By Holly Reisem Hanna

“What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: “Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve.” – Gordon B. Hinckley

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of attacks, criticism, and overall negativity on social media. In fact, last week after Angelina Jolie shed light on her preventive mastectomy, I saw some malicious updates that I couldn’t even believe were being said.

And don’t even get me started on when there’s an election or political issue being discussed, it’s like hate flows out of people’s fingers to their keyboards. Of course there are the less heated, but very judgmental conversations which are still insulting. (more…)

By Milissa Harding

A couple of weeks ago, I attending an amazing three-day conference, and the theme of the conference was transformation. I left the conference really reflecting on what transformation means to me. To me, transformation means having the courage to find out who you really are, then to have a second helping of courage and create a life that reflects who you are on the inside. The more I thought about this, the more I came to realize how this relates to all of us as entrepreneurs. Here’s why:

Your Business is YOU

If your business is truly a vehicle for self-expression (which I believe it should be), then others will see you when they see your business… makes sense? The challenge with this is that many entrepreneurs spend very little time on personal growth and development, even though investing time in this is crucial for building a successful business. There are probably many reasons why this is the case, but I think that one of the main reasons is because we don’t have a clear understanding of the connection between personal development and business growth. Also, it’s not something that is discussed often as we are working to build our businesses. (more…)

By Casandra Ramey

Taking out a small business loan is not to be taken lightly. It’s a major undertaking that is going to have serious implications on the borrower’s future.

Above all, a person should really only considering taking out a business loan if doing so is going to have a profoundly positive effect on their life. Interest rates on loans, even the lowest ones – are still relatively high by financial standards. And this means that anything you can definitely afford should be purchased in cash.

However, there are a variety of situations, such as buying a franchise or covering manufacturing costs in which borrowing money makes real sense. Just make sure that you fully think through the transaction before you commit. With that in mind, take a moment to review these important considerations when taking a business loan: (more…)

By Danielle Buffardi

Every business, be it virtual or not, needs new and existing customers in order to not only advance their bottom line, but also to keep growing and getting better. It can be intimidating for some to find new and innovative ways of bringing in new clients.

Don’t fear – I’ve compiled five easy ways to grab the attention of new customers and help make them repeat ones.

1. Referrals:

New clientele are virtually right in your own backyard. Examine the clients that you presently have and seek out whom they think would be in need of the services or products that you offer. (more…)

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.

My journey is a bit complicated to say the least. After many years in the graphic arts and advertising I decided I needed a major career shift so I went back to school and got a Masters in Montessori Education. After receiving my credential from Loyola and the Montessori Association International (AMI) I worked with children between the ages of 2.5 and 6 in a Montessori school.

A dream come true, I had always dreamed of one day having my own school, yet as I worked with the children I realized parents often had many questions and always wondered why their children were so different at home then in their Montessori classroom.

I offered home visits through the school and helped parents understand how their home environments could be altered to help their child be more at peace, independent and self-disciplined at home. I realized the impact I was having and was encouraged by some parents to pursue this as a business model.

The rest is history; I am truly passionate about the information I share with parents as I do workshops, talks and private home consultations as well as Skype consultations, for expectant parents and parents with children from newborn through six years of age. (more…)