Wise Woman Shining » Business Leadership

The Razor’s Edge

caseydawes — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:18:40 +0000

In the 14th century, it is supposed, William of Ockham proposed that the idea that the simplest explanation is usually the best. (I’m paraphrasing–see Wikipedia for more detail on Ockham’s Razor.) And yet, I constantly see small business owners make their lives more complex than they really have to be. They live on the razor’s [...]

Are Business Women Asking the Wrong Question?

caseydawes — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:45:45 +0000

A lively discussion at my local business group, Missoula Businesswomen’s Network, prompted me to wonder if business women are asking the wrong question.

The conversation centered around the backwards movement of women in higher positions such as CEOs and Board of Directors members over the past few years. (Only 12 Fortune 500 companies have business [...]

Get Out of Your Small Business Rut!

caseydawes — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:10:01 +0000

Well, the debt ceiling is lifted. And the two sides have come to an agreement as far as the budget cuts…at least for now. We won’t know what it means for the small business owner for many weeks to come.

But let’s not take our playbook from Washington. Instead, it’s time for us to stop [...]

Business Coaching Blog: Honesty in Business and Life

caseydawes — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:14:14 +0000

“Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away” a person’s word meant something. Deals could be contracted with a handshake. But lawyers taught us a person’s word wasn’t trustworthy, bankers taught us to charge every time we talked to a real person and the government, well… ’nuff said.

And yet, I keep holding out [...]

Business Coaching Helps Women Entrepreneurs Grow

caseydawes — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:44:58 +0000

I just came back from a business coaching session with one of my favorite clients in Santa Cruz. I’ve been working with her for about 2 years and her growth has been phenomenal.

When we began, her business and her life were out of control. She didn’t have financial statements, marketing was non-existent and as [...]

What Skills Do Your Employees Need in 2011?

caseydawes — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:04:35 +0000

Time magazine ran an article in its latest issue about job growth after the recovery as part of their year-long look at jobs. As employers, we’re in a different position with regard to jobs, a fact that Wendy Wise is beginning to understand all too well.

“I don’t understand it,” she said to me the [...]

What’s Your Theme for 2011?

caseydawes — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:40:10 +0000

My first coach, Laura Burkey, used to have yearly “theme” calls. The idea was to come up with a single word or short phrase that would inspire the coming year. During my last “Now What” facilitator call with Laura Bernam Fortgang, I realized that my theme for 2011 would be “EASE.”

The, ahem, ease with [...]

Why Are Women Entrepreneurs Selling Less Than Men Online?

caseydawes — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:08:59 +0000

Two articles caught my eye this week. The first reports survey results where men are making almost twice as much as women entrepreneurs in online selling. The second talks about how women are averse to risk and it hampers them in their business building efforts.

I believe that these two pieces of information are related.

[...]

Why is Asking in Business So Hard for Women Entrepreneurs?

caseydawes — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:06:50 +0000

Wendy Wise, owner of Naughty Niceties, is struggling. No one seems to “get” what she needs.

“I expect my employees to know the right way to pack a box, but too many of my customers complain about broken “toys.” I went to the bank for a temporary loan and I couldn’t get what I needed. [...]

Beware of BSOs!

caseydawes — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:59:03 +0000

“Guess what I just bought?” Wendy said when we connected for our bi-weekly business coaching session.

I expected a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes. I was wrong.

“I got a CRM!” Wendy proudly showed off her new-found lingo.

“Oh,” I said.

“What’s the matter? You said I needed a place to keep all my customer [...]