Dear New Entrepreneurs, A Note of Encouragement

Are you a small business owner tirelessly trying to get your venture off the ground? Then look no further; I’ve got just the solution for you! Now before you get your hopes up, I am not some small biz wizard who has the answers of how to expand your business up over night (that would be great, wouldn’t it?) but I am just like you—a businesswoman looking to find her niche in this crazy world of entrepreneurship. But you may be thinking to yourself: there are so many people out there more qualified than me, how will I ever get my big break?

First and foremost, you’re going to stop thinking negatively about yourself and your capabilities. As a driven woman, you have attained all of the tools necessary to start your business and succeed. Now it’s all about how you leverage your talents in order to get where you want to be.

On my personal blog Young Gifted and Precise, I recently penned a letter to the Class of 2012 that discussed any worries that they may have upon graduation. I admitted that I didn’t take the most conventional path to begin my career, but I have learned so much about myself and even strengthened certain skills that will hopefully get my foot in the door to my ideal PR position. 

So what are some other ways to increase your chances of getting your foot in the door? 
--Utilize social media to the fullest. Tweet. Blog. Pin. Tumble. Facebook. Linked-In. All of these channels weren’t just created to scroll through all day. Connect with other users, look for opportunities, read articles, ask questions and join conversations. Network with people and don’t be afraid to ask for help. 
--Connect with your school’s alumni or another network.  I’m almost positive that no matter what school you attend, there is a very extensive alumni database that is just waiting to be accessed. Also, utilize family and friends—they may also have former colleagues or contacts that will be more than willing to help.
--Don’t be hard on yourself. Entrepreneurship is a process--it's all about trial and error, but as long as you remain proactive, focused and optimistic in what you want to accomplish in your career, you will constantly be on the right path to greatness.
--Get out and explore! Sure, you are in the midst of an important life-changing time, but it is vital that you don’t helplessly sit in front of your computer all day, every day.

And there you have it! Remain steadfast and persistent, and I’m confident that in due time, we will be on our way to seeing our entrepreneurial dreams come true. 
 
Contributed by:
Chasity Cooper- Marketing & Public Relations graduate of Syracuse University (’11)