Savvy Marketers Share Their Secrets

I just joined a great group of columnists-turned-bloggers that discuss strategies for reaching your target market. The blog-pub, published by Glam Media, is called eBrandMarketing, and it launched late last year. The articles focus on a variety of marketing topics, and I will be adding to the marketing-to-women voice.

Check out my first post: You gotta love eHarmony – even if you’re not in the market for love.

If you want to go for it, you can. And you will.

It all starts with you—and your dreams. That’s what got you thinking about owning your own business in the first place. You want to do it right. You want to make a difference. You want to call the shots. And you’re not alone. Women are starting businesses at twice the rate of men (maybe more), leaving corporate jobs because of inflexibility, frustration with the good old boys’ club and the glass ceiling, lack of creativity in the workplace and pure boredom.

Mary Kay is one of my favorite success stories.

Frustrated with the way she had been treated in a male-dominated world, a retired Mary Kay Ash used her life savings of $5,000 to launch a cosmetics company in 1963. Initially, she had only nine independent beauty consultants and a 500-square-foot store in Dallas, but she was equipped with a plan—and a passion. During her 25-year career, she had taken notes about both the good and the bad principles of business that she encountered. Much of what she learned from previous employers became the backbone of her business. For Mary Kay, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, it wasn’t too late to go for it—and she was determined to make it work. Mary Kay passed away in 2001, but her company continues to empower women today.

Get started now! Visit RealYouIncorporated.com for more inspirational stories of women who have followed their entrepreneurial dreams—and made them real.

New York City in a Day

Last Wednesday I flew to New York City for Happy Hour. That is, "Happy Hour" on Fox Business News with Rebecca Gomez. It was a whirlwind trip—there and back in a day. Located in a crowded bar—with standing-room only—Rebecca interviewed me about the book. There was plenty of commotion. But it was relaxed, natural and exciting! She asked me what it means to be true to yourself. And like I’ve said so many times before, you have to start with a passionate idea about what you really want to do in life. Find it within yourself. Be true. Then you can go from there.

Books and Blizzards

Water main break. Sink hole. Blizzard. Yes, I’ve encountered all of those in the last 12 hours. All in the name of book promotion. Despite the conditions, I had a great time in Cleveland. Andrea Vecchio and Eileen McShea from “Good Company” on WKYC were fantastic! We discussed mompreneurs, like Meredith Liepelt (featured in the book), are proof that women with successful inventions are everywhere. All it takes is knowing yourself and your passions, and taking action. For more, check out the segment.

And thanks to Anngela, a former business owner who will be one again, for stopping by my book signing at Tower City!

You are ready to be you

It's striking how similar the comments I have been receiving from people who have read the book. They're ready. They're energized. They know they need to put themselves in their businesses.

We are all tired of faking it. It's time to follow our hearts and our passions and by doing so, have a much more authentic, rewarding and interesting business life. So, that's really the first step of the system found inside the pages of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs. It's up to you to decide you're ready.

And you are! Hey, my first book review came out! Here's a link: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/022808/Dublin/News/022808-News-504016.html&sec=home&tab=tab1