Where do I start?

Ever wondered, “Where do I start?”  or perhaps you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with the daily lists, marketing strategies, media and networking.  First, take a deep breath.  Now, exhale and take another.  Remind yourself of why you are in business.  What drives you to take on the stress, put in the extra hours and make the sacrifice to succeed?  Is it because you want a better life?  Or because you are skilled and want to fill a need for others?  Is it for the power and influence that comes with being a successful entrepreneur?  Maybe it’s to prove that you can or to fulfill a promise made to mentor, role model or family member.  Whatever your reason, make sure it goes beyond you.  As long as I think that I am in business for accolades and fortune, I will get discouraged, frustrated and disappointed.  However, when I take on the perspective that people are counting on me, that someone needs what I have and that I am in partnership with the consumer, I can better handle the responsibility of being a woman in the marketplace.