Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times in the year. Not only is it filled with opportunities to be grateful and eat good food (please pass the sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and stuffing!!), but … [Read more...]
Developing the entrepreneurial mindset in girls
FREE Course
Why should girls learn about entrepreneurship?
We need more conversations that show girls that they want to be girl entrepreneurs! If you want your daughter to be successful – no matter WHAT career path she chooses – you’ll start educating her to think like an entrepreneur.
Let me give you proof about girl entrepreneurship from a recent event.
I’ve delivered a lot of life skills workshops to youth over my career. I teach professional development skills like:
- Interviewing skills
- Personal branding
- How to write a solid resume
- How to market yourself to future employers
- How to engage with alumni from your college
- Why you want network and how to do it with ease
It’s been a great to work with students who are academic powerhouses. These kids are smart! And a delight to work with.
But therein lies the challenge. It doesn’t matter in today’s world how smart you are.
If you can’t tell someone why they should listen to you, your smart skills get you in the door!
You need to be able to speak confidently and talk about your ahas. It’s hard when you are a young person in the midst of experiencing life to share ahas. But communicating like this makes a difference.
Why I teach girl entrepreneurs about sharing their stories
I met a student who I’ve known for years. She has attended one of my workshops regularly and I was excited to learn that she was awarded a scholarship. She was one of 10 other students who would share the stage and express their thanks to the audience.
One by one, each student came to the stage. They fumbled with the mic. Were nervous often with how loud their voice sounded in the mic. And they all said the same script – My name is, I go XYZ School and thank you for the scholarship.
But the student who implemented the ideas that I share? She told a story. She stood out immediately by not resorting to the standard “this is my background and this is why the award means so much” She didn’t rattle off a list of activities.
Instead, she shared a specific story of her high school experience. Explained why that experience really transformed her. Even if you weren’t familiar with the club, you couldn’t help but relate to the “ahas” she had. You were immediately transformed back to high school and how 1 or 2 experiences could shift your entire life.
Can I say not a dry eye in the house?
She created a memorable moment that made it easy for adults to talk to her. I watched several adults share additional opportunities. One person even agreed to interview her for a job opportunity. It was easy for them to talk with her and share more than the prefunctory congrats.
Being able to tell your story will bring opportunities TO you.
This is not a young woman who will be challenged with finding future jobs if she keeps telling her story like this! Rather than having to send out 100s of resumes, she will naturally attract people to her.
I was proud! She was totally rocking out one of the lessons I continually emphasize in my workshops – be memorable in a professional way! I know that EVERY young person can do this. It makes a difference because people can relate and will immediately want to help. Or at least, they will understand why you stand out and what makes you special.
I encourage you to find resources, workshops, activities that promote this activity. Share them with Mom and Daughters and others. And don’t forget to follow this blog for more tips and invite your friends to sign up for the newsletter.
Because I want to see YOUR daughter/mentee on that stage next and leaving the audience wanting more and offering her internships after she speaks!!
3 Easy Ways Your Daughter Can Sell More Girl Scout Cookies
It’s the season for Girl Scout Cookies! My daughter is an active Girl Scout. And this year, I am a co-leader. I’m seriously involved now!!! LOL Luckily, I have a context to Girl Scouts. I was a Scout when I was younger. My Mom believed in girl power and registered me as a Brownie – […]
Curlanistas: Lexi P shares advice to other aspiring young female entrepreneurs
Tell us what inspired your business? My name is Lexi P. I’m an author, independent publisher and motivational speaker. I overcame the struggles and learned how to love my own naturally beautiful coils. Curlanistas are all about being advocates for building self-confidence and empowering teens to find self-esteem through natural beauty. Curlanistas is a natural […]
Girl, wear some red!
A mom and I were talking recently at a networking event about her daughter who was in attendance. She tried to convince her teen to wear something red – instead of her standard black. She knew that it would help her stand out in the crowd. Instead of the standard black suit that most of […]