Hey, Entrepreneur - It's a Year for Bigger Risks, Bigger Goals and Blazing a Trail!

If you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur sitting on a brilliant idea, this message is for you. With the start of the new year, you're probably setting goals for the next 12 months and wondering if you should take a few risks or play it safe this year. Perhaps your brain is telling you to play only your "conservative cards" in 2012. Or maybe you watch the news and the words "troubled economy" resonate in your head.

My guess is that there is a tug at your heartstrings begging you to take risks this year - to put yourself out on a limb. I'm hearing it from friends, colleagues, and my clients on a daily basis:

"...should I?"

"Am I crazy to want to start this idea...right now?"

"I have this new project, but is this the year to implement it?"

If you know that this is a feasible opportunity, that there is a demand for what you're offering, and your vision is well thought out then my answer is "Hell yes!"  The opportunities for consumer retail products (crafts, beauty, cosmetics, bath and body consumables) are phenomenal. But before you bring your product to market, I must again emphasize the importance of conducting research, product demand, viable sales channels and of course determine your profitability.

We've all heard of words which reference how to set yourself or your business apart from the competition. But this year, more than ever, I urge you to:

Make A Difference

Nail That Innovative Niche

Then Trailblaze Like Nobody's Business

Now is the time to take risks. If you are a woman-owned company or startup, this is especially the year to be aggressive. Got an idea to move forward with? A bit scared? Good! 

When you hang out at the end of the branch it gets your heart racing. But over time a successful entrepreneur will find that it's more comfortable there. I like the new, the unexpected. I like to push myself into uncharted territory. Do you?