September Featured Woman Entrepreneur: Noreen Blanluet, Be Amazing Today
1. What is your personal story about being an entrepreneur?
I worked for companies after graduating from Uni, for about 5 years. I always fancied working for myself because I’m just not very good with being told what to do by someone else! But I didn’t know what I could go into, until I did a reiki course and then Indian head massage, and I realized that if I pursued that I could potentially set up a business and make a living out of it.
Initially, I did courses and learnt new skills alongside my corporate day job. Eventually I took the plunge and quit, and set up as a complementary therapist – although during the first few years I took a few part-time jobs to tide me over the lean times.
As I learnt more and developed and grew as a person I moved towards healing, life coaching, and finally now into business coaching/consultancy. I am now working full-time on my own business too.
2. What was the biggest barrier you had to over-come? How did you over-come it?
The biggest barrier was fear. (Still is.) The main fear was that I wouldn’t make enough money to sustain myself, so for a long time I worked part-time for someone else and part-time for myself. This enabled me to have a regular income which acted as my safety net – until the day that I just couldn’t bear to work for someone else any more, and it was time for me to make the leap into full-time self-employment!
I still have the other fears: that no-one is going to want or need what I’m selling (even though they do); that other people can do it better or cheaper or both so people won’t want to buy from me (even though they do); that what I do with people doesn’t really change their lives and isn’t value for money (even thought it does/is). These fears will always be there – I think they are what keep me pushing myself to stay on top of my game, and overdeliver, and be excellent. So in a way they’re good. The way to overcome them is to just keep doing it. Just ship (to quote Seth Godin). Be as good as you can be. And trust.
3. Would you call yourself an Authentic Entrepreneur? Why?
I would, yes. To me an authentic entrepreneur is someone who expresses who they are in their business; it means honesty, transparency, not putting up a front. being who you are even (especially!) if that doesn’t fit into the traditional corporate/business mold. It also means self-knowledge and acceptance, and being able to share that.
The corporate world expects us to operate like machines, being 100% productive 9 to 5, 5 days out of 7. It rarely acknowledges that some days we work at 30% and other days we’re on fire and deliver 200%. That some people work best in the morning while others are late owls. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that coordinating every individual’s needs is beyond the capacity of a multi-employee organization.
That’s what’s so precious to me about being an entrepreneur. I can manage myself, and my day, to play to my own strengths. I recognize what I’m not good at and/or don’t enjoy, and I can find other people who like doing that sort of thing to do it for me. I can spend my time focusing on what I’m great at, so that I can become excellent at it. I can accept that I have average days, and “on fire” days, and that on the whole they average out to what I expect of myself to be 100%. I’m accountable to myself and I know I’m meeting my standards.
In summary, I think the crux is that by living and working as who-I-am, with my particular set of strengths, weaknesses, quirks, likes and dislikes, I stay in the flow and I experience joy on a daily basis. I wouldn’t be a Joyful Entrepreneur if I wasn’t an Authentic Entrepreneur first.
4. What are some tools you use every day to help keep you Sane and Satisfied?
Hah, I can go on… and on… about these! For some reason I’m passionate about tools and systems and love sharing them. People don’t ask me very often though, so you’ve just opened the floodgates. Tee hee.
First of all: lists!
And my diary. (Which is really a glorified list of appointments.) I write everything down, which frees up mental space, and I don’t need to stress about remembering places to be and people to see, because it’s all in the diary (which is a paper diary – I am very paper-based with my organization tools.) For the past few years, every year I have bought an expensive and beautiful diary from Paperblanks (www.paperblanks.com). Their tagline is: “the journal as functional art” – which is exactly why I spend more, once a year, to buy a gorgeous book which will bring me joy every time I use it, several times a day, every day of the year.
I don’t tend to write task lists into my diary, because they are so fluid, and it would get too messy. I usually have a to-do list on a sheet of paper (sitting on my desk or slipped into my diary when I head out). My to-do lists can get pretty long so often they’re split into categories: admin, clients to contact, things to write, etc. Apparently you shouldn’t have more than 9 items on a to-do list, otherwise your brain freezes in panic, so subdividing my to-do means I can have 9 items in each category (and that is how I fool my brain!)
I could probably be better at setting priorities and deadlines next to my tasks, because I know I tend to tackle the ones that seem easy or more pleasurable first. From a business point of view, I should be tackling the income-generating ones first, and then finding some sort of hierarchy of urgency/importance, while somehow balancing with fun, enjoyable ones. Work in progress for me.
Finally, I’d say the last tool I want to mention for now is water. Drinking water, because making sure you are hydrated means you feel better mood-wise and are more productive. But also showers and baths – they are my time to let my brain freewheel and when I most often get genius ideas and harebrained schemes. I usually have to grab a pen and paper and jot them down as soon as I get out of the bathroom before my ideas disappear into the ether again! I know for some people it’s driving, or going for a run, but for me it’s water.
5. When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thought that comes to mind?
What time is it and where’s the cat?
6. Describe a time when you were distressed and dissatisfied. What triggered these feelings? How did you turn them around? And how do you prevent those feelings from coming back?
I have been having those times regularly for the past 4 or 5 years – well since being self-employed actually. They happen about two or three times a year. It’s not major drama, but more of a feeling of being stuck, not making any headway, not having a clear sense of direction, and general vague frustration and dissatisfaction.
I have learnt, with hindsight, that these feelings tend to be a sign that I am at the verge of a new breakthrough. It’s still really frustrating because until the epiphany has happened, you have no idea what is about to come through. Mostly it’s just about being patient, and trusting, and knowing that eventually it will pass and things will resolve of their own accord.
Occasionally I get too impatient to put up with the wait and I will turn to one of two or three people I regularly call on to shed some light. They’re women entrepreneurs too, friends I can have a good moan to and they’ll sympathize and share their own experiences and renew my belief that yes, everything is unfolding the way it should, and all I ever need to do is trust.
You can find Noreen hanging out at any of these happenin spots:
Be Amazing Today Blog
Twitter: twitter.com/beamazingtoday
Facebook: Be Amazing Today
Lindedin: uk.linkedin.com/in/beamazingtoday
You can also contact her at noreen@beamazingtoday.co.uk
August Featured Woman Entrepreneur: Kristi Bennit, Seattle VA
1. What is your personal story about being an entrepreneur?
About 4 years ago I had a choice to make. Place my newborn baby in daycare or find a way to work from home. As a new mother it was nerve racking to work away from my son. As a single mother it was imperative that I work. The world is full of catch 22’s just like this one. Thankfully I was handed the opportunity to work from home and build a business. It was a dream that thanks to the help of friends, family and a few trusting clients became a reality. I love what I do and that I have the opportunity to watch my son grow.
2. What was the biggest barrier you had to over-come? How did you over-come it?
There are many barriers to being an Entrepreneur. My biggest one and one that I still struggle with is networking. I’ve always been a behind the scenes kind of gal. But as a business owner, you can’t hide in the shadow. If you aren’t out talking to people and networking, you aren’t bringing in business. I started going to small networking events and listening. I’d talk to a few people, but it wasn’t a comfortable environment for me. Then I sat down at a Le Tip meeting. These people showed me what true networking was about. It wasn’t so much the volume of business they could generate for each other, it was that every person they came into contact with was valuable. I took a lot from that one meeting and though I may not share my business foundations with everyone I meet, I do talk to a lot more people and have opened up to the opportunities around me.
3. Would you call yourself an Authentic Entrepreneur? Why?
Yes and No. I follow a plan for my business that is my own, but what I do is not unique. My philosophy on business is shared by hundreds of business owners around the world. The staple programs that I use in my business are available around the world, most for free. All of this is not authentic. What is Authentic is my approach to clients, colleagues and curious minds. I’m not afraid to share my story and inspire others to chase theirs.
An Authentic Entrepreneur is someone who has a brilliant business, that helps those around them, and that doesn’t push themselves in another’s way. Being authentic isn’t just about the business philosophy; it’s about the means by which you run your business. Knowing your path, having a plan, building on that plan and being yourself while you do it is the only way to be authentic.
4. What are some tools you use every day to help keep you Sane and Satisfied?
Every day I take time to write and use my imagination. Every day I take time to look at the avenues ahead of me. Every day I check my calendar (It’s the only way I can remember what’s happening, when, with whom, and why.). There are a hundred different little things to be done in a single day, but if you don’t take time for the things you love you aren’t going to be happy, satisfied or sane.
5. When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thought that comes to mind?
My morning routine consists of coffee, schedule, and then family. Yes, every single day I wake up going, where’s the coffee. It’s my ritual and though the caffeine has little effect on my productivity it’s a symbol for me. It means I’m awake and moving forward. Checking my schedule gives me the direction of the day, that too is a ritual, but one that I require more and more frequently. (Age is a terrible thing some days.) The lat part of my morning ritual is to check on my son. Where is he? What is he doing? How long will he likely do that task? The longer he does his 1st morning task, the longer I have to check email, write out my to do list, work on the larger items or the tight deadlines.
6. Describe a time when you were distressed and dissatisfied. What triggered these feelings? How did you turn them around? And how do you prevent those feelings from coming back?
Business is a stressful endeavor no matter how you organize it. You will always find obstacles in your way, stress around the corner and exciting opportunities to be explored. The best way to avoid the feelings of distress and dissatisfaction is to stay on top of the game. Know your direction and have a plan for how you want to get from here to there. I don’t know how many times I’ve started to stress out before realizing there was no need. Having a positive outlook helps, but a plan and an inquisitive mind are the only essentials to staying out of the dark. I have modified my business focus several times in the last few years and each time found myself happier and more satisfied than I had been leading up to the change. Don’t fear change, just plan for it.
July Featured Woman Entrepreneur: Lisa Wilson, Life Unity
1. What is your personal story about being an entrepreneur?
My entrepreneurial story is one of those “choose your own ending” stories. I’m still progressing through them all to experience every possibility!
I have always been passionate about being Awake through one’s life but have had difficulty finding the language to express it. I have tried many disciplines – psychology, life coaching, human sexuality, wellness, yoga, photography – all with similar souls. I still incorporate (i.e. bring into my body and being) voices from those disciplines.
LifeUnity – my business name, my vocation, my voice, my life – is about mindfully acknowledging and celebrating our humanity and our divinity. I am connecting with others (through my blog and social media) who find value in this way of living….knowing that it is not what I do, but who I am that matters. Through creative expression, yoga, and sharing stories, I am finding the Strength to be ME…the nitty-gritty human and the indescribably yummy divine.
My story about being an entrepreneur? I am just connecting with and journeying alongside those who smiled inside at the last paragraph…and learning how we can support one another.
2. What was the biggest barrier you had to over-come? How did you over-come it?
Finding the Fit.
I’ve always had the spirit within me, always been excited about living authentically. Yet certain disciplines seemed too “woo-woo” – not acknowledging that even if I understand what color my solar plexus chakra is and how the planets were aligned at my birth that it still doesn’t help me pay the bills or deal with my screaming child or overcome the embarrassment that comes up when that unexpected toot comes out or the sadness that arises when a loved one leaves.
Other disciplines seemed too “mundane” – offering lots of money or social success but not promoting days guided by the pull within not the push of the clock or accepting of mystical wonderment of peering for unicorns amidst a foggy day or even empathetic with the need for a bit of quiet meditation in the midst of a harried day.
While I admit to not having yet found my perfect fit – if there is such a thing – I have leapt and bounded my way oodles closer in recent months. I have done so in a practical manner by exploring creatively (painting, sketching, poetry, photography) and exploring physically (yoga, running).
I have done so on a deeper level by releasing myself of so many shoulds and of the fear of judgment by others. (Ok, at least partially.) While this leaves me following neither a Woo-Woo path nor a Mundane path, it is blissfully free-ing knowing I can float through this rushing river and will not drown in “what-ifs” or “could-have-beens”.
3. Would you call yourself an Authentic Entrepreneur? Why?
As you (Sara) put, “Embracing your Authentic Self is about reconnecting with your natural strengths and passions” I equate entrepreneurship with, 1) taking responsibility and the actions necessary to navigate one’s self through life using the support of others (i.e. receiving financial contribution or whatever is needed to maintain and grow one’s vocation – one’s voice.) and 2) sharing the resulting lessons (via product, stories, etc.) as offerings in return.
I rely heavily on the support of others as I continue to connect and reconnect with my human and divine strengths and passions. I am hoping to start offering more in return as that self grows stronger and begins to radiate.
So I would say I’m an Authentic Entrepreneur in training.
4. What are some tools you use every day to help keep you Sane and Satisfied?
I rely on my yoga, sketchbook, canvases, and art journals to explore my Selves, the lovely people who connect with me through my blog and stacks of books to give me confidence and inspiration to do so, and my husband and two wonderful children to keep me grounded.
My breath is always my go-to tool when these other things aren’t present.
While it is all very satisfying, I’ll leave it up to the jury whether or not I’m Sane.
5. When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thought that comes to mind?
I want to go back to sleep!
Seriously, I love my sleep. But this is an excellent question because the first thought that follows that greatly determines my day. If I remember how fortunate I am and think of what I have to look forward to, it is generally a great start to the day – which leads to a wonderful day. If I crumble and brood over what I “have” to do, the cloud usually stays with me.
It is whether or not I choose to Wake Up to my life each morning that makes the difference.
6. Describe a time when you were distressed and dissatisfied. What triggered these feelings? How did you turn them around? And how do you prevent those feelings from coming back?
I think there will always be times when I am distressed and dissatisfied simply because I am human. Attachments to anything cause this lack of satisfaction.
For me, the strongest triggers are money and fear of being judged. In both situations, even the awareness that those are triggers helps to somewhat lessen their effect.
In all situations, I am constantly learning to let go. When I release my fears of what might be (when the pay check is less than we expected or when the comments on a blog post aren’t as encouraging as I’d hoped) or my attachment to what should be (the kids should be behaving right now!), I find myself a lot happier.
And isn’t that a much nicer way to live?!
Enough of these phrases,
Conceit and metaphors,
I want burning, burning, burning.
-Rumi
You can find Lisa hanging out at any of these happenin spots:
Life Unity Blog
Twitter: @lifeunity
Facebook: (new fan page!) LifeUnity
You can also contact her at lifeunity@gmail.com
June Featured Woman Entrepreneur: Kim David, Creative Life Discovery
Oops! Forgot to include Kim's email in my newsletter. It's kim@creativelifediscovery.com. I don't know where my head is sometimes.
1. What is your personal story about being an entrepreneur?
I have had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as I can remember. The thought of having my own business has always thrilled me & this isn’t the first time I’ve owned a business, but it is the first time I am making a career out of it. Over the past few years my yearning for reaching my life’s purpose got louder and louder, and after many years of working in corporate America and not loving it, I was let go—a blessing. This gave me the ammo to really get out there and live my dream. I had already completed most of the training I needed to be a successful coach by that time and got things up and running shortly after that. Every day has been an adventure and one I wouldn’t trade for anything!
2. What was the biggest barrier you had to over-come? How did you over-come it?
My thinking. We are so condition to think that other people can be successful, but when it comes to ourselves we won’t be able to make things work. It took some work and I still have my days, but using the tools to change my thinking as a coach has helped tremendously. This journey has taught me that I can have whatever it is that I want…if I believe I can.
3. Would you call yourself an Authentic Entrepreneur? Why?
Yes, because I do the best I can to bring my personal values to everything I do, including my business. I also believe that being authentic means coming to the world with a “palms up” attitude, asking how I can serve others. Being able to give something back through my service is fulfilling work for me.
4. What are some tools you use every day to help keep you Sane and Satisfied?
I use a worksheet created by my coach which helps me be deliberate about what I want to feel for the day & the thoughts I’m going to think to get there. I also am a HUGE fan of Julia Cameron’s morning pages—I do these two things religiously. My planner helps to keep me focused, but I believe something else that really keeps me going is rewarding myself for what I do get accomplished. We need fuel to keep going!
5. When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thought that comes to mind?
Honestly, the first thought is how much I love my bed because it’s so comfortable! But after that I remember that I no longer have to get up & go to a job that sucks my energy & that I am thrilled to be doing something I love.
6. Describe a time when you were distressed and dissatisfied. What triggered these feelings? How did you turn them around? And how do you prevent those feelings from coming back?
When I was first let go from my corporate job, I panicked about whether or not I would be able to making a living by being a coach. I had visions of living in a van down by the river & losing everything. I had no idea how I was going to make it all work. Thinking about these things on a daily basis created so much stress and anxiety for me & I had this continuous feeling like there was a brick sitting in my stomach.
Finally, I told myself I had a decision to make—either keep feeling the way I had been feeling or to do something about it. I couldn’t fathom feeling those feelings at that intensity for any longer, so I hired my own coach & worked through the thoughts that were stopping me from building a successful business. I also learned to take better care of myself—listening to what it is I really wanted, getting enough sleep, doing creative things that filled my soul, etc…
I’m human, so these thoughts pop up from time to time, but I feel that I am now better equipped to do the work on changing them & proving them to be false. It’s so much easier to move forward and succeed when I’m not believing all of those false thoughts….and it sure feels a heck of a lot better!
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