Ladies, you're not alone if you're starting up your own business. Check out these resources to help you make sound decisions.

Many times we focus on what to do, and that's great. But what about those activities we shouldn't do? Check out this list to help you in your job search efforts.

I heard a sad joke about American entrepreneurs during my travels in Europe a few months back. A speaker asked the audience “How do you hide a secret from an American?” Then she took a dramatic pause and said “You write it in a book.” People laughed. I didn’t.

To say the least, that comment pissed me off. Instead of making a scene (I was scheduled to speak to the same audience of female entrepreneurs only hours later), I decided it was better to take a stance. And that is what this post is all about… believe it or not, ALL the secrets to success, happiness, you name it, reside in books. No single book will ever have it all, but as you read more and more you will find a common thread that resonates with you. And that thread IS the secret.

As always, I reached out to the TPE community to get their suggestions, and they compiled this amazing list. And YES, some books are mentioned multiple times — since they have varying thoughts backing them. Enjoy the list, pick some up, and get reading!!!

I’m excited to be participating in Quintessential Career’s annual Job Action Day – for its second year. To quote Katherine Hansen, PhD, Quintessential Careers, “While the economy is showing signs of recovery, indications that the recovery will continue to be ‘jobless’ casts a pall over hopes for a full bounce-back. Job Action Day … addresses the jobless recovery by spotlighting promising areas in which the unemployed and other job-seekers may find opportunities.”

As entrepreneur and daredevil pilot Amelia Earhart once said, “The woman who can create her own job is the woman who will win fame and fortune.” Think about the time period when this was said: the 1920’s. In fact, Earhart took her first flying lesson on January 3, 1921, and in six months managed to save enough money to buy her first plane. In 1929, the stock market crashed, which led the Great Depression. In 1932, three years into the depression, Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic and in 1935 she became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific from Honolulu to Oakland, California. more...

Many times, people who need job-search help enlist a professional. Career coaches and counselors are usually certified professionals who focus on career exploration or choice, changing career paths or even helping you beef up your résumé and perfect your interview skills. more...

One aspect that Tafur, now a consultant, helps protégés overcome is women’s reluctance to tout their own accomplishments out of fear that they will be perceived as bragging. Instead of viewing it as conceit, she teaches protégés to call it “sharing.” Women managers should be eager to pass along a compliment they or a staff member receives from a client. more...

Listen to the Podcast

Thomasina shares her experience of climbing the corporate ladder to become a successful female executive during her 20 years at FedEx Corporation and how she is now translating the do's & don'ts to help others in search of serious success.

When Thomasina Tafur was laid off from a big corporate job in April, she was excited about the prospect of starting a business from her Memphis, Tenn., home. But, she said, "there were a few things that did catch me off guard."