Thinking about becoming an entrepreneur? Do you have the right stuff? Here are a few things to consider:

Find Your Niche
• Know "thyself"” – What are you skills and strengths? What are your weaknesses?
• Get creative
• Get curious about the market
• Do research, survey, read, and observe

Develop a Business Plan
This can be a new challenge but is an essential foundation before launching any business. Developing a mission for your entrepreneurial business along with a timeline, budget, marketing plan, taxes, etc. are necessary. Put the business plan in writing. Review it regularly. Attend small business startup workshops. Talk with other women business owners. Contact SCORE at www.score.org.

Self-Employment - The Right Stuff
Self-employment is not for everyone. Are you focused and disciplined? Are you considering temporary employment while the children are young or are you in this for the long haul?

Characteristics of Women Business Owners

• Women business owners are prepared to face risk. Financial risk and startup costs are considerations.

• Women and men business owners have different management styles. Women emphasize relationship building as well as fact gathering.

• Belong to a business organization or network. Have visibility. Network. Make it easy for customers or clients to find you.

• Close the door at the end of the day. Having a home-based business or being an owner is a blessing and a curse. To maintain personal balance in your relationships and family, it’s important to know when to close the door.

Fulfillment, Balance, and your measure of Success are things we all desire. These delicate elements are found through the process of dreaming, courage, planning and action. Getting a clear idea of what you want to do, be and have as your move through the stages of life from single woman, to married woman, to mother, and beyond require you to continue to search and ask questions, internal and external.

"Women are always being tested...but ultimately, each of us has to define who we are individually and then do the very best job we can to grow into it." ~ Hilary Clinton