I have a quote on the bookmark I created to go with my book. It says this:

“Spend a day with a powerful, successful woman and you’ll come away spinning with energy and ideas.”

– Vickie L. Milazzo

I recently had the opportunity to share nearly two days with such a woman. Sandra Yancey, founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork, stopped in Columbus on her tour across North America. As a result of our time together, here are a few of my take-aways:

1. For the first time ever, in 2009 more women were in the workforce than men.
2. Since we’ve been tracking the statistics, January 1, 2010 marked the first time there were more women than men enrolled in college.
3. Women are starting more businesses than men, at the rate of 2 to 1.
4. These statistics show that we’re seeing change in our world. The women included in these statistics are the products of their mothers and fathers who have said that their daughters can have more.

This is all great, but here’s the kicker: With all of this progress, still only 2% of women business owners break one million in revenue. Sandra says that we women stop ourselves from reaching higher because we think:

1. The price is too high for wild success.
2. We must be in control of every last detail.
3. We tell each other we’re “fine” even when we really need help.

What does Sandra say about all of this? “It’s crap.”

What’s more, she says that it’s not up to us to have all the answers. We simply need to know the questions and ask them. We need to focus on the things that make the cash register ring, instead of what she refers to as “administrivia.” Oh, I hear that girlfriend, and I’m making headway! And last but not least, we need to be comfortable with discomfort if we are to grow our businesses.

Now I have heard all of this before, and you probably have as well. But it bears repeating. Hearing it from a new perspective was refreshing to me, so I wanted to take a moment and share it with you in case you also need a quick refresher.

As a result of spending two days with a woman who has created a multi-million dollar business and has a Rolodex that reads like the “who’s who” of the international business world, Hollywood, media and banking, I have gone deeper into my truth and have been further rooted in my purpose. I am getting more and more comfortable with discomfort as the years go by, and I thank Sandra for pointing out to me that that, in fact, is a good thing.

© 2010 Meredith Liepelt, Rich Life Marketing

Meredith Liepelt, President of Rich Life Marketing, offers a free report called “101 Ways to Attract Ideal Clients, Build Your List and Raise Your Profile,” which can be downloaded immediately at www.RisingStarPublicity.com.

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