This article has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Janie Howerton, Profit4Growth

As an entrepreneur, I dove into business with passion, drive, and a vision for success. But there was a critical element I overlooked: financial literacy. My own journey as a business owner taught me this lesson the hard way, and it's a story I believe every aspiring entrepreneur needs to hear.

The Confidence Trap

When I started my first business, I was brimming with confidence. After all, I had excelled in HR and business management roles for years. Surely, running my own company would be a natural progression, right? Wrong. What I didn't realize was that being a great employee doesn't automatically translate to being a successful business owner.

My Wake-Up Call

Months into my venture, the money wasn't flowing as I'd anticipated. I was burning through capital at an alarming rate, and the future looked bl…

This article has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Nicole Wald, Write Kinda Girl

It is currently 11:55 p.m. – a full 85 minutes past the time I’m committed to being in bed each night. And yet I’m compelled to be awake just a smidge longer.

Why? It could be some swirling thoughts left over in my head from a busy day, or the fact that sometimes the utter stillness of night is the only time I get to really collect my thoughts.

But I’m thinking this late night session actually has deeper roots. In fact, I might trace it back to 1999.

I was dating a guy in college who loaned me a CD set from a weekend sales seminar he’d just attended. And I never returned them (sorry Chris!). For literally years, those CDs were on a constant rotation in the one-disc slot of my green Jeep Wrangler, filling my head with big perspectives and deep learnings. Whether I was on a 5 minute commute to my job at Costco, trekk…

This article has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Valerie V. Kim - Serial Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, World Champion Athlete, iSpeakUp!LightUp!

In today's business world, innovation, creativity, and speed of implementation are crucial for success. As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly develops and replaces the "human touch" in many segments, it becomes imperative to focus on elements AI cannot replicate: pure creativity and innovation, authentic connections, and the feeling of support, ensuring no one feels alone on their journey.However, when we look deeper into the facts, instead of focusing on innovative strategies and growth, women entrepreneurs invest most of their energy into fundraising and figuring out how to bootstrap their projects.

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2023, women-founded startups received only 2.1% of all venture capital funding in the United States, a significant disparity consid…

**This blog post has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Denise Perkins, Passion to Profit Academy**

The Power of Mindset and Support in Business SuccessIn early June, I took on one of the toughest challenges of my life. Now, considering I've beaten breast cancer and survived 10 surgeries over the past four years, you’d think nothing could top that, right? But let me tell you, completing The Reno To Tahoe Odyssey Relay event was a whole different kind of hard.Why did I do it? Two big reasons: MINDSET and SUPPORT.

Mindset MattersAs an entrepreneur -- you know -- Mindset is everything when it comes to tackling big goals. Last year, my husband and some friends completed this relay, and their determination inspired me. I thought, "Hey, I can do hard things too!"But here’s the catch – I wasn’t really prepared. Physically, at least. I had just finished my final reconstructive surgery in January, and I didn't start trainin…

This article has been authored by Stand Out Online Member, Gwendolen Wilder Impossible to Possible Women

Hey there, fempreneur! If your daily grind involves juggling nap times, doctor's appointments, family deaths, relationship breakups, military deployments, and business dreams, I'm right there with ya, beautiful. As a biz coach who's battled more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, from personal tragedies to triumphs, I've learned a thing or two about turning chaos into a thriving business. So buckle up buttercup, today, we're diving into how to conquer female entrepreneur battles with sass, humor, and a whole lot of hustle!

Embrace Flexibility Like a Baddie

Picture this: your schedule revolves around the unpredictable sleep patterns of tiny humans. Nap times become your sacred hours of productivity, where every minute counts. As a mompreneur, flexibility isn't just luxury—it's your secret weapon. But as a…

This article has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Sara Chevere, Finance Babe

In 2024, mastering your finances means keeping a close watch on specific numbers that define your financial landscape. These seven key figures are not just indicators of where you are but also signposts guiding you to where you want to be. Let's dive into these numbers, each a vital piece in the puzzle of financial empowerment.

1. Your Net WorthThe cornerstone of your financial story. This number, calculated by subtracting your liabilities from your assets, is a real-time snapshot of your financial health and progress.

2. Monthly Income vs. ExpensesThe rhythm of your financial heartbeat. Understanding the balance between your earnings and expenditures is key to maintaining financial stability and identifying growth opportunities.

3. Emergency Fund TotalYour financial lifeline. This is the cushion for life's unexpected…

This article has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Denise Perkins, Passion to Profit Academy

As a female business owner, there are days when it feels like a grind. Your business is successful, but the day-to-day tasks can feel overwhelming. You have big dreams! Yet, it's hard to envision that when you're bogged down by tedious tasks. You're looking to maximize productivity and efficiency to take your business to the next level. You want to find joy and that spark in your business again.I get it I was there as well.In September 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, just 32 days before my 50th birthday. It was a shock, to say the least, but it turned out to be a pivotal moment for my life and business. (as these things usually are!) I've always been organized and task-oriented, thriving with structure and systems. As a 15 year entrepreneur and being intuitive & visionary, it's easy to get distracted, but I knew that h…

This article is authored by Stand Out Online Member Anisa Crespo, My Mompreneur Studio

Hi, I'm Anisa Crespo, the Founder of My Mompreneur Studio. My entrepreneurial journey began amidst the chaos of 2020, right when my twins were born. Relocating to Florida and facing a melanoma diagnosis in 2022 prompted me to reevaluate my life, reinforcing my resilience against adversity. As a mompreneur, I've encountered unique challenges that women face, and I've gained valuable insights into achieving balance and organization in this demanding role.

Prioritize Self-CareSelf-care is a cornerstone for sustaining equilibrium and warding off burnout. I emphasize the importance of making time for activities that rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, advocating for a non-negotiable self-care routine to maintain productivity and well-being. Starting my day with personal rituals like prayer, meditation, and exercise sets a positive tone for…

This article has been authored by Stand Out Online Member Barb Davies, Healing Minds Academy

Starting your day with intention helps to create a positive and successful day ahead.

When you first wake up in the morning, you naturally pass through a light state of hypnosis, or an alpha brainwave state, as you progress from deep sleep (delta brainwaves) to your waking state (beta brainwaves). You’re naturally more suggestible during this time.

This is the perfect time to take advantage of your natural hypnotic state and engage in a quick mental rehearsal self-hypnosis routine to imagine your ideal day from morning to night.

Numerous studies prove how powerful mental rehearsal can be. Many professional athletes, musicians and actors use it to enhance their performance.

To create your own powerful self-hypnosis routine using mental rehearsal, vividly imagine your day going perfectly, include some …