If you are interested in being a part of our study, or if you know a woman business owner who would like to participate, please email me and we'll get you scheduled for an interview. Those who complete the interview will receive $25 and a Jane Out of the Box t-shirt!

As our project moves forward, we will, of course, share the findings of our research with you, as well as use what we learn to continue to build great resources and tools for you.

Jane Out of the Box research shows that women entrepreneurs sometimes have difficulty balancing their many roles and as a result, can feel stressed or not have time to take care of themselves. One key to resolving this challenge is to delegate! But delegation alone isn't enough. As a business owner you need to make sure the people who are helping you are doing it the way you want. In order to do that – you need a system!

Go here to hear Beth Schneider of Process Prodigy explain how you can create systems to help you delegate effectively.

• Template Questionnaire for Customer Satisfaction
• Template Questionnaire for Evaluating a New Idea
• Turn a Breakdown into a Breakthrough
• 3 Steps to Equalize Cash Flow to Client Flow

Kathryn Blume is the owner of Kathryn’s Travel, which is not your ordinary travel agency. Kathryn’s Travel offers unique travel experiences to both popular and off-the-beaten-path locations. The company specializes in everything from group travel and destination weddings, to romantic getaways or family adventure travel. Kathryn will find you a great deal, and give you the individualized service to make your vacation a special one.

This is not the first business that Kathryn has owned however, her main reason for starting a business the first time was to set her schedule around the needs of her children, which is still a major plus for her today. She also loves the flexibility of working from home. The last major change Kathryn made in her business was dropping the host agency she was working through. Her ability to get her own contracts with hotels and tour operators has given her more control and increased profits.

Kathryn’s Travel was not an overnight success and Kathryn struggled for several years before becoming a prosperous business. She now has a true sense of pride and accomplishment for her business. She’s had opportunities to meet incredible people who are tied to her business, as clients or suppliers. And she has made many friends that she may not have without starting her travel business.

Although it’s tough for Kathryn to pinpoint her greatest reward, she says that she is blessed to be able to travel with her business and to share adventures with her family. As she said, "It is a great reward to see my whole family share my sense of adventure. I feel I’ve set a great example for my children, to know that if they work hard they can accomplish their dreams, and don’t have to compromise between being a parent or being a business owner."