Canadian Small Business Women

Connection, Synergy, Community

When to Let Go

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As a Small Business Owner, I suspect that you have had more than one good idea about the direction of your business. The business that you run today is probably also not exactly what you first envisioned.

The reason for this is likely because along the way you made small strategic decisions to go towards one goal or direction and let some things go along the way. Sometimes those little pivots are enough to create a business that you truly love but sometimes a bigger ‘letting go’ is needed to really create success.

For someone who has personally gone through the tough decisions of when to let go – I wanted to share my personal experiences as well as share what I have learned by seeing some of my business mentors shift gear.

With personal evaluation, I have always considered two key factors that help me determine when it’s time to let go and when to go forward. The first thing is my personal satisfaction/motivation and the other is the outer result of my work.

My ‘satisfaction’ is determined by my excitement (or lack of), my flow of ideas and interest in everything related to my business industry.

I saw this personally when I was no longer spending my time researching. As an expert in the field I was centered around, I really wanted to be on the leading edge of any new findings and strategies. Beyond that, I was also committed to using and implementing all of my research to make sure I was providing the most relevant and founded information. When I found myself avoiding podcasts on the topic and choosing different books at the library it was one of my first indications that I would not be able to make the long haul in the industry.

The outer ‘result’ that I used to assess my situation was how I felt about the work I was producing and the impact I had on others. If I could see that what I was bringing to the table was truly revolutionary, that would have been a reason to hang on. But the truth was, it wasn’t. I didn’t feel like I was bringing a fresh enough perspective or creating positive change in the world on a level that I really wanted too.

Looking into the future was also a big part of how I made the final decision to let my first business go. I looked at the careers of those who were further ahead of me and I just couldn’t see myself really thriving at that level. While I was ‘out there’ looking, it also gave me an opportunity to look at what others were doing that I could see myself being in the same arena with, which happened to be in a different industry.

By seeing these business mentors from a 10,000-foot view I was able to see how they also continued to make shifts and let go, sometimes in big ways, and other times in small programs or offerings.

Every time I would see this – (because I admired the way they did business) I could appreciate their courage in trying something new, even if it wasn’t my favorite thing they had ever done. That’s why I encourage you to take a look at your own business and feel brave when you feel a change coming on that may include letting go. It may just be the best thing you have ever done.

The overall perspective here is that sometimes it is worth it to push through the tough times and sometimes it is better to just let it go. Considering these concepts will hopefully help you find the best path for you.

Tamara is the Founder and Creative Director of Sweet Clover Studios. Where she provides resources, planners, learning opportunities and inspiration for creative small business owners. You can also see her personal gallery of products as a surface pattern designer at www.SweetCloverStudios.com

5 reasons you should join a mastermind group

sandra

When I first heard the term mastermind, I was intrigued.  I like the idea of a group of people working together to support one another with their respective goals.  I have participated in masterminds as a facilitator and as a participant.  I have seen and experienced the benefits from both perspectives and I strongly recommend finding one that suits your needs.  Here are 5 reasons why I believe every entrepreneur should be a part of a mastermind group.

  1. We can’t do it alone

    When we try to do it all on our own, we inevitably make painful and often very costly mistakes. Being a part of a mastermind allows us to learn from the mistakes and successes of others.  It also offers us the opportunity to realize that we are not alone in our struggles and challenges.  It’s nice to know that there is life after failure.  It’s even better when you know that you have a group of people that are committed to helping you achieve your goals as you are to them in the pursuit of theirs.

  1. Different minds, different perspectives

    Ideally, you want to be a part of a mastermind group that has varied skill sets, experiences and ways of processing information. You need you left and right brain thinkers at the table.  We can benefit from the creative viewpoint as much as we can the analytical.  Having these different thinkers in the group gives you access to a variety of viewpoints that you may never have considered.  I love the saying that we don’t know what we don’t know because it’s true.  Being part of a mastermind gives you access to the wealth of knowledge held by each participant.

  2. Accountability

    Meetings give each participant a change to update the group on who their week or month has been, depending on the frequency of the meetings. This is where each member celebrates their successes, talks about what’s working and what isn’t and what they commit to accomplishing for the next meeting.  Sharing your commitments holds you accountable to the rest of the group and allows the group the opportunity to offer any help they can in the achievement of your goal.  The magic happens because all of this help and support I s never one-sided.  Reciprocity is the magic ingredient that makes masterminds thrive.

  3. Expand your network in a meaningful way

    Sure Linkedin will show you how wide your network is because of your connections, but what does that really mean? When you’re a part of a mastermind group, you hear A LOT of “I know someone who can help you out with that!”  I don’t know about you, but those words are music to my ears, especially when that connection can help me with something I’ve been wrestling with for a while!  The more time you spend with your group, the better they understand your business and what you need.  Whether it’s someone to help you coordinate your next event or a client referral, your group members are there to support you, just as you are there for them.  Social media is great, but there’s still something to be said for that personal, intimate connection that can only be developed with time.

  4. Awesome camaraderie, support and encouragement

Here’s the thing –when you join a mastermind group, whether it’s a six-month or year-long commitment, you can’t help but develop a strong bond with the other members.  You’re baring your soul, sharing your struggles and celebrating your accomplishments with these people on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.  When you are committed to the group, the process and each other’s success, the magic really starts to happen.  There are groups that have been going for years, if not decades because they know firsthand that masterminds really do work!

Napoleon Hill, in his book Think and Grow Rich, describes a mastermind group as “a friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with plan and purpose.”  He dedicates an entire chapter to the concept in the book for a reason.  Being part of an effective mastermind group can be just what you need to help you take your business exactly where you want it to be, or even further than you ever imagined!

If you’re considering joining a mastermind, then you should definitely think about becoming a Canadian Small Business Women member! I’m pleased to be partnering with CSBW and offering preferred rates on participating in my 6-month mastermind program. For more information on the different membership options, visit the following link. I look forward to achieving massive success with you!

Sandra Dawes is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who feel unfulfilled with their 9-5 follow their dreams and pursue their passions. She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution.She has completed her first book,Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve!

Connect:

www.embraceyourdestiny.ca

www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestiny

www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestinythebook

www.twitter.com/sandradawes

Mind Your Own Business. The Best Advice You Will Ever Get.

Rose

I know, it sounds a little rude and at times somewhat arrogant.  I’m sure you’ve had it said to you or overheard it in conversations in earshot. “Mind your own business” If you’re like me, you probably responded or thought, “Excuse me?” The statement has a sting to it that truly takes a bite at your ego and may cause you to act negatively towards the person delivering it.

But if you take a step back, and remove it from the personal arena,” Mind your Own Business” is one of the most valuable piece of advice you will ever receive, especially in business.  If you think about it, you are in business, your business.  Shouldn’t you be minding it?  Putting all your focus and energy into it?

It’s actually a positive rather than a negative. Too often, small business owners like you and I are so caught up looking into the competition that we lose sight of our own.  It’s one thing to research to understand your competition.  I mean, you have to know what they are doing in order to formulate your strategies to corner your place in the market, but you have to avoid getting blindsided.  Nothing requires more attention than your business.   To ensure you put this advice to good use follow these simple rules:

  1. Be Organized—is essential to everything.  Put things in perspective. Keep things in order. Know who the players are. Know where you need to be.  Keep a master TO DO list. Delegate. Designate.
  2. Keep Focused—your business is your focus.  Everything you do and say and breath is your business.  Don’t allow distractions (especially negative ones) at home, in business, or at play.
  3. Stick to the Plan—go to your business plan often, as a reminder, as a check-point, as a gauge.  Pinpoint where you are at and where you a going.  Update regularly as business develops.
  4. Follow Up—with leads, opportunities, people, places and things.
  5. Network Outside your Industry—so important.  Some of your best contact and creative ideas may very well be just outside your industry.  Take your observations and knowledge and bring it back to your business to see how you can enhance and improve.
  6. Learn to say NO—don’t be a “yes-preneur”. Being able to say NO allows you to weed out people, place and things that may lead you away from your business.
  7. Remember Why—Remember why you started your business. Your vision. Your mission. Your goals. Your Life.
  8. Ask for help—you cannot do this alone because entrepreneurship can be lonely.  Gather the troops and ask for their help and support.
  9. Grow with It—your business is not what it was the day you started it. As your business grows you have to grow with it.  Learn what works and what doesn’t and understand why.
  10. Go with your Gut—it rarely fails. It’s usually right. It keeps you accountable and responsible. Your head and your heart can often lie, but your gut never lies.

The next time someone tells you  to “Mind your own business”, simply reply “Thanks, I think I will”.

 

Rose Nixon, is Your “Anything” Organizer, Chief Professional Organizer and Principal Owner of ReallyOrganizedNow(RON), A Professional organizing company that brings Mindful Solutions for Stress-Less Living.  Rose knows that Life can be stressful enough without having the added burden of Disorganization.  Rose also knows that when you’re Organized you Smile more.  You are more pleasant to be around.  You enjoy people, places and things with greater ease, comfort and focus.  Rose helps active women and families find solutions and support to Stress-Less and Live More. She helps them BE ReallyOrganizedNow. Are you ReallyOrganizeNow? 

Contact Rose on social media

https://www.facebook.com/reallyorganizednow

https://twitter.com/roseKNOWSron

http://www.youtube.com/user/ReallyOrganizedNow/videos 

http://about.me/reallyorganizednow

 

 

Should Women Network At The Old Boy’s Club?

Kerry George (1)

Business networking is important. It is important for everyone, but especially important for women. There is still a glass ceiling in some industries where breaking over the top is difficult and gender can occasionally be a part of that. Have you heard of the Old Boy’s Club? It still exists. There are the closed doors of the boardroom. It may not even be that men desire to do business that way, they have just done business with friends for years and their friends are typically other men. So why should they let any newcomer of any kind into their circle when they have a system that they feel is working?

Women need to earn their way into those closed rooms. One can’t assume that it is a different world now and that they will just throw open their arms and welcome in the unknown. Men want to know that there will be a positive result from the interaction of any new business. So women need to network and get out there into the marketplace and make more friends. People will do business with you if they know you and if they feel comfortable that you can deliver on your promises.

While more and more companies are hiring female CEOs, most big companies are being ran by men. They have the final decision on how money will be spent and who gets that great contract. Men like doing business with men. They are comfortable in that realm. They feel free to talk the way they talk. They usually like facts only and separate out emotional responses from decision making. They have been there for years and many see no need to change, so we need to bring something of value to the table to make them want to do business with us. So what does a woman entrepreneur bring to the table?

Perspective

While men may control the spending in the boardroom, women control the spending at home. Over 80% of daily household decisions are made by women. The companies that trying to get into the wallet share of the general population usually know that but this would be a great time to remind them. As a woman you know more about how to get a woman to buy their product or service. They need your perspective in the Boy’s Club.

Warmth

While some men complain that women show their emotions more than men do, one of the positive emotions that women share is joy. Women tend to feel more comfortable having a laugh in a group of people. They bring life to the party. At the CIBN.ca we put on business meetings for professionals every day of the week. The most enjoyable meetings are those with a good balance of men and women. Both sexes notice it and often comment on it. There is a warmth and a camaraderie in a group where there is female and male interaction.

New Business

Women have the hearts of other women. They are the mothers, the sisters, the friends of other women. Smart men realize that their company needs a female voice to be the advocate for their marketing to work. The bottom line for all business is the bottom line. If women are making purchasing decisions then every company on planet earth that is trying to sell to a woman, needs other women talking about their product. Doing business with female contractors and companies ran by women ensures a larger market share. The bottom line therefore is it is profitable to do business with women.

 

Women may like the comfortable networking that they are used to with the women’s organization but we are only half of the population. There is money being left on the table. Ladies there is a place for you in the Boy’s Club and many of the boys already know it. So make new friends. It is a new sandbox with it’s own set of rules. We may want to change the status quo but change takes time. The best course of action is to learn their existing unsaid rules and try to blend as much as principle will allow and enjoy the interaction and the new business that comes from it. For many men you will need to learn to present numbers and facts up front. It is almost as though you close them before you present to them. They are fact orientated. If you know that you can have a tremendous edge in that market, and even gain the full support of the Boy’s Club.

 

Kerry George is the owner of the Canadian Imperial Business Network which is currently the largest business network in Alberta and rapidly expanding across the country. She is a serial entrepreneur/author and speaker with a zest for life and a passion to help others succeed in increasing their potential and their bottom line. Kerry has several publications and blogs that you can follow and welcomes most interaction online.

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