Many times, when people answer a question with “I don’t know”, it’s more of a push off than a real answer. They don’t want to think about it right now, they don’t want to commit, or perhaps they don’t want to be held responsible for the fall-out from the answer.

But, done right, an honest “I don’t know” can be one of the most powerful entrepreneur tools available.

By getting in touch with the place inside of you that holds no judgment, or decisions, or prejudice, you can experience a world of creativity and insight that isn’t available to know-it-alls. By being willing to be vulnerable enough to ask a question instead of always being the one to answer it, you can open yourself up to new possibilities, innovative ideas, and – dare I say it – out of the box thinking.

The key to experiencing the power of a true “I don’t know” moment is rather straightforward – you have to be willing. And, you might have to practice a bit. So, to help you practice accessing that perfect intersection of creativity and inspiration, here are some tips:

Embrace the Value of Mistakes

Most people don’t like making mistakes, but they seem to have no problem forging ahead with their ideas and doing whatever might seem right instead of admitting they don’t know. They are more afraid of being embarrassed about seeming ignorant than they are about going right ahead and proving in action that they are!

If you make peace with mistakes and instead see them as the natural process of learning lessons, the pressure to seem like you know something instead of sitting with “I don’t know” for a bit will ease up. Once you can get past the automatic impulse to “do something” (even if it’s not the right something), the closer you will be to discovering the actual right something to do.

Make Asking Your Mode of Operation

Again, asking another to help you can perhaps feel demeaning, or seem unprofessional, or maybe – heaven forbid – reduce your credibility. But, really, the most successful people in the world, in business and in life, all ask questions much more of the time than they do nearly anything else.

Think of the added benefits of asking from a marketing point of view – it shows that you care about others, it shows you are more focused on them instead of yourself, it allows you to have up to date market data, and it helps you communicate that you are approachable. Even if you don’t want to ask a real, in the flesh person, at least have an open enough mind to entertain others’ opinions from books and training materials. Two heads ARE better than one.

Accept that Vulnerability is Attractive

How many people flock to help a person who knows everything? Nearly no one! People help others that need help. You can pretend you know everything, build a persona of invincibility, and you can have coffee by yourself. Or, if you’re willing to accept that vulnerability is attractive, you can easily draw in others who have much to offer you. Asking questions (and sincerely listening to the answers) can be a tool you use to allow others the saving face to come in and offer their help.

It’s nice to fantasize about being a well-respected guru who has people traveling from all over the world to seek their counsel, and maybe some day you will be that. But even the most famous of spiritual leaders, enlightened political figures, and a host of wealthy, famous people often greet those travelers with a question – NOT an answer.

We can all learn something from others around us, both the known and the lesser known genius minds among us, as well as the ones living now and throughout history. But, lessons don’t get learned if we aren’t already in a state of “I don’t know”, so get there are fast as you can!

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

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

Some of the most inspiring women in this world have what I call a “hidden light” syndrome. They have so much to give, so much creativity to share, and they don’t let others know about it. They shy away from the spotlight and are hesitant to be out front. They keep their brilliance a secret.

For those of you who are actually introverted, I am not pushing you to change your basic personality. I am classified, per all the psychological personality tests I’ve taken, a gregarious introvert. I know it sounds like a oxymoron, but it’s how I feel. I am able to interact fairly easily with someone once I get to know them, but I get energized being in small groups or by myself. Large crowds don’t work as well for me. I enjoy solitude and quiet time. I am a recovering recluse, too, but that’s a different story. What I mean to emphasize is that being an introvert is not a disease or a mistake. If it’s how you are, fine. Feeling shy or introverted is ok.

But, if you are actually not shy but are playing shy and hiding because of a lack of perspective and self-confidence, I am begging you to stop it today, because, contrary to some social programming, hiding isn’t noble. False humility is not honorable, hiding your gifts does not make you more pure, and pretending that people should simply read your mind and know how fabulous you are is a losing business proposition.

Harsh words, I know. I’m sorry if they pinch. But, let’s come to terms with the difference between arrogance and confidence. You don’t have to go out into the market place and hype yourself all up, making inflated promises, hawking your wares like circus goods. You do have to state, with an aware sense of service, what benefits you provide and how your unique expertise can help your clients.

Yes, there is a fine line between being enthusiastic about what you do and how you do it and pushing too hard with empty promises. That’s the key – the word empty.  If you can actually do what you claim to do, it’s not empty. It’s not dishonest so you don’t have to approach it like it’s dirty. The thing to remember is that the more people who know about you, the more your message gets proliferated, the more people you can help. It’s not a popularity contest but rather an opportunity to serve more, to do more good. Good PR is not about satisfying your ego – it’s about reaching people who need you.

How can you help create better PR if you are not yet comfortable with being in the spotlight? Here are some tips:

1.  Ask for testimonials from your clients and other professionals.

Let others speak the words that you feel are too egotistical to say yourself. It’s a great way to be in touch with your previous clients, maybe get some referrals, but also to let someone else toot the horn for you. Ask for feedback on your service, your expertise, your creative problem solving, your pricing, your unique offerings. It might surprise you just how powerful reading that feedback will be for you. It’s touching to know that you affect people’s lives and it’s a very effective marketing technique to use on your website, in your newsletter, in your promotional materials.

2.  Hire a copywriter.

The best marketing includes keywords, benefits, to the point copy, plus graphical emphasis like bullet points and short, direct sentences. Instead of being hindered by a lack of confidence, a hired gun will have a 3rd person, more objective viewpoint to start with. Most copywriters will work to pull out of you everything they can use to featue you in the best light. Let them. Find someone who understands your vision and where you want to go in your business and let them work their magic with words.

3.  Practice.

Sending out press releases or developing a strong introduction ditty (your “elevator speech”) can be a challenge, but it does get easier with practice. Devote some time to learn about promotional strategies, ask your social media network for advice, read some books. For PR opportunities, visit HARO to start offering yourself up as an expert to media. The media is hungry for new points of view and have a 24/7 news cycle to fulfill. Develop a decent PR release using this Press Release Builder template, and just do it. The funny itchy feeling will go away and you will get more business.

Please know that I have every confidence that you deserve to be recogized for your greatness. Hiding just isn’t the answer, so reach out, speak out, and let your light shine! Today, ok?

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

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

As we begin to move into the new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish in 2009. I like to take a few days of relative downtime and reflect on my goals from last year and how successful I was at achieving them as well.

In early 2008, I decided that I would work toward becoming a well-liked, highly regarded, influential maven, a connector of wonderful and varied people doing impactful and interesting things. I committed to move beyond my tendency to be introspective and reclusive, and reach out to develop a social community. I desired to do this because I felt that I needed to facilitate others’ success more actively. I did it because I saw it as a way to deeply enrich my life, both personally and professionally. And, honestly, I did  have a nagging feeling that I “should”. So, I began.

I have made tremendous strides in that arena. I moved SmartWomanGuides.com from a static site to a blog, where I encouraged two way conversation and joint venturing. I have joined a Master Mind group, attended social networking events, become a museum patron, developed a decent network on Twitter, started a radio show, and grew my list. I have met a whole array of amazing people and I am satisfied with my accomplishment toward my goal.

But, there’s another step to my goals analysis. Beyond whether I achieved the goals I set or not, I also like to reflect on how accomplishing those goals made me feel. Did I really forward my business? Did I really find the satisfaction I was seeking? Did I really even need to accomplish those particular goals to be happy? I encourage you, in this current time of outbreath, to ask yourself similar questions.

In my case, my goal of becoming a maven has had benefits that I never even imagined it would. Yes, it has forwarded my business. Yes, it has brought me satisfaction. Yes, it has made me happy. But, one of the surprise benefits is it has helped me see even more clearly my place in this world, in the universe of marketing and entrepreneurship, and the essence of my unique contribution. I needed to see that, truly embrace it. And, it was an unexpected result.

The downside of my blooming mavenship is I’m not very experienced at handling multiple demands on my time. Each offer has its own value, intrinsic to only it, and all are seemingly equally important. How does a maven choose? This is a question I have not answered and is in fact on my dance card for 2009 – how do I successfully manage a growing, ever expanding network effectively? How do I maintain and grow relationships that are worthwhile and authentic? How do I serve my network in the very best possible way? At this point, this is the work ahead for me – I’ll let you know when I figure it out.

As much as I want you to review your year and reward yourself for your successes, I also want you to really be honest about whether the goals you set really gave you what you needed (expected or otherwise). It’s easy to think we want one thing and then when we get it, it’s not really what we wanted. Go deeper into your motivations and ask, as you set resolutions and goals, if the activities that surround your goal are in your highest good. Ask if something new needs to be added, or something old needs to be let go. Be open to change and willing to let the noise fall silent as you explore your purpose and how best to proceed in achieving that purpose.

I thank all of you for being part of my own life and my business. I look forward very much to hearing what you have to say re: your goal setting/achieving experiences. Start or join the conversation below – all are welcome!

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

Follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

I have a confession to make – I am a clutter bunny. A pack rat. A really, really questionable housekeeper, to be more than polite. I like being organized and all, it just presents as a challenge for me. That, in and of itself, would be okay, I could live with a personality glitch, but in my heart of hearts I know that it makes my entrepreneur’s life harder. So, I’ve decided to focus on improving it.

Along with some very brave women on Twitter, my favorite social media tool, #CleanUp09, a “Just Say No to Clutter” campaign, is kicking off.

Are you a candidate for this campaign? If you have any of the following symptoms of clutter creep, you are:

• Do you have to search for your keys because you don’t have a regular, easy to find place for them?
• Do you have cars parked in the driveway because you can’t fit your cars into your garage?
• Are your office files (or email box) in shambles, preventing you from  easily and quickly retrieving whatever information you desire at a moment’s notice?
• Do you miss appointments or double book because your schedule isn’t pulled together and organized?
• Do you not invite people over because you don’t want them to see the mess?
• Do you have multiple sized sets of clothing (none of which fit you and all that are outdated) in your closet?
• Do you have any eBooks (yes, even the free ones) on your computer that you can’t retrieve because you don’t remember where the files are?
• Do you have any drawers, closets, or rooms that are not functional due to overflowing stuff?

You don’t have to confess it to me, but at least confess it to yourself.

How, you might be asking, does this have anything to do with being a female entrepreneur? In my travels and conversations with hundreds of female entrepreneurs, one thing has stood out as a problem for all of them - overwhelm. Clutter can come in many areas – physical, emotional, mental, etc. When you’re trying to do so many things in a day, spending your time doing things over, or not finding the tools you need, or having chaos rule your environment, is counterproductive to your success. You lose energy, you are scattered and unfocused, and you are working harder to get less done. And, frankly, it’s no fun, so you aren’t going to enjoy your passionate work. Not cool.

The action starts officially Jan. 1, 2009, but you can start anytime. DON’T clean up anything before you take a picture of it. I  will do my best to get us some prizes too, but at this point, it’s a matter of personal improvement and that has its own rewards. Don’t let your New Year’s Resolution power push come and go without creating a better world for yourself. And always remember, we are together in this – you have friends.

The contest requires some commitment, but the idea is to make it light and fun. So, to be part of Cleanup 09, here is what you agree to do:

• You will be patient with yourself
• You will reward yourself when you do the right thing (especially small steps!)
• You will start small and finish small (break big projects down)
• You will take action.
• You will support each of us as we improve our environments and ourselves.
• You  will remain tolerant, of yourself and others.
• You will be forgiving of your past mishaps and make a new day.
• You will talk about your experience (and post your pictures) so others can learn from your journey.
• You will release your shame and self-flagellation and just get on with it.

Want to play? If so, take a picture of your trouble spot. I recommend you choose a small one (like maybe your kitchen junk drawer). Then, organize it. Throw out the old trash, let go of the “I will need to use this someday” stuff, and set up a system that you can maintain. I have some resources listed below that might be of assistance in deciding what stuff to keep and how to go about doing this.

Next, get on Twitter and tweet out to your followers to invite them to join. Use #Cleanup09 in all of your tweets related to the cleanup so they will be grouped together and we can all find them easily. You can email me your pictures and I’ll post them here, you can post them on your own site, or you can post them on photo sharing sites like Flickr.

Here is my first hot spot – 2 “before” views of my desk area:

I am committed to posting pictures of my messes, before and after, and then celebrating the end of them when I clean them  up. The picture thing scares the devil out of me, as I am fairly certain that the embarrassment will be nearly unbearable, but I am not going to let shame stand in my way of a better life – and neither should you.

Here are the resources I promised. If you know a clutter counselor, invite them here to post their recommendations for helping. All are welcome and the more the merrier!

• ClutterDiet.com – @clutterdiet on Twitter – Lorie Marrero, awesome clutter counselor
• Peter Walsh, Oprah’s clutter expert
• FlyLady.net – @flyladykelly on Twitter – fun and easy tips to spend 15 a day and have a clean, organized envirnoment.

Post below in comments what area you are going to start with and what it would mean to you to be more organized.

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

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

Cooperation is a SmartWoman Principle. I honestly believe that together, we are stronger. To highlight this point, I want to showcase two opportunities you have today to use the strength of cooperation to your advantage in your business.

Kiva and Microlending

There are many ways to show gratitude, foster solidarity, and raise awareness. These activities strengthen your ability to persevere in your business, reach out to others for help, and have your business noticed. They build your character as an entrepreneur and character is how you will ultimately succeed.

Every day on my Twitter background, I have been featuring a global female entrepreneur who is soliciting to receive a microloan through Kiva. Within hours, these entrepreneurs have become fully funded. Hours! Kiva provides the opportunity for farmers, retailers, manufacturers and more worldwide to feed their cattle, buy more inventory, and create new jobs. These women and their partners are pulling others out of poverty, creating self-sustaining economic systems and living “The Dream”.

Participating in microlending plugs you in to a global community of support and promise. It shows you what’s possible. It lights the fire of passion and purpose and spurs you on to do whatever you have to do to be successful in your meaningful work. An entrepreneur with vision, drive, and purpose is unstoppable. Sharing and cooperation through Kiva (or any other of the many microlending organizations) is a way to become that type of entrepreneur.

I’ve set up a SmartWoman Entrepreneurs lending group on Kiva.com if you’d like to participate. $25 is all it takes to get started and the loan repayment rates are typically in the high 90+%. None of the money goes to me and I don’t get any kind of referral fee for you to participate. I simply believe that reaching outside of yourself grows you. I believe you’ll love how it makes you feel and you will benefit from the character development that active philanthropy provides. I believe it is our responsibility to assist our global entrepreneurial sisters and I’d be honored to be shoulder to shoulder with you in these efforts.

Bloggers helping Bloggers

Chuck Westbrook has started a campaign to help quality blogs that are underappreciated get noticed. It’s a truly brilliant idea, using the power of the tribe and of self-interest in coordination. We all want to be successful and most of us are willing to help other people be successful also. By giving of our time and attention to others, we are going to gain attention for ourselves. This idea definitely gets the SmartWoman Seal of Approval.

Chuck is creating a team of top bloggers who will review everyone asking to be featured and select a blog. For the next two weeks, everyone participating has agreed to read the featured blog regularly. After the initial two weeks, another blog will be selected and the process will continue. I signed up to participate and you should too. It’s a tremendous opportunity to be center stage in front of a great group of individuals, both the selection committee and the audience following.

To participate in Chuck’s blogger campaign, go here: Chuck Westbrook Bloggers Helping Bloggers

By giving of a little attention and money, not only do we find out about new things, we also provide opportunities. In both the Kiva example and Chuck’s blogger help program, you have the opportunity to participate in the world at large, to reach beyond yourself, to break out of the day to day picture that sometimes traps us.

Whether you choose either of these two opportunities or find another way to grow, today is a good day to start. Perspective expands as your reach increases. As an entrepreneur, this will be your saving grace. Your business will expand as your viewpoint does. Isn’t that one of the reasons why you’re in business to begin with? Reach out today. Taking some action, even a small one, is all that you need to do.

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

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

As an emerging entrepreneur, you are probably driven by a passionate desire. Whatever idea is burning inside of you, it’s something that runs deep. And it feels very important to you. It gives you motivation, happiness, and inspiration. It’s the thing you want,  when your time on earth is through, to be in your accomplishment column.

Even with so much on the line, and maybe especially with so much on the line, it’s can seem hard to really put words to your vision. You know what “it” is, but being able to communicate that passion is crucial to getting the exposure you need, the help and financing you need, and the depth, width, and reach within the community you desire to serve. Money and influence are your friends in this venture, so it’s very important that people understand your goal. Marketing is also your friend, so you have to tell your story so it resonates and attracts like minded others.

How do you do that? How do you put words and maybe a face to your meaningful work? You do this by fully understanding your target audience and their needs and how you intend to fill those needs.

To help you get started, ask and answer the following questions:

• Who are you serving?
• What are their day to day concerns?
• What problem are you solving or opportunity are you providing to that audience?
• How does that solution provide value to your target audience?
• What stories could you tell that put an emotional context to your mission?
• Why are you doing what you are doing?
• What is your personal story in relationship to your mission?
• How would you feel to be successful in achieving your goal?
• How would you feel if you failed in achieving your goal?
• What unique skills do you bring forth to serve your target audience?
• What do you have in common with your audience?
• What do you know that they want to know?
• Why here?
• Why now?
• Why not?
• What will your target audience lose (or not gain) if you (and they) don’t act?

Get as specific as you can. I, for instance, have identified 35-55 year old beginning female entrepreneurs worldwide as my target audience. I desire to empower and inspire this group to take action toward living a passionate life doing their unique meaningful work. In my heart, I firmly and fully believe that this group of women is the single most influential group in the world, with the power to revolutionize our society, eradicate poverty and illiteracy, and enable a more peaceful and equitable world to become manifest. I want to provide them the tools they need - products, advice, encouragement, connections – to fully embody their magnificent power.

I care about this group because I AM that woman. I am the one who woke up one day, after years of reflection and inaction, and said “enough”. I walked away from a difficult marriage, a high stress job, and a stifled, uncreative existence to find my true passion.  I know the doubt, the fear, the uncertainty and the intense difficulties of getting to the other side. I know, too, the rewards – the insight, the joy, the friendships, the contribution, and the peaceful satisfaction. And, those things are what drives me to do all I can to help other women find themselves also. It’s like a bell I can’t unring, so instead I ring it again, every day.

So, give it a shot – answer those questions as clearly and explicitly as you can – and you will be amazed at the clarity you will begin to demonstate. That clarity will enliven you and motivate others to join in. And, the rewards will start to flow. What have you got to gain? Your very happiness.

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

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

We talked recently about making a list of what you love to do in order to decide what you really want to do in business. Today, we will talk about what to do with that list.

Your list includes the things that thrill you, fill you with joy, and you would do for no money at all. I will use a piece of my list as an example to build from.

On my list, I put down that I love to use my voice – talking, singing, writing, expressing my point of view, etc. Okay, so now that I have that idea, where do we go next?

Creatively brainstorm actions or job that use that action. Write it all down as you fully discover and explore as many ways as possible to put that desire into action. So, I might list the following things that use my voice:

• Speaking
• Singing
• Writing

Within each of those categories, I could break it down further. Speaking could include

1.  Interviewing: Being interviewed, interviewing others, interviewing on the radio, TV, or podcasts for the internet.
2.  Public speaking: Giving presentation, teaching a class, or sitting on a forum
3.  Creating audio products to sell.
4.  Voice overs: Creating commercials, movie trailers, TV and radio ads, etc.

You see it can get pretty interesting. What’s important is that you key off of what you really love to start with and then brainstorm ideas that dovetail into that. You’ll be tempted to edit your ideas for practicality, but it’s not time to do that yet. Put down everything you can imagine that fits your category. The beauty of brainstorming is it often takes us somewhere new and unexpected. Let it flow!

Now, it’s your turn. Take out the list you’ve made and go for it. Remember (yes, I think it’s worth repeating): It’s not the time yet to edit yourself too much. You’re not deciding the final actions, but coming up with options that thrill you, satisfy your passion, and are ways you can get paid. Don’t toss out the “crazy” ones. We will talk next about how you can take the crazy ones and adapt them to real life. Feel free to post your list here to share. Fun, right?

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

Recently, I had the pleasure of winning a complimentary business coaching session. I loved the experience and I learned something very valuable: Do what you love in business.

But is it really that easy to know what that is? I don’t think so. We all get wrapped up in shoulds, and goals, and to-do lists, and expectations that are more rooted in fantasy than action. I am a strong proponent of big ideas, so it’s not that part of it that worries me really. More the part about the “shoulds”.

How much happiness comes from living a life of “should”?  Not much, really. Sure, you’re going to pay your bills and there is happiness in that. It’s much easier to be happy with a roof over your head and a meal in your belly. But, is that the point you’re at? Are you at that edge or are you closer to the middle where you do have the financial room to reevaluate your path?

If you are on the edge, get help (If you don’t know how, email me and I’ll do what I can to get you resources). Many a triumph has come from rags to riches. But, if you’re in the middle and would like to live a more passionate life, I would like to share the trick my coach asked of me:

Make a list of what you LOVE to do.

Put aside what you think is the logical plan. Put aside what you had lined up, what you had planned to do. Put the fast track plan you’ve imagined since college down. Step away from your presuppositions. Grab a soda or a glass of wine, find some private space, and write down the things that thrill you.

Don’t worry about how you’ll make money, not yet.  Just let the ideas flow. Connect with your heart and find out what makes you gasp with joy. Be creative. Get to the center of what it is about the things that feel good to you and really hone in on what it is about those things that work so well for you. If you like helping people, define why. Is it because you enjoy facilitating the transition, the a-ha moment? Or, do you pride yourself on teaching? Maybe you like helping people simply for a sense of service. Maybe you look to defeat ignorance. Maybe you enjoy helping people to help themselves. All of these points of view can take you in a different direction.

This process may take a few days, even weeks. Take the time to do it. Getting to know yourself will give you a laser focused awareness of your needs as a business person. It will awaken your own appreciation for your skills and desires. All of this will feed into a true passion driven vision and business plan. Don’t spend time figuring out how you’re going to turn your ideas into a job. Just savor the process of getting in touch with your wow factor.

We will discuss later this week about what to do next with your list. It’s an easier process than it may seem at first. The first step is to get to know yourself and what you love. Then, we will figure out how to transform those thoughts into opportunities.

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

I have some great stories to share with you again this week of awesome and inspiring women worldwide. Enjoy!

Women achievers honoured
Dispatch Online – South Africa
Melonie Gobel of Living Waters emerged the winner in the new social entrepreneur category. The women were honoured at a glittering event in East London’s …
See all stories on this topic

SMALL ECONOMIC UNITS IN DEMAND WORLDWIDE By Yank Elliot, IAHBE …
By Erny Setyawati(Erny Setyawati)
Other ways women can use IT are:. Female farmers could greatly increase productivity with access to information on improved agricultural inputs, weather, markets, new production techniques, and farming technologies. Entrepreneurs …
BUILDING ENTREPRENEURSHIP – http://buildingentrepreneurship.blogspot.com/

07/30TiE Successful Women Entrepreneurs
By admin
Body BASIC RICH The Chugh Firm http://www.chugh.com Description: TiE-Atlanta is proud to present “A Candid Conversation With Successful Women Entrepreneurs: What they wish they had known and what they are still … More: continues here …
Uvox.us » LifeHacker: The Lifehacker… – http://www.uvox.us

Leap of faith
Hindu – Chennai,India
Meenu calls herself a social entrepreneur. “I believe that when women move into spaces not considered their own, it frees them mentally. …
See all stories on this topic

Global Grassroots helping women social entrepreneurs
By David
In Rwanda, Global Grassroots offers Social Entrepreneurship Training and Venture Investments to genocide survivors, including widows, women with HIV/AIDS and victims of sexual assault. Investments assist in capacity building, …
Who are Americans? – http://whoareamericans.com

From Inmate To Entrepreneur
By Rich
The Mercy Corps program is intended to foster an entrepreneurial mindset by teaching financial literacy, and small business and interpersonal skills to minimum security female prisoners. It is a rigorous 26 week-long program that covers …
Business Opportunities Weblog – http://www.business-opportunities.biz

Mandy Haberman: Success with a No-Spill Drinking Cup
By WomenHomeBusiness.com(WomenHomeBusiness.com)
Hence, the Anywayup Cup was created in 1990. In 2000, Mandy received the title British Female Inventor of the Year; and in 2003 was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II as a ‘Pioneer to the Life of the Nation’.
Entrepreneur Success Stories – http://www.womenhomebusiness.com/blog/blog.html

Business Push Benefits Poor
World Bank Group – Washington,DC,USA
To do so, it created a network of 46000 entrepreneurs, most of them disadvantaged women, who sell low-priced products, often in single-use packages, …
See all stories on this topic

Women entrepreneurs launch their Website FP Report
MULTAN: Women entrepreneurs Multan has launched its own Website “NeedleCraft Association” (NCA) with the collaboration of Multan Chamber of Commerce & …
- http://www.thefrontierpost.com

You can get involved with programs helping women entrepreneurs worldwide for very little money. I will be doing a piece in a few days about microfinancing and how you can use funds from these organizations and how you can help others through them. Thank you for all you do!

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

This Thursday, July 24th, will be the official launch of the new SmartWoman’s Weekly Newsletter. I will be including, all in one easy to find place, a weekly summary of all the previous week’s blog posts, hot topics, news, interviews, and more. I am even lining up some guest authors too, so there will be exclusive content in these newsletters that won’t be on the daily blog.

I also plan to pre-announce all new products and events to my membership community first, so newsletter members will get the first heads up on tele-seminars, contests, and live interview sessions. I want to do all I can to make this as exclusive as I can, as I feel it’s important that you have a place to go where you get the extra juicy stuff. Note: I am currently working on a Web Traffic 101 course that will be very affordable and helpful to those of you trying to really make your business’ website create an enduring revenue stream.

As a special thank you, I am offering an inspirational quote eBook via email download as a gift for signing up for the newsletter. This eBook is filled with beautiful original photography (by myself and other women artists I know) and dozens and dozens of quotes from my favorite women (and women friendly men) throughout history and contemporary times. These quotes were hand selected by me personally and are intended to encourage you, embolden you, and lift you up as you live your passionate life. I sincerely believe you will love them.

To sign up, fill out the form below. Once you sign up, you should receive an email from SmartWoman Publishing that contains your download link. Contact me if you run into any problems receiving your email, ok?

The newsletter membership is free and your privacy will be respected always. And, let me take this opportunity to say that I appreciate that you have come to visit and look forward to getting to know you better.

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