Happy New Year to all.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of my own graphic and web design studio,
The Loup Group. As I look back, I am amazed at what I have accomplished and learned. If you are thinking about starting a business, read on!
I always dreamed of having my own business, talked to friends and my husband about it, and imagined what my company might be like, but it was only after my son was born that I started doing instead of dreaming. My son spent the first two and a half years of his life with a nanny. I wanted to spend more time with him and this pushed me to get out there and start my own business.
I spent the first few months as a business owner registering the business name, implementing an easy accounting system, setting up a business checking account, establishing a line of credit with different vendors and other tasks.
Next. I needed to set up a graphics department, which included purchase of a computer and software as well as hiring someone get it all up and running. Only then did I finally get around to enrolling in a graphics school to learn about all the software that I had purchased. Each piece of the puzzle was time consuming, but not difficult.
The difficult work came in writing my business and marketing plans – now, ten years later I am finally getting around to it.
What made me finally do this? Well, over the years I have done a ton of research on business plans, marketing plans, and looked for an easy road map to guide me. No such thing! So I started imagining, again, how I might build a website that could be that road map for other women starting a business, or for those already in business, getting to the next step.
But it was only after Ruth Gatling,(
adVAntageva.net) a friend and client, gave me a push, that I started doing instead of dreaming. I followed her advice and hired a business coach, Liz Illgen of Practical Management Solutions. She helped me map out my next career steps. Liz and Ruth have both seen my entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged me to start another business, Professional Women of New Jersey.
So 2007 is not only my 10-year anniversary but also the beginning of a new venture in my life. This blog is my way of moving from dreaming to doing. I am at the beginning stages of this project and expect to go live sometime in the third quarter of 2007. With this blog I will keep everyone up to date on my progress; I also invite comments and suggestions that will help make this website a success for all.
The following is a rough site overview:
PWNJ.com envisions a vast network that will connect female business owners and professionals. We want success-minded women to have easy access to each other's skills, talents, knowledge and resources. This website will empower women in business through webinars, links to resources to on the local, state and national level and publications and events. At PWNJ.com our purpose is to create an opportunity for women to connect. We want to inspire women and demonstrate women’s success.
At PWNJ.com our goal is to help female business owners and professionals achieve their goals. We want to support your growth by purchasing your products and services, provide you access to needed resources, and connect you with others who share your passion for achievement and prosperity. At PWNJ.com we believe it takes teamwork to make the dream work!
The power of an organization is frequently based on the ability to network effectively and build relationships. It’s a natural phenomenon for women. To benefit from PWNJ.com is completely free. All women who access the site can register for free. To be included in the Online Members Listing there will be a cost. These will be all advertisers. We are also looking for corporate sponsors.
One of the easiest and most fun parts the first few months has been working on a new logo, brochure and site map for this website.
I also started networking - an activity that never ceases. I belong to NJAWBO and The Princeton Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsor a luncheon with Terri Petry of
Mercer County Woman's Newspaper and Christina Nash of
Lerner and Associate every third Thursday of the month at Tassara Restaurant in Hamilton. Come and join us; all you have to do is RSVP at
www.whoscoming.com/win.These organizations can either bring me business or help me learn more about building my business or both.
The rewards are significant. I am very passionate about what I do. My new project and colleagues have unleashed my creative talents. And there is true new meaning in what I do. My advice after these years: If you have a goal, start doing something about instead of just dreaming about it. If you are passionate about a business idea, knuckle down and go for it!
Josephine Pizzolato, Principal, The Loup Group,LLC,(
loupgroup.com) and Professional Women Of New Jersey,LLC.
Can be reached at 609-799-2922 or josie@loupgroup.com or this Blog!!!!
