Successful Women is Small Businesses

Dawn Fotopulos, is an associate professor, founder of “bestsmallbizhelp.com” and author of a book named “accounting for the numberphobic”. She is well-experienced entrepreneur and an expert for business turnaround.

How your life experiences have made you today’s leader?

One of among major qualities found in true leaders are their determination through hard times. For this reason, your courage is tested. Bedazzled inc., which is my first company, here three companies stolen our designs of copy rights. At that time, I was 23 years of age and I with my partner fought against that for almost three years in Supreme Court and then won our case.

How your previous experiences of employment assist your possession as a successful businesswoman?

After completing graduation from Cornel University, I have remained an entrepreneur. First of all as an owner of a wear company and then as the real-estate investor, Wall Street trader and now a business expert. All experiences help me as a building block to understand the working of world and ways to shorten curves of profitability.

During your experience as businesswoman, what challenges and highlights you face?

Global bank, at mid-career hired me as a line manager and vice president. Here almost $130 dollar business was collapsing, which was turned around. Customers were leaving, but within six months, the entire business was turned around and here productivity and employee behavior was improved. Here I taught that how to focus on key points.

Share your advice with the women, who are going to start new business?

Women must learn to read three financial reports which are cash flow statement, income statement and balance sheet. They must learn the way to savvy while dealing with an investor or the bank.

What is your most significant lesson that you learnt by starting your business?

Learn the dime of someone else. If you want to start a bakery business, first work in the bakery. Learn all process, manage bakery, save money before running your own business.

How you make a balance between work and life?

Until I do not work for three days in a week, I feel lack of energy to do anything and that is my first priority. Three times in a year, I go for symphony with musician friend. I also spend time in church with community, which give me rest from all pressures.

According to your opinion, what is the main issue for working women?

The worst bosses that I had was a female. Jealousy was uncontrolled and toxic. As a woman, we also have to work harder, work with clients and projects. No one care about it. Customer prefers, if they find you important, but they care less that you are female or male. You will not on street, if a client fires you just because of other management reorganization.

Share about other female leaders which admire you and why?

Xerox CEO named as Anne Mulcahy got success among various odds. She is a great women and model of intelligent leadership. Head of succession planning, Lourine Clark is among top 100 Executives all over the world for Citigroup.

What is your goal for next year?

I want to have speaking career, finish my upcoming book, will visit Africa in order to assist mango fund for giving great ideas.