Rosemary O'Brien ⋅ West Haven , CT U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Third Class ⋅ 28 years served

John,

No, I'm not hiring yet. What do you do?

Thanks to everyone who answered. It seems that here in Connecticut I just have to 'be' woman-owned by 51% or more and that's it, but I will double-check before using any terminology.

John Stevens ⋅ Middletown , MD ⋅ 20 years experience

Rosemary,

Are you hiring? I'm in because Pocket Parks sounds like a great endeavor!

Good luck - John

Claudia Jayne ⋅ Santa Ynez , CA Such Comforts (custom bedding) ⋅ 30 years experience

Dear Rosemary,
Good for you in running your own business!! You do NOT have to worry about the "job market"...in fact you can help others by hiring. I have been conducting my own business for 30 years now doing sewing- mostly interior design. The old line: "Do what you love..and the money will follow" is so very true. Is your line of business your passion? Do you love it and look forward to doing that work most days? Then... find out who needs your work- your market. Hand out your business card where ever you are- all the time. Use it as 'calling card' if someone wants your tel.# or email. Above all...run your business with integrity! Show up...you'd be amazed at how many people don't even show up!! Do what you say you are going to do...WHEN you say you are going to do it! BELIEVE in yourself!! "I can do this!"
Please feel free to email me with any specific questions. claudia.jayne3@hotmail.com
Blessings, Claudia

Susanne Scholz ⋅ Conway , AR Hewlett Packard ⋅ 8 years experience

Rosemary,

My husband and I opened a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small business and had the same issues you are speaking of. We used SCORE, as mentioned above and we went through a special new business owners program Kansas City, MO offered. You will have to check your area. We made it through the GSA process and signed up to submit to city government as well. Definitely join the Chamber of Commerce in your area, and don't limit yourself to just one. Most of them have forums to speak about your business, so the more you join the more marketing you get for your business. If you have specific questions please feel free to email me at susanne.scholz@hp.com

Susan

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Rosemary,
* The Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE, score.org) might be able to help. Please follow up and let us know if SCORE is helpful.

* Also see:
http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/women-owned-business-certification.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=How+to+Become+a+Certified+Woman-Owned+Business