by E Ntesat | Sep 11, 2023 | Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Mindset Monday, Strategy
About Mindset Monday
Mindset Monday is where we kick start the week with a positive mindset. In this weekly segment, we will explore various strategies and tips to cultivate a growth mindset, boost your productivity, and overcome challenges. Get ready to embrace new perspectives, develop resilience, and unleash your full potential. So let’s dive into Mindset Monday and make this week a successful one. In this week’s edition, let’s kick-start our week with Free Your Mind The Rest Will Follow.
Called to create solutions
You know I had to pop in this morning and talk to you guys a little bit about this kind of revelation I had today while I was reflecting in my morning time. I’ve been reading “CALLED TO CREATE” by Jordan Raynor. There are many beautiful nuggets and it’s rich with information, especially for those of us who are called to create solutions through entrepreneurship.
The book shares a biblical journey about how we are innately designed to create and how some of us can use that gift in the marketplace. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean we’re all called to create through entrepreneurship. It just means we’re all called to create solutions that need to happen in our community.
Free Your Mind The Rest Will Follow
So as I mentioned not everybody’s called to create through entrepreneurship but we are called to create solutions so our topic today is: FREE YOUR MIND AND THE REST WILL FOLLOW. Now some of you who are in my age group will know that that was a popular in-vogue song and those women were hot when they hit that song and they made a real significant impact if you ever paid attention to the lyrics. It’s just saying look, don’t be so judgmental, and don’t always think that you have to know in advance the solutions.
I want to talk to you about some very basic concepts around freeing your mind. You know, sometimes we get so caught up working on our business that we don’t work on our business. Meaning, we’re so busy doing all of those little things that take up so much time that we don’t have the opportunity to be strategic about the future.
As entrepreneurs we’re all called to create and we can’t do that If we carry the stress and the worries about our business, about funding, about not having enough resources, about building our client base we don’t put enough focus on our big why. To truly free our minds, we must ask ourselves why we are doing this. Why are we called to create? And what is that thing that has got you so consumed right that you have to do it right? You’re called to create solutions in the marketplace. This is your big why.
Tips on how to free your mind
Here are a couple of tips on how you can free your mind and prepare yourself for Monday morning. Believe me, this process requires discipline and consistency to be successful at it. This is my secret to being able to juggle both a nonprofit and a for-profit business. I have to have a set of strategies that work for me and keep me in tune with the tasks that I have at hand, so let me just say this freedom starts with:
1. Have a Plan
Having a plan, and that plan has to start the night before. It can’t start in the morning. I know what you’re thinking. Why the night before? It’s because on Monday morning you really wanna be able to hit the ground running. You don’t want to be sitting and thinking about what do I have to do this week, who do I have to see, what plan do I have to put in place, etc. You need to know the night before what you’re going to be doing for the whole week. In this way, you set up each day strategically for your success.
3. Set your 3 priorities for the week.
What are my priorities for the week? What are those 3 things that I have to be able to accomplish this week? You know as well as I do that if we don’t have a plan, if we don’t know the target that we’re shooting for we will be all over the place. Center these three priorities around people, process, and purpose. So our focus for the week should be on making sure that we’re connecting to the right people so that it supports the process that we have to fulfill the purpose.
3. Align your priorities with your purpose
The second thing you should be focusing on is setting up three tactical steps that will ensure you can achieve those priorities that you set. You should align these tactical steps with your purpose; the big WHY I talked about earlier. This alignment helps you stay focused on the things that are necessary to accomplish that priority.
A. Once you have things aligned you have to get clear about what you’re trying to do, because even though it may be aligned it may not be appropriate for that time, so get clarity around what you are trying to accomplish.
B. Then you want to trust the process. You know what it takes for you to accomplish your goals. For me it’s been over 50 I’ve been accomplishing goals but I had to be aligned and I had to have clarity about what I was trying to accomplish. Then I had to trust the process that I put in place and then once you’ve done those things,
C. You want to record your outcomes. If you don’t record outcomes, how do you know if you’ve hit the mark? How do you know if you were successful at it? How do you know if this process is repeatable? To record your outcomes, ask yourself: Did I achieve the goals that I wanted to achieve? Did I acquire the funding I was trying to acquire? Was I able to secure the resources that I needed to get to that next level?
Summary
Freeing our minds and the rest will follow is really about getting the clutter out of our heads, it’s about silencing the noise, and it’s about getting busy with the work that we have to do because creativity is the cornerstone of entrepreneurship.
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by E Ntesat | Aug 11, 2023 | Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Resources, Strategy
At its core, team cohesion refers to a group of individuals working together for the common good, be it completing projects or improving processes to boost the bottom line. When each team member brings their unique skill set to the table, collaboration and synergy are fostered, leading to the achievement of shared goals. A cohesive team operates effectively and efficiently, benefiting both the business’s bottom line and the overall well-being of its employees. In this post, we’ll explore the three most important pillars on how to build a cohesive team.
Building a cohesive team hinges on three crucial pillars: strong leadership and support, clearly defined roles, and empowering team members with autonomy and ownership. Get The Servant by James C. Hunter to improve your leadership skills.
3 Critical Strategies for Building Team Cohesion
Building a cohesive team requires effort from both leaders and team members. By following these 3 strategies, you can create a sense of camaraderie, motivation, and trust within your team, ultimately leading to improved performance and success.
1. Strong leadership and support
Strong leadership and support lay the foundation for team cohesion. A leader who is approachable, communicative, and leads by example fosters a sense of trust and respect among team members. By providing guidance, and motivation, and being responsive to the team’s needs, a leader instils confidence and a shared commitment to the team’s objectives.
2. Clearly defined roles
Clearly defined roles serve as a roadmap for success. When each team member understands their responsibilities and contributions, it minimizes confusion and conflicts. A well-structured framework enables efficient collaboration, prevents redundancy, and ensures that everyone is aligned towards common goals. This clarity encourages synergy and maximizes the team’s collective efforts.
3. Empowering team members with autonomy and ownership
Giving team members autonomy and ownership over their work empowers them to excel. When individuals have the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their projects, it sparks creativity and initiative. This autonomy nurtures a sense of responsibility and accountability, driving team members to invest more deeply in their work and collaborate effectively to achieve shared outcomes.
In conclusion, cohesive teams thrive under the guidance of strong leadership that offers unwavering support. Clearly defined roles create a harmonious workflow, reducing conflicts and enhancing collaboration. Moreover, granting team members autonomy and ownership ignites their passion and commitment, propelling the team towards its goals with a collective sense of purpose and achievement.
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by E Ntesat | Jul 24, 2023 | Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Strategy
In continuation of our focus on money management in July, we will focus on managing debt as a woman entrepreneur this week. Debt management is crucial to running a successful business, especially for women entrepreneurs. As women-owned businesses continue to grow and thrive, it is vital to have a solid understanding of how to manage debt effectively. This post aims to provide strategies and practical tips on how to manage your debt as a woman entrepreneur. See Book of the month:
Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche to learn more.
What is debt?
Before diving into debt management strategies, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what debt entails. Debt refers to borrowed money that needs to be repaid, typically with interest, over a specified period. It can be in the form of business loans, credit cards, lines of credit, or other types of financing.
Asses Your Financial Situation
The first step in effective debt management is assessing your current financial situation. This involves determining the total amount of debt you owe, the interest rates associated with each debt, and the monthly payments required. By understanding these details, you can develop a comprehensive plan to manage your debt efficiently.
Develop a Budget
Creating a budget is a key component of debt management. Start by identifying and categorizing your business expenses, including both fixed costs (e.g., rent, utilities) and variable costs (e.g., inventory, marketing). Then, compare your income to your expenses, ensuring that you have a clear picture of your cash flow. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs and allocate more funds towards debt repayment.
Prioritize Debt Repayment
Once you have a budget in place, it’s crucial to prioritize your debt repayment. Begin by focusing on high-interest debts, as they tend to accumulate the most interest over time. By paying off these debts first, you can minimize the overall interest paid and expedite your path to financial freedom. Additionally, consider making extra payments whenever possible to reduce the principal balance and decrease interest costs.
Negotiate with Creditors
If you find yourself struggling to meet your debt obligations, consider reaching out to your creditors to discuss potential options. Many creditors are willing to negotiate payment terms, such as reduced interest rates or extended repayment periods, to help borrowers manage their debt effectively. By communicating openly and honestly with your creditors, you can alleviate some financial pressure and establish a more manageable repayment plan.
Seek Professional Advice
In some cases, seeking professional advice may be beneficial, especially if your debt situation becomes overwhelming. Consider consulting with a financial advisor or debt management counselor who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances. These professionals can help you develop a structured debt management plan and provide valuable insights to improve your financial health. Reach out to America Consumers Credit Counseling if you need any help managing your debt.
Debt management is a critical component of running a successful business, and women entrepreneurs must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage debt effectively. By understanding your financial situation, developing a budget, prioritizing debt repayment, negotiating with creditors, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can take control of your debt and pave the way for a financially stable and thriving business. Remember, with proper debt management, you can build a solid foundation for long-term success.
by E Ntesat | Jul 17, 2023 | Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Resources, Strategy
Agatha Christie once wrote: “What good is money if it can’t buy happiness?” Developing an empowering money mindset is crucial for financial success and overall well-being. In order to achieve financial well-being, we need to cultivate empowering attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding money. Two weeks ago, we looked at some of the steps we need to take to regularly make informed financial decisions. In this post, we will explore key strategies and practices that can help you develop an empowered money mindset.
1. Become aware of your current beliefs
The first step towards developing an empowering money mindset is to become aware of your current beliefs and attitudes about money. Reflect on any negative or limiting beliefs you may hold, such as “money is evil” or “I will never be wealthy.” Once identified, challenge these beliefs and replace them with positive and empowering thoughts. For example, reframe “I will never be wealthy” to “I have the power to increase my wealth through smart decisions and diligent work.”
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2. Be grateful for the money you have now.
Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting your mindset towards abundance. Take time each day to express gratitude for the money you have, regardless of the amount. Appreciating what you have attracts positivity to your life. You can create a gratitude journal or simply reflect on three things you are grateful for in your financial situation.
3. Set short-term and long-term financial goals
Setting clear financial goals is essential for developing an empowering money mindset. Define your short-term and long-term financial goals, whether it’s saving for a down payment on a house, paying off debt, or starting a business. Write them down and break them into actionable steps. For instance, if your goal is to save for a down payment on a house, you could set a timeline of 3 years and determine how much you need to save each month to reach your goal.
4. Increase your financial literacy
To develop an empowering money mindset, it is important to increase your financial literacy. Take the time to educate yourself about personal finance, investments, and money management. Read books, attend seminars, or take online courses to enhance your knowledge. The more you understand about money, the more confident and empowered you will feel in making financial decisions. One book I highly recommend is Get Good with Money by Aliche Tiffany.
5. Surround Yourself with Empowering Influences
The people you surround yourself with can greatly impact your money mindset. Seek out individuals who have a positive relationship with money and who support your financial goals. Engage in conversations and learn from those who have already achieved financial success. Surrounding yourself with positive influences will help reinforce empowering beliefs and behaviors. For instance, finding a mentor or joining a group of like-minded individuals who are committed to financial success can be invaluable in helping you build positive wealth-building habits. Visit EventBrite to locate networking meetings in your area.
6. Take Bold Action
Ultimately, developing an empowering money mindset requires taking bold action. Apply what you have learned and implement financial strategies that align with your goals. Create a budget, track your expenses, save, and invest wisely. Taking consistent action will reinforce positive money habits and solidify your empowering money mindset.
Developing an empowering money mindset is a transformative process that requires commitment, self-reflection, and consistent action. By challenging negative beliefs, practicing gratitude, setting clear goals, educating yourself, surrounding yourself with positive influences, embracing a growth mindset, and taking action, you can develop a mindset that attracts abundance and financial success. Start your journey today and unlock your true financial potential.
Do you need some business strategies that work? Talk to Laura today. Book an appointment with Laura today.
by Laura Bulluck | Jul 12, 2023 | Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Warrior Woman
Sophia Amoruso, known for founding the fashion brand Nasty Gal, has become an influential figure in the entrepreneurial world. Her journey from a troubled teenager to a successful businesswoman offers valuable lessons for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Previously, we looked at the life and lesson entrepreneurs can learn from Whitney Wolfe Herd the founder and CEO of Bumble, a popular dating app that empowers women to make the first move. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key entrepreneurial lessons from Sophia Amoruso.
Lessons from Sophia Amoruso
1: Embrace Your Unique Path
Amoruso’s story is a testament to the power of embracing one’s unique path. She did not follow a traditional route to success, but instead leveraged her love for vintage fashion and her ability to curate unique pieces. By staying true to herself and her passions, she was able to build a brand that resonated with a niche audience.
2: Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Amoruso faced numerous setbacks throughout her entrepreneurial journey. From bankruptcy to legal battles, she encountered failure on multiple occasions. However, she viewed these setbacks as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks. By embracing failure and learning from her mistakes, she was able to adapt and grow as an entrepreneur.
3: Build a Strong Personal Brand
One of the keys to Amoruso’s success was her ability to build a strong personal brand. Through her unique sense of style, her authentic voice, and her ability to connect with her audience, she created a brand that stood out in a crowded market. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from her by recognizing the importance of building a personal brand that aligns with their values and resonates with their target audience.
4: Surround Yourself with the Right People
Amoruso emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. She believes in the power of collaboration and the value of having a strong support system. By surrounding herself with talented and motivated individuals, she was able to build a team that helped her bring her vision to life.
5: Stay Resilient and Persistent
Amoruso’s journey was not easy, and she faced numerous obstacles along the way. However, she remained resilient and persistent in pursuing her goals. She did not let setbacks deter her from her vision, and she worked tirelessly to overcome challenges. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from her perseverance and determination to never give up on their dreams.
In conclusion, Sophia Amoruso’s entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. By embracing their unique path, learning from failure, building a strong personal brand, surrounding themselves with the right people, and staying resilient and persistent, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success. Sophia Amoruso’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself in the entrepreneurial world.
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by E Ntesat | Jul 3, 2023 | Consultancy, Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Resources, Strategy
To be able to make informed financial decisions, you need to be financially literate. Financial literacy refers to the knowledge and understanding of financial concepts and tools that enable individuals to make informed financial decisions. Being financially literate means having a good understanding of financial concepts and making informed decisions about money matters. In this post, you will learn how to make informed financial decisions.
As an entrepreneur, being financially literate is particularly important as it empowers you to manage your finances effectively. It also empowers you to make strategic business decisions, and navigate the complexities of the business world.
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Why you must be financially literate.
Firstly, being financially literate equips you with the skills to develop and implement a sound financial plan for your business. This includes understanding the importance of budgeting, tracking expenses, and managing cash flow effectively.
Secondly, financial literacy also enables you to effectively manage and access capital. Understanding the various sources of financing available, such as loans, grants, and investors, allows women entrepreneurs to make informed decisions about what type of funding is most suitable for their specific business needs.
Furthermore, financial literacy helps you plan for the future. This includes setting financial goals, implementing savings strategies, and building a robust economic safety net.
How to be Financially Literate
1. Educate Yourself: The first step towards financial literacy is to educate yourself about various financial topics. Start by reading books, articles, and online resources that cover subjects such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. Look for reputable sources that provide reliable and up-to-date information. You may want to read Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche
2. Create a Budget: A budget is a fundamental tool for managing your finances. It helps you track your income and expenses, identify areas where you can save money, and plan for future financial goals. Start by listing all your sources of income and then categorize your expenses. Make sure to allocate funds for savings and emergency expenses. You can track your budget with Good Budget App
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3. Save and Invest: Saving money is an essential aspect of financial literacy. Establish an emergency fund that can cover three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Consider opening a savings account that offers a competitive interest rate. Additionally, explore investment options such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate to grow your wealth over time.
4. Understand Credit: Credit plays a significant role in personal finance. Learn about credit scores, how they are calculated, and their impact on your financial life. Make sure to pay your bills on time and keep your credit utilization low. Avoid excessive debt and be cautious when taking on loans or using credit cards.
5. Plan for Retirement: It is never too early to start planning for retirement. Research different retirement savings options like employer-sponsored plans (such as 401(k)s) or individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Take advantage of any employer matching contributions and contribute consistently to ensure a secure retirement.
6. Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a financial advisor or planner to get personalized guidance on your financial situation. They can help you set financial goals, create a comprehensive financial plan, and provide advice on investment strategies based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Learning how to make informed financial decisions is an ongoing process, so continue to educate yourself and adapt to changing circumstances. With time and effort, you will gain the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions and achieve your business goals.
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