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The Number 1 Reason Why Women Don’t Start Their Own Businesses

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Joel Brown

If you were to ask women who work full-time and want to start a business, why they haven’t done so yet, what do you think their reason would be? Is it lack of money? Contrary to popular belief, the number one reason I am given is NOT money. Instead, they mention a 4 letter word over and over again. That 4 letter word is…FEAR.

When I speak to these women about why they haven’t started the businesses they desire, they ask me questions such as:

  • What if I fail and have to go back to my 9-5? (fear of failure)
  • What if my business takes off faster than I can keep up with it? (fear of success)
  • What if I can’t balance working full-time, my family, and starting a new business? (fear of the unknown)
  • What if my family and friends don’t support my new business? (fear of not being supported)
  • What if I can’t make a consistent income?  What about benefits and a retirement fund? (fear of the unknown)

All of these questions are wrapped in fear. Have you asked any of them yourself? Have any of them kept you locked in a job in which you are not happy? If you answered “yes” to ANY of these questions, you are not alone. Unfortunately for many women, they never get to experience the incredible feeling of being their own boss.

However, this does not have to be the case! So, how do you eliminate these fears, so that you can begin the journey of owning your own business?  

Below, are 4 simple steps you can take today to kick fear to the curb for good:

1. Create a success mindset

Your mindset is the number one asset you need to have in order to have a successful business. Your thoughts determine your level of success, and therefore they must be positive and encouraging. One strategy you can use to create a success mindset is visualization. It involves you creating a mental account of a major milestone in your business (i.e. getting your first paying client, achieving your first 5 figure month, etc.).

Write out this account in very vivid detail. Include such things as what you are wearing, what you are saying, what you are doing, etc. when you experience that milestone. Play this picture over and over in your mind every single day.

“The mind is just like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets and the more it can expand.”- Idowu Koyenikan

2. Set 3-5 business goals at the beginning of each week

This helps you set the tone for the week, and it keeps you focused on growing your business. SMART Goals are a very effective method to use to ensure you set meaningful goals. SMART Goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. An example of a SMART Goal may be: by the end of the week, I will apply for my business license. Halfway through the week, check on how you are progressing toward reaching your goals. At the end of the week, reflect on how well you did in achieving those weekly goals.

 

3. Schedule time to work on your business daily

Scheduling at least 30 minutes per day to work on your business helps you with time management. It can be extremely difficult starting a business while working full-time and balancing a family. This is why time management is extremely important to the growth and success of your business. If all you are able to do that day is post on social media about your business, that counts.

By letting even one day go by without working, can lead to multiple days going by. Before you know it, a whole week has passed.  It then becomes more difficult to work it back into your daily schedule. After a while, your business is no longer a priority. This could then lead to you giving up on it.

“This is the key to time management – to see the value of every moment.” – Menachem Mendel Schneerson

4. Create a strong support system

Surrounding yourself with people who are also on the same journey to entrepreneurship, can be very beneficial to the success of your business. They can add that extra support and motivation you may need to help you grow. Having an accountability partner, business coach, and/or mentor can also help you avoid making costly business mistakes.

Set up a plan to check in with your support system at least once a week. During that time, discuss what has gone well for you that week and also the challenges you faced. Having a sounding board can help you find solutions to those challenges.

Do not allow fear to keep you from starting your business any longer. Instead, implement these strategies so that you can be well on your way to having your own successful and profitable business.

What is a reason you have for not starting your own business? Leave your thoughts below!

Beverly Walthour, a Business Strategist & Success Coach for professional women who work full-time and want to start an online business. She empowers them with the strategies, resources, clarity and support needed to plan, launch, and grow their business. For more information, check out her website: beverlywalthour.com. Grab her FREE guide to Eliminate the Fear of Starting Your Online Business: http://bit.ly/eliminatefear.

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Startups

15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook

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Business Lessons and strategies from Napoleon Bonaparte for Entrepreneurs and CEO's
Image Credit | Joel Brown

Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.

From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.

Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.

Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.

Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte

 

1. Dream Big, Think Bold

Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.

Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

2. Move Fast, Stay Agile

Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.

Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.

3. Creative Leadership

Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.

Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.

 

4. Organize Like a Pro

Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.

Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.

 

5. Keep It Simple

Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.

Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

 

6. Execute Relentlessly

Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.

Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.

 

7. Play to Your Strengths

Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.

Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.

 

8. Plan in Detail

Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.

Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.

 

9. Seize Opportunities

Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.

 

10. Learn from the Past

Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.

Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.

 

11. Boost Morale

Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.

Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.

 

12. Lead with Clarity

Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.

Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.

 

13. Reflect on Failures

Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.

 

14. Action-Oriented

Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.

 

15. Embrace Hard Work

Napoleon lived and breathed work, saying, “Work is my element; I am born and built for work.”

In business, a strong work ethic and relentless dedication are key to success. Think of how Howard Schultz rebuilt Starbucks through sheer hard work and determination. Embracing hard work means being willing to put in the necessary effort, staying dedicated to your mission, and continuously pushing towards your goals, no matter the challenges.

 

By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.

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Startups

How to Manage Your Startup’s Finances More Efficiently

No matter how groundbreaking your product or service, your startup could quickly be on shaky ground without proper financial management

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managing your startups finances

Running a triumphant startup requires juggling numerous responsibilities. From managing operations and coordinating with team members to developing innovative marketing strategies and nurturing relationships with clients, the to-do list seems endless. (more…)

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Startups

5 Strategic Power Moves to Successfully Build Your Empire

Transitioning from idea to empire is a journey of strategic planning, execution, and constant evolution

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how to build your empire

The journey from a fledgling idea to a thriving empire is both exhilarating and daunting. The Startup Launchpad is not just a process but also a strategic framework that enables visionary entrepreneurs to become market leaders. This framework comprises five power moves, each a critical steppingstone in building a successful business.

These moves—Ideation, Business Plan, Online Presence, Strategic Marketing, and Launch and Growth—are the blueprint for turning aspirations into achievements. (more…)

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Startups

How to Avoid Startup Clichés and Buzzwords When Pitching Investors

Using jargon can make you sound like you’re trying to fill space instead of providing meaningful data

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How to pitch investors better

Entrepreneurs frequently seek startup funding through a variety of channels. Yet, none seem as challenging as successfully pitching to experienced investors. After all, investors are pressed for time and eager for opportunities. These characteristics make it challenging to motivate them, especially if you’re bombarding them with a pitch full of jargon. (more…)

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