The BOSS Network Blog

Alicia Bowens,  Known as a “corpora-preneur,” Millionaire M.O.M.  Alicia Bowens  is a woman of many talents. She is an IT professional by day, and a sought after speaker, author, coach, and radio host outside of her 9-to-5. The certified life coach is the founder of two businesses — BE IT LLC, an IT staffing and consulting company, and BE L.O.V.E. LLC , a company whose mission is to connect teen and single moms to resources, education and information through books, coaching and workshops . A 2015 Crown Jewel Award recipient and 2016 BOSS Influencer, Alicia has been a frequent guess on the number of shows and programs as well as events where she speaks about career planning, entrepreneurship, vision boards, relationships, and her experiences of being a teenage mother.  TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of  starting your business or career? Alicia Bowens : Having been a teen mom bro...

"Dre" Nichols-Everett,  The Exercise Habit Coach and founder of D3: Dre's Diesel Dome Fitness, LLC in Chicago, IL. Led by a divine mission, Dre opened D3 in 2007 with the purpose of helping people make exercise a consistent part of their lives. Dre recently expanded her fitness ministry online by creating fitness and nutrition programs that reach people all over the world. Dre has been featured on Windy City Live, has worked at Harpo Studios, and has been featured in several local and national magazines. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting you? Andrea Nichols-Everett :   Fear and uncertainty were the major obstacles I faced when I opened D3.  First of all, back   in 2007, there were only a few "boutique" style gyms in the country like D3.  I was actually the first to open a boutique style "boot camp" on the south side of Chicago so I was up   against the big box gyms in my area.  Secon...

Lack of Capital and Resources: Way too often small businesses fail before they have a starting chance due to of lack of resources.  Before starting a business, you should always create a budget.  This should be included in your business plan.  Not everyone will have enough money in their savings to support their business start-up; however, you may try to obtain a business loan with your local bank or credit union.  The Small Business Administration also offers small business loans with low interest rates + prime (www.sba.gov). Lack of Knowledge: Just because you think a certain industry is glamorous doesn’t mean you have what it takes to be successful in that industry.  I think that being an actress is way past “glam” but I know that I don’t have the knowledge nor the skill set to make it in that type of industry.  You don’t have to have an education, but you do have to be educated about your industry.  Do your research by read...

I made it home from Miami and let me tell you Chicago, baby it's  COLD ! I always like to share takeaways from any new experience I have. The Hispanicize conference was such a great experience and full of knowledge. Here are a few tips I learned: 1.  Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. opportunity is everywhere and the world is a GLOBAL stage. That means there is opportunity everywhere. 2.  Your network determines your net-worth. I live by this motto and this weekend it was even made more evident. Start nurturing relationships instead of just meeting people. 3.  Your personal brand should be a reflection of your professional brand. With social media now, the world is about 1 degree of separation and people you do business with are WATCHING. 4.  Know your MONEY. If you don't manage your finances chances are you won't have any. Get with a Financial Planner  (we love Prudential)  that can help you ca...

Shamieka Dean, The Queen of Restoration, is a Restoration Strategist coaching women in love and business. She’s the Founder of Restore Me TV helping Real women with Real Issues find Real Solutions. She’s also the Founder of “Mogul Minded Women” teaching Christian women entrepreneurs success God’s Way. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Shamieka Dean: I faced the obstacle of having the desire to do so many things but unsure of what to do or where to start. I didn’t worry so much about how to fund my dream because my belief is that whenever God gives a vision, provision is already made. When you have a creative mind, it’s hard to narrow down what to work on first. I also struggled with not having the support from who I thought would support me. God quickly showed me how limited my thinking was. If I only wanted the support of local people/family/friends then I wasn’t expecting my business to reach...

Tammy Lewis,   A Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of experience.  She was recognized in Forbes Magazine in 2013 and 2014 for the growth of her company and expertise in the healthcare industry. She works with start-up businesses and healthcare agencies to ensure proper start-up and company growth. TheBOSSNetwork: What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of  starting your business or career? Tammy Lewis : Some of the obstacles that I faced as a small business owner were fear, lack of knowledge and lack of resources. This made the first couple of years in the industry were very difficult.  I learned some hard, but valuable lessons during this time. BN:  What inspired you to break into your particular industry?   TL : I am a Registered Nurse with a 20 plus year history in the long term care industry.For most of my career, I worked through agencies.  During this time, I witnessed much abuse and negl...

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...