Lessons for and from Remarkable Women

#1 – They Make Their Own Opportunities

I’m a big believer in making your own opportunities. I’d been doing it forever in my entrepreneurial business when I heard Terri Lonier name it in her top ten tips for SOHO’s (Small Office Home Office business owners). “Make it up!” she asserted.

That’s exactly what Kathryn Doherty did recently, with a generous assist from Leslie Mueller. Leslie, the creator and host of Connecticut Cable television’s award-winning program ‘Art & Style’ saw an opportunity for gallery space in a local upscale restaurant. She tapped Kathryn to fill the walls, which she did exhibiting over twenty-five prints and paintings at the Greenwich Tavern Gallery until August 31.

Six months ago, Kathryn didn’t know this opportunity existed, and here she was selling art in a down market and reinvigorating her design career.  Read more about this remarkable woman...

#2 – They’re on a Mission

You can tell when someone is thriving. There’s an aura about them, a strong sense of direction and engagement. That’s how I would describe my client, friend and colleague Betsy Krobot who has been on a mission for the last several months to create a green vision in her business.

Betsy’s company, BetsyK Home Choreography, has her working in people’s homes and helping them not only de-clutter and organize, but also reach their visions which have been blocked by all the stuff in their way. On a daily basis she loads up her van with cartons and furnishings that are taking up space. Also, on a daily basis, she sees where those items can be used and appreciated. Betsy’s mission is to be the conduit between that supply and demand.

Read about her multiple successes on my blog. Betsy has the vision and the drive. I know that her commitment level and persistence will pave the way to her success.

#3 – They’re Authentic

We were at the Jersey Shore last week celebrating my sister-in-law’s 50th birthday. My daughter Laura and I were strolling the boardwalk and came across a large display of head shots for the upcoming Miss Ocean City competition. Since there were three rows of photographs to choose from, Laura and I recreated a voting ritual of my youth (read my blog to discover our voting rules).

We consistently got the exact same outcome. What was it that got our vote?

In each case our eyes were attracted not to the prettiest girl but to the one whose eyes made a real connection to us. It wasn’t even close. There was something authentic about the way each of our three choices looked back at us that was instinctively appealing, beyond physical beauty. Laura asked me if I was going to blog about it. I immediately saw the value in relating this experience because it says everything about authenticity I feel.

When you are being your authentic self, whether posing for a head shot, being transparent about how a business transaction is impacting you or letting out a real belly-laugh when tickled, there is nothing more compelling than the real thing. You carry that ability wherever you go. And, as witness to Laura’s and my boardwalk game, we’re susceptible to the powers of authenticity at work and play.

Regards,