We may be two months into the new year, but new opportunities are always just around the corner. You may hesitate, wondering when is the right time to start a new project or test out the waters of entrepreneurship, but there is no time like the present to get started. Take those risks and start turning those dream ventures into reality!
If you’re one of the many women out there considering entrepreneurship for the first time or thinking of starting a new career or side hustle, then this is definitely the time to do it.
And here to cheer you along are women entrepreneurs who’ve been there and found success. Today they offer some words of wisdom, inspiration, and motivation to get you started on your new journey.
Words of wisdom from successful women entrepreneurs
Setting goals and making a plan is the first step every new entrepreneur must take. Some spend more time on the planning stage than others, but either way, laying a good foundation to build your business on is key.
“I would advise other minority women who are looking to start their own business to take their time in the planning phase. Do extensive market research, get to know your customer, identify your target audience and meet them where they are,” says Mariel Mejia, Founder and CEO of Pink Root Products.
“Always leave an opportunity for spontaneity, but you must have goals and a plan for achieving those goals,” says Regine T. Rousseau, Founder of Shall We Wine.
Even with the perfect plan, new entrepreneurs face setbacks and doubts. If left unchecked, these insecurities and obstacles can stop momentum and keep ideas from getting off the ground.
“I’m no stranger to failure, which means that I know that a failure isn’t an ending point; it’s a starting point for something new,” says Erica Sandoval, Founder and CEO of Sandoval Psychotherapy Consulting. “Knowing that has made me fearless and able to dream big. I am a believer in manifesting your words and thoughts. We are extremely powerful beings, we just need some healing and self love.”
“To succeed in every area of your life you need to unlock your mindset, be bold, be flexible, take risks and start doing what other people can’t, won’t or don’t do,” says Cici Castelli, career coach and author of Mindset Unlocked.
“Don’t give in to imposter syndrome. Tell that voice in your head saying ‘I’m not good enough’ to take a back seat on the bus because you got places to go and things to do. It will help you to not wait for things to be perfect and move forward with good enough. You want to be nimble and adapt,” says Michelle Gordon, Founder and CEO of Investably LLC.
Finally, don’t settle for less than you deserve! You might be presented with opportunities that don’t align with your vision but feel you can’t or shouldn’t say ‘No’ to them, in case another opportunity does not come around. Or maybe you’re told ‘No’ and get discouraged from seeking other opportunities. Here are some parting words of advice to keep you aiming toward your goals.
“Always be success-driven and solution-focused, yet know how to use your voice and communicate clearly. Learn to say ‘No’ without explaining yourself,” says Paulina Lopez, CEO and Founder of The Business of WE (Women Entrepreneurs).
“I would never pack up my toys because something got difficult or I didn’t get the answer I wanted. A NO now will eventually become a YES later. Your time is coming, keep at it,” says Victoria Flores, Founder of Lux Beauty Club.
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