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Smart Women Take Risks in 2008

Written by: Joy Chudacoff

Article Overview: Remember Risk? I wrote about taking risks recently and it really hit a nerve with many women. If you set a goal that’s achievable, it will create positive change in your life over the next 90 days, and you will be more fulfilled on your journey in 2008.

Smart Women Take Risks in 2008

Remember Risk? I wrote about taking risks recently and it really hit a nerve with many women. Women were emailing me, stopping me in the grocery store, on the street in my community. And you know what each of them said? “How did you know?” “You were talking about me, weren’t you?” Well, yes and no. I was referring to what all people go through when dealing with the thought of change, transition, and risk (including me!).

Webster’s dictionary refers to risk as “the possibility of loss, or take a chance.” This morning I realized that a few things are happening today that created that feeling of risk for me. My 7 year old son Jack, was to leave on a snow-boarding trip today---his first. My son has never gone that far with anyone other than his family---Risk. Snowboarding—fun, adventure—Risk of injury. I am making some big changes in my business this year. I’m excited about all of the possibilities. I’m also taking a chance---a Risk.

As a mother and an entrepreneur, I am feeling risk on both levels. So what if I decide that it’s too risky to let my son go snowboarding—now what? He doesn’t get to experience something new that he may really enjoy. What if I decide it’s too risky to make changes to my business to promote growth and continue the work that I love? I was fortunate to have a business mentor in my life for many years and he used to tell me something that sounds simple, but very powerful: “If you want things in your life to change, then you have to change.” In order for things to change, you need to allow new ways of being to come into your life. A simple phrase but powerful in meaning. For most of us, we spend time asking the question, “What’s going to happen if I take this risk, make this change?” I would like to invite you to consider another question (the one I now use). “What is going to happen if I don’t take this risk, make this change?” Well I can tell you a secret: If you keep doing what you have always done, you will get what you have always had.

Another wise woman once told me that “the slightest shift can create the greatest outcome.” If you set a goal that’s achievable, it will create positive change in your life over the next 90 days, and you will be more fulfilled on your journey in 2008.

What are you willing to change this year? What are your goals and what are the risks associated with those goals? In my Women’s Circles, we talk about finding our passion, making plans and taking “calculated risks.” It’s about how we plan to take the risk that’s really the key. It’s important to give yourself the space to explore what you really want to change in your life and then seek alternatives to see which one is the best fit for you.

By the way, my son went on the snow-boarding trip and……he loves it!

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Article Tags: business mentor, dictionary, entrepreneur, grocery store, nerve, new ways, phrase, possibilities, risk, snow boarding, taking a chance, transition, webster, wise woman, women women



Related Forum Posts
Re: History of Women in Business in the United States - Yes. Women have increasingly made positive economic contributions to society and their position is being recognized more and more as seen on the Forbes List of Executive Women. In general, women can be a bit more practical in their approach as entrepreneurs too.
A ton of Great Women - You might want to profile Teresa Cascioli of LakePort Brewery. She has an amazing story! I met her at at the celebratory luncheon for the Profit/Chatelaine Top 100 Women Business Owners. The Top 100 list is also a great resource for inspirational stories of Women Entrepreneurs.
Re: Are entrepreneur women more organized than men? - Women are generally more organised than men. They have good instincts more than men. Women are generally aggressive when it come to business. You don't want to mess up with them.
Re: Are entrepreneur women more organized than men? - The issue of women being more organized than men is true, start from you home, just see how messy the boys are. Women are also very cautious, unlike men who take any risk, a woman will analyze the risk first. Women are also go getter when it comes to business, once they make their mind, then they go for it.
Re: Why aren't there more women entrepreneurs? - My opinion on this (being a women, and being disabled), is; Women in general like security. Women are the caretakers, in general. In the work environment we are the one to have children. We are the ones who leave work to do this. We deal with a stigma that we are bad mothers if we work, but we are a bad mother if we do not work. I feel there is no way a man could ever understand this. Sure they can try, and some do a good job of it, however they truly do not understand. How could they?? Being a entrepreneur is throwing cation to the wind. It takes believing in yourself. It takes a women who can have someone say no, put us down or just plan old negativity and for us to turn it around. Women who can do this are called names, while men in the business world are just expected to have a thick skin. Studies show in the work environment that women are more apt to be bullies. Women are more apt to turn on each other. We expect more out of each other. Many women also use the work environment to socialize and to find a mate. Men and women are not created equal. Once we understand this and take what we are and "run" with it; the better all of us will be. Women business owners, women entrepreneurs are still considered a minority. Since there are more women then men in this world, some day this will turn around. This too is why men need to protect themselves and keep us under some kind of control. What bothers me to no end is when women give in to the mans world using sex as a selling tool. We need strong women leaders, not those who use their bodies as a step up. This is just my opinion on this subject.


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