As managing editor for Alexandria Stylebook what’s struck me the most during my short tenure, is the amazing entrepreneurs and business owners I get to work with every week via calls, texts, emails, edits, coffee, lunch and brainstorms. And hugs. Hugs are good for the soul and always welcome. These women (and men) make up the fabric of our community, and what makes living here so special. They embody why “shopping local” feels so good. They are trusted advisors and friends and share their insights, experiences and honest feedback. And they give back – through charitable organizations, employing locals and showing love for their storefronts, adding vitality and personality to our neighborhoods. When you arrive at their destination, they don’t disappear into the back of the store, they meet you at the front entrance. 

Inspired by their hard work, passion and boundless energy, I couldn’t help but connect the dots with a new book about to be released: Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success. Here are just a few gems of wisdom from the book as we continue to make Alexandria a great place to live, visit, shop, connect and grow. I hope to see some of our female founders in the next edition.

Know yourself. Learn to become an observer in your own life. We’re awfully good at observing others, but how do you make decisions? How do you react when things go in your favor and how do you react when they go wrong? Are you impatient, what triggers that impatience? Observe yourself as you move through your professional and personal life. You’ll recognize your strengths and weaknesses and hone in on the competencies that set you apart. This also allows you to be vulnerable and ask for help in areas where you need it.  -- Subha Barry, CEO, Seramount 

It’s about the power of the team. One person alone does nothing brilliant. Step forward and use your voice. Speak up about great matters of importance. I understand that I’m a leader, but I don’t know everything. I hope that when I speak, people listen for understanding; use your voice with the knowledge of the collective.  – Pam Eason,  CEO, WBENC

Lift as you climb. Open the door for others. Elevate and celebrate other women’s accomplishments. Give each other direct and specific feedback – how can I get better? – Sandra Quince, CEO, Paradigm for Parity

Successful people don’t get lucky, they make their own luck.  Work with people that encourage you – and challenge you. And find ways to get that outside of work by joining different initiatives in the community. This is how circles get bigger and create more paths of opportunity. – Margo Georgiadis

Share contacts. When was the last time you shared a name because you thought a person might be a good connection for someone else—and not because you were asked? Do it unsolicited, without expecting anything in return. – Anna Mok, President and Executive Board Chair, Ascend Leadership

Be a go-giver as much as a go-getter.  We cannot take our experiences and wisdom with us, but we can share them in real-time. – Sharon W. Reynolds, MBA, CEO, DevMar Products, LLC 

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. This is when we learn the most. Are you stretching yourself enough to get out of your comfort zone?  – Margo Georgiadis

Share some of your own business insights and I’ll post in a future article; email editor@alexandriastylebook.com. And browse the half dozen events being held for the launch of Women Mean Business in D.C. You never know what one new introduction may lead to—that’s the power of the pack.