Success Stories

Pepsi and Healthy Snacks: Smart or Stupid?
October 09, 2006, 9:18 AM
In the Wall Street Journal's October 5, 2006 issue, the front page contained a headline noting that Pepsi is trying to "push" healthy snacks in what the WSJ termed "inner city" locations. At issue: those Baked Doritos and Baked Lay's potato chips, now increasingly found side by side with Cheetos and other not-so-healthy snacks. While Pepsi continues to sell and promote its sugar-laden sodas and high-fat, high-calorie snack foods, it simultaneously is using advertising dollars to promote its healthier snacks, such as the Baked Cheestos. So the question is: is it smart...or stupid? Should a company, regardless of its size, ...

Making Business Objectives Part of the Process
September 18, 2006, 10:00 AM
Adrienne Cregar Jandler, President of Atlantic Webworks in Greensboro, NC, says that she had "always planned to run my own company. As a child, I was constantly considering "business opportunities´ — one of the first of which was contracting with my parents to "teach´ my younger sister the things I learned in Kindergarten (for a "reasonable´ fee!)." Through her work and education, Adrienne has learned to focus on the fact that "high performance websites have to address both the marketing and functional needs of the business to deliver results. My educational background in not only the technical subjects, but also ...

But What If You're Sick?
August 27, 2006, 5:44 PM
Recently, I received an email from a reader who described herself as a "would-be entrepreneur." Her worry: handling sick days when you're a one-woman business. This goal getter - let's call her Clara - admits that she's the type of person who frequently gets colds, the flu, and other ailments. "And I'm not one of those stay-on-your-feet-and-keep-going types," she explained in her message. "So when I try to imagine having my own business, especially just starting out, I can't figure out how I would handle it if I were sick and had appointments with clients scheduled." This is an excellent ...

Whose Success Is It Anyway?
August 09, 2006, 11:00 AM
Let's get touchy-feely for a moment (hey, I live in California, it's part of the corporate culture!), and look at something that can't be measured in dollars earned or press clips. Sure, fame and fortune are important, but...how much do you want to sacrifice for either of those items? Let's look at fame, first. Let's suppose you create a business based on the premise that you have created a new, improved, bigger, better peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Your name is Pauline, so of course you dub your creation PPBJ. Suddenly movie stars are clamoring for PPBJ to be shipped ...

"If You Don't Try, You Will Never Know..."
July 25, 2006, 10:09 AM
Cathleen Faerber is the Managing Director of her own executive search firm in Buffalo Grove, IL. In business for more than 18 years, she provides "retainer based executive search services to companies on a national basis." Her staff includes two Directors and two contract researchers. "Previously, I was in the field of Human Resources where I led the HR initiatve for firms in financial services and manufacturing. I have a BA Degree from DePaul University." Cathleen says she always "knew that I wanted to be in my own business. I started my business when I was 33 years old. I ...

Does Weight Influence Success?
July 07, 2006, 11:18 AM
Non-discrimination clauses and notices are standard in most companies. But studies and statistics indicate that there is one group that is still often discriminated against: those who are overweight. There was a situation, for example, where an overweight dance exercise instructor had to struggle to prove that she was just a capable a teacher as others. A few such cases are clearcut: the battles become public, and the courts typically weigh in (no pun intended!) on the side of the individual rather than the company. But how often does a woman (and researchers have shown that it happens more often ...

How Do You Define Success?
June 30, 2006, 11:31 AM
After interviewing numerous successful women in business, it's become clear that the definition of success depends on a number of factors. For some women, it means being able to balance time with their children with office time. For others, it's all about the money, honey. Many women view "success" as having a fulfilling, rewarding job that allows them to enjoy both their personal and professional lives. When I first started at TriActiveamerica.com , I worked only 10 hours a week. And I juggled my time there with many other freelance gigs, from research to public relations to journalism to newsletters ...

Fitness Expert Succeeds in Creating Her Own Brand
June 19, 2006, 9:24 AM
Although the fitness arena is already crowded, Mindy Mylrea (www.mindymylrea.com) has succeeded in creating her own niche. This busy professional has a long list of credentials, including 2004 Can Fit Pro Presenter of the Year, 1999 IDEA International Fitness Instructor of the Year, World Aerobic Champion, Creator of Gliding (www.glidingpro.com and www.glidingdiscs.com), and a PowerBar Sponsored Athlete. She's also the proud mother of three boys. "I have always been a "think out of the box" kind of person, finding opportunities by offering services and programs that no one had thought of before," says Mindy. When she was only 17 ...

Matches Made in Heaven (er, Make That New York)
June 07, 2006, 9:21 AM
Shoshanna Rikon is the founder and CEO of Shoshanna's Matches (http://www.shoshannasmatches.com/), located in "fabulous New York City." She grew up with "a strong desire to own a business. A lot of it stems from my parents; they've always encouraged to me to be extremely ambitious and to follow my dreams. I set goals and I achieve them." She majored in advertising at NYIT, because she has "always been fascinated by how the public receives and reviews information. Everyone is influenced by something and that is what drives me. I'm a very visual person and my business requires having a keen ...

From Social Network to Computer Software: All in a Day's Work
May 23, 2006, 10:28 AM
Boston resident Diane K. Danielson is the CEO of DowntownWomensClub.com, which she describes as "a career website and social network for businesswomen." Diane received her BA from Colgate University and her JD from Boston College Law School. "The legal degree helps as I understand and can spot legal issues," says Diane. In addition, it saves her money because she can create first drafts of legal documents herself. The Downtown Women's Club started "as a networking organization on the side," explains Diane. Last year, she was thinking about closing it. Instead, Diane "worked with some friends on a feasible business plan ...