ESCAPE From Corporate America!

The Skinny On Popcorn: Introducing Skinny Pop

2012-01-23T15:03:00.000-06:00

Are you looking for a popcorn that’s low in calories, all natural, very tasty and all you have to do is enjoy every kernel? Look no further. President and CEO Pamela Netzky has created Skinny Pop Popcorn and she just happens to be located in my hometown: Chicago!

What else am I missing about this product? Try this:

Read all about it here.

Illustration credit: Skinny Pop Popcorn website

Women On the Frontlines of An Entrepreneurial Surge

2012-01-16T13:12:00.000-06:00

Listen up entrepreneurial Oregonian women!

Oregon has a long history of women starting small businesses. But those enterprises have typically stayed small and revolved around retail—aka the “pink ghetto.” What’s new is women are forming “highly scalable businesses” and that a growing number are in the tech sectors, Linda Weston (executive director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network) says. “It’s a dramatic change."

What the author Linda Baker of the article noted below claims is there seems to be a significant number of women serving on the frontlines of the city and state's entrepreneurial surge.

Read the entire article here:

Women Help Power Startup Scene

Logo credit here.

Do You Have to Limit Your Entrepreneurial Ambitions to Be a Good Mom?

2012-01-11T14:56:00.000-06:00

Wow, that's a bold, gutsy question. What do you think? According to Geri Stengel's, "Want to Grow the Economy? Change Four Attitudes About Women Entrepreneurs," (Forbes) she challenges us by posing that question and more. But the short answer:

The first order of cultural change, is to debunk the idea that to be a good mom, you have to limit your ambition. “If you want to have a family and run a business, you can — and a growing number of us do,” says Liz Etling, CEO and co-founder of Transperfect, the largest privately owned language services provider, with offices in 75 cities worldwide, and a good example of eluding the barriers to success. She started her business with a fellow student in a dorm room 19 years ago.

Key factors holding women back?

Women self-limit their ambitions.
Their assertiveness is perceived as ”bitchiness.”
Men need to change.
Women need to network.

Agree? Disagree? I welcome hearing from you and so would other readers of this blog. So please comment based on your opinion and/or first-hand experience.

Read the entire fabulous article here.

Posted by: the official Escape From Corporate America blog

Women Are Changing Our World As Entrepreneurs

2012-01-05T06:02:00.001-06:00

Stand Out In 2012

2012-01-01T15:53:00.000-06:00

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "The Lone Tree, 31st Street, Chicago Lakefront," 1.1.12

Wishing you a new year

filled with desirable outcomes.

Holiday Romance at Jane's in Chicago

2011-12-22T23:00:00.001-06:00

Known as a vanguard in the revitalization of Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, Jane's restaurant (now owned by Julie Greenwalt) has been serving contemporary comfort foods in a unique and romantic (considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago!) setting since 1994. I recently had the pleasure of dining there for a holiday affair and it was wonderful.

Situated near the city of Chicago’s original northern-most boundary, the Bucktown block which Jane’s calls home maintains the quaint, “main street” appeal that was reintroduced in 1891, as the area was revitalized, following the Great Chicago Fire.

Find out more here. Sign up for newsletter here to be kept up to date and learn about special events.

Are You a Rare Bird?

2011-12-17T23:42:00.003-06:00

A rare bird can be an entrepreneur or in this instance, Rare Bird Preserves is Elizabeth Madden's company and she is in fact an entrepreneur.

Every jar of Rare Bird Preserves is handmade in small batches in our quiet kitchen. Our artisanal preserves are thoughtfully crafted in the French tradition, with only the freshest seasonal fruit and our own naturally extracted pectin.

My love affair with preserving fruit began as a student at the French Pastry School in Chicago, where I was moved by the beauty and simplicity of the process. It is this passion, combined with a close attention to detail, that ensures the quality and richness of our products.

Learn more about Elizabeth's company here. Shop at Rare Bird Preserves.

Illustration credit (top): Rare Bird Preserves 6 Jar Sampler

Calling All Entrepreneurs: Let's Spark An Economic Recovery!

2011-12-13T15:13:00.000-06:00

A word from Charles R. Schwab, founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation, on how every job requires an entrepreneur:

The simple fact is that every business in America was started by an entrepreneur, whether it is Ford Motor Co., Google or your local dry cleaner (pictured). Every single job that entrepreneur creates requires an investment. And at its core, investing requires confidence that despite the risks, despite the hard work that will certainly ensue, the basic rules of the game are clear and stable.

Read the entire commentary here.

Going It Alone and Making It Work

2011-12-06T15:50:00.000-06:00

You can graduate from college and get a "real job." But after a couple of years, are you really happy?

Have you thought about pursuing your passion? That's what Emiko Abe did when she went after her love of music.

But going it alone as a self-employed DJ and music consultant was a bit more difficult than she expected.

Not the business end of it. Abe made fast connections and was soon able to leave her old job to undertake her new venture full-time. She now compiles and manages music for places such as spas and upwards of 700 hotels, along with traditional DJ duties at weddings, fashion shows, hockey games and other events.

Read more about Abe's story and how she became comfortable being by herself.

Going in business for yourself, and making it work

The Early Days of Trish McEvoy's Business

2011-11-29T10:26:00.001-06:00

Oh how I try to imagine this:

Working as a make-up artist in the 1970s, Trish McEvoy says she used to struggle to find quality cosmetic brushes. So she would buy brushes from art-supply stores and cut them into the shape she needed to apply eye liners, lipsticks and blushes (as shown).

Trish now has her beauty products in more than 250 stores in the United States and Europe with annual revenue just under U.S. $100 million. She has 500+ employees.

So don't 'brush off' (pardon the pun) business ownership just yet this year. You never know when you are on to something! The trick is to keep persevering!

Read: For Makeup Artist Trish McEvoy, Custom Brushes Led to Fortune

Visit: Trish McEvoy's NEW Arrivals

Starting a Business? Better Have a Fantastic Sense of Self-Confidence

2011-11-21T15:46:00.000-06:00

A U.K. perspective but I find the article below fascinating nonetheless due to the comments about America.

If we look to America, where women tend to have more self confidence and a greater willingness to push themselves forward, levels of female entrepreneurship are nearly twice as high as they are in the UK. Rates of male and female entrepreneurship are almost equal, with 7% of females involved in early-stage entrepreneurship compared to 8% of men. Indeed, if the UK had the same level of female entrepreneurship as the US, there would be approximately 600,000 more women-owned businesses.

Take a good look at how confidence factors into the equation when you are thinking about starting a business.

American business people (men and women) have a fantastic sense of confidence in what they can do, which I think women in the UK could learn a lot from. In America there is a relentless work ethic and entrepreneurs have to have complete confidence in who they are, their abilities and what they bring to the table, as well as the ability to be able to self-promote. Being able to stand up and be counted is one of the things, I think, that make American women more likely to start up a business and make it a success.

Read the entire article: Smashing Your Way Out of the Glass Ceiling

Featuring: Mandoline Grill

2011-11-14T20:07:00.005-06:00

More information: Mandoline Grill

Why Would Four Women Lie About Cain?

2011-11-08T16:23:00.000-06:00

Whether you are a homemaker, female entrepreneur or an executive at a big company, why do you think four different women would elect to fabricate a story about Herman Cain?

I would welcome hearing your thoughts on this!

Photo credit here.

Learn the Fundamentals of Running a Business

2011-11-03T02:00:00.004-05:00

Featured company: Wildflower Linen
Find a SCORE Chapter near you.
SCORE for Women.

Meet the Woman in Charge of Cheese: Jeanne Carpenter

2011-10-27T19:48:00.000-05:00

Meet cheese geek Jeanne Carpenter (pictured below).

Jeanne Carpenter
Raised on Velveeta on a family farm in Wisconsin, after college she worked as a journalist, a corporate project manager, and finally as a communications specialist for state government. In 2007, she started her own public relations company to promote artisan cheese. In 2009, Jeanne launched Wisconsin Cheese Originals, a member-based organization dedicated to discovering, tasting, and learning more about Wisconsin artisan cheeses through a myriad of events, including an annual Wisconsin Original Cheese Festival in November. She is also the author of Cheese Underground, giving cheese-starved readers everywhere the inside scoop on America’s Dairyland since 2006.

Enough said but I am sure you want to know more. Go here. Congrats to Jeanne for moving from corporate project manager to woman in charge of cheese!

Illustration credit: Cheese Underground

For Randi Zuckerberg: Goodbye Facebook and Hello RtoZ Media

2011-10-20T20:15:00.000-05:00

Mark Zuckerberg's eldest sister Randi starts her own business: RtoZ Media - a social media company.

In August, Randi Zuckerberg, 29, quit her job at Facebook, where she had been among the first two dozen people hired. Most recently, she was the director of marketing. In its early days, Zuckerberg was a buoyant presence, representing her reticent brother to an eager press. Later, she earned attention (not always favorable) singing at company functions with a band composed of colleagues. And she came up with the idea for Facebook Live, the social network's video channel, which has featured interviews conducted by Facebook executives with Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama.

Learn more here. Illustration credit: RtoZ Media homepage.

FAQ: Frequently Avoided Questions Related to Starting a Business

2011-10-12T16:20:00.000-05:00

I was researching away on a project for a client and accidentally stumbled upon a PDF file I had downloaded to my MacBook in 2004. It's called "The Art of the Start" and is based on Guy Kawasaki's book by the same title.

The FAQ: Frequently Avoided Questions is a Kawasaki idea that is referenced in his PDF on Pages 29-31 -- don't miss it because, for example, here's one question he addresses that will definitely soothe your soul if you are frightened out of your mind at the thought leaving your current job to start a business:

Q. I admit it: I'm scared. I can't afford to quit my current job. Is this a sign that I don't have what it takes to succeed? Am I not truly committed?

A. You should be scared. If you aren't scared, something is wrong with you. Your fears are not a sign that you don't have the right stuff. In the beginning, every entrepreneur ...

Download the report here (best part about it - it's complimentary!)

The Perfect American Entrepreneur

2011-10-06T14:41:00.001-05:00

Photo credit: ©Laurel Delaney 2011, "Apple store, Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, U.S.A."

Steve Jobs

We salute the greatest American entrepreneur in our time: Steven Paul Jobs (1955-2011). Read what others have to say about the man who changed the world for the best and inspired us all to soar to great heights.

If messages can be received in happy heaven:

Thank you Steve for making our lives a whole heck of lot more interesting and fun. Rest in peace. We will miss you!

United States Secret Weapon For Achieving Sustained Economic Growth: More Women Entrepreneurs

2011-10-01T17:41:00.000-05:00

Take that Corporate America! Yes, according to a new paper authored by Lesa Mitchell (V.P., Advancing Innovation) for the Ewing Kauffman Foundation titled, "Overcoming the Gender Gap: Women Entrepreneurs as Economic Drivers," the United States needs more women entrepreneurs.

Women who are capable of starting growth companies that serve global markets may be the nation's secret weapon for achieving sustained economic growth.

Three steps to boost female entrepreneurship in the United States:

Not-for-profit initiatives that advance opportunities for high-growth women entrepreneurs need greater funding and support from women executives, philanthropy leaders and industry. Networking and collaborative events between startup founders and big companies are critical to provide women entrepreneurs access to networks that can produce potential customers.
Successful women entrepreneurs and inventors should make themselves visible and available. Role models are critical to young women considering entrepreneurship.
Women must be invited at a much higher rate to join science advisory boards of high-tech companies.

Read the study: "Overcoming the Gender Gap: Women Entrepreneurs as Economic Drivers"(PDF file)

Illustration credit here.

New Crop of Power Accelerators: Women Entrepreneurs

2011-09-27T16:55:00.000-05:00

Take a good look at some new accelerator and incubator programs that focus specifically on women entrepreneurs. Yes - that's YOU (and me too)!

Read: Programs Increasing Number of Entrepreneurs - Forbes

Shortcut to some of the resources mentioned in the article:

Y Combinator (awful lot of guys in the photos!)

Founder Institute

Female Founder Fellowship (as shown).

Women 2.0

They are calling us to action!

When You Start A Business, Don't Forget the "Good Heart" Theory

2011-09-22T20:22:00.000-05:00

My friend and colleague, Steve Strauss, writes a terrific article for USA Today, "Winning businesses think about more than profit." He covers the recent 3rd Annual SCORE Awards. And what a wonderful story he tells.

All the winners seem to share one trait -- a secret I will share in a moment -- but all were a dynamic, visionary, difference-making group who are changing their lives and those in the communities they serve.

Get your day's dose of inspiration here. You'll discover what I mean by the "good heart" theory.

Shhhhhhhh ... School House, run by Rachel Weeks (pictured), is the SCORE "Outstanding Woman-Owned Small Business" winner!

Never Surrender

2011-09-15T15:52:00.000-05:00

I finished reading Lauren Manning's book, "Unmeasured Strength," and instead of being sad or depressed, considering what had happened to her, I was empowered to become a better human being and to accomplish more in life. My biggest takeaway, which came from a direct quote from Lauren in the book on Page 4: "I would never surrender."

Whether facing a divorce, death of a loved one, bankruptcy, health issue, the risk of starting a business or - as in Lauren's case, a catastrophic moment of burning alive - each requires the commitment to never surrender. You must keep going.

Thank goodness Lauren discovered that early on after she was engulfed by the fires that brought down the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Her long, painful (she suffered second and third-degree burns across about 85 percent of her body) yet inspiring journey imparts on each of us a new look at life, one that most certainly is worth fighting for.

This book should be read not once but several times (and passed along to others) to fully appreciate steely determination under literal fire and how even at one's darkest hours - as in the case with Lauren facing death day after day for more than three months during her recovery - she shows us the surprising strength and courage in us all.

Buy the book here.

Pay a visit to: LaurenManning.com

How to Turn a Negative Challenge Into a Positive Outcome

2011-09-11T13:32:00.000-05:00

Kathrine Switzer, first woman in 1967 to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entrant, has a thing or two to tell us about persistence. Most of what she (now 65 years young) has to say will be helpful if you are considering starting a business. After all, when you begin, you need a whole heck of a lot of persistence to become a success.

A snippet of what took place at Switzer's first marathon:

But while many men running the event welcomed her into the pack, the race director had another idea. He chased after her, grabbed at the bib number pinned to her shirt and yelled for her to get out of the way and give him her numbers, Switzer recalled in her 2007 memoir, “Marathon Woman.”

Switzer was unbreakable (as shown). She proved that women could endure a 26.2 mile race. Fortunately, we have already proven we can run successful businesses.

Read more here.

Capturing Fellow Woman Business Owner Sarah McLachlan LIVE in Vancouver

2011-09-03T16:35:00.000-05:00

Want more of Sarah McLachlan? Go here.

The Tale of the Unromantic Business Plan

2011-08-28T18:11:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was an unromantic business plan that included 12 pages of cash flow analysis. Twelve months later, Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Forty Winks, a lingerie boutique (as shown above) was born.

Forty Winks carries a range of sizes and styles, starting at 30A specialty bras and ending at an H cup size. “Sizes can go as high as M, but that’s not our customer,’’ said co-owner Rachel Wentworth.

Find out how Rachel and her business partner (co-owner) Meredith Donaldson create stories to sell their intimate wear and also offer a wide range of sizes and shapes - not to mention the heavy duty therapy that is required to satisfy the demands of their selective customers.

A serious plan to make a go of lingerie sales

How to Extend a Brand to Become the Coolest Small Company in America

2011-08-22T15:16:00.000-05:00

Today we turn you on to Zingerman's. What brought me here in the first place? Zzang Handmade Candy Bars (pictured above and the real deal on ingredients: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, corn syrup, organic muscovado brown sugar, milk, heavy cream, real butter, malted milk powder, real vanilla, salt, baking soda) -- as featured in Oprah Magazine September 2011.

But to Zingerman's Community of Businesses (ZCoB), it is a family of small food-related companies and entrepreneurial ventures. Each is located in the Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. area. They are operated by one or more partners who share ownership and manage the business. Here is a list of the community ventures.

And yes, a few of the above are run by women. Explore. I am sure there is something of interest (indulgence) for everyone. Enjoy!

Actively Seek the Accidental Discovery

2011-08-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

Actively seek the accidental discovery. That's what creativity, start-ups and new business ideas are about.

Read: Think Like a Genius

My favorite part:

GENIUSES PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR CHANCE.

Too many fail to answer opportunity's knock at the door because they have to finish some preconceived plan. Creative geniuses do not wait for the gifts of chance; instead, they actively seek the accidental discovery.

I like to think that business owners prepare themselves for chance too! Agree?

Photo credit: Marie Curie

How Certification Helps Grow Your Business

2011-08-11T15:49:00.006-05:00

WBENC: http://www.wbenc.com/

Tutus Turn Profits for Little Dreamer

2011-08-06T17:18:00.000-05:00

Jessica Beamgard (center) has BIG dreams for her six-month old Northville, Michigan-based Little Dreams. She makes custom-ordered women's and children's clothing and accessories.

Little Dreams was named by the older daughter of Jessica and husband Douglas, who grew up in Northville. Jessica sews tutus, ruffled pettiskirts, ruffled leg warmers, bloomers, onesies and hair accessories.

Learn more here.

Find Little Dreams on Facebook (Little-DreamsMichigan)

Shrinking Pie of Jobs? Bake Your Own!

2011-08-01T15:04:00.000-05:00

According to business columnist Harley Luplow:

If you would rather be a baker and enjoy a slice of your own pie starting a business may be a good alternative.

Read his entire column here.

The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program

2011-07-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

Ice House Entrepreneurship is a powerful new online learning program that enables participants to learn from today’s most successful entrepreneurs. It is designed to inspire and engage the next generation in the unlimited opportunities that an entrepreneurial mindset can provide.

To learn more, visit:

The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program
powered by Kauffman, the Foundation of Entrepreneurship

Are you ready to take your own destiny into your hands?

Older Women Becoming Entrepreneurs

2011-07-22T19:36:00.000-05:00

If you are thinking about starting a business, is your age a consideration? I hope not. For more women -- young and old(er) -- are starting businesses at record rates. According to Barclays (UK), older entrepreneurs are responsible for 50 percent more start-ups than they were ten years ago and account for 15 percent of all new businesses (in England and Wales). I am sure the United States has an even higher rate of women starting businesses at a later age.

The article below highlights Professor Diana Anderson (pictured) who set up her first business, OncaScan, with the notion of marketing her new invention, a blood test that predicts an individual's genetic predisposition to cancer. No small time goal. She says:

"I'm not proud to have started my first business so late in life for the simple reason that my age never occurs to me," she says. "Until I am no longer able to contribute, I only think of staying at the coalface of my profession. My future plans are to make my business a success, win more grants for my university and guide more of my students towards their PhDs."

Learn more: Not the retiring kind

Does this article speak to you?

Establish and Sustain Your Startup

2011-07-17T15:05:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs (WWE), a nonprofit business association, helps improve and enhance the economic climate for female entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their business and foster new relationships.

Learn more about how they might assist you as you establish and sustain your startup.

Photo credit: WWE.

Best News I've Heard This Month: CNN Dumps Spitzer

2011-07-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

I just want everyone inside and outside of Corporate America to know how happy I am about this. CNN dumps Eliot Spitzer from its lineup. Ever since Spitzer's involvement as a client in a high-priced prostitution ring (2008) and CNN's subsequent hiring of him, I stopped watching CNN. What were they thinking?

Applause to the folks at CNN for finally getting their act together. Now I can continue to watch one of my favorites -- Anderson Cooper -- without guilt.

There's my two cents for the week! What's yours?

Photo credit: New York Times, "Spitzer Is Linked to Prostitution Ring."

Posted by: The official Escape From Corporate America blog

Women Entrepreneurs Drive U.S. Economy

2011-07-07T21:45:00.000-05:00

Hush, hush ... new news is that women entrepreneurs are a significant force in driving the U.S. economy. Did you know? Of course you did!

Read all about it here. You may have missed the roundtables they speak of but you can still learn about the five mistakes female business owners tend to make so that you don't make them yourself!

Happy Birthday No. 235 to the United States and No. 7 to the Official Escape From Corporate America Blog!

2011-07-04T07:00:00.010-05:00

Happy Independence Day United States. Whatever you are doing at this moment, stop and count your blessings for the privilege to live in a country where opportunity abounds. Freedom is something one should never take for granted - only used to do what you wish.

And while you are celebrating, raise a glass in our honor to toast Birthday No. 7 for Escape For Corporate America! Yes, it's been that long since we started this blog (click here to see how an article I authored planted the seed for this blog) and since then, you have been following us religiously. So thanks for that -- we appreciate your readership very much -- and we hope you continue to stay with us year after year as we feature stories relating to women who embark on the challenging journey of breaking away from Corporate America to start a business.

The picture (shown above)? I took it over the weekend while running along the Chicago lakefront. It symbolizes much of what I think this blog is about: power, equality and starting a business!

Note: Last year we gave you a free gift in honor of our double celebration. If you haven't already opened it, do so now to get the inspiration you need to start a business: Entrepreneurial Obsession: 13 Ways to Create a Brighter Future For Your Business.

Best wishes for continued success! Back with you soon.

Net-A-This, Net-A-That

2011-06-27T14:56:00.000-05:00

First there was Net-A-Porter.com, now there's the sister site: The Outnet.com.

And there's the female Director behind The Outnet.com: Stephanie Phair (pictured).

Each month, The Outnet receives over one million unique visitors, less than ten percent of which overlap with the existing Net-a-Porter customer base. The United States, where The Outnet has experienced year on year growth of over 90 percent, now constitutes its biggest market. And, 70 percent of the product on The Outnet does not come from Net-a-Porter, so The Outnet has its own buying teams and relationships with brand partners. All of this seems to be working wonders, leading to an estimated annual turnover of more than $50 million, something that took more than 5 years for Net-a-Porter to achieve.

Visit The Outnet.com

This Is Why You Should Start a Business

2011-06-22T14:34:00.000-05:00

Love To Sell, Or Else

2011-06-17T16:58:00.000-05:00

If you are contemplating starting a business, you better love to sell, or else. Or else ... for those who hate to sell, you will have a much more challenging path ahead to achieve business success.

Over at the Entrepreneur blog, creative writer Carol Tice offers eight tips (five from author Julie Steelman and three of her own) on how to overcome a reluctance to sell.

How Entrepreneurs Can Conquer Fear of Selling

Illustration credit here.

Does Your New Business Idea Have Momentum?

2011-06-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

Whether you are launching a new career, product or business, one has to look at whether the idea is sustainable, or has momentum.

Jeff DeGraff (pictured), clinical professor of management and organizations at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, has created a series for PBS that launches at 8 p.m. Thursday on WTVS-TV (Channel 56). In case you've never heard of DeGraff, he is known as an innovation guru.

Individuals who want to re-create their lives or careers, DeGraff said, need to realize that you sometimes need to think of several ways to innovate.

Once you test something out, he said, you are better able to figure out what has more momentum.

Learn more about DeGraff and his new program here. It might be just the jolt you need to get your business off the ground.

Before Starting a Business, Discover Your Strengths

2011-06-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

What can a single mother of five do to provide a stable future for her kids? You guessed it. Start a business.

An expert provides three steps to move forward. Go here to find out what they are.

Illustration credit: Ms. CEO

Work For Yourself

2011-06-05T20:11:00.000-05:00

Be your own boss. Why not?

Adults do it. Kids can do it, too. What they ‘do’ is run their own business. If you are interested in becoming a ‘Chief Executive Officer,’ get started with a business plan. There are many excellent resources to get you on your way to your dream.

Learn more here.

Overcoming Challenges to Launch and Grow a Business

2011-05-31T14:01:00.000-05:00

GE Capital (as illustrated above) helps women to jump-start their own businesses by providing specialized training, business mentorship and access to micro-financing loans. In addition to 15 weeks of intensive course work and training, the program, Banking on Women, offers ongoing assistance for all participants.

This particular program takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah. GE Capital is working with Utah Microenterprise Loan Fund and The Institute for New Enterprise at Westminster College.

Learn more here. Direct link: Banking on Women

Extreme Sport: Entrepreneurship

2011-05-26T18:04:00.000-05:00

MTV applauds women entrepreneurs in technology and media. And one in particular is Alexandra Wilkis Wilson of Gilt Groupe Inc.

Gilt Groupe started out in 2007 as an online sample sale destination for the fashion savvy shopper. The website’s original three founders Kevin Ryan, Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson (at left) have recently realized huge success after the valuation of Gilt Groupe doubled from one year ago to $1 Billion. Not so bad after just four years as an e-commerce merchant!

Read the entire article here.

Related: NCWIT Entrepreneurial Heroes is a series of magazine-style audio interviews highlighting fabulous women entrepreneurs in information technology (IT) careers. Listen in here.

Top photo credit here.

Don't Reinvent the Wheel

2011-05-22T17:39:00.000-05:00

Starting a business is easier than you think and thanks to the Internet, more doable than ever these days.

Here are seven steps to get you moving!

First one:

Ordinary is just fine, so don't reinvent the wheel. The best ideas are often the tried and true ones that are already successful now.

Let's hope Maria follows this same advice.

Quench Your Thirst: Waialua Soda Works

2011-05-16T17:04:00.000-05:00

Karen Campbell and her husband Jason know how to fizz things up a bit. They run Hawaii-based Waialua Soda Works, Inc., an old-fashioned soda company founded in 2003, inspired by the elements familiar to the Hawaiian Islands.

The company uses only clear glass bottles (as shown), pure cane sugar, and natural flavors to make its mango, root beer, pineapple and vanilla cream sodas.

Learn more about Waialua Soda Works. Cost Plus World Market and Whole Foods carry it. Also visit their Facebook page.

How to Start a Business in Your PJs

2011-05-13T19:53:00.000-05:00

The Scent For a Strange Woman

2011-05-06T13:41:00.000-05:00

Are you seeking a one of a kind experience when it comes to perfume? Then you're at the right place, at the right time!

Strange Women is a collection of 100% natural artisan perfume, bath salts, lip balm, candles and other eccentricities fragranced with essential oils and plant absolutes. The net result is a much safer and more satisfying to the senses fragrance.

These wonderful concoctions are produced by Jill McKeever (pictured). Go shopping here.

To Succeed in Business, Change Must Be Constant

2011-05-03T07:48:00.001-05:00

If Kim Garrity hadn’t made more changes than a young woman trying on shoes with her business -- Sole Sisters -- then it wouldn’t exist today.

Learn what she means here.

Posted by: The original Escape From Corporate America blog

Mandatory Reading for Anyone Considering Starting a Business

2011-04-29T04:00:00.003-05:00

That's according to 800 CEO Read and based on Carol Roth's new book, The Entrepreneur Equation: Evaluating the Realities, Risks, and Rewards of Having Your Own Business.

Find out if entrepreneurship is right for you!

She Wants Freedom; She Got it Through Business Ownership

2011-04-25T08:59:00.001-05:00

For those who don't already know this: The number of women-owned businesses is on the rise! Learn more about this trend and about women business owners who have found success (including Tina Fey, pictured, who seems to do her own thing and do it exceptionally well).

First though:

The latest U.S. Census data shows that women start businesses at one-and-a-half times the national rate and are estimated to own just over 8.1 million enterprises. Those businesses generate nearly $1.3 trillion in revenue and employ 7.7 million Americans, according to the recently released American Express OPEN State of Women-Owned Business Report.

"She's the boss: More women are starting their own businesses"

Snowboarder to Entrepreneur

2011-04-20T21:57:00.000-05:00

Take a Deep Breath and Follow Your Dreams

2011-04-16T15:57:00.000-05:00

Three women follow their dreams ... are you?

1. Nora Jewett
From lawyer to fashion designer

2. Becky Bartsch
From Radio City Rockette to fourth-grade teacher (yes, you read that right!)

3. Dr. Laura Michaelis
From reporter for Congressional Weekly and City News Bureau to hermatologist/oncologist

Find out how they mustered up the courage to follow their dreams -- here.

Photography shots for article by Saverio Truglia.

Creating New Opportunities Means Taking the Route of Entrepreneurship

2011-04-11T20:03:00.000-05:00

Today (4/11/11), The Wall Street Journal has a special feature: Women in the Economy

Here are the links to some of the articles which focus on what's holding women back in the workplace:

Where Are All the Senior Level Women?

Tales From the Frontline

The Global View

It's Partly Your Head

You can talk until you drop about women in the workplace -- what's holding them back or how to create an action plan to support new opportunities -- but the real route to freedom, flexibility and being who you are is through entrepreneurship.

Photo credit here (L-R: Robert Zoellick, Sandra Day O'Connor and Wei Sun Christianson)

Posted by: The Official Escape From Corporate America Blog, chronicling why more and more women are abandoning big companies to strike out on their own.

Flexibility Matters to Women in the Workforce

2011-04-07T17:06:00.000-05:00

And that includes women entrepreneurs. In fact, when companies do not offer flexible work hours to women who need it for family reasons, the women leave and oftentimes start their own businesses.

Read: 'Mommy Track' Without Shame by Virginia Postrel for The Wall Street Journal

Snippet:

Many strike out on their own, establishing consulting practices that permit flexible, project-based work. "MBA mothers," the economists write, "seem to actively choose jobs that are family-friendly, and avoid jobs with long hours and greater career-advancement possibilities."

Brings back a lot of very old and dated memories. Thank goodness women have wised up and have taken control of their professional destinies!

Posted by: The Official Escape From Corporate America Blog

For the Love of Making Things, Meet Alicia Paulson

2011-04-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

I've been following Alicia Paulson's blog, "Posie Gets Cozy," for years. It's one of my best kept secrets. She (visit her site here) loves to make things, shows you how to do it with great passion and takes fabulous pictures in the process. Her readers comment like crazy which is wonderful.

Pour yourself a cup of tea and explore her site. You have to wonder how she does it. Check out her books too.

Photo credit: Posie Gets Cozy

Are You Jam'n With Blue Chair Fruit?

2011-03-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

Oakland, California-based Blue Chair Fruit Company is an artisanal jam and marmalade company which has redefined preserving through its distinctive brand of modern nostalgia and their exacting approach to fruit and flavors.

Founded by Rachel Saunders (pictured) in February 2008, Blue Chair Fruit is the product of nearly ten years of intensive research on fruit and fruit preserving techniques.

Her company claims:

In all aspects of our company, from the contents of each jar to packaging to our online presence to the definitive Blue Chair Jam Cookbook, Blue Chair Fruit emphasizes a modern spin on this traditional art.

If you're not jam'n with and buying products from Blue Chair Fruit, you ought to be. All products are made by hand.

Give them a look and a try: Blue Chair Fruit. And our kudos to Rachel for finally striking out on her own!

Photo credit here (Kat Brett)

Love At First Business

2011-03-23T19:35:00.000-05:00

A powerful New York executive, Tasia Malakasis (pictured) moves back home to Alabama (11 years ago) to start her dream business: Fromagerie Belle Chevre where she now crafts award-winning goat cheeses.

Her key advice:

"Entrepreneurship takes a certain personality. Don't tackle something unless it makes you feel alive every day." ~ Tasia Malakasis

Learn more about her escape from Corporate America to following her passion here.

Photo credit here.

Life's Short: Start a Business

2011-03-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

The Pied Piper of the Blogging World

2011-03-13T10:39:00.000-05:00

That's what I have been called by my savvy sister Te-Erika over at My Savvy Sisters -- an online magazine dedicated to providing resources, inspiration and guidance to women that will empower them to survive and thrive in life.

Te-Erika asks me:

"What are the top 3 reasons women won’t plan their Escape From Corporate America?"

Read the interview here to find out why many women don't leave Corporate America:

Savvy Blogger We Love - Laurel Delaney (Escape From Corporate America)

What a thrill to be featured. A big thank you to Te-Erika Patterson, inspirational journalist and author, for making this interview happen.

Finding Strength to Persevere

2011-03-08T20:15:00.000-06:00

Securing Financing Is Critical To Any Business

2011-03-04T20:05:00.000-06:00

There is a big gap when it comes to finding financing between female and male entrepreneurs. Female entrepreneurs usually have to provide lenders with more documentation – such as personal financial statements, appraisals of assets and cash flow projections – than male entrepreneurs.

Do you think it is primarily a "female" issue? Weigh in if you have the time.

In the meantime, read a good article about it here.

How Not to Be Afraid of Failure

2011-02-27T17:25:00.000-06:00

Bluster or Blowhard?

2011-02-23T15:00:00.001-06:00

Another thought-provoking piece by Karen E. Klein and published by Bloomberg Businessweek:

Must Women Entrepreneurs Learn to Bluster?

Truth be it, I had to look up the word to figure out what it meant in the context in which it was being used because I only thought of bluster as "a fierce wind blowing!" But take a look at the definition above, especially how the two examples referenced are from "men." And don't miss the word "blowhard" either because they might be interchangeable.

Great article by Karen -- definitely worth a read -- and how refreshing to catch Camile Alcasid's insights:

Camille Alcasid, a software engineer who runs Santa Monica, Calif., new media consultancy Westside Websites, says she routinely experiences the double standard. "Men can get away with bluster because it is more accepted or expected in society and in the workforce, while bluster is sometimes confused as noise when not properly executed or received," she says. Working in a male-dominated field, she says, "I've come to learn some of the tricks men do to cover up for what they don't know and how they expose or conceal their flaws and strengths, depending on the situation."

Ladies ... What do you think? Can you muster up the bluster? Or should you bother?

Illustration credit: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Posted by: Laurel Delaney, Escape From Corporate America blog

Jam'n to Her Own Business

2011-02-18T20:14:00.000-06:00

Learn how Dafna Kory (pictured) spends nine months of the year working full-time on her budding food business (INNA jam is the name of her company/blog here), and supplements her income the other three months with editing gigs.

You can get to where you need to go -- starting and running a profitable business -- with baby steps.

See how she's doing it here.

Photo credit: Dafna Kory website

Animate Out of the Gate with Your Business: Here's How

2011-02-13T15:03:00.000-06:00

These wonderful user-friendly animation tools make it easy to set your business apart from others by expressing yourself in a distinctive, fun-loving way. Check them out and see how you can use them to bring positive attention to your business.

Illustration credit here.

Posted by: The official Escape From Corporate America blog

From Superdoglover to Superentrepreneur to Supercollar®

2011-02-09T11:05:00.001-06:00

Jane Angelich, CEO of supercollar®, has two passions: her dogs and her business. She invented a product, supercollar® (pictured above), that satisfies both her passions and at the same time fulfills the needs of her customers who are dog lovers too. And to accomplish this she just happened to leave corporate America at the age of 39.

Jane got her big idea one day when noticing her fireman husband's utility belt. Firemen need to carry a lot of tools around their waist and do so by having them attach to a retractable belt —the tools can be pulled, used, let go, retracted, and returned to their spot quickly.

Learn how you too can get a new, entrepreneurial leash on life (pardon the pun) -- just like Jane did -- by reading USA Today columnist Steve Strauss's five tips on how to do it here.

Illustration credit here.

Astia Propels Women Entrepreneurs

2011-02-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

A resource you should know about: Astia (www.astia.com).

Sharon Vosmek (pictured-right), is CEO of Astia, a global not-for-profit organization that propels women's full participation as entrepreneurs and leaders in high-growth businesses, fueling innovation and driving economic growth. "Women are a part of the economy that if tapped for their full potential and abilities, could provide us the economic recovery we seek," says Vosmek.

According to research conducted by Babson College, 'if women entrepreneurs in the U.S. started with the same capital as male entrepreneurs, they would add a whopping 6 million jobs to the economy within five years -- 2 million of those in the first year alone.'

Source: No. 14

Astia blog

Photo credit Flickr.

Posted by: the official Escape From Corporate America blog

Do It Your Way: Create Your Own Business

2011-01-30T20:17:00.000-06:00

_______________________________________________________

In creating a business of your own, don't look back. Only focus on making the best of your brilliant idea.

Having said that, let's re-visit an old article that is still relevant and timely for today's business climate, especially for those who are looking at leaving corporate America to start their own business.

She Did It Her Way

Now, I ask you this: How are you doing it your way?

I welcome hearing from you.

Graphic source here.

Posted by the official Escape From Corporate America blog

Alicia Morga, Look No Further: Women Entrepreneurs Can Be Found Right Here!

2011-01-26T16:35:00.000-06:00

Hi, Alicia,

In response to your commentary, "Where Are the Women Entrepreneurs?," over at the Huffington Post, you can find women entrepreneurs right here and at the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO)! You and VCs just need to look harder.

Thanks for your interest.

Best,
Laurel Delaney

Illustration credit here.
Note: Full disclosure: I serve as the Chicago Chapter Chair for WPO.

Women Entrepreneurs Bolster Growth For Economy

2011-01-20T13:42:00.000-06:00

Jackie Taylor (pictured) and her colleagues at the Michigan Women’s Foundation hope to help women entrepreneurs bolster growth for the economy.

MWF recently launched the Women’s Angel Fund, a revolving loan fund that will provide early-stage support for women-owned businesses and disadvantaged women who are starting or growing businesses in urban areas.

Learn more here.

How To Go After Grants

2011-01-16T09:15:00.001-06:00

Guts and Gumption Fuels Economy

2011-01-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Entrepreneurs are the force that will keep our economy moving forward and women entrepreneurs in particular will have a significant impact on our economy.

Read more:

Small Business Owners: Will 2011 Bring Our Mojo Back?

Women Business Owners Help Overall Economic Prosperity

2011-01-09T09:15:00.000-06:00

Whether you are interested in starting a business in the United States or as in this case, Pakistan, working women face difficulties.

As a result, the Dawood Capital Management Limited (DCML) in collaboration with the British Deputy High Commission announced the launching of a special fund -- LadiesFund -- catering to the saving and investment needs of women in Pakistan.

The initiative comes as studies show that women are much better savers than men and can help in overall economic prosperity if allowed to start small businesses

Read more here

Illustration credit here.

Take a Blank Canvas Approach to Your New Business

2011-01-05T07:04:00.001-06:00

This is a fantastic interview with Tere Blanca, commercial real estate executive and entrepreneur. She left Cushman & Wakefield in 2009 to start her own brokerage and advisory firm Blanca Commercial Real Estate.

Blanca shares her insights on the real estate industry and what it takes to launch a business successfully. There are wonderful gems of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs within this interview. You just have to look for them!

Read the entire article here.

Illustration credit here.

Happy 2011 Escape From Corporate America Fans, Colleagues and Friends!

2011-01-02T17:46:00.000-06:00

May this be your best year ever. Start that business. Set realistic goals. Attain a few. Finish what you start. Grow. Be happy!

Best wishes for a successful 2011!

Posted by: Laurel Delaney, the official Escape From Corporate America blog

Happy Holidays From Escape From Corporate America: Indulge and Enjoy

2010-12-25T01:05:00.001-06:00

Wishing you all the happiest of holidays and joy (success) throughout the new year.

Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, downtown Chicago, retail window dressing

Posted by: Laurel Delaney, Escape From Corporate America

Are you a Chic CEO?

2010-12-21T04:00:00.001-06:00

There's a new website in town: CHIC CEO. It is designed give female entrepreneurs the how-to information they need to get started in launching a business.

Chic CEO (http://www.chic-ceo.com) believes that women should have the business knowledge and support they need right at their polished fingertips. They need easy-to-understand, easy-to-implement instruction in its most basic form. By providing this valuable information, Chic CEO hopes to eliminate the guesswork for women trying to start businesses.

Learn more here.

Illustration credit here.

Posted by: Escape From Corporate America blog (established 2004)

Start a Business Part-Time or Full-Time?

2010-12-16T17:37:00.000-06:00

Starting a business can be awfully scary from the standpoint of answering these two critical questions: How will I make money? What happens if I don't?

Oftentimes, to minimize risks, people start a business gradually -- with one foot in the new business and the other in a full time job that offers a steady stream of income.

Yet, the part-time path also comes with its own set of challenges. Here's a look at why.

Starting a Part-Time Vs. Full-Time Business

Where Is The Highest Percentage of Women-Owned Businesses in the Nation?

2010-12-12T16:54:00.000-06:00

Maryland and the District of Columbia have the highest percentages of women-owned businesses in the nation.

Women in D.C. own more than 34 percent of businesses, ranking first, according to newly released 2007 Census Bureau figures. Following the District, Maryland women own more than 32 percent of businesses, placing second, according to the 2002 census. Virginia came in 10th, at 30 percent, with the entire region trumping the nation's 29 percent rate.

Read more here to learn why this is happening.

Start Small, Work Hard

2010-12-08T21:52:00.000-06:00

Two Westport female entrepreneurs are celebrating their thirty-second anniversary at the locations where they started, Top Drawer on the Post Road and Pathfinders Travel on Riverside Avenue.

Two local women, Janet Bangser at Pathfinders and Joan Rotman at Top Drawer, find themselves in this happy position. Conversations with both tend to indicate three fundamental ingredients to success. There is always the so-called X factor but basically for these women it came down to a familiarity with the business going in, an affinity for detail, a pretty good idea of their customer base, and service, service, service.

Read the entire article here.

Illustration credit: Pathfinders Travel

Next Step In Life: Launch a Business

2010-12-03T17:44:00.000-06:00

The president of the Women’s National Basketball Association, Donna Orender (pictured), resigned to launch an independent marketing company named Orender Unlimited.

After five years ...

“It was simply time for me to take this step in my life,” Orender said in the statement. “My work on behalf of women and girls around the world will only deepen as will my ongoing engagement in sports.”

Learn more here.

Photo credit here.

Quit Working For Someone Else and Start a Business

2010-11-29T21:27:00.000-06:00

Two women in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, U.S.A. are sharing their experiences after starting their own small businesses.

For both Stephany Christensen (photographer) and Kelli Fry (massage therapy business), they are not only the owners and boss, they are the only employees. The two women are just some of the millions of Americans who own their own business.

Read more about this here.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T08:45:00.001-06:00

Enjoy the day and be grateful for the abundance in your life. Get inspired ... check out "I'm thankful for ..." -- hat tip to Bob Marovich at The Black Gospel Blog for turning me on to the piece.

And thank you for your readership! It means the world to me.

Charming Bellabeads 925

2010-11-19T19:56:00.000-06:00

Dina Amico- Kriescher, is the founder and CEO of Bellabeads 925, a stylish new line of customized charm bracelets (pictured) that sells through home parties.

Bellabeads 925 now has over 2,000 consultants throughout the country and is growing rapidly. Bellabeads 925 Charm Consultants are business women who strive to be their own bosses, and many are moms realizing the dream of a happy work/life balance- thanks to the direct sales industry.

Bellabeads Charming Story

While traveling through Europe with her family, founder Dina Amico-Kriescher was looking for a way to bring a touch of the old world charm home. Inspired by the beauty of the Italian glass, and high quality jewelry she found in quaint seaside villages throughout Italy, she instantly fell in love with the custom charm jewelry and brought back a unique collection to share with family and friends. Her intrigue for the concept and natural entrepreneurial spirit soon gave birth to Bellabeads 925, making jewelry design a party!

Bellabeads 925 is part of the Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop Corporation founded by Amico-Kriescher in 2004, and is a family-owned, US-based company headquartered in the Chicago suburbs with distribution globally. Bellabeads 925 jewelry is sold through independent Charm Consultants within the direct-sales format throughout the US and Canada.

Learn more here.

How Cloud Computing Works

2010-11-15T14:55:00.000-06:00

As you contemplate starting a business or if you currently run one, cloud computing will be a serious consideration to grow your business.

Here you can learn everything there is to know about cloud computing in one clean swoop.

Why Cloud Computing Will Change the Way We Work

Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, for the Escape From Corporate America blog

Want Access to Capital? Get a Male Partner.

2010-11-09T16:12:00.000-06:00

Natalie Macneil writes "Women Entrepreneurs: Does Your Business Need a Man?" for Forbes.

Read it and let me know what you think.

Why Laurie Johnson Quit Her Corporate Gig to Tap Dance

2010-11-04T06:01:00.006-05:00

Laurie Johnson (above tap dancing in video -- love the shoes and adore her talent) had it all:

A six figure income, a flashy new car, full health benefits, company travel and dining expenses and many other perks. I was good at my job, got along well with colleagues and knew I could move up in the company. Everything was picture perfect on the outside, but on the inside I was dying a slow, miserable death.

Read her story here.

See all her wonderful tap-dancing videos here.

Keep on dancing Laurie!

Posted by: Laurel Delaney for the Escape From Corporate America blog

More Tools for Your Entrepreneurship Toolbox

2010-10-30T15:47:00.000-05:00

From business tools to expert insights, find simple ways to manage your cash flow and streamline everyday operations. It's all brought to you by Yahoo! Small Business and sponsored by OPEN from American Express.

Go here to get your Business Solution tool.

Note: The interview featuring Richard Branson cracks me up because I never hear the interviewer, Seth Godin, say one word or ask one question! Branson discusses -- all in one long breath -- how there is no difference between an artist and an entrepreneur (totally agree).

Pictured: Diane Von Furstenberg who is featured on the Business Solution site.

Photo credit here.

A World Where Women Are the Dominant Force

2010-10-26T17:34:00.000-05:00

Lots of good things cooking over at Intuit on the topic we are so passionate about: women. When you have time, be sure to check out the following:

Read the press release: Intuit Empowers the 'She-conomy' at The Women's Conference 2010
Visit She-conomy for tips on starting and running your own business.
Join the conversation at Intuit's Women's Resource Center
Review the latest research report: The Intuit 2020 Report

Bottom line: You matter ladies!

Illustration credit: Intuit Small Business Blog

Ms. Burch Supports Women Entrepreneurs

2010-10-21T17:15:00.001-05:00

We wrote about Tory Burch September 28, 2009 and her great sense of entrepreneurial style here. Now she's launched the Tory Burch Foundation with the goal of economically empowering women.

With Accion USA, our microlending partner, we provide women with the financial support they need to start and grow businesses through microfinance. The average loan is $8,000 and creates or saves 2.4 jobs.

Read all about it here.

Illustration credit here.

Glass Ceiling Not An Obstacle?

2010-10-17T16:39:00.000-05:00

According to "Glass ceiling not the obstacle it was" by Joyce Lobeck, provided you operate with resourcefulness, perseverance and downright stubbornness, there is less of a barrier in the workplace. She goes on further to state:

Over the last several years, the number of women business owners in the U.S. has increased significantly, doubling from 5 million to 10 million between 1992 and 2006, she said.

“Without a doubt, women have been very courageous and entrepreneurial in charting their own destiny,” Davis said.

The question is: If there is less of a barrier in Corporate America for women, why are so many turning to business ownership?

Read the article here.

Climb Your Way to the Top

2010-10-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

Laura Schwartz (pictured) has written a nifty little book, "Eat, Drink and Succeed."

Background:

Laura Schwartz was 19 when she arrived at the White House in January of 1993. With no political connections, she landed a volunteer position answering phones in the press office. But that was just the beginning. She climbed her way up the ranks of the Clinton Administration, as the Midwest Press Secretary, Director of Television and ultimately, Director of Events, where she produced the President's event on the world stage.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. She's now running her own business: White House Strategies.

If you wish to kick up your business and your life a notch, this is a must-read book. Congrats to Laura on her achievements. We are very proud of her.

Wake Up, World! Change Your Attitude About Women Entrepreneurs

2010-10-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

As it applies to Bangladesh or anywhere in the world for that matter:

Social attitude towards the operation of women entrepreneurs needs to be changed. Sometimes rigid social norms, values and attitude act as a barrier to rural women entrepreneurship development.

Read more here.

Related resource:

Building Women in Business:
A Situation Analysis of Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh

Photo credit here.

Learn to Be a Calculated Risk Taker

2010-10-05T20:56:00.000-05:00

Women business owners need additional support and it's essential for the economy to give them that support. Why?

Quick snippet before we get to the meat of the post:

According to the report entitled "Women Owned Businesses in the 21st Century," put together by the Department of Commerce, while women own about 30 percent of privately-held businesses, they account for only 11 percent of sales and 13 percent of employment, but the numbers of women striking out on their own are increasing and could well be the key to turning our country's economy around if women can get the kind of financial support that men-owned businesses typically have.

Learn more here.

Photo (pictured, Valerie Jarrett) credit here. Visit Council on Women and Girls | The White House as mentioned in article.

5 Ways to Increase Your Web Traffic

2010-10-01T13:42:00.006-05:00

Hello ladies! Here are five (5) SEO tips that will help you increase your Web traffic:

5 SEO Tips

And while we've got your attention, there's more. We've added a "Share" button at the bottom of each post. Now you can forward our entries to your Facebook and Twitter accounts with a mere click of a button. Be the first to hit the Buzz button or email a post to someone you know who might benefit from the information.

Many thanks for your readership!

Posted by: the Official Escape From Corporate America Blog

Women Need Higher Levels of Capital at Startup

2010-09-27T20:50:00.005-05:00

Women own more than 7.8 million businesses, or nearly 29 percent of the total in the U.S. But their firms generate only 3.95 percent of all revenue. This disparity in number of firms versus revenue speaks to a profound opportunity loss and unrewarded risk.

Further, newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that, even though the number of women-owned businesses grew 44 percent between 1997 and 2007, our already small market share, as measured by revenue, declined more than 10 percent, dropping from 4.41 percent in 1997 to 3.95 percent in 2007.

What's the solution?

One key to improved performance by women-owned firms is starting with higher levels of capital. A Kauffman Foundation study this year found that women-owned firms typically start with less capital and therefore underperform in terms of revenue, assets, and profitability. The banking community can be particularly helpful in overcoming this shortfall. By providing greater energy and engagement with current and potential women business owners, and assisting them to establish better business models, plans, and resources so as to secure larger pools of capital and credit, bankers can help push the growth, market position, opportunities, and revenue of women-owned firms more quickly. Business revenue will rise, and everyone will win.

Read the entire article here.

How to Meter and Increase Your ROSE

2010-09-23T16:45:00.006-05:00

Here's my latest contribution over at Verio, a world-class web-hosting company for SMBs around the globe.

How to Calculate and Increase Your ROSE

Introduction here:

What does Return on Social Effort (ROSE) online mean? It is a new performance measure (we just coined it!) used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of an online social effort based on achieving desired results over a specified time period. The idea is to monitor and measure the profitability of that effort, so there’s really no right or wrong way of calculating it. What’s crucial is to first determine what you want to get out of your social media effort before analyzing or measuring it. The reason for this exercise is to justify your company’s social media marketing or listening (after all, it all starts with listening!) program.

I hope you find the article useful to effectively growing your business.

Posted by: Laurel Delaney, Escape From Corporate America blog

Fix the Women?

2010-09-20T04:13:00.002-05:00

The real question becomes: Does hiring and promoting women make your company diverse?

Find out here.

P.A.M.F. = Power, Ambition, Money and Failure

2010-09-16T06:04:00.000-05:00

What does P.A.M.F. mean to women? According to Barnard College, these four areas -- power, ambition, money, and failure -- represent a stunt to climb into leadership positions, whether it be through Corporate America or launching a business (as I see it).

To treat this impediment to reaching one's potential, Barnard College has launched the Athena Leadership Lab that will teach women the practical elements of leadership.

What makes the Athena Leadership Lab so unique?

It marks the first time that a college or university anywhere in the country will make practical skills-based leadership training available to individuals of all ages, experiences and skill sets, throughout the year – without having to enroll as a full-time student. Anyone in the area – including men – can enroll and take workshops and classes on the Barnard campus.

Learn more about this wonderful development here. Course catalog can be found here.

Posted by: Laurel Delaney for the official Escape From Corporate America blog