3 Must-dos For Women Small Biz Owners To Ensure Happy Success

I built a $2.5B money management firm from scratch, flying my freak flag high. It had a weird name, a non-Wall Street culture, and a quirky communication style. For years, we crushed it. 

In 1995 there were only a handful of women of color with their own firms. I had to noodle out running a biz, all while duking it out with Mr. Market daily. It wasn't easy. 

3 things will make the inevitable challenges ahead easier: 

Work on your "stuff" so you don't sabotage your business We all have fractals of "baggage" that show up everywhere in our lives, including our business. Address unhealthy thoughts, habits and dynamics. Daddy issues? Codependency? Your personal growth will lead to business growth. 

How well you manage people will define success 

Learn how to evaluate talent and character. How to hold people accountable. How to maintain healthy boundaries. Women especially struggle with this. The wrong people will destroy you. The right people will lead to success well­seasoned with joy. 

Get off the hamster wheel for physical and mental health Take the time for self-care. If you burn out, your business will too. Make time for a business spa day quarterly. Review what's working or broken. Revisit your goals. Take time to think and feel about your business. Check your thinking with credible others. You don't have to do this alone. 

Take it from me, after 25 years in the trenches. Doing these 3 things will lead to a happier and more successful long-term relationship with your business.