Can anyone do it??

Duncan Bannatyne and Sahar Hashemi, two of the best known UK entrepreneurs, have both written books entitled 'Anyone Can Do It'.

I'm not sure, my version might be something along the lines of 'Lots of People Can Do It - technically it is possible, but life has a habit of getting in the way' (.com)

What makes the difference between a great idea, gradually buried in boxes in the garage - and a champagne launch followed by exponential success and escape from dreary employment?
Back in 2001, I started a networking group for women in business, in Brighton. Frustrated by the frankly weird attitude of some of the men at the few events I went to, it became a bit of a crusade of mine. Not all the guys of course, but a big enough proportion of the attendees to put me off.

The SWAN Group (Sussex Women's Alternative Networking.....although the Swan image was deliberate, indicating lots of paddling to maintain an outwardly calm appearance) - grew pretty fast. This was an informal group for women in all kinds of businesses, and the mutual support found at our free meetings, was very important to lots of enterprising women.

Over the years, I have seen hundreds of aspiring female entrepreneurs, in all stages of their enterprising projects. Today, very few of those women are running successful businesses.

Some are, and their achievements are fantastic. I applaud them, particularly since my own business ambitions have been thwarted by a number of circumstances, many of my own making!

However, the tide is turning and right now is a great time to think about striking out on your own. See this report from Sky, "More women become entrepreneurs"
http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30400-1315580,00.html

So, here I am again, having semi retired twice, determined to use my experience, and enthusiasm to finally succeed at my latest business project.

The world is my lobster Rodney, and I intend to take advantage of all of the resources out there, and a) Design a business that works around my family and b) Make some money.

There..I've said it, it's in black and white. Perhaps you are in the same situation, or maybe you are doing well and feel that you want to help the rest of us to get past those hurdles, and join the slim ranks of the Successful Female Entrepreneurs club.

Or is it such an exclusive club? What qualifies you for the title anyway?

I am very interested in your stories, and happy to point people in your direction if you have got something to share.

Have you read a great business book recently? Or listened to an inspiring podcast? Share your favourites...

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