10 unordinary tips for entrepreneur women

I'm realizing more and more every day the power of sharing knowledge, telling our stories and being real. The wisdom and advice I share comes from what I've learned, loved and struggled with since launching MyInspirationLounge.com one-year ago. I hope it reminds you that you're not alone and that together, we can make it happen!

10 unordinary tips for entrepreneur women:

1. Know it will be the hardest and most rewarding thing you’ve ever pursued in your life.  Very similar to raising children and keeping your marriage together.
2. Join a network for entrepreneurs. Now. There is nothing more refreshing and inspiring than getting together with like-minded people to lift each other up, share stories, exchange resources and expertise. You can read my latest post - best business networks for women entrepreneurs.
3. Be a sponge. Embrace the fact there is so much you don’t know. Be open to learning, listening and observing what others are doing right. Sure you're an expert and know your stuff but make sure your ego doesn't get in the way of being inspired by others and growing.
4. Celebrate small successes. Fit in those little rah-rah moments to keep you inspired. Don't beat yourself up for what you’re not. This equals burnout fast.
5. Give yourself a break.. We push ourselves so hard that we lose focus and find our creativity is gone. Dried up.  Walk away from all the to-do’s for the rest of the day. Go do something fun that fills you up. Find a quiet place to just be. I guarantee your creativity will return, new ideas will surface and you will come back rockin’ it. And your aha moment will be that everything and everyone survived without you. I was moved by Danielle’s post from Whitehottruth, You’re Not That Important.
6. Act like you have a million clients. You never know who is visiting your website, reading your blog, walking in your store or buying your products. They could be the one who makes it happen for you and you better be lookin’ good! To get a million clients you need to be loud and proud, build your tribe and let your customer service stand out from the crowd. This latter one shouldn't be hard!
7. Embrace social media. In this economy, it’s an entrepreneurs dream. Social media is free, fun and gives you the ability to reach millions. For example, you can follow me on twitter or connect with Inspiration Lounge on Facebook. For my branding goals, both of them are powerful for engaging with women and high-profile contacts. Did I mention free?.
8. Communicate the vision for your business with your children and partner. It’s important everyone in your household is on board with your entrepreneurial dream, goals and financial investment. This is not easy.  Share with them what you’re trying to do and exactly what you need from them. It might not sink in the first time but eventually they will see you mean serious business. Involve your kids! I share so much with Ava, my 5 yo daughter. She loves to help mama with My Inspiration Lounge. I can absolutely see the big impact it will have on her (and molly, my little one) to watch and help me pursue my dreams. Check out Susan’s video, “fulfilling your dreams is a responsibility we have to our children and people around you."
9. Embrace the fact you can do whatever you want now. Unlike the corporate world, you are now free to execute quickly on new ideas, be creative as you like, work with vendors who understand your vision and surround yourself with positive people you can trust. That’s empowering.
10. Never give up. Sleep on it.  There will be days and moments where you hit the wall. Doubt sets in and you start thinking about how hard it really is, maybe money is running out and you don’t see the growth. Go get a full night’s rest. I guarantee the next morning you will feel refreshed and focused with new solutions to your challenges, Yesterday, your world was crumbling. Today, you’re ready to rule the world. Women are crazy like that!

I also wrote another "What I've learned in the last year" back in February. I've never been good at keeping a journal but just realized I'm an accidental journal writer!

What inspiring tidbits would you like to share with other entrepreneurs?

Cheers!

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Comments

[Lorrie]

Misty,
I got your great email and went right to this post - I couldn't agree with you any more!
Thanks for an amazingly inspirational post and for being such a lovely leader to all of us out there!
Love,
Lorrie

[Ceil Petrucelli]

Hi Misty
Thanks for the recent post - great tips and inspiration for all of us women entrepreneurs out there. Love your newsletters and blog posts! Look forward to getting it and have passed it along to others. Keep inspiring us!
All the best,
Ceil

[Misty Gibbs]

Hi Ladies!! Thank you for your comments :) It felt good to put these thoughts out there...they have been tumbling around in my mind for awhile. I finally had a chance to get them out :) I will keep the inspiration coming! misty

[Ladytooner]

Oh, Misty. . . this is just what I needed! I've been an independent cartooning entrepreneur since 1989, but only recently has my business started taking off. I do caricatures at parties and events, and I sell cartoon products like note cards, minicomics and minibooks.. This is the toughest job I've ever loved! Thanks for the info and support--I need it now more than ever!