I often ask myself what exactly I am trying to accomplish with what I do. I think it’s important to have that level of focus. So, to help you understand, and decide if it fits you, I am going to outline my general philosophy of business and why I do what I do. If it resonates with you, great. If not, great. Each of us must go where we prefer and I welcome all who feel drawn to this approach.

SmartWoman Publishing Credo

Values and Relationships First - What Would Your Momma Do?

I don’t buy into the idea that something is worth doing just because it makes money. If a strategy feels questionable to you, it doesn’t matter a hill of beans if it makes a gadzillion dollars. You just have to have the courage to say no and follow your gut. Your intuition is one of your most valuable tools in business. As much as some people say emotions don’t belong in a professional setting, it’s simply not true. Our emotions are what make us feel connected, help us to find solutions, allow us to empathize with others’ needs. Going against what you believe in will backfire. No one ever sells their soul for its true value - they always do it at a deep discount. Besides, with such a great asset as a soul, who would want to sell it? Not me.

Test Small, Roll Out Big - Size does matter

There is no shame in small stuff. Usually, it’s the small steps that give us the most education. And, when we’ve only put a small, controlled amount of risk on the table, the worst that can happen, even if everything fails, is still survivable. And, isn’t surviving long enough to find your groove, learn your lessons, and stay at it so you can thrive long term the real goal here? How can you serve if you don’t have what you need to do it? The small business owner needs to test small and then roll out big, not the other way around. Finding methods that are scalable and affordable are key.

Fun is Just as important as Profit - Celebrate to Elevate

You didn’t start working for yourself to have a slave driver boss, did you? So don’t be one! Joy attracts money and passion speaks volumes. When you aren’t willing to give yourself a day off, or eat some chocolate, or get enough rest, you are hurting all of your business. Entrepreneurship is not a disease, it’s a lifestyle. Pace yourself so you make it through your whole life, with your family loving you and remembering what you look like, with all the hair on your head, and only smile lines on your face. There is nothing - I will say it again - nothing more important than caring for youself. Think airline safety: put on your oxygen mask first, then help the other passengers. That way we all get off the plane together and healthy.

Money Does Grow on Trees - What You Water Flourishes

Sometimes, the biggest challenge we face is prioritization. As creative people, we have so many great ideas and it seems we have so little time. We get going in so many directions that we don’t really know what to do next. I believe in “one small step”, in the value of putting some energy every day toward what matters most.  We will approach all of our tasks from that viewpoint. Forward momentum is important. By using smart tools and honest evaluation, we will establish what needs to be done when and we will take that one small step every day to move forward. Never underestimate the power of one small step. As one of my life heroes, the famous social anthropologist Margaret Mead, said, “Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed that is all that ever has.” So too with small steps.

Divide and Conquer - Outsource is Not a Four Letter Word

There is absolutely NO glory in doing everything yourself rather than asking for and getting help. You are not braver, or smarter, or better off.  In fact, you’ve done yourself and the world a grave disservice. When you are consumed doing the tasks that are not your strength, that are not your unique gift, you are short changing all of us. If you want to learn something new because you have to “understand what’s going on in your business”, fine. Don’t do it on company time. That reason is usually a thinly veiled excuse for an unwillingness to share power and control, or sometimes a general belief that no one cares as much as you. Many care that much, some more. Let people help you. Yes, you need to understand an overview of the mechanics of web site building. You do not need to learn HTML language and struggle for hours or days doing something that a high school kid could do in their sleep. Not cool. We are going to focus on the highest points of leverage and do everything we can to avoid isolation and ego driven decisions. Trust me - it’s more fun and you’ll get more done. I promise.

Mentors Make Us Stronger - “I Don’t Know” in an Honest Answer

When we look to others who have gone before or are in the same boat at we are, we can learn. Learning doesn’t happen unless you are able to embrace the idea that “I don’t know” is a viable answer. Even when you know a lot, there is always something more, a better way, you can learn. The Tiger Woods of the world have coaches. Even people who are world class and top of their field seek out a different pair of eyes, a fresh way of looking at their work. It’s not that you need to find someone on the mountain top who speaks directly to the heavens and graces their precious time to you. Finding an unapproachable, high and mighty guru who requires you to do it their way or you’re a heretic isn’t going to help. Rather, find people you trust, who “get” you and your vision, who are willing to give you the hard news, who compliment your personality in a way that let’s you hear what they are saying. And, be sure they are encouraging. Sometimes being told we’re right, on track, and we need to keep going is what we need, not just criticism. Whether you formalize a relationship or not, find a coach, a mentor, or advisor. You won’t regret it.

I guess you could say I can see value in testing ”the rules” a bit. My membership card to the good ole boys club just never came in the mail. Social business norms that give more weight to the past rather than the future don’t feel expansive to me. I don’t feel that I need to automatically try to fit in. I sort of like how it feels to explore my own path. Having and exercising freedom of personal expression is our God given right. If you don’t really relate, I understand. There are hundreds of other marketing sites out there. Please visit as many as you need to. But, when you come here, I pledge that I will do my best to suggest actions that support the principles I’ve written above.

I hope that gives you some idea of my point of view. I do what I do because I want to be happy and I like the feeling I get when I share knowledge. To be there, at the point of breakthrough into a new and more exciting life, something I call “The Helen Keller Moment”, is a very satisfying experience. I want to be there for you, for me, for us.

I can’t promise I will always say just the right thing or never be wrong, but it won’t be from a lack of commitment. I believe it is our imperfect, beautifully haunting, and complicated humanity that makes us so compelling and attractive. I can say I care deeply about you and your entrepreneur journey, that I am dedicated to discovering the very best ways for us to find happiness in our work. I am an entreprener myself too. I am working for my own life as well as for others. If this sounds good to you, let’s get started, ok? Thanks for stopping by.

Vicki Flaugher