I would like to share an excellent article with you, I read it this morning during my daily self development session. The article talks about the importance of being a woman that is willing to be supported by her man. It really hit home with me because until I met my husband Shelby, I always felt that I needed to "Do it all by myself, even if I had a man in my life!" I am not proud of that fact, it's just the way I was taught. I realized that this "Do it yourself" attitude was even worse when it came to accepting help and support while I built my business. After talking with other black women in direct sales, I realized that this was something many black women dealt with everyday, we often complained about not having support from our significant others, but most of us were just not being "support-able women".

So, when I came across this awesome article in the DSWA library, I was extremely excited about sharing it with you. The article was written by a gentleman named Mark Semple. Mark is a dedicated Direct Sales spouse and supporter. Mark is also a Certified Comprehensive Coach that focuses on spouse/partner support in Direct Sales and other home businesses. Please read on and take Mark's advice, I did. After reading Mark's article, I went right up to my husband and said, "Thank you sweetheart, I appreciate you supporting me in my business". Shelby smiled and gave me the biggest hug. I knew at that moment, just telling him how much I appreciated him made a world of difference. Read on ladies and enjoy!

Are You A Support-able Woman  by Mark Semple

In my journey as a Coach and Direct Sales supporter, I frequently hear that many women are frustrated with the lack of support they receive from their significant other. One of my guiding principles is: No woman actually needs a man in order to be successful. When she knows it, she steps into her power and owns her success. When HE knows it, it allows him to respect her power and be supportive in the way that serves her best.

My wife was single for 14 years before we met. She raised an awesome daughter single-handed and enjoyed success as an executive. There was no doubt in my mind that this woman does not need me to function and will be as successful as she wants to be. I am passionate about supporting her anyway I can and love opportunities to be able to do so.

Being a powerful and capable woman, she frequently just gets going and doesn't need anything from me.
There are many opportunities that I see where I can be of service. Sometimes it is a fit for her, other times she remains focused on what is in front of her. My second guiding principle; it is HER business. No matter what it is her business to run anyway that she chooses. And of course, to be responsible for her results. My wife knows that I am available to her anytime for whatever she needs. Whenever she does not call on me, I know that she is in her power and that it is not an indication that she doesn't need me.

Several of the powerful women that I have met who expressed a desire for more support from their partner were amazed to realize that they were significantly contributing to the lack of it. Quite a paradox.
To be supported you must be SUPPORT-ABLE. Being in your own power IS a crucial element to being successful. Being open and taking advantage of support from others will enable you to leverage your power more effectively, be more productive and have a positive impact on your relationship. Your other half will greatly appreciate the opportunity to be of service and value and will enjoy the feeling of being needed.

If you desire more support, you MUST open yourself up to being support-able. This may not be easy at first, if you are used to flying solo. As you look ahead to your days activities, look for tasks that you could delegate.
What tasks are on your list that your partner would be willing to do? What talents do they have that you can benefit from?

Shift into an "US" prospective. What activities do you have on your agenda that can be done together?
If you accomplish your objectives earlier, how could you use the extra time...together? If it is truly important to you to accomplish something by yourself, that is OK. Simply communicating that fact-and letting them know you will have other opportunities for them-will go a long way to maintaining their interest in supporting you.

The simplest most effective way to leverage your power and maintain the support is to acknowledge them and appreciate them. Let them know how much it means to you to have their love and share their life. And, what a key part they are of the future that you hold the vision for. The most important part of my journey with my wife is "US". Without that, nothing else really matters. Be successful-together.