The Power of Words in Business

Inspiration can manifest itself anytime, anywhere.  Inspiration came to me yesterday by way of a delightful, Hispanic woman I met named “Chelsea” (a pseudonym, of course).

I shared a table with Chelsea at Au Bon Pain and we cordially struck up a conversation about family, life and our pursuit of happiness.  She courageously spoke of painful difficulties she faced in childhood and how she was able to triumph, despite her obstacles, to become a strong wife, mother and proud grandmother.

When I asked what her passion was in life, she said it was to help others like herself, who have faced abusive situations.  She went on to say that her ultimate goal was to become an art therapist and open a clinic.  Even though she lacks formalized training in this field, she is determined to enroll in a college (having only a high school diploma) and to do whatever it takes to make her dream a reality.   

I savored a lunch consisting of a hearty Baja Turkey sandwich and a small bag of crunchy sea salt chips and continued to listen intently to her every word.  After about an hour we finished our meal, hugged, wished each other continued success and went our separate ways.

What amazed me most about Chelsea was her ability to stay positive throughout our conversation – despite the setbacks, failures and disappointments she encountered in life.  

I have no doubt that Chelsea will be an awesome art therapist, an inspirational mentor, and one day - the owner of a thriving small business.   

She is a hopeful, inspirational, optimistic woman who consciously works to improve her inner being by focusing on personal growth.  The brightest, most successful entrepreneurs continuously strengthen their mindsets in order to effectively weather storms that may pass in business and life. 

So, whether you are an aspiring small business owner or you’ve been your own boss for years, fill your cup with positivity and keep it overflowing!  

Fill your mind with substance.  Fill your heart with determination.  Fill your soul with inspiration.

There’s no better time than right now to be the entrepreneur you’re destined to become.  Below are a few of my favorite inspirational quotes from awesome female business moguls.

"Nobody talks about entrepreneurship as survival, but that's exactly what it is and what nurtures creative thinking. Running that first shop taught me business is not financial science; it's about trading: buying and selling."
- Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop

"I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!"
- Madam C.J. Walker, America's first black female millionaire

“I would like to be remembered as someone who did the best she could with the talent she had.”- J. K. Rowling‏ Harry Potter Fantasy Series

"The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it."
- Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” - Maya Angelou, educator, historian, poet, author

“If you think you can, you can.  And if you think you can’t, you’re right.” - Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

“I believe the choice to be excellent begins with aligning your thoughts and words with the intention to require more from yourself." 
- Oprah Winfrey, business mogul extraordinaire