How to Succeed As a Woman Entrepreneur | |
How to Succeed As a Woman Entrepreneur During the 20th century, the number of women entrepreneurs in the United States grew. According to statistics, female owned businesses have risen by 5 percent since 1997. Invest in startups run by people of your own "tribe" Investing in startups run by people of your own "tribe" is no small feat. You'll have to assemble a team, establish a viable investment plan, and find a suitable location. It's a tall order, and if you're lucky, you'll even make your investment go to work. While you're waiting for the tribe to arrive, you might as well take the time to do your own due diligence. For the sake of simplicity, I'm going to assume you're in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, MI. If not, you can always find a reputable investment firm on the web. Generally speaking, small companies are valued at five to six times EBITDA. The best ones are typically run by one or more families, and they're not afraid to take a gamble. The most important part is your ability to identify them. Getting in on the act will put you on a path to sustainable wealth creation for future generations. The biggest challenge is finding them in the first place. Find your own voice Getting your message across in a compelling and concise manner can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The right tools and techniques can ensure you're heard in the right places. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources out there to help you do just that. One of the best resources I've found is the Vital Voices program, which works with women entrepreneurs to improve their leadership skills and drive inclusive economic growth. The program provides resources and technical assistance to address key barriers to growth. The program also provides access to networks, resources, and connections to help you grow your business. Another resource is Tulia Lopes, a communication architect and entrepreneur. In her book Leading in High Heels, Lopes explores the many facets of being an entrepreneur. This includes finding your voice and sharing it. This is a great way to boost your confidence as well as your credibility. Another excellent resource is a free mobile app called the Dreamers' Roadmap. This mobile app contains a plethora of resources to help you get your name out there. It's also a good idea to set aside a small budget for this type of endeavor. Struggle with gender-based barriers Traditionally defined gender roles entail responsibilities for women and place them on an inferior level of status. This constrains women's ability to access income-earning opportunities, including entrepreneurship. Many of the barriers that women entrepreneurs face are cultural in nature, such as a lack of education, land ownership restrictions, and lack of financial resources. These factors negatively affect the profitability and survival of women-owned businesses. The Breaking Barriers: Female Entrepreneurs Who Cross Over to Male-Dominated Sectors report explores the differences in profits among female entrepreneurs in male-dominated sectors. It also offers evidence-based programs and policies for addressing these challenges. The report identifies salient cross-country factors that contribute to the gender gap in firm performance. These factors include the sectoral choice of female entrepreneurs, their experiences in the male-dominated sector, and their exposure to MDS through work experience. The study also highlights the importance of the entrepreneurial environment, including the business environment, and the role of culture. Women's capabilities are increasingly being recognized as a complementary component to business goals. However, they are under-researched. In addition, women face a variety of barriers in the workplace, including gender-based discrimination, and work-life imbalance. Find your tribe Whether you are looking to network or find a mentor, building a strong community is a key factor in a successful business. It's important to connect with others who share your goals and values. As a woman entrepreneur, you'll need support to reach your goals. The best way to start is by finding organizations that are committed to the goals you're working towards. Look up meetups, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn groups. You may even want to create your own community. Once you find a group, you'll be able to join and contribute to it. Tribes are a place where members can learn from each other. As you connect with other entrepreneurs, you'll gain a sense of belonging. This can be a powerful marketing tool. It also helps you build your credibility and loyalty. When you find your tribe, it's important to give it time to grow. The best collaborations are ones where you empower each other. It's also a good idea to find a group that specializes in the area you're most interested in.
| |
![]() |