Tomorrow afternoon I am leaving the office for a business retreat where a number of women entrepreneurs get together to plan our goals for the new year and how we are going to accomplish them. We also have the chance to find out how we can support each other so we can reach those goals by the end of the year. With the January 31st filing deadline fast approaching for payroll, sales tax and 1099 reporting, I have to admit the timing of this event is not the best. However, I wouldn’t miss it. To guarantee I can attend without feeling like I’ve left work undone, I have literally worked every day since the day after Christmas to stay caught up with all that has come in, and I’ve called clients to remind them to send their paperwork early enough to be completed on time. I’ll most likely work long hours the last few days of the month as well, but I know it will have been worth it.
These get-togethers are necessary in my opinion, because it allows me to receive support from other women who totally understand what it takes to run a business. Although my family is extremely supportive, they don’t always understand that I constantly think of the business and what I need to do to remain successful so that I can continue to offer employment to people who depend on the income. I often even dream about it at night. These events allow me to share my challenges, and women who’ve been where I am can offer ideas, and even those who haven’t experienced my exact situation can share what they think might help in that area. We also enjoy hearing each other’s successes. We know how hard each other has woked to meet their goals, and we enjoy sharing in each others’ successes.
I can’t wait to meet up with these women again and give as well as receive the support we all need. We’ll share our 2013 goals and hold each other accountable throughout the year so we don’t give up when the going gets tough. I have been able to give my support through becoming a client of a few of them as well. When you see the amazing service they give and develop friendships, it makes th client/vendor relationship even better.
If you are a business owner who is not part of a group such as this, I encourage you to do so. You won’t regret it.
Candy
