The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions, policies, or positions of StreetShares or any of its affiliates.

The scales are tipping for women to assume roles not only in politics and the business world, but to take it a step further and become the gatekeepers of their destiny as entrepreneurs. We have Sheryl Sandberg telling us to ‘Lean In' and Oprah reminding us to control our destinies. But is any of it helping? Are women more motivated today than they were years prior? Well, if you look at the data, I would say yes.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions, policies, or positions of StreetShares or any of its affiliates.

Once upon a time, in the pre-Amazon days, starting your own business was riddled with questions surrounding issues such as where your business would operate and how you would reach your customers. Now, thanks to the technology boom, things that once fell into the 'in-person only' category can now be fully remote. Everything from banking to education to employment no longer requires your physical presence to complete. The business world falls into this demographic as well. Technology and the internet have forever changed the landscape of how and where people do business.

Turning your entrepreneurial aspirations into a profit-driven entity may look best for you as an online-only business. Regardless of the reasoning, the approach and organization leading up to and after your launch should be methodical and well-thought out. If you have a business idea, and you're ready to take it to the main stage of the internet, here are some tips on how to start.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions, policies, or positions of StreetShares or any of its affiliates.

Once upon a time, social media was just for fun, but that is no longer the case. I have found throughout the years that when the phrase "social media" is spoken in an office setting, one of two reactions will follow. Someone will perk up, eager to share something they learned that they feel revolutionary, or someone will grimace in pain at the thought. Social media has become a double-edged sword. Some of us may enjoy the ability to stay up to date with friends and family no matter their geographic location. Some may cringe at the thought of it because they know someone who has turned their social media pages into an embarrassing personal journal.

Regardless of where you fall in all of this, social media and the professional world go hand-in-hand. The same way you use Yelp or TripAdvisor to vet someone, someplace or something, HR representatives and potential customers do the same thing to you. However, finding the balance between business and pleasure with social media may not be as tricky as you think. Here are five ways to kick your social media professionalism up a notch.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions, policies, or positions of StreetShares or any of its affiliates.

According to the International Franchise Association, franchises have not only created 7.6 million jobs, but they have also added over $400 billion to our economy. Depending on what your business goals are or what your business model entails, franchising can be your path for continued business growth. Saying that you want to franchise your business is one thing. Knowing where to start is quite another. While the process is one that requires focus and attention to detail, the process will become streamlined if you come out of the gate with your best foot forward. Here are things to consider before deciding to go the path of franchising.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions, policies, or positions of StreetShares or any of its affiliates.

$1.02 billion. That is the 2016 valuation of the professional coaching industry in the United States. According to the International Coach Federation the United States has approximately 17,500 coaches actively coaching- and this number continues to grow. With numbers like that, you think it’d be easy to find yourself a professional coach- but it’s often not! In fact, the intimidation people feel seeking the help of a complete stranger is enough to stop them before they start.

Here's the good news if you're the timid kind; coaches and mentors are all about you. You don't need to be a member of a fancy organization to find them either. Whether you have a budget for coaching or cannot spend a cent, we’re about to dive into ways to find one and start changing your life and business.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions, policies, or positions of StreetShares or any of its affiliates.

Here is the reality: at some point or another, we all get off of the military train. While a bit harsh, I believe in speaking the truth, even if it stings a little. Despite this fact, the chief complaint I received while working with transitioning veterans was that they do not feel prepared for the road to civilian life. Sure, you will go through transition classes, meet with transition counselors, and practice going on job interviews, but what if you could do more? What if I were to tell you there are things that YOU can do right now that would help ease the transition and help you get ahead of the curve. Things you could do where you aren't waiting on anyone else. Interested? I thought so...