Seed for Success | Empowering Women Entreprenuers

I have always valued advice. Even constructive criticism can be tough to swallow, but so valuable. Starting this business and winning this grant have opened my eyes to the amount of resources available all around me. Since I was a kid I have always asked my Mom for her input. As I’ve gotten older, this hasn’t changed. She is a very smart and experienced business woman and entrepreneur. I’m not sure I could have gotten this far without her. However as I get deeper and deeper into the different aspects of the Red Koala Canvas Co., I realize that learning from a larger group of people is exponentially better than trying to take on the world with the advice from just one other person (no matter how great that person is). My advice to other entrepreneurs is to develop a network of intelligent people, some in your target market and some in your industry, to assist you in making the tough decisions. I have really leaned on my family, my friends, and my mentors to guide me through the process.

Another great source of information is books authored by people you admire. I have read two books in the past month written by two of my mentors: Cathie Black’s “Basic Black” and David Vinjamuri’s “Accidental Branding”. Both offer great information in very different formats. Cathie Black, based on her own experiences moving up the ladder, gives valuable insight into dealing with people from bosses, to co-workers, to clients. In any business, building relationships with people is probably the most important skill you can learn.

David’s “Accidental Branding” left me wanting more. I was so intrigued by the entrepreneurs he interviewed that I wanted to learn more about their stories. They are an inspiration and a confirmation of my dreams to build a great brand. I think a separate book could be written on each one of these amazing people.

I am now looking for the next great book to read that will continue to teach and inspire me to fulfill my dreams. If you have any good suggestions please leave a comment. I hope to someday be an inspiration to other people starting on their journey, just as these people have all been such an inspiration to me!

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Posted by Abby Port