Barbara J. Bosco, of Eggs-quisite TM Rt. 1, Box 167A, Hancock, MI 49930 1-800-936-6110 ICQ#  18785801 wrote:

It is amazing now as I look back on my many positions, how they ALL prepared me for having my own business.    I worked as a secretary for many years, with a very fussy office manager, who expected perfection in every chore! How grateful I am now, for all of his fussiness, especially with filing.  I was also hired in another office position, where there was a PC that no one in the office had touched, for two years.  My job was to learn it and get it working to an advantage before other dollars were invested in computers.  It took me only a few days, to use it as a word processor, and another month or so, to get invoices and payroll online.  In another position, I was sales co-ordinator and shipping specialist, and in another, inventory manager.  While working in any of the above, I did my best, but they were all just jobs.  To have my own business, is the best opportunity to put all of my learned skills along with my "eggs" in one basket.  I feel blessed,  to have a knowledge of the "business" portion, and still be "creative" with the Ukrainian Pysanky and eggshell jewelry!  --Barbara J. Bosco

L. Diane Johnson, PSA, Southwind Studios, Graphic Design - Illustration - Web Site Design, Who's Who in American Art, Who's Who in Information Technology - Voice: 919.303.1853 Fax: 919.303.1553 wrote:

I have been self-employed for 20 years and have found that  diplomacy” combines a woman’s positive business/personal attributes and integrity, exemplifies professionalism, and ability to communicate effectively with clients/colleagues. It took some time for me to figure out the “formula” which best worked in the marketplace. For many years women (and some still are) used a belligerent, closed, prideful, confrontational style of conducting business which turns everyone off from listening further to their message.

The old adage, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”, is true whatever your gender. Buying and selling is done by all of us...everyone deserves respect. As a business owner the goal is to sell, yes...but, in a way which fulfills a client’s need by diplomatic means...especially when communication is strained. -- Everybody wins, you get sales, and earn long term customer loyalty!  The side benefit for me is that I have throughly enjoyed my business, and my clients! --L. Diane Johnson, PSA

Alicia Katz Hazel of Wandering Star Designs, Astrological Chart Jewelry, "All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my hand." wrote:

I am committed to my astrology jewelry company having the highest
integrity--and a of a kind not found very often.  Personably--each customer is handled personally.  We have no "numbers".  I address each customer's needs one at a time.  With generosity--I repair my work (when necessary) for free.  It's important to me that they have what they've purchased.  With integrity--I am up front about who I am and what I do.  I don't try to "sell" myself or make people buy something as a result of a good tag line.  I also don't advertise--I want my work to speak for itself, and to spread organically by word-of-mouth.  Overall, I want my jewelry to not just be beautiful, but to make a difference for people.  And from the feedback I get, I'm starting to do just that!  --Alicia Katz Hazel