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Archives for April 2015

All Clients Are Not Made Equal

April 28, 2015 by Janine Truitt 3,092 Comments

talareq.com

There’s nothing more thrilling than landing a new client. Getting their business is the culmination of all of your efforts over the course of a few months (and in many cases years). That being said, if you have been in business for some time then you know that all clients are not made equal. Some are fabulous and you just want to clone them. Yet others require a prayer and a bottle of wine to tolerate.

When I went into business a few years ago, I spent a lot of time envisioning heavenly days working with near-perfect clients. I never thought about what I would need to do if I encountered a client who wasn’t the right fit for my business. The latter scenario is something every business owner should anticipate and spend time thinking about.

It’s not all about the money…

It can be very easy to get caught up with lining your bank account when it is tied to deciding whether or not to retain your clients or leave them. Before you decide either way, here are some client considerations:

1. Is there synergy between your business and the client’s business?

It’s not enough to know you can execute the work. You could be working with this company for months and sometimes years. Like any healthy relationship there ought to be chemistry or something more than money that makes the collaboration worth it.

2. Are your clients clear on the scope of their needs?

Yes, it is your job to assist them with what they don’t know. However, time is a precious commodity in business and the last thing you can afford to do is to waste time trying to get clear on their expectations and goals. Goals can evolve over time, but constant revisions to the intended scope is a waste of time, efforts and energy for the business owner.

3. Do you constantly need to have the dreaded talk about payments with your client?

Assuming that you and your client have reached an agreement on terms of payment in the beginning, you should not have to constantly defend the worth of your services. If you continuously have to deal with being questioned about your rate and any justifications of work to that effect, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship

4. How about the know-it-all clients? Are you able to execute your duties as agreed upon?

Have you noticed that despite your client’s cries for help, they seem to have all the answers? If they are going to hire you, they will have to trust you to provide the services you are contracted for. If you reach a point where you are never right and they always know better than you, it may be time to move on.

5. Are you going insane?

I have heard stories from friends about losing sleep, calls at odd hours during the night, heart palpitations, vomiting etc. while working with certain clients. If you are going through any of the above it may be time to call it quits.

Working with a variety of clients has been one of my greatest joys and lessons in business. You don’t need a client to be perfect for the partnership to work. In fact, it is the imperfection that makes my work necessary as an owner of a consulting firm. Making sure that you have a potential exit strategy and expectations are clearly communicated in the beginning can save you a lot of angst.

Don’t be afraid to let go of a client. It took me sometime to understand that this is okay. The key is to always end on a respectful note. While this client partnership may not be ideal; you never know where your next referral may come from.

There is a right kind of client for us all. Sometimes, you have to have a clear vision with the clients you want to work with and actively pursue that demographic. Otherwise, you end up with money in your pocket, stress and feelings of drudgery because you are working with a company that is not in alignment with how you do business.

The choice is yours.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Filed Under: Business

Kae Whitaker

April 28, 2015 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com 2,849 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^2728|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/kae-whitaker_650_650_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.png|caption^null|alt^null|title^kae-whitaker_650_650_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461291553153{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1460930755065{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

KAE WHITAKER

CEO & LEAD COACH[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/kaewhitaker” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/kaewhitaker” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/kaewhitaker” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2727″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kae Whitaker is the founder of the Katy, Texas-based small business development coaching agency, . Whitaker launched her company in September 2013 after helping several of her friends with their marketing needs. It was only a matter of time that she realized that she needed to step out of the corporate world and create her own path as a Womeneur.

 I was willing to make mistakes, and I reached out to others that were strong in areas where I was weak. I took risks in doing things that I had never done before and I invested in professional training and coaching.

What inspired your journey into business?
For over 10 years I worked in sales and marketing management, where I developed strategic plans for large retailers. In October 2013, I was helping a friend of mine get her business off of the ground using the principles that I practiced in my corporate career. Once I realized that she was getting results, and she started to spread the word, I found myself helping several other women do the same.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I planned as if I was working on a project for work. I did a lot of market research, and I worked my full time job until I could financially afford to leave work all together. I was willing to make mistakes, and I reached out to others who were strong in areas where I was weak. I took risks in doing things that I had never done before and I invested in professional training and coaching.

What are your biggest entrepreneurship/business ownership fears?  
My biggest fear in entrepreneurship is that I won’t accomplish my goals and be able to provide for my family like I desire.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I read a lot of books, and I look back over my progress. I also have people in place who are there to help keep me motivated and hold me accountable for my actions. I’m a runner and I know it, so I surround myself with people that will notice when I’m about to check out and bring me back in.

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked pass them?
One of my greatest weaknesses in business is that I don’t do real well with balance. Because I’m an entrepreneur I’m always working and I don’t turn it off. To work past it I’ve gotten very meticulous about my schedule. I plan for my free time so I can make sure I dedicate some time to myself and my loved ones. I also have people in place that make me turn off by intentionally requesting my presence in a way that will pull me away from work when they noticed it’s been “x” amount of time since we’ve talked or hung out, etc…

What’s been the most rewarding?  
The most rewarding part of my journey are my children, who are proud of me for being an entrepreneur. My kids have always held me in high regard, but something happens when my eleven year old daughter tells people that her mom has her own business. She mimics my behavior and she aspires to own her own business one day. To see the hope that I’ve given her and to know that she sees my efforts has been the most rewarding part of my journey.

Who were you before your business?
I was a wife, mother and regional retail sales manager. I was fulfilled personally but I longed for something much more rewarding professionally.

If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?   
If I had the opportunity to do it all over again I would’ve stepped out and started the work sooner. I spent a lot of time, trying to perfect everything before hand, and sometimes you just have to do it. So, I would’ve just done it and continued to learn along the way.

What’s one software or application you cannot live without?  
I can not live without Hootsuite. Social marketing is a big part of my business and this little tool saves me so much time.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers? 
I keep an open line of communication between me and my customers and I’m extremely honest with them. I don’t base my coaching on what I think my customers want to hear, I center it around what’s going to be in their best interest, even when it’s not always what they want to hear. My clients love me for it, and it has created loyalty on both ends.

Where do you see Kae Whitaker Solutions in five years? 
I see Kae Whitaker Solutions as a full service marketing agency that employs marketing professionals from graphic designers to consultants. We’ll have an office in Houston and one in Dallas, and we’ll work on expanding into Atlanta.

What are three tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?  

  1. Don’t allow fear to hold you back, eliminate fear by doing your research to seek answers for the questions that are holding you in fear.
  2. Set goals that are realistic and create an actionable plan to get there. Goals without a plan are just a dream. Put something in place that will help you accomplish what you set out to do.
  3. Keep people around you that will be honest with you when it’s hard to be honest, and support you. Your dream isn’t for everyone to know, so keep it close to you, only share it with those who are truly on your team and will hold you to the fire when necessary.

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Filed Under: Womeneur Spotlight Tagged With: Womeneur Spotlight

Laci Chisolm

April 28, 2015 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com 3,495 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^2445|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Abi-Ishola-Beyond-Classically-Beautiful-_-Womeneur™-Connect-•-Enlighten-•-Empower.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Abi Ishola – Beyond Classically Beautiful _ Womeneur™ Connect • Enlighten • Empower|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1460497468714{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1460931415892{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

LACI CHISHOLM

OWNER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/fit4dancenyc” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/fit4dancenyc” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/fit4dancenyc” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2450″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://womeneur.com/business-directory/beyond-classically-beautiful”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2731″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Laci Chisolm is the owner and instructor of Fit4Dance. Chisolm took her love for dance and turned it into a business in 2013. hosts Zumba fitness classes at dance studios throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, N.Y. This dancing Womeneur shares her journey of building her brand, her business, the steps she took to become an entrepreneur and what it will take to stay in the game.

I laid out my goals for the year and determined what success would look like for me. I read several books on how to start your own business. I took workshops and seminars on various business topics.

What inspired your journey into business?
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s what I’m most passionate about and although I’ve been dancing since the age of 4 and teaching since the age of 16, I was far from being healthy.

I didn’t seriously get into fitness until I moved to New York City in 2006. I studied dance at the Hip Hop Dance Conservatory and part of our 3-4 hour rehearsals consisted of a 1 hour bootcamp. I had never been physically challenged that much in my life and it was at that point I realized I was out of shape. Even though I was a dancer, I wasn’t physically fit.

After challenging my body in rehearsals and classes, learning more about nutrition, and holding myself accountable; the results were incredible. I not only looked good physically, but I felt like a new woman! I was happy. Truly happy. And that’s not something that a lot of people can honestly say.

I wanted to help other women achieve the same level of fitness and happiness I’ve been able to achieve through my passion for dance.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I’ve always taught dance classes, but when I decided to teach them under my brand I created a basic outline of my business plan.

  • I laid out my goals for the year and determined what success would look like for me.
  • I read several books on how to start my own business.
  • I took workshops and seminars on various business topics.
  • I attended networking events and found a mentor.
  • I talked to people about my business constantly.
  • I determined the legal structure of my business and chose to go with a limited liability company (LLC).
  • I registered my business name, got a tax identification number, and had a friend design my logo.

I’ve been teaching classes ever since while working full-time and also taking advantage of as many professional development opportunities as possible.

What are your biggest entrepreneurship/business ownership fears?
That I’ll be in debt over my head. NYC is an expensive place. Another fear is that I may hire the wrong people. I know it’s bound to happen at some point, but your team is super important to the success of your business.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I dance and I pray! Doing both of these things always make me feel better.

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked pass them?  
I’m not strong in accounting. I can do it, but I don’t enjoy it. This year I hired someone to manage my finances and it’s helped me tremendously.

What’s been the most rewarding? 
Inspiring and motivating other beautiful women.

Who were you before your business?   
I majored in journalism in college with a concentration in advertising. I worked in the advertising world for three years before moving into education as an elementary school teacher. During my free time I taught cheerleading and dance to children and  adults.

If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?
I would have started my business sooner.

What’s one software or application you cannot live without?     
Mailchimp! I use it to send out my monthly email newsletters and I love it.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?   
There’s no secret! I just always remember to be myself. I’m not perfect, no one is. I’m passionate about the service I provide. I’m honest, professional and caring. I let them know I appreciate their time and their business.

Where do you see your business in the next five years? 
Fit4Dance will be an established family centered dance fitness center that offers:

  • Adult fitness classes: Zumba, Pilates, Barre, Yoga, Cardio Dance and Stretching
  • Cultural dance workshops: Haitian, Afro Caribbean, West African, Salsa, etc.
  • Private dance and fitness classes for adults, teens and children
  • Corporate fitness classes
  • Choreography (i.e. weddings, competitions, recitals and pageants)
  • Bridal Zumba Bootcamps for the bride and/or wedding party
  • Dance and fitness themed event planning (i.e. Zumbathons, fundraisers, birthday parties)
  • Summer dance camp for children and teens
  • After school and weekend dance and fitness classes for children and teens
  • Dance company for children and teens

What are three tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

  1. Write a business plan!
  2. Network!
  3. Get a mentor!

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Filed Under: Womeneur Spotlight Tagged With: fit4dance, fitness instructor, laci chisolm, Womeneur Spotlight

Abi Ishola

April 28, 2015 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com 160 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^2445|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Abi-Ishola-Beyond-Classically-Beautiful-_-Womeneur™-Connect-•-Enlighten-•-Empower.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Abi Ishola – Beyond Classically Beautiful _ Womeneur™ Connect • Enlighten • Empower|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1460497468714{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1460501276797{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

ABI ISHOLA

JOURNALIST & STYLE BLOGGER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/beyondclassicallybeautiful” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/BeClassicBeauty” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/beyondclassicallybeautiful” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2450″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://womeneur.com/business-directory/beyond-classically-beautiful”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2538″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Abi Ishola is a NYC-based multimedia journalist who founded the culture and style blog, , where she launched a photo campaign that celebrates all shades of beauty and titled it . Ishola created the project after TV critics implied that the award winning actress, Viola Davis – who plays the lead role in the ABC television series; How To Get Away With Murder – was not the true definition of classic beauty for primetime television. This multimedia Womeneur realized that it was time to take ‘classic beauty’ into her own hands.

I continue to remind myself that every obstacle in business is merely a test. If I can get through it I would be smarter and stronger as a business person.

What inspired your journey into business?

My love for fashion and beauty inspired me to start my style blog. After the New York Times called Viola Davis “less classically beautiful” than lighter skinned actresses, I was inspired to start Beyond Classically Beautiful as a photo series that celebrates the diverse beauty of black women.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I found a person who designs blogs and had her come up with a template that suits me. I began creating t shirts that support the Beyond Classically Beautiful mission and message.

What are your biggest entrepreneurship/business ownership fears?
I fear that I won’t make the right decisions. I also fear not making enough of an impact on my target audience.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I continue to remind myself that every obstacle in business is merely a test. If I can get through it I would be smarter and stronger as a business person.

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked pass them?    
My weaknesses still lingers. I have trouble deciding on how much inventory to work with. I also struggle with balancing my books while trying to market to my target audience. I also struggle finding ways to raise capital to take my business to the next level. Last, I’m struggling with whether or not I should separate my blog from the Beyond Classically Beautiful movement to some degree so that it can thrive on its own. For example, should I set up a Beyond Classically Beautiful website? Should it have its own logo and branding? How do I link the two yet have each be a strong brand individually. Or maybe only one can be a household name so to speak.

What’s been the most rewarding? 
The most rewarding thing has been the responses I’ve gotten from my target audience. Some have reached out thanking me for starting a movement in dedication to them.

Who were you before your business?
I am a journalist by trade. I was a person trying to figure out my next move.

If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?    
I would have started all of my social media pages for Beyond Classically Beautiful prior to releasing the first photo story. That way the impact would have had a great affect on my number of followers.

What’s one software or application you cannot live without?  
I love Final Cut Pro for editing videos. Light Room is wonderful for editing photos. Picasa is amazing for creating collages.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers? 
My secret is social media and direct messages on our Etsy page.

Where do you see Beyond Classically Beautiful in 5 years? 
I see my business as a well known brand in the business of beauty. I would love to expand into creating more products under the brand name. I would also love to create a series of coffee table books that would include our photo series.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners? 

  1. Take the leap and do it!
  2. Don’t allow the fear of failure to paralyze you.
  3. Use it to push you closer to your goals.

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Filed Under: Womeneur Spotlight Tagged With: Womeneur Spotlight

Birds of a Feather: Are Your Friends Eagles or Chickens?

April 28, 2015 by Monique Williams 3,070 Comments

kirklandpeach.com

You’ve heard the saying, “Show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are,” right? Well, it probably sounds a little unfair, because we should solely be based on our own character and actions. No one wants to be judged, but this is the real world and most people pass judgment by who you are associated with.

In business, you don’t want to sully your reputation by being associated with shady characters, so why would you want that for your personal life? And, honestly, if you’re keeping company with people of questionable morals are you really so different?

So, how do you create a pristine flock of associates for your inner circle? Choose your company wisely. You’re not looking for identical twins, but keep an eye out for people who reflect the values that matters to you most.

My inner circle includes people with strong work ethic and sense of charity, those who value honesty and integrity, tact and discretion, creativity and intellect, financial independence and personal growth. Those closest to me are champions and warriors, givers and listeners, winners and risk takers, they carry themselves as ladies and gentlemen.

Take a look at who is in your personal circle and then ask yourself if you’re proud to call them your friends. Do you respect and admire them? Do they inspire you? Are they apart of who you are becoming or keeping you back because of who you once were? Are you birds of a feather, or do they cluck while you soar? Your inner circle should differ from you in ways that are interesting and promote personal growth, not create drama and negative energy. Love yourself enough to align with those who elevate you to the greatest heights while you do the same.

Remember, sometimes good friends become old friends and new friends become best friends.

Action items:

  1. Make a list of the values that matter most to you and the traits that you don’t want attributed to you.
  2. Make lists of the five people you spend the most time with in person, on the phone and online. Yes, online presence matters. You aren’t a robot.
  3. Honestly and accurately assess who fits and who doesn’t.
  4. Make the necessary changes in your life for a better life.

Above all, remember that you, like your friends, are a work in progress. Be the person who you would want to be associated with because ultimately, you will be held accountable for your own actions and behavior, good and bad.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Filed Under: Real Talk

To Touch or Not to Touch My Hair: That is The Question

April 28, 2015 by Marissa Clarke 3,192 Comments

blackgirllonghair.com

Remove the kinks from your mind, not from your hair. -Marcus Garvey

“Am I being punked?” I asked myself as a Transportation Security Administration agent stopped me to check my hair. The agent, looked at me and apologetically informed me that she had to pat down my pompadour to ensure that I didn’t have any weapons in it. I was appalled, but I complied because I had a flight to catch and I was running late.

To my dismay, I was again faced with this dehumanizing search. Just as I made my way through the body scanner I heard the agent’s instruction over his radio, “Check her hair! Check her hair.” The agent proceeded to walk toward me with blue latex gloves and informed me that she would have to check my hair. I declined and insisted that she not put her dirty gloves anywhere near my head or I would ask for her supervisor. Instead of letting her touch my hair, I volunteered to take the pins out of my pompadour so she could visually inspect my hair. Her inspection took less than 10 seconds, but the humiliation lasted for hours.

I was angry; I felt discriminated and I wanted to scream. This wasn’t a security tactic for all women, if it had been I probably wouldn’t have been as upset. This was racial profiling because it seemed that the TSA only fondled the hairstyles of Black women. When did it become the norm for Black women to have their hair searched? Does the TSA think that all women with big afros, pompadours, dreadlocks, and big buns conceal explosives or contraband in their hair?

Imagine my relief and excitement when I recentley learned that this unsettling act will soon be a thing of the past. The Huffington Post recently published an article reporting that the TSA received several complaints about “uninvited hair fondling.” The TSA will now change its employee training so agents are culturally sensitive and non-discriminatory. (see: TSA Says It Will Stop Touching So Many Black Women’s Hair.)

While I know that this random checking of hair may continue, I hope that the number of discriminatory hair searches drops significantly so that Black women are not relegated to yet another security screening at the airport.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Filed Under: Real Talk

Grace Odogbili

April 28, 2015 by Sharon Beason wc@womeneur.com 3,149 Comments

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Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^2469|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/grace-odogbili_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^grace-odogbili_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1460513260877{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1460512133102{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

GRACE ODOGBILI

OWNER/CHEF & CONSULTANT[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/DiningWithGrace” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/DiningWithGrace” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/chefgracie_dwg” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2450″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://womeneur.com/business-directory/beyond-classically-beautiful”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2532″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Grace Odogbili, is the chef and owner of Brooklyn, N.Y.-based catering service, . Odogbili has been serving up Pan-African inspired cuisine since 2009. After a career set back due to the financial turmoil that was taking place in 2008, this Womeneur decided that it was time to put her culinary skills to the test.

It’s through that process that I learned that mistakes and setbacks are supposed to happen to help you fine-tune and always keep improving.

What inspired your journey into business?
I started Dining With Grace after a layoff from a corporate job in the investment banking sector. It created a mental shift that allowed me to explore what I really wanted to do for a career.

My love for cooking spawned around the age of eight. I assisted my parents at church when they cooked and served food to those living in shelters in our community. However, I didn’t know that my love for cooking would eventually creep into my adult life.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I did a lot of research. I had many sleepless nights and I prayed! I took advantage of all the resources New York City had to offer including; the US Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), and NYC Small Business programs and initiatives. Then I wasn’t too afraid to step out and start.

What are your biggest entrepreneurship/business ownership fears?    
Well, like most entrepreneurs we are most afraid of losing financial stability. There are ebbs and flows and the goal is to reach the point where there is stability and overall advancement.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I pay attention to myself and God. I understand that sometimes I have to retreat and take care of “home” where my spirit and soul reside. The greatness in me pushes me to keep going. In addition, I do it for the generations that will come after me. I want to leave a legacy, whether by example or by empire.

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked pass them?   
My main weakness is making problem-solving an independent thing. In entrepreneurship some people may burn you but never make that deter you from seeking strong relationships. The right people are out there and will be helpful if you are willing to be truthful to your needs and your business goals. Business cannot be about you. It is always an ‘us’ thing.

What’s been the most rewarding?  
The most rewarding thing about business is solving problems and fixing things. Using my God-given talents and creativity to do the work. It’s also rewarding to experience the daily shifts that must take place to accomplish the goal.

Who were you before your business?
In college, I studied economics and political science. After which, I found a job at an investment bank, got promoted to a trading specialist, earned my Series 7 License, and had the goal to just keep moving up the corporate ladder.

Did I love it? No. I was doing it just to prove that I could. Then the layoffs  started and I was let go during the 2008 financial collapse. This is when I  thought to myself, “Ok, here it goes.” At that point I took the leap to pursue my dream.

If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?    
I would not have gotten so bogged down with earlier failures. It’s through that process that I learned that mistakes and setbacks are supposed to happen to help you fine-tune and always keep improving.

What’s one software or application you cannot live without?      
I enjoy my smart phone and digital camera for connectivity and food photos. I enjoy Pinterest for visual stimulation and creativity boosters.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?   
The secret to cultivating a relationship is to really be yourself. It’s ok to be in the process of perfecting your business or service but make sure a human touch is behind it.

Where do you see Dining With Grace in five years? 
The goal for Dining With Grace is to expand our condiments, spices and frozen foods into the international specialty food market. We also plan to launch a Pan-African catering and culinary education facility.

What are three tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

  1. Be patient and pay attention. People, including your supporters, will sort themselves in and out of your life quite naturally.
  2. Reinvent yourself, your brand, your offerings every so often to keep you and your audience excited and engaged about your business.
  3. Develop a niche and crave learning about it.

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Filed Under: Womeneur Spotlight Tagged With: Womeneur Spotlight

Equal Pay Day is More Than a Hashtag

April 28, 2015 by Shakira Dixon 2,097 Comments

washingtonpost.com

On April 14, 2015, women across the country were posting various memes and status updates with the hashtag #equalpayday. This date symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women working full-time only earn approximately 78% of what men earn.

We desire to earn more, but unfortunately we do not put ourselves in a position to earn more. We should be making steps every chance we get in order to be deemed equal. Beside your social media stance, what are you doing to make sure you are earning what you are worth? The following tips will help prepare you to get that equal pay you’ve been tweeting about.

Do Your Salary Homework

There are several resources available to assist you in determining what the average salary is for your position.

Salary.com provides a comprehensive list of any and every position in a field, as well as required skills and salary details. It also allows you to compare different levels of a role to see where your skills position you.

Glassdoor.com provides actual salaries for actual positions within companies. It also gives you the ability to perform your search based on your position and location to find out what the actual companies in your area are paying as reported by previous and current employees.  As a bonus there are also company reviews.

Recruiter is an industry-specific recruiter who can quickly assess your experience and let you know the average salary for a position.

Quantify Your Value

You should always keep track of any accomplishments at work.

  • Did you add to the bottom line?
  • Did you lead a number of projects?
  • Did you implement a new initiative?

If you are going to express to someone you are worth more than what they are offering you, you have to be able to express why.

Negotiate

Many of us accept whatever is offered to us whether it be during the offer of a new job or a raise without even exploring the possibility of negotiation. Keep in mind that you have every right to negotiate if you have a valid reason to believe you deserve more. If you are confident in yourself and prepared with your research, what you are able to contribute and your accomplishments, you are in a better position to express that to the decision maker.

Also, keep in mind that negotiation does not solely have to be about your annual salary. Determine what matters to you most, is it flexible working hours, more vacation time or a promotion with more responsibility? These are benefits that you should be able to ask for if you know you deserve them.

Remember, no one else is going to see your values or your contributions unless you make them aware. You don’t get what you don’t ask for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: equal pay, mens salary, payday, salaries, salary, womens salary

Affordable Business Courses for Entrepreneurs

April 18, 2015 by Tiffanee Thompson 3,807 Comments

nycedc.com

When a business jumps into social media, many find that it is a force to be reckoned with. Over the last several years it has become more and more important for businesses to bolster their brand through social media. However, the decision of what platform to use and how to use them can be an intense learning process.

Tailoring your brand takes a level of expertise. Many organizations and institutions are now hosting business and professional events and classes where they teach specific skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s social media driven world.

When you think about branding, look at it as the art of creating a unique identity. When it’s done right, you can attract your target audience within the industry you are working in. When developing your company and your digital presence, branding and social media goes hand in hand.

Social media has platforms and tools that can be used to virtually connect with customers, exchange information, and share your ideas to a diverse range of consumers. Most businesses utilize social media platforms with the likes of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. When used effectivley, social networking can become an integral part of your success.

According to a 2014 report conducted by the Pew Research Center for Internet, Science and Tech, most of the internet users, in the U.S. are over 18 years old. Seventy-three percent are Black and from that amount, 74% are Black females.

When people visit your website, your vision for the business should be clear, and it should represent how you can help and engage your customers and social media followers. I am constantly on learning mode and there is a plethora of information that will help you understand the meaning of a hashtag to breaking down the basics of how search engine optimization (SEO) works.

The following information are just a few tools to get you on the right path.

Networking Events – Branding and Social Media

Eventbrite is an online tool that can be used to search for events. You can find just about anything from small conversations about social media to day long branding classes. For example, aspiring filmmakers can settle into classes like – Women Making Movies Presents: Building Your Social Media Presence While Making Your Film, while entreprenuers can attend the class – Business Outreach Center Network Presents: Making  Social Media Work For You.

Online Immersion Programs, Classes and Workshops

General Assembly is focused on the holistic entrepreneur and tackles the importance of social media. It provides courses in web development, user experience design, product design, data analysis, digital marketing, mobile development and business foundations. GA offers full and part time classes, workshops and one-on-one mentoring to enhance entrepreneurs web designing skills. For those of you based in NYC, the following workshops will be taking place in May:

Basics of Website Design
Understand web design conventions and how to maximize their use

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Cost: $35
Place: GA NYC – 902 Broadway, 4th Floor

Picture This: Instagram for Business
Learn how to #hashtag, growth hack, and build a mobile brand

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Time: 8:15pm – 9:45pm
Cost: $35
Place: GA NYC – 902 Broadway, 4th Floor

Social Media Weekend Bootcamp
An overview of how to tailor social media tools to your existing business strategies and social media tools for monitoring and return of investment (ROI).

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Cost: $175
Place: GA NYC – 902 Broadway, 4th Floor

Entrepreneurs are not expected to know everything but we should be very resourceful! Understanding your skill set and the areas you need to improve on personally (i.e. soft skills) and for your business are things that are worth evaluating. Jotting down what will take your business and brand from a novice level to expert will take time but with the proper training, networking and dedication anything is possible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Filed Under: Business

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