Articles by Michele DeKinder-Smith on ArticleSnatch.com

Support to Build Business: Guidance for Three Types of Female Entrepreneurs

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:04:03 -0500

Most women business owners are on their own as they create, grow and run their companies – but by finding expert and community support, they can accelerate their business growth process and shorten their learning curves, reaching their greatest potential more easily in less time. Research by a trusted authority on female entrepreneurs shows there are five distinct types of women in business. Each type of business owner has a unique approach to running a business and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. This article describes three of those types and outlines various ways each of them can seek that support effectively. Jane Dough is an entrepreneur who enjoys running her business and generally, she makes a nice living. She is comfortable and determined in buying and selling, which may be why she's five times more likely than the average female business owner to hit the million dollar mark. Jane Dough is clear in her priorities and may be intentionally and actively growing an asset-based or legacy business. It is estimated that 18% of women entrepreneurs fall in the category of Jane Dough. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> business support]]> small business support]]> expert advice]]> small business experts]]> community support]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Take your Jane assessment to determine your own business type at www.janeoutofthebox.com Also, she is the author of two successful books for female entrepreneurs, âSee Jane Succeedâ (at www.seejanesucceed.com) and âSee Jane Collaborateâ (at www.seejanecollaborate.com).

Bringing In the Experts: Saving Time and Money, and Reaching Goals Faster

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:49:57 -0500

Because many women business owners are solopreneurs, they often learn the ins and outs of business ownership on their own. They may not recognize what is possible for themselves or for their businesses because they haven’t had the experience or exposure. The good news is that it is possible for these female entrepreneurs to become successful with ease – by receiving support from experts and from people in the community. Combining community and expert support is a powerful way for a female entrepreneur to become successful with (relative) ease. Community support is support from people who care about the woman business owner and want her to succeed because she is special to them. Expert support is support from people who are competent and capable in the areas where a business owner needs help. In each type of relationship, it is essential that the business owner trust the person in the support role. Support – in either form – provides a female entrepreneur with: • More time and less frustration. A woman business owner who goes straight to a trusted expert can learn how to do something the right way, immediately. **End Summary** Topics: women business owners]]> female entrepreneurs]]> solopreneurs]]> small business support network]]> small business support]]> expert help in business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Take your Jane assessment to determine your own business type at www.janeoutofthebox.com Also, she is the author of two successful books for female entrepreneurs, âSee Jane Succeedâ (at www.seejanesucceed.com) and âSee Jane Collaborateâ (at www.seejanecollaborate.com).

Receiving Support: Expert Advice for Two Types of Female Entrepreneurs

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:50:33 -0500

A vast majority of female entrepreneurs go it alone as they launch, build and maintain their businesses – but they don’t have to. By seeking and accepting support from experts and from community members, businesswomen can shorten their learning curves and reach potential they didn’t even know they had. Research by a trusted authority on female entrepreneurs shows there are five distinct types of women in business. Each type of business owner has a unique approach to running a business and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. This article describes two of those types and outlines various ways each of them can seek that support effectively. Accidental Jane is a successful, confident business owner who never actually set out to start a business. Instead, she may have decided to start a business due to frustration with her job or a layoff and then she decided to use her business and personal contacts to strike out on her own. Or, she may have started making something that served her own unmet needs and found other customers with the same need, giving birth to a business. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> business support]]> small business support]]> expert advice]]> small business experts]]> community support]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Take your Jane assessment to determine your own business type at www.janeoutofthebox.com Also, she is the author of two successful books for female entrepreneurs, âSee Jane Succeedâ (at www.seejanesucceed.com) and âSee Jane Collaborateâ (at www.seejanecollaborate.com).

How to Give More Than Ever Before

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:29:46 -0500

Female entrepreneurs may be surprised when they discover what they must do in order to give more. For businesswomen who are passionate about giving, it is possible to do so without draining their own reserves, as long as they follow some simple – yet effective – rules. Professional market research of more than 3,500 women in business, by an authority on female entrepreneurs, reveals there are five distinct types of female entrepreneurs. This study shows that each type of business owner has a unique approach to running a business and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. When a woman is living as her ideal entrepreneurial type, she feels satisfied, personally and professionally. This article outlines two of those types and provides strategies each one can use to continue giving – and by learning to receive, so she can give without depleting her own resources. Merry Jane is building a part-time or "flexible time" business that gives her a creative outlet (whether she's an ad agency consultant or she makes beautiful artwork) that she can manage within specific constraints around her schedule. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> giving in business]]> techniques for giving]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Take your Jane assessment to determine your own business type at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Giving Dangerously â Advice for Three Types of Female Entrepreneurs

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 09:54:48 -0500

Many female entrepreneurs want to give. They strive to find new, positive ways to do so, all the time. An unintended – and unfortunate – byproduct of this spirit is that these women end up feeling exhausted and drained. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. By implementing entrepreneurial-type-driven strategies, every female entrepreneur can learn to give, and to nurture that giving by receiving, as well. Professional market research of more than 3,500 women in business, by an authority on female entrepreneurs, reveals there are five distinct types of female entrepreneurs. This study shows that each type of business owner has a unique approach to running a business and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. When a woman is living as her ideal entrepreneurial type, she feels satisfied, personally and professionally. This article outlines three of those types and provides advice for how each one can continue to give while replenishing her own reserves. Accidental Jane is a successful, confident business owner who never actually set out to start a business. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> woman business owners]]> giving in business]]> small business growth]]> risk in business]]> self-care]]> self-care strategies]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Take your Jane assessment to determine your own business type at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Best of the Janes: Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Your Ideal Customer

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:53:45 -0500

When a female entrepreneur sets out to get to know her ideal customer – and therefore increase her business and customer loyalty – she will achieve greater success if she follows several specific guidelines: 1. Get to know “the” ideal customer, as well as what he or she needs and wants – and then learn even more about him or her to hone in marketing materials and develop new products and services. 2. Ask compassionate questions. In general, female entrepreneurs genuinely want to help their customers. They want to provide solutions to their customers’ challenges or help their customers achieve their dreams. To best serve her customers, then, a female entrepreneur must ask them open-ended questions that truly seek to uncover their greatest challenges, to elicit a deep understanding without creating judgments (entrepreneurs must take care to ask questions in a way that do not bias the results, but instead elicit the "real" answer to their questions). 3. Be an effective listener. When a customer shares information with an entrepreneur, the entrepreneur must listen with an open mind, with the intention of developing empathy by stepping into the customers’ shoes. 4. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> small business growth]]> market research strategies]]> ideal customer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Take your Jane assessment to determine your own business type at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Market Research: Increasing Your Selling Power

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:58:10 -0500

When a female entrepreneur has defined her ideal customers and her ideal customers’ desires and needs, and she’s brought them to her web site or store, it’s time for her to find out even more – specifically, what leads to them buying from her, and what leads to them walking away. By completing this component of market research, an entrepreneur can increase her sales – and also develop ongoing customer loyalty. Once a woman business owner has given her potential customers the opportunity to buy, it’s a good idea to find out even more about them – whether they end up buying or not. It’s key to find out why a customer didn’t buy – was it the price? Did they need to think about it? Did they feel like the concept or delivery was off? Was it geography or timing? Uncover all the barriers that prevented the customer from buying. Understanding why a customer didn’t buy is crucial, because it allows the entrepreneur to structure her marketing to blast through those barriers in the future. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> small business growth]]> market research]]> researching customers]]> consumer research]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at www.seejanecollaborate.com Tak

Understanding Customersâ Wants and Needs â and How To Deliver Both

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:03:13 -0500

After a female business owner has defined precisely who her ideal target customer is, she must understand what that customer wants and needs. Typically, customers buy what they want, so the most successful business owners create products or services that fulfill those desires – and provide a necessary solution. Female entrepreneurs will achieve higher levels of success (not to mention personal and entrepreneurial satisfaction) when they position their marketing efforts around what their ideal customers want, knowing that when those customers buy, the business owner’s products and services are going to deliver not only what the customers want, but what they need. To understand exactly what her ideal customer needs, a woman business owner must reach out to her ideal customers by conducting research. The goal: to learn the customers’ biggest challenges, problems and struggles – and how a specific product or service could solve those. As an example, consider Tina, a purse designer. She has identified her ideal customer as Sarah, a 38-year-old married professional who has three children younger than 12. She loves to be part of her children’s activities and volunteers at their schools several times per month. **End Summary** Topics: women business owners]]> female entrepreneurs]]> small business growth]]> marketing for small businesses]]> marketing research]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at www.seejanecollaborate.com Tak

Knowing Your Ideal Customer â The Key To Developing Products and Services

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:07:55 -0500

Women entrepreneurs care about their customers, and want, more than anything, to provide them with solutions or to help them take advantage of opportunities in their lives. The best way for a woman business owner to serve her customers from a place of true caring and compassion is for her to learn precisely who her ideal customer is. Most female entrepreneurs have a general idea of who their ideal customer is. For example, a business owner may target women, or women with children, or even women with children of a certain age. Even more specifically, a business owner may target busy working moms. For marketing efforts, products and services to have a maximum impact on customers, though, a business owner needs to get even more specific. Consider the variety of subgroups in the group “busy working moms.” Some may be career women, and others may be entrepreneurs. Some may be married while others may be single. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> small business growth]]> small business marketing]]> marketing effectively]]> marketing strategies]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at www.seejanecollaborate.com Ta

Best of the Janes: Getting the Most Out of Masterminding

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:54:12 -0500

Although each type of female entrepreneur will find a masterminding group and situation that meets her unique needs and desires, every entrepreneur should carefully consider several topics when creating or joining a mastermind group, to ensure she receives the maximum benefit. 1. Create agreements up front. Before officially starting a mastermind group, the potential mastermind partners should agree on the rules of the group, including logistics and expectations. For example, when, where, and how often will the group meet? How long will the group last? How will the group create an environment where partners feel safe being vulnerable? How will partners support each other? Can members come and go? How does each member feel about sharing outward, about networking and about referring each others’ business? When a group discusses the answers to these questions at the beginning, everyone knows what to expect. 2. Define the purpose of the group and find likeminded members. **End Summary** Topics: Masterminding]]> Mastermind Group]]> Female Entrepreneurs]]> Women Business Owners]]> Business Goals]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at www.seejanecollaborate.com Tak

Masterminding: Two Types of Female Entrepreneurs Reap the Rewards

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:17:53 -0500

Starting or joining a mastermind group can provide female entrepreneurs with support, resources and accountability. It’s important for business owners to find a mastermind group that meets their specific needs and desires. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, first defined the mastermind in 1937 as a “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” Continuing research delves into the intricacies of business collaboration – and reveals important steps to follow. Professional market research of more than 3,500 women in business, has shown that each of five unique types of business owners has a unique approach to running a business and to handling the other details of her life – and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. This article outlines two of those types, and details the benefits they should expect – and considerations they should make – when participating in a mastermind group. **End Summary** Topics: Masterminding]]> Mastermind Group]]> Female Entrepreneurs]]> Women Business Owners]]> Business Goals]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at www.seejanecollaborate.com Tak

Masterminding: Benefits and Considerations for Three Types of Businesswomen

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:39:13 -0500

Participating in a mastermind group is an excellent way for female entrepreneurs to offer and receive support as they work together toward a common, specific goal. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, first defined the mastermind as a “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” Continuing research delves into the intricacies of business collaboration – and reveals important steps to follow. Professional market research of more than 3,500 women in business, has shown that each of five unique types of business owners has a unique approach to running a business and to handling the other details of her life – and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. This article outlines three of those types, and details the benefits they should expect – and considerations they should make – when participating in a mastermind group. Jane Dough is an entrepreneur who enjoys running her business and generally, she makes a nice living. **End Summary** Topics: Masterminding]]> Mastermind Group]]> Female Entrepreneurs]]> Women Business Owners]]> Business Goals]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at www.seejanecollaborate.com Tak

Improving a Business Through Masterminding

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:19:30 -0500

When a female entrepreneur is ready to take her business to the next level, getting there may be as simple as creating or joining a mastermind group. Originally defined by businessman Napoleon Hill as a “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose,” mastermind groups provide support, resources and accountability for partners as they work toward a common purpose. Partners in a mastermind group meet regularly to work on their businesses instead of in them. Typically, the partners in a mastermind group come from different industries; for example, a mastermind group may comprise a doctor, a market researcher, a business coach, a mold remediation specialist and a direct response copywriter. Because their backgrounds vary, each member has the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives as well as new resources and connections from people who are facing or have faced similar challenges in business ownership. Each member of a mastermind group brings different experience and expertise, from which the other members can learn. Also, members may decide to develop business partnerships so they can make money together, or to offer referrals and recommendations to their own connections. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> masterminding]]> mastermind group]]> mastermind partners]]> small business success]]> growing a small business]]> s]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at www.seejanecollaborate.com Tak

Cultural and Religious Differences in a Business Partnership

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:50:51 -0500

Culture and Religion can be deeply rooted in an entrepreneur – and because of the potential significance of these two aspects of a person’s being, prospective partners should discuss whether their cultural and/or religious differences can make working together a difficult – or maybe even an enlightening – experience. Jane Out of the Box, an authority on female entrepreneurs, conducts extensive research with women business owners about all aspects of business ownership and success. Its new book, “See Jane Collaborate: Your Essential Guide to Joyful and Prosperous Business Partnerships,” incorporates the results from interviews and discussions its authors have conducted with both women and men involved in business partnerships ranging from short-term joint ventures to business co-ownership. From their research, this article discusses the importance of considering two important characteristics when starting a partnership. Characteristic 7: Compatibility of Cultural and Religious Differences The question: “When considering culture and/or religion, can each partner feel comfortable working with the other?” Research shows that female entrepreneurs who partnered with people of different cultural or religious backgrounds experienced a variety of outcomes. **End Summary** Topics: women entrepreneurs]]> female business owners]]> business partnership]]> creating a business partner]]> evaluating a prospective business partner]]> evaluating]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book with coauthor Azriela Jaffe, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at ww

A Business Partner: Money Goals and Family Commitments

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:43:41 -0500

Forming a business partnership means sharing ideas, responsibility and success. The effectiveness of that sharing depends on how compatible the partners are in terms of two major life areas: money goals and values, and family commitments. Money and family are both emotionally charged topics for almost everyone, so good compatibility in these two areas can help a partnership run smoothly. Extensive research with women business owners about all aspects of business ownership reveals the importance of due diligence when selecting a business partner. Further, research shows there are seven main characteristics to consider in prospective partners. This article discusses the details of two of those characteristics. Characteristic 5: Compatible Money Goals and Values The question: “Do the prospective partners view money and risk in basically the same way?” Surprisingly, conflict over money is just as prevalent in successful businesses as it is in unsuccessful ones. When a business is struggling, the partners are worried about having enough money to pay family bills. When the business starts to make money, the partners are worried about getting their fair share. When the business is very successful, partners may still fight about who is contributing more time and effort than whom. **End Summary** Topics: women entrepreneurs]]> female business owners]]> business partnership]]> creating a business partner]]> evaluating a prospective business partner]]> evaluating]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book with coauthor Azriela Jaffe, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at ww

A Prospective Partner: Skills and History

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:23:17 -0400

When two business owners form a partnership, each one brings strengths, skills, and enthusiasm to the table. It’s important for the strengths and skills of one partner to complement those of the other so that the new partnership offers a broader range of skill sets. In some cases, one or both partners may have shaky credit history or even a criminal history – and those are guests many people wouldn’t want at their table. Therefore, when examining a prospective partner’s positives, it is important to check for negatives, as well. Extensive research with women business owners about all aspects of business ownership reveals the importance of due diligence when selecting a business partner. Further, research shows there are seven main characteristics to consider in prospective partners. This article discusses the details of two of those characteristics. Characteristic 3: Complementary Business Skills and Business Competence The question: “What is each partner bringing to the partnership in terms of skills, knowledge, work experience and strengths?” Most female entrepreneurs are not looking for clones of themselves in a partner; rather, they are looking for a partner whose skills and strengths fill in the gaps in their own. **End Summary** Topics: women entrepreneurs]]> female business owners]]> business partnership]]> creating a business partner]]> evaluating a prospective business partner]]> evaluating]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book with coauthor Azriela Jaffe, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at ww

Characteristics to Evaluate in a Prospective Partner

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:05:15 -0400

When a female business owner is considering a business partnership, evaluating her prospective partner based on several criteria increases the likelihood that the match will yield positive results for both parties. While gut instinct and good chemistry may make the partnership friendly and enjoyable, those two components on their own do not necessarily create a recipe for business success. Rather, careful evaluation of specific business-related components of the prospective partner’s personality and experience can lead to entrepreneurial harmony – and business success. Extensive research with women business owners about all aspects of business ownership reveals the importance of due diligence when selecting a business partner. Further, research shows there are seven main characteristics to consider in prospective partners. This article discusses the details of two of those characteristics. Characteristic 1: Suitability for Entrepreneurship The question: “Is the prospective partner well-suited for being self-employed?” Although a prospective partner may have great ideas, tons of money, or be a complete sales superstar, that doesn’t necessarily mean she is cut out to be a great businessperson. If both partners have been self-employed before, the question of suitability may be easy to answer. **End Summary** Topics: women entrepreneurs]]> female business owners]]> business partnership]]> creating a business partnership]]> evaluating a prospective business partner]]> evaluat]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book with coauthor Azriela Jaffe, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at ww

Women In Partnerships â The Importance of Due Diligence

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:30:16 -0400

Business partnerships provide a variety of benefits to women entrepreneurs. For example, women with complementary skill sets or ways of thinking can partner to offer their customers a more well-rounded offering or experience. Women with similar interests and business styles can partner to offer their customers more options. While some entrepreneurs rush forward into a partnership, throwing caution to the wind, others take their time, evaluating every minute detail of a potential partner before signing the papers. Both types of processes can yield a successful partnership – however, due diligence is essential in improving the odds that a partnership will work well for both partners. Continuing research delves into the intricacies of business collaboration – and reveals important steps to follow. Based on professional market research of more than 3,500 women in business, research has shown that each of five unique types of business owners has a unique approach to running a business and to handling the other details of her life – and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. This article outlines surprising trends in creating partnerships, as well as an outline for practicing due diligence before cementing a business union. **End Summary** Topics: women entrepreneurs]]> female business owners]]> business partners]]> women business partners]]> finding a business partner]]> creating a business partnership]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith, is the founder and CEO of Linkage Research, Inc, a marketing research firm with Fortune 500 clients such as Starbucks, Frito Lay, Tropicana, Texas Instruments, Hoover Vacuums and Verizon Wireless. She parlayed this entrepreneurial knowledge and experience into founding Jane Out of the Box, a company that provides female entrepreneurs like YOU with powerful resources, such as educational blogs, teleclasses, newsletters, and books. Michele was recently named to the National Association of Women Business Owners national board of directors for a two-year term. Buy a copy of her latest book with coauthor Azriela Jaffe, âSee Jane Collaborate,â which contains more in-depth information about this articleâs topic, at ww

Best of the Janes: Hiring an Assistant

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:28:25 -0400

No single formula exists for hiring an assistant. Each female entrepreneur is unique and therefore must hire an assistant who meets her unique needs and those of her business. However, all woman business owners must consider these several important topics during the hiring process to ensure an excellent relationship that paves the way to a strong, efficient team in the future. 1. Personality: just like any relationship, that between a female entrepreneur and her assistant should be complementary so each balances the other’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, Jane Dough business owners often move quickly and can come across as if they don’t have time to talk. It would be beneficial to Jane Dough, then, to hire an assistant who can get Jane Dough to slow down for a moment if he or she has a question or concern. Tenacity Jane business owners are often visionary, so hiring a down-to-earth assistant may be beneficial. 2. Work skills: certain types of female entrepreneurs enjoy certain aspects of running their businesses more than others; therefore, hiring an assistant whose skills complement a business owner’s favorite tasks is essential. For example, Merry Jane business owners often use their companies as creative outlets. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> woman business owners]]> hiring an assistant]]> assistant]]> working with an assistant]]> building a team]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder of Jane out of the Box, an online resource dedicated to the women entrepreneur community. Discover more incredibly useful information for running a small business by taking the FREE Jane Types Assessment at Jane out of the Box. Offering networking and marketing opportunities, key resources and mentorship from successful women in business, Jane Out of the Box is online at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Hiring Help: Two Entrepreneurs Find the Right Assistant

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:24:01 -0400

When a woman business owner makes the decision to hire help, hiring an assistant is an excellent first step in building a team. Even if an entrepreneur doesn’t feel ready to create a team immediately, the right assistant eventually can serve as the link between the business owner and the team in the future. Selecting an assistant who meets an entrepreneur’s specific needs (both immediate and future needs) is absolutely essential in forming a relationship that will set the foundation for a strong team later one. A recent study from Jane Out of the Box, an authority on female entrepreneurs, reveals there are five distinct types of women in business. Based on professional market research of more than 3,500 women in business, this study shows that each type of business owner has a unique approach to running a business and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. This article outlines two of the five types and provides tips for each one to consider when hiring an assistant. Jane Dough is an entrepreneur who enjoys running her business and generally, she makes a nice living. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneur]]> woman business owner]]> hiring an assistant]]> hiring help]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder of Jane out of the Box, an online resource dedicated to the women entrepreneur community. Discover more incredibly useful information for running a small business by taking the FREE Jane Types Assessment at Jane out of the Box. Offering networking and marketing opportunities, key resources and mentorship from successful women in business, Jane Out of the Box is online at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Hiring an Assistant: Three Female Entrepreneurs, Three Sets of Needs

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:29:20 -0400

When a female entrepreneur is ready to hire help, delegating to an assistant may seem more cost-effective and less complicated than hiring an entire team. While working with a team yields great results for most entrepreneurs who choose to do so, an assistant can provide an extra set of hands immediately and a link to a team in the future. An assistant can handle some of the daily tasks the entrepreneur doesn’t have time for, such as listening to voicemail messages, checking e-mail or running errands. Also, an assistant can help an entrepreneur stay on schedule and can act as a sounding board. In the future, an assistant can act as a liaison between an entrepreneur and her team. A recent study from Jane Out of the Box, an authority on female entrepreneurs, reveals there are five distinct types of women in business. Based on professional market research of more than 3,500 women in business, this study shows that each type of business owner has a unique approach to running a business and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> woman business owners]]> hiring an assistant]]> working with an assistant]]> delegating to an assistant]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder of Jane out of the Box, an online resource dedicated to the women entrepreneur community. Discover more incredibly useful information for running a small business by taking the FREE Jane Types Assessment at Jane out of the Box. Offering networking and marketing opportunities, key resources and mentorship from successful women in business, Jane Out of the Box is online at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Why Plan? The Top 5 Reasons Female Entrepreneurs Must Plan

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:35:38 -0400

When a business owner creates a plan for her business, she is creating a road map she can follow to get to her ultimate destination: success on her own terms. Such a road map does not have to be concrete -- it can include detours at unexpected obstructions, as well as pit stops to refuel and rest stops when necessary. Not every female entrepreneur has a plan, and many who have not yet created one, are thriving anyway. However, sitting down and outlining the route to success gives a business owner a sense of direction, and the company a boost. There are 5 Top Reasons why female entrepreneurs must plan: 1. A plan provides focus. In some cases, a female entrepreneur envisions multiple streams of income. Each stream comprises several ideas – and the business owner is thinking about many of these ideas at once. If her attention is split between several projects or ideas at one time, her work will not make effective progress. Therefore, a plan helps a business owner focus on projects or ideas, one or two at a time so that she can move forward rather than spinning her wheels. 2. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> woman business owners]]> planning for small business]]> small business plan]]> business plan]]> planning for the future in business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder of Jane out of the Box, an online resource dedicated to the women entrepreneur community. Discover more incredibly useful information for running a small business by taking the FREE Jane Types Assessment at Jane out of the Box. Offering networking and marketing opportunities, key resources and mentorship from successful women in business, Jane Out of the Box is online at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Attending Events: A Crucial Element in Growing a Small Business

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:18:24 -0400

Women business owners are constantly bombarded with opportunities to attend events. Whether the events focus on networking, business building or creating a desirable work-life balance, these events are constantly touted as life-changing, knowledge-building and business-growing. Female entrepreneurs may wonder why there are so many events out there – and whether they’re effective. Savvy business owners, coaches, consultants and educators create events to help others find success – and by choosing to attend an event that fits her specific needs and desires, and by then putting her new knowledge to use once she returns home, an entrepreneur greatly increases the likelihood of getting a good return on her investment. . Here are some points to consider when deciding whether to attend an event – and if so, which one: Knowledge is Profit: Research shows that when a female entrepreneur invests in her business by investing in her own knowledge, she sees a huge payoff. New knowledge can be the key that jumpstarts profitability in any business because it increases an entrepreneur’s effectiveness in the area of focus. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> small business growth strategies]]> attending events]]> networking]]> life-long learner]]> investing in business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder of Jane out of the Box, an online resource dedicated to the women entrepreneur community. Discover more incredibly useful information for running a small business by taking the FREE Jane Types Assessment at Jane out of the Box. Offering networking and marketing opportunities, key resources and mentorship from successful women in business, Jane Out of the Box is online at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Best of the Janes: Networking to Build Business and Support

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:53:01 -0400

In any type of business, networking is crucial. For any type of entrepreneur, networking is essential. Networking not only provides female entrepreneurs with an opportunity to grow their companies; it also gives them the chance to forge relationships that benefit them in many ways, from support to affiliate partnerships. Networking efforts should be customized and personalized, based on a female entrepreneur’s unique needs, characteristics and habits. However, every woman business owner should take these questions into account: 1. How much time is available to invest in networking? Some business owners have many responsibilities in addition to running their businesses, and others have the means to delegate the tasks they need to, so they are free to network as much as they want. In any case, an entrepreneur can modify her networking efforts to fit into the amount of time she has available. Social media online can take as little as 30 minutes per day. Networking events can occur as infrequently as once a year and as frequently as once per week. Businesswomen can use just one form of networking, or they can use both forms in any combination. **End Summary** Topics: female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> networking]]> networking for business growth]]> networking for support in business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder of Jane out of the Box, an online resource dedicated to the women entrepreneur community. Discover more incredibly useful information for running a small business by taking the FREE Jane Types Assessment at Jane out of the Box. Offering networking and marketing opportunities, key resources and mentorship from successful women in business, Jane Out of the Box is online at www.janeoutofthebox.com

Two Types of Businesswomen Network for Business Growth

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:18:00 -0400

Most businesswomen realize, academically, that networking is an important tool for business growth. However, networking also can provide crucial opportunities for creating a much-needed support system for women at any level of business ownership. For women of every entrepreneurial type, networking is as important to the business as strategizing, paying bills, and marketing. A recent study from Jane Out of the Box, an authority on female entrepreneurs, reveals there are five distinct types of women in business. Based on professional market research of more than 3,500 women in business, this study shows that each type of business owner has a unique approach to running a business and therefore each one has a unique combination of needs. This article outlines two of the five types and provides important tips about why networking is important to each one, and about how each one can do it effectively. Tenacity Jane is an entrepreneur with an undeniable passion for her business, and one who tends to be struggling with cash flow. As a result, she's working longer hours, and making less money than she'd like. Nevertheless, Tenacity Jane is bound and determined to make her business a success. **End Summary** Topics: networking]]> female entrepreneurs]]> women business owners]]> networking strategies]]> small business networking]]> small business growth strategies]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Michele DeKinder-Smith is the founder of Jane out of the Box, an online resource dedicated to the women entrepreneur community. Discover more incredibly useful information for running a small business by taking the FREE Jane Types Assessment at Jane out of the Box. Offering networking and marketing opportunities, key resources and mentorship from successful women in business, Jane Out of the Box is online at www.janeoutofthebox.com