How Much are You Willing to Invest in Yourself?

I was having a conversation the other day with someone about how it seems that some women simply will not make the effort to do all that they need to do in order to grow their businesses; yet complain about the lack of company growth and resources. Very frustratingly, this is a conversation that I have all too often. Unfortunately, there are people who think that being in business means simply waiting for the money to come in without an effort on their part..

These are women who are either in the same place they were years ago, or have dropped out of the game all together. I am often asked how I have made it for 18 years. I tell them that I have never been one to sit on the sidelines waiting for something to happen; I prioritize and stay focused.

Ask yourselves this:

How have you invested in your own business?
What risks have you taken?
What sacrifices have you made?

If you live in the Atlanta area I invite you to come out to our Networking Soiree on Thursday, August 27th from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Come and hear from women who have made it from “Struggle” to “Success” against all odds, develop peer mentor relationships, and hone your networking skills.

You can register on the main page of our site (www.ownonyxwomannetwork.biz).

As you may know, our book, “Home Girl, CEO,” is due out this winter and we are creating a “Home Girl, CEO” newsletter. Find out how you can promote your business in our premiere publication by contacting us at: own@onyxwomannetwork.com

Yes, We all Can!

Okay, by now you may have gotten over the shock, the surprise, the disbelief and the excitement of having our first African-American President. For my part, I haven’t! I am still riding the burst of energy created by his historic win. If his victory doesn’t give you a jolt, then I don’t know what else can. We can all apply the same focus, self-confidence, drive, determination and faith to our own projects. As soon as the election was called in his favor, I decided to pick up some of the stuff that I have been putting off and use the Barack Obama factor as a motivator and inspiration to get some of the hardest tasks ahead of me, done.

I used to use Black women from the past to provide me with the justification of why we are capable of doing and being whatever we want to do or be. Of course, I still do, but Obama’s story provides an additional, modern dose of inspiration. The fact that he and his incredibly supportive partner Michelle did not wait for the opportunity to be presented is a lesson that we can all learn when it seems like our lives, jobs or families are getting in the way of getting ahead. Obama started life as the least likely future president. The opportunity was never presented so, against all odds, he went out and created it.

There were those who said he couldn’t win. Others said America wouldn’t come on board. Some said he shouldn’t even try and he said, “I can!” And he did! He set-up the right team, had the right attitude, and of course a right plan. It is a lesson to us all—If you think you can’t, you won’t. If you feel you can, and do your best to make it happen, then you will.

Have the audacity of hope!