10 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

For many of you, who are working on starting or growing your own business, understanding the qualities needed to create success is extremely helpful.

The author, president and founder of Palo Alto Software, Tim Berry shares his wisdom in his blog article on the 10 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs.

10 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

1. There's a lot of talk about P-words: passion, perseverance, and persistence. I mistrust all three. A lot of unsuccessful entrepreneurs have them just as much. You have to have some variation on these traits, but you can have all three and still fail. You and I both know people who never made it and never stopped trying. My favorite P-word in entrepreneurship is planning, but that's just me. Stubbornness is good too, even without starting with P.

2. I like empathy, as in understanding how other people think and feel about things. Empathy leads to understanding what the people you sell to want, what they need, how they think, and how to best reach them. It's hard to imagine somebody building a company without being able to put themselves in the buyer's state of mind.

3. A sense of fairness. For dealing with vendors, customers, and employees.

4. Transferable values. This is closely related to the sense of fairness. I just don't see people building businesses without believing in what they're doing.

5. Willingness to work hard, shoulder to shoulder with other people. Cliche, but true: the harder I work, the luckier I get.

6. Knowing what they don't know. To me that's much more important than what you do know.

7. Listening carefully. Shutting up.

8. Vision for what they can build. Imagining a happy future. Dreaming.

9. Making mistakes. You have to deal with failure. Keep pitching.

10. Jumping viewpoints, like from short- to long-term in an instant, mixing those viewpoints together. That's like dribbling, keeping your eyes up while managing the ball at your feet.

So there's 10. Everybody likes lists of 10. Go ahead. Add some more. Make my day.

Written by Tim Berry, from his blog, 'Planning Start-Up Stories'
timberry.com

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Affirmations from Louise Hay

From one of our favorite authors, Louise Hay, we share ten affirmations from her book, "Power Thoughts, 365 Daily Affirmations". Feel free to use any of these to inspire the change you want in your life, or edit to make them your own. Enjoy!

I am constantly moving forward in the direction of my goals.

I am gentle and kind with myself as I grow and change

The joy in my life is overflowing. My life gets better all the time.

I look within to find my treasures.

I fill my home with love.

I take full responsibility for every aspect of my life.

I focus on positive thoughts because the thoughts I think and the words I speak create my experiences.

I view all experiences as opportunities for me to learn and grow.

I am empowered and confident.

I love who I am, and reward myself with thoughts of gratitude.


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Photo by Margalit Ward

Weekly Self-Care

This week in our women’s Get Up Girl Coaching Group we explored how we can take better care of ourselves. We use the term Extreme Self-Care to describe nurturing ourselves in ways that really honors us as women on all levels, – Physically, Mentally, Emotionally and Spiritually.

To clarify a supportive Extreme Self-Care routine, we have the women ask themselves these 3 questions:

1. What are some of the ways I can take better care of myself?

2. What gets in the way of taking good care of myself?

3. What can I incorporate into my weekly routine this week?

During my afternoon walk I thought about these questions again and realized the value of asking them on a regular basis. My life is changing all the time, with new projects, situations, commitments, and what works for me one week, may not the next. When I make the time to re-evaluate what will work for me each week, sometimes daily, I can be flexible with how I fit in the things that support me. Wow, three days of late nights, take-out food and caffeine, I better make some changes in my diet and bedtime or I may be headed for burnout.

Take some time this week to ask yourself the Extreme Self-Care questions above. You can also try asking them and adding each of the levels, Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual at the end of each question. This can support you in creating more balance in your life depending on what’s currently happening in your life.

Once you have answered the last question, “What can I incorporate into my weekly routine this week?” Enter what you decided into your PDA or daily calendar, so you have it written in your schedule, and will see it each day. It's also helpful to make your routine, Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and with a Time-frame.

Taking really good care of ourselves is the foundation for living a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Be flexible with what that means for you so you can find ways that work no matter what shows up in your life. You deserve it!

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Letting Go of Clutter

Personal Organizer Alaia Williams of One Organized Life shares with her fellow Get Up Girls how to rid yourself of unwanted clutter to create peace of mind.

Is it hard for you to let go? Take a look around you. Every single item you see represents your choice to have that item in your life. You either chose to purchase the item, or were given the item and chose to keep it. From your new red sweater to the pile of junk mail on your kitchen counter, every item represents a choice made.

When your life is full of clutter, you might begin to resent all the "stuff" around you. Why do you think that happens? Often it is because you don't LOVE the stuff you are looking at! Maybe the sweater doesn't fit anymore. Maybe it was an impulse purchase that you now regret. Sometimes we purchase too much of a good thing - who really needs five staplers? - because it is much easier to buy the thing we need than find it in the junk yard that has become our home or office. When someone sends a gift or just gives us something we "have to" have, we often feel obligated to keep it "for a little while." Let me tell you, I've met plenty of people whose "little while" is now 5+ years.

Make a choice NOW to change things. Start small. Pick five items around you. If you don't absolutely love the item, find it useful/functional, or it doesn't add beauty to your environment, get rid of it. Ebay, CraigsList, yard sale, trash can. I don't care - let it go. It doesn't matter if you paid $100 for it. If you have the receipt, take it back. No receipt? Ebay or donate it. Your peace of mind is more important than $100.

What items are you holding on to that you need to let go of?

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What Fuels You?

After working at home for two days, I really needed a day out. I took a walk to the Grove and found my way into the Barnes & Noble book store. I spent most of my time visiting the art section, which I had been day dreaming about doing all week. What a treat it was to fill my hungry eyes with a wide variety of beautiful and interesting art. It was like walking through a museum filled with artists of my own choosing. I even discovered some wonderful artists that were new to me.

Later, I wandered into Anthropology for another creative injection of color, texture and form. I love their home, book and stationery selections. I found a great book on happiness called, 'Choosing Happiness', by Alexandra Stoddard, (how fitting for the happy day I was having), and a colorful, fabric inspired box of cards and envelopes, both on sale. My lucky day!

By now, I was beginning to feel the buzz of creative energy flowing through me. I realized how important it is for me to take these excursions for the sole purpose of looking, feeling and enjoying beautiful things, –with no goal in mind, other than enjoying the adventure. Julia Cameron, author of 'The Artist's Way', calls these outings, an Artist Date. It's like planning a play date for yourself. She suggests we partake in this activity every week, as part of a recipe to inspire and support our creativity and nourish our souls.

What fuels you, your creativity and your spirit?
Is it a hike, music, a museum, or a trip to the flea market? I invite you to think about what inspires you, and give yourself the gift of time to enjoy those activities. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time. One hour a week can go a long way. As part of your self-care routine, carve out some time to experience what brings you complete joy. It will be the creative fuel to support you for the week ahead, and may even inspire some new ideas and solutions for other areas of your life.

We would love to hear your ideas on what fuels your creative energy. Let us know at info@getupgirl.org.

"Always leave enough time in your life to do something that makes you happy, satisfied, even joyous. That has more of an effect on well-being than any other factor."
– Paul Hawkin

photos by Margalit Ward
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Self-Care in LA on a Budget

We are always on the lookout for ways to take care of ourselves and affordable services are more important now then ever. We received some amazing deals on services from Daily Candy that we wanted to share with our Get Up Girls. Enjoy!!

What: Score $15 haircuts from high-end stylists and assistants on Academy Training Nights at Neil George Salon.
Why: Ninety percent off ain’t bad.
When: Every other Tues., by appointment only.
Where: 9320 Civic Center Dr., b/t Santa Monica & Beverly Blvds., Beverly Hills (310-385-9332).

What: Stop by Sky Sport & Spa and work out for a ten-spot.
Why: Drop and give them $10.
When: Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 8500 Wilshire Blvd., b/t La Cienega Blvd. & Le Doux Rd., Beverly Hills (310-652-7721).

What: Relax — an hour-long massage will set you back $30 at the Tao Healing Arts Center/Shiatsu Massage School of California.
Why: That’s the rub.
When: Schedule varies. Call for appointment.
Where: 2309 Main St., b/t Strand St. & Hollister Ave., Santa Monica (310-581-0097).

What: Guinea pigs get free (yes! free!) manicures, pedicures, and skin care services at Burke Williams training center.
Why: Ten-fingered discount.
When: Every so often. Call to volunteer.
Where: 8659 Hayden Pl., off Higuera St., Culver City (310-839-5895).

What: Book Marinello Spa Academy for facials starting at $11, waxing at $7, and a V-Day minifacial and makeup sesh for $16.
Why: Hits the spa-t.
When: Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 567 S. Fairfax Ave., b/t Lindenhurst Ave. & W. Sixth St. (323-931-1183).

See you there!

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Eclipse! February 9th

News from our favorite Astrologer, Spiritual Counselor, and Author, Phyllis Firak-Mitz., M.A. She offers her guidance and perspective on how current Astrological events can effect us collectively and individually. Her fresh approach always focuses on how we can use these changes to support and uplift ourselves.


Hello Everyone!

Another eclipse is forming this Monday, February 9th . This time it’s a Full Moon eclipse which signals something quite significant may be coming to coming to light in our personal and collective lives.

Full Moon Eclipses typically bring something to fruition that challenges us to strike a new balance between what can seem like 2 opposing forces. This particular eclipse highlights love and power. Many of us will be called to find new ways to express our love, creative expression, and personal will in ways that create more genuine connection with others.

Each of us will experience this eclipse according to our unique birth chart. The areas it most affects your Sun Sign are listed below.

Eclipses also heighten emotional/spiritual energies. This eclipse is a terrific time to interrupt old patterns and replace them with innovative new strategies. As we do this, the 6th-13th can seem quite “wobbly.” People can change their minds, relationships can push for something different, and issues in need of healing can surface.

A higher perspective is quite possible now. Importantly, I’d advise you to observe the beliefs and reactions that might be running your life. Deeply evaluate if what you hold to be true or take for granted reflects reality now. For many, Monday’s eclipse could trigger disillusionment… but that could lead to an even greater honesty and clarity inside yourself and with others.

Many of you might be amazed at how easy it is to forgive old hurts and judgments so you can move into a new, more creative future. That’s a great way to use any eclipse – especially this one.

Here’s the possible 2 areas Monday’s eclipse might call each Sun Sign to re-balance:

ARIES: Love life/kids and friends
TAURUS: Home/family and career matters
GEMINI: Ideas, contract, travel, education and legal/moral religious ideals
CANCER: Money/values and joint finances, sex/intimacy matters, death, taxes
LEO: Self, appearances and relationships
VIRGO: Unconscious beliefs and work, health, past issues
LIBRA: Friendships and love life/kids
SCORPIO: Career/authority and home/family matters
SAGITTARIUS: Religious, legal, moral ideals and contracts, travel, ideas
CAPRICORN: Money, values and joint finances/taxes/insurance, intimacy/sex
AQUARIUS: Self identity and relationships
PISCES: Beliefs, spiritual matters and work/health

Phyllis is the author of two excellent books on Astrology, 'You’re Every Sign!': Using Astrology’s Keys to Create Success, Love and Happiness; and, Astrology's Secret's to Hot Romance: How to Find True Compatibility and the One That’s Right For You.

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Find Your Inspiration

I am over-the-moon proud of my friend Tracey Cunningham. She recently celebrated the opening of her new Salon, 'Byron and Tracey', in Beverly Hills, hosted by celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe. It was a full-out Hollywood party with publicity cameras, beautiful people, celebrities and Tracey's closest friends and family. It's hard for me not to feel an enormous sense of pride when watching someone I have known for over 10 years build her business on her own, and accomplish such great things. I know how she struggled starting out as a single mom, working very hard, and is now one of the top colorists in the business.

When we first met years ago watching our kids play at our neighborhood park, she had a solid business, working at a prestigious salon. But in the last 10 years she has become a superstar celebrity stylist, endorsing products, and being sought after by the elite entertainment and celebrity crowd. Did I say she worked hard? She did and still does, because she loves what she is doing. I am always impressed by how focused she is at being the best, and determined to make her business succeed.

Tracey is a great example of how with focus and persistence, a woman can overcome challenges and make her dreams come true. I asked Tracey to share some advice for women on what helped contribute to her success.
No matter what you do, believe in yourself, work hard, stay positive, know what you want and go for it. Find your inspiration. Mine was being a good mom and wanting to give my son a great life.


Photos by Margalit Ward
More Photos at www.jamd.com