Successful Business Woman Giselle Rufer

 Giselle Rufer: Successful Business Woman

 

Sylvia: Hi Giselle. I am so excited to interview you today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to interview with me.  Please tell us about yourself and your business?

Giselle: I’m Giselle Rufer, creator and visionary of Delance Swiss Watch Company.  I started Delance in 1996 and have dedicated my true passion for the past 17 years to:

• Creating beauty
• Living my mission
• Empowering women around the world

DELANCE Swiss Watch is made by women for women, a watch that represents universal values, prestige, creativity and strength.  Delance Swiss Watch symbolizes that as a woman, we can be ALL that we want to BE in this lifetime.

 

Sylvia: Wow, I am in awe of your work; the beauty and quality of your Swiss watches.   What does success mean to you?

Giselle: Success is having the chance to do what I like, with the people I like for the people I like… and doing it earning my living comfortably.

Also being invited as a speaker to tell my story in order to inspire other women to be all what we can be… being a mentor, a role model, a true sister.

 

Sylvia: I admire your interpretation of success. Success is such a powerful word and varies between people. How do you create work-life balance?

Giselle: I balance my work/life by being quite well organized. I eat well, sleep enough and make some exercise as often as I can. It is quite easy as I live in the country.  I don’t smoke neither drink alcohol. I try to make everything very simple and efficient in my work and in my life.

My motto is:

Do what is important before it become urgent; do what is urgent and important, and then what you like to do, or what make you feel well to do and it is enough.

After that I go for a walk or play with my grand-children who live in the same house.  Very often women tend to be perfectionist when it is not necessary.

 

Sylvia: Yes, i know that all too well. It can be downright frustrating as it only delays what you are trying to achieve. I am working on it. It is important to give back.  In what way do you give back to your community?

Giselle: I give back by being involved in women issues in my community and in the small town where I live. I am on the board of a few associations and contribute with my talents and connections. In my company, I hire talented women who for some reason don’t find a job. I take students for training courses. In addition, I pay it forward by mentoring women.  I am an inspirational speaker… I do my best. I try to do a little something every day.

 

Sylvia: What steps do you think are necessary for an entrepreneur who wants to move her business to the next level?

Giselle: First she has to be sure that she wants to move to the next level.  That is exactly the situation I am facing nowadays.  Until now I thought I could do everything by myself, but it is impossible.

I am exploring the ideas:

• Making a new business plan and finding a financing,
• Finding a good partner who is complementary
• Finding a partner in each country where I want to expand my business

 

Sylvia: What challenges and opportunities do you see in the present economic environment?

Giselle: For my company, as it was from the very beginning planned to go global, I am exploring the BRIC countries. So if one of you is interested for Brazil. Russia, India or China, don’t hesitate to contact me. I am looking for partners who can invest and work for the success, no employees!

As a new brand we have first to spread the word about the name and the product. Women are great for that and DELANCE is a brand and a watch with a story and women love stories. We are established on the Internet;  getting involved in social media and real networking. Women are talented for that too!

 

Sylvia: How do you promote/market your business?

Giselle: In the luxury industry you have to spend millions in advertising. As I don’t have those millions, I use my talents and my network.

I tell my story as my story touch the heart of women as well as men… This story connect me directly to my customer and make understand why I have created DELANCE.

As I speak English, French and German, I am invited as a motivational speaker all over the world to tell my story, for going global or marketing to women.

To spread the word globally you must have Internet.  My website was created in 1996, www.delance.com.

And last but not least, you can find DELANCE on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter and Slideshare. We update the site very often and are active on the social media.

Sylvia: What books and resources would you recommend to other women in business?

Giselle: So many books!  I have read hundred of books about marketing, management, etc.

Why not something like “The Secret”?  I would recommend first to develop their talents and to find support for the fields they are not good in.

 

Sylvia: What advice do you have for women who are just starting out?

Giselle: Make a list for the things you are good at; things that you enjoy doing and a  list of what you might not want to do.  Then work on those lists.  A good coach could be helpful as well as a mentor.

 

Sylvia: How do you stay connected in mind body and spirit?

Giselle: I wake up with a short yoga awakening and some kinesiology exercises. A quick breakfast and I am ready to work until twelve. A light lunch and 30 minutes meditation and work until seven. I like to walk in the country and play with my grand-children. I love dancing too.

 

Sylvia: What a healthy routine. And dancing… I love it as well. Its an expression of who you are and what you might be feeling. Share with us a general business related tip that could help other women business owners.

Giselle: Do what you are good at and make better something that the other doesn’t do. You have to be your target.

 

Sylvia:  Very important tip Giselle. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with our members and subscribers.  Please share your contact information.

Giselle: You are welcome Sylvia. Thank you for the opportunity.

• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eArL2rngNA&feature=g-upl
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/giselle.delance
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/DelanceWatches
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellerufer1
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/Delance_Watches