The BOSS Network Blog

Hey, BOSS lady! Looking to maximize your social media relationships, but find yourself being unfriended, blocked, or simply ignored? If the answer is “YES,” to both, then I encourage you to continue reading. I’ve compiled some recommended dos and don’ts aka social media etiquette, to assist you when navigating and networking online: Your first connection with someone on social media SHOULD NOT involve: 1. A SALES PITCH, A REQUEST FOR A DONATION OR ANY TYPE OF SOLICITATION. Make an effort to get to know the individual somewhat before expecting them to support one of your initiatives or make a purchase. 2. A REQUEST FOR A “PICK YOUR BRAIN SESSION.” Success requires sacrifice. The knowledge that you want to pick from an entrepreneur’s brain (usually for free), probably cost that individual a hefty price to acquire. Respect the hustle and take measures to establish a genuine connection before asking for valuable information, especially that which you expect to receive at no or mi...

Entrepreneurship - the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. Entrepreneurship turns us into being a BOSS. It requires that you bring your boss mentality forward and build. Entrepreneurship is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Many people do not understand the work, finances, sacrifice, resources, and tenacity it takes to start and grow a business. Most importantly you must be business minded, as well as boss minded. Your mindset is everything as you plan, start, nurture and develop your business. As an entrepreneur, you are the vision for the business. It’s detrimental that you know the plan and mission for the business. Everything the company is, are going to be, will be birthed from the plan you have for it. This is a huge undertaking and should be taken on with great thought and consideration. It’s easy to say you are the boss but to take full ownership of everything that happens in your business can be unsettling. ...

It is a privilege to be part of such an amazing group of women on the BOSS Network. Thank you for the opportunity to shine. I truly didn’t have that glamorous successful life that so many women here have had. I didn’t know I would end up a single parent of 4, working 2-3 jobs just to keep a roof over our head and food in our belly. My hard work did pay off with great successful kids.  Once my last kid was grown, I sat back, lifted my head up and realized I didn’t live for me during that time. But, I’m still standing and now, I’m an entrepreneur working hard to build a business of motivating others, through apparel and promotional items and books. Also, I’m on a journey of finding what makes ME happy. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? Some obstacles were not having a support system and help; and of course the, “if you give me something free then I will advertise for you”, “your prices are too high”,...

Being your own Boss is something many strive to accomplish but, not everyone is up for the challenge and stress that comes with entrepreneurship. I recently had an opportunity to sit down and speak with Cameka Smith, the founder of The Boss Network. Cameka shared with me all the struggles and successes of business and how she has continued to stay in business for the last 10 years. Cameka is a speaker, trainer and award-winning entrepreneur. She started The Boss Network in 2009 and it has been very successful. The BOSS Network has become one of the fastest-growing women business communities, garnering several accolades such as a Top 50 Websites for Entrepreneurs by Inc. Magazine, and the 10 Best Career Sites and Entrepreneur Websites for Women in Forbes.com.  Cameka Smith  Founder of The Boss Network What is The Boss Network and how long have you been in business? CS: I started The Boss Network in 2009 after working in the educational system as a school administrat...

LaKeisha Shauntae, Founder & CEO of LaShaé Beauty, LLC. I started as a freelance makeup artist who decided to step out on faith; pursue her dream and launch her own cosmetic line. LaShaé Beauty is a cosmetic and beauty brand that launched in August 2019. Stay Glam and Feel Glamorous!  What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? I started my business on nothing but Faith and invested what I had (which wasn’t much) into my business. My biggest obstacle was Fear; once I let that go and start focusing on a BOSS mindset everything started to come together.  What inspired you to break into your particular industry? I have been in Corporate America for over 20 years. My last employer decided to send our jobs overseas which means that we were going to get the pink slip. I was able to find another position within the company, but it still felt like something was missing. I have always had a passion fo...

Monica Wilcox | As seen on Bravo TV! Award-winning Interior Designer and TV personality, this 20-year veteran and celebrity guest speaker has appeared as a lifestyle expert on WFAA and Fox Networks. She has been featured in various publications such as; Dallas Style & Design, D Home, Plano Profile and Home, and Papercity Magazine. Monica is the President of her Dallas based firm, M. Wilcox Design with a team of talented leading designers. Since launching her firm in 1998, her diverse portfolio includes; Hospitality, Residential, Athletic & Commercial properties, and Set Design. M Wilcox Design is known for delivering unique designs with functionality that are modern, yet classic. Monica’s unmistakable design sensibility has earned her several awards including, Best of- Interior Design, Top 20 Interior Designers, Best Design Exhibit, and The Prism Award. She is currently starring in a new reality design competition show on the Bravo Network. What were some obstacles ...

When is the right time for a mom to go back to work after giving birth? There isn’t one answer and there isn’t a wrong answer. To my surprise, after a random conversation on this very topic, I found there were many answers. The answers do vary based on it being your first child, single parent, and career position, just to name a few.  I haven’t done a formal poll but I have had this conversation multiple times over. For starters, first-time mothers, who were ready or planned for their first child generally slowed their career down quite a bit to not working at all. The main reason, they wanted to enjoy this long-awaited gift. Now the same first-time mothers who didn’t necessarily plan on having a child went back to work generally within the first 6 months. Some of the main reasons were because they were not ready to slow down, give up their social life or some were single so they had no other choice. Then there are the repeat mothers - laughing out loud. Unless she was...