Sherri Otcenasek

I am truly blessed to share space with amazing women; and they are women I think you should know, so I’ve asked some of them to be a guest on my blog.

Being in business for your self is the best way to create wealth.  However, I’ve found that what is important to most women is not always about creating wealth.  Sometimes it’s because they want to be home with their children and that’s why I asked my friend, Cindy Buccieri of CB Virtual Services to share her story with you.   When we are doing what we love and have the fire inside us, we can move mountains…and still stay true to what’s most important to us…and for Cindy, it’s her family.

This is a guest post provided by Cindy Buccieri owner of CB Virtual Services.

In March of 2011, after years of ignoring the little voice in my head telling me to start my own business, I finally listened to it and opened CB Virtual Services.  My educational background as well as experience is in information science therefore I decided to specialize in social media marketing, Web design and Internet consulting.  I had been lucky enough to be a work at home mom for 11 years doing odd jobs and freelancing but I was ready to be my own boss with the launch of this company.  I started attended networking events but was quickly discouraged.  The evening networking events consisted of small groups of people who already knew each other and didn’t seem interested in “networking” with anyone new.  The addition of alcohol also created an uncomfortable atmosphere as there were several advances made by the men.  I left this event extremely discouraged and ready to throw in the towel.  If this is what I needed to do for my business to be successful, then this wasn’t meant to be.

After 3 months of attending networking events but not making any substantial connections, I was given a business card for the Women’s Prosperity Network (WPN).  I loved the idea of a networking event just for women.  Immediately upon my arrival to the meeting, I was welcomed with open arms.  So many women approached me and wanted to know about me and what I did.  I felt extremely comfortable.  Once the meeting started, I could feel the positive energy emanating in the room.  The mastermind session was great and extremely informative.  When the opportunity to join was announced, I signed up immediately.  Afterwards, I was welcomed to the group with a hug from both Nancy Matthews and Sherri Otcenasek.  It was a great feeling. 

From the moment I joined WPN in July, my business has been in fast forward.  My goal of being able to hire a staff of 5 people is definitely achievable before my one year anniversary.  The lessons I have learned from the WPN mastermind sessions, the coaching from Nancy, Trish, Susan and Sherri, and the connections and relationships I’ve built are the keys to my success.  The members of WPN are wonderful women and I’m proud to call so many of them my friend.

With the launch of my business, I’m able to work from my home so that I can be there when my children come home from school, help them with their homework, comfort them when they are sick, and attend school functions and field trips when they arise.  As Sherri told me once, “you only have your children for 18 summers.”  This is so true and I want to enjoy every moment I have with them and having my own business allows me to do just that.  And thanks to WPN giving me the boost that I needed, I will be able to continue to be there for them.  So with that, thank you WPN, Nancy, Trish, and Susan.  And a special thank you to Sherri.  You have done so much for me and I’m extremely grateful and appreciative.  You’re the best and I am lucky to know you!

Cindy Buccieri
CB Virtual Services
(321) 480-9825
CBVirtualServices.com
Cindy@CBVirtualServices.com

The number of business women has increased drastically in the past few years. Women have proven that they can do more than stay home and raise children. There are few secrets that every woman must know if she wants to be successful in business. Network marketing is a relationship business. It’s about making connections, establishing relationships, coaching, training, teaching and mentoring. I think of it more as building a community…and this type of environment is where women excel. The driving reasons why women build their network marketing businesses are: no glass ceiling, control of their time, and personal growth and development. Women can truly create their own wealth on their terms. What a concept!  Below are some of those secrets.

1.) Successful women in business are confident- Confidence is one of the key factors in succeeding in business. Not only must a woman have confidence in herself, but she must also have confidence in her business. She must believe that her business will succeed. Additionally, successful business women also speak with confidence when she holds meetings.

2.) Successful women in business make the right connections- In the world of business, it is not always about how much you know, but who you know. Networking with the right people will drastically increase one’s chances of succeeding in business. Social media sites and business meetings are two ways that women can meet other business-minded people.  Joining organizations such as the Women’s Prosperity Network will help women build relationships and make business connections.

3.) Successful women in business prioritize- If a woman wants to succeed, she will have to make her business one of her top priorities. This means that several other things may have to take a backseat, but the sacrifice will be well worth it in the end.

Whether your ideas of success are: monetary, time freedom, be home with your children, 5 start vacations or to leave a legacy. I would encourage you to consider a network marketing business. If nothing else it will teach you an attitude of success, communication skills, people skills, time management, overcoming the fear of objections and most importantly it will build your self-esteem and confidence.

When you join a network marketing company, they don’t just give you a track to run on; you are given support, guidance and the help you need to develop the skills and qualities you need to succeed.

When it comes to getting involved in your local community and doing some volunteer work, there are many things that you can do. I feel it’s important to figure out how much time you can donate and what really interests you, before signing up for the volunteer work.

Here are 8 ideas you might want to consider.

1. The Local Library – Contact your neighborhood public library and offer to come in and read books to children. Our library is always looking for a few good volunteers.

2. Community Clean Up Days – Twice a year we help to organize a neighborhood clean-up day. Call your local center to see about a program in your area.

3. Meals On Wheels Programs – Does your area have a local Meals On Wheels Program? If so, call in and offer your help. There are thousands of seniors who need hot and healthy meals delivered to them on a daily or weekly basis.

4. Habitat For Humanity – This is a well-known national program that you can get involved in. You don’t need to be a professional carpenter, painter or plumber. Call them up and get involved.

5. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army – If you have a local chapter in your area, they are always looking for a few good volunteers to do a variety of tasks.

6. Public Parks and Recreations Department – Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? If so, this would be a great group to get involved in. Contact your local agency and see what is available and where they need some help.

7. Local Women’s Center – Your local women’s center such as the Women’s Center South Guild is always looking for new members as well as volunteers to help out in their organization. The Women’s Center strives to address the needs of women by giving them a step up towards safe, healthy, self-sufficient lives. Every day, women come to us without the ability to provide for themselves and their families. These women often are abused and battered, and looking for advocacy, guidance, and support. To learn how to you lend a hand or become a member, contact the Women’s Center South Guild at http://www.womenscenterinbrevard.org.

8. Local Hospitals – The majority of hospitals across the nation have some type of volunteer program. Hospitals need volunteers to help transport patients around the hospital, to bring deliveries of balloons and flowers to the patient’s rooms, deliver the newspaper and other helpful…but small tasks.

Because my interests are helping women, I found the Women’s Center Guild was a great fit for me. The Guild is the fundraising arm of the Women’s Center; not only have I helped raise money for the Center, I’ve made new friends, too. Whether you have time or money to donate, they are both needed, especially now with the state of our economy. It’s so important to give back and to pay it forward. I came across this quote that I think sums it up about giving back. “Volunteers aren’t paid because they’re worthless; it’s because they’re priceless.”

I encourage you to find a charity or organization that aligns with your passion or your gifts. You really can make a difference in your community even if it’s only one person at a time.

There was a time not so long ago when it was considered rare to find women in business. Today, more and more women are empowering themselves, starting businesses, and leveling the playing field with the men of the business world. Most women in business share common traits that help them become and remain successful. Below are a few of those traits.

Setting and Achieving Goals

Almost all successful women in business share the common trait of setting goals and then achieving those goals. Goals consist of anything you intend on doing and that you will strive to meet. By setting clear goals for yourself, you will give yourself a vote of confidence that helps to improve your overall business sense and drive.

Keeping Priorities Straight

It’s all too easy to get excited about something that leads you off the track of your goals. By keeping your priorities in order, you will keep your path leading to your ultimate goals. If you start to sway or stray from the path you are on, then you could run the risk of losing focus and eventually missing out on opportunities.

Time Management Skills

Smart women in business have great skills when it comes to managing their time. If you dedicate too much time to any one thing, other things get neglected. Dividing your time between the goals of your business will help you meet your goals more efficiently and within a reasonable amount of time. Great time management skills go a long way to help you work on the tasks that need you the most.

Overcome Challenges

Women who decide to become part of the business world need to overcome unique challenges. As a woman, the world is still biased and will not treat you fairly in a lot of instances. You are often forced to prove yourself where a man may not need to. You need to remain strong and capable, while also staying emotionally in line with yourself. By making yourself aware of challenges before they take place, you put yourself at an advantage over other businessmen and women. Every challenge you pass is another step closer to making your mark.

Take Time to Relax

Every once in a while, it’s good for a woman to take time out to pamper herself. Go to a spa, have a bubble bath, or simply take time off to spend with family or take a vacation if you need to. A little rest and relaxation can go a long way to recharging your batteries to take on new work challenges. You can also make time to connect with like-minded women at monthly Women’s Prosperity Network (WPN) meetings.  To learn more about WPN and to register for their monthly Mastermind luncheons, visit http://www.wpnglobal.com.

Women in business have many unique challenges that they must overcome in order to be successful. The traits above are some things that almost every successful business woman possesses. By knowing what these traits are, you can work toward making them part of your daily routine, and you will quickly notice some big things happening on your horizons as a business professional. When you’re ready to take on the world, do not hesitate, and move forward with the confidence you know is within you.

Things have changed over the years, now more than ever before more women are in the work force and starting their own business. Many have realized that networking is one key to the success in their business and it can easily be done. When people know someone and are aware of the business or product they have to offer, they are more likely to refer their business to others and or do business with them as well. With so many networking tools on the internet available to you, there are more opportunities now than ever to meet people and let your business be known.

Women’s groups such as the Women’s Prosperity Network (WPN) are a great way to network for your business as well as meet new people that you normally would have never met. Woman’s groups are available in your local community and throughout the world. Once you are involved in the groups you will find that there will be people with your same interest and very similar goals. In these groups you exchange ideas, resumes and business cards. Additionally, most groups provide resources to help you and some even teach career strategies to better help you succeed. Women who have joined these groups have had a much higher success rate than trying to promote their business alone.

When I started my home based business I quickly ran out of my “warm market”. Had it not been for networking communities like BNI (Business Network International) and WPN I would still be struggling to find people to talk to. Not only did I meet like-minded people, I learned how to network, too. I’m sure you’ve all been hit by the “card bomber”, right? They’re the people that have a pocket full of business cards and go around the room passing them out. If only they knew, nine times out of ten…those cards are thrown in the trash. Such a waste! I think we would all be far more effective if we left our cards at home. We need to be genuinely interested it what other people are doing; not necessarily what they do, but what they like to do for fun, do they have kids, where are they from, etc? Remember it’s not about you, but if you’re conversation is sincere and engaging…I promise you will be remembered!

To learn more about my favorite networking groups go to their websites:  www.wpnglobal.com and www.bni.com