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Women make up an ever-increasing number of business owners. Whether you are a woman who is considering starting her own business, a woman who has recently started a business, or a woman who has owned a business for years, it is always a good idea to pick up some advice along the way.
According to the Women Business Enterprise National Council, female entrepreneurs own 40% of all businesses in the U.S and that number is growing. Since 2000, the number of women-owned businesses has increased by 114%.
Five Pieces of Advice for Female Entrepreneurs:
Make a Name for Your Business
Of course, your business has a name. But does it have a presence? Simply starting a business will not draw in clients or consumers. Bring attention to your business by telling everyone, and we mean everyone – your friends, family members, dog walker, babysitter, the PTA president… the list goes on. Tell everyone you know, because your first customers are usually those close to you. And for those you don’t know, reach new customers by developing your business’s internet presence. Create business accounts on popular social media platforms and even set up an email list to keep your clientele in the loop with your business’ happenings.
Network with Other Women Business Owners
We may be living in the age of Zoom meetings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with other female entrepreneurs. While we can’t wait for networking happy hours allowing us to talk small businesses over glasses of pinot, we can also appreciate the ease of connection to other women business owners both near and far through a digital lens in the meantime. Participating in networking groups can provide insight into new ideas, creative strategies, or even an unexpected friend.
Give Yourself Grace
Women often feel pressure to be perfect, and that couldn’t be more true for women business owners. More than likely, a situation will occur in your business that you could have handled differently or maybe even better. It is important to learn from past mistakes, but not to dwell on the past or let that make you feel like you are not a good leader. When a situation arises and you feel yourself questioning your abilities, offer yourself grace and keep moving forward.
Ask for Help from Others
You do not have to carry the weight of your business on your shoulders alone. Let Google be your friend, and consult a professional when a professional is needed. There are sites such as Skillshare or LinkedInLearning that provide videos to teach you ways to better your business. There are programs made to help you easily organize tasks, balance budgets or find employees. Find the programs or people you trust to help you grow your business, and the business-related weight on your shoulders will start to feel far more bearable.
Have Fun!
When was the last time you stopped to celebrate your accomplishments? When was the last time you considered just how much hard work you have put into your business, and just how much it has paid off? Having fun with your business could mean anything from celebrating another business milestone met, a team lunch or virtual happy hour for the sake of bonding, or simply closing down your laptop at a decent hour so that you can be the best version of yourself in the morning. Being a business owner is hard enough as is, so why not let yourself enjoy what you do?
Want to Share Advice?
If you are just starting your business, take a brief second to consider this moment. Think of all the nerves and excitement you are surely feeling about this next venture. And think of how proud your future self will be.
If you have been a business owner for years, think back to when you first started. How did it feel then versus now? What tips would you share with your younger self? These are just a few tips, but we know there are hundreds, if not thousands more waiting to be shared. Take a moment to share a piece of advice of your own or words of wisdom a female business owner has shared with you.
Share your wisdom with us by emailing it to contact@networkinginhighheels.com for a chance to be featured on our social media.
