We begin with the definition of manic-depression - a mental condition in which a person experiences periods of strong excitement and happiness followed by periods of sadness and depression. Sound familiar?

Much too often women entrepreneurs lead with their emotions rather than their intellect. Of course, the majority don't have a mental illness, but are viewed as such because they display wide ranges of sentiments that don't necessarily fit the situation.

Owning and running a small business is stressful and often overwhelming, but every entrepreneur must go into it aware that there will be moments that they want to scream, and the only appropriate reaction is a smile and a deep breath.

As a business coach, working with both male and female entrepreneurs, I can affirm that men are just as likely to have outbursts as women are. However, the reaction to the behavior by employees, customers or vendors is always more dramatic when it is displayed by a woman entrepreneur. Yes, women, unfortuntately, are still believed to be the more unstable and yes, flighty gender. And, although this characterization is completely unfair it is nevertheless the truth businesswomen live with.

Women entrepreneurs must pay special attention to their emotions. This is not to say that angry, excited, aggressive, sad and stressed are not sentiments that will occur during business hours. It is how these feelings are displayed towards others that create the discomfort.

Mr. Entrepreneur will continue to be given a pass for his lashing out in the office while Ms. Entrepreneur must contain her anger and display it in a more appropriate way. The truth is that this ability to monitor our emotions is beneficial to becoming a great success in the workplace.

Every one of us needs to take a few deep breaths throughout the day to use our best skills of negotiation, compromise and give and take. The best workplaces are those they share the excitement of a job well done and women entrepreneurs, often, do this best of all.

Don't let your heart, or even your soul, get in the way of using your head in your business. All that you have learned up to this point in your life is a composite of the nurture and nature of your journey. You have control and are in control of your feelings - show the world the businesswomen you are proud to be.