Below is a letter from a reader along with my response.
When you build your business, your foundation is you.

Hello Gladys, I enjoy your articles and am planning to buy your book. It sounds like just what I need at this point. I opened a home-based cruise agency in January but also work full-time in a drug and alcohol treatment center. I was hoping to get the business off the ground and profitable before quitting my job, but I am finding that I am too drained of energy after a full day at work and also lack the quality time I need to really work the business the way I want. I'd like to quit now or at least drop to part-time. I don't have anyone to help me with the bills and my job provides me with medical insurance for my 16-year-old-son and myself. Can you give me any advice as to how to begin to achieve my goals? I am really motivated for this business!
-Irma

Hello Irma,
Welcome to the world of female entrepreneurs! According to the National Foundation of Women Business Owners, we are 9.1 million strong and counting.

Life is the sum total of its parts, and to maintain balance, look at life as a whole instead of its parts. Twenty-four hours a day think of yourself as an innovative, self-confident, forward-moving woman in business who is taking scarce resources (time or money) and developing prosperity. This mindset will make you more productive in your day job and prepare you for an easier transition to a full-time business owner.

To grow your business you will need plenty of energy. If you are drained at the end of your work day, take a closer look into your lifestyle. The body gets tired when it's been tense all day, so take time for relaxation. Also, check your diet and make sure you are eating for fuel - not just to feel full. Include more grains and vegetables and less fried and processed food. I know, it's tough, especially when you hear Krispy Kreme donuts calling your name. Three or four days a week give yourself the gift of physical exercise with deep breathing and movement. There are a number of ways to rev up your energy: yoga, chi gong, Tai Chi, and pilates, to name a few. You'll feel lighter, healthier, more alert and energized when the body is in balance. When you're organized inside, everything outside will go much better.

Let the business serve as an opportunity to enhance your son's development to maturity. Give him a job with the agency and let him share in the process of business development. He can be helpful with mailings, computer work, book reservations, and brochure development. Pay him a commission for each sale he makes to encourage him to talk up your business in school, church and other activities he's involved in. Cruise companies offer one free space for every 15 booked; use this as an incentive to encourage clubs, churches and organizations to gather their members together for a cruise.

Cruise clients are working people who make reservations during their lunch breaks, after work and on weekends. Use this information to put technology to work for you. Set up a Web site with e-mail capability so potential clients can send you cruise requests over the Internet. Some companies on the Internet provide free Web space if you want to build an E-store. Check with your Internet service provider to find out if they offer free web site space, most do. This move would expose your business to thousands of people daily while you're working. Also, visit the various bulletin boards on the Internet designed for entrepreneurs and don't forget to check out other cruise agency companies that have web sites.

And finally, keep in mind that you can achieve your goals if you remember to trust in your intuition and believe in yourself first. All else is secondary

Get more great advice from Gladys,[ CLICK FOR ARCHIVES OF HER COLUMNS]