my good friend and Smart Woman, Debra. I've hiked many times in the mountains but I'd never been out in the desert mountains. This was quite a different experience for me. I highly recommend ... Views: 757
Recently, as I was leaving my bank in Los Angeles, I saw a stack of magazines near the door, entitled “Life After 50.” And if you have followed the media trail this past week, it’s all about Madonna turning 50. This is a big deal in our society where youth typically rules. Here’s a woman who has ... Views: 683
As I was unpacking a box in our new house the other day, I found a beautiful drawing that my son Jack had done when he was in Kindergarten last year, in the spring. It’s 4 pieces of paper layered together with drawings and these 4 words: seed, roots, stem, flower. There is a lot of ... Views: 507