One of my key messages for women entrepreneurs is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. I found out I needed to listen to my own advice when I was nominated to be a Top 100 Small Business Influencer last Fall, awarded by Anita Campbell and Ramon Ray via SmallBizTrends.com. After all, I’m “just” a regular Jersey Girl working from home, doing my thing. Sure, I built a multi-million dollar direct sales biz, wrote a #1 best selling success book, host a radio show and speak to national audiences. Where was that girl when I needed her? Turns out, I have the same self-doubt every other woman has. Thoughts of, “Who the heck am I to win this award?” frequently popped into my head, especially when I saw the list of nominees. I nearly fell off my chair when I got the email notifying me I won.

The doubter living in my brain wasn’t so sure she should show up. She whispered…“Maybe you shouldn’t go because you have nothing to wear,” and, “No one will be able to come with you in the middle of a work week,” gently into my ear. Her words held me back from registering until my 28 year old daughter, Lauren, answered the call to share her support and be my wing-lady. We hopped the train into the city, ready for a mother-daughter adventure. Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York played in my mind (hey, every girl needs a theme song) as we walked briskly up 5th Avenue towards our destination, The Graduate Center.

The historic building was somewhat intimidating, fast forwarding my theme song playlist to “butterflies are free to fly”…in my stomach. My tune changed when Lauren and I were instantly greeted by a smiling Anita Campbell, who gave us a warm welcome. She actually gushed over me, saying how much she loved my book and the Million Dollar Party Girl brand I created. The fearful girl living in my head disappeared, as I stood a little taller and began to accept that maybe I did belong here. Other awardees were just as accepting and welcoming, passionate to champion the cause of small business owners. We were one united “Go Small Biz!” team. The experience continues to lead to new opportunities and connections, including an interview in NY based magazine, Woman Around Town, and Forbes. Yes, that Forbes.

Ready to really rock your direct sales biz?