Innholdsfortegnelse for Spring 2024 - Encouragement i CHOICES

Starting your own business can be one of the most rewarding ventures you do in life. It can lead to unlimited opportunity and financial growth. It can also mean the difference between simply having a job and living and working by our true purpose. Of course, our success with any venture is determined by the big or small goals and priorities that we set. Maybe you’ve been meeting your goals so far with ease, or perhaps you’ve been struggling with them. No matter where you are in your journey, the often-overlooked aspect of running a business is the importance of aligning your business goals with your values. Ultimately, this piece separates businesses that thrive from those that struggle and eventually fail. But how do you do that? How do you…

In a world evolving rapidly, where innovation and creativity are paramount, the influence of Drama skills (or soft skills in developing empathy and creativity to be solutions-driven) in shaping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow cannot be overstated. We find ourselves at the forefront of a movement advocating for the integration of Drama into the core of education and business. This movement challenges traditional norms, envisioning a future where our young women harness the power of Drama, the Arts, Creativity, and Design Thinking to shape their destinies in the global business arena. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION At the heart of Drama lies the art of effective communication. Drama skills instill in individuals the ability to project their voices, master body language, and practice active listening. These are powerful tools that women entrepreneurs need when…

Welcome to an exciting year of empowerment and growth! We are thrilled to announce our Women Entrepreneurs Educational Offerings for 2024! This year, we are committed to providing our members with enriching experiences through monthly webinars designed to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Our curated lineup of topics spans leadership and personal development, business strategy, technology and innovation, networking, work-life balance, legal insights, diversity, financial literacy, and much more. These webinars equip you with valuable knowledge, skills, and inspiration to thrive in your entrepreneurial endeavors. Join us each month as we delve into the diverse facets of entrepreneurship, featuring expert speakers, industry insights, and opportunities for collaborative learning. Let’s build a community where women entrepreneurs can flourish and succeed. Get ready for a year of knowledge, connection, and empowerment! Leadership and…

What were the reasons that led you to embark on the entrepreneurial path? Can you recall the mixed emotions experienced at the inception of this journey? I began my entrepreneurial venture driven to aid and empower fellow women. Additionally, the pursuit of financial independence, the autonomy of being my own boss, dictating my schedule, and allocating more time to my family were compelling motivations. The recollection of simultaneous excitement and apprehension persists vividly. The choice to become an entrepreneur is one of courage, deviating from conventional norms that advocate securing a job as an employee. The journey is often punctuated by external concerns attempting to dissuade us from pursuing our aspirations. Questions concerning health insurance, the viability of the business, bill payments, and the status of retirement plans are posed,…

In every step forward lies the beauty of self-realization. We try to encourage the next generation from the day they are born. We support and guide, aiming to be the best role models for those little eyes gazing up at us, hoping to achieve all of life’s dreams. So, at what point does that change? At what point do we acknowledge the impostor syndrome, the fear, and the preconditions—the fear of rejection, abandonment, and not knowing our way? As a woman, there are many stages in life where our entire world transforms and sometimes collides, but ultimately, we’re just navigating the next chapter. It’s like a caterpillar in a cocoon, waiting to become a butterfly but potentially having several opportunities in our lives to rebirth into our new, next-level self.…

“Way to go! You can do it!” These or similar words of encouragement may have been what you heard as a baby when you began to take your first steps. Or maybe when you dared to jump into the puddle you were told not to. Or ran in a competitive race. In the excitement of the adventure, you didn’t always worry about the consequences; you just did it! As you grew older, you appreciated that Rah! Rah! support from others – especially if you had doubts about achieving your goal. Because others believed in your success, you gave all you had to accomplish your feat and earn your desired success and their accolades. We know that support from others helps us at any age and makes us more determined to…

Entrepreneurship holds a special appeal for many women. “Being your own boss is a path to both pursuing a passion and gaining more control over your career,” says Sharon Miller, president of small business at Bank of America. But, she notes, it also can present some special hurdles. While more than half of entrepreneurs rely on personal savings or income to fund their startups,1 there generally will come a time when outside financing is required, and securing that financing can be tougher for women. For instance, only 1.9% of venture capital (VC) funding goes to women-founded startups.2 “Nearly half of women entrepreneurs believe they don’t have the same access to capital as men,” Miller notes. But other funding options do exist, including loans and grants earmarked for women-owned businesses. And…

In the journey of life, the influence of parents is profound. From our earliest moments, their recognition and support shape our sense of self. Feeling seen and valued by them lays the groundwork for a strong self-image and confidence. However, as we grow older, the responsibility of encouragement shifts from external sources to our inner voice. Facing new challenges inevitably brings forth fear and uncertainty. It’s natural to feel apprehensive when stepping outside our comfort zones. However, it is precisely in these moments that self-encouragement becomes indispensable. By acknowledging our fears and affirming our abilities, we can muster the courage to take that leap of faith. At the heart of effective selfencouragement lies the clarity of purpose. Understanding WHY we pursue specific endeavors gives us a compelling motivation to overcome…

In an era where business operations are intrinsically linked to digital connectivity, the recent AT&T outage is a potent reminder of our telecommunications infrastructure’s fragility. For entrepreneurs and businesses nationwide, a seemingly routine day was suspended as tens of thousands found themselves in a digital blackout, unable to use AT&T’s cellular services to communicate, connect, or carry out business activities. With reports peaking at nearly 75,000 outages, the impact was far from trivial, affecting everything from individual communications to critical emergency services. THE UNDERLYING ISSUE: A FLAWED SOFTWARE UPDATE The root cause of this widespread disruption was traced back to a software update intended to enhance the network’s capabilities. However, instead of improvements, the update inadvertently halted the network. This incident highlights modern telecommunications systems’ intricate and interconnected nature, where…

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, women are breaking barriers and making significant strides. However, the relentless pursuit of success often comes at a cost, and burnout is an all-too-common companion on this challenging journey. A paradigm shift is underway that recognizes the transformative power of intentional leadership in banishing burnout and allowing women entrepreneurs to survive and thrive in their businesses. THE BURNOUT CONUNDRUM Entrepreneurship for women is no longer only about breaking the glass ceiling; it’s about shattering it and creating spaces where their brilliance can shine. However, the path to success is riddled with obstacles, and burnout has emerged as a formidable adversary. Unfortunately, this is a story I know too well. The pressures of running a business, societal expectations, and the constant need to prove oneself…

Growing up, “emotional resilience” was unfamiliar, a concept not touched upon in my home or school life. This lack of understanding became apparent in how I acted out in school, reflecting the unrest I experienced at home. The prevalent mood of anger and tension within my family not only created a stressful home environment but also influenced my behavior in the classroom. This often resulted in me being removed from class, intensifying my sense of isolation and contributing to my inability to manage my emotions effectively. As a child immersed in this constant tension and confusion atmosphere, I frequently felt overwhelmed and fearful. This state of heightened alertness and anxiety stayed with me as I matured, embedding a feeling of being an outsider, constantly struggling to find where I fit…

Today’s woman entrepreneur embodies a dynamic, forward-thinking spirit, fearlessly forging her path. She recognizes the power of contributing positively to society and taps into the incredible feminine energy within her. Beyond the traditional roles of community, caregiving, and teaching, she is determined to reclaim her power and succeed on her terms. To turn this vision into reality, women entrepreneurs must embrace the collaborative spirit that has fueled men’s success for decades – supporting each other in business endeavors. The Women Entrepreneurs Association (WEA) is more than a networking group; it is a hub for connection, collaboration, and celebration. Providing a secure space for like-minded women entrepreneurs, WEA fosters an environment where members can brainstorm, share ideas, gain perspective, and offer mutual support with kindness, courtesy, and honest feedback. As a…

In an era where digital platforms shape much of our interactions and social fabric, The Angel Network emerges as a compelling testament to the positive power of social media, harnessing its vast reach to foster a spirit of generosity and community support. This organization, established as a registered Organization (NPO) and a Public Benefits Organisation (PBO) in South Africa, transcends traditional charity work by operating solely through social media channels to connect those willing to help with those in dire need. With a vision deeply anchored in the belief that communities can be empowered to reach their full potential, The Angel Network focuses on alleviating poverty and social injustices in a sustainable, strategic, and unified manner. This vision is materialized through a broad spectrum of initiatives to ensure beneficiaries receive…

In today’s ever-evolving world, women are redefining norms and breaking barriers across industries, becoming catalysts of change. However, the journey towards financial independence remains challenging for many of us. As women entrepreneurs, it is essential that we take charge of our finances, cultivate healthy financial habits, and pave our path to financial freedom. Doing so gives us the power to shape our lives on our terms and empower ourselves to reach unprecedented levels of success, fulfillment, and inner peace. EDUCATION: THE KEY TO EMPOWERMENT Renowned billionaire Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, emphasizes the power of education. He believes that to succeed in life, we must differentiate ourselves from the crowd and continuously improve our skills. As entrepreneurs, we must strive to provide superior goods or services that leave customers…

Thank You for Being a Part of Our Journey! We are immensely grateful to have you in the Choices community, where inspiration meets action. Your presence enriches our collective experience, and we deeply appreciate your support as we navigate this transformative journey together. The Women Entrepreneurs Association provides this magazine as a personalized roadmap to empowerment and triumph in the entrepreneurial realm. Your trust in us fuels our commitment to delivering captivating adventures with each issue tailored to elevate your personal and professional spheres. Together, we explore every facet of your entrepreneurial life, delving into business and professional success and the vital dimensions of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Choices transcends the ordinary, offering a diverse range of insights and ideas that resonate deeply with you and enrich your…