Featured Member – Michelle Martin

When did you start your business and how has it evolved since then?

The first issue of Metro Woman, a resource guide for women in the Fort Worth area, was printed and distributed in August 2004. Since then, the publication has served thousands of local women by providing them with a resource that is by, for and about local women. It has also given local small businesses (mostly woman-owned) an affordable and effective avenue to advertise and promote their business. Since the inception of Metro Woman six years ago, I have learned more than I could ever have imagined about what it takes to run, grow, and sustain a successful business. I discovered a few years ago that I was created to connect women to each other for support, learning and inspiration, and have created a local association to live out that passion and purpose. C3 for Women is a local association where women business owners Connect, Collaborate and Create success! Through monthly Success Events, a mastermind group program, and women’s Success Circles, I am living my purpose and helping other women live theirs as well!

What do you love about being a female entrepreneur?

I love meeting and connecting other women entrepreneurs to each other, and to the resources and education they need to be successful in business and in life. Owning a business is a life transforming experience, a journey with ups and downs, and an opportunity for profound personal growth. I love the challenge and reward of creating my own income, helping others achieve their goals, and living out my passion and dream along the way.

How does your faith play out in your business?

Faith plays a significant role in my business, God is walking with me on my entrepreneurial journey. Especially during the last couple of years, as I am taking new steps to follow His plan, I can see His hand of guidance and direction. He speaks to me through others, even just in the smallest situations. There have been several instances recently when my heart is heavy about a decision or new direction, and God will use others to confirm it one way or another. I pray each and every day that God would use me to impact the lives of others, that I would know my purpose, and that He would allow me to live that out. There is no greater Joy in life than to live out my God given purpose, using the talents and abilities He gave that are uniquely me.

What is your BIG DREAM for your business?

My BIG DREAM is to increase the success rate of women owned businesses. Women start businesses at twice the rate of men, and many of them don’t make it past the first year. The high failure rate is often due to a lack of planning, unrealistic expectations, and not having the right support network in place.

What 3 tips would you share with a friend who is launching her own entrepreneurial adventure?

It’s so hard to pick just 3!!

#1 – Know yourself and your boundaries before starting a business. There are many times in business when you may find yourself unhappy with the task at hand. Often, you may have to push yourself to move forward regardless of whether you feel like it or not. Once you can recognize the tasks that really aren’t within your talent or ability, you can feel free to delegate those and hire them out when needed rather than waiting until it is too late.

#2 – Know your “Why”. Having a purpose and knowing why you are starting your business from the start will give you a competitive edge and enhance your own personal belief in what you are doing. Take time to reflect on “Why” you are starting a business, “Why” you are passionate about it, and “Why” others need it.

#3 – Know your market, your competition and talk to others about your business idea. This is a key step in launching a business, and writing your business plan. Market research is an essential start-up task that should not be overlooked. Of course your idea is good, but don’t assume that others will get it and think the same, or that no one else has done it.

Michelle Martin
817-247-3890

Publisher, Fort Worth Metro Woman
A woman’s guide to businesses in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas.
www.MetroWomanFortWorth.com

Founder, C3 for Women
Where women in business connect, collaborate and create success.
Networking, collaboration and professional development events for Women in Business!
www.C3forWomen.com

Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/c3forwomen
Twitter ~ www.twitter.com/c3forwomen