Discovering Your Inner Samurai Blog

Explore The World of The Woman Entrepreneur

Explore the world of the woman entrepreneur. Find out what inspires her, drives her, and is the key to her success. Watch this short, 3-minute, video and discover how important discovering your Inner Samurai is to building your business from the inside out.

 

How Are Women Entrepreneurs Who Excel Different from Men Entrepreneurs Who Excel?

As a business coach and author of a business book for women, Discovering Your Inner Samurai, I am frequently asked this question in interviews, "How are women entrepreneurs who excel different from men entrepreneurs who excel?"

What I've discovered about women entrepreneurs who excel is that they do so in some ways that are similar to their male counterparts and in other ways that are distinctly different.

Here's how I answer that question:

 Both women and men entrepreneurs who excel:

• Are self-disciplined.
• Hold strong, clear visions about the direction of their companies.
• Follow detailed plans of action to support their visions.
• Know how to make tough-call.
• Use mentors and coaches to keep them strategically aligned for success.
• Exude confidence and determination.
• See problems, failures, and setbacks as opportunities, openings, and clarifiers.

Women entrepreneurs do all that and then some. More often then men, women also:

• Create lifestyle businesses that encompass the full spectrum of their lives.
• Have a natural affinity for customer care and service.
• Are three parts “strong woman” and one part “good girl.”
• Have strong, values-led businesses.
• Trust and follow their intuition.
• Are "whole"-istic in their decision-making.
• Measure success by their quality of interaction with people and how much they help others.

What would you add to this list? Are their things you do that are specific to being a woman entrepreneur that our male counterparts don't do as often? If so, let us know!

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success

Video: The Inner World of Women Entrepreneurs

Explore the world of the woman entrepreneur. Find out what inspires her, drives her, and is the key to her success. Watch this short, 3-minute, video and discover how important discovering your Inner Samurai is to building your business from the inside out.

 

The Power of Women

Being that this is Women's History Month, I asked Susan Bulkeley Butler, CEO of the Susan Bulkeley Butler Institute for the Development of Women Leaders to write a guest blog.

I first became familiar with Susan when I was asked to read her new book, Women Count: A Guide to Changing the World, and write a review of it.

In Woman Count, Butler brings the richness of her business and personal background to bear when she contends, "Today's world, with its wars, corporate ethics violations, economic meltdowns and societal strife—needs the unique strengths and attributes of women more than ever."

I found Butler's book to be both thought-provoking and uplifting. And recommend it for all women entrepreneurs wanting, no needing, to make the world a better place.

The Power of Women
by Susan Bulkeley Butler

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on women who have helped us to get where we are, and a time to reflect on how we will impact future generations.

As I sit here, I am thankful for Susan B. Anthony and the suffragists, Amelia Earhart, and many more.

Speaking of Susan B. Anthony, can you believe it has only been 90 years since we have achieved our right to vote?

What will we be celebrating on the 100th anniversary (August 26, 2020)?

Since the launch of my recent book, Women Count: A Guide to Changing the World, and it being “the decade for women,” my focus has been on equality in sight for women.

In 2020, the headlines will read: “Women Crack 30%.”

What will this mean? My end in mind is: an increase in women as directors, CEOs, and senior leaders; pay equity for women; a significant increase in women’s health research; and much more.

Can we do it?

Of course we can. If we all ban together “to make great things happen” for us rather than let things happen to us.

How?

1. Develop our own aspiration as to how to change the world. This will include putting a team together to plan and assist in achieving our goals.
2. Support other women to help make their goals happen. We need to mentor women in order to bring them up behind us as others have done for us.
3. Bring more women to all decision tables. Everywhere we are, we need to grow to at least 30%, or more. This will lead to better decisions and move value delivered.
4. Develop more “family friendly” organizations. The cultures of our organizations need to be more flexible to achieve our goals at work, as well as our responsibilities at home.

We all need to do our part to make this a better world for our daughters and granddaughters. If we do that, it will be a better world for everyone.

We must move from counting women to women count.

What are you going to do to change the world for future generations?

Happy Women’s History Month to all!

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success

5 Most Common Mistakes Women Make in Business

As a woman entrepreneur, I've made my share of mistakes in business. And, as a business coach and author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai, a book about women's business success, I've thought a lot about the common mistakes that women make in business.

Here are my top five.

1. Letting them see you sweat.

Too many times I've seen women, when they aren't feeling confident about themselves or their abilities, disclose their lack of confidence. They do this by peppering their clients and colleagues with lots of questions before they delve into a project, hedging when it comes to making a commitment, as well as breaking eye contact and fidgeting.

Showing lack of confidence, either by word or action, is a self-defeating behavior. Never let them see you sweat! Say yes. Then figure out how to deliver.

2. Displaying negative emotions.

Displaying anger, bitterness, or spite is never attractive. Turning into the victim or martyr when things don't go your way by whining, complaining, or blaming is counterproductive. Don't defend yourself, argue, or yell at your clients or colleagues. And, for heaven's sake, don't cry!

You can deal with every challenge in business without being negative. Instead, take action. Offer a solution.

3. Making excuses.

Women seem to think that, if they explain why they didn't return a call, answer an email, show up on time, or meet a deadline, everyone will understand and it will be okay. Not so.

Excuses say that what you were doing was more important than what someone else wanted you to do. An explanation means you are asking permission to be excused for what you did not do.

Instead, be impeccable with your word. Do as you say.

4. Being bitchy.

Take your cue from Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer: Stay calm and assertive. You do not have to be tough or come across aggressively in business. Instead, stay calm, be assertive, and develop a cooperative model when dealing with others.

5. Making decisions from a “lack mentality.”

Too many women have a mindset of scarcity when it comes to their businesses. They believe they lack time, money is scarce, and there aren’t enough customers. They don’t understand that near-term lack infects long-term prosperity. Therefore, make decisions for your business based on the far-term vision of expansion and growth.

What's the biggest mistake that you see women entrepreneurs make?

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success

Discovering Your Inner Samurai Business Book for Women

Explore the world of the woman entrepreneur. Find out what inspires her, drives her, and is the key to her success. Watch this short, 3-minute, video and discover how important discovering your Inner Samurai is to building your business from the inside out.

 

Explore The World of The Woman Entrepreneur

Explore the world of the woman entrepreneur. Find out what inspires her, drives her, and is the key to her success. Watch this short, 3-minute, video and discover how important discovering your Inner Samurai is to building your business from the inside out.

Five Guilt-free Summer Reads for Women Entrepreneurs

At first glance, you're probably wondering, “What do any of these have to do with running a business?”

“Ah, Grasshopper”, as Kwai Chang Caine (played by David Carradine) used to say in the 1970s television series Kung Fu, “Look deeper.” You might be surprised and delighted by what these authors have to offer you, the entrepreneur:

1. The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones

This is a sumptuous story about an American widow, Maggie McElroy, who journeys to China to find out whether a child born there to another woman was fathered by her late husband. She is also "on assignment" to shadow and write an article about Sam Liang, a Chinese/Jewish-American chef descended from a line of venerable masters of cuisine, who has entered a prestigious Chinese cooking competition.

From the start, you'll find yourself fully immersed in the essence of Chinese culture and familial bonds, as well as in the meaning of food and the culinary arts there. While food is, arguably, at the heart of the novel, what ties it all together is quanxi, the ever-present axiom in all personal and business relationships in China.

As a woman entrepreneur, you'll want to take away from this book the concept and application of quanxi, both of which are beautifully articulated here. Whether you're thinking about doing business in China or just want to learn more about how to build beneficial business connections, Nicole Mones delivers in The Last Chinese Chef.

2. The Eight by Katherine Neville

This is Katherine Neville's first novel. As such, the dialogue is a bit rough, the romance syrupy, and, at times, the action sequences a tad unbelievable. Yet the plot is amazing!

Part historical fiction, part suspense novel, The Eight, centered around the game of chess, is a masterful story.

Catherine Velis, a computer expert banished to Algeria by her accounting firm, gets caught up in a search for a legendary chess set once owned by Charlemagne. The story shuttles between the 1970s and the 1790s and weaves the two centuries together artfully.

As an entrepreneurial woman, you can't find a better example of the difference between strategy and tactics and how both are beneficial to your business. The Eight and its sequel, The Fire, will bring home the importance of having both a long-range strategy for your business and short-range, flexible tactics to achieve your goal.
 
3. The first three books in the Courtney Family Adventure Series by Wilbur Smith

Wilbur Smith is an amazing storyteller. Beginning with Birds of Prey, followed by Monsoon, and ending with Blue Horizon, this series is definitely not a "chick" series. Instead, these are men's books that women will love to read. Packed with vivid descriptive passages of the open seas, travels along the infamous Robber's Road, and beautiful land filled with warring tribes, these three books are an utterly compelling read.

As for you, you'll be in entrepreneurial heaven. The Courtney's are born entrepreneurs. They are businessmen (and women) through and through. They make no apology for their wealth and are enterprising in the types of businesses they start up. Prepare to be success-motivated by these books.

4. Convince Them in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman

This is Nicholas Boothman's sequel to his first book, How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less. While this book is definitely a business book, because it is so easy and delightful to read, I thought it perfect for a summer reading list.

For the woman entrepreneur, this is one of the best books you'll read on how to build rapport. While the majority of the content is common sense advice, packed within this small (7 x 5 inches) book are solid strategies for building relationships, gaining a competitive edge, and making a favorable impression. Plus, it comes in audio, if you'd rather listen to it at the beach.

5. Hachiko Waits by Lesléa Newman

I know, I know, this is a children's book by famed author Lesléa Newman. However, if you are an animal lover, you'll quickly look past the genre and get immersed in this true story. The prose is wonderful, and the black-and-white illustrations by Machiyo Kodaira bring the story to life.

There is a statue of a dog in the Shibuya train station in Tokyo. It was first set in place in 1934 to commemorate the loyalty and devotion of Hachi, an Akita dog who waited for his master for ten years.

And for the entrepreneur, this isn't just a story about a dog. There's a story inside this story about what it means to be devoted to someone, dedicated to something, and singularly focused on an outcome, no matter what. Read the book first. Then see Hachi: A Dog's Story (starring Richard Gere). You'll be glad you did.

Lush historical novels, wise contemporary stories, swash-buckling beach reads: Go ahead, indulge yourself in this guilt-free summer reading list for busy entrepreneurial women. After what we've all gone through this past winter, it's time to relax and unwind. Doing so this summer will help you reap big business rewards throughout the year ahead.

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success

Business Made Easy by Your Inner Samurai

Explore the world of the woman entrepreneur. Find out what inspires her, drives her, and is the key to her success. Watch this short, 3-minute, video and discover how important discovering your Inner Samurai is to building your business from the inside out.

Explore the World of the Woman Entrepreneur

Explore the world of the woman entrepreneur. Find out what inspires her, drives her, and is the key to her success. Watch this short, 3-minute, video and discover how important discovering your Inner Samurai is to building your business from the inside out.

Top 5 Mistakes Women Make in Business

As a woman entrepreneur, I've made my share of mistakes in business. And, as a business coach and author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai, a book about women's business success, I've thought a lot about the common mistakes that women make in business.

Here are my top five.

1. Letting them see you sweat.

Too many times I've seen women, when they aren't feeling confident about themselves or their abilities, disclose their lack of confidence. They do this by peppering their clients and colleagues with lots of questions before they delve into a project, hedging when it comes to making a commitment, as well as breaking eye contact and fidgeting.

Showing lack of confidence, either by word or action, is a self-defeating behavior. Never let them see you sweat! Say yes. Then figure out how to deliver.

2. Displaying negative emotions.

Displaying anger, bitterness, or spite is never attractive. Turning into the victim or martyr when things don't go your way by whining, complaining, or blaming is counterproductive. Don't defend yourself, argue, or yell at your clients or colleagues. And, for heaven's sake, don't cry!

You can deal with every challenge in business without being negative. Instead, take action. Offer a solution.

3. Making excuses.

Women seem to think that, if they explain why they didn't return a call, answer an email, show up on time, or meet a deadline, everyone will understand and it will be okay. Not so.

Excuses say that what you were doing was more important than what someone else wanted you to do. An explanation means you are asking permission to be excused for what you did not do.

Instead, be impeccable with your word. Do as you say.

4. Being bitchy.

Take your cue from Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer: Stay calm and assertive. You do not have to be tough or come across aggressively in business. Instead, stay calm, be assertive, and develop a cooperative model when dealing with others.

5. Making decisions from a “lack mentality.”

Too many women have a mindset of scarcity when it comes to their businesses. They believe they lack time, money is scarce, and there aren’t enough customers. They don’t understand that near-term lack infects long-term prosperity. Therefore, make decisions for your business based on the far-term vision of expansion and growth.

What's the biggest mistake that you see women entrepreneurs make?

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success

Help with Taxes

Today . . . I am thinking about this question that came in from one of our readers. It's tax time, and she wanted to know what small business tax books I'd recommend for her to read.

If you have a small business question that you'd like for me to answer, let me know.

Q: "I need help with my taxes. Do you have any books you'd recommend to help me figure out my home-office deductions?

A: This is a great question and very important consideration at tax time.

Here is a short list of books I've read and currently have on my bookshelf. They are very helpful to me, both in the daily operation of my business and for future planning. The last book is the one I take with me when I go visit my CPA:

1. For many small business entrepreneurial women, Eva Rosenberg is the go-to person for tax advice. Small Business Taxes Made Easy: How to Increase Your Deductions, Reduce What You Owe, and Boost Your Profits, is the ultimate tax book. 
   
2. Although this book isn't very long, Surprisingly Simple: Independent Contractor, Sole Proprietor, and LLC Taxes Explained in 100 Pages or Less, by Mike Piper is an excellent resource for women entrepreneurs.
   
3. Deduct It! Lower Your Small Business Taxes, by Stephen Fishman offers excellent tips on small business deductions.

Happy tax return!

Do you have any other suggestions? If so, leave a comment and let us know. And, if you have a small business question that you'd like for me to answer, let me know.

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success

What Makes Women Entrepreneurs Excel?

As a business coach and author of a business book for women, Discovering Your Inner Samurai, I am frequently asked in interviews this question, "How are women entrepreneurs who excel different from men entrepreneurs who excel?"

What I've discovered about women entrepreneurs who excel is that they do so in some ways that are similar to their male counterparts and in other ways that are distinctly different.

Here's how I answer that question:

 Both women and men entrepreneurs who excel:

• Are self-disciplined.
• Hold strong, clear visions about the direction of their companies.
• Follow detailed plans of action to support their visions.
• Know how to make tough-call.
• Use mentors and coaches to keep them strategically aligned for success.
• Exude confidence and determination.
• See problems, failures, and setbacks as opportunities, openings, and clarifiers.

Women entrepreneurs do all that and then some. More often then men, women also:

• Create lifestyle businesses that encompass the full spectrum of their lives.
• Have a natural affinity for customer care and service.
• Are three parts “strong woman” and one part “good girl.”
• Have strong, values-led businesses.
• Trust and follow their intuition.
• Are "whole"-istic in their decision-making.
• Measure success by their quality of interaction with people and how much they help others.

What would you add to this list? Are their things you do that are specific to being a woman entrepreneur that our male counterparts don't do as often? If so, let us know!

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Award-winning author of Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success