Althea’s Successful Sista Survey

Below is my contribution to SistaSense to help other business women of color.  Hope this helps you  ~ Enjoy!
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http://www.sistasense.com/2009/03/03/althea-francis-successfulsistaprofiles/
Althea Francis’ Bio:
Althea Francis (a.k.a. MITCEY) is a Business Strategist & Certified Life Coach. Althea also has an online business management background which allows her to work well with her clients to help them unleash their unlimited potential. She teaches simple, innovative and powerful strategies to help business owners find and keep their most profitable clients.

MITCEY Coaching was started to form alliances and to help educate service professionals (such as coaches, consultants, speakers, and virtual assistants) about the benefits of setting up their practice properly in order to thrive online and achieve a balanced work-life.

SUCCESSFUL SISTA SURVEY
Success Stories and experiences of Business Women that we all can relate to and learn from.

Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
YES! I always wanted to be a successful business woman to inspire and empower others to live an authentic life, full of passion and purpose.

How would you describe your experience as a Black Entrepreneur?
Challenging but rewarding because thrive in adversity. I know that black entrepreneurs face more barriers but it has also motivated me to work harder to affect change for black entrepreneurs – – if not in my life-time, then my son’s.

Looking back on your business decisions, is there anything that you would have done differently?
As a coach, I should have invested in a start-up coach when I began to help eliminate the costly mistakes. As a result, I have found my calling as an online business coach/manager to help other coaches, virtual assistants, and consultants to set-up their practice properly before they can effectively handle their clients’ workload and successfully grow their businesses.

I truly believe that true entrepreneurs grow from their experiences rather than quit. At this stage in my development, I refuse to live my life having regrets.

Did you have any formal business training? Do you think this is important to be successful?
Yes, I have been blessed to have had formal business training and thankful because it is important for longevity. I have earned my post-graduate in fundraising & volunteer management – learned how to start and run a successful business (in the non-profit sector), an accounting and payroll diploma – learned to manage the business books. I also have my certification as a payroll compliance practitioner (PCP) and am a certified life coach (CLC).

What funding sources have worked for you?
I have never applied for any loans. When I started in 2001, I used the bartering system to exchange services, cut cost and build credibility in my niche market. In addition, I also worked outside the home full-time until I started earning money and then stepped out in faith.

How has family/friend support financially or otherwise affected your business efforts?
No financial support and very little encouragement from loved ones which did not discouraged my business efforts. Looking back, I should be thankful because it forced me to lean more on my heavenly father for support and guidance since He designed the blueprint for my life.

How do you work on making your business grow?
A strong work ethic contributes to high standards in my personal and professional life. I believe in lifelong learning and have also formed alliances with elite performers (who have been there, done that), to help me stay focus on my goal to grow a successful business.

What words of wisdom can you share with other business women?
Without sounding cliché, stay true to yourself! Find your calling in life and make it your mission to bless others in order to receive your blessings. It is especially true in business because you are truly not successful until you have helped others achieved success.

Equally important is to have a mentor/life coach in each area of your life (such as faith, business, and personal, etc.).

View more Successful Sista Profiles: http://sistasense.com/index.php?s=”Succesful.Sista.Profiles”