Whether you’re starting from scratch, purchasing an existing business or looking to buy a franchise, the starting point is always a significant hardship. In today’s business world, women are faced with unique challenges when starting a business, due to ongoing stereotypes that portray women as a higher loan risk.

Karen Lackey, MBA, Business/Technology department program chair at Brown Mackie College – Findlay in Ohio, explains that while challenges do exist, women business owners can achieve success in the modern entrepreneurial world.

“It has been my experience that women face both financial and emotional hardships in opening their own business,” says Lackey. “Despite the strides women have made in the workforce, there are still some obstacles for women wanting to open their own business. For instance, obtaining financial backing is still a struggle. Banks are leery about loaning out larger amounts of money to women. In addition, women still have the obstacle of overcoming the typical stereotypes of women not being able to compete in a ‘man’s world.’ ”

According to Lackey, since the early 1980s, women have made solid strides in becoming prosperous entrepreneurs. More than 20 years ago, female business owners were few and far between, especially in male-dominated industries, such as automotive and wood working. Now it is not uncommon to find female entrepreneurs owning businesses ranging from auto body shops to nail salons.

What tips or resources would Lackey offer for first time female business owners as they strive for success? “My suggestion is to do as much research as possible about the industry you’re entering and local competition before jumping in,” advises Lackey. “Don’t be afraid to take risks and always walk with your head held high.”

There are also many associations, such as the National Association of Women Business Owners, which can help women at all stages of business to be more connected, more empowered and more successful. Such organizations provide business referral network opportunities, with personal interaction at monthly meetings and events, business education, and online connectivity and visibility.

The glass ceiling of stereotypes and discrimination is best surpassed through research, dedication, risk-taking, confidence, knowledge, and proactive planning, Lackey says. “Remember, the key to a successful business start-up is not narrowed down to a simple formula; it differs for every individual. Assess your situation and finances, do your research, formulate a structured plan of recourse, and don’t be afraid to take a chance.”

To learn more about Brown Mackie College, visit http://www.brownmackie.edu online.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Cream Cheese Biscuits

6 ounces cream cheese
1/2 pound unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour

Combine cream cheese and butter in a mixer bowl. Beat until well blended. Add salt and flour; mix well. Roll out to a thickness of 1/4-inch. Cut into 2-inch rounds. Place on a buttered baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes, until golden.

Serving Size : 8

PARENTING

by Dr. Michael Hawke, MD

(NC)—Many parents have experienced the agony of having their babies and young children go through the pain of a middle ear infection. The anxiety associated with the infection is often compounded by the fact that they can reoccur and cause on-going problems with hearing – potentially affecting the child's speech and language skills.

Middle ear infections, or acute otitis media, are extremely common in babies and young children since the tubes in children's ears are smaller and shorter than those of adults. Over 70 per cent of children will have at least one ear infection before their third birthday.

If your child is prone to infections, their doctor may recommend the insertion of tympanostomy tubes (tiny tubes surgically implanted in the middle ear) to decrease the chance of future ear infections, repair short-term hearing loss caused by middle ear fluid and reduce the chance of speech problems.

Although tubes can provide relief from chronic ear infections, it is advised your child avoid getting water in their ears while swimming or bathing. Specialty ear plugs or other water-tight devices can reduce the chance of infection.

If infection occurs, talk to your child's doctor to determine the best way to treat and manage your child's middle ear infections with tubes. The recommended treatment for any further bacterial infection is a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones administered in ear drop format. These ear drops are easy to use, quick to treat the infection and combined with an agent that reduces swelling, meaning the antibiotic can get to the source of the infection.

Dr. Michael Hawke is an ear, nose and throat specialist who practices in Toronto. He is a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. An international authority on ear disease, Dr. Hawke has published 12 textbooks on diseases of the ears, nose and throat; several of which have been translated into other languages.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Let's get the closet organized

(NC)—For many, the start of the New Year is a popular time to re-organize and reduce clutter for the year ahead. Closets are an area of the home that often get neglected and where clutter can easily pile up. The storage and organization team at Canadian Tire has the following tips to help create an organized closet.

• Before you get started measure your closet so you know the amount of space you have to work with.

• Choose a closet organization system that is versatile and has many storage possibilities so you can tailor the system to meet your needs. For example, the Debbie Travis closet system has free-standing towers and adjustable components that provide flexibility to customize any space. Choose from one of the two tower widths, then add the components that suit your needs – it's that simple.

• Consider adding storage solutions like a hanging shoe organizer. It will not only free-up floor space, but will also allow you to see your shoes. This organizer can also double as accessory storage for items like baseball hats, purses, belts and much more.

• Use garment bags for formal wear and bulky seasonal clothing, such as suits, dresses and coats. Garment bags help to protect items from mildew and moisture. When choosing a garment bag, look for bags that hold multiple items as a well as those made of clear fabric to help to quickly identify and differentiate special items in your closet.

• Decorative boxes and patterned canvas totes are also a great way to keep items out of the way and reduce clutter in your closet. To maximize impact, use several boxes of the same colour or style and line them up in a row on the top shelf of your closet. Storage totes, like the Debbie Travis patterned canvas totes, not only provide extra room to store things, they also have a label holder so contents can be easily identified and accessed when needed.

-News Canada

Busy Moms: The Heart and Soul of a Home

Know a Really Busy Mom? Is it You? Stressed Out? We have the solution. Learn to manage the important role you have within your family. Take care of yourself so you can be a better Mom.

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