If you have a deal you’d like Tory to consider, tell us about it today.  And, on the flip side, if you’d love to save big on something, let us know and Tory will try to track it down, especially if enough people want it! ]]> http://womenforhire.com/advice/do-you-have-a-deal-for-tory/feed/ 0 http://womenforhire.com/advice/3-tidbits-for-you-from-tory-johnson/ http://womenforhire.com/advice/3-tidbits-for-you-from-tory-johnson/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:41:08 +0000 Tory Johnson http://womenforhire.com/?p=11300 Hey everyone—hope you had a great weekend and are ready for a wildly successful week ahead. A few quick things:

1) Free Business Plan Help for You

You responded big time when I asked if you’d be interested in a free course to build your simple business plan in a week. So let’s do it. We’ll start on Monday, May 2 — and by Friday, May 6, you’ll have a solid plan of your very own. This is my gift to you because plans don’t have to be complicated — and a lack of a focused plan shouldn’t hold up your success any longer.

To participate in this free week–long activity with me online, just do two things:

A) Post a note letting me know YOU’RE IN on www.facebook.com/Tory. Include a line or two about your top challenge around business planning. I’ll read them all as I prep for our group sessions.

B) Subscribe to my Spark & Hustle email newsletter by clicking here. You may be on the Women For Hire list, which is wonderful, but since this initiative focuses on starting and growing your own small business, we’ll send instruction each day through that list only. You must be on that list to receive the notes and direction from me on this exciting week–long initiative.

I’m very excited about this because it’s the first time we’ve done something like this — and it’s an easy way for me to serve your needs as a thank you for being here. I want to help you get moving on your goals — and this is our start!

2) Washington, DC Career Expo

If you’re in the Washington, DC area, I hope we’ll see you at Wednesday’s Women For Hire expo. It’s our fifth and final of the season where we’ve secured the most diverse and strongest employer line–up, plus a wide range of power seminars, mentor match, interview help and more. Details at www.womenforhire.com.

3) Look Who’s Talkin’ about Spark & Hustle

I was blown away — still am — by how beautifully the mission and spirit of Spark & Hustle is captured in this Inc. piece on our conferences. Among my favorite excerpts:

Toward the end of the Chicago event, one attendee stood up to thank Johnson and her team for providing an authentic experience without the anticipated ulterior motive. “All weekend long, I was looking for the ‘hustle’ in the Spark and Hustle,” she confessed, “but it never came!” There is no upselling or big sales pitch at Johnson’s events. Not even the speakers are invited to sell their wares. Tory believes that women are investing in Spark and Hustle for a solution, not a series of thinly veiled sales presentations. And her events reflect that belief. This experience is genuine; the real thing. And so is Tory Johnson.

Please take a moment to read the whole piece — and the share it with women who you believe would benefit from attending one of our conferences.

We have just three remaining events on the tour:

We have ample scholarship funding available in Boston and Orlando, so if you need a bit of financial help to make it possible to attend, apply now. It goes quickly, so don’t delay. We’re ready to do what we can to make it possible for you to attend.

You’ll find the details here or you can contact Alex Hall at 212–290–2600.

Make it a great week!
Tory Johnson

So said Candi Carter at Spark & Hustle Chicago. She’s the founder of It’s Hip Hop Baby, a video and audio product line for toddlers that she started as a side business while working full–time as a senior producer for the Oprah show. Candi’s message: You can always carve out time for the stuff that you’re determined to accomplish.  Wake up earlier, stay up later, figure out how to make it happen.

(She also said, “If you’re sleeping in, you’re sleeping on your dreams.” I really needed that this week when I’m going on Day 9 of waking up before 5am in a hotel room in another time zone.)
Another gem from our conference in the Windy City: “Be more concerned about people listening to you than worrying about them stealing from you.”

That came from Ross Kimbarovsky, co–founder of crowdSpring, encouraging attendees to share more of their ideas without fear of having them ripped off. When we keep everything so close to the vest, we miss opportunities for feedback and engagement on our ideas.

(Ross also shared 10 tips for improving your email marketing—including one tip that’s relevant well beyond that topic. Read it here.)

One of my all–time favorite Spark & Hustle moments was captured in just 11 seconds. Watch it and try not to smile.

In all honesty, what makes me smile most is playing even a small part in the success of so many of the women I’m privileged to serve through our events, on television and even on Facebook.

To THANK YOU for being here with us, we have a fun giveaway today on my Facebook page with goodies courtesy of our friends at Knock Knock. (If you were with us in Los Angeles, you met their fabulous CEO Jen Bilik.)

Here’s all you have to do: Visit my Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Tory and answer the question of the day. There’s no right or wrong: It’s YOUR thoughts that we’re looking for.

By the time I arrive in Atlanta tonight (I’ll be there for Thursday’s Women For Hire expo at the Cobb Galleria, where I hope to see you too) after the Dallas Women For Hire event, I’ll review all responses and award our winners! (We’ll also give away several 50–packs of customized business cards from Moo.com. They’re my favorites and I’d love for you to have them too.)

Hope you’re having a GREAT week. I’m rooting for you.
Tory Johnson

P.S. Need free help writing a business plan in plain English? Several people have asked my team and me to walk them through a step–by–step simple process to create a basic business plan. One step per day for a week. Would you be interested in participating in this free activity online with us? If so, what issues are you most hung up on that you’ll want addressed? Please visit www.Facebook.com/Tory and you’ll see the post on this topic. Add your comments there so we keep the thread in one place, which will enable us to truly serve your specific needs. This will be fun to launch.

Nine out of 10 nights away from home not only requires skillful packing, but a whole lot of planning to tend to the needs of my family too. Slightly frazzled would be a polite way of describing my mood.

Given that, it’s entirely possible that I was easily insulted by a conversation yesterday with a friend. In other words, my reaction probably had more to do with me being a bit “frantic” than her being rude. Still, I decided to share this because it caused me to uncover the “secret” behind all I am doing here.

This is what happened:

My pal was clicking through pages on SparkandHustle.com and watching the testimonial videos, all of which had been recorded by participants at our conferences and by clients I work with privately or in small groups. After several minutes, she asked, “So, if these women are for real, what’s your secret?”

Now, it wasn’t so much the question as it was the sarcasm behind it: IF these women are for real? IF?! (Thanks, “friend.”)

First, never before had I realized how some others may perceive the success stories coming out of Spark & Hustle. Were they real? Yes, of course they’re real! And no, they are not coached or scripted.

When I watch at the videos, as well as the dozens of others that we don’t post, I admit I’m amazed. Humbled may be an even better word. Even as they credit my vision of Spark & Hustle for their big wins and breakthroughs, I know the truth.

The truth is I’ve never doubted the authenticity of these testimonials for two reasons: One, I know these women and I know the hustle they’re putting into their work each and every day. And two, the women coming to Spark & Hustle are different.

Different because they arrive better equipped to succeed than anyone else who stayed home or vowed to be part of Spark & Hustle “next year.” They’re not different because it was easy for them to show up. (Showing up is, after all, still more than half the battle! No economic condition will ever change that.)

Plenty had to arrange child or elder care or barter a friend’s frequent flyer miles to make the trip or share a room with someone they hadn’t yet met to make the conference “doable” for them. Some even received partial scholarships to supplement their own investment in the conference.

No matter what the hurdles or hardships, before the conference even began, they made the decision that:

So, the women attending Spark & Hustle are no “ordinary” women expecting ordinary results. They arrive decided, hopeful, confident, expectant, and ready to take action.

That’s why our testimonials make sense. That’s the secret behind their success. It’s THEM. It’s what they bring and the decisions they make BEFORE we ever meet. Once they arrive, of course, we deliver what we promise: Real Solutions. Apply–Now Strategies. Support. Accountability. Community. Realistic Encouragement. We deliver the (exactly) HOW to their already strong decision to succeed.

Still, there will be far more women who will not make the decision to attend. They will also know that something has to change, but they won’t take an active role in changing it. They will not reach out to others who can help them along the way. They’ll keep “thinking about” attending and “thinking about” changing until it’s too late.

And, their “stories” will be much different — much more in line with that “4 out of 5 businesses fail” mentality. Not because they didn’t meet me or attend my events, but simply because they remain stuck in waiting, indecision and inaction.

So, are the testimonials coming out of Spark & Hustle real? You bet they are. Real decision. Real sweat. Real hustle. And, of course, real results!

If you’re ready to join us in Chicago, Boston, Orlando or Atlanta, let’s make it happen now. Let’s figure out how to bust the barriers standing in your way to get you to Spark & Hustle. NO BARRIERS — JUST RESULTS. Right now.

No matter where you are or what your circumstances, I believe strongly in YOUR ability to make the changes necessary to get the results you want. Make it a hugely productive week!
Tory Johnson

P.S. If you’re more interested in PRIVATE or SMALL GROUP work, there are a few remaining slots to work with small business coach Michelle Pippin and me the week of April 25. It’s rare that I have openings for one–on–one work, so I’m particularly excited to roll up my sleeves to work with you individually or in a small group session (depending on your program preference). Michelle and I will help you develop an immediate action plan that drives results where you need them most. It’s a short term, month–long Profit Partner Program to dig into the nitty gritty necessities to move the needle and build your bottom line. Email me at tory@sparkandhustle.com with details on your business and your most pressing challenges to see if you’re an ideal match. If you’re serious about making the commitment, don’t delay locking in your spot since the opportunity is limited.

My daughter Emma talks frequently about her BFFs. You know, those best friends forever—the ones girls can’t live without.

I’m proud of her close-knit relationships with a core group of pals. They support and encourage one another, which is a great relief to me at a time when we could just as easily be living through teen drama. Everyone, no matter what her age, should have someone—or a few someones—they can count on personally.

Yet friendship gets a bad rap when some people think about Spark & Hustle.  We often get comments from prospective attendees who say, “I don’t want to invest that kind of money to sit around and make more friends. I have plenty of friends and certainly don’t need another.”

We couldn’t agree more. In fact, that’s exactly why I coined the term BBF. It stands for business best friends.

I know the women who attend our events don’t need more shopping buddies or gossip pals.  But all of us can use more people who’ll champion our professional success. And that’s exactly what you get at every Spark & Hustle event.

I’m savoring every email we’re receiving about the BBFs that have originated at our events:

- One attendee is close to a book deal based on an introduction to a publisher by another attendee

- A speaker landed a $10,000 client through a referral from an attendee

- Two speakers are collaborating on major distribution deals for their respective companies

- One attendee generated more than $7,500 in business from other attendees and their referrals who had to have her service

These are just a few examples from the last month alone.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your BFF, pack your bags and travel together to share expenses, and come to a Spark & Hustle conference to make lots of new BBFs.  You’ll both be glad you did.

Let us know how we can help accommodate your participation. Call Alex Hall at 212.290.2600 or complete our scholarship application online.

And, who knows, maybe you and I will become BFFs and BBFs—a winning combination.

See you soon!
Tory Johnson

1) Join us Thursday in New York for Women For Hire. Top employers, great seminars, candid feedback on your pitch, interview practice, mentor match, resume critiques and more.

2) Next week all eyes are on Chicago. Women For Hire in Chicago on Wednesday at the Navy Pier with top employers, great seminars, candid feedback on your pitch, interview practice, mentor match, resume critiques and more.

3) Spark & Hustle Chicago is next Thursday to Saturday. FINAL chance for SCHOLARSHIP assistance. Meet the co–founder of VERA BRADLEY who’ll kick it off, plus 20+ super smart speakers, engaging activities and a whole lot of surprises. The Windy City is where you want to be to get that hustle on.

4) Two minutes of advice from SurePayroll CEO Michael Alter from our New York event. WATCH.

5) Tumblr! I spent the day with the founder of the popular microblogging site—and I’m convinced that every small business should have a Tumblr blog. I’ve incorporated mine on the Spark & Hustle site. Check it out there and click to follow me if you have a Tumblr account. I have zero technical skill and I’ve had a blast playing around with the site—it’s my work in progress.

6) Annoying co–workers? A few years ago, I did a segment for Good Morning America on the self–proclaimed most annoying workplace. Workers were happy to vent their frustrations and pet peeves about one another, and it helped to wipe the slate clean. Now I’m looking for another office to profile where workers will speak openly about what bugs them among the cubicles. If your office is the ideal place to profile, please let me know right away.

7) Private coaching: Need one–on–one help to grow your small business dreams? Email us at info@sparkandhustle.com for details on the individual and small group programs that small business coach Michelle Pippin and I have planned for the week of April 25. Less than 20 slots total. Early bird savings ends 3/31.

8 ) Are you talking to me on Facebook? If you have not already “liked” my Facebook page, please do so now! This is the easiest place for us to chat among our community. While you’re there today, please share your proudest professional moment from this week.

9) You joining us in BOSTON, ORLANDO or ATLANTA? Hard to believe that after next week, only three Spark & Hustle conferences remain on the spring tour. We have generous scholarship funds and student and active duty military (and spouse) discounts, so now is your time to commit to attending. Let’s hustle together.

10) MEDIA: How important is generating media coverage to you and your small business? We’ve been inundated with requests to plan an intensive program that’s focused only on building media connections by introducing attendees face to face with top producers, bookers, writers, editors and reporters at the biggest print and TV outlets. Please email info@sparkandhustle.com to tell us if media coverage is important to you—and, if so, how serious you’ve been in securing coverage and what type of contacts would you personally want to meet? This is of course a topic that’s near and dear to me—and if we’re going to launch a program to meet your needs, I want to hear from more of you on what you want.

12) P.S. After New York tomorrow, here’s the schedule of upcoming free Women For Hire career expos: Chicago 4/6, Dallas 4/12, Atlanta 4/14 and Washington, D.C. 4/20. Hope to see you at one of them.

It’s not too late to buckle down and achieve all good things this week. When the weekend comes, I want you to feel great about the stuff you made happen.

I’m rooting for your success.
Tory Johnson

Hey everyone! A few things I want to share quickly…

Tumblr!
My daughter says I must be on Tumblr, so I just started a blog there. (If you’re thinking of starting a blog, there is no easier platform to use. This is the ideal solution for you, so do it today.) If you have an account, please follow our Tumblr account where we’ll provide live updates, photos, tidbits, everything from every Spark & Hustle event—hopefully in real time!

Private Profit Programs
I’ve (finally!) blocked a full week in my schedule — one of the only times when I’m actually in New York for more than two consecutive days — for my private programs with my good friend Michelle Pippin. For simplicity, they’re often referred to as “coaching” programs, but I’m not a “business coach” trained in a classroom or textbook. As you know, for 12 years I’ve been a business owner who started at zero in 1999. I built a multimillion–dollar business from Day One and Dollar One on my own. I developed a solid national media platform. I wrote a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. I’ve built a database of more than 200,000 followers and my live events are attended by more than 25,000 women every year.

Like many of you, I dropped out of college and I’ve never taken a business course. Instead, I’ve figured it out in the trenches—just like you.

Today one of my greatest pleasures is understanding the challenges faced by other small business owners with the sole goal of guiding them to grow their bottom line based on their definition of financial success. I’m asked regularly to accept private clients, which I’m only able to do at select times each year given my workload.

I’m thrilled that Michelle and I can roll up our sleeves together to work with women who want individual, focused help. If history is any indicator, the spaces for the programs during the week of April 25 will fill quickly. If you’re interested in private work with us, send me an email at tory@sparkandhustle.com. Share details about your business challenges and what kind of concentrated help you’re ideally looking for. Michelle and I will get back to you immediately to determine if there’s a strong fit where we can serve your needs.

Free Teleconference Call
Please join me Monday for 20 minutes (I say 20, but I always talk for 30…this time I’m going to stick to it, I promise!) when I share some of the big lessons I’ve learned — and a gigantic professional disappointment that’s really bugging me — from the Spark & Hustle National Tour.

I’m bursting with ideas, advice and a wee bit of madness — and I’m letting it all out on this call, which I’m expecting will fire you up to go make big things happen!

Monday, March 21
1PM ET or 8PM ET
Call–in number: (712) 432–0075
Access code: 187482

Please email rsvp@sparkandhustle.com to indicate the time you’ll call so we open enough phone lines. You will NOT receive a reminder or confirmation, so be sure to dial–in at your designated time.

Until then, I’ll see you on my Facebook page. Send me a quick post there to tell me about your BEST display of a “no barriers, just results” action you’ve taken this week. And don’t forget to check back often. I’ll be giving away free stuff on my wall every week. Look out for our contest questions — the best responses will win some of my favorite products!

Thanks for being here.
Tory Johnson

Last week after several live TV segments, all of which I used to spotlight the successes of other women, I received a slew of emails and more than just a few phone calls from people asking what it would take for me to promote them.

• I bragged about Shameeka Ayers and her alter ego The Broke Socialite, a brand she created to help others with champagne tastes and beer budgets to live the good life.  When we first met, Shameeka and I hit it off so wonderfully that she affectionately dubbed me the White Shameeka and swore that I must be her sister from another mother – hence the t-shirt I had printed and then modeled as a surprise for her.

• I touted Cindy Morrison’s ability to turn her mess into her message, then more importantly, her book into a business.  She self–published Girlfriends 2.0, held 32 signings in one month and sold more than 1,000 copies in that time. But she was exhausted and broke because she was giving away all of her time and talent for free.  I convinced Cindy that it’s not only ok—but, essential—to profit from her expertise, and today she has a thriving business teaching social media that’s relatable and drives results.

• I shared Vivian Tenorio’s challenges as a teen mom, young wife and high school dropout, which never stood in her way of getting her Signature Flan on the shelves of 170 Whole Foods and other gourmet markets nationwide because she opted to make her own rules and forge her own smallbusiness path.

Why these women? Why have they captured my attention?

I met all three face–to–face at Spark & Hustle events. They wowed me from the moment we connected.  Not only did they have great ideas, but more significantly, they’re serious hustlers.

Some people need drugs and alcohol to experience a high, but I don’t drink and my drug of choice is soaking up and studying the awe–inspiring success of other women.  I love putting the spotlight on them, not simply because they deserve it, but to enable others to learn from—and emulate—their particular path to profit.

In fact, I ended my last conference in Tulsa a few weeks ago by reminding every participant in the room that I expected big things from them because I need great material.

While they laughed, it wasn’t a joke.  My mission at the upcoming Spark & Hustle conferences is to meet many more incredible women who I’m expecting will share with me what they’re doing and how they’re doing it so I can use my platform to celebrate their successes.

Let me be clear: I’d love the opportunity to meet you too—to learn what you’re up to, to hold your products, to experience your services, and to get up close and personal to understand what makes you tick.

Then I want to be able to brag about you to anyone who’ll listen!

Please consider registering now for a Spark & Hustle conference—we have six major events in the weeks and months ahead, and the majority of attendees travel from all over the country to participate.  If you don’t see your city on the list, instead of waiting and wondering if we’re ever coming your way, make a plan now to pack your bags and come to us.

Bring your best game—or bring the pieces you’re hoping to put together so we can help create something that’s brag–worthy.  I like a work–in–progress as much as I adore an already–made–it story.

I’m counting on you to give me fresh material to talk about to the world!

Where will I see you?

Tory Johnson

P.S. Take a look at this sensational new video celebrating small business champion Jack Nadel, who, along with hiswife Julie, funded our most generous Spark & Hustle scholarship program.  Watch and apply today.

And to watch the full TV segments where I promoted the three women I mentioned above, click here to watch Fox News and The Talk on CBS.

I just returned from Tulsa, Oklahoma where we had a terrific Spark & Hustle Conference. It was the second stop on the Spark & Hustle National Tour and it was riddled with challenges, obstacles and setbacks.

After arriving a day early to beat the winter storm, we realized that every detail of our conference had been threatened by weather. Securing food, heat, and even warm water at our host hotel proved to be more challenging than anyone could have expected. Packages with materials didn’t arrive on time and some people were literally snowed in. So when kicking off the conference, my entire team was frazzled to say the least. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wonder at one point, “How in the world will we pull this one off?“

The first thing sales expert Kristine Sexter said as she took the stage was, “You will make of yourself what you will make of yourself.“ I wrote it down, but I tweaked it to read, “You will make of this event what you will make of this event. “I knew it was true. This event—like every other event, like every career path, like every business journey—regardless of external circumstances would be what we made it. Immediately, I knew every participant, including me, was in for an amazing weekend. Nobody would be disappointed.

Day after day, my speakers stood up to challenge everyone in the room, encouraging them to have a big vision and, of course, equipping them with each and every tool they need to make it a reality. We covered the what, why, where and how. In fact, that was the second most popular response we heard from the participants, “Everything you shared was so practical that I know I can take it home and immediately take action.“

Perfect, because that’s my three–step plan: Dream. Decide. Do. (The MOST popular response is below.)

As our speakers stood up and bravely revealed their own stories, shortcomings, failures, doubts, and then, of course, what they did anyway, our participants followed suit. With tears pouring from my eyes, I remember each one of them sharing where they’ve been and declaring where they will go regardless of whatever may come against them.

I’m so humbled to be at the helm of what I now know will be a movement, and not simply a tour or conference. The magnitude of this is just hitting me—and I’m not going to blow it.

This Wednesday please join me for 30 minutes for a free call so I can share with you exactly what I’ve personally learned from the first two stops on the Spark & Hustle tour. Things that I learned for the first time, things I needed to be reminded of, and things that change my business.

Dial in this Wednesday, February 16 at 1PM ET or 8PM ET for 30 minutes.

Call in number: 712–432–0075
Participant code: 187482

Please send an email to rsvp@sparkandhustle.com with your preferred time in the subject line so we know how many lines to make available. You will NOT receive a confirmation or a reminder, so be sure to keep these numbers handy for Wednesday when you’ll dial in.

Regardless of what you’re hustling after, please remember that I’m rooting for you. Wishing you a LOVELY week.

Tory Johnson

P.S. The MOST popular response in both Los Angeles and Tulsa was this: “It was so much more than I ever could have expected.“ If you are thinking about attending, but haven’t made up your mind, we’d love for you to connect with those who can tell you exactly what it’s like and what you’ll walk away with. Find participants on Twitter under the conversation hashtag #sparkandhustle. You can also find lots of chatter on Facebook.com/Tory.

Read what they have to say and reach out to anyone privately to get the full scoop. I feel sure any one of the nearly 400 participants of the first two conferences would be willing to spend a few minutes describing the event and answering your questions.

Then take a look at the unbeatable line–up of speakers at the March events in New York, Dallas and Chicago. We’re not aiming for pampered superstars; we’re bringing you the people in the trenches who’ve created their own enviable successes and are joining us to teach you how to do it too.

Scholarship assistance is available to help with a portion of the registration fee. Nobody gets a free ride; everyone must invest in herself. Based on your submission, your financial need and the availability of funds for your desired location, which is determined largely by the volume of requests, we’ll award up to half the fee in scholarship assistance to accommodate your attendance.

Visit www.sparkandhustle.com for details.

My daughter Emma begged me to bring home Bethenny’s autograph, but signatures are boring and oh-so-2010. So I had the Real Housewives star make my girl a video greeting instead. Click to watch it. I scored a lot of points for this one! What a blast, but it was hard to take my mind off my flight, which was to take off just a couple hours later.

Anyhow, I MADE IT! Thank you, American Airlines.

As the Spark & Hustle tour kicks off, I’m also gearing up for my Women For Hire spring career expo season, another Income Intensive for experts, raising two very active tweens, navigating weather that makes travel terrifying and iffy, making time for my husband outside of work. . .you get the point. Exciting? Yep. Overwhelming? Often. But in a good way, most of the time.

A couple days ago, while walking home on the icy sidewalks, I worried about a homeless man braving the elements. And then, of course I thought about the unemployment and under–employment rates. I thought of the people who are having trouble paying to heat their homes this frigid winter. Inevitably, I have to force myself to avoid slipping into a funk. I search for a silver lining or a sign of hope.

Fortunately we receive them daily with news of a successful hire or a much-deserved promotion. But to get the job market back on track, we’d need to see hundreds of those victories every day, not just one or two.

My spirits were buoyed when another email appeared in my Blackberry that offered more hope: 600,000. That’s how many
NEW businesses are opened each year. Over half a million new businesses. As I stare bleary–eyed into the next several weeks of a schedule that — at times — makes me want to play hooky, I’m reminded that there must be a good reason why I chose this route over finding another “j–o–b”. . . and a good reason why so many others are doing the same. So, I decided to compile a list.

Here are my PERSONAL reasons for being my OWN boss.

1. The paycheck I write myself is bigger and more secure than the paychecks signed by any third party. There is this misperception that opening your own business is risky and requires huge financial capital. Both are, in my opinion, false. I determined after being FIRED that I had no interest in being vulnerable to another pink slip at the whim of a new manager or a changing economy.

2. I can choose the lifestyle I want, verses having it dictated to me. I travel. A lot. But I choose that schedule. I get to plan my trips around my kids’ school stuff and I get to choose the cities I visit and how long I stay. CHOICE. . .it’s important to me. I’m not trying to find balance, which I think is impossible and somewhat ridiculous; I get to choose and plan my schedule around my own admittedly often–competing priorities.

3. There’s no boring. An entrepreneur never lives the same day twice, and there is inherent challenge in that fact. But I love the unknown of what the day may bring. Curious and daring describe my days and me quite well.

4. RISK always comes with REWARD. When I was working for “the man,” my job was in jeopardy and I didn’t even know it. As my own boss, I get to take calculated, chosen risks and enjoy the fact that my own hustle is what my ultimate reward is based on. When I wasn’t in a position to take large risks, I took small ones. As I grew, my risk factor grew as well. Now, I know that the marketplace is a risky place — in general — regardless of whether you’re employed or self–employed. But, I enjoy knowing that I get to call the shots, and that my reward is based on my own hustle and not a convergence of other factors.

5. PRIDE. I don’t know that there’s any other career track that challenges, grows, and stretches you — as a person and professional — more than owning your own business. Every year I learn, grow, evolve. . .and so does my business and my brand. I have to say that the satisfaction and pride of growing your own thing is unlike any other high that might be possible.

6. Finally, PASSION. I talk about PASSION a lot. Turning your passion to profit, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Compare me to any number of traditional 40–hour a week employees, and you’ll walk away thinking, “WHOA. She works a lot.” But, like most entrepreneurs, much of what I do doesn’t feel like “work.” It certainly doesn’t feel like drudgery or pulling time. That’s because I’m passionate about what I do. I love this stuff, and can’t imagine filling my days and weeks with anything else.

There you go — that’s my list. And by the time you read this, I’ll have landed in Los Angeles, California. I’d love to arrive there and find my Facebook page jammed with 100 more reasons to be your own boss — FROM YOU. (Click here to add your own.) And, I know very clearly that small business ownership is not for everyone, so I’d welcome your questions on how everyone at Women For Hire can deliver the services and support that you need to help you connect with your next employer. (Click here to post your ideas and suggestions.)

Thanks for being here — I’ll be thinking of all of you while we’re hustling in LA.

Tory Johnson