So, you need a business plan. Where do you begin? As part of my coaching business, I help entrepreneurs get started building a business plan that will work most efficiently for their goals. I've put together the top 5 tips I like to cover in my initial client meetings in this post. BIG PICTURE Think big picture with no filters! Write down all the details of what your business looks like when you have it up and running. Don’t worry about money or all the details that go into

You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win. -Zig Ziglar Tax prep used to cause me so much angst until I realized I could control the mountain of paper by being intentional throughout the year- not just frantically starting on January 1! I have created a list of top things you can do to help reduce the anxiety that the tax season brings so many of us. 1. Find an amazing accountant. Take your time and find the best one fo

I had the opportunity to be featured on the George Hale Ric Tyler show to discuss my story and the upcoming book. Ric really dug in and asked some GREAT questions such as how to find the courage to say YES but also have the wisdom to say NO. I also discussed how you can practice transparency in your life, build your network with sincere and honest relationships, as well as the important of self care. Listen now! You can pre-order the book today! #radio #interview #transparenc

“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”― Albert Einstein Everyone has a story, passions, and expertise. It might not appear obvious by the way they are dressed or the job title they hold. That's what makes getting to know people so much fun. If you can get over stereotyping and truly see each person as someone who possesses something unique and wonderful, you will have so many doors open for you. I was fortunate

“I think every working mom probably feels the same thing: You go through big chunks of time where you’re just thinking, ‘This is impossible — oh, this is impossible.’ And then you just keep going and keep going, and you sort of do the impossible.” Tina Fey I was so excited to interview my long time friend, Eliza Butler and baby Zachary of Speciality Sweets. She's such an inspiration juggling 3 kids and 2 businesses. She has great advice about managing expectations and askin

I try to live my life with transparency but there comes a point when I needed to have some privacy as my personal life was shifting dramatically. I am fortunate to have four separate and distinct sources of support: the business community, a network of social connections, my close personal friends, and my family. This broad base helps me achieve success in all areas of my life. The level of connection I have with someone determines which version of my story I’m willing to sha

There's no such thing as a supermom. We just do the best we can. -Sarah Michelle Gellar I walked into Tiller & Rye, a grocery store owned by two women and made my way to the cafe to order one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches. My heart melted when I saw a 10 week old baby girl laying in a stroller while her mom worked feverishly to get her task done before the demands of the baby were announced to her and the whole store. It took me back to the days when I would brin

Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity.” ~ Joseph Sugarman When you start to feel stress creeping in, don’t fight that feeling and try to push it away! Instead, stop, take a moment to try to understand the source of it (if any) but ultimately embrace that feeling and use it to propel you to do what needs to be

Strive for continious improvement, instead of perfection. Kim Collins If I have an idea and it seems like a reasonable one I go with it. That's how all of my businesses have started. My secret to starting, building and successfully exiting is in my ability to accept that it's not perfect but I gave it my best shot with the resources that were available. As I creep towards releasing this book, I've built a website, started a blog, podcast and learned the ins and outs of th

Success is the child of drudgery and perseverance. It cannot be coaxed or bribed; pay the price and it is yours. - Orison Swett Marden I wanted to open a Mexican restaurant and had found the perfect spot in the heart of my historic downtown. It was already outfitted as a restaurant complete with table and chairs. I was so excited and felt like it was meant to be. I wanted to open this restaurant yesterday! Then I tempered my excitement because I knew that I needed to make

“Accept criticism. If you do not offer your work for criticism and accept that criticism, meaning give it serious thought and attention, then you will never improve.” -Theodora Gass My friend Tobias is a successful business owner who inspired me to start my venture. On opening day of my restaurant, he watched my dream become a reality as he gave me a hug and said congratulations. He took a seat in the window and watched me scramble around the kitchen trying to look like I k

“If you take care of your employees they will take care of your customers and your business will take care of itself.” - J. W. Marriott Shortly after I opened my restaurant, my manager gave notice that she was moving back to her home state the following month. I was happy for her but, man, was I scared! We worked side-by-side since Day 1 to develop operations and manage the restaurant. I needed to find someone quickly so she could help me with training. We developed a job de