The BOSS Network Blog

Pat E. Perkins CPCC,  A Leadership & Life Strategist focused on empowering women of color to advance in their careers purposefully, powerfully and profitably.Pat holds an ICF Coaching Certification and a Masters from Roosevelt University. She's a native of Chicago who enjoys being a loving Aunt to a tribe of nieces and nephews.Her personal motto is“To whom much is given, much is required.”  TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? PP: My biggest obstacle in the beginning when I launched my business was my mindset about marketing. If you build it, they will not come. Magnetic marketing is key to attracting ideal clients and sharing how your services will make a difference in their life.Often new entrepreneurs hold back and it’s not their fault. We were taught that it’s rude to brag on yourself. Well if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Self-promotion is key and is linke...

Earlier this year, I was recognized by   Mater Mea , a website at the intersection of career and motherhood, as a “phenomenal Black woman.” To say I was humbled and honored is an understatement. According to the editors, I received the most write-in nominations from readers. Say what?! But what stood out to me even more than that was the outpouring of love and support I received after sharing the news on my social media accounts. Nearly all of the comments and congratulations I received came from other women. I responded to the warm display of sisterhood by commenting:   “Side note: I just noticed all the people who liked this status and/or commented thus far are WOMEN!! This is the beauty and magic that happens when women support other women … We ALL win! Because the truth is we can’t do it alone. Just want to let you know I love and respect each of you. Tremendously. #GirlPower” As former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright once said: “There’s a special pla...

Monique A. J. Smith, A certified Prana Business Partner and Founder of the consulting firm Seeds of Empowerment ®LLC. Smith’s focus is leadership development and uses her weekly podcast  “A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith” to share career paths, advice and initiatives of women leaders. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?   MoniqueSmith: The mind shift of monetizing services from a Higher Education  Administrator to an Entrepreneur was an obstacle I had to navigate. BN: What inspired you to break into your particular industry?  MS: I was inspired because I knew I was fulfilling a sense of community and a publicity void for African-American Female Athletic Administrators. My endorphin's are in Professional Development, cultivating a crop of able and accomplished administrators who are ready to be Deputy or Director of an Athletic Department, spe...

Saving the Best for Last As a woman, do you know that God created everything all around “YOU”?  He created the heavens and earth, land and seas, the grass and herbs, the moon, sun, the birds, water life, and earth’s living creatures, Then God made man in his image and likeness, breathed life into his nostrils and gave him a garden to tend and keep.  He didn't want man to be alone so he took a rib from his side to make a helper.  Overwhelmed with awe, Adam saw her beauty and exclaimed, “Wo – man!” Sisters, don’t you know that God saved the best for last?  He created his entire world around the woman.  He also gave us the power to bring forth life and to be the keeper of a man’s heart.  Do you realize how significant this is?   When you truly understand the power that is yours, you know that you are an amazing force.  Yes, the man is the head, but we are the neck which gives the head its turning power. Ordered Steps God has a pl...