Don't Be Afraid to Start Your Own Business

By Michelle Wood

Have you been thinking about starting your own business? Well, congratulations on taking the first step to following your dreams!

So many women think about starting their own businesses but rarely take the next step by actually starting one. Why would any woman stay in a job she doesn't like and doesn't find fulfilling, you ask? Simple - because she likes the security of knowing she's getting a paycheck, health insurance (if she's lucky, these days), and other benefits. She may also like the security of knowing that she has a set schedule and once she goes home for the day, she doesn't have to think about her job. So many bright and ambitious women are forfeiting their dreams by settling for something less. It's such a shame.

Of course it helps to have that steady paycheck coming in, and that's totally understandable. You have bills to pay and a family to feed and can't afford to give up that steady stream of money. So how can you achieve your dreams while still collecting that paycheck?

Well, you can always start your business on the side while still collecting your paycheck at your other job. Starting an online business is perfect for this situation. You can work at it whenever you have a spare moment and you can still spend time with your family. Compared to a "bricks-and-mortar" business, your overhead costs are typically much less, so that will help as well. When your business gains momentum and becomes profitable, you will finally have the freedom to tell your boss to "take this job and shove it."

However, if you're one of the lucky ones, you might have a spouse or significant other that can help pay household bills. Thankfully, I was a lucky one. While employed as a real estate paralegal, I stashed away a bunch of money to start my business. Any bonus I received went right into my savings account. I admit, it was hard not to reward myself for my hard work with a treat every now and then, but I was fixated on my goal of starting a business. Although I was very good at being a paralegal, I just wasn't fulfilled on both professional and creative levels. I knew there had to be a more rewarding way to make money and enjoy working.

I was also lucky in the fact that my husband has always believed in my vision and my abilities and has helped me tremendously these last four years. We have both made many financial sacrifices in order for me to achieve my dream, but we know it will be worth it when our company becomes really successful. (He's counting on it so he can quit his job and golf every day). Well, I have my dream, so I guess he can have his...

Need a little more motivation and courage? Just type "women business owners" in Google and see how many great women's organizations come up. You have a lot of resources at your disposal, and it's comforting to know that you're not alone in this business world. You can also find a mentor through these great organizations - what a fabulous way to stay motivated!

I can't lie to you - this new road you're going to travel is not going to be easy for you or your family no matter what your financial situation may be. There are many times you will think of quitting and going back to a "normal" job (I have thought of this at least 20 times in the past four years). But you will know you made the right decision when you look forward to going to work everyday, even if it's in the spare bedroom of your house. You will be able to revel in the fact that you're lucky that you get to do what you love most and you're getting paid for it! And you will find comfort and strength in knowing that you are using talents that were given to you for a purpose.

So women, don't be afraid to become your own bosses! It's going to take a lot of hard work and determination on your part, but once you reap the rewards, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Another great source for women is womenentrepreneur.com This spinoff site of Entrepreneur.com was recently launched and has some great information for women. I have been a subscriber to their fabulous magazine, Entrepreneur®, for five years now. It has proven to be an invaluable source of information and ideas for me time and time again. I highly recommend that you check it out at your local bookstore; you will not be disappointed.

Michelle Wood is a handbag designer and founder of Lil' Diva, an online retailer of unique and funky handbags
diaper bags, totes, and other related fashion accessory products.

She has also recently started "The Diva's Corner" on her site, where women can submit their own fashion tips,
short stories, advice and information on many interesting topics that are geared toward today's fabulous women!

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