Hey Sheila,
Well, we’ve got a lot in common! I have a website called The Liberated Life Project which is similar to the spirit and vision of Rainbow Framework (I took a look at your site, fun!). I also have a consulting/coaching practice, Five Directions — I support small nonprofits and business owners to build more engaged communities. I do this through supporting them in marketing, communications, fundraising, and other ways.
The number one piece of advice for someone starting out? Not sure I can narrow it down to just one, but how about the top three?!
* Educate yourself by learning from people who share the same business values as you and have been successful in what they do (in my case, a couple of mentors/exemplars have been Pamela Slim and Chris Guillebeau)
* Build relationships with people who can help you, and help them in return
* Persistence! Be ready to stay in it for the long haul, and know that ups and downs are a natural part of being an entrepreneur
I hope others chime in here with their experiences and advice… I love connecting with people who are expressing their creativity through a business.
Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine.