If you're a businesswoman with an entrepreneurial spirit, you already know
what your New Year's resolution is going to be--to successfully launch your own
business, doing what you love, working for yourself and making a difference in
the world. The following eight tips can help you make that resolution a reality
in 2008.
1. Daydream. Take time to meditate and envision a "day in the life" in
your entrepreneurial dream. Imagine waking up in the morning, and plan every
detail from the time you get out of bed to the time you come home from a long
day’s work. Such reflection will allow you to mentally place yourself in your
dream.
2. Pick a role model. Research the industry you're planning to break
into and identify the key players you’d like to model your success after--those
who have successfully achieved longevity within your field of dreams. If your
dream is to become an independent financial consultant, investigate the top
women leaving their footprint on Wall Street. If fashion is your forte, direct
your attention to the leading ladies of modern style.
3. Mark your territory. Take the biography of your ideal businesswoman
and reinvent it with your own vision. Write a detailed narrative of what you
intend to accomplish and the entrepreneur you aspire to become. Not to be
confused with your business plan, this is your first step in getting your ideas
out of your head and organized on paper. After all, it’s easier to push an idea
to the back of your mind than it is to throw it away once it appears in print.
Be sure to emphasize your unique qualities and professional strengths.
4. Get down to business. With a refined storyline as your foundation,
your next step is to roll up your sleeves and get started. Create a mission
statement that captures the purpose and goal of your entrepreneurial venture,
along with your envisioned company values. What do you want your organization to
symbolize? What values will remain consistent throughout every aspect of the
company and everything you put forth?
5. Know your best quality, and don’t be afraid to flaunt it. Identify
your strengths and the areas for opportunity that will make your business stand
out among the rest. Conduct a competitive analysis to identify your
competition’s limitations or, even better, assess the industry you intend to
break into and capitalize on a niche area.
6. Find a mentor. Never underestimate the advantage of having a
mentor--or multiple mentors--in your life. This person doesn't have to be in
your industry or be a woman. A mentor is someone there to guide you, support you
and provide constructive feedback to keep you motivated. Think of this person as
your personal cheerleader, but, instead of just cheering, he or she is in the
game with you, assessing the field and helping you make the tough calls. This
could be a parent or a business companion, an old college professor, or someone
you respect and whose opinion you truly value.
7. Learn the art of networking. Networking is an art, but it can be
applied and mastered with practice if you’re not genetically wired for it. Be
strategic about the functions you attend and the people you associate with.
Align yourself with business influentials and opportunities that parallel your
goals. And the next time you opt to attend one of the business mixers offered by
your local chamber of commerce, remember to work the room with finesse but,
above all, with a tactical plan. Seek out established business leaders who can
help you get where you want to be, and link up with budding entrepreneurs who
are eager to help the next person achieve his or her dreams.
8. Know your worth. As you begin to implement your ideas and your
master plan, it’s essential to know your worth and always remain mindful of your
ability to negotiate. A plethora of websites and resources are available to help
you determine the current average salary for the type of work you do or the
going rate for the services you provide. Do your homework and negotiate
strategically.
Kathie De Chirico is president and CEO of
Visionary Strategies, a branding and licensing firm for several high-profile fashion brands. She is also co-founder of the
Executive Women in Fashion program at the Fashion Institute of Technology.