Local women teaching business skills in new workshop series

By Neil Schulman
In the modern economy, the old ways of doing business don’t always work out. Stacey Womble, Long Branch, learned that when she lost her job, and went into business on her own, in the travel field.

Stacey Womble, Long Branch, is one of the cofounders of Act Like A Lady, Think Like The Boss, a series of classes for women who wat to become entrepreneurs.

Her friend, Alonna Pickett, Red Bank, had a similar experience. Pickett had been pursuing a doctarate degree, but realized that it was no guarantee of financial success. She too became an entrepreneur, in the field of nutrition.
Both women were college educated, and trying to follow a traditional career path. Both say that didn’t work for them, but striking out on their own did.
It’s been satisfying for both of them, not only financially, but emotionally, Womble said.
“We’ve been pretty good at it, and we’re happy.”
Now, the two are looking to share their experiences and expertise with other women, who may be interested in starting their own business. A new series of workshops, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like The Boss,” starts on August 23, at the Sheraton in Eatontown.
The first session will be “Millionaire Mindset Mastery,” and will cover the thinking habits needed to turn a passion into cash, and common mistakes that keep most people from being rich.
Over 12 sessions, the course will cover many of the things women need to succeed, not just at running their own business, but managing their life outside of business too.
More and more women are starting their own businesses — and many of these women quickly encounter problems, Womble said.
“Women-owned enterprises are coming up twice as fast as men’s businesses. However, they’re failing just as fast,” she said.
One of the issues is that they don’t understand how to promote, sell or network, or mistakenly think of it as being pushy or rude. But done properly, it’s something which not only helps expand your business horizon, but your personal life as well, she said.
The sessions will include courses on issues like how to network, business etiquette, increasing your circle of influence, dressing for success, how to automate a business, and how to design your life.
Womble said that five scholarships are being offered, which will pay for all twelve sessions “for five deserving women.”
Act Like A Lady, Think Like The Boss, is not just local, but aimed at women in the tri-state area. Their media sponsor is Radio One Philadelphia, the urban media specialist.
Part of the ticket sales will benefit 180 Turning Lives Around.
For more information on the scholarship and how to register, visit actlikealadythinkliketheboss.com.

Originally published Aug. 2, 2012