"Timing in life" is everything we hear over and over again in regards to our career, our relationships and our life. Too often, however, the timing we talk about is in the past. If only we had taken that job, or accepted that proposal or taken better care of ourselves? The "if onlys" in our life suck the dreams of the future out of us.

Women entrepreneurs seem more likely to focus on the timing of their business venture than they do on other aspects of their life. Their first question before starting a business is "Is it the right time in my personal life to go into business for myself?" This question usually is queried due to the other demands of time in their personal life. "Are my children old enough to take care of themselves while I build a business?" "Will my husband be able to spend more of his time with home responsibilities and not harm his career?" "Is my financial future (my family's financial future) secure enough for me to take a risk in starting a business?" Each of these question asks - is the timing right for me to take a risk?

So why is timing so much more on the minds of would-be women entrepreneurs than male entrepreneurs? My theory is that women's lives are based on cycles (time). In other words, women physicially live a life of cycles. Without going into biological detail here - every woman knows she begins life being cared for, moves into menstration where she wants to take care of, and moves on into menopause where she focuses on self development and her life's purpose. These cycles don't necessarily dictate when, if ever, a woman chooses to start a business. But they do suggest that timing is a specific element in a woman's life.

As a business coach, I encourage women entrepreneurs to expand this timing question to include whether or not the timing is right for the business concept itself. For example, 2012 is not a good time to start a new print publication. The ability of the internet to share information 24/7 to an unlimited audience makes the expenses of printing and mailing a print publication more difficult than ever before. The timing for this business idea may have past - or at the very least be put on hold until a strategic business plan proves otherwise.

Every business concept needs to be carefully timed. Every successful business was often timed well - whether done consciously or not. The fact that many startups are launched during a recession and succeed is truly due to timing. Recessionary times encourage buyers to seek out alternatives, so being in the right place at the right time is good for new businesses.

Questioning timing for your business is key. In my own business experience, I put a business on hold for 3 years due to particularly high expenses for major materials which eventually flatten. I believe to this day that waiting for the best time was key to the business' eventual success.

Timing in life is everything so don't be afraid, women entrepreneurs, to prepare for your time.