Straight Talk For Smart Business Women

Denise Krogman is a woman of wisdom who writes from her heart and soul. Her words are vulnerable and touch deep. A mother, grandmother, and woman of survival, her faith influences her work and her walk. Denise has contributed to multiple collections of work, and now presents Pillow Talks and Comforters!  Denise lives in Hudson, WI and has two children, both married who have blessed her with two grandchildren. She currently lives at her 24th address, and is an ‘Author by heart and soul, and Realtor by profession.’  Hear Denise's three business lessons in this motivating and engaging interview: Listen and learn from those around you Diversify You don't need approval to take your own risks You can reach Denise on her Facebook page:  Denise Krogman Author or her website www.DeniseKrogmanAuthor.com or email momcares2@hotmail.com ___________________ Show notes: None of our paths are straight. I was put in a position of needing to create my life. Those were the worst days of my life but it was the most growth and

"My interest in wines grew while working on the retail side, when I was a paramedic, and that is where my curiosity for the wholesale side of things grew. Selling wine is a lot like being a paramedic; you assess the shelves or the restaurant wine list, find the holes, and treat those holes with your wines."  Join Kristi as she shares her journey from EMT to selling wine to founding The Fermented Experience.  You won't want to miss this inspiring story of how she navigated challenges and opportunities to do what she LOVES to do. You can learn more about Kristi by "liking" her Facebook page or emailing her Kristi@TheFermentedExperience.com ________________________ Show notes: Make lemonade out of lemons; the glass is always half full. I had a career ending injury and was forced to find a new career direction. Being a wine rep is a lot like being a paramedic. I started with a wine retailer offering wine excursions.  The demand led me to offering more options. Before you pick a company name be sure to check lega

Kelly Jahner Byrne has an approach to business leveraging that makes her one of the most sought after business professionals around the globe.  She runs Kelly Enterprises International and operates a successful health and wellness consumer goods company with more than 1000 customers in three countries.  She serves as the Managing Director of a global organization connecting and education business leaders and entrepreneurs.  Listen in as she shares her three business lessons: Research: know your audience Follow up is key! Investigate - look beyond the obvious. You can learn more about Kelly at www.KellyJahnerByrne.com or email her Kelly@KellyJahnerByrne.com  _____________________________- Show notes: One business feeds another allowing me to have three business silos. Figure out how to not feel like you are crazy. Leveraging your relationships, your time and your resources is important to grow your business. Follow up is key. Follow up, follow up, follow up. We do too much following ON or simply following bu

Amy Quale of WiseInkPublishing shares her business passion as an entrepreneur and english major.  Her company works with self-motivated authors to publish books that matter.  Join her as she shares her three key business lessons: Have goals that are giving and selfish! If you don't have a focus on who is your right client, you can't build your mission, direction, focus or attract the right clients for your business. Try to manage the flow and all the business demands through effectively delegating. You can contact Amy  at Amy@wiseinkpub.com or learn more about Wise Ink www.wiseinkpub.com  _____________________________- Show notes: Every independent author is an entrepreneur. Independent publishing can be really great to get your message out. Books can change the world. Every magic I have known I have had to create myself. Lessons of creative independence. There is no magic bullet.  You have to make it yourself. Have goals that are giving and selfish Two tier goals:  one for what you want to achieve for oth

Referrals are a critical component of building your business.  Join Cheryl Leitschuh as she shares an effective referral request process along with her tips and tricks for success. You can learn more about Cheryl at www.CherylLeitschuh.com ________________- Show Notes: Do you have a formal referral request process?  Of do you wait for referrals to trickle in? What does a great referral for your business look like? Who are your best customers?  Do you ask them for referrals? How many referrals do you ask for each month? What do you say when you are asking for referrals? You don't want just a name when you ask for a referral, YOU WANT AN INTRODUCTION! Be sure to follow-up and thank your referral sources.  It will bring you more referrals. If you believe your product has value, you MUST follow up with the referrals you are given. Good business practices come from asking good questions.

Katrina works with banks and credit unions to design compensation programs that reflect each client's strategic objectives, pay philosophies and culture.  Here her story as she shares how she had the courage to take on the challenges of new levels, new opportunities and work outside of her comfort zone.   Hear her three business lessons that have built her professional practice: Slow down, listen and trust your intuition. You can't do it alone! Embrace new ideas and be OK asking for help. You can reach Katrina at katrina.gerenz@mclagan.com or through her LInkedIn Page.  _____________ Show notes: I kept moving forward without thinking there was something more for me. Timing is everything. I love working directly with clients. People show up at the right time when you need them. Who does my old job while I am transitioning to something new? Courage to take a risk.  I didn't know if I would be successful. You have to give up some things to get to the next level. Make room to let new things come in. Lesson 1:

Patty McLain is a Residential Loan Officer with Summit Mortgage Corporation in Plymouth Minnesota.  She has been helping people finance homes since 1991 and has earned the trust and referrals of many families and real estate professionals in our community.  She has built her business by providing great communication, phenomenal resources and the highest level of personal service.  She truly cares about her clients and will always do the right thing.   Listen in as she shares her three business lessons: Hire professionals Be yourself - be authentic Align yourself with a company that shares your values. To contact Patty or learn more about her Home Buyer education on line, visit www.HomeBuyerEducationOnLine.com  or call 763-390-7252 or email pattym@summitmortgage.com ********************* Show notes: When I hear "You can't do that" I become more determined. I have a passion for helping people. I like a lot of information before I make decisions. I always have a passion to educate people. Why not do a home bu

Linda Rasch is a vibrant branding expert who helps mission-driven leaders create brand clarity and authentic messaging that helps entrepreneurs  STAND OUT.  Join Linda as she shares her story and three business lessons; I am the one creating my reality and experience. Take care of yourself Know your why As a part of the interview, Linda is offering a free telecasts recording or a strategy clarity session.  Email her linda@yourvibrantbrand.com to take advantage of these offers. _______________ Show notes: Something in my environment kept getting increasingly difficult. I stopped and scratched my head realizing this is stupid!  Why am I doing this? I really am here to do something more. I couldn't show up vibrant and it was about ME! What was missing was the understanding of my "why". I wasn't aligned with my "why" My desire is to shortcut the process for the changemakers in the world. Lesson 1:  I am the one creating my reality and experience. What I'm feeling on the inside is showing up on the outside. Les

Margaret Smith is a career coach, speaker and author.  Her story is one of transition and rediscovery of her passion and contribution to others based on her experience and clarity. Join Margaret as she shares her three business lessons: Don't think it all has to be create day your or you need to do it yourself Get out there and try it Being BOLD serves you well. You can reach Margaret through her website  www.YouExcelNow.com _____________________________- Show notes: There were times I felt like an imposter. I saw each step in my career as an opportunity to leaders. When a job becomes routine, it is time to do something else. When someone tells you your job is eliminated you go to "they don't love or value me". Move from destructive mode to constructive mode. If you were to start today, what would you do differently? Lesson 1:  Don't think it all has to be created by you or you have to do it yourself. Ask others "how can I help you"? Every time I gave I got more in return. Lesson 2:  Get out there and try i

Michelle Johnson, Dedicated Financial Advisor with Edward Jones has a rich background in her profession.  She became a financial advisor in order to invest her time and attention to her clients success BUT also to honor who she wanted to be.  Listen to her interview as she shares her business journey and three key business lessons. Don't limit yourself Stay positive Concentrate on your strengths To learn more about Michelle, you can email her michelle.k.johnson@edwardjones.com or call 715-386-4454 Don't forget to check out her "Ladies" Club the third Friday of every month at Key's Cafe in Hudson, WI.  Email her for more information. ___________________ Show notes: I had to evaluate who I wanted to be. I needed more time with the family Don't limit yourself We are our own worst enemy if we don't dream Stay positive People can feel your positive and negative energy Celebrate wins It's all about the numbers Concentrate on strengths Don't try to make up for your faults - concentrate on strengths Create a suppo

Hailing from the land of Paul Bunyan, wooded trees and lakes for miles, Tena’s big personality + aptly given nickname ‘Tena-talks-a-lot’  sent her searching for more. After spending some time in the big city with a “big girl job” Tena quickly realized that the cubicle life wasn’t for her. With a little nudge from her husband she founded tena.cious, a social media + graphic design firm, and effectively launched herself as a brand with a career that makes room for all her passions. . Despite starting off as a company of one, Tena has built a team of amazing women who have supplied the resources + woman power for her to pursue a legacy outside of solely running a business. Her love of twitter, training and talking + her social rock-stardom shaped itself into an online community. But, Tena knew her experiences as a mom of three, business owner and leader in her communities needed to be shared.  Listen in as Tena shares her three business lessons: People!! Define your perfect client. Before you open your mouth...

Rev Dr. Rachel Wetzsteon is passionate about healing, spirituality and fully living in love.  After 18years of studying health and teaching group fitness classes, she became attuned to other factors in our wellness that are often overlooked, such as the mental, emotional and spiritual connections.  She has a PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Minnesota.  She has certifications in Energy Healing, Life-force coaching and Higher Brain Living and she is an ordained minister.  She helps people shift from fear to love, from struggle to ease, and from stress to freedom.  Rachel also officiates weddings and other sacred ceremonies. Listen in as Rachel shares her three business lessons. There might be breakdown before the breakthrough. This or something better! It isn't up to me - surrender. For more information about Rachel, visit www.DrRAchelW.com ********************   Show notes.  Here are highlights from Rachel's interview. Why am I not feeling joyful? I began asking more questions and looking f

Cecelia Otto (AKA “Cece”) is a classically trained singer, composer, and author who founded An American Songline®, a unique historical program where she shares America’s history through song.   In 2013, she completed her first cross-country musical journey, performing 30 concerts of vintage music in venues along America’s first transcontinental road, the Lincoln Highway. To commemorate this historic journey, she recorded new music and published a book about these travels in 2015, and will be touring with a music program which tells the story of World War One in 2017 and 2018.     E   When she’s not on the road, Cece lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and friendly talkative cat. Find her online on Facebook (American Songline), Twitter (@Am_Songline) and YouTube (AmericanSongline) as well as on her website at http://www.americansongline.net/.     Hear her three poetic business lessons:     1.  When the road less travels doesn't work, create your own.     2.  Build and Maintain a community.     3.

Louise Griffith, MA, LP is an internationally recognized speaker, author, success coach and psychologist.  She is founder of One Shining Light, an organization dedicated to inspiring and motivating individuals to build the best versions of themselves. Hear her three key lessons she has learned in building her business. 1.  Honor your inner wisdom. 2.  Show up!! 3.  Take one more step! To learn more about Louise visit www.OneShiningLight.com   You can also contact Louise at Louise@OneShiningLight.com ___________________ Show notes: 4:50   I've been led. 4:55   Pay attention - which is a good thing! 5:50   The Edges Poem 7:20   I pause and don't head for the chaos. 8:20   Honor your inner wisdom - If you don't who will?! 9:25   Pause is an umbrella over someone's life. 12:05  Show up! 12:25  Meet people and find out what they do - it's about relationships. 14:00  Take one more step! 14:10  What is it like to walk the Camino? 18:30  Allow yourself to receive love and support.  There are a lot of kind people out

Julie Finch is founder of Finch Law.  Her 12 years of experience have led to many lessons.  Hear three of her lessons on this episode of Straight Talk for Smart Business Women.   1.  You just need to be comfortable being uncomfortable. 2.  Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up. 3.  You have to educate your market about your goods and services. For additional information about Finch Law visit www.Finch-Law.com.  For a free 30 minute consultation email Julie at Jfinch@Finch-law.com  _____________________ Show notes: 3:00   I really backed into owning my business. 3:49   I am always making it up as I go. 5:10  You only get to play the mom card once. 7:30  I want to be in a place where I control cost and the experience.  That's how I start the business. 8:30  I've not wanted the experience of having people work for me. 10:40  You can have a business without being Amazon. 12:00 You just need to be comfortable being uncomfortable. 13:10  What does riding a horse have to do with running a business? 15:25  Follow-up, follo

Suzanne is a seasoned executive leader with a thirty-year career in corporate and nonprofit management. As a healthcare executive she developed people through leadership and coaching; improved processes using Six Sigma and Lean techniques; and developed resources and enhanced culture through the application of stakeholder engagement strategy. She played a role in the management of President Jimmy Carter’s urban renewal program, development of Grady Hospital’s $300M+ capital campaign and creation of an innovation center at Hennepin County Medical Center As an executive coach and business development leader Suzanne pinpoints challenges with people, processes and resources that create disconnects between stated goals and values. She engages clients at an individual level, guiding them to focus on positive change to maximize their strengths and performance as contributors, leaders and team members. She has zeroed in on core areas for improvement and designed countless fresh, sustainable solutions for organization

Brenda Sterling Meyers is the creator and President of Sterling Team based in Rockwall, Texas.  Sterling Tea is celebrating 11 years as a leading Texas based importer and artisan blender of premium loose leaf teas and herbal blends.  Brenda and her team source the finest natural and organic ingredients.  Her proprietary small batch blending process offers award winning tea blends that are superior in taste and aroma.  Sterling Tea infuses their love of tea in every cup!   YOU will LOVE hearing Brenda's three key lessons: Don't kick yourself for making a wrong decision. Go with you r gut when dealing with people. Don't be afraid to say "yes" to something you are not sure you can do. For additional information about Brenda and Sterling Tea go to www.SterlingTea.com  Brenda offers a great holiday discount in the interview. _______________________ Show notes: 2:00   I started with no real plan except an event. 6:10   Every learning was a stepping stone. 7:50  Don't kick yourself for making a wrong decision. 9:2

Mila Krol is an entrepreneur, a mother and a wife.  She is driven by her desire to create more joy in the world.  She currently owns and operates a paint an sip studio called Pinot's Palette located in St. Louis Park, MN, where she throws social painting parties. Listen to her podcast as she shares the ups and downs of being 7 months into opening her business. For more information go to www.PinotsPalette.com/stlouispark For the special BOGO offer in the podcast email stlouispark@pinotspalette.com  Like her page on Facebook to get first dibs on her newest paintings and contests https//www.facebook.com/PinotsPalatteSLP/ _______________________- Show notes: 3:00  I have always had a nagging desire to take control of my destiny. 3:15  My mother's birthday experience with painting led me to open my business. 9:45  Owning  a small business is more difficult than I thought it would be. 10:30  I had to learn to stretch my capabilities as there is no end to the work. 11:00 I am the mastermind of my business which mean

Julie Danskin is a speaker, mentor & navigator for entrepreneurs.  Here her three powerful and useful lessons that have put her in the top 1% of sales in the direct selling industry as an in-home entrepreneur for 30 years. You can learn more about Julie at www.JulieDanskin.com She has a free newsletter for our listeners "Six Seeds of Entrepreneur Wisdom" ________________ Show notes:   3:10  Why does anyone leave the life of being an employee to pursue the life of an entrepreneur? 5:55  I started my business with a hope and a prayer. 6:30  I always had reasons not excuses. 7:18  Learning to put everything in alignment is the trick. 9:30  I want to be an Adventure Grandma! 11:40  The inner voice is what guides you to take inspired action despite the noise of daily life and all the stakeholders. 12:40  Successful entrepreneurs know to develop and trust their inner voice. 13:45  80% people sleep walk through life. 14:00  The great privilege of an entrepreneur is creating time to nurture that inner voice. 14:2

A small change in format this week.  Several of the listeners have asked me to present on "Do You Have An Entrepreneur Personality?"  Well, here it is.  Join me as I walk you through the quiz and help you to think about what you need to manage to create a successful, sustainable small business. For information and access to the quiz go go www.TwinCitiesWomansAdvantage.com __________________ Show Notes: 1:50  Business practices are not usually the issue - usually it's me! 2:10  There is a difference between wanting to do something an making money. 2:30 Being a successful business owner requires you invest time, money and energy. 8:30 What are the mindsets that get in your way?   13:25  Having a solid and clear relationship with money will help you succeed as an entrepreneur 19:45  There is nothing to take over the hard work of being an entrepreneur. 22:45 The only thing that is certain in business is that it is uncertain. 23:40  Business requires some educated level of educated risk taking. 31:00 You always ne