Saturday, December 26, 2020

Get Inspired Women Entrepreneurs

We all need inspiration, especially this year.  

As you reflect on the year and what's ahead, check out these successful founders who are also some of the most respected athletes, political figureheads, musicians and performers going. 

The Story Exchange gathered up nine of their favorite motivational quotes from these well-known women who share all that they’ve learned about perseverance, patience, and finding strength.

Get inspired my fellow women entrepreneurs.  The new year is about to begin.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Peace and Joy to Our Escape From Corporate America Friends

©2020 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year to all our Escape From Corporate America friends.  Peace and Joy.

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Ditch the Big Corps and Support the People of Color Small Businesses This Holiday

Small businesses owned by people of color are particularly vulnerable to the economic impacts of COVID-19. So this year, consider ditching the big corporations and opt for patronizing these small businesses instead. 

Despite the economic impacts of the pandemic, the National Retail Federation projects that holiday spending will grow between 3.6% and 5.2% this year. And while patronizing Amazon might get us the latest gadget at a reduced price, dozens of small businesses need your dollars more—especially those owned by people of color. 

Start your shopping now before it's too late.

Saturday, December 05, 2020

Ladies, Don't Ask for Feedback, Ask for Advice Instead

Our friend and esteemed colleague, Dan Pink, Tweeted:

Don't always ask for feedback. It's backward-looking and often not very actionable.

Dan is referencing an article by Dr Amantha Imber, who is the founder of behavioral science consultancy Inventium and the host of How I Work, a podcast about the habits and rituals of the world’s most successful people. 

"For women in particular, feedback can be unhelpful," says Dr. Imber.  "One study conducted by professors Shelley Correll and Caroline Simard at Standard University analyzed over 200 performance reviews across three high-tech companies and a professional services firm. It found that, compared to men, women received feedback that was less likely to be tied to business outcomes and was also more vague and challenging to implement."

Read the entire article at Harvard Business Review.

Saturday, November 28, 2020

Are You Helping Other Women Get What They Want?

Leadership is about having a message you can unite people behind — whether you’re pushing humanity toward a movement or an idea or a philosophy — and helping people get what they want. Not having people get you more of what you want.

Do you consider yourself a leader?  If everyday you do one thing to help another person move ahead, especially a woman, then I consider you a leader.

Saturday, November 21, 2020

Wishing All of You the Best This Thanksgiving From Escape From Corporate America

©2020 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
Happy Thanksgiving!  Yes, this year has been rough, but despite challenging circumstances, we see your strength and resiliency. May you enjoy the warmth of family this season and the harvest of the feast!  Wishing you all the best this Thanksgiving.  ðŸ§¡

Saturday, November 14, 2020

During the Global Pandemic, Ask for Help

Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. According to the World Economic Forum, small businesses are responsible for employing nearly half of the private sector workforce. 

However, during these volatile times where social distancing measures have been put in place and mandatory shut-downs have happened, many small businesses have not been able to survive.   

Entrepreneur reports that In September, Yelp released its latest Economic Impact Report revealing business closures across the U.S. are increasing as a result of Covid. According to Yelp data, permanent closures have reached 97,966, representing 60 percent of closed businesses that won’t be reopening.

No matter how you react to the reports, here are five ways to help your small business survive the global pandemic, one being to ask for help.

Saturday, November 07, 2020

Ladies, We Are All in That Room Together

“Yes, sister, sometimes we may be the only one that looks like us walking in that room,” she told a largely Black audience in Fort Worth [Texas]. “But the thing we all know is we never walk in those rooms alone — we are all in that room together," say Kamala Harris.

That Ms. Harris has risen higher in the country’s leadership than any woman ever has underscores the extraordinary arc of her political career.

Read more about how Kamala Harris just made history as first woman and woman of color as Vice President, USA.

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Happy Halloween from Escape From Corporate America!

©2020 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"I love the spirit of Halloween and the energy that comes with it." – Katharine McPhee

Saturday, October 24, 2020

#WriteNewRules

©2020 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
These 6 artists are writing new rules for business, innovation and technology.  Cole Haan wanted to celebrate that and give voice to those new rules.  That said, the company unveiled the line with a campaign that invited the six artists from around the world to envision the new rules of work, life and culture – projecting life in incredible ways.

Learn more.  Contest is over but here are the details and submissions.  #WriteNewRules

Saturday, October 17, 2020

How to Green Light Your Next Big Idea

Sarah Goff-Dupont for Fast Company says that for every brilliant idea that ends up making a big impact, there are probably 10 equally brilliant ideas that never even get the green light. 

Why? She says it often comes down to how the project is pitched. 

Without an understanding of who you’re pitching to, what keeps them up at night, and how your idea can further their goals, your chances of getting buy-in are slim.

Read on for strategies successful project leaders use to make sure their ideas get priority when it comes to allocating time and resources.

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Focus Solely On What You Can Do

The constraints of the global pandemic removed so many options that men and women alike were forced to focus solely on what they could do, which has not only led to meaningful business outcomes, it's improved their personal life going forward.

Through these stories, you'll find inspiration and tactic level advice on how you can do the same for yourself and your business.

Oh, and the above resulted from a recent report by Morning Consult, which highlights an unfair division of labor between couples when it comes to household work and homeschooling, even when both parents are working remotely. 

Saturday, October 03, 2020

She Was on the Level

Retelling a moment, Lisa Caputo, executive vice president of marketing, communications, and customer experience at The Travelers Companies Inc. remembers working at the White House on the Sunday when President Bill Clinton interviewed Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) for her role on the Supreme Court. Caputo, as the article below states, was particularly taken aback by Ginsburg’s casual garb, juxtaposed with the President’s suit and tie. 

“She was on the level,” Caputo said, speaking during Fortune’s Most Powerful Women virtual summit on Thursday. “Disarmingly so.” The President remarked that he had “the conversation of a lifetime” with the Justice, Caputo recalled. 

Read the entire article to also hear from Anita Hill, professor of law, public policy, and women’s studies at Brandeis University, and others about the late, great RBG.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Calling All Female Entrepreneur Road Warriors

Let's face it.  With the global pandemic causing us to still be sequestered at home, many of us are eager to become digital traveling nomadic entrepreneurs – taking our business wherever we please provided we are servicing our customers beyond expectations.

If you have been thinking along these lines, this handy little app might help you.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) recently launched TripTik tool quiver (triptik.aaa.com), with all of the Covid-related data a female entrepreneur road warrior could need or want.  Four things it does, among many others:

  1. Features to show roadway checkpoints
  2. Shows border closings with Canada and Mexico
  3. Lists travel restrictions at the city, county or state level
  4. Highlights confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the state/province and/or county level

Female entrepreneur road warriors can count on having the freshest information at their disposal.  Check it out.

Saturday, September 19, 2020

Women's Liberal Champion, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Dies at 87

#RuthGinsburg #RIP #fighter4women #wewillcontinueyourfight

Photo taken of the front page of the Wall Street Journal, 9/19/20 by Laurel J. Delaney.

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Women Entrepreneurs Are Challenged During the Global Pandemic

In a recent four-part survey, the Babson’s Diana International Research Institute researched challenges women entrepreneurs face as a result of COVID-19. And, though the results trace a ripple effect of declining revenue for women-owned businesses to issues with work-life balance and support, research fellow Amanda Elam says a potential fix is simpler than it might appear.

Read on to see what it starts with.

Saturday, September 05, 2020

Women in the Kentucky Derby

It's only fitting to feature something about women on a day when we are celebrating the Kentucky Derby in a whole new way due to COVID-19 – no crowds.  Fortunately, you can watch the races on television or via a LIVE stream online.

What a disappointment though for many of the women entrepreneurs who make the great hats for the Derby!  Hopefully, these women have pivoted, are making hats that are fun and interesting for virtual parties, and selling them online.
Women have played an active role in Kentucky Derby history since the turn of the century. In 1904, Mrs. Laska Durnell nominated Elwood to the Kentucky Derby, unbeknownst to her husband, trainer Charles Durnell. 
Read more about women in the Derby.  Enjoy the day.

Saturday, August 29, 2020

How a Morning Routine Can Impact Your Life in a Positive Way

One of the simplest ways to set you up for success is establishing a morning routine that works for you.

On a recent episode of the Making Bank podcast, guest Scout Sobel advocated for discovering a helpful morning routine. Sobel founded Scout’s Agency and Scout’s podcast, both of which focus on branding and promoting female podcasters, entrepreneurs, authors, and much more.

She, and many others, feel that having a consistent—and inspiring—start to the day helps boost your energy, your mood, your productivity and much more.

Learn more on why you need a morning routine.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Push Your Insecurities Away, Be Bold, and Start a Business

Twenty-five year old Tekeisha Pages (pictured), from Victoria, Australia launched her brand Remi Collective on Boxing Day 2019 and said the business 'wouldn't have worked out' unless she dropped everything to dedicate all her time to it.

She quit her stable job in retail and started her own full-time bikini brand despite not having any business experience.

"It's been a goal of mine for many years to start a bikini line, so I knew it was finally time to push my insecurities away [be bold] and give it a go!' Tekeisha said.

Read more about how Tekeisha's bikini brand sold out half her stock in one weekend.

Saturday, August 15, 2020

5 Movers and Shakers in the Female Entrepreneurship Space

The ratio of women-owned businesses in the U.S. has increased dramatically in the past 50 years – and for the first time, it’s nearing 50%.

If you’re a budding female founder looking to push that women-owned business statistic to more than 50%, then boost your skills and spirit by studying the stories below.

These five founders have successful businesses that are poised for even more growth in the new year.

Saturday, August 08, 2020

Ensuring Black Women Entrepreneurs Come Out On the Other Side of COVID-19

Everyone needs to be thinking about how do we make sure that black women entrepreneurs come out on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis – not just survive but thrive afterwards.  They need critical information and resources to sustain themselves.  The Black Women’s Roundtable is investing in these women entrepreneurs with the launch of its Take It to The TOP Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The three-month program will provide resources—and cash prizes—to promote social innovation and develop business leadership skills for black women and girls across the Midwest and Southeast.

Learn more about the Take It To the Top Challenge.

Saturday, August 01, 2020

How Women Entrepreneurs Will Lead Us Out of the COVID-19 Crisis

We love the article below by our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Barbara Roberts – an expert speaker and writer on all stages of entrepreneurship from startup through exit and reinvention.

In it, she says:
In crisis or chaos, every entrepreneur must go back to their “Why” as the first step to surviving. “Why are you and your company on this planet? What is the problem that you must solve? What is your essence? How can you make yourself and your company essential to the world and your clients and customers?” The solution to the problem is in the answer to that question.
Read the entire article here (be sure to scroll to:  By Barbara Roberts, Entrepreneurs in Residence, Columbia Business School).  Full white paper can be found at:  Women's Entrepreneurial Journey:  Profiles of leadership in an era of new opportunities.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Does Entrepreneurship Fulfill you Emotionally and Creatively?

According to a FreshBooks survey, 88 percent of entrepreneurs accept the challenges to running their own business because entrepreneurship fulfills them emotionally and creatively.
“Being an entrepreneur is not always an easy path, but with the right opportunity, hard work, and a supportive community, it can be very rewarding,” explains Jenny Hienrich of Herbalife Nutrition in a media statement.
And here's the big surprise:  there's been an unexpected positive effect the pandemic is having on women business owners – from having their own hours, workload, wages and output.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

A Semblance of Normalcy Offered by Women Entrepreneurs

With summer plans upended for many families, some programs led by women entrepreneurs try to offer a semblance of normalcy.
Whether teaching kids robotics, pottery or reading and math skills, some summer programs are doing what they can to provide families with a camp-like experience — even if that means going virtual.
Check out these women-owned camps that are helping kids make the most of summer.  Plus, they've made major adjustment to ensure safety for both their staff and young charges.

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Love to Do Exceptional Things For Others? Floracracy Is For You!

I [Laurel Delaney] take such delight when I connect with fellow-Chicagoans, especially when its a female business owner such as Sarah-Eva Marchese, founder and CEO of Floracracy, a premium, quality florist offering a meaningful memory.

One of her colleagues, Meagan Elliott, had reached out to me by email in the kindest way to introduce herself and the company.  I responded with a couple of questions for Sarah and the next thing I know I am on a Google Meet chat with her!  What a delight!

Sarah claims that her business is for the person that loves to do exceptional things for others.

What's unique about Floracracy?  It's the only company where you can:
  • Order flowers personalized by style or a symbolic message
  • Include a beautiful letter that shares the message
  • Deliver cooled flowers across the lower 48 states
Why not give them a try?  They are OPEN for business during beta summer 2020 with a risk free offer that guarantees 100% Happiness.   They even say, "If this isn’t your most meaningful experience, we’ll give you your money back."

In the age of COVID-19, this is a perfect time to make people feel good, appreciated and connected.  Why not do it through Floracracy?

I suspect there will be many hosts of online gatherings who will be using Floracracy to send that special something to a speaker, employee, vendor or colleague.

Screenshot courtesy Floracracy's website.  

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Are You In a City Where You Can Earn the Most?

According to Bloomberg, median earnings for women entrepreneurs vary widely across the U.S., according to a new analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by Volusion, an e-commerce store service.
Entrepreneurs make up 7.7% of the total female workforce in the United States, earning a median annual income of $40,000. 
Women running their own businesses are making the most in Denver and Alaska.

Read more at Bloomberg.

Illustration credit Bloomberg.  Source:  Volusion.

Saturday, June 20, 2020

What Is Your Company's Core Reason for Being?

What is your company's core reason for being, and where can you have a unique, positive impact on society?  Now more than ever, you need good answers to these questions.  You need to shift from why to how.

Find out what McKinsey & Company has to offer in terms of determining where do we go from here?

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Make Father's Day Personal, Priceless and Meaningful

With millions of Americans out of a job, this may not be the best time to splurge on a present for that special father in your life. What to do instead? Below are some meaningful ways you can honor Dad this year.  Because during the coronavirus outbreak, the best Father’s Day gifts should be personal and priceless, in every sense of the word.

Celebrating Dad in a creative and meaningful way.

Saturday, June 06, 2020

Lead with Solidarity for Black Lives Matter

Native Women Lead (NWL) stands in solidarity with their Black relatives. We all should.  Black lives matter.
The sadness and pain of the unjust killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery and the countless others before, has become too common for too long. 
Native Women Lead vehemently condemns racialized violence that terrorizes Black, Brown, Immigrant, Indigenous and Communities of Color everywhere.

Saturday, May 30, 2020

How to Reveal What Matters in Your Life

We love this piece by Kim McGaw, founder of Uniquely Human | Practical Creativity that starts with:
Using creativity exercises is a powerful and even fun way to bypass the resistance of the most guarded and impenetrable people, and get them to reveal what really matters.
Read more here – so inspiring!  Here's Kim's LinkedIn profile.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

The COVID-19 Small Business Resource Guide

We are very familiar with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago.  They've put together a good resource guide for small businesses as we navigate the coronavirus – from covering financial and logistical support, to seeking grants, to capturing information support.  It's all here.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Women Entrepreneurs Navigate COVID-19 and Prepare for the Future

Women entrepreneurs have been forced to adapt to remote workplaces, the fluctuating economy, and an unpredictable future due to the challenges brought about by COVID-19.

Glamour magazine editor in chief Samantha Barry recently hosted a roundtable with CNBC's restaurant and small business reporter Kate Rogers and three female small business owners to discuss how they've overcome unpredictable obstacles while running their businesses and are planning for a post-COVID-19 landscape.

Here's some applicable advice shared during their one-hour discussion, which you can watch in full, here.

Saturday, May 02, 2020

Women Entrepreneurs Make Quick Financial Decisions Grounded in Data

The COVID-19 crisis has caused quite an upheaval for women entrepreneurs – from managing families, to working virtually, to slashing workforces.  These challenges require women to make quick financial decisions grounded in data.  Below are some of the key archetypes, including an assumption on how each small business female entrepreneur is handling tough financial decisions during the pandemic.

See whether you find yourself in any of these archetypes.

Saturday, April 25, 2020

A Coloring Book for Shut-Ins

Well this is creativity at its best!  The author says, "Let’s Have Fun With Sequestration! A Coloring Book For Shut-ins."

Download pages and print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper
New pages will be available daily.  Get coloring :-)!

Saturday, April 18, 2020

How Can I Help More People?

How can I help more people?  That's a question we should all be asking ourselves – more than ever right now due to the COVID-19.

Women in the business world often talk about the importance and benefits of supporting each other. The women of the Young Entrepreneur Council share how they tap into the right resources and lift up other female leaders in the process.

Here's how they've achieved their own success, and helped their fellow female entrepreneurs do the same.

Saturday, April 11, 2020

What Can We Learn from the Coronavirus

We are big fan of Bill George, Harvard Business School Professor, former Medtronic CEO, and best-selling author.  He says:
As the Jewish people celebrate Passover this week, and Christians reexperience the death of Jesus on the cross on Good Friday, people throughout the world are suffering from Coronavirus.  This is a good time to reflect on what we can learn from these experiences, and how we can learn new ways of living and working.
See what else Professor George has to say about the deeper meaning of the Coronavirus.

Saturday, April 04, 2020

Embracing the New Dress Code

With all of us sequestered at home due to COVID-19, it's time to think about dressing like you are going to work, that is, if you need to work from home!  Yes, I said that.  This practice is good for your brain, signals you are in work mode, and it might even better for the people you live with to take what you are doing seriously.

What does dressing for work really mean now?

And don't forget, every Tuesday at 4PM CT, I'm hosting a wegg® Virtual Cafe to chat about anything you want to chat about. Come as you are. No dress code required :-).

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Perfecting Your Online Video Meetings (Join Ours)

Hello everyone from my home to yours!  I hope you are staying healthy, safe and optimistic during this unprecedented crisis we are in.  That's all you can do.  And if you are like me, you have transitioned all your in-person business and personal meetings over to virtual until the COVID-19 virus is well behind us.

That said, I found a nifty article below that will help you set a clear agenda for your next gathering and even test your tech setup.  Hopefully the tips offered will enable you to make video calls more tolerable for you and your colleagues.

The Dos and Don'ts of Online Video Meetings

Speaking of online video meetings, I am hosting a wegg® Virtual Cafe gathering for anyone to join every Tuesday for 40 minutes at 4PM CT starting 3/31.  You are welcome to hop on.  We can share tips, tools and resources to ward off cabin fever and stay productive.  Join the chat at https://zoom.us/j/746553873, Meeting ID#: 746-553-873.  All you need is an internet connection, so tune in as you are :) Talk soon!

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Resonant Breathing For Managing Anxiety During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Indian-American author and alternative-medicine advocate Deepak Chopra says, “Manage stress. Good sleep. Taking a little time to meditate … and paying attention to loved ones and making sure we are in communication.”  This is the advice Chopra provides during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Chopra put emphasis on resonant breathing, which helps relax the body. Watch!

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Unplanned Confinement at Home? Make More Time for Sex

With the new mandate on how to contain COVID-19, we will be spending unprecedented amounts of time at home. This is the most effective way to slow the spread of this highly contagious new illness. It will certainly have negative effects on the economy (women entrepreneurs included), especially for some people who are really going to suffer. We can all hope that nipping this in the bud will get all of us back to normal life soon.
Meanwhile, perhaps we can take advantage of this unplanned confinement at home to make more time for the sex that most of us would like more of. Especially for busy, long-term couples, sex is often one of the first things to go, as is spending some quality time together that doesn’t involve cleaning the kitchen or discussing the business of family life.
Read more about how to use the extended time at home to benefit your sex life.

Saturday, March 07, 2020

How Far Women Entrepreneurs Have Come

Just 32 years ago, a legislation passed that was called HR 5050: Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 (WBOA). This passing of this Act allowed women to take out business loans in their name for the very first time.

How did women entrepreneurs obtain business loans prior to HR 5050?

Learn more about how far women entrepreneurs have come and don't forget to celebrate International Women’s Day (#EachForEqual), March 8, 2020.

Saturday, February 29, 2020

She Creates

International Women’s Day 2020 is March 8, and Apple is supporting the visibility and achievements of women with special Today at Apple sessions held in select Apple Stores throughout the world.

From March 1–31, you can join inspiring female creators [I call them women entrepreneurs :-)] in the “She Creates” series to learn a new skill and gain a new perspective.

Oh, and the theme this year for IWD 2020 is #Each for Equal. Our individual thoughts and actions contribute to a larger goal of creating gender equality.

Learn more about how Apple Stores will promote International Women’s Day all month long with ‘She Creates’ series.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Women Entrepreneurs Are Making a Positive Impact on our Business Ecosystem

As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, let's also celebrate and salute all the women entrepreneurs for their hard work, smarts and perseverance to get things done.  Business success doesn't come easy yet it's the women entrepreneurs who are determined to accelerate their own growth.
According to The 2019 State of Women-Owned Business Report commissioned by American Express, “Between 2014 and 2019, the number of women-owned businesses climbed 21% to a total of nearly 13 million (12,943,400). Employment grew by 8% to 9.4 million. Revenue rose 21% to $1.9 trillion.”
It is evident the positive impact women entrepreneurs are making on our business ecosystem.

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Women Entrepreneurs Rocking Their Respective Fields

Here are five women entrepreneurs – Carrie Green, Ali Handal (pictured), Kim Coles, Sue Bryce and Marai Smith – who are rocking their respective fields. Take a look at what they do to stay inspired, and then check out the video because that's where some really great quotes come through.

Makes you take a step back and think about the life you want to live.

Saturday, February 08, 2020

How Women Use Social Media to Grow Their Businesses

Social media is a key tool for many female entrepreneurs who are using it as a branding tool. By posting consistently and sharing everything from product photos to testimonials, female entrepreneurs know how to build trust and customer loyalty using social networking sites, often bypassing the need for expensive marketing campaigns.

Women entrepreneurs also know that social media can serve many other purposes simultaneously – marketing, branding and even customer service.

Here are just some of the ways you can use popular networking platforms to build your customer base and pilot your business to success.

Read more about how to use social media to grow your business.

Saturday, February 01, 2020

Who Knew? USPTO's Office of Innovation Outreach

Two things I didn't know about the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO):
  1. USPTO is focusing on women entrepreneurs!
  2. USPTO has an Office of Innovation Outreach!
Well what do you know about that?

And on March 3rd, you can attend the free Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium held in Alexandria, Virginia, at USPTO's headquarters, and learn about the resources and services available to assist and support women inventors and entrepreneurs.

Registration is required for in-person attendance.

Learn more about the free women's entrepreneurship symposium.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Free is Good, Especially If It Helps You Grow Your Business

Free online entrepreneur workshops, seminars and business trainings are an indispensable tool for any business owner.

Whether it’s admin, marketing, branding, product development, e-commerce, going global, or something else, developing your skills is essential to improving your business.

Here's a collection of some of the best free online learning courses and resources to give you the business skills you need to succeed this year.

And even though this resource is not referenced in the article, don't forget to check out:  Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® – to cover the going global aspect of your business (+ free wegginars)!

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Email As a Productivity Tool

Email is simple.  Right?  It’s unified. It’s an open channel of communication that is used worldwide to maintain an open dialogue both inside and out of the workplace.

Learn how you can reinvent your email as a productivity tool. Start by getting back to basics and consolidating every type of correspondence – a way to increase your effectiveness overall.