Health

In honor of the “back to school” season, YFE has compiled a Fall “Get Guide” for entrepreneurial young women. It’s our anti-back to school, back to school round up of events, entertainment, products, and services including Amanda Russel’s free fitness videos, products by Young Entrepreneur Council members, and events like Marie Forleo and her Rich Happy & Hot Live conference.

Many of the items below are created by members of The YEC (they are marked with **). The YEC is “an invite-only nonprofit membership organization, promotes entrepreneurship as a means to overcome youth unemployment and underemployment. Our mission is to spark an entrepreneurial revolution in America—and help rebuild the economy in the process…” It’s an awesome resource for young women who are interested in starting and growing their own business!

The Fall “Get Guide” is part of the YFE Live Stream that is recorded every Thursday night at 6p/9e on Ovaleye.tv. Watch the replay and be sure to add future live streams to your calendar to participate in the chat!

events for young female entrepreneurs

1- Crowdfunding Bootcamp Oct. 9-11 http://crowdfundingbootcamp.eventbrite.com/
2- WOMMA Summit Nov. 12-14 Las Vegas http://womma.org/events/education/
3- Rich Happy & Hot LIVE NYC Oct. 26-28 http://rhhlive.com/
4- Bloggy Boot Camp Oct. 13th in Las Vegas http://www.bloggybootcamp.com/las-vegas-2012/
5- Women2.0 November 14th in NYC http://www.women2.com/pitch-nyc-competition-2012/
6- California Women’s Conference Longbeach CA Sept. 23-24 http://californiawomensconference.com
7- Pitch Refinery Chicago, IL Sept. 22-23 http://www.pitchconf.com/#!home/mainPage

fall fashion young female entrepreneurs

8- Sweet Minerals http://sweetminerals.com
9- Underbrella http://underbrella.com/
10- CitySlips** Travel Rain Boots** http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/CitySlips-Travel-Rain-Boots-Travel/prod148060164/
11- Quincy Apparel** http://www.quincyapparel.com/pages/quincy-fit
12- Modcloth** Tech on Your Trek Backpack http://www.modcloth.com/shop/totes-backpacks/tech-on-your-trek-backpack
13- Modcloth** Wherever Your Wander Backpack in Pink http://www.modcloth.com/shop/totes-backpacks/wherever-you-wander-backpack-in-pink

suri burn book, killers, shark tank, atlas shrugged

14- Suri’s Burn Book: Well-Dressed Commentary from Hollywood’s Little Sweetheart http://www.amazon.com/Suris-Burn-Book-Well-Dressed-Commentary/dp/0762447354 –> ADD Sept. 27th on your calendar to see the author talk about the process of creating the blog and getting the book deal!
15- The Killers http://www.thekillersmusic.com/runaways
16- Shark Tank Sept. 14th Commercial Break Live Stream
17- Atlas Shrugged Part II is out October 12 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1985017/ 

grow your business yfe

18- Levo league** http://www.levoleague.com/home/
19- Stratejoy** Get it off the Ground http://www.stratejoy.com/group-coaching/
20- Innovatively Organized ”The Organized Executive” 3 part training series http://www.innovativelyorganized.com/the-organized-executive-3-part-training-series

21- Amanda Russell Youtube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/amandarussell?feature=results_main
22- Total Reset Plan by Marissa Vicario http://www.mwahonline.com/services/totalresetplan/
23- Wild Squirrel Nut Butter http://shop.wildsquirrelnutbutter.com/collections/nut-butters
24- NuttiYogini Black Yoga Pant http://www.nuttiyogini.com/view_item.asp?id=588

mom young female entrepreneurs

25- The Honest Co. https://www.honest.com

26- iPhone 5 Coming out rumors are Sept. 21st

The moms and tech category are slim on this guide; we’ll have to compile their own buying guides in the future! Do you have a favorite product/service/event coming up in the fall? Be sure to add it to the comments…

Watch the Young Female Entrepreneurs live stream via Youtube below or find YFE on iTunes on audio or video

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The Balanced Entrepreneur

February 20, 2012

b r e a k f a s t

Good morning, entrepreneur! Time to put on your slippers, robe and kick up your feet while you watch daytime television, right? Hardly. Most of us find the opposite to be true. Waking up and working all day and through the night with little time for ourselves or a break. With limitless options in front of you, it’s even more important to take control of your time and structure your day. Being a stress-mess at the end of the week with no time with loved ones or friends is not the life you’ve set out to create for yourself. Personal experience has taught me a few things about self-care and how to start the day as an entrepreneur.

Your health is your most important possession

As Jenn stated in an earlier post, “…good health is something we value to keep it top of mind everyday”. Poor sleep, eating a less-than-stellar diet or skipping out on your workouts can drain your energy reserves. When you feel energized, you’re more productive, thinking clearly and motivated to do all you have to do in day. Create reminders to get up, stretch or take a mid-day break on your calendar or find an app that keeps you on track with your health and wellness. Take care of your body and mind by creating time in your day for essential self-care practices.

Begin the day with an activity you love

Part of being an entrepreneur is the joy of creating life on your own terms. Starting the day by checking your email within 30 seconds of waking (okay, 5 minutes might be a little more realistic) creates a tone for the day of “work, work, work”. Yes, work is important, but you could also spend the first hour of the day engaging in writing, painting, going for a walk, cooking a breakfast, sipping on tea, meditating or any other activities that don’t put you online and in work mode within moments of waking. Ease your way into your day and create and agenda that reflects a healthy balance.

Prioritize your tasks

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how often we open our email and become sidetracked. Hours later, we wonder where the day went. Guilty as charged here! I’ve had to learn to ignore my inbox, opening it at intervals throughout the day instead being vigilant and immediately responding to incoming emails. We need at least 15 minutes find a  focused zone when working on a project. Responding to emails, checking Facebook or Twitter take you out of your zone. End or start your day by creating a list of the high-priority items and tackle those first. If you need tools to help you stay focused, this is a great round up of tools to keep you attuned to and focused on your priorities.

Stop multitasking – immediately

When you worked in the corporate or office environment, multitasking was a valued trait. You know – the employee that can take calls, send emails, finish tomorrow’s report and sip away from their coffee cup simultaneously. Unlearning all those behaviors when you have your own business will benefit you. Renowned strategic advisor Peter Bregman says multitasking creates the illusion of productivity. “It’s very easy to multitask and jump from one thing to another without completing anything – that leaves us busy all day but unaccomplished.” He recommends finishing one thing at a time, giving the appropriate attention to detail and taking breaks as needed until a project is completed.

These are just a sampling of ways to find balance and a sense of achievement in your day as an entrepreneur. I’d love to hear from each of you. What are your tips and strategies for managing time, priorities and balancing work and life?

Erin Haslag, board-certified wellness coach and lifestyle consultant, can be found at WELL in L.A. where she shares simple, integrated ways to add more WELLness to your day. Follow along on Twitter @WELLinLA

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Your New Year’s Resolutions

December 29, 2011

Young FEmale Entrepreneurs

As young, female entrepreneurs many of us have industry, business, and fashion magazines piled up on our bed stands. Our interests vary as do our lifestyles. However, one thing is for certain, there is something exciting about starting a new year. As you look back on your 2011 and make big plans for 2012, get some help from your peers. Here are products and services created by young, female entrepreneurs for YFEs that will help get your 2012 off on the right foot.

Get Fit and Healthy

At my company we purposely point out that good health is something we value to keep it top of mind everyday. Sick, tired, and grumpy people is not what a good company is made of. Are you committing to prioritize your health in the new year as an entrepreneur? Here are a few items that will give you some extra motivation to hit the gym, ditch the coffee, and reach for the h2o.

Get support

For the GlowLast year after having my son, I really needed a boost of energy to keep up with being a new mom while building a business. I decided to commit to fellow young entrepreneur, Jennifer Jordan’s Resolution Challenge and was amazed at how much I had really been neglecting my health in the process.

If you are like me and just need a reminder and a plan to get you going again, this is a great recipe for change. With the Challenge you are essentially outsourcing your planning to For the Glow who provides you with meal and workout plans with the knowledge behind it so that you can make healthy, educated decisions post Challenge. Jennifer is generously giving YFEs a two for one special too! Once you receive the orientation packet, respond letting her know that you’re a YFE & provide your pal’s email address and name. She will then email the friend all the details. Grab you business parter, VA, or best Facebook friend and have fun getting fit and healthy together.

Get the equipment

If yoga, pilates, and running are already staples in your day, check out Zweet Sport for workout clothes that will spice up your daily routine. Marja and Kimberly founded Zweet Sport from their shared passion for fitness and fashion. The company produces “high end active wear” that looks and feels good.

 

“Our top sellers are the light weight Jaco shorts (loved by hot yogi’s and pole fitness ladies) and our Brasilia & Ezieza tops” explains Co-founder and Managing Director, Marja Toan. “We’re working on our Spring/Summer line which will debut in Feb/March. We’re incorporating a tank, another Capri pant & restocking all current styles with new color combos and prints.”

oGorgeous

YFE’s most recent profile is on one of Youtube’s Next Trainers, Amanda Russell. You can subscribe to her videos to round out your focus on staying healthy while keeping busy here. Another Youtube Next Trainer is Cassey Ho who created POP Pilates and oGorgeous yoga bags. Check out her line of gym and yoga bags to help you stay organized and ready to get your sweat on.

Take Action on your Ventures

Having compelling goals in both your personal and work life that excite you are one thing, but having the confidence and know-how to get them started is another.

Get clear and gain confidence

Molly Majar recorded an amazing Young Female Entrepreneurs Podcast episode for us on the topic of getting past our fears to get stuff done. She has a new program called, “Create Your Magical Year” that is aimed at helping us quarter lifers get our vision out on paper. The program is affordable and includes a digital download of “3 training calls, 20 art-filled worksheets, and 7 inspirational interviews from women you admire.” Molly added two bonuses to the download that include a process for creating “your theme for the year” and a “reading of Shakti Gawain’s Clearing Blocks visualization.” Check out Molly’s program.

If you are a fan of Napolean Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” you will want to check out Natalie MacNeil’s 21 Day New Year Challenge. Natalie is using MightyBell.com as the platform for walking participants through Napolean Hill’s book and recorded videos that have recently been made public. “Mightybell enables people – like Natalie MacNeil – to quickly and easily create new ”experiences” as a short series of step-by-step, day-by-day ‘actions’ you can do.” Join the Challenge here.

Get help

While it’s not packaged in a bow, colorful, or sexy in any way, the SBA provides programs and resources across the country for budding and growing entrepreneurs. If you haven’t given your local office a ring in the last year, make an appointment to do so in the next week. Here are a few links for you to keep in mind: NWBOC: The Nationals First WBE Certifier, SCORE Mentoring, National Women’s Business Council: Advisors to the President, Congress, and the SBA

Celebrate and Enjoy Life

Yes, New Years Eve is on Saturday and time is winding down to grab your perfect party dress. However, why let the celebrating stop on Saturday night? As a young, female entrepreneur you will have a number of occasions to celebrate throughout the year. Be prepared with the right dress when the time to unplug, shower, and head outside comes around.

Dress to Impress Celebrate

Jolie & Elizabeth

One company I’ve followed for the past few months that is helping this cause is Jolie & Elizabeth. Sara Elizabeth and Jolie, two New Orleans fashion designers are often in the press for being among a select group of young entrepreneurs who are revitalizing the city’s economy. Their dresses stay “true to timeless southern style” Co-founder, Jolie recommends the Revanche dress- “We offer it in a pink/ grey colorway and a mint/grey colorway. It’s normally priced at $242 but we’ve marked it down to $120, for the next week, until New Years. The name, Revanche- is french for Revenge, a good heartbreak dress!

Vue Society

Moving westward, a hot name in the Seattle scene is VueSociety. Founder Rachel Kim explains that the online shop’s focus is on “the extra curricular activities that happen outside of the working environment.” She specializes in high end one pieces and dresses serving women that “knows what she wants. She dresses conservatively and is labeled a trendsetter.” In for some sparkle? Then check out Vue Society’s Olive Green Sequin Dress from Blaque Label. If you are less of a dress girl, then take a peak at the Again Apparel Flaunt TRUX Skirt made of embossed pleather with stitching detail. Rachel is offering YFEs a promo code to use for the New Year: NYE2012. Receive $20 off the entire order along with free shipping to all WA state orders (plus, 5% of every purchase is donated to WWIN!).

2012 will be a break out year for many young, female entrepreneurs. By minding our health, our businesses, and remembering to still have fun outside of work we can all expect great things from one another. Many thanks to the young, female entrepreneurs featured in this piece who offered generous discounts. If you or a young, female entrepreneur you know of has a great product or service that would benefit YFEs in prepping for the new year, please share in the comments below!

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2006 September - Chef de parti - Shoot

While I know there are more pressing items to be sharing (Gen Y Capital Partners and the White House Student Relief headlines, our online meeting information, etc.), I had to do a quick writeup on this article, published today on ForbesWoman by Meg Casserly (fantastic writer),titled “Why I Won’t Date An Entrepreneur: A New Series.”

In the article Meg reviews her experience in dating men who have startups, which I’m not sure to laugh about or be concerned by, but at a certain level I can definitely relate to it. While I’m not dating, I do have a baby, my darling husband, and a business that I am personally juggling. I know that many of you have mentioned in the past that you have dismissed dating to focus on growing your companies (see “Calling on My Single Ladies”, “Single Lady Laura”, and “Who are You”). So what is Casserly going to do about our juggling act?

Rather than complain, or simply swear off, the Chris, Dave and Bryans that New York is crawling with, I’d like to make a difference. From my perch as an observer (and a more-than-curious reporter with experts on speed-dial), and with a few guest-posts, I’ll tackle the reality of the struggle to reconcile a personal life–whether it’s dating, relationships, family or babies—with the staggering commitment of building a business [...]

I don’t think juggling is exclusive to those who are starting and growing companies, but as a community of YFEs, it is something we have in common. Will anyone else be reading the Forbes Woman series?

[click to continue…]

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Positive Energy

August 19, 2011

positive energy

Editor’s Note: Jennifer Jordan is a ‘certified health nut, professional body sculptor & ambassador of the Superfood Flexi-Raw lifestyle’ as her Twitter bio reads. She is a wealth of information when it comes to being our healthiest and happiest self, your personal cheerleader, and a woman that has already accomplished so much. I am so thankful that she has contributed to our community. I hope you enjoy her message.

I look forward to Friday, but not for the typical reasons. For me, the day serves as a blissful reminder that I am living my truth as an entrepreneur and on the right path. Why Friday, you ask? It hit me about 6 months ago: I realized that I no longer had the need to shout out America’s favorite acronym, TGIF. I love what I do, and long gone are the days of counting down to weekend freedom. With seven years of entrepreneur experience under my belt, I can honestly say that it’s only in recent months that I’ve been engaged in my work without struggle. I know that this shift is the result of one crucial element: Positive Energy.

Now before I lose you to your Twitter newsfeed, know this: I’m not going to break out healing crystals or start chanting passages from The Secret. Truth be told, I can’t say or do anything that will shift your energy into the positive, not even Oprah can do that. It all comes down to personal choice, and today I’d like to share with you the three choices I’ve made in order to keep my positive energy intact, and my business on the move.

Manifestation Needs Your Help
Manifestation is incredibly powerful, but there is a lot of fluff surrounding the practice of envisioning your way to success. You can’t just shout out your list of demands to the Universe and expect to see them come to fruition. I’d be Mrs. Johnny Depp by now if that were true. Envision your goal, plant the seed, and then be positive and learn everything you can from your current circumstance. You wouldn’t believe how many mirror-flexing, protein-pumping meatheads I had to work under before I started my company. Be positive, learn patience, and laugh often.

Let Go
Entrepreneurship should come with a handbook and a helmet. It’s impossible to anticipate all of the bumps in the road, but in hindsight… aren’t we always grateful for them? Sometimes letting go of what you really want is an important step for your positive energy. I’ve experienced this many times: When absolutely necessary, the Universe will deny you of what you want, so that it can direct you to what you need. Let go, and remain positive that you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Form a Positive Posse
Your inner circle provides direct input and subliminal messages that have a significant impact on the course your life will take. Never underestimate the influence your posse has over your energy and long-term goals. This is definitely one of those ‘shoulda, coulda, woulda’ aspects from my own career. In the past year I have gone out of my way to eliminate energy vampires and to form powerful professional relationships with women who share my ambitions. Having a positive posse in my corner has not only improved my business, but it has also improved my relationship with those close to me who are less than supportive. Grandpa will never care to understand why you twitpic, but that won’t get under your skin if you’re receiving support elsewhere. Stay positive and surround yourself with like-minded positive peeps.

If all else fails and you find yourself slipping into Eeyore mode, reflect for a few moments on why you started this journey in the first place. Why did you choose to follow your passions over punching a clock? Ground yourself in your purpose, take a deep breath, and hit ctrl + alt + del on your energy. Every minute, every task, and every flip of our laptop provides a new opportunity to reboot and choose the direction of our day. (Hint: Choose positive energy!) ☺

IMG COURTESY lululemon athletica

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music playlist

Inc Magazine recently ran a series on track suggestions for business owners depending on the scenario you are faced with. The piece was written by an ex-staff writer at the Rolling Stones and includes everything from “Music to Play on a Long Flight to China” to “What You Want to Hear After Bringing in a Million Dollar Account.” In between suggestions like “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince he mixes in a few suggestions from CEOs.

As the writer, Matt Hendrickson, points out–

“But while technology has radically changed, one thing has remained constant: Music in the workplace equals happy time.”

So, what is the soundtrack to your happy time while working in and on your business?

Time to share!
What is on your iPod? What are you streaming on Spotify or Rdio? What channel do you listen to the most on Pandora? Or… is music not a part of your day? Comment below.

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By Nisha Grice, IBCLC and Doula, owner of Mother Rites


Owning your own business can give you the flexibility to start a family, or spend more time with your children, but how do you make it work? Here are some tips for staying sane when mixing babies and business.

Redundant support system: Feedback and extra hands are helpful when you’re starting a business, but for the self-employed parent they are essential. Put together a supportive team of individuals who can help with things like picking up kids from school, entertaining your child while you entertain a client, and give you a break when you need one. Have more than one emergency childcare situation lined up so that you can take advantage of business opportunities without burning out your loved ones.

Set realistic priorities: If you’ve got a newborn baby for example, your daily to-do list should be very small. If you accomplish something more than getting a shower and returning business phone calls or emails? Fantastic. If not, don’t beat yourself up. Managing a home life with young children is difficult whether you work inside or outside the home. Attack tasks in portions triaged according to their importance. If something does not have to be done by you personally or right away, delegate or delay it. As you get used to juggling more, you’ll develop a feel for how to make time management magic, but it takes practice.

Practice Self-Care: Schedule downtime and rests for yourself and don’t let them slide because you’re the boss! Carly McLeod, a single parent of 2 children under the age of 5 and owner of Fat Cat Mustard : “I ask for help when I need it. I don’t want to martyr myself and then not be able to be there for my kids. I also make sure to take time away from the kids and the house to do things for myself, like seeing friends or just enjoying a cup of coffee at a shop. That’s how I balance it all. I focus on the business during the day and then my home and family at night.”

Network with other Moms: Don’t be afraid to ask another mother how she holds it all together! You may find a great recommendation for a playgroup, a fun tip on how to pamper yourself, or a new business lead.


Nisha Grice, IBCLC and Doula, is the owner of Mother Rites which provides lactation services, labor and postpartum doula care, and all natural henna body art for mothers and families in the Greater Seattle Area (King & Kitsap counties). For more information or a free doula care consultation contact her at Nisha@mother-rites.com or visit www.mother-rites.com, @motherrites on Twitter, or Facebook – Mother Rites.

img courtesy limaoscarjuliet

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Eat for Fuel

June 6, 2011

Jennifer Jordan is the founder of Sweat and the City, which on any given day or visit is a blog, your personal trainer, group fitness class leader, source of inspiration, or what to eat bible. She is a young, female entrepreneur who spends her year in an array of cities, but current host is Seattle. Her Super Food Diet is on sale today, and it is worth taking a peak at if you are in your 20s or 30s and an entrepreneurial female.

Avacado in Super Food Diet

YFE’s are under pressure. Pressure to remain attractive, feel good, be happy, take care of children,  maintain a home, spend time on our relationships, run and grow a business, and not fail at any of it. Either way you look at it, the pressure is on and you can either sit here and debate it, stay in bed, or roll with it. First things first, though, your bod has got to keep up with your mind if you are going to get where you want to go.

While the Super Food Diet requires an initial amount of work on your part to read, plan, and begin to change your mindset (that has probably been set for the last twenty or so years to eat how you eat), it gets easier. The .pdf download provides you with a set of recipes that wiill energize, slenderize, and accelerate your results, which begin with an explanation of what ‘super foods’ are. Just knowing what foods will keep you going during the day will change your grocery store trips.

“When we return to natural foods and properly nourish + fuel our body, it resumes a state of balance. The side effects of a balanced body? weight loss, glowing skin, energy, and improved immunity.” (Jennifer Jordan)

Plan to be healthy, to incorporate food and beverages in your day that will keep you at your computer when your day job has ended and your startup begins. As a YFE, your day is long, and your to do list is over flowing. Is nutrition something that is a priority for you? What is your plan when it comes to eating the right way for your body and mind?

Editor’s Disclaimer: Niether Jennifer Donogh or YoungFemaleEntrepreneurs.com is being reimbursed for this endorsement, it’s just a great product! The Super Food Diet is 40% off today only, check it out.

IMG Courtesy JaredFrazer

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Editor’s Note: Please pop over to Dana Rindal’s Twitter/Facebook to thank her for this informative blog post.

Healthcare; expensive, confusing, cutting edge, essential, political and did I mention THE hot topic right now? The USA has said “I do” to Obamacare, so what might this union look like? How will it affect you from a small business perspective?

RULES OF THE ROAD- The Laws You Should Pay Attention to as a Small Business Owner

As a small business, you will be affected and it’s time to understand just exactly what you can do to prepare for healthcare reform and strategize growth. First, let’s look at the 4 ways reform will directly impact your business.

  1. SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDIT QUALIFICATION- This tax credit means more money in your pocket, especially if you were already paying for health insurance for your employees. It’s the government’s way of “strongly encouraging” small businesses to purchase health insurance for their employees while reducing the burden of the cost. This is perhaps the best news about healthcare reform for small businesses, but in order to qualify, you have to meet some requirements. If you pay more than 50% of your employees health benefits, have less than 26 employees, and pay annual wages of less than $50k, your business can claim a tax credit up to 35% of the cost of premiums from 2010 to 2013 tax year. By 2014, the credit will go up to 50% if you buy insurance from the SHOP Exchange (definition below), and can be used for 2 consecutive years after that.
  2. EXEMPT FROM PAYING INSURANCE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES- If you have fewer than 50 employees, you are exempt from being required to pay for health insurance for your employees or be forced to pay a $2000 fine per employee. (If you have over 50 employees, be prepared to pay for their insurance or pay the fine). (Note: You will be required to purchase your own insurance).
  3. SHOP EXCHANGE- In 2014, your business will be able to purchase insurance from the SHOP Exchange (Small Business Health Options Program). SHOP will essentially pool resources to decrease insurance premiums for small businesses. The good news for you? You should be able to find more competitive rates for health insurance plans that typically have only been offered to large corporations in the past. (Note: The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that small-group premiums will fall 1 to 4% thanks to the exchanges, but premiums are expected to rise considerably before they fall)
  4. PREEXISITNG CONDITIONS- If you or your employees had any preexisting conditions that previously left you without insurance as a small business owner, insurance companies will no longer be able to not give you coverage because of your past conditions.

YOUR ACTION STEPS?
If you are a self employed entrepreneur or have under 25 employees, there are a few things for you to consider.

  1. Incorporate. You are not eligible for most of the benefits of reform if you are not incorporated.
  2. Budget. You, personally, will be required to get healthcare insurance if we do not see a change in legislation. Be prepared to at least get insurance for yourself, and potentially your employees.
  3. Don’t Miss Out on Tax Benefits. If you do decide to get insurance for your employees, take advantage of the tax advantage being offered by the government. Take it and run. These freebees don’t happen often.
  4. Work with Your Investors. If you have investors or are seeking venture capital for your business, understand that the tax rate will increase 3.8% in 2013 on all unearned income. Potential investors are likely to want a higher return on their investment as the government has just announced that they are taking more of their profit.
  5. Strategize Growth. Unfortunately, healthcare reform and a few other laws are making small businesses think twice about their growth and the number of employees they hire. For example, at 20 employees Cobra regulations kick in, and at 50 employees the Federal Leave Family Act applies. Furthermore, when a company employs 26 individuals, they lose the healthcare tax credit that was mentioned above, and at 50 employees, employers are required to buy health insurance or pay a fine. At the end of the day, the larger your company becomes the more expensive it is to comply with Federal Regulations. What will this mean for your businesses and dreams for your business growth?

Healthcare reform is complicated and some would say that we are still in the “honeymoon stage”. It is our hope that reform will bring happiness and prosperity to the United States both in sickness and in health. However, as a small business, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared to not only take advantage of some of the credits being offered, but also prepare for increased costs.

Dana Rindal, CPA, MBA and her husband own InHealth, an integrated clinic that offers complementary care that includes Seattle chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact her at Dana@InhealthSeattle.com or read more at www.InHealthSeattle.com. (Twitter- InHealthPLLC/ Facebook- InHealthSeattle)

Image Courtesy House GOP Leader

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Where YFE is headquartered (Jennifer Donogh’s home office) we are experiencing some unusually dreary, rainy weather. Whether it’s weather or just the need for a change in environment most people in their 20s and 30s get bitten by the travel bug at one point or another. Have you acted on the urge to pack up and just leave for a couple days, a few weeks, or even a year? Consider gifting yourself some time away whether it be to an exotic island, a sunny part of your state, or even your backyard. Here are a few suggestions for a YFE getaway.

Young, female entrepreneur Kat Say, writes a monthly feature, Out of the Office: what’s hot in travel + deals and information to make a gals travel life smooth sailing” for Girl Power Hour. In her lastest post she recommends to escape a less than favorable spring, or if you just need some time to unplug to do so by heading down to Meixco.

Where in Mexico you ask?

1. Azul Sensatori in the Riviera Maya

One of my favorite things about this resort was the lazy river pool from your own private balcony. If I wantedfood or drinks, I could jump on my tube and just float the river to the bar. This hotel is a 20 minute cab ride from the “hotel zone” in downtown Cancun. It truly offers the best of both worlds!

2. Marival Residences and World Spa in Nuevo Vallarta (just north of Puerto Vallarta)

The surrounding area is no boardwalk but if your in for relaxing, this is the place. If you have small children and you want to get R & R, then this is not your place. This place is designed for all persons who want luxury & Relaxation. The resort has it’s own private beach club with top notch services, amazingly large rooms (we had a 1,400 square foot 2 bedroom 2 bath suite).

Is Mexico not in your startup budget, maybe you’ve lost your passport, or your last spring break experience there was as much Cancun as you could take… then where? Instead of starting from the where, first consider the why.

Why do you want to travel? Here’s a checklist of reasons for traveling to go through before booking your next flight and hotel package… or scouting the best hostel.

  • Inspiration- running out of ideas, tired of the same old thing, or looking for answers?
  • Change- stuck in your home office so much so that hours turn into days that turn into weeks?
  • Adventure- need a new risk to take, something that gets your blood moving, that makes you excited?
  • Fun- whether its sun and sea or sun and snow, does a good time outside of working on and in your business sound good?
  • Relaxation- are your shoulders tense, energy low, and a good night’s rest a thing of the past?
  • Family and Friends- missing your college roommates, your parents, or have you recently met fun new people on Twitter?
  • Introspection- not sure if this whole entrepreneurial lifestyle is for you or deciding if committing 100% to your business is really what is best for you?
  • Giving Back- feeling like paying your good fortune forward or need some time to gain perspective?
  • Business- is there conference coming up, potential for entering into a new market, or a possible partnership of sorts?

How many have you checked off: 1-2, 5-7… how about all of them? Should embarking on your next adventure be sooner than later? Grab some advice from the YFE community at large by tweeting with us on Thursday at 9pm PST for #YFEchat. Find out more about it here.

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