Building a Culture that Empowers

When starting and building a business, one of the most important components is your competitive advantage. And with that unique competitive advantage, you are able to build a great culture.

You culture should be a reflection of your combined personal and business brands. To start building your culture, envision your workplace.

What spells success for your company? Is it an open floor plan or cubicles? What colors are the walls? How is the space lit? What are the attitudes of your employees as they walk in the door on a Monday morning?

Also, consider the following questions and more.
•How do you define culture? Words, symbols, images? Get specific.
•What’s your dress code?
•Will you offer flexible hours?
•Will you have holiday parties?
•Are employees free to work from home or the local coffee shop?

These are just a few jumping off points for building a culture. You are a unique individual with specialized talents. Be sure your culture truly represents you and your business.

Too many business ideas? Find it within.

Are you a dreamer? Do you dream of owning your a business one day, but don’t know what type of business to start? Or do you have too many business ideas?

My advice is to follow your passions. What are the things in your life that make you wake up in the morning and smile? If you’re not sure what they are, or if you’re having trouble fitting the passion with the business, take some time for introspection. Get away from it all! Spend some time alone so you can think deeply about it.

During your time of introspection, think about your past. Take the obstacles in your life that you have overcome and reflect on them. Use those challenges and successes as an outline of what to do and not to do in your business. I have also found that writing your life story helps. Limit your story to 500 words or two pages. What events from your past are most important to you? Write out those moments and key realizations for each moment, then move on to the next.

After reflecting on your past, choose one word that defines you. Keep it to one. Then think about the people you admire—your heroes and heroines. What are the characteristics in these people that you admire the most? These exercises should get the creative juices flowing, and before long, you’ll uncover the business idea of your dreams.

When making that final decision, make sure you go with your gut. Your decision should be one that you are confident and passionate about.

And most importantly, don’t be afraid! If entrepreneurship is something you really want, then you can’t be scared to go for it! Remember, you have created a strong and confident brand. You and your brand can handle anything that comes your way.

Everyone has a story. What's yours?

In my book I talk about telling your story and I have gotten various questions regarding this topic. Most asking “why tell your story?” And to that I respond…

Because it’s unique! It’s yours and you own it. The important part of defining your personal brand is to understand how to bring it to life as a competitive advantage. Without that, you’re just another entrepreneur. With your story, you are fully formed.

Within your story you find perspective. I tell people to look in their rear-view mirror. Why? Because that’s where you’ll find perspective. That’s where you’ll find answers. Define your personal brand. Make it real. Then, put the real you in your business.

What is your story? I’d love to hear and be inspired.

Your Business, Your Brand, Your Culture

If you happen to be in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 9, I'll be presenting "Putting the Real You in Your Business" at the National Association of Women Business Owners luncheon.

I'll be sharing insights on:
• Establishing a successful brand for yourself
• Putting yourself at the center of your business
• Giving your company a competitive advantage
• Building a great company culture
• Creating lifetime relationships with your clients

The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Smith and Wollensky at Easton Town Center.
For more information and to RSVP, visit NAWBO Columbus. I hope to see you there!