So, How do you Keep your Head Above Water?

1. Measure cashflow like a hawk - it is your business so it is your responsibility to know exactly how much you owe, how much you are owed, how much you have got and how much you are going to need. Do the numbers.

2. Do the cashflow projections - depending on how close you are sailing to the wind and how big the fluctuations are, do cashflow projections every quarter/month/week. Failure to do so is entirely inexcusable.

Data that Provides a Picture of What is Happening in the Business World

1. - In the past 15 years, the number of women-owned businesses grew by 54%; there are now 8.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States.
2. - Despite owning nearly 30% of U.S. businesses, women attract only 5% of the nation's equity capital. When it comes to first-year funding, women receive 80% less capital than men.
3. - Women-owned businesses employ 7.7 million people. That's 40% more people than three largest employers, McDonald's, IBM and Wal-Mart combined.

Business Cards Are the Most Basic Tools in Business Circles

1. - Quality - First impressions aren't just for people. Before anyone ever looks at the information on your business card, they begin to form an opinion. Is the card on professional stock? Are the edges perforated? Is the ink smudged or runny? No matter how well-designed your card is, or how good your services are, a business card that is unprofessional in appearance is a strike against you before you even get that first phone call or e-mail.
2. - Name - Mystery business cards, which have no name or business listed, will usually end up in the trash. A business card has to have some statement of who it is for, either an individual or a business name, for contact and filing purposes.

But where do you start?

Certifying your business as woman-owned can open new opportunities for business growth.

Why Certify Your Business As Woman-Owned?
In addition to large federal government contracts, many state and local governments have committed a percentage of their contract spend to women-owned business. This also extends to the corporate world where many large businesses like AT&T, Ford, Johnson & Johnson and Macy’s have been recognized for their commitment to women-owned businesses.

Where Can You Certify Your Business?
There are several nationally recognized certifications for women-owned businesses. It’s up to you to decide which is the best fit.

There are several different types of urgency we should focus on if we want to achieve great things

1. - Urgency with strategic planning. - I know so many business owners who have taken over a year to make a decision. As a result of their strategic cowardice and complacency they often get left behind in their industry. (What have you been thinking about for too long? How about making a decision in the next 60 minutes on it?)

Tips From Women Who Have Done It

Taking your small business global is no easy feat. It requires lots of research, loans, connections and patience. Here are some tips from fellow women business owners who have already expanded their businesses overseas that will make your transition easier.

When it comes to taking your business global, there are three main things you must have: a support system, knowledge about yourself and networking skills. According to Annie Hart, personal coach, consultant and owner of “Stories Change the World,” taking your business overseas is tricky, but feasible. “Breaking technology barriers was probably the most difficult part,” says Annie of taking her business global. She began by using social media as a way to communicate with potential clients and make connections. Through this, she was able to expand her business to Europe and gain clients from Sweden, France and England.