Vol. II, Issue 04

A Note from the Editor

Hello to All,

Welcome to this issue of The ART of Business newsletter, and a big welcome to all the new subscribers. I'm happy to report that, in response to your requests for more information on writing and marketing topics, we've added these new pages to our website: Writing Press Releases, and Small Business Marketing: Free Tools, Tips & Tactics. In the coming weeks we'll also be adding even more information so please feel free to let me know what you'd like to see more of and I'll do my best to provide it.

I hope you enjoy this issue's feature article, Interview with an Expert: Sheri' McConnell. Sheri', who was our December 2005 Featured Artist, has such a vast wealth of knowledge and experience as a small business owner that I know you'll find her insights and advice both inspirational and educational.

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Interview with an Expert: Sheri' McConnell

A: Basically not understanding business in general. In retrospect, I think when we go to college, everyone should have to take basic business classes. No matter what you go out to do in this world, no matter how creative your focus will be, you still need to understand the basics of business if you want to eat. ;) Understanding how to market and how to focus on bottom line results is key to financial self-sufficiency. And with women, being financially secure helps them hold their space in such a patriarchal society.

Q: Any tips for overcoming this difficulty?

A: Find out what you need to learn to accomplish your goals and then seek the knowledge. With the Internet, there is no excuse. And even if you don't have Internet access at home, it is free at your local library. Since I had a BA in Social Work, I didn't have the business knowledge I needed as a single mom with two kids under age three to start my own business. I was able, because of the Internet, to earn an MA in Organizational Management while working fulltime and raising two kids. I could go to class online during lunch breaks at work and when my children were asleep at night. I studied marketing, finance, organizational culture, systems management, and so much more. I use all this knowledge today.

Q: Do you find that many women are reluctant to ask for help--suffer from "Supermom Syndrome"--trying to do everything themselves?

A: Yes, and if we don't change these habits we can't succeed. It is that simple. The biggest revelation I had was when I read one of Stephen Covey's books. He talked about Interdependence vs. Independence. That was such an eye opener for me because I had always been so independent and I was proud of it! But what I learned was how much more you can accomplish and enrich the lives of others by involving them in your dreams and struggles. And it feels great to be interdependent and give of yourself to help others accomplish their goals too.

Q: Do you recommend hiring outside help for certain tasks, like bookkeeping, or writing, or Web design, for instance, if these tasks are too challenging or take too much "productive time" to accomplish?

A: Yes. This goes back to interdependence vs. independence. I will admit that in the start-up phase I learned a lot myself to save money so that I could put the profits back into marketing and advertising. As soon as business took off, I put more money into design, accounting, and editorial help.

Q: How important is it for women to join business associations, like the Chamber of Commerce or the Women's Business Network, or "leads" or "tip” groups?

A: Networking in general is extremely important. Especially in the beginning. I networked a lot in the early years to build my customer base. At a certain point I was able to network less and concentrate on developing additional products for the customers I already had. Now I do lot more virtual networking through my online newsletters and teleseminars, etc. I still attend 3 to 4 conferences a year. My advice: skip the small ones and invest in the more expensive larger ones. You will learn so much more by being with women that have already accomplished the goals you want to accomplish. Some of my favorite groups are the Women's Leadership Exchange and the eWomen's Networks.

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I'd like to thank Sheri' for sharing her insights with us. I'm always inspired by her integrity and dedication to helping other women achieve their dreams. You can visit her online at www.naww.org.

Wishing you all the best,

Angel Brown

www.womens-business-gallery.com

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and co-workers. You can subscribe to this newsletter by visiting: www.womens-business-gallery.com/newsletter.html

Copyright 2006 by Angel Brown. All rights reserved.

Published by the Womens Business Gallery, Woodland Park, Colorado