As a business coach and author of a business book for women, Discovering Your Inner Samurai, I am frequently asked in interviews this question, "How are women entrepreneurs who excel different from men entrepreneurs who excel?"

What I've discovered about women entrepreneurs who excel is that they do so in some ways that are similar to their male counterparts and in other ways that are distinctly different.

Here's how I answer that question:

 Both women and men entrepreneurs who excel:

• Are self-disciplined.
• Hold strong, clear visions about the direction of their companies.
• Follow detailed plans of action to support their visions.
• Know how to make tough-call.
• Use mentors and coaches to keep them strategically aligned for success.
• Exude confidence and determination.
• See problems, failures, and setbacks as opportunities, openings, and clarifiers.

Women entrepreneurs do all that and then some. More often then men, women also:

• Create lifestyle businesses that encompass the full spectrum of their lives.
• Have a natural affinity for customer care and service.
• Are three parts “strong woman” and one part “good girl.”
• Have strong, values-led businesses.
• Trust and follow their intuition.
• Are "whole"-istic in their decision-making.
• Measure success by their quality of interaction with people and how much they help others.

What would you add to this list? Are their things you do that are specific to being a woman entrepreneur that our male counterparts don't do as often? If so, let us know!

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Have you ever given much thought to the energetic difference between motivation and inspiration?

Not many people do.

However, one of my clients recently asked about the difference when I asked her if she wanted to lead her team to success via inspiration or via motivation.

That question stopped her short.

"What's the difference," she asked?

Often we use the two words interchangeably, though energetically they are quite different.

Motivation is when we are pushed forward, from behind, toward a desired outcome. This usually happens when someone other than yourself is using his or her thoughts and words to influence your behavior.

These thoughts and words can belong to a real, live, external person, like a boss, sister, or mother, or they can belong to the voice inside your head that is telling you what you should and ought to do.

It's rather like the energetic carrot out in front beckoning you onward, inspiring you to success and greater fulfillment in your life. 

When my client and I talked about what leadership style she wanted to use with her team, which one do you think she decided upon?

"Drawn toward or pushed forward, which feels better," I asked?

She knew, right away, that she would rather be inspired to success rather than motivated for success.

Weigh-in. Which are you? Are you a motivator or Inspirator? Which do you prefer?

Susan L. Reid
Inner Samurai Business Expert

Want your small business to be successful this year? Then it's time to be fierce about your goals and guard them with your time.

Welcome to the Inner Samurai Business Leadership Video series. In this 3-minute video you'll learn how to set goals that stick.

Is this your first year in business? Want to get your new small business off to a great start? Then make it great by creating a fabulous name for your business.

Welcome to the Turn Your Business Dreams into Reality Video series. In this 4-minute video you'll learn exactly what goes into creating a great business name and also what popular trends to avoid.