Listen Up Ladies (Best Advice For Female Entrepreneurs)

Last week WomenCentric.net posed a question via Twitter---"Women in business, what is your best advice?" 

Initially I wanted to reply right away with an answer like "work-life balance" or "setting a consistent weekly schedule to ensure structure and organization." And while those answers are credible, the more I thought about it, the more my tip for women business owners became crystal clear. Support, support, support one another and celebrate every success, no matter how big or small.

Support, BOTH ourselves and fellow shero entrepreneurs.

Out of all the available advice, why chose this as my answer? The justification is simple. There is no need to compete with one another nor crucify ourselves when the fruits of our business labor may take longer to grow than we had hoped. When we see those around us experiencing grand success, we need to stop running on the hamster wheel and take a moment to recognize their accomplishments and our own success as well.

It's a great time for women in business! Many of us are launching companies alongside our friends or mentors. Some women experience magnetic client or media attraction and profitability right out of the gate while others really earn their sweat equity and ROP (return on patience). Not everyone has the same resources or target market, klout or connections. So the next time you read about a rockstar female entrepreneur, don't start the "I'm never going to get there, maybe I should just give up" or "Good for Jane but I see how long that's going to last. There's going to be a bottleneck in her ability to scale." Instead, send some support, good vibes and thoughts of appreciation with regard to all that you can learn from a trailblazer. Then, pat yourself on the back for your hard work and increase your deposits of patience.

Personally, I received the best reinforcement of this ideology this past summer while I participated in a tele-seminar led by Tory Johnson. As Tory recapped some words of "womenpreneur wisdom", she shared that one woman had approached her recently and stated "My overnight success took me ten years." I nearly cried after hearing about this particular woman's willingness to commit to success while patiently waiting ten years for it to pay off.

So I leave you with this. As women in business, we don't know how long or where our journeys may lead yet one thing is certain. There will be a lot of naysayers or people who just don't get our commitments to self employment success along the way. So the best thing you can do is really, truly, meaningfully support one another. Publicly praise those paving the way for your shining moment, practice patience with yourself and your results. Most importantly, enjoy the evolution of your character along the way.

That's my best business advice. What's yours?

(We're going to give you a great excuse to celebrate your success and deposits on patience! If you are in Southern California, be sure to buy your tickets to Pamper Me Fabulous. Get inspired by Intent.com's Mallika Chopra, enjoy the gorgeous ocean views of Terranea Resort and Spa, shop the bazaar, experience beauty treatments, get a full itinerary here. Most importantly, save 15% on tickets with code OMG.)

Just Ask Jac Is Now Back

It's back. The Ask Jac series has started again effective this Tuesday, March 1, 2011 (except now I am calling it "Just Ask Jac"). Allow me to explain why. 

 This is what you call armed and dangerous. 

(Laptop, Blackberry, Digital Camera--fully loaded)

I created "Ask Jac" as a platform to provide answers and advice for friends, associates and family members.  So, what qualifies me to give advice? Let's just say that over the years, I have earned the nickname "The Jaclyn of All Trades" not because I have stepped outside my comfort zone and pursued different jobs (although that helps), but for the reason's that I am very goal oriented, driven and diversified in my work experience.  

This Jac(k) of All Trades stuff dates back to Centreville Highschool, where I was afforded the opportunity to work and earn class credit. Learn to earn money and get out of school by noon? That was just too good of a situation for me to pass up. And thus it all began, my life as a professional...."professional." 

Way back in ninth grade, I got my stint in the food business by working the cash register at BBQ Country in Centreville, VA. Halfway through the year, after smelling like the scent of barbecue sauce and coleslaw, I made my first career move. I began working at Little Caesar's. Pizza Pizza. The perks of Little Caesar's included free crazy bread, a dollar raise and higher volume of sales (those $5.00 pizza's have always been a good deal, even way back in 1997). 

Year after year, I continued to test out different industries. I was a shampoo girl, I was a sales associate in retail for Foot Locker and Macy's. By senior year, I had arrived. I landed an office job. Ok, my dad was my boss but that's besides the point.

I must admit, I never intended to be a job hopper; simultaneously, while trying all these vocations out, I was a member of my highschool's show choir and LOVED performing therefor I simply viewed working all these different jobs, in different industries while wearing different uniforms and dealing with different customers as....acting.

They say "old habits die hard" and they aren't lying. While in college, I continued to work in different industries--real estate, restaurant, fitness, child development, magazine publishing. "Life is short" I thought. "While I am still in school, why not try and figure out what the heck it is I really want to do?" 

Needless to say, I'm still trying. But at 29, I'm feeling fine. I've found an amazing tool that allows me to combine all of my past experience, passion for performing and knowledge from my many jobs for other people's benefit--this blog. 

And through the years, the Internet has continued to be my one constant, trusted, loyal professional friend. I am in the process of launching this all while taking stand up comedy classes and calculating my next move which I document on a daily basis through blogging and Twitter.

So, now that you know my background, I invite you to hit me with your best shot. Feel free to "Just Ask Jac"--it really is that simple. I will gladly provide a practical answer and some insight via this blog and viola, your life will be complete. (Unless your question is how to cure Charlie Sheen because even the Jaclyn of All Trades can't come up with an answer for that.) 

How To Live A Life Filled With Inspiration and Avoid Groundhogs Day Redundancy

Today was Groundhogs Day. And just because we recognize this occasion on the second of February (while waiting for  an animal to engage his shadow) does not mean that tomorrow won't be Groundhogs Day again--in the Bill Murray sense.

How often do you just wake up and function on autopilot? How often do you break out of the same old routine?  How often do you identify with the clip above and feel that you are stuck in the same actions that don't take you anywhere different on a daily basis?

Hear me out. Structure is important. I believe structure to be a key component to success. I am not debating the need for structure in our daily lives.

But what I am saying is that we need a little spontaneity. Variation in our routine is just as important as structure for it leads to inspiration. And a life filled with a little inspiration leads to a lot of happiness.

This song inspired me today. I hope it inspires you too.

So, how do we live a life filled with inspiration? Can this be taught? I believe so. If you can learn "how to speak french" or "how to pack light" then why not learn how to live a life filled with inspiration right here on the Internet. That said, here are my recommendations for living an inspired life.

1. Take up a new hobby or interest that you are passionate about. Circumstances such as credit card debt or rent may not allow us to have our dream job (for the time being) but that doesn't mean you should completely abandon interests that you are passionate about. It's often so sad to hear of people who studied subjects such as performing arts in college that abandon their talents because they need a job that "pays their bills." Don't give up on your talents--research classes in your local area; they can be at an art studio or community college. Yelp can also serve as a great resource online. Depending upon where you live, the selection will vary but you can find inspiration in pursuing your passions, even if the pursuit is a part time endeavor.
2. Read motivational quotes and literature. It's no secret that the headlines of today are more of a "shock and awe" approach rather than "our world is a wonderful place in which we live." We are apt to hear of a robbery rather than learn of a young boy who sings songs for his peers that are stricken with cancer. Since our thoughts become our actions, in order to live a life filled with inspiration, it is imperative to read motivational literature and quotes. Not only will we gain perspective; we'll be able to see how some of the most successful individuals faced their obstacles head on and as a result, became inspiring influencers of society. 
3. Make a gratitude list. Since we've become so resourceful due to technology, it's easy to get frustrated when things don't go our way. We have access to things at the click of our finger tips and want the latest and greatest NOW. But have you ever stopped to think about what it is that you currently have which you are thankful for? What are the things you treasure that money cannot buy? Write down the top 3 things you are thankful for each morning; embrace an attitude of gratitude and surely you will feel inspired.
4. Help those in need. This is perhaps one of the most important honors we can exercise on this planet, for it reminds us that some people have more challenging circumstances. It can also inspire empathy and tolerance. To coincide with action #3, helping those in need reminds us of the wealth we have in choice. You can choose to see all the obstacles in your life, or you can compare your issues to someone else who may have more dire circumstances (which will allow you to snap out of your pity party). So long as you have a roof over your head, a bed to sleep in and food on your table, you can be inspired to go out there and go for it, each and everyday.

Inspiration--the very word has been responsible for some of the greatest inventions and contributors of all time.  You don't have to be a philosopher, scientist or poet to be inspired. All you need is a little shift in perspective and your life can shift into a more inspiring place. Say goodbye to Groundhogs Day--unless it's February 2, 2012.

The choice is yours. Wake up with a different set of eyes by choosing to live a life filled with inspiration. And share how you inspire yourself or others by commenting on this post.

The Jac(k) Of All Trades Syndrome

Hello and happy new year. I hope 2011 is starting off great for everyone so far. With this "beginning" often come new goals. Naturally, I am curious to learn of everyone's new year resolutions so please, do tell.

I have a few myself, one of which is overcoming the Jaclyn Of All Trades stigma. What do I mean by that? I don't want to confuse you here, I will always be the Jaclyn of All Trades. But we all know how the saying goes, "Jack of All Trades, Master of NONE."

Personally, my saying is "The Jaclyn of All Trades gets the job done!"

In this day and age, isn't it safe to say that we are all Jacks of Trades? Entrepreneurs have to wear multiple hats and perform diverse functions when starting up their businesses. Employees I know that work for major corporations are doing the job of 2-3 people. Many actors I know start off as their own managers and handle their own PR. So, how can we successfully be Jacks of All Trades that get our jobs done and break down the negative association with being a professional multitasker (especially if this is the only way we can survive in business now a days)?

The following tips have worked for me, I hope they'll work for you too.

1) Find an area of expertise that you are knowledgeable in that also has some overlapping functionality. For me, social media is the best example I can provide to articulate this point. I can communicate, I can write, I can be creative and my work has a purpose--whether that's building a brand or developing potential customers for a company. I stick to digital since that is what I know and can measure not to mention that it's FUN.

2) Leverage your passions to help you professionally. I happen to love performing, writing, speaking. I use my writing skills to create quality content for the company's I work with (as well as for my blog.) Another great example of how I have done this is as follows: my third year living in LA, I did a lot of background acting where I observed directors, producers and underwent the casting process. Flash forward to a recent project I worked on-I casted, scripted and field produced 2 commercials for a company campaign. I lived, I learned, I applied my passion and skills and my former company benefited in the end by having a tangible product they could use to promote their brand.

3) This next one is important. Finish your projects and tasks through to completion. Sure, it's great to be busy and to have a booming client roster. However, if all you can do is start projects and not follow them through to completion, you keep the "Jack of All Trades" stigma alive. Get organized, plan your projects out in phases with specific targeted goals, meet your deadlines and most of all finish what you start.

These tips have worked for me, especially while working under tight deadlines and wearing multiple hats. I don't mind being a Jaclyn Of All Trades, multitasking is my specialty. Granted, remaining adaptable while being pulled in a few different directions and managing long term goals is NOT for everyone career wise. Sometimes it can be stressful but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thanks for reading this, feel free to share with others and also comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Signing off,

The Jaclyn of All Trades

The First "Ask Jac"--Best Practices for Blogging

The term BLOG is commonly used now a days and it seems as though everyone within my immediate circles and networks are Blogging . While I feel there is no real right or wrong way to blog, there are some helpful tips that can ensure you don't just waste space (or more importantly your time writing something that isn't of any interest or help to the public.)

My first "Ask Jac" question pertains to this. Aaron Mandelbaum from Sales Benchmark Index maintains a blog, http://aaronmandelbaum.blogspot.com/


His question is as follows: "Do you know of a best practices for blogging reference point? Or even a blogger who discusses this kind of thing?"

My answer for Aaron and all of my fellow bloggers out there is:

1. Before you Blog, do some research . I utilize AllTop.com particularly PROBLOGGER TIPS and COPYBLOGGER for tips on promoting my blog, organizing it, keeping up with best blogging practices as well as engaging my audience. As important as it is for you to write your blog, it also important to read up on the current "Blogspace" to ensure you wedge your way in then stay put and grow.
2. Identify the purpose of your blog. What does your blog provide to the end user? It can be entertainment, it can be self-help or in my case, a mix of subject matter. However, you don't want to ramble. You want to have sticking power so that your blog is credible and gains popularity. Hone in on what you would like your blog to be about so that you have quality of content, not just quantity.
3. Support other Bloggers. Read other blogs, follow other blogs. I have found that exploring other people's creativity and humor inspires my own. Also, the more support you give, the more likely you are to get support (and exposure in return.)

Be sure to check out Aaron's blog, you can contact him to learn all about his "Virtual Coffee" concept.

In the meantime, keep the "Ask Jac" questions coming!

I am excited to have this creative outlet and look forward to growing this blog in 2011. Feel free to follow me here, connect with me on Linkedin or become my friend on Twitter.

Signing off,
The Jaclyn of All Trades


***Photo of Jaclyn Mullen taken by Tiger Tiger Photography

Ask Jac--An Advice Forum

Hello! Happy Holidays! I hope this Tuesday, December 28th, finds you all in good spirits.

This time of year, (aka the end of the year) often initiates reflection upon our lives!!! What did we accomplish this past 12 months? What could we have accomplished? What did we learn?

We, or maybe just ME then take this information and regroup for our beloved New Years resolutions. Yes, I said resolutions--plural. Personally, I will have a lot of marks for myself to achieve this year.

Often times, my friends and I get into discussions about our lives, goals and where we see ourselves down the line. And dear old father time has taught us all that, sure--you can plan but things will change! Trust me, things will change dramatically and often when least expected, causing chaos and growth yet that is the beauty of life. Finding our way amidst the mess, forging "our own path."

I have undergone A LOT of change over the years. I've worked in different industries, lived in different cities, I've traveled to different places. And so, I have become a resource for my friends and family.

"Jaclyn, how can I launch my blog?"

"Jaclyn, what did you like best about being a business traveler? What's the best way to fly from x to z?"

"Jac, I don't know how to word this, can you help me?"

Needless to say, I LOVE to help people! I should rephrase that, I LOVE to analyze and find solutions to things that people need help with. We all need help, myself included. And it is more natural for some of us (ME) to help others.

So-to share, one of my resolutions this year is to get more focused with my blog and I believe an "Ask Jac" column will allow me to do this. I can share my expertise while assisting people with advice or guidance they may need in their life. This is a formal invitation where I now invite you to think long and hard of a creative question and "Ask Jac".

I will post your questions and my answers here then link back to you (or allow you to remain anonymous if you so chose).

Whatever the case, 4 days remain in 2010. Reflect back and regroup for 2011 then get ready to ask for advice regarding your goals--not just from me, from anyone. Before we know it, 2011 year will be over too. MAKE IT COUNT!

Signing off,

Jaclyn Mullen
The Jaclyn of All Trades

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