Here are some of the great stories this week about women entrepreneurs here in the US as well as around the globe:

First, one of my favorite divas and recommended blogs to read:
Book Review- Mommy Millionaire
By Katie Skow(Katie Skow)
I sincerely appreciate the fact that Mommy Millionaire does not lie and presents women entrepreneurs with the honest truth. While this book is useful for any business owner, this is an especially good read for entrepreneurs who have or …
Entrepreneur Goddess – http://www.katieskow.com/

North Carolina Business Owner Wins Make Mine A Million $ Business …
Carolina Newswire (press release) – NC,USA
“I hope Leah’s success story will encourage other women entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.” Make Mine a Million $ Business™, a program of Count Me In and …
See all stories on this topic

Woman Launches Community Bank Among the Giants
New York Sun – United States
It was her father, a Greek entrepreneur, who first encouraged her to enter banking, she said. “When I got the job offer, he said, ‘Elena, this is something …
See all stories on this topic

£10m fund launched for female entrepreneurs
Startups.co.uk – UK
A £10m fund has been established to finance loans, training and mentorship for women entrepreneurs in the UK . Women can apply to borrow up to £30000 in any …
See all stories on this topic

Palestinian Businesswomen to Host Top US Executives
istockAnalyst.com – Salem,OR,USA
The BWF aims to create a better environment for women entrepreneurs and executives as well as build the pipeline of future business women leaders. …
See all stories on this topic

Women to reap SADC free trade rewards
By Palapye.com
GABORONE – Women entrepreneurs have been urged to produce goods and services that meet international standards in order to enjoy the benefits of the upcoming SADC Free Trade Area (FTA). Speaking at the ninth womens exposition on Monday, …
Palapye.com News Blog – http://palapye.wordpress.com

Africa Zou Chu Qu, Chinese for swarm out
African Path – Minneapolis,MN,USA
Against all odds, numerous African women have developed businesses – some of them world class. A Nigerian entrepreneur makes children’s clothes, …
See all stories on this topic

Good news this week: I have had initial conversations with a fascinating woman who now lives in Singapore and is about to move to Africa. She has agreed to be our in-the-field entrepreneur ambassador in Africa. I am so excited that we will start getting live reports from a real person living it now. Great stuff!

If any of you women worldwide are interested in being an in-the-field ambassador for SmartWoman Guides, please contact me. I would like to have at least one ambassador in each country where SmartWoman is read. So, my web stats tell me that we have visitors from Russia, Thailand,  Japan, China, Sweden, England,  Australia and others.  Ladies? Any takers? Let me know!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

This weekend, I am on a spiritual retreat. I am visiting my spiritual teacher, Amma in Dallas, Texas, a stop on Amma’s North American Tour. Watch the video below to see a FOX News report on her and her philanthropic endeavors.

This might seem fringe or weird to you, but to me, it’s deeply personal. Some I meet believe that work and personal matters shouldn’t be mixed. But, truthfully, there is no way to separate these things. Nor, in my opinion, is there any advantage to doing so.

I mention my personal journey on this entrepreneur’s blog to help others make their own connections between who they are at their essential core and how they behave in their business and in the world. In my way of thinking, your faith, whatever that is, shapes you and colors all that you do.

My teacher speaks of patience, love, forgiveness, and the need for the spirit of the Divine Mother to be reignited in this world. I strive to run my business affairs with these values in mind. Traditional cut-throat methods aren’t appropriate if you start with a compassionate viewpoint. I cannot say that I never lose my patience or become judgemental. I am human. But, ultimately, I work with the idea of service and shared benefit at the core of my goals.

Think for a moment of what your mother does for you. She cares for you and she loves you unconditionally. When you were a baby, she fed you, she taught you, and she kissed your wounds to made them feel better. As you grew to an adult, she was there as a confidante and supportive energy. The spirit of generous giving and nurturing is at the heart of a loving mother.

If you did not experience a loving mother, you know the damage it has caused you. Imagine the damage you can do by not conducting your business affairs honestly. Imagine the pain that negligence or disregard can deliver. A surgeon who drinks on the job, a teacher who molests their students, a huge corporation that pollutes rather than conduct their business gently on the earth. These are all examples of people who did not allow their faith to help guide their business choices.

I am not suggesting that anyone preach to another about what they should believe. Rather, I am suggesting that it is correct and good to consider and incorporate your beliefs into your business model. Become aware of how you touch others with your work. To live a passionate life means to have your heart engaged and an engaged heart is fueled by faith. Discover and embrace yours. Because, frankly, I can hardly wait to see the magnificent things you will do.

Love to you. Thank you for visiting and supporting me.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

I am an admitted optimist. I confess. I wear a pair of rose-colored glasses. Although it may prevent me from seeing all pitfalls, people tell me it’s part of my charm. I like words like wonderful, sweet, fun, awesome. I often act like a little kid in my glee.

Something I’ve noticed, though, in doing interviews recently, is that I say certain words and phrases a lot. As a writer and an interviewer, that can be a mistake. I am doing what I can to become aware of these habits and learn to incorporate new, fresh phrases. It only takes a time or two of being recorded to notice when I laugh too loud, or say “um” too much, or repeat “wonderful” a dozen times. If you haven’t ever recorded yourself, you might try it. It’s a real eye-opener.

What about you? Have you noticed anything like this about yourself? Are there things you do habitually that could be refreshed? I bet there are. Are you aware of the words you use regularly? Is it worthwhile to find a few new turns of phrases? Of course it is, and, that creative process of seeking out alternatives will be invigorating.

Game for the day: Pick a word you use often and find a dozen alternatives and begin using them.

Here’s mine: Wonderful can also be

• fantastic
• great
• stupendous
• amazing
• impressive
• fabulous
• incredible
• mind blowing
• out of this world (yes, you can find slang too—have some fun with it. It’s a game!)
• Dyno-mite!
• awe inspiring

I could probably go on, but you get the point, right? After single words, start examining your phrases. I have go-to phrases too. The idea is to branch out, try new things, and let the power of words really help you rather than put you in a rut. You’ll be a better writer, a more engaging speaker, and you can impress your friends with your grand vocabulary. Enjoy!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Click here to download…

Interview length: 18 minutes, mp3

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Joy Chudacoff, a personal coach and sister blogger. We discussed how she’ll never forget that fateful day when, at 28 years old, her boss uttered three simple words to her that would alter the entire course of her work history. Joy’s story of the challenges and triumphs of her entrepreneur’s journey, from her early days 20 years ago to today, will fill you with hope and confidence.

As a coach, Joy has helped dozens of women custom shape an inspired life but they had to be willing to work at it to get there. Joy shared with me the most common issues she sees her female entrepreneur clients face and how they can be overcome. She mentioned the financial hurdles, the need for a support network, the power of working within your strengths, and last but certainly no least, how important it is to allow yourself the time and space to find your true passion.

To visit Joy’s website, go to SmartWomenSolutions.com

Join us in our conversation and allow it to help you transform your dream into a business that inspires you. Enjoy!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Today is my scheduled catch up day for the month. I take a look at the goal to-do list I made at the beginning of the month, see what is in process and take steps to finish it all up before the official last day of June. It’s a two step process that includes clean up and celebration that I allow for every month. Since I have implemented it, I have achieved more, so I thought I would share it with you.

Step 1 is Cleaning Up The Loose Ends.

Loose ends can include pending email responses, technical updates, follow up phone calls, cleaning up my desk, filing, etc. It’s any bits and pieces of almost done projects and activities that are dangling. I find that this gives me a very good sense of what I still can reasonably accomplish and helps me to feel more relaxed once it’s done.

The other part of Step 1, though, is just as important. It’s time to make my confession to my self about what I am not going to realistically finish, including projects I never started. If you’re like me, sometimes you overschedule or over expect. You set up big goals that are just too much. And, surprise, surprise, you don’t get it done. That’s actually pretty understandable.

But, it’s important to acknowledge the unfinished parts of your to-do list. If you know why you didn’t get it done, admit it. Be willing to put fewer to-do items on your list for the next month. There is no shame in not getting an overly ambitious list completed. You didn’t break the law, you know! But make adjustments. Forgive yourself for not doing it and refresh. You will get more done if you pull back a little. You can always add more to your list if you have left over time, but not being able to check off something that you told yourself you’d do can be discouraging. Quit doing that to yourself.

Part 2 is Celebrating Your Victories

You are required to celebrate what you did get done. Dance around, respect your efforts, buy yourself some flowers, shout yoohoo! What did you learn? How did you improve? Who did you network with that can help your future? What system did you put in place? What steps did you take to be a success? Even if the result of these actions aren’t evident yet, celebrate that you took the steps. Steps are what lead to results.

You are not allowed to make next month’s to-do list until you celebrate your accomplishments. Sure it feels silly to cheer for yourself alone in your home office. Who cares? Do it anyway. It will raise your personal vibration, flood your brain with endorphins, and put a smile on your face. That’s the state of mind you need to be in to create your next set of goals. A winning state of mind.

Try this approach and let me know how it works for you. I bet it will!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

I got a nuclear powered phone today. Ok, not really, but this thing is phenomenal. It’s the Instinct, the Sprint version of the Iphone, and it does nearly everything except make you coffee. It has a camera and huge picture storage, I can store hundreds of audios on it, it has texting, internet surfing, GPS navigation that talks to me, and I can even watch TV on the thing. Oh, and of course I can talk on the phone too. WOW!

I admit I am a bit of a gadget freak. Maybe you’re not. If you are the type to completely shun new technology, I am suggesting that you drop that approach. You may not go full force right away, but technology is an amazing tool that can help make your life easier. Yes, you might have to read a manual, or call tech support, or even surf some forums to learn some of this stuff, but it’s so worth it!

Some women I know tell me that they are completely overwhelmed. What worries me most is when I hear them say things like “I’ve never been good at that kind of stuff” or “Girls were never allowed to play with machines in my family” or “I am just not smart enough to learn all that”. You could literally hear my heart breaking if you were sitting next to me when I hear these reasons.

These reasons are completely not workable. Being an entrepreneur means growth. Being an entrepreneur means asking for and accepting help. Being an entrepreneur means stretching your comfort zones. Growing pains are natural and healthy. They make you stronger and better.

I do understand your trepidation, though. My sweetheart is not completely comfortable with technology. He’s a smart guy, too, but it frustrates him, especially initially. But, usually, in no time at all, he’s up and going and loving it. He get’s over it quickly. He commits to learning it and asks me for help when he gets stuck and he overcomes. You have to do this too.

So, today’s challenge is for you to complete a high tech task you’ve been putting off. Remember: one of the tools of a successful entrepreneur is delegation. If you can’t do it, ask the high school kid down the block—she can probably do it in her sleep. Just don’t keep putting it off because you think you have to learn it but “can’t”. There is power in using all the tools available to you and you deserve to be in full command of that power. Use it!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

p.s. Be sure to sign up for Wednesday’s June 25th teleseminar with Lynn Pierce about turning your passion into cash. SmartWoman Guides with Lynn Pierce Teleseminar Signup

I regret to inform the SmartWoman Community that I ran into a technical snag with the recording of my interview with Lynn Pierce. The actual recording replay of Lynn and I talking cannot be made available. I am so sorry.

Although it is not specifically me and Lynn together, Lynn has created a series of teleseminar broadcasts, the first of which is on the topic we discussed, turning your passion into cash. It really is very valuable information and if you sign up, you can get many other interviews in addition to that topic. This is the only alternative I have to offer you so that you get the information I had promised you.

I would highly recommend that you afford yourself of Lynn’s generosity and go sign up to hear the interviews. It doesn’t cost a thing and it’s so worth it!

Register at: Business Empowerment Summit Pre-session Teleseminars

I feel disappointed, but I have to take my own advice that I offer here and shake it off and keep going. Please accept my humble apologies.

For more information about the seminar:
Women’s Business Empowerment Summit
(Be sure to return back here to actually sign up, though, or you will pay a whole lot more!)

For exclusive discounted tuition, sign up here:
Women’s Business Empowerment Summit Signup

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Contrary to some people’s belief, men watch Oprah. Some do it in secret, some openly, but they do (I’ve heard their confessions, so I can testify). These guys are real men, not “wussy” men. They watch, not because they have to, but rather because they want to. Of course there are those who only show up to keep their wives happy, but that doesn’t account for all of them (although you have to give a guy credit if he actively tries to please his wife, right?)

Why is this important for female entrepreneurs? Entrepreneurs, both male and female, but especially females, need a support group. They need people surrounding them who understand what they are working towards, what they are going through. Beyond business mentors and coaches, keeping ourselves involved with companions who nurture our emotional side as well as encourage our professional side is crucial to success.

You know about the “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” thing (Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex) It’s easy to assume unilaterally that men don’t “get” us but it’s simply not true.  And, maybe every man doesn’t relate but the ones who do are like gold.

Seek out the support you need from the men in your life. Let them in. Don’t put them down or tease them about getting in touch with their feminine side. Give them the space to add their viewpoint. Encourage them to encourage you.

As a simple exercise, invite your male loved ones to watch Oprah with you. Discuss the show. Listen to their opinion. Let them give to you. Be willing to share without requiring a “Yes, dear”. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t in sync in all ways, but find the ways that you are in tune. And, even if you are one of the women who doesn’t like Oprah, find ways to spend time and share your ideas, hopes, and dreams with the men you cherish and the men who cherish you. Your business will be enriched for it.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

I found some great articles about the products and activities of female entrepreneurs around the world. Creativity is still alive, ladies, and it’s making money for women everywhere!

Nary a whiff from the poo in your loo
Edmonton Sun – Alberta, Canada
“It really does work,” Mather explained of the product developed by a female entrepreneur in Texas. “It doesn’t fragrance the air. That’s the really unique …
See all stories on this topic

You Can Make Microloans to Budding Entrepreneurs
By noreply@blogger.com (Lyn Southworth)
Since Matt and Jessica Flannery founded online microfinance connection Kiva in 2005, big things have been happening. The result is you can select an individual who needs funding, make a loan, and be repaid — with all the satisfaction …
Women News Links – http://womennewslinks.blogspot.com/

Farm queen gets her hands dirty
Jamaica Gleaner – Kingston,Jamaica
Entrepreneur, Karen Tamasa, prepares a plot of land to be used in the cultivation of vegetables. Tamasa supplies packaged vegetables to supermarkets in …
See all stories on this topic

Jane Fong: Aiming to Bring Anime Online, as a Woman, a Foreigner …
By Marshall Kirkpatrick
Most female entrepreneurs today are in their late thirties. Women of that generation are a little more aggressive for some reason. You need to have a lot of confidence in yourself to start up a business in Japan so most female …
ReadWriteWeb – http://www.readwriteweb.com/

Seventh WCCI lifestyle exhibition: Women from all over Pakistan …
Daily Times – Lahore,Pakistan
LAHORE: The Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) held its seventh lifestyle exhibition of women entrepreneurs and home-based women workers on …
See all stories on this topic

Local women entrepreneurs take part in food, beverage industry …
Daily Gleaner – Fredericton,New Brunswick,Canada
By Yvon Gauvin MONCTON – A dozen Atlantic Canadian women entrepreneurs involved in the food and beverage industry are heading for Philadelphia and New York …
See all stories on this topic

Muslim Women Entrepreneurs
By forum@kqed.org (KQED Public Radio)
Forum talks with a group of local Muslim women who have started social or business ventures. We find out about their lives and careers — and common misconceptions about their faith.
KQED’s Forum – http://www.kqed.org/radio/forum/index.html

All About Malaysian Women Entrepreneurs
By admin
Malaysian women entrepreneurs today are still facing a considerable number of obstacles. You see, venturing in new markets can be a problem for Malaysian women entrepreneurs simply because of the fact that information can be hard to …
Shologoo – http://www.shologoo.com
I feel so rejuvenated when I ponder the connection we all have with other women entrepreneurs worldwide. We can learn so much about our own challenges and solutions by sharing in another’s journey. My heart is filled with hope and I am glad to be part of this sisterhood. Thank you to all the women out there (and the men who support us).

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

The last two days I auditioned for “Don’t Forget the Lyrics”. I am an avid singing fan and know lots of songs, so I thought, “Why not?”. I didn’t get the final nod, but I had fun pushing on my comfort zone, something I believe everyone should do regularly.

What I brought back from the experience, though, is how important it is to be make a deep, lasting impression quickly. The first audition was literally 2 minutes or less long. You filled out your paperwork and then had to sing for and speak to a judge. The second call back was maybe 5 minutes long, but not much more. No one’s audition was much longer, even the ones who made it through. You had to be on from the first second you were walking up.

You had to be exactly what they were looking for, too. The TV show was focused on a very specific thing. Although at first glance this might have seemed like a singing audition, what they really wanted were engaging and compelling people who knew lyrics (we had to take a long test to show we knew lyrics). They wanted people who were enthusiastic and charismatic (they filmed our performance to confirm our energy level on camera). They wanted an interesting, unique and appealing backstory (I filled out an 11 page application). Sure, they preferred that you sing pretty good, but that was definitely not the primary focus. It was not actually a singing audition.

The same process happens for your potential clients when they are looking for you. So, what’s your first 2 minute impression? How well do you pass the tests that customers give you? How aware are you of the actual result people are searching for rather than what it might appear they should want? How do you communicate your unique and compelling selling offer? Do people remember you after a short meeting? Are you enthusiastic about your brand?

These questions are important to answer. Because, if you are the one chosen, it could lead to big money. And fun. And a brighter future! So, today, give some thought to your audition. Check your look, be ready to be tested, and shine! Show the people who you are and what you can offer them. It will pay off.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for the free teleseminar on June 25th, with Lynn Pierce, about turning your passion into cash.