What is something you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “I wish I would have learned the importance of networking earlier on in my career.  Coming out of college I thought networking was finding a client with an immediate need at an organized mixer.  As my career progressed I learned that networking is all about building and maintaining quality relationships that will last a lifetime.”

What is something you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “To ask for what I need from people by explaining the way I am compensated and ow I meet my goals.”

Share one piece of advice that would benefit another business woman that’s been key to your success.  “Build your army of referral angels.  Always maintain your class.  Class is making anyone feel comfortable in any situation.”

What is something you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “To focus my skills in 3 major areas instead of accepting work in any area of photography.  Also, to fine tune my skills instead of falling short in other areas of my trade.”

Share one piece of advice that would benefit another business woman that’s been key to your success.  “Find your niche that will earn in income, then play with your creative side so you don’t burn out trying to turn your hobby into a business.”

What is something you wish you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “Don’t be afraid to engage at senior executive levels, both internally and with clients.  As women we’re often trained to collaborate, and not necessarily claim the expert position.  Being an expert doesn’t mean you have to know everything in order to be credible.  Expert status means that you do know what you know, and what you know is a huge benefit to others who may not know, or have a different perspective.  Live it, claim it, and don’t be apologetic about who you are and what you know!”

Share one piece of advice that would benefit another business woman that’s been key to your success.  “Stay current on technology and business trends.  It makes you and your business more relevant in today’s world.  Plus, your competition and customers are keeping up, so don’t let technology pass you by.  This doesn’t mean you have to become a technology expert, just be sure you know enough to use or recommend the tools that will make life easier for your clients.  If you get overwhelmed, leverage your networks for support, training, and if needed hire resources to help you learn and use the technology that is important for your business.”

 
There’s a lot of talk how important “values” are to business and success.  What are values to a business model?  Why are they important and how does a business go about developing values to their business?

Join us today as we interview Lynn Fulks, Principal of Upstart Group.  Upstart Group offers high-impact marketing strategies and solutions focused on product launch and quick generation of revenue for your startup or small business. We bring a fresh look at your challenges to the table. Whether you are bringing a new product to market, looking to grow market share of existing products, or building new revenue channels, we help you succeed.

What is something you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “Keep in touch with your past clients when you move on up in different jobs or positions throughout your career.”

What is something you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “Have a system of organization from the start, don’t put yourself in a position to have to go back and create one.  Backtracking stinks! 

Persistence is key.  When I first started in the business, I would tell people I am like fungas, I grow on you.  Because I would just stay in touch, and have thick skin about it.  Sometimes you really just catch people at the wrong time.  I can’t tell you how many clients said, I have to meet with you because someone who is this persistent has something going for them.”

What is something you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “Build a good network.  It is your safety net.  Those relationships are everything.  Nurture them, even when you are too busy.”

What is something you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “I now know to collect 50% down on jobs and balance upon delivery and to not extend credit unless credit applications are completed, signed and approved!”

Share one piece of advice that would benefit another business woman that’s been key to your success:  “Always be sincere about your desire to assist another person, and offer them a product and service that EXCEEDS their expectations!”

What is something you know now in business that you wish you knew earlier in your business or career?  “Asking for mentorship is a must.  I was raised to believe you need to be the best.  That meant that asking for help showed a weakness.  It took me way too many years to realize that Great Mentors are happy to guide someone.  The only way we grow as a person is to learn.  The only way is to try something we havne’t done before.  The BEST way to try something new is to learn from a mentor.”