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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

EFCA Wishes You a Happy Fourth of July!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hugs and Kisses to All Moms from EFCA!

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.

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 :-)!

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.

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.

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 :-).

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)!

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.

Are You a Badass Female Entrepreneur?

In the article, "The Badass 50 2020:  Meet the Women Who are Changing the World," they define a badass woman as someone who has proved she's not to be messed with.

... celebrating some of the greatest changemakers of our time, from all over the world. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi offers her thoughts on what it takes to be a badass, the Today Show’s first female co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb get candid about the future for female journalists, editor and author Scarlett Curtis opens up about her mental health struggles, plus more inspiring stories from women who show up, speak up, and get things done.

Most of the women featured in the above article are celebrities and got me thinking, I am definitely a badass entrepreneur. Are you?

Preparing for 2020 and a New Decade

Unsplash

I thought I'd share some of my past articles on entrepreneurship, business ownership and growth.  I hope these help you prepare your business for 2020 and the new decade.  Enjoy.  Happy learning.  Prosperous new year.

5 Actions for Double-Digit Business Growth

This article provides five action items to get you out of your “hold steady” mode and into high, predictable growth gear with your business.

11 Tips to Help You Thrive After Losing Your Biggest Client

Theresa just lost her biggest client, one who generates 80 percent of her company’s total revenue.  She’s been in the branding business for six years.  In response, she can hide in her office and wait for the phone to ring or she can take swift action.  Above are 11 tips that ought to help Theresa, or you, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

16 Ways to Dodge an Economic Crisis

Whether it is through client work at my own business, running a nonprofit organization, or serving as a facilitator for women presidents of multimillion dollar enterprises, here's what I've heard many entrepreneurs and small business owners saying repeatedly about what they are doing to dodge an economic crisis.  This article is still applicable to today's times.

From Cupcakes To Moneycakes: 3 Ways To Increase Sales And Profitability

Recently, I had a conversation with a woman business owner who claims her business in Chicago is drying up. She bakes cupcakes from scratch in every imaginable flavor and size from her small bakery, Think Sprinkles, eleven miles south of downtown Chicago. As a one-woman shop, how can she increase sales and profitability so her business doesn’t shrivel up? It starts with going back to the basics of good old-fashioned marketing.  Read on ... above.

Wishing You a Happy and Prosperous 2020 from Escape From Corporate America!

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Happy Holidays From Your Friends at Escape From Corporate America!

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Bring on the Holiday Cheer for Women Entrepreneurs

At a loss for what to give the most amazing female entrepreneur(s) in your life?  We have some ideas! And many of these are from the creatives over at Etsy.  Have a look and see what you think.

And if you want to go beyond stuff, try these – equal parts fun and fulfilling.

Plenty of companies are also spreading holiday cheer by donating a portion of your shopping cart to worthy nonprofits, ranging from climate change organizations to those that support women in developing countries.

enJOY.

A Business Carol by Laurel J. Delaney

I can't believe I wrote the article below a decade ago!  In the original story “A Christmas Carol,” (first edition 1843) Charles Dickens writes about an old and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who undergoes a life-changing experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night.

In my article, I talk about how “A Christmas Carol” parallels much of what we do every day within our businesses.  This is done by providing three different perspectives, all with a common theme:  There is still time to make a difference in our world, to learn from your past yet choose to forget certain parts of it to remain relevant and to make improvements in your life and your business in preparation for a more vibrant future.

And remember, Charles Dickens himself was a struggling entrepreneurial author fretting over how he was going to pay off his debt when he penned “A Christmas Carol”  - all 18,000 pages - in just six short weeks.  But this is nothing new on genius spurts because many bright and creative folks produce some of their best ideas under duress.

Explore to read the full story.  I hope you enjoy.

Tis the Season to Be Grateful and Joyful

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

We trust you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the magic the holiday season brings to each of us.

This time of year is a moment to reflect and be grateful for all the good in our lives, and that includes you dear reader.  Thank you for following us all these years and reading what we have to say.  We appreciate you, and your interest!  It makes us want to write like crazy for you in 2020.

Let's raise our glasses and toast to each other – wishing for a holiday season filled with love, joy, kindness, respect and gratefulness.

Oh, and one last thought for today:  Remember to smile because smiling makes you happier (there's that joy!) and it is contagious. You'll be happier and so will others.

An Iconic Cosmetic Brand Is Resurrected

Two former Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Co. execs, Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Macberry McKissack — who acquired the demised iconic firm’s Fashion Fair Cosmetics at auction less than two months after announcing a purchase of the global Black Opal line — talk about what they see on the horizon.

“We just could not let this incredible iconic brand get away from us, so we went in there, and we were so lucky, blessed, to be the winners,” said Rogers, 60, as the two sat down with the Chicago Sun-Times for an exclusive interview on their journey to a budding beauty empire.

To appreciate Desiree Rogers's background on all the different gigs she's had professionally, visit here.

Read the full article here.

First Woman Entrepreneur in the World?

Sarah Breedlove, known as Madam C. J. Walker, was an African-American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a political and social activist. She was considered the wealthiest African-American businesseswoman and wealthiest self-made woman in America at the time of her death in 1919 [1867-1919].

Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and African-American hair care products for black women through the business she founded, Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company.  She was born, one of six children, in a village in Louisiana, and moved North to develop her business.

Read more about the history of Madam Walker.

Call to Action: Profiling Successful Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. Is That You?

Here's an opportunity you won't want to miss!  I will be profiling successful women entrepreneurs and business owners on GoDaddy's blog starting this month through early 2020. Think of this as a marketing agency representing you for a one-off moment.

GoDaddy doesn’t just have hundreds or thousands of readers at their blog — they have millions. So this is a very good opportunity for a business owner to get great media coverage and increase their SEO rank at the same time.

If you or someone else you know would like to be profiled on the GoDaddy Garage site (https://www.godaddy.com/garage/) -- send me an email.  This opportunity is on a first-come, first-serve basis on who gets featured and there is a nominal charge involved. No competing firms will be featured under my pen. The first profile is due November 25th and that has already been filled. Take a look at some of my past articles for GoDaddy. My approach will be to have these profiles be similar to the one you see on Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky.

Look forward to hearing from you with your interest.

This Billion Dollar Business Was Born Due to the Founder's Cellulite Problem

The Fastest-Growing Sector of American Entrepreneurship: Women

Over the past 50 years women have gone from owning 4.6% of all businesses to 40%, according to the American Express 2018 Report on the State of Women-Owned Businesses.  We may own a lot of businesses but we still struggle to get a loan when we need one.  Take Lisa Michele Chretien, CEO of Laguna Beach-based EventMover, a transportation logistics company that moves corporate assets for trade and auto shows, domestically and internationally.

Lisa needed a line of credit to grow her $3.5 million in annual revenue business, was looking for a loan of about three-quarters of a million dollars in credit, but instead, hit a wall.  She went to 25 lenders in Orange County and every single one said no.

See what she did and how she overcame a roadblock, one that persists for the fastest-growing sector of American entrepreneurship:  women.

Hint:  She finally got her line of credit, but only after her accountant approached a lender he had done business with for years.  As she tells it:  "I felt like I had traveled back in time, before 1988 and the passage of the Women’s Business Ownership Act — when women were required to have a male relative sign a business loan."

Make Time in Your Schedule for Fun

Corcoran Group founder Barbara Corcoran has seen many a business rise and fall. Her own success story is one of scrappiness and eternal drive.

Since selling her eponymous business for $66 million back in 2001, the bestselling author and speaker has made helping other entrepreneurs achieve their dreams her mission, both as a Shark [the Shark Tank show] and with her own firm, Forefront Venture Partners. She also still has a foot in the world of real estate, connecting homeowners with the best agents.

Entrepreneur Magazine staff writer Nina Zipkin had the opportunity to ask Barbara 20 questions -- from how she starts her day, to what's the best advice she ever took, to how to make time for fun in your schedule.

What Does An Entrepreneur at the Helm of a Successful Startup Look Like?

Hold on to your hats ladies!  Even though the wind isn't blowing, you will be blown away happily by the following notion.

Women who’ve embarked on new careers in their 40s, 50s and 60s are among some of the most successful entrepreneurs!

Yes, you read that right.  If you are thinking that you are too old to start a business, guess again.

Just the facts:

“Eighteen-hundred and 21 of you [women entrepreneurs] a day in the United States are building companies,” said Brooks (52.9 years young :-), referring to a 2018 study of business women commissioned by American Express.

She [Brooks] goes on to say:

"It [later stage entrepreneurship] just means that our life experiences have given us more depth, so not only can we be more successful at this age but we can also share with those who need to hear more perspective.”

Read on, power up and get going!