Karen Steede Terry

Karen is self-employed independent software instructor and consultant in a high-tech field. In 1996 she decided to start her own business, and since then, women have been approaching her wanting to know how they could still have careers and raise families. For years, she wrestled herself with the “traditional” roles of wife and mother versus career-woman, and the result was her book, “Full Time Woman, Part-Time Career.”

Bella: What will you discuss at the Expo?
Terry: Women do not have to give up their dreams, opportunities, or careers completely when they have kids. There are ways to build a flexible career in their field and still make a good living. My presentation will help women who want to use their existing skills to go into consulting, public speaking, training, writing, coaching, or other areas.

Bella: Describe the moment you just knew you needed to be self-employed.
Terry: In 1996, I had recently become engaged and knew I would be relocating to Austin, Texas, where I live now. I didn’t have a job in Austin, but I knew I had some valuable skills. At the time, my employer had just started a certification program qualifying people who wanted to teach others how to use their products. I signed up for that and immediately went out on my own offering certified training. I wanted to see what I could do to earn income on my own “for a little while,” which has turned into more than 10 years now.

Bella: What are some words of advice for women wanting to start their own businesses?
Terry: Building your business takes time and hard work. You will not be working part-time at first. I interviewed a number of women for my book, “Full-Time Woman, Part-Time Career,” and all of the women I talked to say that it can take anywhere from six months to two years (sometimes longer) to really build your business. My presentation will “tell it like it is” and dispel these and other common myths associated with starting a business or going out on your own.

Bella: Who or what do you credit with your success?
Terry: Hard work, diligence, and persistence. It is easy to just give up. I also follow up on all leads that come my way. To this day, I call everybody back and am responsive when somebody calls or emails me. Too many people don’t return phone calls anymore or take too long to get back to people. I can’t tell you the number of times I have gotten jobs and/or comments from people who said that I responded to their inquiry right away. Seemingly simple things like that can pay off in big ways.

Bella: What are your future career goals or plans?
Terry: I want to continue helping women discover how they can put their existing skills to work in a flexible career field. I draw my energy from speaking to and helping other women. In this vein, I would like to continue speaking to women’s associations, conferences, and meetings, so that I can reach larger groups of women. I truly am grateful for and appreciate this opportunity to speak at the Gulf Coast Women’s Conference.