HOPEpreneurs - Providing support and success strategies for women entrepreneurs | Where passion meets purpose

Ten Ways to Keep Your Passion Alive

Successful entrepreneurs have passion or a strong desire for success. Success means different things to each of us, yet to be truly happy and fulfilled it is important to nurture the aspirations, drive and desire for change. We live in a society where many feel like one person cannot make a difference. HOPEpreneurs are those who are enthusiastic about their purpose in life and actively take steps to fulfill the purpose.

Let go of the need to do things perfectly and allow others to help you move forward.
Always be eager to learn new things so that you embrace the fast-paced changes that surround you.
Stir up the fire in your belly by revisiting your goals, doing what you love best and remembering why you started on this journey.
Get up and go after what you know only you can do.
Take the initiative to make changes as soon as you see a better way so you stay ahead of the curve.
Stop talking to people about what you plan to do; instead, take specific actions to make it happen.
Push through the resistance you encounter when starting out; you will gain traction & momentum soon, if you don’t quit.
Never lose hope that your dreams will come true because you are closer than you think.
Don’t get discouraged when others don’t get your vision & zeal. What do you expect? It’s your vision, so make it a reality.
Take the time to restore your energy by resting, spending time with those you love, and doing something crazy that you are passionate about.

Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Please email her at hopepreneurs@gmail.com if you would like to receive one-on-one coaching. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.

Tags: consistent basis, drive and desire, power of hope, purpose in life, serial entrepreneur, spending time, step in the right direction, strong desire, successful entrepreneurs

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Categories Passion

How to Succeed in a Niche Market

31 Jan

Shirley Fisher is our guest blogger. She shares how she found the niche for her beautiful hand painted inspirational cards that are available at www.fishprintgifts.info .

What inspired you to start your business?

In a nutshell, it was my passion to find a unique platform to share the heart of God. I found this outlet as I began to write phrases and words of encouragement. Before long, I realized that I was writing poetry. I wanted to find a way to share what I had written so others could be blessed by it.

My husband and I had already started a printing and publishing company called Accent Digital Publishing. I started putting all the poetry in greeting card form. I wanted to paint even though I had never done it before. It looked so easy, yet I wasn’t sure how to do it. One night, in a dream, the Lord showed me the exact strokes I needed to use. I have been painting flowers and writing poetry ever since.

What did you do to market your cards?

I found the first opportunity I could, which at that time was our local farmer’s market. I simply started painting the cards and discovered that people were fascinated and wanted to watch me paint them. People were very receptive to a hand painted card. Some wanted specific poems for encouragement and some just wanted blank cards so they could to put their own words in. The fact remains that in some special way, people are being touched by the love of God.

How do you generate income?

I make my money through the custom work I do for weddings or special occasions, the original design cards, hand painted book marks, custom book marks and other specialty custom designs. You can see many other gift ideas on my website www.fishprintgifts.info.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a business like yours?

Dream bigger, because you can. We all have a voice. Start with what is in your hand to do. Influence the ONE first.

What pitfalls should those looking for a niche market avoid?

Getting too busy. When that happens I lose the focus of my original dream or the original intent.

How do you handle discouragement?

Recognize it for what it is and where it came from. Be honest with myself and God. It’s okay to let Him know you’re discouraged. I think He already knows anyway. After I pour my heart out to Him, I close the door to any other discouraging thoughts that may come and then I do the right thing. If I rest in His presence and read His Word I can enjoy peace.

What inspires you to keep going?

That’s easy to answer. When I see the smiles on people’s faces as they receive the hand painted greeting card I am motivated to keep going.

How do you keep the passion alive?

Ten years have now passed and the passion is still very much alive. I could not stop if I wanted to. I have painted and given away so many cards I have lost count. The opportunities are endless. One of my latest pleasures was to paint cards for the staff at our local women’s refuge facility. Other ministries have asked me to do the same for them also. This is a gift from the heart. Very few people will turn away a free hand painted greeting card. The heart of giving is one of the ways God shows His love.

Like the motto on the back of my cards says:

Fishprint – A Lasting Impression Through Art & Poetry

Each day we have the opportunity to make an impression on someone; my prayer is that I make it count. Whether it’s painting flowers in a decorative style, writing poetry or speaking, my focus is the same:

To reflect God’s glory in all that I do.

“Let me be a flower in Your Garden of Worship.”

Tags: consistent basis, design cards, inspirational cards, niche market, painting flowers, poems for encouragement, women entrepreneurs, words of encouragement

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Categories Niche market

How to Learn the Really Important Lessons

30 Jan

Successful entrepreneurs are usually pretty stubborn. We could use a lot of fancy words to describe this quality but the bottom line is that they don’t give up. Rather, they learn from their experiences and change as they continue to take steps in the right direction. It is in this adaptation and willingness to fail that they come up with the very best ideas.

When you look back on the jobs you’ve had, the mistakes you’ve made and the lessons learned, how do you refer to them? I trust that you now can laugh and applaud the effort, however misguided it might have been. Many of us struggle to give ourselves a ‘pat on the back.’

Encourage others that you mentor by applauding their efforts. Settle once and for all that the only ones who make no mistakes are the ones who are doing nothing.

What was your biggest lesson learned through experience?

Tags: adaptation, fancy words, pat on the back, right direction, step in the right direction, successful entrepreneurs, willingness

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Categories Encourage

How to prepare engaging content for video

24 Jan

I keep hearing more and more about the need to have video content on our blogs and web sites. Here are a few of the concepts I’ve been mulling around as I prepare content for my future vlogs:

1) Know your audience

This is the most important point. Who are you addressing? What needs do they have? Ask your target audience about subjects they might find interesting.

2) Plan your objective first

Knowing your purpose and what you want to accomplish keeps you focused. It’s easy to start rambling especially when you get nervous (and most of us do get nervous when we have a camera lens in our face). When that happens the person watching will click somewhere else. A great template for an objective is to state what you want that person to gain from your video.

3) Capture their attention in the first 30 seconds

On the web, there’s a lot of competition for attention and an easy way to click, Next. Have a quote, an anecdote, or tell them what you are going to talk about in order to hook them within the first 30 seconds. Observe your own clicking rate when you are looking at a video and when you watch an entire video, go back and see what they did to hook you from the very start.

4) Support your objective with 3 points

Make sure you give some meat or solid benefit in what you are saying. Keep it simple and give three solid points. Three is the common number but it can be less if you give a solid example. Avoid more than three because that really is all that the average mind will remember. It’s better to say less and for it to memorable than to say a lot and not remember anything.

5) Close with a clear call to action

A clear call to action is where you encourage the listener to act on what they’ve heard. This is essential and often neglected.

It’s interesting that it’s really not that different from designing presentations and curriculum. The venue may be different but the same approach applies. Start thinking of topics and then move forward with your five steps to dynamic content that will engage, inform and encourage your viewer to positive action.

Tags: camera lens, important point, target audience, video content, vlogs

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Categories Video

Five Social Networking Venues to Embrace in 2012

15 Jan

It’s that time of year again when we take stock in what went well and where we need to improve in the coming year. This blog is a result of a recent poll conducted on the HOPEpreneurs Facebook page which showed that the top concern for the entrepreneurs who responded was marketing and expanding their business. Social Networking is a great way to gain new customers. If done correctly and strategically, this method of marketing can double your number of customers with very little financial investment. Here are five social networking venues that you should embrace and optimize to reach more customers in 2012.

1. Write a Blog

The foundation for a solid social networking strategy is a blog that is up-to-date. It is getting easier all the time to create your own web presence without spending a lot of money. Remember the KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) principle and you will do great. Set up a schedule when you will blog and update the website consistently. I have two blogs in WordPress and have recently launched a new one on Tumblr, which is the fastest growing blogging platform.

2. Facebook

Earlier last year there were some changes that leveled the playing field for the business use of Facebook. The changes can put you in a great place to increase exposure to your target audience. With a few tweaks to your business page you can attract more LIKES. When a person clicks LIKE on your business page, they will get your updates. You can also make posts as your business page.

3. LinkedIn

This particular program is strongly geared to professionals who want to stay connected. Companies are using it to promote their companies and check out potential employees. There are many new changes there as well that will benefit a small business and have great potential.

4. Twitter

Twitter has been around for a while and has recently started growing exponentially. It is a great way to connect with what others are doing in common interest areas. Begin to follow businesses like your own and get an idea of what you can give. Once you decide to jump in it’s a great idea to use either Hootsuite or BufferApp to schedule your ‘tweets.’ I will be sharing my experience with these applications soon.

5. Google +

This is the one that I am going to try next. It is not as popular as some of the other venues yet but is growing quickly. The main advantage it offers is to position your information favorably in Google searches. More to come on that one as I tackle it in the very near future.

No matter what you do, don’t get overwhelmed. Instead, pick one venue and faithfully populate it with your ideas and find your voice. Once you have that one down, pick the next.

I am diligently keeping up with these Social Media venues because I see the potential and love to learn. This week I will be updating my LinkedIn profile and the following setting up my Google+. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. What are your plans in this area for next week?

Tags: blog, business page, Facebook, focus, networking strategy, solo entrepreneurship, target audience, to-do list, twitter

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Categories Social Media

Seven Creative Ways to Stay Motivated

9 Jan

What’s your motivation quotient? Was it a great week full of accomplishments or were you struggling to get through the days? Did you take on too much as you started the new year?

For the sake of this topic, I would like to give the HOPEpreneur definition of the word motivation: the internal drive to carry out what is important to us. It is closely aligned to what motivates us and what we are passionate about. It is personal and will grow when shared with others who share our passion.

Here are seven creative ways to keep the motivational flame burning brightly to do keep moving forward toward success (For sake of a practical example, I will be talking about find the motivation to write the HOPEpreneur blog that you are reading):

1. Tap into your true motivation.

When we align our goals with what truly motivates us, we will find the stamina to follow through with them. For example, my passion is to make a difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs. As a result, I have found increased my motivation to write this blog as I hear back from readers who find it helpful. What motivates you?

2. Celebrate every step in the right direction.

Set small goals that keep you moving forward. I set a goal of ten blogs and you are reading the eleventh one. Now I am going to write some blogs to have ready to go for when my travel schedule picks up next year. What’s a small goal you can set that you will celebrate when you accomplish it?

3. Accept setbacks as reality check points.

Initially, I set my goal to write three blogs a week to get me established and build up my mailing list. I still want to do that but am happy when I can get two blogs out there. If I re-frame the setback, I see that this is not a failure but rather a reality check depending on my schedule. What milestones have you set in place to mark your progress?

4. Acquire an accountability partner.

Find someone who will check back with you to see if you completed what you set out to do. This is the reason that organizations like Weight Watchers are so successful. Pick someone you trust and who will urge you to keep going if you get derailed. Who will you ask to celebrate your next accomplishment with you?

5. Get moving.

Literally, get up and walk around when ready to stop. Avoid the temptation to go online because you can burn up time very quickly in that venue. Set your timer and go for a walk around the block. Put some music on and dance to your favorite tune. Moving releases endorphins which help the creative process. What’s your plan when you want to stop? Where are you going to walk?

6. Believe you can.

This sounds like such a ‘no brainer’ doesn’t it? When it comes to our stretch goals, most of us talk ourselves out of what we want to accomplish long before we give it a chance to succeed. I meet people every day who tell me that they are terrible writers. Start small and persist. Follow through and improve your writing every day. The best way to do that is to write. What do you tell others about that stretch goal you’ve set for this year?

7. Have fun.

Read the comics or watch a funny movie. Go spend time with friends that share your sense of humor. The more you laugh, the more creative you will be. What helps you laugh? I, for one, have learned to laugh at myself and find many opportunities every day to laugh.

Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.

Tags: accountability, accountability partner, fun, motivation, passion, reality check, step in the right direction, true motivation, women entrepreneurs

Comments 6 Comments
Categories Motivation

Why should I blog?

3 Jan

Writing can be difficult for many of us. If you are one who finds writing challenging I would like to urge you to start blogging. I have discovered that my writing has improved as I draft my weekly faith-based blogs under the name of HopeGrams and my more prolific blog for HOPEpreneurs (the one you are reading right now).

Here are some steps to get you started:

Pick a blogging site

Both of the blogs are on WordPress. I discovered that it was easy to use and customize without knowing the techie stuff. I am very comfortable in that venue now but have learned on my own. I am starting a new blog on Tumblr called The Power of Hope 4 Caregivers. I’ll let you know how it comes along as I progress. It seems pretty simple so far and adds the benefit of providing a way to connect with others who are also writing Tumblr blogs. They have created a community for bloggers and it is growing exponentially.

Set up a simple blog

Pick your theme and get going. This is one venue where you won’t want to wait until you have perfect. I realize as I’ve gone back to read some of my original HopeGrams that my writing is improving. I’ve even had comments from others. The most important thing is to share your heart. It will also get you in writing mode because of the deadlines you will set up in the next point.

Create a writing schedule

Determine how often you will write in your blog. It is a real turn-off to click on link to a blog and see that it’s been months since the person posted in their blog. It is possible to create drafts when you have time to write and then simply go in and publish them according to your schedule. I have written a HopeGram almost every week for a year and half. It is now part of what I do. The great part is that I am always looking for topics which are also stories that I blend into my keynotes. It works both ways.

Be consistent and respond to comments

Set up the notification to get an email when you get comments. I have mine set up where I have to approve the comments. This is a good idea because you can get spam. On the flip side, it’s important to respond quickly to the comments you receive. This begins to build your online presence and sense of community.

What are waiting for? Let’s start a dialogue around your experiences in setting up and writing in a blog. We will talk later about how to find topics and ways to promote your blog. I look forward to hearing from other HOPEpreneurs. You have a life message inside of you that the world needs to hear. I would love to promote your blog. I will also be thrilled to gladly help you in any way that I can.

Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.

Tags: bloggers, entrepreneurial ideas, keynotes, power of hope

Comments 7 Comments
Categories Blogging

Five Secrets Used by Master Networkers

28 Dec

We all know that networking is a key to get us the job that we want or to promote our business. Are your networking efforts paying off? Here are some secrets gleaned from master networkers:

1. Always carry your business cards

Be on the lookout for interesting connections. They may come from unexpected places and venues. Be ready to succinctly communicate your passion and leave your card. For this reason, you must also remember that YOU are your brand.

2. Show interest in others

The purpose of networking is to promote your business yet, at the same time, be careful to not come across as someone who is always self-promoting. You want to be memorable and the best way to do that is to be willing to help others meet their goals. Once you have finished speaking with the new contact, write down a detail or two about them before you forget.

3. Listen carefully

This networking secret is possibly the most important. It’s far too easy get distracted in group settings. Once you connect with the new contact, use your entire communication process of body language, tone of voice and words to convey your interest in what they have to say.

4. Follow up immediately

What are you going to do after you gather your business cards? Many people simply collect them and hope for the best. You need to select two or three and follow-up. Networking is about establishing mutually beneficial relationships. Send them an email or give them a call to thank them for their time.

5. Schedule the meetings

How many times have you said, “Let’s get together soon.” Instead, suggest the best time for you and even suggest a place. The sooner you schedule the next meeting, the more likely it is that you have a networking connection that is going to work.

Networking is a skill that takes practice and time. Go after it diligently and you will begin to reap the results in increased opportunities and added valuable connections.

Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.

Tags: beneficial relationships, communication process, group of women, helping others succeed, networking efforts, networking relationships

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Categories Networking

Should I join a networking group?

14 Dec

A great way to quickly increase your number of qualified contacts for your business is to join a networking group. There are many groups out there and it’s important to find one that will work for you. A great way to do that is to find out about how it got started. Our guest blogger today is Janet Uszynski who is the founder and director of Orchid a Faith – based networking group for women in North Texas. I met her a few months back and appreciate her follow-through and commitment to help women succeed.

HOPEpreneurs: When did you discover that you were a good networker?

Janet:

Looking back on my childhood I was what some would call a “social butterfly.” One day my Mom summoned me and sternly said, “Janet, I think you’re going to have to go work for the phone company in order to pay for this high phone bill. All you ever do is talk and talk and talk to your friends.”

She was right. I love sharing ideas and hearing that others are thinking. I want to be involved with others and help when I can. As I got older one of my favorite things to do was have dinner parties and BBQ’s to introduce and connect all my friends. I was the one who would invite that person others might exclude and I would make sure they felt welcome and accepted.

HOPEpreneurs: Why did you start Orchid?

Janet:

I started Orchid because I wanted to offer a vehicle for Christian women to connect to learn from each other, share ideas, request prayer support and use their God-given gifts to help others.

HOPEpreneurs: Why would a woman want to join Orchid?

There is a powerful energy when women connect with other like-minded, goal-oriented women who share the desire to excel at what they are doing. Orchid is non-competitive and puts no limits on categories or professions like most other networking groups. We offer many opportunities for women to promote their Product, Passion or Self in a safe networking environment. We are seeing incredible connections in this diverse group. Ministries and businesses are helping each other along with many other great opportunities.

HOPEpreneurs: What do you want to see happen?

Janet:

I want to help other women understand that to give is more powerful then to receive. An amazing circle of giving starts when we give freely to others with no strings attached. God wants everyone to succeed, make money and achieve their dreams. My goal is to set an atmosphere where this can happen.

You may contact Janet at: info@itsorchid.com. Visit Orchid’s website at: http://www.itsorchid.com.

Takeaways from this interview:

Find a networking group where you feel comfortable. Visit several before you commit to becoming a member. Orchid is a great example of a faith-based group that strives to make others feel comfortable and gives opportunities to flourish.
Learn from great networkers. One of the reasons I asked Janet for this interview is that she is truly a gifted networker. At the root of her success is her sincere desire to help others. She is happiest promoting and connecting others. The next time you go to a networking event, reach out to help someone else. It will come back to you multiplied many times over.
Be interested in others. When you go to a networking event, make sure you meet at least one new person. Follow up with them and establish a strong connection. Janet will share more of her tips for networking success in the next blog.

Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.

Tags: group of women, helping others succeed, networking group, networking relationships, women entrepreneurs, women-to-women networking

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Categories Networking

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HOPEpreneurs – Providing support and success strategies for women entrepreneurs

Ten Ways to Keep Your Passion Alive

How to Succeed in a Niche Market