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From Good Girl to Goal-Getter: Entrepreneur Fuel for Women

From "Good Girl" to Goal-Getter: How to Turn Undervalued Contributions into Entrepreneurial Fuel

EXCERPT> Undervalued

Ever feel like you're the office darling, always going the extra mile, but your bank balance isn't exactly reflecting your Herculean efforts? Like you're constantly putting in £100k worth of work for a £30k paycheck (and let's be honest, even that's being generous these days!). Sound familiar? Thought so! Because, darling, I've been there. In fact, that feeling, that frustration of being the undervalued "Good Girl," alongside the nagging fear that I'd never truly be recognized for my contributions, was a HUGE catalyst in my own journey to building Femmeprenista. And if I'm being totally honest, that little voice of the "Good Girl" still whispers in my ear sometimes, even now.

For years, I climbed the corporate ladder, ticking all the boxes, playing by the rules, always the one to volunteer for that extra project or cover for a colleague. Sound familiar? It's the "Good Girl" script we're often handed, isn't it? The one that whispers, "Be helpful, be agreeable, and you'll be rewarded." But what if the reward never comes? What if you keep hitting that glass ceiling, while the lads who swagger and self-promote leapfrog ahead?

This isn't about blaming the system (though let's be honest, the system has failed many of us Millennials, hasn't it?). It's about taking ownership. It's about recognizing that entrepreneurial fire within you – the one you might have glimpsed selling sweets in the playground, organising the school bake sale, or quietly dreaming of a life where your effort translates directly into impact & income.

This post is your permission slip. It's your invitation to ditch the "Good Girl" script and rewrite your own narrative as the CEO of your life & your business. Because, darling, that "Good Girl" energy? It's not weakness. It's pure, untapped entrepreneurial fuel, just waiting to be ignited.

Unlocking Your Undervalued Superpowers

Let's face it: being the "Good Girl" often means you're already rocking some serious entrepreneurial skills without even realizing it. You're organized, reliable, proactive, and probably a master juggler (hello, motherhood!). You anticipate needs, solve problems before they even arise, & keep everything running smoothly. These aren't just "soft skills," my friend. These are the very foundations of a thriving business.

Think about it:

  • Resourcefulness: Remember that time you pulled off that impossible deadline with zero budget & a team that was half asleep? That's resourcefulness – pure entrepreneurial hustle – in action. That's the "make it happen" spirit, the "I'll find a way" energy, that every business owner needs. It's about using what you have, where you are, to get things done, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s like that time I had to finish my MBA finance project, juggling a teething toddler (my second daughter, who decided sleep was optional that week) & a partner who was down with the flu, all while the wifi decided to take a vacation. Pure chaos, but fueled by copious amounts of coffee and sheer determination (plus a healthy dose of "I can do this!" affirmations – José Silva’s mind techniques are a lifesaver!), I still got it done!

  • Problem-Solving Prowess: You're probably the go-to person for fixing things, whether it's a tech glitch, a scheduling nightmare, or a client meltdown. This problem-solving muscle is GOLD in the entrepreneurial world. You're like the heroine in a sci-fi movie who knows how to reroute the power through the deflector shields—you can figure ANYTHING out! It’s that “I don’t just dig the hole, I question is this the best way” instinct that has saved me countless times, both in corporate & now running my own businesses. Speaking of problem-solving, my PhD research is constantly reminding me how crucial this skill is, especially for Black female entrepreneurs who often have to navigate unique systemic challenges with extra layers of resourcefulness and resilience.

  • Empathy & Connection: "Good Girls" are often masters of empathy. You listen, you understand, you build relationships. And guess what? Building relationships, darling, is the heart & soul of any successful business. It’s about truly seeing your clients, understanding their needs, & connecting with them on a human level. My early experiences at that stuffy corporate environment (Electrolux, anyone?) taught me just how important it is to feel seen and understood in a professional setting, and that's something I carry with me now in every client interaction.

So, how do you channel these undervalued superpowers into building a business where YOU set the value – & the paycheck?

From Seeking Validation to Owning Your Worth

One of the biggest shifts for me, and one I see so often with the women I coach, is moving from seeking external validation to recognizing our own inherent worth. For years, I waited for someone else to notice my contributions, to give me that promotion, to tell me I was valuable. But darling, the real power lies in deciding for yourself.

This isn't about arrogance. It's about self-awareness. It's about honestly assessing your skills, your experience, and the unique value you bring to the table. It's about realizing that you are not "just" a mum, "just" an employee, or "just" anything. You are a powerhouse of potential, and you get to decide what that potential is worth.

One small, smart step you can take today? Grab a notebook & write down all the amazing things you've accomplished, both in your professional life and your personal life. Celebrate those wins. Own them. Because, darling, that list is your entrepreneurial fuel. It's the proof you need that you are capable of anything you set your mind to. It's like that little notebook I started when I first decided to leave my corporate job – a list of all the times I’d gone above & beyond, all the innovative solutions I'd created, all the impossible deadlines I’d somehow met while juggling the demands of a young family and limited support (Cappuccino and Espresso weren't exactly trained nannies!). It helped me to see my own worth clearly, without waiting for someone else to validate it.

Building Your Business on a Foundation of YOU

Ready to take the leap? Here are some practical steps to get you started:

  1. Identify Your Zone of Genius: What are you naturally good at? What do people come to you for help with? This is your starting point. Don't overthink it; just start with what feels easy & enjoyable. For example, are you the queen of organization? Do you have a knack for explaining complex things simply? Are you a whiz with tech? These are all clues to your entrepreneurial superpowers. For me, it was the "I don’t just dig the hole, I actually question if this is the best way..." tendency that naturally led to problem-solving and innovation, drawing on that natural Gemini curiosity and my inherent drive to improve things, much like Rory Sutherland's approach to marketing. Look at your own life – what unique skills or talents do you bring to the table?

  2. Validate Your Idea: Before you invest significant time or money, test your idea in the real world.

    • Offer a free consultation or discovery call to a few ideal clients and gather feedback on their pain points and how your idea could solve them.

    • Create a simple landing page with an email opt-in to gauge interest in your offer. This helps to build an early list of potential customers.

    • Join relevant online communities and engage in conversations to understand what your target audience is struggling with and how your offer fits into the market.

  3. Build Your Foundation: A strong online presence is essential. This doesn't have to be fancy; it just needs to be professional & clearly communicate your value. If the tech side feels overwhelming (and trust me, I get it!), our Ready to Launch Kit can help you get set up quickly & efficiently. No more 1 eyeliner on because you're too busy cleaning up the castor oil spilled by the toddler while simultaneously trying to answer emails and prevent Espresso from eating the sofa cushions!

  4. Connect & Collaborate: Building a business can feel lonely, especially when you're juggling so much. Joining a supportive community of like-minded women can be a game-changer. It's like having a virtual coffee date with your business besties, sharing wins, brainstorming solutions, and getting that much-needed dose of encouragement. Come join us in Femme Connect – it’s free and full of amazing women just like you! It’s a fantastic way to find support navigating those 12-13 weeks of school holidays (because, darling, who gets 3 months’ vacation in the corporate world?) or just to vent about the joys and challenges of juggling a growing business with family life. Femme Connect

  5. Celebrate the Journey: Building a business is not a linear process. It’s a rollercoaster. There will be ups, downs, and moments where you feel like throwing your laptop out the window (or maybe just cleaning castor oil off the carpet – you know the feeling, right?). Embrace the chaos. Learn from the mistakes. And most importantly, celebrate every single win, no matter how small.

From "Good Girl" to Goal-Getter: Your Time is Now

Darling, your time is now. You are not defined by that old script. You are the author of your own story. Take ownership of your brilliance. Channel that "Good Girl" energy into building a business that fuels your soul & your bank account. Because you deserve to be rewarded for your efforts. You deserve to live a life where your work brings you joy, freedom, & financial abundance.

So, what's one tiny step you're committed to taking TODAY to move from "Good Girl" to Goal-Getter? Share it below – let's cheer each other on! It can feel lonely, right? Especially when you're juggling so much. Share one win this week below!

Carlene Nisbett

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?

We'd love to welcome you!

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