Biz Tips – and Boots – Empower Women Entrepreneurs to Step Into Their Power at Visionista U: Small Biz Boot Camp

Something magical happens when women step into a fierce pair of shoes, or boots. We literally step into our power, feeling more confident and ready to take on the world. The metaphor has been part of the Million Dollar Party Girl brand since inception in 2012, starting with the cover of my book which depicts a woman trampling NYC, Godzilla-style, in her pink pencil skirt and black pumps. When I created Visionista U: Small Biz Boot Camp for women entrepreneurs, I knew the attendees would have a blast putting the BOOT in boot camp, arriving in style to show off their footwear. Shoe love is an instant networking ice-breaker, connecting women over a common bond.

During the one-day workshop, empowering speakers joined me on stage to share their small biz expertise, combined with unstoppable stories of belief, courage and perseverance. A rockin’ playlist of theme songs that included Roar, Girl On Fire, This Is My Now, Fireball and Born This Way kept the energy and girl power going all day.

Attendee Toni Moore, an attorney, speaker and author, captured the spirit of the day with this tweet:

There are boot camps and then there is the Visionista #smallBizBootCamp! @lynnbardowski http://t.co/U1VKFzJJEp

— Toni Moore, Esquire (@ToniDivamoment) November 8, 2014

Overheard At Boot Camp

“The first two words in your bio should be ‘award-winning’.” ~ Lynn Bardowski, encouraging women to promote their super powers and build their platform by going after local and national biz awards.

“Despite what life looks like, take off the mask and be more authentic.” ~ Lisa Bien, author of Life Happens, Bouncing Back!, sharing her self-love journey.

“Don’t try to fit it all in, but lead with something!” ~ Kathleen Cashman, speaking on  creating a 20-second pitch when you do more than one thing.

“We have to add our own ingredients. Inner, outward, onward and upward.” ~ Jo Colontonio, explaining marketing strategies from the inside out.

“Use social media to amplify your message and grow your biz. It’s like telling Google, ‘Love me!’” ~ Claudia Krusch, talking about how to use social media for business.

“If you want to grow your revenue, focus on the middle. That’s where you’ll have the biggest gains.” ~ Nicole DeFeo, relating how she grew a non-profit from $50K to $3 million in just a few years by using the 80/20 rule to focus on the middle.

“Converting internet surfers into clients requires you to create a logical pathway to move them through your pages.” ~ Janet Garraty, talking about content marketing strategies.

“Set daily goals, write them down and F.O.R.G.E ahead.” ~ De Bolton sharing her direct sales expertise.

“A clearly defined personal brand asks for what you want and strives to provide it to a specific set of people – the ones who truly need you.” – Carol Ann DeSimine, creator of The Sizzle System

Ready to really rock your direct sales biz?