So often people who have had good ideas benched them due to fear. Perhaps you saw billboard or something on television that struck a chord and you thought of ways to improve or expound on a project you created years ago. Did you think about taking it to the next level?

Or that terrific book idea, you know the one, where you were going to offer great cooking tips or organizational skills in the workplace or home life. I too felt that maybe it wasn't my time. Needed more experience, skill or exposure. I am so grateful that I had the courage to pursue my passion for writing. I want to share a bit of my story with you in hopes that it will inspire you. Utilize and manage your time, energy and knowledge to keep your light going.

After a layoff in 2010 I packed what few things I had at my desk and hit the ground running. My business plan was blooming! I took time to research where my success would grow best. I reviewed various published works, publishing venues, interests and topics captivating the minds of those young and young at heart. I soon realized that there was room for me, albeit competitive in the world of publishing. I knew I could add more spice and flavor to it.

What changed for me? I lost my nerves and found the nerve to continue. I took a piece of paper and drew a line down the middle. One side reflected all the motivations, the other, reasons to pause. I took a long hard look at my skill level. Was I committed to being humble enough to accept critics and commendations? To learn, grow my talent. Clever enough to expect the challenges. Not to walk away when times got rough or the money ran low. Stamina to go it alone knowing that some would not be supportive. Sure was and still am!

Endless possibilities consumed me. I began to do the mental battle of which assignments to keep, which to reject. Which would help my career. I wrote my three novels, "A Flowered Thorn", "A Letter For Brighton" and "MOTIV8" all currently on Amazon. I added valued services within my realm of expertise and I learned that before asking for extended help I actually had something to offer. Three years later, here I am founder and CEO of my own publishing company, Floral Greens Publishing!

How can I describe this euphoria? You know the feeling when you see that perfect sunset. The warm rush of emotion as you drink in the colors. The sun descends and the crescent makes its arrival. The light is just right. Perfect. If the sun and moon altered an inch out of character, the results, not as spectacular. It is similar regarding your light. Take the time to choose your right path. Do not rush it. Set goals, write things down. Work alongside and keep realistic timelines that keep you current. Do the research and learn the difference between information and knowledge.

I have a favorite candle store in Granby Connecticut. The lovely owners have coined a now memorable phrase that appears at the end of their monthly newsletter. It simply says: "We'll keep a candle in the window for you". I'd like to add something slightly different as you embark on your quest to achieve: Don't allow anyone to blow out you candle.

May your sunsets be bountiful and bright!

Dawn

Women on a whole must learn to respect their own opinions, values and contributions. Too often the consensus is to wait on validation before proceeding to the next level of their career.

Relevant actuation starts with you. What are your points of interest? Do they spark more hobby or career? Does your business plan reflect the serious steps of progressive, realistic success for your business model?

I have seen women go to many a seminar. Clap their hands, stand and vow to champion and channel what they have heard into something viable. The walk back to the car proves undermining as they face the real trepidation of the follow through.

Some mistakenly think that previous management skills will instantly set them up for their own business. In certain facets of business that may play an important role. But you have to remember that you most likely became part of a structured set of processes that you had no hand in establishing. Unless you understand ground working fundamentals of creating a business, even a franchise, in which there are
patterned foundations, it takes great effort before you see the kinds of returns that keep you in the black.

Talking metrics and other analytics are usually the last things on the mind of someone not strong enough to handle a business platform of their own. Having said that, if these topics cross the mind of the unsteady and are not fleeting daydreams then this could be a positive segway in determining true potential or not.

Either way, entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. However, if one wishes to proceed, they have to own the challenges, the highs and the lows. Not give up as soon as there is a roadblock or disconcerting comment. We must own what we set out to do and find advice and assistance, building structure accordingly. That is empowering in itself. We live, we grow and along the way we learn. Then we plan and act. But, we must own it and only you can do that for yourself.

Now-let the education begin and let your light shine!